Deranged Vows

Lethal Vows #4

by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell

Lena

Our worlds shouldn’t cross. I’m a performer in the spotlight, and he’s the monster people in the underworld fear most.

He’s someone who doesn’t feel, let alone touch another person. The thought revolts him, so much so that he always wears gloves.

So why can’t I seem to stay away from him? And why is he able to touch only me?


Aleksandr


I will stop at nothing in my pursuit to free the dancer, but the moment I lay eyes on the singer, Lena, my world changes.

She’s a bright ray of sunshine, lighting up the shadows I walk in.

I won’t leave her alone. In fact, I force her into a contract to sing only for me.

But it’s not her voice I’m after.

*New Stand Alone Dark Romance all connected in the same world as 'Lethal Vows'.*

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

398 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 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

[readwithme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so I actually loved the MMC and the FMC. And I read this because the reviews are great but how has no one mentioned the amount of OW drama there is. That’s probably not a problem to most people, but it was a bit much for me and I probably wouldn’t have read it if the reviews had mentioned it. I could feel his love for Lena but he was torn between two women throughout a lot of it (apparently the OW wasn’t about love, but it was definitely obsession and pretty intense). During the process he made a lot of stupid decisions and was really intent on protecting the OW which was a big ick for me, despite the HEA with the FMC. But that’s more of a personal problem. The characters themselves were good and I loved how Alek was with Lena. If you don’t mind a ton of OW drama then I’m sure you’ll love the book much better than me.

[Bela]

H, Alek, has a savior complex for Cinita (the OW) who is a dancer that he was taken in by on for a time and tried to save from herself. Cinita likes drugs and powerful men until she needs saving and always calls Alek to get her out of it. Alek and his sister run the NY underworld and facilitate other groups meeting etc. Alek can’t stand to be touched and wears gloves at all times. He sees something of him and his twin sister in Cinita and keeps trying to save her, even after he meets Lena, our h, who he becomes instantly obsessed with. It’s a whole different level than he felt for Cinita, but he fails to prioritize Lena over her and part of it is habit/his savior complex bc she’s been manipulating him for years with tears and pretending. Lena and Alek go back and forth bc she keeps getting put behind what he feels he owes Cinita before he can let her go. Lena is done, Alek starts to work for it. Cinita goes right back to doing drugs and being a b*tch even after Alek gets rid of the people after her and kicks her out. Then she tries to kill Lena right before the end bc Alek isn’t coming to do her bidding anymore.

[Ece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Acımasız bir katil ve sahnede parlayan bir şarkıcı kitabı🖤

Alek çocukluktan tanıdığı ve koruma ihtiyacı hissettiği Cinita’yı bulmak için ev arkadaşı Lena’yı arar bulur ve hikaye başlar.

Alek ve Lena hikayesi o kadar güzeldi ki başlarda Lena’nın Alek’ten nefret emesi ( çünkü her şeyi kendi bildiği yöntemleriyle yapıyor ve bunlar kötü yöntemler ) sonra onun cazibesine kapılıp gitmesi ve adamın kimseye dokunamamazken Lena’ya dokunabilmesi çok güzeldi.

Ama kitabın girişi o kadar akmıyor ki içine asla çekemiyor.
Ve OW draması beni bitirdi. Hani tamam olsaydı ama en azından biraz kıskançlık yaratıp gitseydi yani yok kitabın son sayfasına kadar o dram vardı ve esas kızımız çok haklı olarak çok fazla üzüldü..
Ama hiçbir zaman onun altında kalmadı ve asla 2. Planda kalmayacağım dedi🫶🏻
Aslında Alek Cinita’yı hiçbir zaman aşk olarak görmedi hep koruma iç güdüsü vardı ama o kadar uzattı ki asla öyle hissettirmedi. En son Lena ayar çekip asla böyle olmaz diyince kafasına dank etti ama kendi kendine bunu düşünmesi gerekiyordu. OW olayı kitabın ortalarında bırakılsaydı en azından kitap belki de 5 yıldızlık olabilirdi benim için çünkü gerçekten ikili ilişkilerinin gelişimi çok güzeldi. Kızın adamın hayatını kabullenmesi adamın her zaman kızın kariyerini desteklemesi ve hayatını ona adaması çok güzeldi. Keşke Aleksandr’ın aklı daha erken başına gelseydi..

[Amoyisreadingxoxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️

I was so intrigued by Alek when he was introduced in the last book for chasing Cinita, and I didn’t know what part he would play in this story with Lena. It was SUCH a surprise to see him open up as he and Lena got to know each other. The banter, the angst, and the back and forth of their conversations really highlighted them as 2 people who are navigating their way through out life.

I really liked how Lena knew exactly who and what he was, but she didn’t let that stop her from figuring him out. Lena has worked so hard to have her achievements and I was hoping for Alek to appreciate that as well so I was not disappointed🥹

The ending was so intense and I loved every second. Thank you so much to Kia Carrington-Russell & T. L. Smith for this arc!💜

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Deepthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

‼️TOO MUCH OW DRAMA ‼️


Tropes: Dislike to like, Opposites attract, Bad Boy x Good girl, dark romance,
Spicy🌶️🌶️

Alex & Lena on individual level are good characters, but too much other woman drama took away the essence of their relationship for me. Alex is way too much obsessed with other woman from the beginning, not in love per se but it wasn’t exciting to read.
Lena loved her throughout telling her what’s on mind and taking a step back giving Alek shit for what he did.

My most favourite character is ANYA 🤌🏻❤️‍🔥 she is fire

* would recommend if you don’t have a problem with ow drama*

[Tasma · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT. FUCKING WHAT. STOP IT.
I CANNOT comprehend words right now to accurately describe how this book has made me feel. I was so excited for this, especially after reading Cunning Vows, and getting our insight to Anya and Alek. And as much as I loved Anya and River, this just hits different. And I fucking WHOLEHEARTEDLY LOVED IT AND I AM OBSESSED.

For one, I KNEW Alek’s story was going to be nothing but amazing. But I DID NOT expect THAT. I just loved everything about it. And I can’t. I just can’t. Oh, and the PLOT TWIST?! Like, HELLO. I was not expecting that! The fact we get LENA! Like! I was having WAAYYYYY different expectations for this book, but I could not have wanted this to go any other way after reading it. We’re introduced to Lena on Alek’s mission to keep looking for Cinita, and it could not have gone ANY BETTER. She is a GODDESS. WE LOVE HER. She’s witty, charming, and how she goes head-to-head with Alek had me REELING. But Alek… OH MY GOD. I don’t know how Kia and T.L. do this shit, but I swear it just keeps getting better and better. Just Alek’s backstory and the gloves, I just had a soft spot for him already, and Deranged Vows made me just fall in love with him. But how he found his sanctuary… *sobbing with my heart full of love* and all the things that allowed him to become who he was in the end just had me in tears. YES. YES. FUCKING YESSSS.

I can’t not leave this review without giving a shout out to Anya. Still the bad ass fucking queen now even with River. And they are as FUCKING CUTE AS EVER. WE ARE HERE FOR IT. Oh, and we can’t forget Will. Everything about his sarcasm and his banter is just *chef’s kiss*. But you could have not prepared me FOR THAT ENDING. WHAT. Also…WHERE THE FUCK IS MY EPILOGUE AND I NEED MORE. WE NEED A HAPPY ENDING FOR WILLIAM. PRONTO.

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 sunshine stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh...

[Seana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was amazing! The authors did a fantastic job with this book! The characters and plot was very interesting! I love that they always have a different plot from most books but their characters are always so different and interesting! I really enjoyed reading this book!

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deranged Vows (lethal Vows book 4) by Kia Carrington-Russell and TL Smith is a mafia romance. This series has been so good. These two are an excellent team of writers. This novel brings us the romance of Aleksandr and Lena. These two are like fire and ice yet so good together.
For once our female lead knows what she’s getting into because she knows Alek and who he is so we do not have that shock. We do get to enjoy amazing banter, angst, loads of chemistry and two very strong characters.
I really enjoyed watching these two characters and reading their amazing story line. I hope to read more from these two amazing authors!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’m in love!!! Aleksandr Ivanov is Anya’s twin brother. He disappeared to find a dancer from his past but that didn’t end like he thought. Now back home still searching, he finds himself annoyed and intrigued by a singer named Lena Love. They are from completely different worlds and don’t exactly get along in the beginning but he can’t seem to leave her alone either. This enemies to lovers dark romance is just perfection. Their tension and banter is so good you can’t wait to see what they will say next. This little feisty singer might just be what restarts Alek’s cold heart and cure him of his aversion to touch. Lena is definitely going to test Alek’s patience though. I could now put this down and my heat is still swooning for this villain! The connection, the fight…just pure perfection! A top read of 2024! Told in first person and dual POV.


📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so intrigued with alek in the last book so was happy to know he got one, alek and Lena gave me so many feels. This was a fantastic story.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy I was able to read this right after finishing Cunning Vows because I was so curious about Alek and I was not disappointed one bit

Lena is an absolute gem, the cutest little ray of sunshine possible, we love her, we must protect her at all costs

Then there's Doberman Alek coming over here, melting our hearts saying shit like "I'll worship the fucking ground you walk on" on his knees and “I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. To give you everything you want, just so I can stay by your side”

AND THENNNN turning around the next second and saying shit like "I haven't even tasted you yet and you're already coming undone for me" and "Don't ever close your eyes on me again when I'm inside you. You will know who's fucking you." and last but not fucking least "You going to milk my cock sweetheart?"

Like WHO ARE YOU???? Who knew this man had game??!!!

Fuck I love River but god damnnn Aleksandr is doing something for me

Is he an idiot??? Absofuckinglutely but he's trying. And that's saying more than most people

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series so much! We get Anya’s twin brother Aleksandr in this book and boy oh boy does he have my heart fluttering! This was such a great enemies to lovers story I loved the banter between Alek and Lena I loved how she was melting his cold dark heart and helping him overcome his aversion to touch by only her! The sexual tension the passion the drama this book was absolutely perfection!

[torydarius supremacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear me out… I was obsessed with this book, like Iiterally had to forced myself to put it down, it had me giggling and smiling so much, but I will warn you that this has OW drama I personally hate that but idk why I still loved the book, like yeah it was annoying and fixing like it, but it didn’t ruin my experience with the book yk

[Vintagev_reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 74%

This reads like 50 Shades of Grey if Christian had been a Russian mobster.

I finally lost it and called it quits when they decide to make out and have sex when moments before she’s throwing up from being hung over. Made me want to hurl 🤢

[Andrea Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously someone take my kindle away

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Themes: grumpy/sunshine, good girl, bad boy, obsessive MMC, banter, touch her & 💀, interconnected stand alone

* Thank you Kia Carrington-Russell and TL Smith for the ARC. All thoughts are my own- quotes are taken from the book.

“I’d prefer if you weren’t wearing anything at all.”

Aleksandr will stop at nothing to find his dancer. The one who he must protect at any cost, no matter who he must destroy. That’s until he sees Lena sing.
Lena is a singer waiting for her chance on broadway. Everything is going great until she meets him. The monster in the shadows who only wants one person and it’s not her. Or is it?
Shadows from the past start to loom over their budding relationship. Can they survive or will everything fall to pieces?

“I’m a performer in the spotlight, and he’s the monster people in the underworld fear most.”

I keep saying that TL Smith & Kia Carrington-Russell keep writing amazing stories, and this is another banger! Seriously, this might be my favorite of the “vows” series.
Aleksander is everything. 🤷🏼‍♀️
He finds what he needs in the search for what he thinks he wants. He shows his struggles and is brutally honest with Lena. His actions show that he has a soft spot and a strong sense of duty. This duty often leads to him groveling in what he believes will help. He’s a true grumpy MMC! Honestly, he might rival Crue from Lethal Vows…
Lena is fantastic. She knows Alek is dangerous but smarts mouth him anyways. She eventually learns to stand up for herself.
The banter between the two is amazing! Alek is so honest I think it shocks Lena.
The friendships that develop make sense based on the characters involved and help solidify Alek and Lena’s relationship.
The smut helps to develop the plot and does not drive the plot.
Overall, these two authors need to continue writing books together. They consistently write amazing books and characters. Cementing that both are must read authors for me!
Thank you for gifting me the ARC! I can’t wait for Deranged Vows to have a home on my shelf!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How could someone so beautiful love something as monstrous as me?"

5/5 Stars
4/5 Spice

Deranged Vows is the 4th installment in the Lethal Vows series written by two very talented authors T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington Russell. This series has been a wild ride and I've loved every moment. I recommend as always reading the books in order. Even though they are standalone, every character will appear in previous and future books. So at least this way it gives who an idea what they are about.

In the previous book Cunning Vows, we learned a little bit about Anya Ivanov's twin brother. We knew he ran off looking for some dancer but the question was why.

I knew I was going to fall in love with Aleksandr Ivanov when I heard he was going to be the MMC, we knew he was crazy like his twin and that's always a good thing in my book. The man may have been chasing the dancer but it was a singer that brought him to his knees.

The man is all serious and with an attitude, something that annoys our singer named Lena Love. She's cheerful and bubbly, it's no wonder he calls her "Sunshine" and even though her personality annoys him, it also intrigues him, and finds himself wanting to be around her more. The banter between these two is great. Tons of comical moments. The spice was excellent as well.

The two are opposites but I love the growth Aleks has in this story, from his mental health and wanting to be a better man for Lena. Honestly, this book made me want more of Aleks and Lena and also made me curious if any other side characters would be getting their own stories.

Please read those trigger warnings and happy reading.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth book in the Lethal Vows series is as wonderful as the previous three books. It’s such a compelling story that I couldn’t stop reading it once I started. This is Aleksandr’s story; after his mysterious chasing of Cinita in the previous book, Cunning Vows, I wasn’t so sure about him.

As this story progressed, Aleksandr’s character profile gradually built up, and we saw a different side to him. Actually, I believe even he saw a different side of himself emerge. 😆 I started to like him more and more until his complex personality became a little less complicated—all because of Lena.

Lena is not so sure about Alek, and I love how she realises what type of man he is and how dangerous he can be, but she is still totally honest with him. She is a strong woman who has worked hard to achieve her career goals.

The banter back and forth between Lena and Alek is brilliant and often very funny. These two are frequently at loggerheads, as it should be in an enemies-to-lovers story, but at the same time, their chemistry is off the charts💥and so explosive.

Holy moly, a scene at the end nearly ruined me! But it is so well written, drawing every emotion possible. Without giving anything away, I totally recommend this intense story with its dark yet alluring plot.

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

My favourite read from this series?

I know I say this every time a new book in this series comes out, it's the truth!!

This is Alek and Lena's story. We meet Alek in the previous book which is his twin sisters. Does it have to be read? No. Should it be ready first? Yes! 100% I think it should, it will give you a wider insight to the twins relationship, you'll learn the type of person his sister Anya is and gets a glimpse of Alek and let me tell you, he is one complex dude!

There's a hard-to-hear background story for these two and you get another glimpse through Alek.
Him and Lena are drawn to each other but considering he feels tied to the past and he doesn't like touch, things are complicated!

A good read, definitely had me glued.






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

[Naj_ana_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deranged Vows by T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell ✨

Well I was definitely not expecting how this story was going but I'm definitely happy it went that route instead.

When I read Anya's story we got so see how the twins relationship was and she was able to give us glimpses on how Aleksandr was and how little he liked people. The twins definitely had it rough when growing up and love was never in the picture for them.

I absolutely loved both of their stories but I think Aleksandr story is for sure my favorite one.

To see that such stoic man was able to find a connection with someone and to find his HEA definitely had me swooning. And funny enough I loved his sense of humor too, the banter was just phenomenal ☺️.


If you love
💫 He Falls First
💫 Touch Her and 💀
💫 Witty Banter
💫 Grumpy / Sunshine


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
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[Kara Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a 10 no but he does this or that Alek is a 10!!!

Alek is possessive,sexy and dangerous. He only lets a few people in but he would kill to protect those few. If you are lucky enough to be in his inner circle don’t f*** it up because there will be consequences to pay.

Lena has one goal and that is to make it to broadway and be successful as a singer. Alek thought his one goal was to save a girl from his past until he runs into Lena. His new goal make Lena his.

I am so sad this is the last book in this series because one thing I know is if T.L Smith and Kia Carrington-Russel write it you know it’s going to be good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read!

Aleksandr's story in the series by T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington Russell really grabbed my attention. After his mysterious behavior in "Cunning Vows," I wasn't quite sure what to make of him. But as this book progressed, I found myself liking Aleksandr more and more. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic creates some truly explosive chemistry. The story is intense and emotional, with a particularly powerful scene at the end that left a lasting impression. What a nice read!

[Katja | BookedByKatja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Alec and Lena's story. He's grumpy, and she's a ray of sunshine. 🌞🌞

Alek's transformation from a cold-blooded, emotionless killer to a softie for her is compelling. And I want that in my life 🔥🤤🤤

At the beginning of the story I laughed a lot mainly because of Lena's character and how she tests his patience. And in the end I cried like a baby.

This is honest ARC review and this really is a must-read! 🖤🔥🤤

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deranged Vows is Alex’s book, as Anya’s twin we got to hear about him in the first book and briefly meet him. You could tell he’s silent, broody and carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, but something about Lena calls to him and stirs something inside him especially when she sings!

Lena is a singer! She’s made for it and loved what she does. Singing and entertainment is her passion and a run in with a major donor turns her world upside down!

I love Lena’s smart mouth and how quickly she adapts in Alek’s world! Alek is dark but the light Lena brings into his life changes him. She challenges him and shows him that opening to love isn’t a bad thing!

A very beautiful romance full of so much passion and steam!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Deranged Vows in just a few short hours. I could not put this book down. Alek had my attention from the previous books and I’m so glad we got his story. Lena is absolutely perfect for him and she pushes him out of his comfort zone, making him be better. Loved every page. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Review by Raychel

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! These two authors together are dangerous, following Lena and Alek’s journey isn’t for the faint hearted! Get ready to go on a journey to see if Alek can find love just like his sister did.

[Klaudija Lovković · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf