Virtuous Vows

Lethal Vows #2

by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell

Honey

I was destined to marry another man when I first met Dawson.
He was charming, deadly, and everything my father hated.
And I lived by my father’s rule, which happens when he’s a king of the underworld.
That was until I managed to escape and somehow straight into the arms of the man who sells your desires for a living.
But did I have a price?
Or was he willing to share me for free?

Dawson

Innocent and breathtakingly beautiful, she was as her name described.
Honey suited her perfectly in all senses of the word—soft, sweet, and a little sticky.
My world and hers should not have mixed.

But something as sweet as honey is meant to be enjoyed.

*Standalone*

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Crime, Smut

348 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.



Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authortlsmith/
Instagram - tlsmith1313
Twitter - @LsmithT
Tiktok - tlsmith.13

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to "Lethal Vows" and I would definitely recommend reading that before picking this one up. If you don't, I fear you'll get lost quite quickly, since there are a lot of references to people and situations from the first book which won't make a lot of sense without that backstory. In some series, the books stand well both on their own and as continuations of each other when read in order, but that's not the case here, so I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning.
Can someone tell me why I was so suspicious of Daphne?! Literally from the second she was introduced I was waiting for her to do something sketchy and betray Honey and hit on Dawson or something. Maybe I'm just mega traumatised and have been conditioned to think the worst of people, but I was so sure she wasn't a real one. Sorry Daphne, I will eat my hat. Please accept my apology.
I will say I knew straight away that Dawson was Honey's mystery bidder. It was painfully obvious, to the point where I don't even know if the author was trying to make it a twist or a surprise in the first place. I wasn't disappointed by it at all. In fact, I would've been disappointed if it hadn't been Dawson, but a surprise it was not.
I had the same issues with the writing as I did in the first book, but I wasn't really expecting anything different there, so it wasn't a major issue for me.
Honestly, in terms of how I'm feeling, it was very much like the first book. It wasn't anything special but it was solidly enjoyable.

[Serialbookstarter:Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out great and then fell apart. The plot was boring and I found myself speed reading at 50 percent and then skimming. Honey is a mafia princess who is sweet and innocent. Dawson is a sexclub owner who also auctions off virgins on the side. They hook
Up at a wedding in Italy. Later Honey moves to America. She gets a job at Dawson lingerie shop. He’s friends with Crue from book one. There’s a boring plot about someone e out to get Dawson. At the end of the boo sweet innocent Honey becomes another person… badass mma Honey. It’s like this book was written by two different people🙄 I just wish more books that start out as 5 stars could keep the momentum.

[Tiffiny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I nearly DNF this book. The plot fell apart, the MFC was an annoying damsel and I eventually started speed reading at 70% just to finish the book.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly really loved the first book but I’m totally obsessed and cannot get enough of this book! Dawson and Honey’s story for me is so dang good and I love this book even more than Lethal Vows!

I think Honey really showed us who she is and I loved seeing her come out of her shell and discovering who she was and what she wanted in life! I love that she still had a kind soul but definitely didn’t let anyone least of all Dawson push her around! She took control of her life and I couldn’t get enough!

Dawson is….OMG! He’s an over the top alpha but he isn’t in your face about it! He gave Honey the space she needed when she needed it. He pushed her but never let her feel like she wasn’t in control. Can he be a jerk, yes but for Honey he will do what he can to protect and love her.

The storyline and over all feel of this book was so good and held me captive from the first page!

[goesbyaf ୨୧⋆ ˚｡⋆]

DNF

the plot was not it.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Lexi Cubbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Lethal Vows, but this? This was perfection.

I wasn't sure about sheltered little Honey - yes, Rya's sister who almost married Crue in Lethal Vows - and Dawson, who was hinted to be a charming, world-class gigolo. I was intrigued but not sure.

Honey has lived a very sheltered, typical mafia princess life, always doing what's expected of her by others in the past 27 years. But now that Rya is married to Crue, arranged marriage is not an obligation anymore so she decides to follow her sister to NY and see what life looks like a mostly independent woman outside of Italy.
She had a thing with Dawson at the wedding that didn't turn out great but starting to work at a lingerie shop he owns puts them in each other's paths again. Dawson has built an empire out of the ashes of his innocence and he's very protective of it. It's the reason why he only has contractual relationships, Honey is the only exception, but he doesn't think he can be in a simple relationship with her. Especially after learning she's a virgin. But when she asks him to sell her virginity at one of his auctions, all bets are off.

I loved nearly everything about their story, the chemistry, the banter. Honey's backbone and character development - I really thought she'd be an annoying little wallflower, but she was great. They way she asked Dawson questions she didn't dare ask anyone else, like he was her best friend. And Dawson fighting his feelings but worshipping her like he's never worshipped another woman.

Awesome! Maybe Anya is next? Or if I remember correctly Crue's brother was mentioned somewhere in there? Can't wait!

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving TL & Kia working together!

This is Honeys story, we actually meet her in the previous book as the sister of fmc and she's been brought up as the 'good' child, happy to please her family, do as expected, help present a strong image - until she decides she's being suffocated and wants to move to America to be near her sister.

At her sister's meeting she meets Dawson and has an 'encounter' with him - this is where we get wit and it made me giggle!
I love her straightforwardness towards Dawson and although she's been the 'good girl' she can stand up for herself when needed!
I love her and I loved watching Dawson trying to fight how special she is!

Good chemistry between them, they definitely gel and there's no denying there's a connection between the two!

Thorough enjoyed it, I do wish the ending was drawn out more - but hat could be just that I didn't want the book to end!






*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review. 4.5

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie review: This is one of those stay up late reading only to wake up early the next morning to get back at it kind of books. The kind you keep on your desk at work to read every free minute you have kind of book. I devoured Dawson & Honey’s story. They’re definitely not Crue and Rya, but they definitely make this one their own. And I enjoyed every second of it. Not to mention this story was hella hot. And getting multiple scenes throughout with Crue and Rya was an added bonus. This was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for more. 5 stars.

[bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

honestly felt like a wattpad novel. it was soooo cringey and i hated the ending.

[Eman · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was nothing dark about it, well if you count the "Auction".
I didn't liked it, not my cup of tea. They just want to do it all the time. Like get a life.

[Krishika ( Dramatic Booknerd ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was going soo good and then somehow it fell flat after a bit.

I was veryy intrigued by Dawson ever since I read about him in the first book and he didn't disappoint! Him being the charming person he was with Honey (I hate that name tbh) and her slowly growing out of her shell was really good to read.
However, I felt there was something missing in this book. It was an addictive story and a good plotline but the romance was a bit lacking for me. I wanted more chemistry and romance which I felt was missing.

I absolutely adored Crue and Rya together in this book and I'm hopeful for the next read too!

3.5 ⭐

[Ile Secci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey è la protagonista di questo secondo volume e, seppur in modo diverso, ha lo stesso temperamento di sua sorella Rya. Ha 27 anni, ma vive come farebbe un'adolescente sotto la stretta protezione del padre; infatti, è vergine e non conosce la vera entità di sé stessa. Honey si sente persa, una sconosciuta nel proprio corpo. Dawson è il padrone dell'impero s3ssuale, oltre che l'escort più desiderato d'America; ma è soprattutto un caro amico di Crue: marito di Rya e capomafia di New York. È proprio in occasione del matrimonio di quest'ultimo che conoscerà la bella, dolce, smarrita e pericolosa Honey. Un incontro in uno sgabuzzino e un morso dove non batte il Sole segneranno il loro destino. Il resto lascio che siate voi a scoprirlo. La lettura è fluida, mai noiosa, divertente persino e tradotta molto bene. Ovviamente, è stato facile sentirsi coinvolti dalla storia, specialmente grazie alla dolcezza di Dawson che non è stato capace di reggere la maschera che ha sempre portato. L'evoluzione del suo personaggio mi ha intenerita, mentre quella di Honey mi ha reso fiera del lavoro fatto su stessa. Ora, inaspettatamente, non vedo l'ora di scoprire chi è Anya e cosa combinerà. Complimenti all'autrice per questa storia davvero interessante che mi sento di consigliare.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶🌶🌶
Emozione: 💘💘💘💘💘

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out strong. I enjoyed the banter between Honey and Dawson, but it lost its momentum along the way. It was missing something for me. I liked both characters and there was some playful moments, but it got a bit boring. Recommend reading book 1 first.

[LolShan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised that there was no “wrong before it all went right” in this book. There was no sense of dread between the fmc and mmc. The scene with Mr. Ricci did leave me a bit confused as I’m not sure how we got from him havinng a gun to Dawsons head to him not and giving his blessing but I do wish there was a bit more to the ending.

[Cristina]

Note to self - did not enjoy the preview portion.

[Book01worm94 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, I tried reading I couldn't continue the writing is really bad and we don't see the characters meet they're dancing together at her sisters wedding from the first chapter of the first 2 sentences and there is not even a build up for there feelings it just they're already attracted to each other and everything like not even 2 percent of oh who is this guy like it's really bad from all sides.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voto 3,5
.
Karin - per RFS
.
Sono sempre stata tenuta sotto controllo, mi è sempre stato detto quello che dovevo fare, e sono sempre stata lodata per la mia docilità. […]

Ho fatto la brava ragazza per così tanto tempo che non saprei come comportarmi al di fuori di questo ruolo. Non più obbligata da un contratto incombente tra le famiglie, ancora non ho idea di chi io sia. Sono ancora vergine, Santo cielo. Non voglio essere vergine a ventisette anni.

Dopo aver lasciato Crue e Rya in una splendida location intenti a festeggiare le ambitissime, sofferte, inevitabili nozze tra un Monti e una Ricci, l’occhio della telecamera punta in direzione di Dawson e Honey.

Li avevamo intravisti tra una cintura slacciata, un pantalone abbassato e un… morso degno di un vampiro.

L’uomo che ha in mano l’impero degli appuntamenti e prestazioni sessuali a pagamento e la dolce principessa al miele di papà Ricci potranno mai avere un futuro?

La linea di confine tra i due corrisponde a un oceano infinito!

Honey è leggerezza, spirito di sacrificio e dedizione alla famiglia, ma è anche una donna di ventisette anni senza esperienze di alcun tipo. Certo, ha visto più criminali lei di chiunque di noi, ma la bolla di sapone in cui è cresciuta l’ha resa una sorta di adolescente che ha fame di vita. Per questo, con l’aiuto di Rya e una smorfia di dolore di Crue riesce a trasferirsi a New York (diciamolo pure, il boss Ricci spera di vederla tornare con la coda tra le gambe nel giro di un paio di settimane).

La ragazza ha bisogno di sperimentare il lavoro, una casa da sola (Marco, la guardia del corpo fidata è un optional), i ragazzi e togliersi ciò che è ormai un fardello: la sua verginità. Ce la farà? Certo che sì, ma non vi dirò come. È stato molto stuzzicante, ve lo assicuro.

Dawson è un magnate della prostituzione, volete chiamarli incontri di lusso? Pagamento alla consegna? Speed dating? Sempre atti sessuali a compenso sono! Lui è corretto e attento al benessere dei suoi dipendenti, ha creato un mondo protetto per gente consenziente che ha voglia di spendere e guadagnare.

È un uomo che di puro ha solo l’abito, quello bianco che lo contraddistingue, ma proprio come tutti i maschi di questa serie è pur sempre un criminale. Non un boss mafioso come Leonardo Ricci e nemmeno un sanguinario come Crue, ma la pistola ce l’ha e non si pone troppi scrupoli se la situazione lo mette nelle condizioni di doverla usare.

La storia d’amore è sicuramente il punto centrale, c’è più adrenalina e suspense rispetto al primo volume della serie, e sicuramente non c’è quel senso di passione e violenza, o almeno non così forte.

Sono carini insieme, lei che per quanto impegnata a capire cosa desidera è sempre sul pezzo, non si lascia mettere i piedi in testa e dimostra di essere una Ricci al momento giusto; lui che da bello e impossibile non riesce a resisterle (oddio all’ultimo tatuaggio dovevi proprio dire no!).

È un mix tra un mistero da scovare (non immaginatevi indizi, scoperte, tradimenti… è molto easy la trama), un’avventura che si trasforma in amore, una ricerca di libertà e un fare pace con un passato nascosto.

Scene sensuali e romantiche, salta fuori pure qualche dildo.

Un romanzo che si lascia leggere, meno mafioso del primo, decisamente più leggero, che tiene compagnia al lettore.

Pov alternato tra i protagonisti che si fanno amare per la loro semplicità.

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.8 Stars)
When sheltered mafia daughter, Honey Ricci goes to her sister’s wedding she meets Dawson Taylor. Honey tries to get adventurous once in her life with him but it doesn’t exactly go as planned. When she decides to get away and experience life, Honey makes a decision that will change everything. Dawson is too intrigued by Honey to ever leave her alone even knowing he should. He does sell your wildest dreams for a price after all. Can he stay away or get Honey to join in his world? If you’ve read lethal vows then you have met Honey as Rya’s sister. This for me is more opposite attract/ mystery than fully a dark romance but still very enjoyable. The cameo’s of Crue and Rya are hilarious. Dawson is a delightful treat and Honey is just what he needs. This can be read as a stand-alone as it takes place after book one. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Latazia · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆☆.75
——-
↣ I really enjoyed this forbidden romance between Honey and Dawson. Once Dawson realized Honey was the one for him, he did not let up and never played about her. He did piss me off because he was so hot and cold in the beginning and the reason was so childish to me.
↣ Honey was a sweet girl but kinda badass as well. I’m glad that she finally got the chance to live the life she wanted and with purpose. She was so down bad for Dawson but I loved how she stood her ground as well.
↣ Honey's dad irritated me so bad because I felt she was too old for them to be acting how they were.. mafia or not. I also enjoyed the plot as well which added a mystery element to this read.
——-
Read if You Like
✷ Opposites Attract
✷ Forbidden Romance
✷ Virgin MC
✷ Mafia Romance
✷ She falls first, He falls harder

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to read Dawson’s store since I found him very intriguing in Lethal Vows. This book didn’t disappoint. I liked getting to see him and Honey grow throughout.

The story started a little abruptly for me. It begins right where the first book, Lethal Vows, ends, so I definitely recommend reading that one first, for context.

Overall, I liked this installment in this series. Dare I say, I think I enjoyed Dawson’s story more than Crue’s, which is saying something for how much I liked this story.

I received an ARC of this ebook for my honest review. These thoughts are my own.

[Cassie Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book! The whole time I was like Jesus let these two end up together.

Honey is so sweet and the one who will totally do what she sets her mind to!

This has an HEA

She finds herself
There’s so much angst
This is such a good book!

I enjoyed this so much.

She looses her v card to an unknown man..

I don’t want to spoil it.

But I will say you definitely have to read this.

[Steph Borrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick read if you’re looking for something to fill your time!
this backs on from “Lethal Vows” so I 100% recommend reading that one first. I enjoyed that it still incorporated Rya and Crue from the first book and we got to see some of their story shine through!

3 stars and 2 🌶️🌶️
very much mafia focus, and more of a great overall plot then a smutty D Romance 💅🏽

All in all, the perfect end to the previous book Lethal Vows 🥰

[Shelf Control Needed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. Honey and Dawson have a completely different energy and I’m eating it up. It’s emotional, a little raw, and gives us a heroine who proves you can be soft, feminine, and still run the show.

[Jade Mollard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one, but I enjoyed it.

[eesha farhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this book was quite slow paced in the start and the middle was fun. It ended extremely fast and there was no such plot twist in it. I feel like the starting and ending could’ve been better.

[Haley Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confirms that the first book definitely wasn’t a 5 but it’s an easy quick read

[Raichel Núñez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

[Chloë vd · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,25/5 ⭐️

[BarbarAzza Brioscina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carino , scorre , ma chiamarlo mafia.... boh insomma