Sinful Vows

Messina Crime Family #1

by Lilian Harris

I never wanted a wife. No one is safe with me. No one is good enough for my daughter.

But if I want to rule over the wealthiest crime family in New York City, I only have two weeks to find one.

When Elsie broke into my home, I saw an opportunity, so I forced her into a marriage she didn't want.

No one crosses me, not even someone as beautiful as Elsie. She may fight me with that smart mouth, but she will obey me–or return to the hell she came from.

I told her she was mine for a year. Then she'd be free.

But the more I see them together, my daughter and my wife, the more she touches me like I'm worthy, the more I start to wonder, could she be mine?

But when war lands at our feet, when her life’s in jeopardy, I realize I was right all along.

No one is safe with a man like me. Least of all her.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Forced Proximity

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

Hi! I'm only on Goodreads on occassion. You may find me on my website www.LilianHarris.com

Or, connect with me through social media.

Thanks!

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INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/lilianharrisauthor/
WEBSITE: lilianharris.com
EMAIL: LilianHarrisAuthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[monica ✨ romantasyreader · Rating 1 out of 5]

The FMC was trafficked and SA’d for literally 9 years. Can’t escape. Whatever. The mmc comes to visit the house she’s held captive in. She escapes out the window???? And into his car. But she hasn’t been able to escape in 9 years but magically can when he’s there. He drives with her unknowingly in the backseat and she sneaks into his house and he finds her like two days later bc she got locked in a room and he’s like “I need to be married so you will marry me btw I have a daughter who’s not actually my daughter I just saved her from a burning building and i need to get married to be the boss.” There’s like not a lot mafia happenings or motivations other than history were told so many names I couldn’t keep track of. And it’s supposed to take place in NYC meanwhile they live on QUOTE “an estate”. Pls point me in the direction of an estate in New York fucking City I would love to see???? And then they literally fall in love like 20% in. She lets him have sex after nearly A DECADE OF ASSAULT????? NOTHING?! Pls. There was literally no plot. The “plot twist” I saw coming from the first 10%. They had sex like every other chapter and the dialogue was cringe and he calls her “little dove” and I could stop thinking about pigeons.

The way SA/trauma/recovery was not handled AT ALL. You CANNOT MAKE INSTA LUST/LOVE A THING AFTER NEARLY A DECADE OF SA!!!!! “Love” and rough sex do not heal trauma???? I’m so mad at the way this was handled.

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by the author,




This one’s got a bit of a everything in it. Enemies to Lovers….. Mafia ……..Single Dad….. Human trafficking. …..



The Mafia owns the city, and Marino are at the head of that table. There are five families that rule here: Marino, the Palermos, the Rosolinos, as well as the Cambria and Grazia families.

This story Might involve Elsie, Kayla and Jade, but it mainly involves Michael & Elsie…… But I’d like to also Mention the fact There is a lot of moving parts in this tail. And there’s a lot of back stories. And so many other people I have not mentioned in my review as well.

It was supposed to be just a road trip, for the three of them to enjoy time together after finishing high school, wanting to have some fun before college – and then med school – One wrong decision turn, their life upside down

The Bianchis run the Palermo crime family, and Elsie and Kayla have been there in that hellhole for nearly 10 years. They have been Brutally tortured for years. And so many more things that I do not want to mention.

For the longest time, Elsie and her friends thought the only way to Escape. was by Death……. In their minds eye, the devil won’t let them go any other way…..So, as you can imagine Given the first opportunity to run Elsie, she did……….
Elsie has endured more than her fair share of tragedy in the last few year…. but despite that, this selfless woman, will make it her mission to try and help her best friend get free


The only trouble is. Did she run to something better or something worse?


So, I kind of got some mixed feelings about this story. Some parts weren’t really Believable and other parts were like wtf really ………. Then there is those moments where you’re like, Oh my God, that is so sweet and caring….. then there were the few bloody moments that were somewhat good …but I’m willing to try the next book in the series. And from there I will make my decision if I will continue reading this series ………. Yeah, I know. Curiosity killed the cat.

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (ARC)

''I've always been the king. But I'll gladly worship at your feet''

Safety warnings:
- H 36 / h 28
- No OW/OM drama
- No cheating
- Human trafficking
- Violence/d*ath
- R*pe/assault/physical abuse
- HEA

This one is dark in terms of the themes and mainly what Elsie and her friends have been through the last 9 years.

This was my first book by the author, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed her writing style, the balance between plot and spice. I really liked the twists, and I really did NOT see it coming. There was something about the way it was all set up at the end that had me extremely shocked.

Michael needs a wife and ends up giving Elsie a choice when she escapes her hell. Marry him or else (though in his POV he is just scaring her and not really planning on doing any harm). Elsie accepts, she wants to be able to save her two best friends and believes that Michael can accomplish it.

Some of the scenes where Elsie remembers or describes her ordeal was tough to get through. She was courageous enough to flee but deep down of course she wasn't able to truly escape what had happened to her for so long.

She found refuge in Michael and his daughter Sophia (who was absolutely precious btw). When you first meet Michael, you think he's going to be horrible (and he is sometimes + OTT) but then you see him and how he is with his daughter, and you know he is capable of kindness and love, but he has been jaded by so many things throughout the years that he himself doesn’t believe love is in the cards for him.

His family dynamic though was let’s just say ''interesting'' lol and we will find out more in the remaining books! I need answers and the cliffhanger for one of his brothers has me in a chokehold.

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trafficked by the Bianchis nearly 10 years earlier, Elsie remains determined to gain her freedom.

When Michael unwittingly provides a means for Elsie’s escape, he demands a unique remuneration.

New-to-me author, Lilian Harris balanced the build-up and angst with unfettered chemistry.

I love the dichotomy of Michael - the devoted father, ruthless leader, and dominant husband. Elsie’s ability to quickly leave the torment behind her was surprising, but ultimately spoke to her ferocity. All told, I really enjoyed their story and am looking forward to more from the Messinas as the family saga continues in Cruel Lies.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😭🤫😳🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗂 Genre: Dark Romance

✨ Tropes: Alphahole, Captive, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Mafia/Crime Family, Manipulation, One Bed, Single Parent

💋 Kinks: CNC, Dirty Talk, Discipline/Punishment, Domination, Hand Necklace, Orgäsm Denial

⚠️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care.

🚩 Safety Squad: Trafficking (Not by H), UnaIiving, VioIençe, and other triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Sinful Vows is part of the Messina Crime Family series, but can be read as a standalone. This series will be best enjoyed when read in order.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He’s taken me every way he’s wanted, and I’ve submitted to it all, wanting it all. He’s made me love my body, and I almost forgot that it was mine until he reminded me.”
This story was beautiful, the characters were perfect.
But…. I didn’t understand the insta love- one week both were in love. It didn’t sounds good because everything she went!
It’s worth the reading.

[Hey Lin]

Mahhhh gaaaawd this shiet is so bad. Like......super duper bad. Like a month old fish left out in the summer, smeared with dog shit and then vomited on bad. 😐😐😐😐😐

The h was abducted with two other friends and one of them is gone to who knows where. She's being whoored out along with her friend by a mafia family for 9/10 years. Sexually assaulted. For 9-10 years straight. She and her friend see the H in the window and she takes her chance to escape to his car. Through the window. Through an unlocked window. No one stopped her 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂dafuq bull hockey is this bullshit?? She had a chance of going through this window but didn't for 9 straight years? Oh my ducking god. Anyhoo.

So she's now in the Hs house and locked in a room with some food. Okur. He keeps grabbing her throat and she's feeling so many smexxual feelings for this man after NINE FUCKING years of sexual assault and abuse!!!!!!!!! 😬😬😬😬😬😐😐😐😐😐😐😭😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬 I want to punch these stupid characters in the throat hard. And he wants to marry her because he can't find anyone in 2 weeks and she makes him horny and she's hot. As you do.

And there's a little girl that's not his but is his.

Listen. There's a market for this kind of "dark" romance. Me? The overwrought, flowery descriptions of her pussy getting drenched after she looks at him makes me cringe 😐 .

I don't know. I just......don't know. Dnf this bullshit at 17%. I can't take anymore.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75
The shadow man by Runxy could never

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don’t think you’re even capable of love.” He chuckles faintly. “You’d be right.”

The beginning of this new world was very interesting and entertaining. Elise was strong since the very start and her pain made me feel connected with her emotionally. I grew to love Michael too especially because of the way he was with Sophia. She was an angel in the middle of their treacherous world and I just loved reading about her bond with both Elise & Michael. Overall, the plot was well-written, the characters had depth and it was a fantastic introduction to the series. Can't wait for more to come because Raph & Gio's stories already have me intrigued!

PS. Check the trigger warnings before diving into this book ;)

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review

[AvidReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t connect with the story or the characters properly so I wasn’t very invested with their story. But I enjoyed certain aspects of it.

There were many emotional scenes that touched my heart. Especially Elsie’s POV was brutal. She suffered so much. The book deals with a heavy subject- human trafficking but it was done artfully.

There was some unexpected twists in the second half and I liked how hero Michael punished those who wronged the heroine. But I didn’t like Michael’s decision towards the end. And his reasons in the beginning was meh.

Overall an ok read.


I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling and delicious Mafia Romance. I love Michael and Elsie. They go through so much with each other. They live in a dark world but their love helps make it a little brighter.

Plus the sweet little Sophia makes it extra fun.

This book does have some trauma and deals with some tough emotional issues. But I really enjoyed how they did that together.

Since I read Shattered Secrets first, I know who Gio ends up with and I can't wait to read his story too!

I listened to this via audiobook and it was so engaging. Great performances by the narrators

4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale

CW: sex trafficking, PTSD, rape, murder, and more

*I listened to an ALC of this title

[Layla · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @50%

I can't do it anymore .
The FMC was a human trafficking victim, sexually abused for 9 years. And then she manages to run away from a WINDOW and get in the MMC's CAR undetected. And then as soon as they start talking to each other, her core starts throbbing and tightening and she's wet all the time.

Just .....

[Jen ♥]

Hmmm, I'm not sure what to rate this, so I'm not going to. 🤷‍♀️

Elsie (28) has been a victim of sex trafficking for almost a decade. And one night, when Michael (36) visited one of the places where Elsie and some other girls were being brought, she took the chance to get inside his car stealthily (or she thought) and escape. She did it successfully and was taken to his house.

Meanwhile, Michael's father has been wanting to step down from his position, and he ordered him to get married within the next two weeks. Elsie wasn't as stealthy as she thought she was, Michael knew the moment she got into his car and home. And he used this opportunity to blackmail her to marry him for a year, or else he's going to call the cops and report her trespassing (he's lying, just scaring her).

Anyway, this was insta-lust that turned to love and holy moly cheesefest galore. You think with someone who had been abused for almost a decade you would see some trauma on Elsie and, idk, maybe some sort of distrust with men because she had been subjected by these awful people to so many deprave and sadistic things. But nope, there's none of that trauma, and she didn't act like a person who just got her freedom from a long time of slavery.

Well, tbh, I've no clue how people who went through this would act normally; I just assumed that there would be some apprehension, fearfulness, or reservation. Yet within a few days both MCs started to feel something for one another, and before I know it, they're already admitting the 'L' word in their monologues within less than two weeks. Like what, why, and how that even happened? I didn't understand it at all. 🤔

They did get frisky way too early, but they only went all in at the 60% mark. Michael said he wanted Elsie to trust him and for her to tell him when it's finally okay to do what they really wanted to do. But all of these shenanigans have happened in the span of 4 or 5 days, I think, and tbh, that's not really a long time of waiting. 🤷‍♀️

As for the suspense, someone went to their house to scare (or hurt) Elsie and Sophia (Michael's daughter), and it turns out this was orchestrated by Michael's father. That guy was a nasty POS, and I wish he suffers a very slow, agonizing death.

Because of that incident, Michael spiraled and thought he didn't deserve love and happiness because he couldn't protect the people who meant the world to him. So he sent Elsie away, thinking it was what's good for her. They got separated for less than a week, and he finally got his act together. He didn't even work hard on the apology; he just spew some poetic words, and Elsie forgave him right then and there. I was really hoping for more, but whatever. 😐

And of course, it's HEA, and they got married again. As for his father, I think that's an ongoing plot, and I'm going to assume that twat would meet his end in the second book. But I'm not going to read that because "keeping it in the family" isn't my jam. The MMC and FMC in the second book are in-laws (H was the husband of the h's late sister).

Overall, it was sweet, cringey at times, and ridiculous at some parts. Also, this could've been a few pages shorter; why does this need to be 460+ pages? I still had fun with it, though, despite my issues. 😂


Book info:
- Organized crime
- Age gap (8)
- Sex trafficking
- SA (on page)
- Violence, torture, death
- No cheating, OM/OW
- No V (h - abused (9 yrs), H - hoe 🙄)
- Insta-something
- Single parent (adopted daughter)
- Separation (days)
- HEA (married)
- Bonus epilogue (2 yrs later, pregnant)


Notes:
- MMC said the last time he kissed someone was when he was 20. After seeing his father cheat on his mom by unashamendly making out in a bar with a young woman, he vowed to never kiss someone again unless that person would mean more to him. In the present time, he hasn't kissed anyone else for the last sixteen years.
- FMC had only one boyfriend before she and her friends got abducted, so technically the MMC is the second man in her life.

[anna. ׂׂૢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This deserves some attention because it is so underappreciated. This book not only features an obsessive mmc with a daughter, but it also provides us with a survivor of the fmc, which is fantastic. I wish we got more on them (Elsie and Michael) in the future as well as Elsie’s best friends - Jade has her own book but what about Kayla?! Overall just wanted to say how much I liked this book and the tropes that were used. Boy obsession, marriage inconvenience and single father.

[Luna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

»The mere thought of anyone but me touching you has me wanting to commit murder.«

★ ★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑬𝒍𝒔𝒊𝒆
Give this girl all the love in the world cause she deserves it. She is so strong and kind, loved her.

❥ 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒍
A dangerous man with a good heart. He has two sides and does everything to keep Elsie safe.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was a mafia book how I like them: emotional, full of action and with a possessive alpha male.
The plot is nothing for weak nerves. Elsie got abducted and lives for nine years in a sex trafficking ring. It was heartbreaking to read and I suffered with our girl. Michael needs a wife and as Elsie falls in front of his feet he takes his chance. Soon both realise that they have feelings for each other and I liked the way they communicate with each other. Elsie’s trauma is deep and Michael took good care of her.
Still there were some scenes which were described too short and I wish the author would have made them longer.
I really liked this book, the characters and the setting. The writing style was fluent and easy to read. There is a lot happening and I ate everything up. I love thrilling romance books with some action and drama.
I was conflicted if this is a four or five star read but to be honest it didn‘t feel like five stars to me, something was missing (just a feeling).
Please check trigger warnings before you dive into this book!


𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes! It‘s an amazing dark mafia read with likeable characters and a lot of shit going down.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 5/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
possessive and protective hero, mafia, instant attraction, lies and secrets, forced proximity, he falls first and harder, morally dark hero, darkromance, kidnapping, captor x captive, forced marriage, age gap, single dad, traumatic past

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Elsie (29) and Michael (36)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Sinful Vows ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Cruel Lies ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Twisted Promises ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Milica's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good, but too slow for my taste.
I have already read one book by this author and the impression was the same.
Despite that, I really enjoyed the story.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have loved this a lot more if there actually were some enemy vibes between Elsie and Michael. Everything fell into place so quickly that it just wasn't rational. If more time was spent where Michael was suspicious of Elsie and they built somewhat of a trust, the angst and tension would be believable. It would have made this so much better.

Not to say there weren't emotional moments in here.There were lots of great moments that had nothing to do with Elsie and Michael's relationship, for example with Sophia, her parents etc. I'm definitely interested in Raph and Nicolette's story, but I think they already have feelings for each other so not sure if it would be a repeat of this.

[Izzah ꒰Duchess of Cabria ಇ ⭑✧ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀᴛʀᴇᴏɴ ✧ ⋆꒱ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Authors seem to think that
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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[Salina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so. I don’t really know where to start lol but I will say, I loved it and I couldn’t stop reading it.
I defffffinitely want to warn y’all of the TW’s. Some parts/details were rough and I’m sure could be way too harsh for some. So make sure you check those out before you decide to get into this one.

So, if you know me you know mafia romances became my jam last year lol I was definitely excited to get this ARC. And it did not disappoint! I love when the guy is obsessed w the woman first.. I love a possessive protective tough guy.. I love dual POV..I love when they banter and she isn’t afraid to stand up to him. This book had it all for me lol🥰
Michael may be a scary powerful man but he sure is a sweetheart who protects what’s his and boy was he swoony. I meannnn, a library & music room?! Ugh, lucky girl! I loved Elsie’s strength. I loved that she was able to finally feel comfortable w her body and take it back as hers. And I’m so happy that Lilian wrote Michael to be as caring and understanding for her in this aspect. I enjoyed the bits with his brother Gio.. I really want to read his story so I hope that’s a thing soon😏 Now, the smut. Yep, that was perfect. Not too much.. not overdone or cheesy. It was just the right amount! I kept waiting for the part I always hate in the love stories where something bad happens and they break up but this one kinda felt right as in like, duh he was going to get scared and push her away.. he IS a mafia boss so duh he wanted to keep her safe after the break in lol but I’m so glad her dad finally made him realize he was in love w her and he immediately came running to beg for her back🥰 So yeah, it’s got a good HEA ending for me and I am so so glad I got to read this one!

[Beeg Panda]

“For the first time in my life…” he quietly says. “I want to bleed for someone other than my daughter.” His chest expands as he yanks my head back.
“I want to bleed for you.”

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by the intricate backstories of the characters in this story, each with their own complex pasts and experiences of trauma. Witnessing their collective journey towards healing and growth was truly compelling. The emotional turmoil that they faced had me on edge throughout the story, as I empathized and struggled alongside them in their quest to accept their connection. The conclusion was deeply satisfying, given the transformative journey they had undergone. I particularly admired how the narrative skillfully delved into the depths of the mafia world, exploring dark and intense themes. Right from the start, I found myself rooting for these characters, and I eagerly anticipate reading more from this author.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

at the beginning some chapters were boring for me..
3/5

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/4 stars
Elsie has been kidnapped, along with with her friends Kayla and Jade, and has been a victim of sex slavery for nine years, via the Bianchi’s. Taking advantage of a chance to escape, she crawls through a window and into the back seat of a notorious mobster, Michael. Elsie plans to find a way to rescue her friends after she’s successful with her escape.

Michael is the middle son, taking over his fathers place as boss because his older brother, Raphael, killed an Irish mafia brother for murdering his wife, Bianca, starting a war between the two. Michael must find himself a bride before he can take over for his father. Luckily for him, Elsie decided to sneak into his house, and prove herself honest when she sticks up for a man whom she thought was going to die for her stealing food.

Michael gives Elsie options; die, he calls the cops- which ultimately would get her sent back to the Bianchi’s, or she marries him for one year so that he may take over. Wisely, she makes the right decision.

“I’ve always been the king, but I’ll gladly worship at your feet.”

What follows is Michael slowly falling for Elsie, who quickly forms an attachment to his (adopted) daughter, and his whole world, Sophia. Michael proves to be more than the devil of a mafia man. He falls for Elsie, giving her whatever she wants to be happy. He’s generous, thoughtful, aware and sensitive to her healing process. He doesn’t want to put Elsie in danger by being with her, and he doesn’t want to fall in love because his father’s infidelities have put a sour taste in his mouth. But it’s beautiful watching him form such a deep relationship with Elsie, and watching him dote on his world, his daughter, whom he rescued from a fire when she was just an infant.
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SPOILERS!
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Turns out Michael’s father was having an affair with Raph’s wife, Bianca. He’s the one who “killed” her, and her younger sister Nicolette saw. Raph went into hiding, Michael’s father killed the Irishman, and he also hired men to kill Michael, AND hurt Elsie and Sophia. Dudes a piece of hot doo doo. No bueno. Raph, Michael, and their younger brother Gio, take their father and they’re currently torturing him for information on Nicolette’s whereabouts. Unbeknownst to Gio and his father, Michael made a deal with the Irish for his brother, Gio’s hand in marriage, and his father’s life, for peace. Problem is, Gio is infatuated with his betrothed’s sister.

Boom! Ready to continue the series later, won’t have to reread this… even though I enjoyed it enough to do so.

[alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book started off strong. it really drew me in with the plot and i was excited to see what happened with elsie. i had super high hopes, but they were unfortunately not met.

i wanted to like this book—i really did. but i only really liked elsie’s relationship with sophia. because first of all, the entire book happened in about a month. elsie and michael were “in love” a week after meeting. and considering her past, i did not buy how quickly she trusted and opened up to him. they barely knew each other and suddenly couldn’t live without each other.

adding to that, her trauma was overshadowed by sex. also, the plot was overshadowed by sex. this whole book was overshadowed by sex scenes to the point where there was one in like every chapter. i started just skipping them. i like spice as much as the next person, but the way it was written in this book made it constantly overshadow what actually could’ve been a really good plot.

speaking of the plot—it was anticlimactic. i honestly expected so much more from the situation with kayla, but it never came. same with raph. i predicted the plot twist from the beginning and ever “stressful” scene ended as quickly as it started and was always too easily solved. the same can be said for their third act breakup, because yes, there is one. it was so rushed. probably because like i said, this whole book took place in about a month. insane.

overall, i do think that this book had a good premise and did enjoy the writing but the story as a whole fell flat for me. i really struggled to get through it. the book wasn’t bad by any means, it just really wasn’t my cup of tea.

that being said, i really appreciate being sent an arc by @lilianharrisauthor in exchange for an honest review! i will likely still finish this series when it comes out, to be honest.

[Shania Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly the most beautiful read. I’m star struck! I’ve rated a lot of books in my life time 5 stars unashamed and happy to love what I love but this book was PURE magic! It was my first time reading a Mafia single dad trope but I KNOW this one was done exceptionally. My heart beat out of my chest for Michael’s love for his daughter, showing that blood doesn’t define unconditional love and pure passion of going to the ends of the earth for someone!

Michael and Elsie’s love & chemistry was written so raw, authentic and real my stomach swarmed with butterflies at the pit of stomach and my heart raced through the whole entirety of the book and it was purely due to the insane connection of these two characters spiritually, emotionally and physically; They peeled each other back layer by layer, all the ugly, dark and pain aside until they held each others hearts in their hands! Absolutely bestowing what soulmates are. They healed each other from the inside out and I have no doubt they will continue to find each other in every lifetime. (Fictional lifetimes of course haha)

Characters? 10! Plot? 10! Spice? Fucking pure perfection. Not just smut on a page. Literal passion you feel through the book in your CORE!!

I fell head over heels in love with Michael, Elsie and Sophia and it physically hurt me when the book ended! I am only 10 books in and it’s only the 21st day into 2023 and this will 1000% be one of my top 5 reads of the year and will probably continue to be my comfort read in the years to come. SO good!

[rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why aren't more people talking about this book? This is mafia romance at its best! It has everything I want - the touch her and die vibes, the hard-to-the-world but soft for the fmc love interest and the "that's my wife" perfection 😭 I literally read it in one sitting.

[Hilda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Elsie and Michael Marino’s story. He’s from the Messina mafia family which was the opposing family to the Irish mafia family in the original series. It’s a spin off and for what’s it’s worth it was mostly all right. So many things happen that were just too crazy for my liking. I was getting very annoyed at Elsie for running away. Which is so messed up and ironic since that’s how they meet. She literally ran away from a horrible situation where she was being sexually trafficked for almost a decade. And here I was mad she kept running away from Michael. But it wasn’t that she tried unsuccessfully to run away. It was that she was so bad at it!!!!!! And all she needed to do was talk to him. The whole no communication thing bothered me a lot.

However, his daughter Sophia was the cutest and I will continue use the series because the whole reason I started this was for book 3. I need that story.

[Jesi Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

• e-ARC review: Jan. 20, 2023 •

The mother-effing chokehold that this book managed to get me in. OHMYGOD. Like, nah, this book was straight-up drugs or something cause I was hooked from the beginning. This is the first time I've read from Lilian - she and I have crossed paths before, but I was always busy and wasn't able to read her previous series. Now, I got to read the first book in this one. I honestly can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Everything in Sinful Vows went smoothly. Idk, maybe it's the treatment I'm on for strep, but everything I've read has been easy to comprehend lmao... and easier to grip me to it. It's exactly what happened here. Michael and Elsie were amazing. They're into each other from the beginning. Sure, it was out of necessity and forced to be married, but they fell for each other pretty quickly. Honestly, I was okay with that. I needed something that wasn't going to be on the slow burn side, and this one delivered. Their circumstances were not the best. They made the most of it. Their dynamic in and out of the bedroom was also ridiculously good👩‍🍳💋

Even Michael's daughter took the spotlight. She's so adorable. Her relationship with Elsie and Micheal are as healthy as it should be. It was truly amazing. I don't even know what else to say cause I'm still recovering from how much I loved this.

❈•≫────≪•◦ 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕◦•≫────≪•❈
• age gap
• boy + girl obsessed
• dark and broody mmc
• single dad
• forced/fake marriage
• forced proximity
• grumpy x sunshine
• mafia romance
• marriage of convenience
• ✨️the holy trinity of smvt: consent, degradation, and praise✨️
• ✨️explosive in the sheets iykyk✨️

☆ • ☆ • ☆

• ALC review: Oct. 7, 2023 •

Oh, Lord. If I thought reading this spicy romance was amazing the first time around, listening to it was a whole experience. I FREAKING LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!! Micheal and Elise already sizzle through the pages of this book, and now they're doing it in your ears. Everything I said in my review when I ARC read it transfers to this now as I listened to my copy of the audiobook.

[Lunarbookwyrm aka Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡɪꜰᴇ,” ʜᴇ ɢʀɪᴛꜱ. “ᴀɴᴅ ɪ’ʟʟ ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇꜱᴘᴇᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ʟᴇᴛ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴍᴀɴ ᴘᴜᴛ ᴀ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀ ᴏɴ ʏᴏᴜ, ɪ’ʟʟ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴡᴇᴅᴅɪɴɢ ᴘʀᴇꜱᴇɴᴛ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ɪᴛ’ꜱ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʙᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ. ᴀʀᴇ ᴡᴇ ᴄʟᴇᴀʀ?”

“ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʟɪꜰᴇ…” ʜᴇ Qᴜɪᴇᴛʟʏ ꜱᴀʏꜱ. “ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙʟᴇᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴍʏ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ.”

“ɪ’ᴍ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ꜰ*ᴄᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴅᴀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡɪꜰᴇ,” ʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱᴇꜱ. “ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ. ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴍᴀɴ ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀʀᴇ. ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ ɪɴ ʙᴇᴅ, ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜɪɴɢ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜰᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ ʙᴇ ᴍɪɴᴇ.”

This book was very intense and dark from the very start. Elsie and her friends were taken by a group of s3x traffickers, and it was a hell of a nightmare for years for them.

Elsie has gone through a lot of trials, and she escapes their clutches and ends up in the house of feared mafia boss Michael Messina, who needs a wife in 2 weeks, and poof Elsie just appeared in his house.

Elsie had to be forced to have a fake marriage for a year. All Elsie wants is to save her friends, and she just has lost hope after years of abus3, and nothing else matters to her. Micheal may be an anti-hero, but he is so careful with Elsie and helps her adjust, and slowly they develop trust, which is so difficult for Elsie to give. Elsie has also grown fond of Michael’s daughter, and it’s so cute. It may have heavy themes, but in the end, I just love that their relationship flourished and became heartwarming.


💀 Mafia Romance
💀 Single Dad
💀 Fake Forced Marriage
💀 Slow burn
💀 One bed trope
💀 Touch her and you’ll 💀


Rating 4.5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 💫
Spice Level 3/5🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

[Dreams✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

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TRIGGER WARNINGS : SA, r*pe, unaliving people on page, h*man trafficking and more

‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️


Honestly when I read the first 3-4 chapters I was actually so intrigued because while new m*fia romances are available by the dozen on a weekly basis there are very few that talk about grittier, darker topics. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a silly, macho-y mafia dude but sometimes getting a little bit of that grit and trauma makes for a lovely romance.

Well anyway, my fantastical world was shattered starting from chapter 4ish because WHAT. THE. HELL. the h was SA’d for NINE FUCKINF YEARS and you are telling me it took her meeting the H for like 5 seconds to be willing to get into bed with him and marry him???? The insta love made me want to kms or throw up all over. Every time the H touched her I wanted to cringe because HOW?? How the hell is it logically possible?
See I think the author is actually a great writer because even when i wanted to kms i thought it still read really well but there needs to be a certain finesse when dealing with such dark and horrendous topics which I thought was lacking. No sensitivity was shown by the H because they never unpack the trauma apart from a fe nightmares here and there.

It was so unbelievably stupid to introduce the insta lust love especially for someone who escaped her prisoners. Like be so serious.

10/10 would not recommend 🫶🏼

[Macy Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ARC read!
- review updated 1/31

did we all read the same book?? i’m so confused

i posted a review immediately after reading as an ARC but didn’t include some of my actual thoughts because of the arc rules so i’m sharing now, after release day.

first off, SOOOO many more triggers warnings should have been added to this!
- “this book contains some depictions of human trafficking and violence”
GIRL WHATTT?? that doesn’t even cover half of what was happening in this book.

next, i cannot imagine reading this as someone who was affected by SA or human trafficking. this is soo incredibly insta-lovey/lusty! i just feel like trauma so severe shouldn’t be overlooked like this. it seemed to me that their attraction to one another “healed” her trauma. it’s a BIG no for me!

i will say though that this book is well written, easy to understand, and is a good read for anyone looking to read a dark romance. i liked the characters & felt especially attached to sophia, she carried for me (the reason this is rated 3 stars). however, this one just didn’t do it for me and that’s okay!! everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. i just wish this was a better rep for those who have experienced this type of trauma instead of sweeping it under the rug and making a romance from it.