Welcome to “Malicious Vows,” the second book in the Heirs of Emerald Isle duet, which centres around the fall and rise of Beibhinn Devereux’s relationship with Cadden Connelly. This story occurs on the same timeline as Desecrated Reign (Book Three of the Kings of Killybegs series). Therefore, readers must engage with that trilogy first to avoid spoilers and to understand the workings of the Emerald Isle syndicate.
As always, my characters and I were born and raised in Ireland. Consequently, this book is written in English, native to me and my characters. Expect some differences in spelling and grammar, such as s instead of z, random u’s, double l’s, and the quirky sayings known as my Irishisms.
Shauna Mairèad writes dark, emotionally charged romance—where magnetic villains meet their match in fierce heroines, and darkness mingles irresistibly with humor. Born and bred in Dublin, Ireland, Shauna blends her distinctively Irish wit and irreverent style into stories filled with passion, intrigue, and a healthy dose of romantic chaos.
A self-confessed character tormentor and master of emotional whiplash, Shauna thrives on crafting messy, complex dynamics that feel as real as they are unhinged. She's drawn to morally grey love interests, vulnerable strength, and the kind of tension that smolders slow before it snaps. Her readers know to expect layered storytelling, raw vulnerability, and a touch of madness stitched into every page.
What a way to end a duet! I loved the appearances of Rohan and Soairse. But damn, Cadden and Beibhann had me in a bit of an emotional journey. I loved how strong Beibhann was as a FMC and the way she never broke even when times were tough. I really enjoy the subtle fairytale references and how Cadden fought for her. These two are so good for each other and there’s no doubt they love each other.
Hot, fiery and smoldering in more ways than imaginable, secret lovers turned flat out enemies explode with delicious tension in the conclusion in Shauna Mairead's Heirs of Emerald Isle duet, Malicious Vows.
Can the fine line between love and hate become a passion that lasts a lifetime for Beast and his Pretty Poison? Whether it's Cadden's controlled calm or Beibhinn's volitile chaos, you never know what you'll get with these two. The battle between them raged on as Beibhinn's pain and loss radiated from her like a flame while Cadden waited for the moment when he could reclaim his soulmate from her darkness. Was there any way to get back to how things were between them...before trust was stomped on and hope was destroyed?
Together or apart, their intense chemistry burned brightly, fueled by angst galore, but somehow they always circled back to each other. That love was always there- hard to find and keep while playing the dangerous games their fathers had planned for them. Working together and plotting their way forward where long awaited revenge and retribution would be so sweet.
"You're the only thing in this broken world worth losing the light for. My poison, my wife, my queen."
Shauna Mairead has a talent for irresistibly dark and twisty romance with a ton of steam and suspense. Her stories are complex and her characters can really get under your skin, but whether you love or hate them, they won't let you forget them. I still had some questions after that crazy-spectacular ending, but hoping there's more to fiery Beibhinn and her poetic king's story at some point, perhaps tangled up in another book yet to come in this wild and unstable world. Cadden is a old soul with such a beautiful, poetic heart- I definitely need more of him too!
What an ending to this duet. I'm sad that it's finished. Both Cadden and Bev deserved their HEA, but boy did they have to work so hard for it. I'm glad they sorted their shit out but you really couldn't deny their chemistry. They were always meant to be. I will say Bev had bigger balls than most men so I will always adore her. What a peotic ending for these two @shaunamairead_author
Wow amazing read! Beibhinn is sassy and fierce, wants to wreck Caddens world. Cadden still loves this woman and will stop at nothing to have her even if it means letting her go. Those parents of these two are conniving and well they reaped what they sowed with these two. There were some nice steamy scenes and twists you would not believe. Amazing book loved it!
Everytime a new book comes out in this series the story just gets better. The drama and 🌶️ is always right on point. You can't get enough! If you haven't read this series then you need to and you have to start with book one!
Ps. Shauna, we want Liam back 😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shauna Mairéad dives in where she left off in Malevolent Hearts for an emotional and complicated love story in Malicious Vows!
True love always finds a way and Shauna Mairéad proved that despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles her leads Cadden and Beibhinn faced in achieving their happily ever after. Sensitively and realistically examining coming to terms with actions that most would find unforgivable, this author made a strong case for this couple to be together.
Cadden Connelly heir to a rival mafia family wore the title of villain in spite of his contrary heroic inclinations. His love of Beibhinn Devereux took precedence showing time and time again that his love for her would always come first even at the cost of his own happiness. Beibhinn stood on her own in a man's world insisting on being an equal and never tolerating less than those she interacted with. This was a heroine who had the ability to be vulnerable but the power and confidence to show it and not allow it to be a weakness.
The dynamic between Cadden and Beibhinn was intense with a history of shared sorrow, betrayal and tragedy that kept them on the edge of doom and ultimate happiness. The back and forth between following their hearts and letting go of the past that held them back moved this story quickly. The pages vibrated with their physical and emotional intensity. There was a depth to this relationship that made readers think as this pair struggled with their consciences and morals.
Shauna Mairéad writes with a passion and sense of adventure that translates to her readers. Her exceptional sense of plotting and twists keeps her audience anticipating the endless possibilities of her stories' outcomes. Malicious Vows takes readers to the heart-racing conclusion of Shauna Mairéad's dark and tempting Heirs of the Emerald Isles duet for a story that will leave them eagerly awaiting the next book she has in store for them!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.* *Reading the previous book in this duet is necessary.*
Beibhinn & Cadden are next level soul mates and no one can ever convince me otherwise. They’ve gone through so much together no one but the two of them truly know who & what they are to each other. The intense unspoken connection between them is unmatched. Beibhinn is probably the most bada$$ FMC I’ve ever read (that’s saying a LOT) her calm demeanor in the face of absolute chaos, never showing an ounce of fear & girl can hold her own and then some when it comes to a fight. The intensity of her emotions is insane and you can feel them thru the pages. Cadden is so much more than what everyone thinks he is. He’s spent so long crafting this person he must be-the heir of Munster while still managing to hold on to who he really is. Nothing that these two go through is easy. So much betrayal. loss. & scheming, it’s enough to make you dizzy. It was amazing to see them get their HEA but getting there was no small feat but they did it with the power & the grace a true King & Queen should possess. The next generation is rising & they will claim victory no matter the cost. I will be forever grateful to Natalie Parker for guiding me to Shauna’s books because I have LOVED each & every one of her books. Her writing is incredible. She writes with such strong emotion you can FEEL it while reading. Seriously cannot wait for more of this incredible world she’s created because it can’t possibly ALL be over can it? PLEASE SAY NO. I NEED more of Killybegs! The Connacht, Munster, Leinster & Ulster sectors surely have a story or 7 in there (one can hope at least) Shauna you are incredible & I am in love with the way you weave your stories. I love when I can FEEL the emotions through the writing & girl you knocked that right out of the park!
Malicious Vows - Heirs Of Emerald Isle Book 2 ) You know that feeling you get when you’re just about to get on the craziest ride at the amusement park ? The feeling of being excited and anxious all at the sama time ? The butterflies in your stomach? The anticipation of what’s about to happen next ? Well that’s the only way I can describe how I felt while reading Malicious Vows . Because no words , absolutely no words can possibly describe the wild ride Shauna just took me on . Please know prior to going into this book - that this is the continuation of Cadden and Bevs love story - so you should without a doubt start with book. 1 . But oh was an epic ending , the whirlwind of emotions that went through me I certainly was not expecting. These two have not had it easy by any means . Our FMH Bev well I absolutely adored every single thing about her , because come on - what’s not to love about a strong and fierce kick@ss heroine who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants . And Cadden omg he truly has been through so much trauma, the demons and obstacles he deals with - to say he has been through hell is without a doubt a huge understatement. The love he has for Bev though is the kind of love we all wish for . The way he’s so protective of her is truly so beautiful. These two really are a force to be reckoned with together.
I am devastated that I have to leave these characters behind. Cadden and Beibhinn's relationship has had my heart breaking and healing and I am obsessed with them. Malicious Vows follows Malevolent Heart as we watch Cadden and Beibhinn struggle through grief in different contexts. As Bebihinn continues to mourn the loss of her brother Liam, she also mourns the loss of the love of the boy she loved most in the world. Cadden watches as the love that Beibhinn once had for him dies out. As they complete the second trial, Cadden promises to release her from their arranged marriage. Cadden fails in the task of releasing them from their arranged marriage, forcing them to work through their grief of losing Liam and their love for each other whilst also battling the current kings of the Irish mafia, so they can have the crowns promised to them. Lies and deceit follow from the kings, resulting in Cadden and Beibhinn taking on the syndicate together and finding their way back to each other.
I loved the duet so much and I love the ending. Beibhinn has to be one of my favourite female characters ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Holy punch to the gut and face, simultaneously! This book, series if I'm being real, has absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. Shauna's writing is next level, sucking you in and holding you hostage while she pulls you deeper into the world she built. I swear that my emotions were tied up with Bev and Cadden as if they were real people...that's how phenomenal this story is!
And...don't even get me started on what a fierce FMC Bev is...I just love everything about her. She dished out revenge and was fabulous doing it. Cadden....this MMC has been to hell and back, but his love has never wavered, he's the stuff book boyfriends are made of!
This is hands-down one of my all time favorite series (the first three books are a trilogy and the last two are Bev and Cadden's duet). Infinity stars, I can't recommend this enough, dive in and enjoy the ride!
Malicious Vows takes on another emotional journey between Beibhinn and Cadden. They are both dealing with the consequences of their actions but Beibhinn is having a harder time since she knows her actions were intentional. While they both try to heat each other Cadden know he never could because his love is greater and understands Beibhinn's action. Beibhinn thought she lost the boy she loved but she still gets glimpses of him and knows she can never hate him. Now honoring a contract, they are now married and ready to take their revenge on the ones who wronged them. The only question is can they move forward together as King and Queen or will their empire burn down?
“Beibhinn Devereux is a storm edging the horizon, seconds away from causing a surge that will take us all out.”
Malicious Vows is the perfect ending to Beibhinn and Cadden’s duet. I adore them. They had everything going against them: family, friends, they even got in their own way at times, preventing them from giving in to the love they knew was there. But when they finally did, it was epic!! We witness them fall even more in love and get revenge for all the wrongs and hurt they’ve endured.
“My father told me loving you’d be my weakness. Little did he know, me loving you would be his.”
I’m sad it’s over, but it was beautiful to watch them overcome all of it and join forces to right the wrongs and move forward towards a better future, not just for themselves but also for everyone on Emerald Isle.
“Time for the malevolent queen to bow for her malicious king.”
OMG talk about having your full attention right from the start. After the cliffhanger in the first book, Malevolent Hearts, I was waiting with bated breath for this book. Ms. Mairead works wonders with her words and storylines. She pulls you in, with the dynamic characters, the danger that she writes about and the twists and turns that she weaves into her stories. Just when you think you know who did it and why she throws you for a loop and leaves you shaking your head and saying WTF. Bev and Cadden's story is full of angst, hate, betrayal, secrets danger and love that can never die. They have had the world pulled out from under them but they find a way to fight back and to one another. This duet is a definite must-read.
Did we have to wait awhile to get the conclusion of this duet? Yes we did. Was it worth the wait? Absofuckinglutely!!
I completely devoured this book. And if I thought I loved Cadden before, this book made me love him even more. The chemistry between Cadden and Beibhinn is off the charts. I love how even when they were angry with each other and couldn’t stand to be around the other, they still couldn’t help but search the other one out. They were like magnets circling around each other until they figure their shit out. The angst was real in this book and had tears running down my face on more than one occasion.
I’m sad to be leaving this world but I love that Shauna left it open to be able to come back to at a later date. I can’t wait to see what she’s going to give us next.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ended with Cadden where Beibhinn left him.
Both have to finish their trials and it takes everything in Beibhinn to keep her cool and do as needed.
Cadden has a deep love for Beibhinn, so much that he is willing to let her go, but doesn’t want to.
The chemistry between the two is blazing. It’s also tragic in a way that there is an ocean of pain and secrets between them. Oh we get little tidbits of Rohan and Soarsie, which I loved seeing.
I highly recommend all of Shauna’s books. She pulls you into the Irish world she writes.
Story 4.5 ⭐️ Spice 4.5⭐️
I received an ARC and this is my honest and true review
This book is an emotional rollercoaster that completely consumed me. Beibhinn and Cadden’s story is a masterful blend of love, hate, and vengeance, set against the gritty backdrop of the Emerald Isle syndicate. Their arranged marriage, fueled by raw desire and simmering anger, evolves into a powerful partnership as they plot to dismantle the forces that tore them apart. Cadden’s unwavering loyalty and Beibhinn’s fierce strength make them unforgettable characters. Shauna’s writing is immersive, with heart-wrenching angst and spicy romance that kept me hooked. The Irish setting and quirks added charm, making the world feel alive. This finale left me satisfied. A must-read for fans of dark, passionate romances.
OMG!!! What an amazing finish to the duet, although I never wanted their story to end. I could read about Cadden and Beibhinn’s lives forever! They have quickly become my favorite characters over Saoirse and Rohan’s story and trust me I love them…although it makes me cry IYKYK! I didn’t think that would happen!!!! I’m still reading with a box of tissues at my side…darn you Shauna for making me cry so much. I’m still grieving Liam with B and Saoirse. It’s been how long? I’m not giving any plot away, but I’m going to say this one thing…all secrets eventually come to light because you can’t them hidden. Needless to say, I highly recommend and will be reading again and again (with my tissues) both series! I love the books.
Cadden you beautiful beast, with your poetic heart. Your love, loyalty and commitment are uncharted. The pain, suffering, and dedication for both you and B to get the vengence and revenge was much deserved.
Beibhinn you maleficent beauty, the pain and suffering you have indured from the beginning, girl you are a true Queen. Your strength and destruction to over come and make those pay for their crimes WOW.
This series has made me ugly cry, love, hate and smile. I hate to see this end (hopfully for a short time as I love the all the characters so much). Shauna you have done it again giving me all the feels, Thank you.
I have no words. None. The finish of this duet was better than I could have even imagined. There is intrique and mystery, revenge and debts settled. And so much more.
We’ve been waiting for Bev and Cadden’s finish since it was first teased in the Kings of Killybegs trilogy. I have not been disappointed by the storyline and was surprised at one of the biggest reveals.
You will need to at least read Malevolent Hearts before this one, but for total understanding, the KOK books should be read first.
I don't even know where you start. It took me way longer than normal to finish this book. It wasn't because the book was boring or not very good, it's totally opposite. I truly didn't want this world to end. I absolutely loved Cadden he my favorite male character from this series. That man loved hard even after everything that happened. Beibhinn is such a strong woman. The pull between is stronger in book 2 . It's so sad to see the end of the world, but who knows, we might get a glimpse back in a future date.
Man oh man, Shauna just has a way of sucking me into a story even when I’m still salty about book 2 of the last series. I love the drama and action of this world she’s created and her characters are so real that it breaks my heart when they suffer. B is such a strong character and has been from the first time you see her. I admire her bad@ssery and I still (kind of) want to be her when I grow up. The tension between the two MMCs is just perfection & the author gives the best kind of spice. I loved the way the duet ended but I’m so sad it’s over. I’m so attached to all of SM’s characters that it feels like losing friends. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Book two in the Emerald Isle Duet picks up right where Malevolent Hearts left off! And boy does it start with a bang a literal hot 🔥 one too…go Beihbenn we are NOT entertaining future husbands who may or may not have deleted our twin brother in 2025! All jokes aside, Beihbenn is a badass woman and definitely knows how to hold her own which I love! Cadden….my mans ugggh I was drooling over this book loving, romantic at heart, touch her and ☠️ Irish Mafia King from page 1. Will these two work out their differences and take their place as the first King/Queen of the syndicate for their generation? Or will they unalive each other first? Going to have to find out, but believe me it’ll be worth it🖤🖤🖤
Thank you to Shauna for once again letting me read another one of her books as an ARC. Shauna’s books are always written with so much passion, her descriptions are so full of feeling and everything is always well thought out. This book was no exception. It was so nice to read a book where the female is the hero of the story, and her partner happy to walk beside her and sometimes even behind her. Great read!!!!
Malicious Vows is a dark romance that will leave you breathless. With a kick-ass, resilient heroine and a story full of heartbreak and sizzling chemistry, it’s impossible to put down. The tension, betrayal, and passion are perfectly balanced, pulling you into a whirlwind of emotions. The ending of this duet ties everything together flawlessly, delivering both shock and satisfaction. A must-read for dark romance fans.
An amazing way for it to end. This is a perfect lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers story. The way Shauna Mairéad has written this world is that you keep coming back for more. There are so many twists and turns. Every emotion that the character feels you feel. Shauna has a way of tearing your heart but mending it back together ❤️
What an ending to this duet. I'm sad that it's finished. Both Cadden and Bev deserved their HEA, but boy did they have to work so hard for it. I'm glad they sorted their shit out but you really couldn't deny their chemistry. They were always meant to be. I will say Bev had bigger balls than most men so I will always adore her. What a peotic ending for these two @shaunamairead_author
This was the perfect whirlwind ending to this epic love Story between Cadden and Bev… everything was so intense from the pain, happiness, confusion, and the betrayal ! But the one thing nobody could ever take away from them was that undeniable soul deep love they can withstand anything that’s thrown their way!!! This couple has such a huge part of my heart!!!
“You’re the only thing in this broken world worth losing the light for.” This “finale” was everything and more, it wrapped up in such a beautiful way and paid homage to both this series and Kings of Killybegs. I hope in the future we get more of the syndicate, but Shauna, you did an amazing job ripping my heart out and putting it back together!
B and Cadden had their world turned upside down in book one. This is the aftermath of bith their actions. But there are alot of emotions wrapped up in this installment. The anger, hatred, sense of betrayal, but still that they have a love of each other, the fact that others played a part in their pain. But B is strong and can be just as ruthless as any man. It was worth the wait
This story broke my heart and then put it back together again. Beibhinn had to fight her way out of her own darkness and embrace the one person who she shouldn’t love but couldn’t stop loving. Cadden, never stopped loving the one person who hated him. Together their love was a tale as old as time!