Sworn to My Heart: Book One Sworn Series

by Dor Friedman

“Take my word, Alin, when I say something, it happens. There’s nothing in this world I want and can’t attain,” he whispers close to my ear. I know he’s talking about me, but my mind has already surrendered to his touch, and my breath becomes heavier.

Alin:
The secret I keep sustains me, but it could also cause my downfall. I never expected to fall in love with him. Luca Spallo, the capo of the Italian mafia in New York. He saved me, took me in, and trusted me with his secrets. But he's not prepared for the tsunami I brought with me. My secret is going to ruin us all, including my heart.

Luca:
She hides too many secrets, and nothing about her adds up. In my world, uncertainty is a luxury I can't afford, especially when it risks my family. She will soon learn that no secret can be kept from me. You want to play, Alin Gray? Get ready, because I'm coming for you.

A captivating fusion of fantasy and dark mafia romance that will keep you hooked until the very last page!

Genres: Fantasy

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2024

About the author

Dor Friedman is an imaginative storyteller with a lifelong love for fantasy and crime, crafting rich, captivating tales that transport readers to bold, otherworldly realms right from the known and fimiliar world. Hailing from Israel and now thriving in South Korea for nearly a decade, Dor’s stories are shaped by a tapestry of cultures, languages, and experiences. Fluent in Hebrew, English, and Korean, she draws inspiration from her global roots, with family connections in the U.S. and Italy fueling her creativity. A passionate fan of Korean and Japanese animation, and a self-confessed lover of natural gems, Dor brings a vibrant mix of influences into her writing. She shares her adventures with her mischievous munchkin cat, JackJack, always by her side.
"Sworn to My Heart" marks her thrilling debut into the world of published fiction, where fantasy and crime collide in unexpected ways.

Reviews

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 5 out of 5]

H2O of the Mafia World

Title: Sworn to My Heart by Dor Friedman
Series: Book One of the Sworn Series
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶️🌶️

Favorite Tropes: Mafia, Mermaids, Found Family, Touch Her & 💀, Romantasy, Forbidden Lovers

Alin holds many secrets in the palm of her hand, including the fact that she’s a mermaid. But as she finds herself falling for Luca… she begins to wonder if her secrets could ruin everything they have.
Luca is a mafioso, he has one ideology secrets get you killed… but what is he supposed to do when the one girl capturing his attention and, dare he say, his heart keeps disappearing?

Thoughts: I loved this first installation of the Sworn series! 🥺 The characters were easy to fall in love with and with a well written story, it’s easy to understand how this got a 5-star from me. Not only that but this is a unique mafia story that will give you the heat and thrill you love from mafia stories but with a unique mermaid twist and no traditional toxicity in sight! I heavily recommend this series to anyone looking for a relaxing but thrilling mafia romance.

[Christiane_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how much I needed a mafia fantasy until I read this book. Let me tell you, this story was EVERYTHING! I LOVE that Alin is a strong female and doesn’t need to be saved by some powerful magical being like a lot of fantasies I read. I also LOVE that Luca is a badass mafia boss who knows what he wants and doesn’t let others dictate his choices. This book is a fantastic mix of fantasy and the modern world and the character development is beautiful! The banter, the quips, the take no bullshit attitude is just 😍😍😍

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥 Sworn to my heart @authordorfriedman ❤️‍🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💫Okay, let me tell you this book is sooo good! From the very first page, I was hooked. I mean, mafia romance with a dash of fantasy? Sign me up. Luca Spallo is your typical brooding, morally gray mafia boss, but he’s also completely obsessed with Alin, and trust me when I say, you will feel their chemistry. It’s that good.💫

🫶🏻Alin, though? Total badass. She’s got secrets, she’s strong, and her whole vibe kept me rooting for her. Plus, the twist? I swear, my jaw hit the floor. And that blend of mafia world drama with magical, fantasy elements? Honestly, it’s not something you see every day, and it’s exactly what made this book feel fresh and so damn exciting.🫶🏻

✨The world-building is top-tier, the tension is chef’s kiss, and the writing pulls you right in. I need more of these characters and this universe ASAP. If you’re into mafia romance, fantasy, or just looking for something new and unique, trust me, this book is it.✨

🔥Mafia Romance
🥰Forbidden Love
🖤Secret Identity
🤷🏻‍♀️Badass FMC
🙋🏻‍♀️Alpha Male Hero
🌚Touch Her and You Die
✨Fantasy Elements
🔥Slow Burn Tension
👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻Power Couple

[Jessica Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the dynamic between the MC’s! so many good tropes in this book. i like how this was not like other mafia related books and didn’t automatically start with the FMC being kidnapped and taken to MMC. The angst and the way he fell first and hard was written beautifully. i throughly enjoyed this booked and devoured it in half a day! Can’t wait for more from this Author!

[Fiorella Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all: a huge thank you to the author for gifting me the book to read and review - all opinions and reviews are my own.
Quick note: this is literally the prettiest book I own with a gorgeous cover and I cannot get over the sprayed edges of this book… so many people have told me how gorgeous it is when I’ve been reading it in public.
Now onto the review, this book mixes fantasy, romance and mafia/crime all together to create this beautiful world. I was so drawn to Alins character as this insanely smart woman with powers but also has such a simple understanding of the ‘human world’ that everything excites her - it made me love her a lot and appreciate how strong she is (literally so badass)
Also Cora was giving such best friend energy I loved reading about how her and Mariano got to their happy marriage (I would definitely read a whole book about their story - I love a marriage of convenience trope)
Luca Spallo - morally grey, obsessed with the FMC and would burn the world down for her?! Yes. 100%. Give it to me. But man did he need to be put in his place by Alin. Poor guy was going through it though I did sympathise with him as every time he turned around Alin just happened to disappear…
There was a great balance of romance and storyline. There were so many plot twists happening I genuinely thought at the end of each chapter ‘okay, it’s going to be fine now’ and then something else happens!! It had me hooked and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.
There were a few spelling mistakes in the physical book that I know have been fixed in the E-Book version since but it didn’t take anything away from the story and the descriptions were beautifully written.
Very interested to see where the story will progress in the next book as it felt nicely tied up in the epilogue with the two characters… but as it says at the end of the book ‘hold on tight though, the real heat - has only just begun’

[Duaa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sworn to My Heart was everything I didn’t know I needed. A Mafia Mermaid fantasy? Say no more. This book blends romance, fantasy, action, and mystery in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The world is vivid and the emotional moments hit hard. I found myself laughing with the characters and crying with them too.
The chemistry is addicting, the plot is gripping, and the whole underwater world feels alive and dangerous in the best way. If you’re looking for something unique, emotional, and a little wild — this is the one.

[Liraz Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book surprisingly combines two worlds that seemingly don't belong together – the world of fantasy and the world of the mafia. The story follows Alin, a mysterious mermaid, and Luca, a mafia man, who are forced to fight for their love despite the differences between them and the dangers threatening their lives. The plot was gripping and full of tension, I experienced moments of shock, sadness, and excitement with the characters and the struggles they face. The author succeeded in creating a rich and dynamic world. "The book is captivating – as if every page pulls me to the next, and I finished it within just a few days, unable to stop for a moment.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alin has a secret that keeps her going, but it's a double-edged sword that could lead to her downfall. She finds herself entangled with Luca Spallo, the powerful head of the Italian mafia in New York. Despite her intentions, she falls in love with him. Luca, who is accustomed to certainty and control, becomes suspicious of Alin's many secrets. He knows that uncertainty in his world can be deadly and vows to uncover the truth. As their worlds collide, Alin’s secret threatens to destroy everything, including their love.

The book weaves together elements of fantasy and mafia romance, promising a gripping read until the very end. Written in a dual POV that switches between Alin and Luca, it gives the reader an in depth look into both characters. This book was easy to read, witty, and so entertaining. Definitely one of the most unique books that I have ever read.

I enjoyed watching the relationships in the book unfold and seeing the characters grow. Cora and Alin's friendship is one that everyone wants. And I loved seeing the mafia men really soften for their ladies. Overall, highly recommend this book!

Rating : 4.5/5
Spice: 2/5

Tropes:
Mafia Romance
Forbidden Love
Secret Identity
Badass FMC
Alpha Male Hero
Touch Her and You Die
Fantasy Elements
Slow Burn Tension
Power Couple

Thank you Dor Friedman for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! Alin and Luca quickly became two of my favorite characters. The twist in Alin’s story had me literally gasping—I never saw it coming! Luca, as a morally gray mafia boss who’s completely obsessed with her, is such a fascinating character, and their dynamic kept me hooked from start to finish. I also loved how the book seamlessly blended mafia and fantasy elements. It’s not something you see often, and it gave the story such a fresh and unique feel-LOVE! I’m really hoping to see even more of the fantasy side in future books, and I’m so excited to continue this journey with these characters. Can’t wait to read more from this amazing author!

[PrettyBookish13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, and the storyline was impeccable. The fusion of fantasy and mafia romance was seamless and I really enjoyed it. I did struggle a bit with the writing but I believe that’s just due to the fact that English isn’t the author’s native language. I enjoyed the dynamic between Alin and Cora, as well as between Alin and Luca.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book was everything I wanted and more! Mafia romance with a fantasy twist? And mermaids? Sign me up! Seriously, I couldn't put it down, and I'm already dying for a second book. Five stars, absolutely recommend! Go now get it now! What are you waiting for 🧜‍♀️

[Booklover 2108 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book?? Completely took me by surprise in the best way possible. Huge thank you to Dor Friedman for sending me this ARC, I’m beyond grateful, and just so you know, my opinion is 100% honest, as always. From the very first pages, I was pulled into this intense, dangerous, emotional world that had me completely hooked. Mafia elements intertwined with fantasy? I didn’t know I needed that combo so badly, but here we are, and I can’t get enough of it.

Alin is the kind of character who sticks with you long after you finish the book. Mysterious, fierce, emotional, and undeniably powerful, she’s a character who slowly lets you into her world. Watching her struggle, fight, and survive is nothing short of captivating. She’s layered, complex, and her journey felt so real to me. It’s one of those stories where you can’t help but root for the protagonist every step of the way.

And then there’s Luca… wow. He’s dangerous, cold, possessive, and yet there’s this undeniable magnetic pull about him. He’s the kind of character that makes you want to scream into a pillow, because you’re just so frustrated but completely hooked at the same time. The tension between him and Alin?? Unreal. I could feel it crackling off the pages, and it was addictive. He has that "no one touches her" energy, and honestly, it works. You know exactly where you stand with him, and it’s both thrilling and terrifying.

I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say the plot twists hit HARD. Like, jaw-dropping, phone-thrown-across-the-room kind of shock. There are moments in this book where you think you know what’s coming, and then boom, everything changes. It’s one of those books that keeps you guessing until the very end, and I love that about it. It’s impossible to predict where the story will go next.

Also, side note: the vibes?? Cinematic. Addictive. Dark but magical. Honestly, reading this felt like I was watching a Netflix series unfold in my mind. The world-building is fantastic, and it’s so easy to lose yourself in the setting.

If you’re a fan of high stakes, secrets, slow-burn tension, and a romance that completely consumes you, this book is a must-read. It checks all the boxes. The combination of mafia dynamics and hidden powers creates a perfect storm of suspense and intensity, and the chemistry between the characters is off the charts.

Tropes you’ll love:
🔥Mafia Romance
✨ Hidden Powers
💘 Forbidden Love
🖤 Morally Grey Hero
⚔️ Strong, Mysterious FMC
☠️ Touch Her and You Die
🥀 Found Family
🌊 Fantasy Twist
❤️‍🔥 Undeniable Chemistry

I can’t recommend this one enough!

[DarkS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia and Mermaid Madness ✨

4.5 ⭐

Okay, hear me out: this book mixes fantasy, romance, and mafia/crime into one wild cocktail and somehow makes it taste delicious. 🍸

Alin completely stole the spotlight for me. She’s this insanely smart, powerful woman who can literally level the world if she wants to, but also gets hyped about the simplest human things like a kid at a candy shop. That contrast? Ugh, chef’s kiss. 👏 She’s strong, she’s badass, and she made me root for her on every page.

Then there’s Cora, who was pure bestie energy. I adored her arc with Mariano, marriage of convenience to happy-ever-after? SIGN ME UP. Honestly, I’d devour a whole spin-off just about those two.

And Luca … oh boy. Morally grey, obsessed, and 100% ready to burn the world down for Alin. Did I eat that up? Absolutely. But did he need to be put in his place? Also yes. 😂 Poor man was constantly fighting battles he didn’t even see coming, especially when Alin just… poof disappears again.

The romance-to-plot ratio was perfection. And the plot twists? My jaw is still somewhere on the floor. Every time I thought, “Okay, things are finally calming down,” the book said nope, here’s another bombshell. I love being kept on my toes like that,totally unpredictable, totally addictive.

This book had me hooked, gave me mafia, mermaid energy, and kept me flipping pages like a madwoman. Can’t wait to see what comes next in this world.

[Lust & Literary Trauma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're mine, Alin. I don't define relationships. I declare them. You belong to me."

💖 Luca & Alin 💖

Mermaids, Mafia Men, & Magic, oh my! What a great debut novel by Dor Friedman! This was a fun and unique blend of two very different worlds. One that exists below the sea and one that exists above the law. 

While I absolutely adored Alin and her badass mermaid princess self, Luca definitely is not the running to my newest book boyfriend. I know he's the oldest brother and a Capo, but like, dude take a chill pill, relax, maybe learn some patience, and definitely learn the definition of foreplay. But his brother Pedro? I cannot wait for his story cause I'm pretty sure he'll steal my heart. 

The relationship I really fell for her was the friendship between Cora & Alin. It was so pure and beautiful. Everyone needs a friendship like that. Cora was also my favorite character in general. I love my girls with big personalities..... and big booties. 

I low key think this book needed a better editor, but that's besides the point. With this being the author's debut novel, I can't wait to see what she can do as she builds this whimsical mixed world.

If you love mermaids and Mafia Men, this book needs to be added to your TBR. Enjoy!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes & Kinks:  
🔥Mafia Romance 
🔥Impatient Capo MMC
🔥Secret Mermaid FMC
🔥Found Family 
🔥Touch Her & Die 
🔥 Magical Realism 

"Your eyes could start wars."
"It seems they've already started."  

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia x mermaids!

The dedication😍: Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are. Be a villain, be the hero or be the damsel in distress. It’s your story – tell it with pride!

Dual POV 😍, mafia and mermaids (!), secret identity, slow burn, found family 😍, badass FMC, jealousy from both, they save each other, bit of forbidden love vibes, touch her and 💀

“Take my word, Alin, when I say something, it happens. There’s nothing in this world I want and can’t attain,”

Okay. So I read this in a day - couldn't stop! Do you love mafia romance but sometimes miss the magic? And maybe wish the FMC was a little more badass? This was a fun take on a mafia romance to add in fantasy with mermaids with awesome powers.

Luca is a controlling, possessive man who loses his mind when Alin is in danger. But I love that she pushes back and won't take his crap because she knows she can protect herself. A mafia guy having to come to grips with not being the most powerful was also interesting to see played out. I enjoyed the journey they took together towards letting each other in and then reaching the point of scheming together. 😍

I also love Alin and Cora's friendship and it made me happy they each had the other.

I'm ready for Sworn to Revenge which will feature another couple! 😍😍😍

[Liron Maor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “Sworn to my heart” is a crime fantasy novel and let me just tell you, I was hooked to this book.
Right from the beginning up to the very end of it I couldn't put it down for a second.
I loved every moment, every twist in the plot and every little or big success of each of the characters in the story.

This is the story of Alin and Luca.
Alin- a mermaid who dared to dream of true love,
Luca- the head of the Italian mafia in New York who thought he had seen everything,
They need to fight for their love, in the world above and under the water.

The writer Dor Friedman managed to combine the world of fantasy with the world of crime in such a special way with a witty and captivating approach in a sweeping romantic story full of special powers weapons and enemies.
Friedman allowed the readers to get to know two very different worlds at the perfect point so that you can feel every struggle and challenge of the heroes in the story and still maintained a "realism" that connects the readers more and more.
I’m so excited and I can't wait to see what her next book will bring.

[JoJoBeAnS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alin has a secret.. can she keep it or will it come out when she meets a handsome stranger who wants nothing more than to uncover everything she is hiding. Can the Mafia tame the Sea or will the Sea rise to the challenge?

Tropes:
* MF
* Found Family
* Mafia Romance
* Alpha Male MMC
*BadA FMC
*Touch her and D.

This book took me by surprise. The way Dor Friedman describes the characters it was so easy to picture them in my mind and enter the world that they live in. I loved how there was more than once romance in the book it made me want a book with some of the "side" character and i hope that is to come. Mafia is hard to get right and this was nailed perfectly with the possessiveness and the alpha male being the alpha male hehe. Then you throw in a twist of the Sea and mixing fantasy with a mafia romance oh my was it good! I recommend you read this book!

WRITING STYLE: 4/5

PLOT: 4/5

CHARACTERS: 5/5

SPICE: 3/5

Quotes

"Your cheeky mouth needs some discipline, but it seems your body knows exactly what it wants."

"...You're my Alin."

"No matter where we are, sea or land, you shine in every environment you're in."

[Mia Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
WHEN I TELL YOU MAFIA AND FANTASY MIXED TOGETHER THIS IS THAT BOOK.
Firstly I would love to thank my bestie Hannah for recommending this book to me because she knew I was going to love this book when she was telling me about and also the Dor Friedman as well for giving me the chance to read this beautiful masterpiece I absolutely fell inlove with this book I never knew how someone could mixed to of my favorite genre together like I was hooked from the whole story I’m going to need book two asap. This book had me blushing and smiling throughout the whole story I just knew I was going to love this book I’m literally rereading it later.

[Ritika · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story this was!! I've never read a book that combined mafia with romantasy, both my favorite tropes. It was a unique blend that I enjoyed a lot. Luca was the quintessential mob boss who was simply delicious! And Alin was this strong, badass FMC who I loved right off the bat. Their connection was palpable and I was rooting for them from the start. The world-building was amazing and the writing, even more so! I enjoyed myself immensely and would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new! ❤️

[briebriereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️
🧜‍♀️ mermaid x mafia
🧜‍♀️ found family
🧜‍♀️ touch her and 💀
🧜‍♀️dual pov

If you thought how the heck does a mermaid and mafia go together.. I’ll forgive you.

This book was a quick read. Simple to follow. It was told in a dual POV. It’s slightly spicy, jam packed with so much adventure, keeps you on your little toesies, and at the end you’ll find that you’ve somehow fallen in love with Luca. I know, a 🎢 of a book.

You get a cutesy little ending but this is just book one babes, on my way to book 2. 💨

[Sharnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the absolute most beautiful female friendship in it that makes you proud to be a female and wish that more people in the world are this kind and giving! The best way to describe it is think H20 mixed with Marfia (I don’t know if the show H20 was just an Australian thing sorry if it is) it’s my first ever fantasy mixed with Marfia and romance read and I can say it did not disappoint, can’t wait for the next one to release.

[Sponkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! It's definitely a unique twist on mafia and mermaids, and they mesh so well together in this story! This book will put you through all the feels. I love that the FMC was powerful but also vulnerable. The MMC going through the motions of falling in love while being a mafia boss. The side characters added so much to the story and honestly I'd love to have them as real life besties. The banter and twists will keep you hooked! I cannot wait to dive into book 2!

[Jaymee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!! This book I loved a lot! Going in I wasn’t sure what to expect, as this was my very first mafia romance, but I was hooked from the very first chapter! The chemistry and atmosphere throughout the whole book was just amazing! I loved the mix of fantasy/romance/mafia, it didn’t feel too overpowering for me which made it so easy to follow! I cannot wait to read more 🥹🫶🏼

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really unique mafia fantasy with a cool mix of the real world and magical elements. Alin is a strong, determined FMC who keeps you invested the whole way through. The romance has its swoon-worthy moments, and the world-building adds a unique twist to the story. It’s definitely an interesting read! Can’t wait to start Book 2!

[Skye Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw so many good reviews on this book, 4-5 stars of people saying how innovative and magical it was. To me it felt like a teenager had written it, problems jumping up and disappearing, hot and cold, black and white. It felt as if every mafia trope / content was smashed into this book with a sprinkle of mermaids.

And how many times does this book say “possessive caveman”. It kept me entertained, it was average, if I paid for this I’d be more harsh on my rating as I got both books in the series for free on kindle deals.

Is it worth it? No. Did I enjoy it, for the first two days then I got sick of the constant shifts/drama.

[Jenna Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I can't say much about this book (I don't want to spoil it for people. But please, please , please read this! I LOVED this book. I highly recommend it! Make sure you checkout her books 📚.

[Kathleen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this was so amazing it combined my favorites. mermaid and mafia all together i love the strength allin had and was protective of herself and showing that she can do anything herself till she met Luca and it changed loved how are mental
loved this book

[Aviel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book
The author make you feel inside the world she created
You cant stop falling in love with the fantasy