Cruel Vows

by Ivy Davis

I was forced to marry the devil.
And he laughed the entire time.

Anton Volkov is evil.
Pure evil.
And now he’s my husband.
To gain peace for my family, I have to marry him.
Even though he was once an enemy.
Anton delights in people’s pain.
He frightens me.
He also makes me feel desire in a way I’ve never felt before.
I hate him.
But when bigger threats arise, Anton and I have no choice but to work together.
The question
Can I ever learn to love the devil?


Cruel Vows can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed happy ending and NO cliffhangers.

Genres: Dark Romance

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katya, a Bratva princess, never wanted marriage, but her fate was sealed when her brother struck a deal to marry her off to Anton—a wildcard whose chaotic reputation precedes him. Known for blowing things up and stirring trouble wherever he goes, Anton isn’t just Katya’s new husband; he’s her enemy. She only goes through with the marriage to protect her family and their partners, but she’s determined to keep her wits about her, especially after insulting his mother.

Anton saw the marriage as a way to broker peace between rival factions, but what he didn’t anticipate was how drawn he would become to Katya. Beneath her fieriness and strength, Katya brings Anton something he never thought he’d have—peace. And despite his unpredictable world, Katya can’t help but be intrigued by his chaos, finding herself feeling more alive than ever.

When a deal with Luca Moretti, the head of the Italian mob, puts Katya’s life in danger, Anton’s protective instincts kick in, and both realize their feelings run deeper than they expected. But in a world where alliances are fragile and betrayal is constant, they must build a foundation of trust if they’re to survive together.

This story is action-packed, steamy, and beautifully written, blending slow-burn romance with the high-stakes world of the Bratva. Katya and Anton’s fiery chemistry and fierce loyalty to each other will keep you turning the pages. If you love dark mafia romances with strong heroines, protective heroes, and plenty of twists, this one is not to be missed!

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Anton and Katya
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Length- novel
Heat-
Series? Y
Safety? No cheating, attempted SA and inappropriate contact
Other triggers- graphic violence, firearms, language, sex, mother-in-law from Hell.
Tropes- Forced/Arranged Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Uneasy Alliances, Rambo, Antihero, Surprise Wedding.
Mewsings:
The hero of this one is definitely an antihero; he was a bad guy through the rest of the series. But he has a certain je ne sais quoi. He’s a psycho, but he’s a hot psycho. His mind certainly doesn’t work along the same lines as most heroes (or even antiheroes) but there’s something irresistible about a man who would bathe the world in blood to save his woman.
If Katya was a Depression-era orphan, I’d call her plucky. As she isn’t, perhaps the best word for her is resilient. She is very good at making the best of her situation. I liked that she held on to her anger at her brother (add that to the list of reasons why I might be on the road to Hell). I’m glad she eventually forgave him, but I’m even more glad that he didn’t get off scot-free.
I enjoyed both the love story and the suspense portion of the plot. Together, it adds up to a compulsively readable book. There were a couple of TSTL moments, so I’m deducting half a star. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 because most sites lack scope.

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbeknown to her, Katya is given to Anton in an arranged marriage to keep the peace between him, Dimitri, Maxim, and Nik. Anton is a wildcard, where ever he is chaos ensues. Blowing things up, just for the hell of it, is his signature mark.

Katya goes through with the wedding to keep the others and their partners safe. She has to keep her wits about her to deal with someone like Anton, but will she ever have the upper hand? It's hard enough to enter a partnership with the unknown, but throwing in the mother-in-law from hell makes it even harder.

Even though it's hard for Katya, she finds herself drawn to Anton's craziness. It keeps her on her toes and makes her feel alive.

Anton realises Katya has become something more to him when a deal with Luca Moretti, the head of the Italian mob threatens her safety. Can he safely get out of the deal without his wife being harmed?

Anton and Katya are both learning they need a foundation of trust for their marriage to work. When that trust is there, their feelings for each other deepen. Katya will stand by her man even though the others don't like him. She sees 'him' through the craziness.

Anton finds that Katya brings him peace, she calms him. He likes her spirit, her fieriness. She is strong. smart, and capable.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th story in the Sins of the Bratva Series where Katya finds herself being told she’s to marry Anton the mad man who’s caused them all chaos and pain over the years. Anton is looking to work with Dimitri, Maxim and Nik and his plan to marry Katya will ensure no more bloodshed or blowing up things for fun. It’s interesting to see how Dimitri gets Katya to a church for her marriage and how she holds her head up and dies what’s expected of a mafia princess. Katya learns quickly that being married to Antonio is not fun and a bit scary so it great when she gets her legs under her and gives him a run for his money and control. When a new threat comes at Antonio he’s forced to play along to protect Katya but it goes down the wrong way several times then the guys end up taking it out on Anton. When they work together they stand a better chance at getting this new threat eliminated and protecting all their wives. Anton’s craziness will get him into trouble but what he does to counter is a mafia man taking his responsibilities seriously with a wife he loves! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cruel Vows”:A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance (Sins Of The Bratva,Book 4)
Katya Petrov, our MFC is a beautiful and innocent Bratva Princess. Twenty one, tall, blonde haired, blue eyed.
Anton Volkov, our MMC is tall, muscular, handsome and a bit of a sociopath.
Katya’s brother, Dimitri agrees to a deal (threat) with Anton for Katya in marriage. It was a shock for Katya, as one day she was single and the same day a marriage forced on her. She had never met Anton but knew of the dark history he had with each of her brothers, Bratva Bosses Dimitri, Nikolai and Maxim (prior books). She finally agreed to save her brother’s wives and friends Evie, Luna and Ava and willingly marry Anton.
This is Katya and Anton’s strange but sweet love story and all they go through for their happy ending.
This book has Bratva and Mob life, death, kidnappings, brutality, alliances and promises made, spiciness and so much more.👍🏻.

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

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a Bratva princess and a Bratva boss being married so there will be peace between the Bratva princess’s brother, his business partners and the Bratva boss. It takes a long while for the couple to get close to one another as well as to become intimate.
The couple faces many obstacles that try to tear them apart but they stick together and soon the two start trusting one another.
It all comes to a head when the Bratva business partners think that he has betrayed them but the Bratva princess has them change their minds and get them back together to tend to the business that has to be done.
After their business is taken care of the couple come together telling one another how they love one another. The couple is in love and happy making this a happily ever after ending.
This story has drama, suspense, intrigue, thrills, action and a steamy romance as well as it being a page turner as well as having superb characters amongst its pages.

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

[Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Vows is book #4 in the Sins of the Bratva series. This is the story of Katya and Anton.

As a Bratva Princess, Katya knew she would be forced to marry one day for political gain of her brother's mafia empire. As a means to ensure peace and the safety of the women in their lives, Katya's brother Dimitri and his partners Nikolai and Maxim make a deal with their enemy and a madman, Anton Volkov. To broker peace, Anton will marry Katya, regardless of what she wants.

As a true Bratva Princess, Katya does her duty and marries Anton with the goal to survive this marriage and maybe even like her husband eventually. As danger continues to plague Anton he must fight to keep Katya safe from his enemies. Alliances and relationships will be tested, can you learn to love someone who you used to hate and can you forgive the actions that put you in those circumstances?

[Vickie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Sins of the Bratva Series. Anton provides a lot of suspense with everyone not knowing what this ev!l man is going to do next. Their is anger, disappointment, unforgettable actions.

Katya is the sister of Dimitri a Bratva Don and is given to Anton Volkov as a bride and peace offering. Anton has been a menace to Dimitri, Maxim and Nikolai all partners. He agreed to behave in exchange for Katya and becoming a partner.

What does Anton do to Katya? Does he hold true to his word about leaving the shipments alone? About being good to Katya? What does his mother due to Katya? How does Katya behave? Do they develop any feelings? Friendship? Love? Tolerance? Does Katya change her way to keep safe? Will Katya be able to change Anton at all? So many questions that can only be answered by reading this book. So let's finish reading to find out!

[Cindy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemies to lovers mafia arranged marriage story. I loved the characters so much. Katya had no idea she was going to be married to Anton due to a business deal with him and her brother. Anton has the reputation for being a terrible person. He is also very dangerous. Katya is very much against the marriage but she decides to make it work since he is now her husband. Throughout the story Anton shows Katya a different side to him. He is very caring toward her and shows her she is protected by him.

This was my first story by this author and won't be my last. It was very enjoyable and full of action.

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

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great continuation of this series. The characters are made for each other, even though they fight like cats and dogs, and torment each other. Eventually they start to understand each other and their feelings start to change towards each other, and that in turns starts Anton to realize that his actions in the past carries into the future and is putting his relationship with Katya in jeopardy.
When danger comes calling and is centered basically on Katya to get to Anton. That is a mistake on the bad guys part, because when push comes to shove Katya proves that she is a Bratva Princess and not to mess with her. This makes Anton and the guys come together to protect their wives and their territory. This makes the guys come together and actually form a tighter partnership.

[Brenda A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misrepresentation

This book was not dark at all. Between the title the picture and the description I thought this was going to be an intense Mafia book. It was not. Anton the MMC was so lame he was a mama's boy. His Nemesis Luca was a much stronger character he kidnapped the MMC several times and Anton didn't do much of anything. She saved herself more than he saved her. There was not much spice and when there was it was really weird. The dialogue seem childish and the relationship between the main characters was not realistic. The writing and editing was good and it could have been a good story had it been done correctly. I did not enjoy this book I had to force myself to finish it. I would not recommend it.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katya never wanted to get married but knew that was what her future had planned for her, shes a bratva princess after all. What she couldn't have known was the deal her brother made was with their enemy Anton, a man who had been going after her brother and his alies, and seemingly wanted peace between them, oh and she's already insulted his mother! Anton wanted an in and marriage was the way forward, in getting Katya an aliance would be formed what he didn't predict was the feelings that would grow between them, but can Anton keep her safe in his chaotic world. Well written engaging steamy, slow burn, action and more

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a dark, arranged marriage romance, and Cruel Vows delivered on all the chaos, tension, and heat that comes with it. Anton is unhinged, unpredictable, and completely obsessed with Katya, and their dynamic kept me hooked. Katya is strong-willed and refuses to be just a pawn, which made their back-and-forth all the more intense.

That said, this wasn’t my favorite in the series. Some parts felt a little rushed, and I wanted more depth to their connection beyond the push and pull. But if you love a wild, enemies-to-lovers journey with a possessive antihero and a resilient heroine, this book still makes for a fast, entertaining read!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katya always knew she would be married off to someone because that is what the life of a mafia princess is all about, making alliances. She is tricked by her brother, Dimitri into believing that they are attending a party only to discover that she is being taken to her wedding. She is then horrified to find out her husband-to-be is none other than THE Anton Volkov, the erratic and dangerous man who has been causing havoc to her brother and his two partners for years. Because Katya is a "good" mafia girl, she decides that since she is now married to Anton, she will make this a real marriage.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton Volkov is an uncontrollable madman who loves to kill and blow things up. He's been a thorn in the side to the other Bratva men. Now he wants to join in an alliance with Dimitri, Nikolai, and Maxim. His only demand is to marry Dimitri's sister Katya. Forced into marriage, Katya decides to make the best of the situation. She finds that Anton is more than his reputation.

I really liked this Bratva romance. Katya is strong, brave, and determined to protect herself and her friends. Anton delights in Katya's bravado and her loyalty to her friends. Expect plenty of steam and an HEA.

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

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Katya and Anton's story is an enemies to lovers romance. She doesn't know that her brother, Dimitri, promised her to Anton in order to bring peace. He will go after all of the people she loves if she doesn't go through with the wedding. It's not the best way to start a marriage, but Katya decides to make the best of her situation, yet Anton gets mixed up with the Italian mafia who declares he will kill her and the storyline keeps you reading to the last page.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton wants to end the troubles with Dimitri, Nicolai and Maxim and john an alliance.
He would only agree if there Young sister married him and that leads up to a forced marriage for Katya.
Anton has a trouble keeping Katya safe, she gets kidnapped a few times but one way or another gets free.
Luca wants to break the alliance by pitting them against each other.
This is the forth book in the series and I think it's the best one.

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

[MrsL · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've met both the main characters in earlier books and they deserve each other. Anton Volkov is arrogant, self absorbed, and thinks he's better than everyone else. Katya Ivanov is arrogant, self absorbed, and thinks she's better than everyone else. A perfect match.
A marriage created from necessity to forge an alliance and broker some sort of peace.
As Anton and Katya get to know each other slowly, but surely, they come to understand that they're better together than apart.
As with all mafia books there are hurdles to overcome and enemies to defeat.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment in the Sins of the Bratva Series. Katya Petrov, the sister of Dimitri, is promised to Anton Volkov in an arranged marriage as a means to ensure peace between them and to guarantee the safety of the lives of the wives of Dimitri, Nikolai, and Maxim. The story is fantastic and I couldn't wait to see how it would end. I don't want to give anything away so I would definitely recommend reading this to see what happens. As always, I look forward to reading more from Ivy Davis.

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

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton Volkov is a monster. He enjoys making others miserable so he can grow in power. When the alliance he makes with Dimitri for peace, not everyone is on board. Including his now wife. Katya.
Katya knew she would be a pawn, but she did want a love match. Can she change him and learn to love Anton or will be remain the same person everyone hates?
Check those triggers, but be prepared for this amazing read!!.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katya is being told that she will have to marry Anton (the man who has been causing her family trouble). Anton wants to work with Maxim, Nik & Dimitri which is why this arranged marriage must take place. Anton is thinking this will be in name only and boy does he realize he’s got his hands full with Katya! He has no plans of having feelings for her, but you know how that goes.

When Katya is kidnapped, will Anton rush to save her or will Katya be left in the hands of the bad guys?

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

[GKP2460 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Vows is Katya and Antons chaotic story. This couple is one for the books so to speak. An arranged marriage between enemies always makes for an interesting read. Although Katya has always known that as a Bratva Princess that her marriage would be an arrangement to better the family, she never expected Anton. What better way to keep an eye on your enemy than to marry them right. This couple definitely goes through things to get to their HEA but when they finally make it fireworks explode!

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anton betrayed his best friend and boss, causing him a lasting scar, however now he wants peace and a partnership with him and his other tow partnetrs. To achieve this a marriage is set up. The Bride is not happy and he likes to play mind games. Can these two learn to trust again and keep the peace in the family.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST mafia romance series and book ever. I can say that Ivy is at the top of my list of great authors and when she writes a new book, I know that I have to read it because if not I am missing out on a really good read. Katya and Anton will have you on the edge of your couch while reading this very intense and romantic book. All I am going to say is if you don't have this series in your kindle already it should be in your TBR list for sure.

[Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading back on my review for the first book. It’s quite funny actually. I mentioned I wished/hoped for more on Anton. My wishes were answered by being able to read his story. I will say though, I HATED how Anton just went along with what his mother said or did. 🙄 He is a grown ass man and he couldn’t tell his old ass controlling mother that he didn’t want her living in his house. Ugh. But I did enjoy reading Anton’s and Katya’s story.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read with never a dull moment in this dark romance. Filled with action, bickering, hatred, trauma, tension, mystery, betrayal, and unexpected twists and turns. This is Anton and Katya’s complicated love/hate story.

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

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Challenge
Katya is given to Anton in marriage to foster peace for her brother and his partners. She doesn’t like being a pawn and decides to fight by resisting Anton. But the more time she’s with her insanely sexy husband the more she falls for him. And Anton knows she’s his even if she hasn’t figured it out yet.

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

Katya gets the short end of the stick when she is forced into an arranged marriage with Anton who takes great pleasure in others pain. Katya doesn't go down without a fight and the energy between her and Anton is off the chain. Will they find their rhythm and forge a path that leads them to happiness.

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

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. It was easy to get sucked into the story right from the beginning. The characters were well developed.

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

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to find anything likeable about Katya or Anton.
Already had a chance to get to know their characters somewhere from previous books.
America's convenience between true self serving people.

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