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Bound by Vows #2
Promised Vows
Nothing ruins a strategic arranged marriage faster than love…
Anna
I had absolutely zero interest in marrying a stranger.
Too bad I had no choice. My brother was more than willing to sacrifice my freedom to forge an alliance with the Kalantzis mafia family.
But the one thing I still have complete control over, the one thing I’ll never give my new husband, is my heart.
No matter how much his smoldering gaze makes me wonder if I should…
Ari
In my world, alliances make or break a family.
So, marrying the daughter of my rival was sensible. I never thought I’d feel anything for her.
But I do.
I’m obsessed with my new bride.
Now, our sensible alliance is anything but. Because I can’t afford to trust these emotions. Or her.
Not when both our lives are on the line…
Promised Vows is a no spice (kisses only), contemporary mafia romance with plenty of suspense and a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today and get ready to fall for Anna and Ari.
Author’s There is no spanking. None.
Anna
I had absolutely zero interest in marrying a stranger.
Too bad I had no choice. My brother was more than willing to sacrifice my freedom to forge an alliance with the Kalantzis mafia family.
But the one thing I still have complete control over, the one thing I’ll never give my new husband, is my heart.
No matter how much his smoldering gaze makes me wonder if I should…
Ari
In my world, alliances make or break a family.
So, marrying the daughter of my rival was sensible. I never thought I’d feel anything for her.
But I do.
I’m obsessed with my new bride.
Now, our sensible alliance is anything but. Because I can’t afford to trust these emotions. Or her.
Not when both our lives are on the line…
Promised Vows is a no spice (kisses only), contemporary mafia romance with plenty of suspense and a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today and get ready to fall for Anna and Ari.
Author’s There is no spanking. None.
360 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 22, 2024
"Steam billowed out of the small hole in the coffee lid. That thing was sixteen ounces of liquid napalm. I’d be waiting some time before I put it to my lips." ☕️
You know, Bree said she liked this better than the first, and I can see why. Though I might be biased, I think both are delightful. I highly recommend them.
I read this in a day. Same as the first. I don't normally pick up mafia or dark romance, but these were great reads. It's so well written. I will absolutely be reading the next when it comes out.
What to expect:
Action and violence.
Mystery.
Touch her and die.
Sassy FMC.
Arranged marriage.
Instalove.
🌶 Spice: Steamy kisses only.
⚔️ Violence: Yes.
💭 Language: Mild.
There are a few TW: If you want to know what it is, you can message me, and I'll tell you.
You know, Bree said she liked this better than the first, and I can see why. Though I might be biased, I think both are delightful. I highly recommend them.
I read this in a day. Same as the first. I don't normally pick up mafia or dark romance, but these were great reads. It's so well written. I will absolutely be reading the next when it comes out.
What to expect:
Action and violence.
Mystery.
Touch her and die.
Sassy FMC.
Arranged marriage.
Instalove.
🌶 Spice: Steamy kisses only.
⚔️ Violence: Yes.
💭 Language: Mild.
There are a few TW: If you want to know what it is, you can message me, and I'll tell you.
June 3, 2026
Okay MUCHHHHH better. Only an 8 year age gap this time😭😭💀
January 24, 2026
Oh my heart. Y’all. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be phenomenal! It had me feeling all the feels from the very beginning.
From the moment I started reading, I was transported back to Chicago, where I lived and breathed all things Anna and Ari. I couldn’t wait to watch their story unfold. And oh, what a story it was!
Both Anna and Ari are bound by duty. In their world, arranged marriages are nothing more than a business transaction. But the instant connection they felt when they first met sent any thoughts of business right out the window.
I absolutely adored Anna and Ari! They quickly became favorites of mine. I loved watching their relationship develop from duty, to friends, to something more. I loved the way they loved each other, respected each other, and showed up for each other. Their HEA was hard-fought, but oh, how it made my heart smile. Another heart-achingly beautiful story for a couple who is perfectly imperfect together.
Ms. Avalon has officially added herself to my auto-buy list. Her stories are unique and beautiful. They deal with hard things, yet they’re so well written that I have the hardest time putting her books down. To say that I’m invested would be an understatement. I can’t wait to see who she has planned to capture Thea’s heart. Whoever it is, I already love him!
I'm not going to lie, this casting was a bit hard for me. But it's also one of my favorites. Definitely in love with these two. What do you think?
Content: PG-13 - Steamy kisses, mild swearing, innuendo, abuse, violence, child trafficking and sexual assault (off page).
From the moment I started reading, I was transported back to Chicago, where I lived and breathed all things Anna and Ari. I couldn’t wait to watch their story unfold. And oh, what a story it was!
Both Anna and Ari are bound by duty. In their world, arranged marriages are nothing more than a business transaction. But the instant connection they felt when they first met sent any thoughts of business right out the window.
I absolutely adored Anna and Ari! They quickly became favorites of mine. I loved watching their relationship develop from duty, to friends, to something more. I loved the way they loved each other, respected each other, and showed up for each other. Their HEA was hard-fought, but oh, how it made my heart smile. Another heart-achingly beautiful story for a couple who is perfectly imperfect together.
Ms. Avalon has officially added herself to my auto-buy list. Her stories are unique and beautiful. They deal with hard things, yet they’re so well written that I have the hardest time putting her books down. To say that I’m invested would be an understatement. I can’t wait to see who she has planned to capture Thea’s heart. Whoever it is, I already love him!
I'm not going to lie, this casting was a bit hard for me. But it's also one of my favorites. Definitely in love with these two. What do you think?
Content: PG-13 - Steamy kisses, mild swearing, innuendo, abuse, violence, child trafficking and sexual assault (off page).
March 24, 2026
This second book was just as good as the first! And I’m a hard sell on that. I loved the flirting and the smooth talk that oozed out of Ari. I appreciated that their decisions throughout the book just felt like mature ones. Not the usual, why would you seriously do that? But there was still plenty of mafia action and swoony moments. While the ending and true bad guy was predictable, sometimes when we choose to escape reality, we need that guaranteed happily ever after.
June 22, 2025
I enjoyed this story. A bit more than the first book. I liked the romance and the story line. It kept me guessing and wondering who you could trust in the story.
This book does deal with tough topics of trafficking just so you're aware.
there was steamy kisses (nothing past that), violence and some mild language.
This book does deal with tough topics of trafficking just so you're aware.
there was steamy kisses (nothing past that), violence and some mild language.
September 23, 2024
please let there be more
I’m a bit addicted. I love these stories. Love the Kalantzis family. Seriously hoping for more. More family. More struggles and drama. More reformed bad boys.
I’m a bit addicted. I love these stories. Love the Kalantzis family. Seriously hoping for more. More family. More struggles and drama. More reformed bad boys.
September 9, 2024
Promised Vows by Jess Avalon (5 stars)
This is the second mafia romance by Kess Avalon and it has a lot of parallel timelines with the first book, which works just fine, but it’s better read in order. (It had been a while since I’d read the first book, so now I want to go back and read it again!)
Anna is a part time model and living on her own. She hasn’t had much luck with boyfriends sticking around and feels unwanted because her father left and her brother has changed so much that she feels she doesn’t know him anymore. Her brother calls her to his office and she is horrified to learn that she is expected to marry Ari (a total stranger and a son of another mafia family) in order to strengthen their families ties. She wants to marry for love, but has been trained from birth that family comes first.
There is a meet cute where she shares a taxi with Ari without knowing who he is and she flirts outrageously with him, but when she officially meets him she’s angry and snarky in an attempt to scare him off. (Needless to say, it doesn’t work.) Both of them are extremely attracted to one another.
Ari has volunteered to marry Anna, even though he doesn’t know her. He arranges the shared cab ride to get an idea of what she’s like. He, too, wants to marry for love, but family is first for him. He enjoys Anna’s spitfire attitude.
Theirs is a sweet romance with trust and intimacy growing as they start to tell one another their stories.
It’s a romance that is thoughtful and caring, but interspersed with grisly torture scenes and abductions.
It kept me riveted and entertained. The romance is intense and steamy, yet clean.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
This is the second mafia romance by Kess Avalon and it has a lot of parallel timelines with the first book, which works just fine, but it’s better read in order. (It had been a while since I’d read the first book, so now I want to go back and read it again!)
Anna is a part time model and living on her own. She hasn’t had much luck with boyfriends sticking around and feels unwanted because her father left and her brother has changed so much that she feels she doesn’t know him anymore. Her brother calls her to his office and she is horrified to learn that she is expected to marry Ari (a total stranger and a son of another mafia family) in order to strengthen their families ties. She wants to marry for love, but has been trained from birth that family comes first.
There is a meet cute where she shares a taxi with Ari without knowing who he is and she flirts outrageously with him, but when she officially meets him she’s angry and snarky in an attempt to scare him off. (Needless to say, it doesn’t work.) Both of them are extremely attracted to one another.
Ari has volunteered to marry Anna, even though he doesn’t know her. He arranges the shared cab ride to get an idea of what she’s like. He, too, wants to marry for love, but family is first for him. He enjoys Anna’s spitfire attitude.
Theirs is a sweet romance with trust and intimacy growing as they start to tell one another their stories.
It’s a romance that is thoughtful and caring, but interspersed with grisly torture scenes and abductions.
It kept me riveted and entertained. The romance is intense and steamy, yet clean.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
May 22, 2026
✨Book Review✨
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Recommended Age: 17+ (because of the content)
Series: Bound by Vows #2
This is the second book in the Bound by Vows series. It did not disappoint. I liked Lucas, but Ari was in his own level of special.
Oh my goodness! Ari is such a sweetheart!! I loved his character in Desperate Vows! There was something about him being Lucas’ second that was so attractive, but seeing him protect Anna even when she could not see reason was even more so. His protectiveness or being extra cautious and keeping an eye on her is what I am here for. They have an arranged marriage, but Ari really stepped up to the plate.
If you want mafia romance with suspense and sass, Promised Vows is the book for you.
You’ll find:
🩷Arranged Marriage
🩷Mafia
🩷Secrets from the Past
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Protective MMC
🩷Morally Gray MMC
🩷Found Family
POV: Dual POV, first person, past tense
Door: Closed door 🚪
Intimacy level according to Closed Door Romance: Level 3 (mention of tongue)
Swearing chart according to Closed Door Romance: Mild
Trigger Warnings: tr@ff!cking (mentioned), k!dn@pping, v!olence, murd€r (not graphic), t0rtur€ (on page)
**Disclaimer: I voluntarily read this book. All opinions are my own.**
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Recommended Age: 17+ (because of the content)
Series: Bound by Vows #2
This is the second book in the Bound by Vows series. It did not disappoint. I liked Lucas, but Ari was in his own level of special.
Oh my goodness! Ari is such a sweetheart!! I loved his character in Desperate Vows! There was something about him being Lucas’ second that was so attractive, but seeing him protect Anna even when she could not see reason was even more so. His protectiveness or being extra cautious and keeping an eye on her is what I am here for. They have an arranged marriage, but Ari really stepped up to the plate.
If you want mafia romance with suspense and sass, Promised Vows is the book for you.
You’ll find:
🩷Arranged Marriage
🩷Mafia
🩷Secrets from the Past
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Protective MMC
🩷Morally Gray MMC
🩷Found Family
POV: Dual POV, first person, past tense
Door: Closed door 🚪
Intimacy level according to Closed Door Romance: Level 3 (mention of tongue)
Swearing chart according to Closed Door Romance: Mild
Trigger Warnings: tr@ff!cking (mentioned), k!dn@pping, v!olence, murd€r (not graphic), t0rtur€ (on page)
**Disclaimer: I voluntarily read this book. All opinions are my own.**
January 30, 2026
⭐️3
I liked the characters in this book slightly more than the first one, but the first 50% of the story was basically the last 50% of book one, just retold from this book’s characters POVs. And because of that it felt slow and repetitive.
The plot does get better in the second half which helped a bit.
Anna was sassy and stubborn which I liked, but there was something about her that stopped me from fully liking her I can’t really put my finger on it Idk why.
I liked Ari... His flirty side was fun, very husband material, and his other side (dark mafia side) was... interesting??
He’d do anything for his family, and I really mean anything.
(This man literally used acid to make someone talk and then put a bullet between his eyes… yeah. Crazy.)
My favorite part in this is their relationship and banter...so cute and healthy from the very start to the very end.
+The story still keeps you guessing who to trust even if it gets confusing at times.
So not "good" more than "interesting" for me.
I liked the characters in this book slightly more than the first one, but the first 50% of the story was basically the last 50% of book one, just retold from this book’s characters POVs. And because of that it felt slow and repetitive.
The plot does get better in the second half which helped a bit.
Anna was sassy and stubborn which I liked, but there was something about her that stopped me from fully liking her I can’t really put my finger on it Idk why.
I liked Ari... His flirty side was fun, very husband material, and his other side (dark mafia side) was... interesting??
He’d do anything for his family, and I really mean anything.
(This man literally used acid to make someone talk and then put a bullet between his eyes… yeah. Crazy.)
My favorite part in this is their relationship and banter...so cute and healthy from the very start to the very end.
+The story still keeps you guessing who to trust even if it gets confusing at times.
So not "good" more than "interesting" for me.
March 15, 2025
Another great book! This one was definitely more gruesome but absolutely worth it for the storyline.
I did find that Anna and Ari's relationship was initially due to lust but with their hardships became true love. But it felt more genuine compared to the last book.
I loved that they had trust in each other especially with the fact that Anna was meeting her dad without telling Ari.
There's more I love but I don't want to spoil the plot.
Again like the last book, I found it a little bit hard to follow but I managed in the end. The beginning drags a little bit but it's great pacing for the end when the action happens. If you've read the first book (which imo, you kind of have to, to understand the plot), there are word for word repeated chapters just in Ari's/Anna's perspective.
PLEASE LET THERE BE MORE BOOKS, MARCO AIN'T DEAD YET!!! Oh and I hope Jason gets to be happy too
I did find that Anna and Ari's relationship was initially due to lust but with their hardships became true love. But it felt more genuine compared to the last book.
I loved that they had trust in each other especially with the fact that Anna was meeting her dad without telling Ari.
There's more I love but I don't want to spoil the plot.
Again like the last book, I found it a little bit hard to follow but I managed in the end. The beginning drags a little bit but it's great pacing for the end when the action happens. If you've read the first book (which imo, you kind of have to, to understand the plot), there are word for word repeated chapters just in Ari's/Anna's perspective.
PLEASE LET THERE BE MORE BOOKS, MARCO AIN'T DEAD YET!!! Oh and I hope Jason gets to be happy too
September 10, 2024
Utterly captivating! Love it as much as the first book! It is seriously non stop action and it was impossible to put down. Stayed up til 3 am reading this one. I like the layers of complexity Ari and Anna both have and how they both acknowledge the major attraction they have for one another. But that’s not enough to make it work! (No worries there is a HEA) It’s impressive how she’s able to keep this story clean with the dark subject and still have it feel believable.
Warning: there is some written violence in this with mild descriptions of torture. Also this does reference human trafficking as well. You could probably skim over those parts if you feel strongly about it and have a lovely semi dark story sparking with chemistry!
Warning: there is some written violence in this with mild descriptions of torture. Also this does reference human trafficking as well. You could probably skim over those parts if you feel strongly about it and have a lovely semi dark story sparking with chemistry!
September 6, 2024
Promised Vows is the second book in this series, after Desperate Vows. You should definitely read them in order for everything to make sense and not have spoilers. I thought this was a great next book in the series and really loved the arranged marriage turned real love trope. Be prepared this is a mafia book, there is violence. It is violence against really bad men, but it is on page. It’s not an overwhelming about of violence, but definitely some heartbreaking realities talked about throughout the book. That being said, I really enjoyed the book! If you enjoy stories such as Daredevil, I think you will really love this series. If you’re looking for a light fluffy read, pass this one up.
March 8, 2026
Rating/Recommend:
4⭐️• kisses only • Definitely recommend!
My Thoughts:
I loooooved Ari. He was such a smooth talker but also had that mysterious mafia man vibe going. I loved him with Anna. Anna was great. She was feisty and very real. I loved their growth together. I enjoyed this book more than book one. I can’t wait to continue the series.
If you’re looking for a no spice mafia romance I definitely recommend.
Tropes:
- forced marraige
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- possessive/protective MMC
- age gap
CW:
- language: minimal language
- spice: kisses only
- mentions of human trafficking, abduction, murder, torture, drugs and alcohol.
4⭐️• kisses only • Definitely recommend!
My Thoughts:
I loooooved Ari. He was such a smooth talker but also had that mysterious mafia man vibe going. I loved him with Anna. Anna was great. She was feisty and very real. I loved their growth together. I enjoyed this book more than book one. I can’t wait to continue the series.
If you’re looking for a no spice mafia romance I definitely recommend.
Tropes:
- forced marraige
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- possessive/protective MMC
- age gap
CW:
- language: minimal language
- spice: kisses only
- mentions of human trafficking, abduction, murder, torture, drugs and alcohol.
Read
May 1, 2026Wish I had been warned that this contains not just reference to but actual scenes of brutal torture. Wasn't expecting that in a clean dark romance. So the romance element was like a mild pg-13 and if I recall correctly there's no language, but the violence was definitely an emphatic R. Or beyond? Anyway now maybe someone else will be forewarned. I normally think violence doesn't particularly bother me, but this showed me I was wrong. Torture apparently gives my empathetic self the ick. Who knew?
August 20, 2024
This second book in the series Bound by Vows manages to pull off a morally gray mafia romance while still staying firmly in the no spice category. There is still plenty of heat and kisses and swoon worthy parts. Anna and Ari are moving toward an arranged marriage that is supposed to take place within a month of when they first meet. This is the second of the series and I would recommend reading the first book for a better experience and understanding of the characters involved.
September 13, 2024
intense
I didn’t think the author could follow up the first book in the series with another mafia romance of the same caliber but she did! Once I started I had a difficult time putting the book down. Darkly intense, with flawed and morally grey characters who redeem themselves through taking down the worst mobsters. These guys love fiercely and will protect their families regardless of the outcome.
I didn’t think the author could follow up the first book in the series with another mafia romance of the same caliber but she did! Once I started I had a difficult time putting the book down. Darkly intense, with flawed and morally grey characters who redeem themselves through taking down the worst mobsters. These guys love fiercely and will protect their families regardless of the outcome.
January 11, 2025
Wow!
This book was just as good as Desperate Vows!! I loved the dynamic between Anna and Ari. I loved how feisty she was but just couldn't resist his smooth words! His adoration for her was swoon-worthy. I hope there is a 3rd book! I'm positive that open door readers will enjoy the book, even though it is closed door.
- Touch HIM and die
- Arranged marriage
TW: R*pe and Tr*fficking
This book was just as good as Desperate Vows!! I loved the dynamic between Anna and Ari. I loved how feisty she was but just couldn't resist his smooth words! His adoration for her was swoon-worthy. I hope there is a 3rd book! I'm positive that open door readers will enjoy the book, even though it is closed door.
- Touch HIM and die
- Arranged marriage
TW: R*pe and Tr*fficking
December 17, 2025
This was so good! The author has a way of creating a world without drowning the reader in descriptions. There are many characters at play, but the writing makes it easy to keep track of. I loved this one! The drama,the passion, the suspense...10 out of 10. Every bit as good as the first book! This works as a standalone, but so much better if you read the first book, which by the way, is great too! I'd give this one a pg-13 rating for mob related activities. Thanks for the early read Kess!
September 29, 2024
Loved it!
Promised Vows was a fantastic book! I was drawn in from the first page and couldn't stop reading. Although this is quite a bit grittier than Bree's other books, I loved it just as much. The chemistry between Ari & Anna, and those hot kisses? Yes, please. I can't wait for more books in the series! Loved it!
Promised Vows was a fantastic book! I was drawn in from the first page and couldn't stop reading. Although this is quite a bit grittier than Bree's other books, I loved it just as much. The chemistry between Ari & Anna, and those hot kisses? Yes, please. I can't wait for more books in the series! Loved it!
August 29, 2025
This is my first introduction to Kess/ Bree’s writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story/ series. The main characters were complex but likeable. You get your happy ending plus an opening for further development of the story with the next books in line. A clean mafia romance, loved it! We need more for those who do not want smut in their books! These books also highlight the horrors of trafficking and abuse, so be mindful of that. Ari and Anna’s relationship development was fun to read.
February 21, 2025
Why do I have to wait for the next??? It was so scrumptious and perfect and the plot was fantastic. Ari is a wonderful man and I will die alone because my standards have risen way to high because of him
May 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Ari and Anna's angst, intensity, and chemistry were off the charts!
And I never knew who to trust until the very end. "Just one more page" Kind of book, that you can't put down. I read this one in just 2 days and 3 sittings, highly recommend.
And I never knew who to trust until the very end. "Just one more page" Kind of book, that you can't put down. I read this one in just 2 days and 3 sittings, highly recommend.
December 6, 2025
These books are GREAT. I love a good mafia story, but I don’t like some of the content. This series out the explicit stuff, but still craft an amazing story that’s captivating from the first page. Seriously, they are amazing! I’m already sad that there aren’t more! On to book three!
December 25, 2025
I am so obsessed with this series. Anna and Ari were wonderful and I loved their story and couldn’t put it down. This one kept me at the edge of my seat and I enjoyed the twists and turns. This couple was so meant to be and I adored their chemistry and banter. Five stars
January 13, 2026
Ari and Anna, the banter between the two was great! Ari is a smooth talker and has all the right answers. Anna is fiercely independent with a quick tongue. Morally grey MMC.
No Spice 🫑
No Foul Language 🫢
No Spice 🫑
No Foul Language 🫢
January 20, 2026
I actually really loved Ari and Anna! Something about the deep soul of Ari being so good made him and Anna together so loveable.
This book also gave a little peak into book 4 with Jason and Cora. I can't wait to keep reading!
This book also gave a little peak into book 4 with Jason and Cora. I can't wait to keep reading!
September 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
😮💨
😮💨
January 1, 2025
Romance and Intrigue
I love the intrigue and suspense that comes with Mafia romance but not the VERY descriptive love scenes. Bree/Kess hits the mark perfectly between the two!
I love the intrigue and suspense that comes with Mafia romance but not the VERY descriptive love scenes. Bree/Kess hits the mark perfectly between the two!
January 5, 2025
Too much repeat from book 1
I really liked the first book in the series. But this one was very slow, pretty boring, and too much repeated word for word from the first book. DNF.
I really liked the first book in the series. But this one was very slow, pretty boring, and too much repeated word for word from the first book. DNF.
January 21, 2025
Since the start of this book happened in the middle of the last book, the start felt repetitive. Plot got a bit better in the last half. I struggled to like Anna.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews