Graveyard Promises

by Kathleen Kelly

Graveyard Promises is part of the 31 Days of Trick or Treat Mafia Collaboration.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be joining 62 incredible authors for the 31 Days of Trick or Treat MC & Mafia Collaboration 2025!
Get ready for a month filled with gritty MC romance, deadly mafia love stories, and even a few paranormal surprises lurking in the shadows.
Each day in October 2025, you’ll discover TWO brand-new steamy and action-packed tales guaranteed to set your heart racing.
Whether you’re craving a dangerous love story or something with a supernatural edge, this collaboration will have it all.

Genres: Halloween

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Kathleen Kelly is a USA Today Best-Selling Author and an International Best-Selling Author.

Known for her fast-paced, spicy romance novels, Kathleen writes MC, Paranormal, Sports, and Band of Brothers Romance. When she’s not writing, she’s collecting handbags (they always fit!) and planning her next international trip.

Living in Toowoomba, Queensland, with her childhood sweetheart, SL, rescue cat Freya, and Eir, a Maine Coon with main-character energy, Kathleen values kindness, loyalty, and good stories.

Kathleen loves hearing from readers. If you have any questions about her novels or would like to ask Kathleen a question, she can be contacted via e-mail:
kathleenkellyauthor@gmail.com

AMAZON ➔ https://www.amazon.com/author/kellyk

FACEBOOK ➔ https://www.facebook.com/kathleenkell...

WEBSITE ➔ https://kathleenkellyauthor.com/

Reviews

[Cat1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the story begins. How Raphael and Sophia meet is very romantic. The storyline is perfect for October and Halloween. I think Graveyard Promises is a wonderful story that is wild and will keep you wanting more. Sophia is a strong and brave woman. She really makes the story stand out. Enjoy it today.

[Patricia Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk Beside Me

This little story was awesome. I love my Mafia books.

I loved the way that the characters played in this story. A combination of families is what was exactly needed for this couple. He wanted to have someone walk beside him while he ruled over his family. She was the obvious one to run her family because her brothers didn't want it. They both find themselves in a sticky situation and only working together can they survive.

Bravo Miss Kathleen, you have out done yourself with this Halloween story.

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat!!

What a treat! See what I did there? But honestly what a treat from this author!
Raphael and Sophie meet unexpectedly and sparks fly. The connection is sweet, hot and over quickly.
But imagine their surprise, when a year later it seems that fate is throwing them together. But someone does not like it!!
Oh my heart! These two! A great read!

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

They met on Halloween and fell into attraction, neither knowing who the other truly was. When they are thrown together again exactly one year later, Raphael still feels the pull and is happy that it’s still there. When Sophia meets Raphael again she is both happy and unsure, but is soon attracted to him even more than a year ago. Their fathers have devised a plan to merge the families together to stop fighting, that is for them to marry that night, this does not go down well, but both have been raised to do what their fathers said to do.
Sophia and Raphael are married and start their trip to the airport, when they are hijacked and almost killed in a cemetery, as they fight and run for their lives they make promises to each other if they survive. Sophia is hurt and Raphael loses his mind and goes hunting for the person who hurt her, he doesnt find that person, but is still looking.
They start their married life together in the hospital, while Sophia recovers, they then go on their belated honeymoon and admit to each other that they love each other. Their future while dangerous is still filled with love, and promise.

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting Mafia/Mob love story, besides for the 2 Halloween parties nothing to do with Halloween!!
Needs a little bit of editing in the beginning (ages, names)
💀🎨 Isn’t her “The Day of the Dead ” painted on mask/skull supposed to be “pretty” not “spooky”? Cover picture wrong??
Oh and I find it hard to believe that the Russians just wait around in the cemetery for him to come back from the Hospital to continue the shootout 🙄
🧡Maria is definitely Ride or Die type of BFF🤘
FYI 😳 There is NO hot, yummy Sexcapades 🙁

FYI: 🎃😈🎃 31 Days of Trick or Treat: Biker & Mobster (41 books… maybe more) 🎃😈🎃
🔹Devil's Haunting (01oct25) by Ember Davis
🔸Graveyard Promises(01oct25)by Kathleen Kelly
🔹Monster's Madhouse (Toxic Monsters MC): MFM Romance (02oct25) by K.L. Ramsey
🔸Halloween Hit (03oct25) by Heather Dahlgren
🔹The Devil's Masked Corruption (04oct25) by JL Quincy
🔸Twist's Raven (04oct25) by Nat Logan
👻Biker Boo (05oct25) by Morgan Jane Mitchell
🔸Bloody Jack's Treat (06oct25) by Marteeka Karland
🔹Trick or Threat (06oct25) by D Williams
🔸Devil's Embrace (09oct25) by Harley Wylde
🔹Haunting the Shadow Man (10oct25) by Andi Lynn
🔸Spooked (11oct25) by Manda Mellett
🧟‍♂️ Zombie's Howl-O-Ween (12oct25) by Naomi Porter
🔸A Witch’s Spell Ride (13oct25) by Claire Shaw
🔹Raiding Halloween (14oct25) by Darlene Tallman
🔸Slay Tricksters and Silent Skeletons (15oct25) by T.O. Smith
🔹Haunted by the Storm: A Fury Vipers MC Romance (16oct25) by Brooke Summers
🪦The Reaper’s Vow (16oct25) by Avelyn Paige
🔹Dima's Vision (17oct25) by Cleo Browne
🔸Reaper's Ride: Graven Bastards MC (17oct25) by Nikki Landis
🔹 Samhain Savior (18oct25) by Dove Cavanaugh King
🌟Witch Upon a Star (19oct25) by Elise Gedicke
🔹Cursed Encounter (19oct25) by Eve R. Hart
🔸 Outlawed Treat (20oct25) by Erin Osborne
🔹War's Witch (21oct25) by Amy Davies
🔸Wicked Vows (21oct25) by Glenna Maynard
🥀Roses Are Dead: Skilletsville Destroyers MC Book 3 (22oct25) by Calia Wilde
🔸The Madman's Nightmare (22oct25) by H.J. Marshall
🔹His Wicked Spell (23oct25) by Sammie Lyra
🔸Runt's Haunted Ride (23oct25) by Jasmine Grant
🔹Point of Infinity (24oct25) by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
🎃 Echoes of Nevermore(25oct25) by Chelle C. Craze
🔹 Haunting Phantom (27oct25) by Quinn Ryder
🔸 Hunting Savage (27oct25) by Elle Boon
🔹 Haunted Nights & Savage Sins: An O'Sullivan Sins Novel (28oct25) by Rae B. Lake
☠️Blood, Bones, and The Bratva Bogeyman (29oct25) by Lynne Leslie
🔹 The Devil's Den: A Why Choose Motorcycle Romance (30oct25) by Cala Riley
🔸The Bratva Beast's Boo (30oct25) by Layne Daniels
🐺Claimed by Werewolf (31oct25) by Winter Travers
🔸Bloodmoon Hit (31oct25) by E.C. Land
🔹Traitor or Treat: A Morelli Family Novella (22nov25) by Annelise Reynolds

[Bex’s reading corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was way too short for me. I know it’s meant to be that way being part of the 31 days thing., but there are so much action and so much more. I wanted to know. Hoping I find out in another book.!

[Bonnie Mancuso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read from Kathleen Kelly. When Sophia and Raphael first meet on Halloween, there's a spark. One year later they meet again and are married to prevent a war between their two powerful families. Now they must fight side by side against an enemy no one saw coming making graveyard promises along the way.

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars—GRAVEYARD PROMISES by Kathleen Kelly is a contemporary, adult, dark, crime world, romance story, a part of the multi-authored 31 Days of Trick or Treat series. This is Raphael ‘The Reaper’ Costa, and Cartel Princess Sophia Chavez’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raphael and Sophia) GRAVEYARD PROMISES follows the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Approximately one year earlier, Raphael ‘The Reaper’ Costa met our story line heroine but had no idea as to her identity. Fast forward one year, at the Chavez’ annual Halloween party, Raphael will come face to face with the woman he has never forgot, and will quickly discover that our heroine is part of the Cartel merger, joining his family with the Chavez. Sophia struggles with the arranged marriage to Raphael The Reaper but when the Bratva take aim, our couple must work together to save the people they love.

The world building is fast and furious as our couple go from zero to sixty within a matter of hours. Raphael is determined to protect the woman to whom he is married but never expected to fall in love with our story line heroine. Someone is taking aim at the Chavez and Costa cartels, and our couple are caught in the direct line of fire, pawns in their fathers’s fight for control.

The relationship between Raphael and Sophia begins as an accidental meeting one year before but neither is aware of one another’s identity. The annual Chavez Halloween celebration will bring our couple together, and within minutes, discover they are to be married for the sake of power. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and sometimes questionable. We are introduced to Sophia’s father Hector Chavez, her brother Antonio, and her best friend Maria; Raphael’s brother Gabriel, and their father.

GRAVEYARD PROMISES is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and honor, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is edgy and dramatic; the romance is limited; the characters are desperate and determined. GRAVEYARD PROMISES ends on a HEA for now, there story line conflict has yet to be resolved.

copy supplied for review

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graveyard Promises is a part of the collaborated series 31 Days of Trick or Treat Bikers and Mobsters. It's an engaging, intense, dramatic arranged marriage story of Enforcer, Raphael "The Reaper" Costa and Cartel Princess, Sophia Chavez. These families have been enemies forever and now Raphael and Sophia are having to play nice. Wouldn't be so bad if they didn't hate each other. Graveyard Promises is a fantastic story with brilliant characters and a storyline that completely consumes you from the very beginning.
Sophia is fierce and she and Raphael fit perfectly.

"There’s no one I trust more with my heart—or my empire—than you.”

This is short, fast-paced, one sitting read that pulls you in quickly and keeps you glued to the pages all the way through.

“Graveyard promises,”
“We made them in blood and stone.
We’ll keep them—together.”

[PelicanFreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s had a thing for her for a year—since that one night… both were masked, no names were exchanged. Now, he learns who she is: the daughter of a rival crime boss. He’s also just learned that he’s expected to marry her…

“Together, the Costa and Chavez families will dominate. No one will challenge us. Our rule will be absolute.”

Obviously, things are about to get juicy…

“Tonight, every part of you is mine. In return, you will be safe … but you will obey. That is the balance.”

💚🪦💚🪦​​💚🪦


💚 Artist FMC.
🪦 Crime families.
💚 Set in Miami, FL.
🪦 Arranged/ forced marriage.
💚 Sizzing chemistry.
🪦 Vi0lence.
💚 He’s an assassin.
🪦 Action, danger.
💚 V!rg!n heroine.
🪦 Fresh starts.
💚 Comback.
🪦 Lasting bonds.


Overall:
I couldn’t put this down and I highly recommend giving it a try. It’d be amazing on audio too.
4.5 stars.

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense, fast-paced arranged marriage story between cartel rivals the Costa’s and Chavez.

Raphael “The Reaper” Costa and Sophia Chavez first met at a Halloween party that Sophia and her friend Maria snuck into without her family’s knowledge. She ran from him and he’d been pinning for her ever since. Imagine their shock when a year later the Costa’s are invited to the Chavez Halloween party as the families are enemies but it seems that their fathers have been planning an alliance and that they are to be married. Sparks fly as Sophia is angered at being used as a pawn, but hate soon turns to something deeper.

This story hooked me from the start with its drama and chemistry, it’s an addictive read and I finished it in one sitting.

[Cheryl G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graveyard Promises by Kathleen Kelly posted 10/7/25 5 stars
Raphael & Sophia

I have to admit I'm not usually a big Mafia fan--HOWEVER--this book may have changed my mind. As a Family Princess, she has responsibilities. The story is short but filled with emotions, great characters, heat, and surprises.

He has a well-known reputation. She may not have seen the man she is promised to, but she has heard the rep he carries.

Telling more would give too much away. Will her fiancé steal her thoughts of another? Read to find out. You will enjoy.

[MizFig · Rating 4 out of 5]

31 Days of Trick or Treat

Graveyard Promises by Kathleen Kelly was so good! Two powerful mafia families, a threat from the Russians and an arranged marriage!

A year ago she snuck out and had a night of fun with her friend. Meeting a masked man who made her want to forget who she was and just live for a moment.

He was never able to stop obsessing over her. A year later could it possibly be her again?

[Patricia Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced mafia romance packs a punch!
Raphael and Sophia's arranged Halloween marriage brings two rival families together, but danger is never far behind. loved how fierce, protective, and loyal they both were-they made a perfect pair. Their enemies-to-lovers chemistry, mixed with mafia politics, intrigue, and suspense, kept things exciting. Throw in Russians trying to kill the bride and groom at a cemetery, and you've got one unforgettable wedding!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just ok for me. I had a hard time getting into this one. Sophia and Raphael are pawns in their fathers' plans to unite their families. But what happens when there's a threat from someone else? That's kinda where the book picked up for me. I did like the two main characters, and I also liked Maria. I'm hoping there will be a book about her.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great quick read! Loved Raphael and Sophia. Who knew a chance meeting at a club would lead to an arranged marriage a year later. These two had some amazing chemistry right from the start. He wants her to lead the families beside him, which is not the traditional way. These two could definitely become a power couple.

[Natalie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

This book was a nice quick read. The female main character was very strong.

I didn't feel like reading another mafia book, but I thought I would give it a go, as this author does write amazing books. I am so glad I did. This book was not what I expected and it is a must read.

Hopefully we see more of these characters.

10/10. :).

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raphael and Sophia

An intensely captivating, deliciously seductive and intoxicating romance that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Raphael and Sophia are a perfect pair, they are both fierce, protective and loyal. This may have been a fast paced journey to go on with them but packed a big punch. I enjoyed every single moment of this addictive story.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was short but not so sweet, until the end.
I really liked the couple and plot, and as a nitty gritty reader I still finished the book feeling mostly satisfied despite the limited page count.
The only reason I wasn't completely is because I'm greedy and really enjoyed it.
I hope this isn't the only time this talented author brings these characters/this world out to play.

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raphael and Sophia

The union of these two families was a match made in heaven! It was clear that the couple was meant to be, with him seeking a partner to help him rule his family and her being the natural-born leader of hers. As they found themselves in a sticky situation, they discovered that teamwork - and a little bit of love - was the key to survival.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promises in Blood

A year ago Raphael met a woman who drew him.in and he became obsessed but had no idea who she was. Tonight he !earns she is to be his wife to unite his family to hers, Sophia. Sophia never thought her mystery man was Raphael the Reaper but now she has to marry and under threat of possible attack in this dark and dangerous tale.

[Corjohn118 · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent!

It’s “easy” to write a 400 page book filled with character development, storyline, intrigue and suspense. I think it’s harder to do in a short book. This did it all! Characters were so clear and well written, including secondary characters. Great storyline, intrigue and suspense. My first book by this author and I will def read more of her works! Loved it!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper & Sophia

These actually meet at a Halloween party, dressed up. They do not who eat her are. A year later another party. Meets again, going to get married and join both families together. This is a fast story to read.

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

This is a quick read and part of a Halloween series. I liked both main characters which is hard to accomplish in the number of pages in this book. I like how Sophia was naive in some ways and not in others.

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trick or Treat?!

This is the 2nd book I've read in the 31 days collaboration and it's Team Mobster. I hope this storyline continues from Kathleen Kelly & we get to see this mafia empire rule!

[dianna fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow!

This story is mafia hierarchy at its finest! Each page turn will want you to keep turning! You will learn the ends the outs and things you probably wouldn't want to know ! But love which may seem impossible in the chaos might just conquer all!

[Jodie Mihas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

An awesome quick read. Raphael and Sophia are perfect together. This Halloween story is so well written and very entertaining. Kathleen has given us another wonderful story, highly recommend 🖤❤️

[Sandra R. Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's the Rest?

Just a ir was getting juicy. It ends. Ninety-three pages are not enough to tell me where Raphael and Sophia end up. This couldn't be how this ends. Where is my epilogue or extended chapters? Don't get me wrong. I loved it. You have to give me more..

[Tree Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced

Halloween masks - you don’t know who your enemies are. Raphael and Sophia will keep you on your toes in this fast-paced short read. They are wed to join two families, but the Russians do not agree. And in the healing, love is found. 🧡🖤🧡

[La'Jacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Halloween read

Raphael and Sophia are perfect for each other because, all at the same time, they are defiant and disciplined in love with each other.

The Costa-Chavez empire will survive because they both are equal partners in everything!!!!