Tangled in Vows

Tangled & Torn #2

by Jasmin Miller

Holden Donahue saved me from an arranged marriage.
Then he vanished without so much as a goodbye.

Years later, he shows up backstage at one of my concerts.
Uninvited and without an explanation.
When my safety is threatened again, he steps in.
Inserting himself as my personal bodyguard.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, I’m also forced to live with him.
While every shared moment claws at a wound that never truly healed.

I remain distant, solidifying the walls that guard my heart.
But the more we’re together, the harder it is to ignore our attraction.
And despite my hesitancy, old feelings manage to creep back in.

As danger encircles us, I realize he’s been keeping a secret.
A secret that’s tangled in our vows, threatening to destroy everything.

When chaos erupts, and the truth comes to light, I’m left with one question:

Can I trust Holden to protect my heart, or will the past ruin us forever?

Genres: Second Chance, Marriage Of Convenience, Romance, Forced Proximity, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2025

About the author

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Professional lover of books and writer. I love to read and eat cake (preferably together) and write kissing books. I never miss a chance to fangirl over swoon-worthy characters, so message me on social media, and we can fangirl together. I'm originally from Germany but live in the western US with my husband and three little humans that keep me busy day and night.

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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tangled in Vows is book two in the Tangled & Torn series by Jasmin Miller. This can be read as a complete stand alone but the characters are introduced in book one, Tangled in Lies. Holden is the best friend of Phoenix from book one and Olivia becomes close friends with Evie from that book.



Olivia Parker is a world famous singer and from the outside, leads a glamorous life. But it wasn’t the truth. Five years ago, she was just about to turn eighteen years old and was going to be forced to marry a man she didn’t want to marry, living under the thumb of an aunt who despised her and a cult like community. When she ran away, she met and was taken in by a man who vowed to protect her and he did. But then he disappeared without a word and took her heart with him. Now, five years later, he just shows up back stage!

Holden Donahue is Phoenix’s best friend and business partner. Five years ago, he fell for the sweetest young woman who he knew had the potential to take the world by storm with her beautiful voice. He was forced to leave to protect her but made sure she had what she needed to succeed.

There has been a string of events in Olivia’s life that are starting to look suspicious and when it becomes obvious that she is in danger, Holden can’t help but to force himself back into her life to keep her safe. He knows he is the best man for the job, even though she doesn’t want him anywhere near her. As the threats intensify, and Holden and Olivia spend more time together, Olivia’s walls start to inch down. The feelings she once had for Holden have never gone away. She’s older and stronger now but can’t seem to fight what she feels for him.

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Holden’s story broke my heart. He truly loved Olivia and the price he paid for that love was so huge. It was so obvious that these two were destined for each other. But they are in a battle against time trying to figure out where the threats were coming from. At the same time, Olivia is slowly beginning to trust Holden again.

This was steamy and suspenseful as Holden and Olivia try to survive long enough to find their own happy ever after. I loved seeing how happy Evie and Phoenix are from the first book. And I have to mention how much I loved Holden’s friend, Archer. He was fun and mysterious and he BAKES!!! I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what this author does next!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this delivered. Olivia needed a husband to leave a toxic environment, and Holden stepped up to that task. But after a year, he vanishes and sends divorce papers. Six years later, Hold shows back up in Olivia's life. There is an element of suspense where Holden inserts himself as Olivia's personal bodyguard. I loved the relationship development between Holden and Olivia, and this was a slow burn. But boy, did it burn! I was guessing the whole time on whole the antagonist of the story was, and I was way off. I think the friend group was so sweet and funny. I want to read more of Archer, Phoenix, and Evie. This was my first book bt Jasmin Miller, and I look forward to reading more from her.

Tropes:
marriage of convenience
obsessed / cinnamon roll MMC
bodyguard / pop singer
forced proximity
slow burn
suspense
Hate to love
my wife

Thank you Chasing Books PR for the arc. This is an honest review.

[Kadisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this one! Holden had my attention in book 1 in Tangled in Lies!
The way the author captures the MMC inner thoughts always has me giggling! She does no wrong with the men in her books! Especially this one who doesn’t love an overprotective/obsessive rich bodyguard! 🤍 Holden will forever have my heart and the NICKNAMES!! She had me in book one with angel and now book 2 with Hurricane ! I just love it all she had me captured from the beginning of the book trying to figure out what was wrong and who and what and it all!! Over all I have nothing negative to say about this book .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ (arc)

✍🏻 adding a quick note

so, i’ve just finished the first book - Tangled in Lies & i’m confused of why this one wasn’t just as good because it sounded really promising.

the information dumping at the beginning still feels like information dumping. i just wish it wasn’t as confusing as it was. & now that i can actually compare both of the books, the plot of this one felt a lot weaker than the first one.

i still loved the characters just as much but there was something missing imo.
________________________________________________

Tangled in Vows is my first read by Jasmin Miller. what got me intrigued was that it’s a bodyguard romance, which is one of my favourites to read (thank you Mr. Larsen) & i’m always looking for a new one.

although i haven’t read anything by the author prior to this one, i had pretty high hopes from reading reviews of other arc readers but it didn’t fully meet my expectations.

i feel like the beginning of the book was a little bit confusing. there was a lot of information dumping or at least it felt that way. it also might be my fault because i haven’t read the first book of this duet beforehand, so maybe i was really just missing out on some context from that one.

i did enjoy the slow burn tho. the main characters - Holden & Olivia have a mutual past but there are two sides of the story which contributes to the fact that they’re trying their best to avoid each other in the present. but one thing leads to another & they’re forced to be together again.

the spice was great too. it had all the build up & i loved how caring the mmc was. not to mention his actions from the past that had my eyes teary & i wished Olivia found out about it sooner.

there’s also a plot twist towards the end of the book which had me intrigued but i feel like the whole thing was rushed & it didn’t have such a big affect on me because it just “happened”.

i also wish Olivia’s past in “the community” was written more thoroughly since she spent more than just a year there. i feel like the topic could have been explored more, especially because of the trauma it might have caused.

one more thing to add, i enjoyed the side characters just as much as the main ones & will be reading the first book of the duet because i’m eager to know their full story too.

𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: bodyguard romance, forced proximity, marriage of convenience, slow burn, spice.

thank you Chasing Books PR & author Jasmin Miller for providing me with an ARC!

[Rebecca]

Edited Manuscript

Holden & Olivia’s story is a must read!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 🌶️🌶️

“Hurricane haven’t you noticed there isn’t a lot I wouldn’t do for you”

This was my first book by this author and I loved it! I just loved Holden and Olivia’s story. The little sentences / letters at the beginning of each chapter really added to the slow burn and the overall development of the characters feelings for each other despite the hurt that each of them were feeling. I think the internal-monologue from the main characters added a light hearted touch to the story as well. Holden was patient and gave Olivia the time she needed to break down her walls while focusing on her safety with all the threats that’s happening. This was a very fast paced book but was easy to follow!


Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
Bodyguard x Superstar
Forced Proximity
Suspense
Slow Burn
No Third Act Breakup

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Tangled & Torn series. I read book one (Phoenix and Evie’s story) last year and loved the secondary character of Holden. I’m so glad to read his and Olivia’s story now. Even though I did read book one, this can definitely be read as a standalone.

Almost six years ago, Holden helped Olivia to escape a toxic situation by marrying her. But, then he left her and disappeared. He sent her divorce papers by mail.

Holden fell for Olivia back then, but he was forced to leave her to protect her. She’s been hurt and angry at him ever since. She sees him occasionally when she is with Evie and Phoenix.

Now, suspicious things are starting to happen to her and Holden wants nothing more than to protect her.

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense story, even though I did accurately guess who was behind it all. I liked both Holden and Olivia, but I especially liked the secondary character of Archer. The author has a way of writing secondary characters that you love, because I felt that way about Holden in the first book. I really want to read Archer’s story.

This is a slow burn, but worth it for when their steamy times happen.

Thank you to the author and Chasing Books PR for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC of Tangled in Vows! Tangled in Vows is the 2nd book in an interconnected standalone series, and therefore can be read by itself. Tropes include forced proximity, one of us is famous, and the bodyguard trope. While there were some darker themes, I would consider this book to be more of a romantic suspense, rather than a dark romance.

Overall this book is a 3.5 star read for me. I think my favorite part about this book was the MMC, Holden’s, tenderness and vulnerability. Especially in books with darker themes, we often see the very hardened and aggressive MMC, but this was not the case for this book, and I mean that in a very good way. I appreciate that Holden had regrets and shame, and it made his character much more realistic.

My biggest issue with this book was that it tried to do a littlleeee too much. The FMC is a singer and has a history with a cult, and trauma that comes with that territory. The MMC was her savior years ago, spent time in prison, and now owns a security company as well as other “underground” clubs with darker themes. Because there were a lot of different elements, I don’t feel like I got enough background on any particular plot or character point. I kinda wish we would’ve really dove into the characters’ upbringings and how those have impacted them as people and in their relationship together, rather than any of the current day singing or underground club plots.

If you are into Lucy Score, Catherine Cowles, or Devney Perry, this would be a great book and author to try next!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Chasing Books PR for the opportunity to read Tangled in Vows by Jasmin Miller.

This was my first Jasmin Miller book and I feel confident that I’ll probably read more in the future. I loved the age gap and second chance romance elements of this book. I knew going in that it was romantic suspense and I enjoyed most of those elements. In the least yucking someone’s yum way there was one scene at a club that truly was just not for me. Towards the end the actual suspense part of the plot came up more and the big reveal was a big surprise to me. I know there are things that happen off the page that we aren’t privy to to make what happens next a surprise, but usually they aren’t as jarring as one of these scenes was. I was so confused I thought I had skipped a chapter somewhere along the way. I plan to go back and read book one and I am looking forward to book three!

[Tiffani · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love
-dual POV
-slow burn
-marriage of convenience
-mystery
-AND smut
Then this book is for you.

The author wraps all of that up with lovable charcters, and a plot that makes you keep picking up the book!

The only thing I wish was that we had even more back story about the characters. We are given the relevant bits but I was invested and want to know more!!

This review is from reading an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from Chasing Books PR.

[Doris| ItsYourBookBestieDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

Firstly, thank you to @jasminmiller and @chasingbooks.pr for this arc!

This was my intro to this author’s work and I was so pleasantly surprised!

Tangled In Vows is about a marriage of convenience between a music artist and her bodyguard but get this, she hates him. They have a complicated history and now because of unforeseen circumstances they are forced to be around each other for her safety.

Olivia the FMC comes from a troubled past she ran away from a cultish community where she suffered abuse from her only living relative, her aunt. She uses her pain and trauma to make something of herself by becoming a huge star. She’s resilient but vulnerable and deals with her own insecurities especially having a curvier figure. But the MMC Holden is this big, muscly man and head of security who also happens to be her husband on paper because he was the one saved her from being in an arranged marriage within her cult. He is really just golden retriever and mushy teddy bear under that tough exterior. When it comes to her and doing right by her, he leaves no room for error because he unfortunately did something that screwed with her trust and he spends every moment trying to make up for it.

It’s such a good romance mixed with equal parts thriller and the spice was extra spicy. All I’m going to say is there’s a scene at a club and another in a bath tub that leave you needing to be doused with an ice bucket because OH MY!

Even though there is another book in this series it can be read as a standalone. You should definitely check this out on Kindle Unlimited

It has so many of my favorite tropes

🎤Friends to Enemies
⚓️Found family
🎤Betrayal
⚓️Marriage of convenience
🎤My wife
⚓️Touch her and 💀
🎤Bodyguard romance
⚓️Slow burn
🎤Yearning
⚓️He falls first

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good story! I loved it! I loved that there wasn't any third-act breakup in this book, that the plot unravelled slowly over the course of the book, that the characters developed as the information was revealed, that Archer was so damn supportive and funny, and that Holden was so obsessed with his wife he'd do anything for her. I enjoyed their relationship development too.

The only reason I'm not giving this book full 5 stars is because I wanted a bit more drama with the main antagonist at the end. That climax scene was unhinged, sure, but I wanted the villain to see they had been duped. I wanted to see that look of absolute horror and betrayal on their face that their plan had failed. That's always the best part in an action movie, and I was so sure it would be in this book too, but that wasn't to be.

Overall, I'm definitely interested in Phoenix's book and Archer's. I'll be reading those as soon as possible.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was dying for more Holden throughout Tangled in Lies, and after the glimpse of Holden & Olivia at the end, I neeeeeeded their story!! This one did not disappoint! Holden & Olivia are everything. I just loved them and their story, I couldn’t put it down! These two have a world of pain between them with their history, but with Olivia in danger and Holden as her security, they’re forced to face each other and the truths come out. Holden has been down bad for his girl, and I love his protectiveness. I loved Olivia and watching her let her walls down enough for them to find their way back together. My heart also broke for both of them and what they’ve been through. I adored Holden & Olivia, and absolutely devoured this one. I’m also dying for more Archer after seeing more of his and Holden’s friendship in this one!

[ARC review]

[Jessica Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

💍Marriage of convenience
😎Bodyguard MMC
🎤Superstar FMC
💜Forced proximity
🔎Suspense
🔥Slow Burn

💜I absolutely loved this book! I loved every single part of it. I was very interested to see how the marriage of convenience was going to be played out but it was phenomenal. I loved that it had some suspense to it as well. My two favorite things, romance and suspense 😁
💜It was filled with many emotions and the author did an excellent job with feeling what Holden and Olivia were feeling.
💜Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Jasmin Miller! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your ARC team!

💜💍Tangled in Vows by Jasmin Miller is OUT NOW!!!

[Alexandra.readss · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me so long to finish this book !
After how things were left at the end of the first book , I wasn’t expecting this book to start like this . The first few chapters confused me because it felt like a whole other story was missing in between.
I loved the tension between the main character but the repetitive inner dialogue when they beat themselves over the same topic over and over again was annoying.
Holden was sweet as always and his touch her and ☠️ vibes were on point .
I thought Olivia will have a stronger character.
I loved every single book I’ve read from Jasmin so far and I’m so sorry this one wasn’t for me .

[Kashish · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hurricane, haven’t you noticed there isn’t a lot I wouldn’t do for you?”

Was this the best soft romance I ever read? Yes, Am I obsessed with the main lead? Absolutely yes!

These two made me cry, laugh, smile, feel loved. Because the way Holden loved Olivia from the very start without even realising was just cherry on top.🥹 Olivia on the other hand, was angry on Holden because he left her, without any explanation (he had a reason I promise).

Olivia Parker, this woman is so strong. I admire her thoughts, values and caring nature. 💐Well do I love her sassiness and grumpy nature like Holden does? Yes. I love how he handles every situation, either through her actions or her affirmations. Dealing with your emotions after you went through so much is so difficult but my girl did it.

Holden Donahue, do I even I have to say? This man had me on my toes from the 1st book of pheonix (my man) & Evangeline. He was such a cutie in their book but is actually a morally gray character, sweet for his people and grumpy to the rest of the world. 🛐🔥

The one thing I loved the most about the book? THIS MAN IS SO CLOSE TO REALITY LIKE HE COULD EXIST BUT HE DOESN'T. The couple was so mature with their thoughts & actions. Another thing which I loved was how Hold never let Olivia overthink about anything 😭💕 This man is such a dream.

Also to all the pet lovers out there, they had few cute moments with their dog, stromy. And and and, my man is BIG.

Olivia: Holden’s still holding Stormy to his chest like she’s a small child rather than a full-grown-ass dog.

A spicy teaser too🤭:
“I’ll happily eat you out all day long if you want me to, baby. You say the word, and I’ll be there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

[Courtney Aslanidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts while reading Tangled in Vows

I was happily accepted as an ARC reader for this book, and I have to say right from the beginning I was hooked. The writing itself was easy to understand and pulled me in from the very first chapter. I spent a lot of time poring over the pages and reading through intently. It has been a good while since a book piqued my interest this much.

Having this story is like having a fresh breath of air, and I have to say I have never gone down this type of trope before. My usual reads are akin to high fantasy low-tech, so when I applied for this, I wasn’t entirely sure how my reaction would be to it, but I am so glad I took the chance on it.
Jasmin has a wonderful selection of names, in my opinion. It was one of the first things that I noticed about the book.

Moving through the chapters, I find I like Holden’s attitude and protectiveness. It isn’t inherently (okay, it is totally) possessive, but it is enough to make a girl kind of want to *swoon*. Don’t even get me started on the plot-twist about 15% of the way through the book. Hoo, boy!
I adore the internal monologue form each character as well. It offers a little light-heartedness and is often perceived as the comedic relief one needs when going through this story!

The final arc in this story left my flabbers GASTED.

As I continued to devour this book in nearly a single sitting or whenever time allowed thereafter, I was taken through a complete emotional roller-coaster. I could vividly imagine Holden and Olivia in my head. I could imagine everything that happened. This story has amazing tension and release, and an absolute page-turner in my opinion!

I laughed, I swooned, I cried. I went through every emotion that I thought was humanly possible. Jasmin knew what she was doing when she laid out this story, and honestly, I am hungry for more of her work. Thank you, Jasmin!

[Andra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read, loved the overprotective strong towering man introduced here, and the story has some very interesting spice. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for it, and it did not disappoint, I read it in a few hours, couldn’t put it down. There is a club scene there, that honestly, YALL WILL WANT TO READ🌶️🌶️

[Maddie St. John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Special thank you to Chasing Books PR for sending me this ARC. I FLEW through this book, Holden and Olivia are a match made in heaven. That man would do anything for her and it’s magical. Ugh just so good!!!

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Holden and Olivia’s Story.!
Both main characters are living their lives with the hand life has dealt them.Decisions made from their past has lead to Holden and Olivia building an initial house of cards , relationship. Starting with kept secrets they both have, and eventually a fake marriage.
Jasmin Miller has written a lot of depth into storyline.
When love is real anything can become a reality.

“Be the person they should have been in a different life.”

[Cortney Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC of this book and I'm so glad for it! This book is the second of the series, but reads like a standalone. I had no trouble keeping up with the story, characters, etc.

It's a marriage of convenience, slow burn romance. It had me hooked from the beginning and I sat still for several hours doing nothing but reading. The chemistry/tension between Holden and Olivia was amazing and really sucked me in!

I'm glad there wasn't a 3rd act breakup, it can be frustrating when they pop up. This one has a HEA and I'm so glad. I fell in love with Holden and his love for Olivia 😍 Bodyguard/singer romance.... So amazing.

Jasmin Miller was new to me before I read this book, and I'd definitely read more of her work.

[Olivia Stedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC review✨ I received this ARC and enjoyed the book! This book follows a famous singer and her husband as they navigate their marriage and obstacles that threaten their relationship along the way.

There were some parts that were a bit confusing, especially at the end where it felt like a big jump with no explanation during an important chapter. There were also some parts that seemed long and like they didn’t add much to the story and other parts that needed more development. Despite these things, the story itself was good and the characters were fun to get to know. I would recommend it.

[Clo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad this was my first ARC experience!!

The tropes, the suspense, the banter, and Holden.🤤

I’m so excited for this release! It’s fun, sweet and spicy but has such a great story line that isn’t overruled or lost between everything else.

Ugh I wish I could say more it had me in a choke hold every chance I could open it.

Genuinely hope everyone gets to enjoy it the same

[grycennreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW🎤
5 ⭐️

I did not anticipate to think the wrong person did that to Olivia.😀 Had me zoning out for a minute or ten. The scenes with Archer, Evie, and Phoenix had me laugh out loud, especially when Holden asked Olivia if she was hungry.🫣🤭 I felt like I was back in high school, speculating about who might be the perpetrator and what would happen in the end. This plot is what drew me into reading way back before, and I'm glad I felt it again in this book, with Holden and Olivia.💜

Thank you to chasingbooks.pr and Ms. Jasmin Miller for the copy of this book.🫶🏻

[Emily Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I was fully intrigued with this book from the first page! Tangled in Vows is the second book of the series, a marriage of convince and a slow burn romance that keeps the pages turning. We love a protective man, and Holden fits this perfectly. There are part of the book that I was literally laughing out loud from the scene taking place in my mind!

Thank you Jasmin Miller and Chasing PR for this masterpiece and opportunity. This is an honest review from an ARC reader!

[Yuvika Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! I read an advance reader copy and I was blown away! It was the first book from the author so I went in not knowing what to expect. This book is total slow-burn and leaves you hooked. I couldn’t put it down! I love the character development and how the author made me feel what the characters felt. The spice was spicey!!! I really have so much more to add but don’t want to give away any spoilers. If you enjoyed Ana Huangs twisted series, you will LOVE this book! 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been trying to write a review for this book for two months but it left me speechless lol which rarely happens because I’m a big yapper. Anyways I really loved this series and yall should go read it asap so thank you so much to Chasing Books PR for earcs of the duet.

tropes:
marriage of convenience
pop star x bodyguard
second chance
hate to love
forced proximity
my wife
no third act break up

[ForeverBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without you as my anchor, I’m untethered. This doesn’t feel right.

💍 marriage of convenience
💍 obsessed / cinnamon roll MMC
💍 bodyguard / pop singer
💍 forced proximity
💍 slow burn
💍 suspense
💍 Hate to love
💍 my wife
💍 I hate you so much right now it hurts but I would hate it more if I never met you
💍 found family
💍 she was r and he murdered the guy who did it
💍 he calls her Hurricane
💍 She doesn’t like to be touched
💍 He sets up an entire mansion-like house for her and builds her a home studio
💍 they have a really cute dog

My feet carry me across the room until I’m right in front of her, staring into her captivating hazel eyes.
I might regret this tomorrow, but I need her to hear this morsel of truth right now. “Hurricane, haven’t you noticed there isn’t a lot I wouldn’t do for you.”

Those snippets into their feelings at the start of every chapter were so heart-wrenching.

Day 387 without you: The walls close on me more each day. Your absence makes it hard to breathe.

Day 455 without you: I heard you on the radio for the first time today, and I wish I could tell you how proud I am of you.

Day 681 without you: It’s been almost two years since I last saw you. That’s worse than being locked up.

Day 779 without you: I can’t remember the sound of your laugh anymore. That scares me more than anything in this place.

✨ Highlighted book moments:

Archer: Are you staying with her?
Me: Yup.
Archer: You sure that’s a good idea?
I brush a hand over my face before I reply.
Me: She doesn’t want me around, so there shouldn’t be any issues if we just avoid each other.
Archer: How’s the weather in Delulu Land?
Me: Fuck off.
Archer: See you Friday at the club?
Me: Yeah.

Hey, so, Holden . . . mmm . . . did you actually mean it when you said you’d rather maim yourself than hurt me again? Because, dude, you have a really shitty way of showing that, considering you left me and divorced me. Well, we thought we got divorced. Also, you suck, and none of this makes sense, and I hate that you’re so stupid hot, and even though I want to hate you, and I’m still so angry about what you did to me, I also just want you to hug me and hold me for a while.

I stare at the shiny reflection of us—my bulky frame next to her curvy beauty. Olivia is watching too, both of us still as statues while a low hum heats my blood.
I want to grab her and press her against the elevator door . . .
Ding.
The elevator arrives, successfully popping my lust-filled bubble.

I’ve already caused her enough pain. If it were possible, I’d take a knife to my own skin and bleed for every single tear she’s ever shed because of me.

“Oh yeah, totally okay. It only hurt for a second, and I didn’t mean to worry you, but thanks for checking on me anyway. He, uh, I mean, Ireally appreciate it.” The words tumble out of my mouth in one big breath.
Somebody, shoot me now.
Her gaze snaps to mine, and she blinks. Her pupils are almost entirely blown, the lust so evident in them I have to bite my lip again.
Don’t do anything. Don’t do anything.
Her gaze drops to my mouth, and she licks her lips.
“Fuck it.” I push my hands deep into her hair and tilt her head back.
There’s a loud knock on the door.
Fucking hell. The universe must really hate me.

Evie claps her hands, an extra-wide smile adorning her face. “Well, everyone. Let’s get set up so we can start.”
She gives me an imploring glance, and I get the distinct feeling she’s trying to convey a million things to me right now like There are kids around, and you guys look like you’re going to start humping on the floor any second, or, I’m sorry, but if you don’t throw me a bone soon, I’m going to explode.
Although can I blame her? If the roles were reversed, I’d be dying from curiosity too.

[Samantha Wicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'd like to thank Jasmin Miller and Chasing Books PR for the advanced copy of this book.
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, bodyguard romance, second chance, HEA

Tangled in Vows is the 2nd book in this series, but was marketed to me as being readable as a standalone, which is why I went ahead and moved forward with this arc read. Unfortunately, the first 10% of the book was a pain to get through because I hadn't read the first in the series. I imagine if I had read the first novel it would've been a nice little recap of the characters and what happened previously but as a standalone, it was an info dump. It felt like I walked into a room where 2 friends were conversing and they let me hear in on their conversation, but unfortunately, I'm just a casual acquaintance and have no idea what's happening. They're dropping bombs so casually because they already know about this stuff, but I'm over here to the side like... Murder? Prison?! His WIFE turned him in?! Both of you were there? you're MARRIED? To that random girl you don't talk to? 5 years for MURDER...? Is that...right?
WHAT. IS. HAPPENING?!

Anyway, I feel like this wouldn't have felt like a jarring issue if I had read this after #1 but this information should've been presented in a more palatable way if it was to be marketed as a stand-alone.

After that first 10-15% I could actually get into the book well enough to enjoy the ride.

We immediately jump right into the drama with Olivia's bodyguard being in a car accident and we soon realize she is being targeted by somebody with random acts of mischief and violence. Maybe it was my love for whodunnit's, but it seemed obvious to me who was causing all the problems. I clocked the perp and their most likely motive from their first scene, which makes me question the success of the security company Holden owns. lol I'm just here for a good time though and the imperfect characters and all their insecurities (even though they're SUPER successful at the ripe old ages of 24 and 27 🙄) gave that to me.

Overall, It's not getting a super high rating from me which is why I waited some time to write this review, but It's good for what it is. I call this kind of book a "palette cleanser," the kind of book I'll read between my heavier books because I don't expect much from it, only entertainment. I did enjoy it enough that I'll be giving book 1 a try as well and keeping a look out for an Archer book because there is NOTHING I like more than a hot nerd.

3.5/5 ⭐

[KatieinBavaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 4.25
🌶️: 3

Favorite Quote:
“They're these nice guys with a dark side to them.

Morally grey cinnamon rolls.

I blame this one on Evie for getting me
hooked on romance novels.”

I was graciously selected to be an ARC reader for this book and am so thankful for the opportunity!

When I picked up this book I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I do wish I had time to read the first book before this but I wanted to get my review posted before the book was released. I think I’ll be going back to read the first one because it seems a lot of crazy shit happened in it!

This isn’t my normal genre but I’m so glad I gave it a try. It only took about 15% in for the book to really hook me. I’ve been curled up on my bed devouring it for hours and just finished it!

Holden is the epitome of the “touch her and die” trope and I am here. for. it. I also love that the book starts heavily from his POV so you kind of get the “he falls first” trope. Also, a man who goes to therapy and works on his issues ON HIS OWN VOLITION?! Ma’am. Yes please. He also has emotional maturity to listen to what Olivia actually wants and gives her space when she needs it. IRL men please take note.

Olivia is a gorgeous, curvaceous songstress who is forced to grow up fast and harden herself to the world in order to survive. I loved seeing her evolution especially when it comes to what she really wants.

The story was well paced and while I kind of had an idea of who was who in the book, it didn’t stop me from turning the page to find out what happened next. The supporting characters were a fantastic addition (I especially loved Archer and would love to see more of Damien…yes please) and I never say no to an adorable doggie.

Also, THANK YOU to this author for her notes at the front calling out that there is no third act breakup, no cliffhanger and lays out the content warnings very clearly. I’m so glad this is a trend now in publishing.

Lastly, thank you for making an epilogue that actually adds to the story and isn’t your typical trope. I loved seeing this logical next step (no spoilers, y’all!) and it was a perfect bow.

TL;DR: This book is worth a read but will definitely raise your expectations about men. #sorrynotsorry