The Shadow King's Oath

The De Luca Empire #3

by Raven Reeves

Book Three Coming Soon (April 2025)

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2025

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Okay we have Elio and Victoria on two different ends she is out for revenge, and he just wants out of the life all together. His mother is creating chaotic and at every turn she leaves a trail that requires some form of clean up, justification or something. But also his heart tells him to protect his girl ensure her safety he can’t stay away from her if he tried but protecting her proves harder than either of them imagined throw in his past with the Falcone’s and boy you are on a ride add to that the magnetic pull that grows stronger where are they headed, will she get the revenge she is after, will he get the peace he seeks, will his mother continue her rain of terror, and are they meant to find any form of happiness along their journey?

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow King’s Oath by Raven Reeves is a gripping, emotionally charged installment in The De Luca Empire series that will leave you breathless. This third book takes everything you loved about the series—dark intensity, complex characters, and steamy passion—and cranks it up to eleven.

Victoria Galli and Elio De Luca are caught in a storm of their own making, as the fallout from the death of Don reverberates throughout New Haven. Victoria is unstoppable, driven by a need for revenge against the cunning Naomi Rodriguez, who isn’t as far gone as they thought. As the shadows of their past loom large, both Elio and Victoria find themselves pulled deeper into a deadly game of obsession, sacrifice, and vengeance.

Victoria’s fierce determination to protect the ones she loves and Elio’s deep devotion to her make this couple unforgettable. The way their chemistry crackles with both passion and tension is addictive—but it’s their shared darkness, the way they’re drawn together even when it feels like they’re being torn apart, that truly makes their story captivating. The stakes are high, the danger is real, and you can feel the weight of their choices in every decision they make.

Raven Reeves does an incredible job weaving a world full of corruption, family loyalty, and moral dilemmas. This is a story of love and sacrifice, where the line between right and wrong is blurred. I was hooked from the first page to the very last twist, and I need to know what happens next!

If you’re a fan of dark, passionate romances with a side of action and a whole lot of emotional stakes, The Shadow King’s Oath is a must-read. Be ready for a rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Raw, intense, and thrilling—a romance that will burn into your soul!.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow King’s Oath is an enemies to lovers Dark Mafia Romance. The Shadow King’s Oath is the third story in The De Luca Empire Series. This book is quite suspenseful and is most definitely a page turning mafia romance. The Shadow King’s Oath is phenomenally written, well balanced with action/romance and beautifully executed by Raven Reeves. Raven Reeves continues to show what an incredible author she is with each book that I have read by her thus far. The Shadow King’s Oath follows the story of Elio and Victoria. I LOVED getting to know both Elio and Victoria as well as witnessing their amazing story come to fruition throughout the book. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between Elio and Victoria is absolutely undeniably irresistible to the point where neither one of them could no longer ignore the feelings they have for one another. I felt sympathy for both Elio and Victoria especially for what happened between them towards the end of the book. Now I’m not going to reveal what happened because I don’t want to give out any spoilers. I would most definitely give this book as a recommendation for anyone who enjoys reading mafia romances.

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

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ 2.5🔥
I would have given this book a full 4 stars up until the end. Without giving too much away, there is a scene that is just ridiculous and too difficult to even imagine the possibility and practicality of it occurring in real life. However having said that, I enjoyed the book.
It is the third instalment of the series. It does not end on a cliffhanger, but it’s definitely not the last book.

Elio and Nica (Victoria) continue to be absolutely crazy about each other. They really are perfect together. This book’s dual POV is so well done. The way the author shares their inner most thoughts, feelings, worries, vulnerabilities and insights is *chef’s kiss*.

They are determined to finally end the war with the Falcone’s. But they have their own preference on how to go about that. Will they be able to work together or will this tear them apart?

It’s an intriguing story with plot twists and angst. Enjoy!

I received a free ARC of this book. This review is only my opinion.

[Tilda Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, The Shadow King’s Oath... wow. This book had me hooked and utterly confused—in the best way possible. It’s the third in the series, and just when I thought things couldn’t get more intense, they did.

Victoria (Nica) is neck-deep in mafia madness, and her relationship with Elio? Ugh, it's so toxic but so good. The twists were insane—especially Elio’s past. I needed a minute to process some of those revelations. Who’s the real villain here? Honestly, I still don’t know, and I love that.

There were a couple of rushed scenes, especially towards the end, and a small continuity error in chapter 4 that threw me off, but nothing major. Despite that, the dark themes, complex characters, and emotional rollercoaster were everything I wanted.

Five stars, maybe four and a half because of the ending, but who’s counting? I’m ready for book four... and slightly terrified!

[Jenifer Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment of the De Luca Empire series is an emotional spicy story.

Elio and Victoria are back in New Haven dealing with the aftermath of Elio's father's death. Victoria is focused on Naomi Rodriguez and getting revenge. They are lead to believe that Naomi has run away and gone into hiding but Victoria isn't so quick to believe that. Elio is determined to "go clean" and live a safer life with Victoria. In doing that he has to turn to family members whom he is estranged with. Secrets are revealed and betrayals will happen.

Throughout the book the romance/spice and ranger/plot twists the does not disappoint. Another amazing book by Raven Reeves.

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

[Rise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dark, intense, and addictive read. I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers tension and the chemistry between the characters. Their relationship was messy and complicated, but that made it even more interesting to follow.

The mafia setting brought plenty of danger, secrets, and drama, while the romance kept me hooked. There were definitely moments when I wanted to shake them both, but I couldn't stop reading because I needed to see how everything would play out.

Overall, a steamy, suspenseful read with plenty of tension, obsession, and drama. Definitely one for fans of dark mafia romance and morally gray characters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back in the DeLuca Empire series with the continuation of Elio and Victoria's story in book 3 The Shadow Kings Oath. The Shadow King seems to be getting hit from all angles in this one. No sooner does one thing get handled, more comes piling in. Elio and Victoria definitely have their hands full. There's no rest for the weary as these two fight battle after battle trying to get to a place in their lives where they're finally safe. This series continues to get better with each book this author brings.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was another great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. These characters were captivating and the sexual tension between them was absolutely 💯 hot. It was mind blowing of passion and romance and temptation with spicy of emotions and drama.
I definitely enjoyed and most definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced and exciting series. The characters are familiar now by book 3 and readers are invested in them. It makes much more sense to read the books in order as they all link together and add new layers to the action and plot lines.
I like the way the author writes and the way actions and characters interlink to add new dimensions to the plot and motives. I’m looking forward to reading more in the future.

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

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do these Two need a break probably do they need less drama less sexy time wait what nix that last one the chemistry between Elio and Nica dosen't need to go away maybe less death and destruction maybe a nice quite date night who am I kidding there battle with the Falconies is just getting started and there's one maybe unbelievable scene but it made for and interesting read.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow, this was a roller-coaster ride with twist and turns, action, suspense, dark romance, intense, betrayal, death, darkness, turmoil, Mafia, enemies to lovers, and so much more emotions throughout including love. This was the story of Elio and Victoria, and now I can't wait for the next book.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elio and Victoria's story will have you hooked! The darkness is rolling in, the dons missing, nica is on the warpath still and the future looks bleak, but can these two make it through together? Well written engaging ,dark themes desires drama action ajd more a great addition to the series.

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

[Mary Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intense book. I don’t usually read mafia themed books, but some time ago I read part 2 of this saga. When I got the ARC for this book I downloaded and read the prelude and part 1. I never have seen a couple with more enemies and twists and turns. Seems like they can’t ever catch a break. I hope the final book gives them some closure and good news.

[Alison Birks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the get go, it follows the DeLuca’s Victoria (Nika) and Elio they are still very much into each other this is dual POV and we learn about Elio’s past, they are determined to end the war with the Falcone’s. But will they be able to work together or will this tear them apart.

This is a dark themed book read trigger warnings

[Rae Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

thrilling, action packed mafia!

Wowwwww!! Yes!! This is an action packed mafia, with some hardcore love between Elio & Victoria (Nica) there’s suspense and action and drama and twists you don’t see coming! Now, I didn’t read the books before this one, so I’m coming in blind but leaving a happy camper! More than willing to go back and catch up on this timeline.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series continues with Elio and Victoria's story. She's out for vengeance and Elio wants out of the situation altogether but the further he tries situations bring him back into the brink of things with his chaotic mother. Will he be able to keep Victoria safe in her quest to go up against his mother.

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

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge and betrayal. Blood against blood. No one can be trusted. What happened to Loyalty? Nica and Elio sure can't seem to find it in anyone but each other. So many twists and turns it could be a good roller-coaster! Can not wait to see what happens now. Vinny?? Sera?? Jackson??

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for The Shadow King’s Oath by Raven Reeves

Dark mafia romance & enemies to lovers. Intense , great chemistry & storyline.

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

[Pam B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts out with Elio and Victoria having hot sex. Elio is in charge.

There is a lot of action, you will enjoy.

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

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book In this series and it is as good as the other two. I enjoyed this series. recommend this book.

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

[Sun Yim-Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Raven Reeves. It was darker than her previous work, but I enjoyed that element ;-)

[Ron Hajduk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, dark and smutty! Perfect evening read.

[Tina Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by a great one

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shadow king’s oath which was Elio and Victoria’s story. This was book three in the de Luca empire series. It was an intriguing read. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.