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Sacred Vows #2
The Butcher's Wife
My new husband hates me.
Even a wicked man fears Dom the Butcher, named for the way he’ll carve flesh from bone with only a whispered command from his sinister Don.
To me, he’s just Dom, the captivating older man who’s always protected my sister and me from the worst of our vicious world. Now, he’s the man I’ve forced into marriage to avoid a violent end.
But my desperate plan seems destined to fail when Dom barely acknowledges my existence in his lonely penthouse. He refuses to touch me, claiming his hands are too stained with blood for a sweet, innocent Mafia princess like me.
But I’ve never been sweet. And I haven’t been innocent in years.
That girl he thinks I am? She’s dead. I’m her second-rate twin sister who’s taken her place, hiding in plain sight while my enemies close in, craving revenge.
With death and ruin haunting me at every corner, I’m running out of time to crack Dom’s resolve.
Soon he’ll be asked to make an impossible choice between loyalty to his Don and love for his wife.
And I'm determined to bring the Butcher to his knees.
My husband will love me.
The Butcher’s Wife is the second book of the Sacred Vows series but can be read as a standalone with a traditional HEA. It contains dark themes, morally grey characters, graphic violence, and explicit spice. Full triggers are listed on the author’s website.
Even a wicked man fears Dom the Butcher, named for the way he’ll carve flesh from bone with only a whispered command from his sinister Don.
To me, he’s just Dom, the captivating older man who’s always protected my sister and me from the worst of our vicious world. Now, he’s the man I’ve forced into marriage to avoid a violent end.
But my desperate plan seems destined to fail when Dom barely acknowledges my existence in his lonely penthouse. He refuses to touch me, claiming his hands are too stained with blood for a sweet, innocent Mafia princess like me.
But I’ve never been sweet. And I haven’t been innocent in years.
That girl he thinks I am? She’s dead. I’m her second-rate twin sister who’s taken her place, hiding in plain sight while my enemies close in, craving revenge.
With death and ruin haunting me at every corner, I’m running out of time to crack Dom’s resolve.
Soon he’ll be asked to make an impossible choice between loyalty to his Don and love for his wife.
And I'm determined to bring the Butcher to his knees.
My husband will love me.
The Butcher’s Wife is the second book of the Sacred Vows series but can be read as a standalone with a traditional HEA. It contains dark themes, morally grey characters, graphic violence, and explicit spice. Full triggers are listed on the author’s website.
- GenresDark Romance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
43 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 12, 2025
Eve Ciric did it again with The Butcher’s Wife. Eve led me through a mafia story that had me questioning every character’s intention—even the unalived ones. The story carried mystery, suspense, a bit of angst, and lots of delicious spice.
The Butcher’s Wife puts Annetta in the forefront—the twin who brought tears to my eyes each time she was rejected and treated poorly. I also questioned, is she a ruthless unaliver too? She’s forced to play a role to protect herself and her family from an unfortunate circumstance that had occurred, and finds herself having to marry Dom the Butcher.
I absolutely adore Dom. There’s a considerable age and size difference. Annetta is a tiny thing, and Dom is older and a big guy—everywhere. Dom is brutal, ruthless, and feared by everyone except Annetta. He is a “touch my wife” and literally di3 kind of guy. And I loved that part of his character. What’s special about Dom is how he had confidence in Annetta when no one else did or had ever. His actions proved that several times.
If you’re looking for a book to read this weekend or to finish off 2025 with, then Eve Ciric’s The Butcher’s Wife is it. Books 1, The Devil’s Wife and The Butcher’s Wife, are both available on KU now.
Thank you to Author Eve Ciric for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Butcher’s Wife puts Annetta in the forefront—the twin who brought tears to my eyes each time she was rejected and treated poorly. I also questioned, is she a ruthless unaliver too? She’s forced to play a role to protect herself and her family from an unfortunate circumstance that had occurred, and finds herself having to marry Dom the Butcher.
I absolutely adore Dom. There’s a considerable age and size difference. Annetta is a tiny thing, and Dom is older and a big guy—everywhere. Dom is brutal, ruthless, and feared by everyone except Annetta. He is a “touch my wife” and literally di3 kind of guy. And I loved that part of his character. What’s special about Dom is how he had confidence in Annetta when no one else did or had ever. His actions proved that several times.
If you’re looking for a book to read this weekend or to finish off 2025 with, then Eve Ciric’s The Butcher’s Wife is it. Books 1, The Devil’s Wife and The Butcher’s Wife, are both available on KU now.
Thank you to Author Eve Ciric for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
💍She forces him to marry her
🌶️Age Gap
✨Suspense
💋Feminine Rage
I love the first book in the series, the Devil‘s wife, so I was very excited to be chosen as an ARC reader for the next book in the series- the butchers’s wife. We meet the main male character, Dom, in the first book and he is described as stoic, large and covered in tattoos. So it’s safe to say I was very excited to be getting his book. He is placed into an arranged marriage with who he believes to be Serafina when in all actuality, it’s her twin who has taken her place because Serafina was the victim of a rival crime family. Usually, I don’t like the twin switching trope, but Dom is a very smart man and immediately knows that something is up. I loved the character of Annette, or Serafina, as she is pretending to be, she is strong, dedicated to becoming a physical weapon, and also a fantastic cook. She is a perfect mix of soft and hard. Also, throughout the book she is grieving the loss of her twin sister, and I think this book really shows a realistic picture of what grief can be like. I love the dynamic between the two of them, and when Dom finally gives in to his true feelings, the results are explosive. And of course, it wouldn’t be a mafia book without rival families, inner politics, and a lot of violence. Loved this book and I’m so excited to be getting Gio’s book next.
🌶️Age Gap
✨Suspense
💋Feminine Rage
I love the first book in the series, the Devil‘s wife, so I was very excited to be chosen as an ARC reader for the next book in the series- the butchers’s wife. We meet the main male character, Dom, in the first book and he is described as stoic, large and covered in tattoos. So it’s safe to say I was very excited to be getting his book. He is placed into an arranged marriage with who he believes to be Serafina when in all actuality, it’s her twin who has taken her place because Serafina was the victim of a rival crime family. Usually, I don’t like the twin switching trope, but Dom is a very smart man and immediately knows that something is up. I loved the character of Annette, or Serafina, as she is pretending to be, she is strong, dedicated to becoming a physical weapon, and also a fantastic cook. She is a perfect mix of soft and hard. Also, throughout the book she is grieving the loss of her twin sister, and I think this book really shows a realistic picture of what grief can be like. I love the dynamic between the two of them, and when Dom finally gives in to his true feelings, the results are explosive. And of course, it wouldn’t be a mafia book without rival families, inner politics, and a lot of violence. Loved this book and I’m so excited to be getting Gio’s book next.
November 10, 2025
Given its status as a dark mafia romance, it was a surefire hit with me!
It had a aura of mystery and was action packed from the outset. The book drew me in with Annetta, (FMC) She’s remarkably blunt, authentic and raw with a past that richly defines her. Unraveling each step she takes, her emotions are deep and intensely felt off page.. Annetta's character is consumed by deep losses, seated guilt, loneliness, and shame, until Dom, (Mmc) a no nonsense man, trusted family friend, her secret crush, and the Mafia boss's chief protector, known for shielding everyone, steps in to save the day.
With unexpected Twists, Annetta and Dom's bond is about to be stress-tested! They're like a slow-burning candle, the back-and-forth between them will keep you guessing, and wow, the sizzle is real!
The plots well written, thick with action, family bonds, tested loyalties and dark themes. The storyline is ridiculously engaging, with a mystery aura as the story unfolds, revealing past secrets brought into the light, showing everyone's cards in a jaw-dropping way.
Warning: I found this to be a gripping emotionally charged, comical tale, skillfully paced with an appetite for an Italian feast! It's got romance, mystery, and more twists than a plate of spaghetti - so buckle up!
It had a aura of mystery and was action packed from the outset. The book drew me in with Annetta, (FMC) She’s remarkably blunt, authentic and raw with a past that richly defines her. Unraveling each step she takes, her emotions are deep and intensely felt off page.. Annetta's character is consumed by deep losses, seated guilt, loneliness, and shame, until Dom, (Mmc) a no nonsense man, trusted family friend, her secret crush, and the Mafia boss's chief protector, known for shielding everyone, steps in to save the day.
With unexpected Twists, Annetta and Dom's bond is about to be stress-tested! They're like a slow-burning candle, the back-and-forth between them will keep you guessing, and wow, the sizzle is real!
The plots well written, thick with action, family bonds, tested loyalties and dark themes. The storyline is ridiculously engaging, with a mystery aura as the story unfolds, revealing past secrets brought into the light, showing everyone's cards in a jaw-dropping way.
Warning: I found this to be a gripping emotionally charged, comical tale, skillfully paced with an appetite for an Italian feast! It's got romance, mystery, and more twists than a plate of spaghetti - so buckle up!
December 8, 2025
The Butcher’s Wife pulls you straight into a world of danger, deception, and forbidden longing. Annetta Barbara has already survived the unthinkable—killing her ex-husband—but when a revenge hit meant for her takes her twin sister’s life instead, her world shatters again. Forced by her parents to assume Serafina’s identity, Annetta realizes a simple masquerade won’t keep anyone safe. Her solution? Propose an arranged marriage to Domenico Lombardi, a family friend and loyal mafia enforcer… and the man who granted her first kiss when she turned eighteen.
Dom is older, gorgeous, and fiercely protective—but he believes she’s Serafina. What Annetta doesn’t know is that Dom has always been drawn to her, not her timid twin. Their slow-burn tension ignites as the truth edges closer, and watching Dom’s walls crumble when he finally sees the woman behind the disguise is deliciously satisfying. The mix of suspense, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability gives the story real depth.
This was my first read by Eve Ciric, and I’m officially hooked. I’m eager for Nico and Valeria’s story next! A solid, addictive 4-star read.
Dom is older, gorgeous, and fiercely protective—but he believes she’s Serafina. What Annetta doesn’t know is that Dom has always been drawn to her, not her timid twin. Their slow-burn tension ignites as the truth edges closer, and watching Dom’s walls crumble when he finally sees the woman behind the disguise is deliciously satisfying. The mix of suspense, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability gives the story real depth.
This was my first read by Eve Ciric, and I’m officially hooked. I’m eager for Nico and Valeria’s story next! A solid, addictive 4-star read.
November 8, 2025
I've had to take a couple days to take this whole book in, before writing this review.
The Devil's Wife was AMAZING! But THE BUTCHER'S WIFE?!?!?! There is just something about the FMC and Dom that is just pure *chef's kiss*! And the slight mystery had me on the edge of my seat wondering when and if anyone would figure it out and what will happen when they do! This book also had the perfect amount of spice to plot ratio and who doesn't love it when the woman finds her voice against her man in the bedroom and a man who willingly and shamelessly accepts his fate!?
Seriously so glad I chose this book for my ARC journey comeback! It was the absolute best choice and a book you will not regret reading! Reading book 1 isn't necessary but will make this book ten times better if you understand some of the other characters beforehand!
The Devil's Wife was AMAZING! But THE BUTCHER'S WIFE?!?!?! There is just something about the FMC and Dom that is just pure *chef's kiss*! And the slight mystery had me on the edge of my seat wondering when and if anyone would figure it out and what will happen when they do! This book also had the perfect amount of spice to plot ratio and who doesn't love it when the woman finds her voice against her man in the bedroom and a man who willingly and shamelessly accepts his fate!?
Seriously so glad I chose this book for my ARC journey comeback! It was the absolute best choice and a book you will not regret reading! Reading book 1 isn't necessary but will make this book ten times better if you understand some of the other characters beforehand!
November 12, 2025
Another absolute hit for mafia romance from Eve Ciric. I didn't know how the author would top Marisol and Turis story but Dom and Annetta... They take power couple to a whole other level.
Age gap, she forces him to marry her, secret identities, spice, and violence all mixed in one incredible story.
Annetta pretends to be her sister after her sister dies. But its only because they mixed the girls up after Annetta ends her husband's life. But Dom suspects because he watched them girls grow up and he sees the differences when she forces him to marry and then moves in with him.
I absolutely love how much of a cuddle bug Dom turns into with Annetta even with the tough exterior. And I love how Annetta takes control and I absolutely love how this story takes you to a whole other world.
Age gap, she forces him to marry her, secret identities, spice, and violence all mixed in one incredible story.
Annetta pretends to be her sister after her sister dies. But its only because they mixed the girls up after Annetta ends her husband's life. But Dom suspects because he watched them girls grow up and he sees the differences when she forces him to marry and then moves in with him.
I absolutely love how much of a cuddle bug Dom turns into with Annetta even with the tough exterior. And I love how Annetta takes control and I absolutely love how this story takes you to a whole other world.
November 2, 2025
If you love morally grey characters and explicit spice then this book is for you. I freaking loved this book. It's a page turner that kept me glued to the pages. There's suspense, action, twist and turns. Plus there's even the mafia component of this that is perfectly written. The spice is on point too. I really liked seeing Dom come out of his kind of like personal shell for Annette. They definitely grow over the course of this story. And these characters pair well together. I liked their chemistry together. Overall, an outstanding read that I highly recommend reading.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. These are my opinions and they are freely expressed.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. These are my opinions and they are freely expressed.
November 2, 2025
Thank you so much for this ARC! This book was sooo good! I finished it in one sitting! Annetta is a queen! I love her 😍 the way she tells him what she wants and needs 😮💨❤️🔥 she’s this strong and brave woman how went through some horrible things, one after another and she’s so resilient and at the same time is so sweet! That man didn’t stand a chance 💖and Dom is a freaking teddy bear full of tattoos 🫠🩷 I love how protective of her he is and at the same time he understands how strong she is! They are perfect for each other, one of the things I love the most is that it doesn’t have a third act breakup YAYYYY
I can’t wait to know more about Valeria in book 3 😍
I can’t wait to know more about Valeria in book 3 😍
November 2, 2025
Whats a woman to do when her lifes in the balance, for the butcher to marry her of course. Dom had always been there to help Anetta and her sister and now she needs him more than ever but once the deed is done he shuns her away not wanting to break her innocence, if only he knew she had already been broken, rebuilt and standing strong all on her own, but when loyalty is tested where will his be? Well written the story and characters draw you in with suspense desires, drama, and more a great addition to the series, though works as a standalone, i cant wait for bk3!
November 5, 2025
Nothing like a secret to start a marriage... especially a secret that means you aren't actually who you say you are... With all your family helping hide the lie... Abusive ex spouse, pretending to be the twin who really died, husband who knows truth before she wants to tell him... Really enjoyed this books as we followed along with Dom and Annetta's love story and the cliffs and valleys that come along with it. As always, expect some drama, both with the couple and their family (mafia or otherwise) but the HEA is there, I promise!
November 11, 2025
The Butcher's Wife ARC Review
Annetta + Dom
When I finished reading I was left with mixed feelings. I loved how the couple where together. Dom's protectiveness helped Annetta feel safe, loved and cared for during her time of grief. And Annetta helped Dom see what he was missing. Compared to coming home alone to having someone greet you after a long day. Dom was the definition of I don't care about anyone except those I consider family. What I was left mixed about was some of Annetta's decisions. Knowing full well who would be punished if she left she still did it. That left me rethinking that Annetta is only selfless when she wants to be. Dom did make some questionable decisions but out of misguidance. Honestly my favorite character was Barbara (Annetta's father). I found it funny how he always pretended to sleep but was actually always attentive. He cared about his children in his own way. Overall I did enjoy the books plotline and how happy and compatible they are at the end.
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Age Gap
🖤Twin FMC
🖤Forced Marriage
🖤Protective MMC
Annetta + Dom
When I finished reading I was left with mixed feelings. I loved how the couple where together. Dom's protectiveness helped Annetta feel safe, loved and cared for during her time of grief. And Annetta helped Dom see what he was missing. Compared to coming home alone to having someone greet you after a long day. Dom was the definition of I don't care about anyone except those I consider family. What I was left mixed about was some of Annetta's decisions. Knowing full well who would be punished if she left she still did it. That left me rethinking that Annetta is only selfless when she wants to be. Dom did make some questionable decisions but out of misguidance. Honestly my favorite character was Barbara (Annetta's father). I found it funny how he always pretended to sleep but was actually always attentive. He cared about his children in his own way. Overall I did enjoy the books plotline and how happy and compatible they are at the end.
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Age Gap
🖤Twin FMC
🖤Forced Marriage
🖤Protective MMC
November 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed meeting the Butcher and his wife in this book. It is a dark mafia romance, which is book 2 in the series, but you can read it as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book but had no issues reading this. I do think I'll be going back to book 1 and the prequel to get all up to date.
The Butcher, Dom, and his wife, Annetta, have a great dynamic. He helps her discover her true self, and she teaches him that vulnerability is allowed, and they can be a great team! I enjoyed this book; Mafia Men, Forbidden Love, Arranged Marriage, and Spice—what more do you need!
I enjoyed meeting the Butcher and his wife in this book. It is a dark mafia romance, which is book 2 in the series, but you can read it as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book but had no issues reading this. I do think I'll be going back to book 1 and the prequel to get all up to date.
The Butcher, Dom, and his wife, Annetta, have a great dynamic. He helps her discover her true self, and she teaches him that vulnerability is allowed, and they can be a great team! I enjoyed this book; Mafia Men, Forbidden Love, Arranged Marriage, and Spice—what more do you need!
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, and Dom is my new book boyfriend. I liked the chemistry between the protogonists, and I liked how their personal growth during the story. The book is well-written and the character development really worked for me. I highly recommend.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. These are my opinions, and they are freely expressed.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. These are my opinions, and they are freely expressed.
November 21, 2025
As someone who doesn't really read mafia romance at all, let me tell you... This book is so good. It hits that perfect balance of plot, character development and swoony romance. And yes, smut. Annetta and Dom are both characters who feel real and believable, who go through it and eventually make each other better. I loved this.
January 21, 2026
Easy 5 star read!!
This book was beautiful from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down!
Dom and Annetta’s relationship was everything, the tension, the yearning, the banter!!!
The mafia portion wasn’t hard to follow or confusing, and added so much suspense!
Highly recommend!!
This book was beautiful from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down!
Dom and Annetta’s relationship was everything, the tension, the yearning, the banter!!!
The mafia portion wasn’t hard to follow or confusing, and added so much suspense!
Highly recommend!!
November 6, 2025
This book is for the people that love dark mafia romances but wish the men would be a little more progressive.
What’s more romantic than cutting off someone’s face when they hurt your wife?
Microtropes: wrong twin, he doesn’t mind being told what to do.
What’s more romantic than cutting off someone’s face when they hurt your wife?
Microtropes: wrong twin, he doesn’t mind being told what to do.
December 5, 2025
The book had a strong beginning. But the issues of twin mix up and the arranged marriage got solved way too soon. The rest of the book dragged on too long without anything much of substance happening.
A quick read. Would not read again.
A quick read. Would not read again.
December 19, 2025
I love myself a good mafia book, this wasn’t it tho
January 7, 2026
Amo como la autora escribe a los personajes femeninos. Se puso medio cursi de a ratos, pero la trama es adictiva
January 19, 2026
There’s nothing like a dark mafia romance with lots of 👅🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and lots of triggers 🤣🤣🤣
Will i find my butcher too?🤭🤭
Just amazing⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Will i find my butcher too?🤭🤭
Just amazing⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 17, 2025
This was such a unique dark mafia romance with her father insisting the main male character marry the main female character, them both being involved versus one character being more integrated within the workings of mafia related happenings was a nice element as well. Them having been around each other over years didn’t leave room for deception, though it’s still left plenty for them to figure out about one another… really liked the secret element as it gave perfect chance for a revenge story.
January 1, 2026
An okay read, with a lot of my favorite tropes. I liked the characters, and their story, but it wasn't something that came alive while I was reading it, not anything that I'll remember once I read a few more mafia with arranged marriage stories.
December 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The way I fell for Dom is unreal. I couldn't tell you one thing about this man that I didn't love. He was deliciously broody, protective, POSSESSIVE, and everything you could want in a man. And Annetta? Oh how I LOVE her black cat energy! We need more FMCs like her! She was so fiesty but also feminine and I love that she wanted to learn to protect herself and didn't take shit from anyone. Dom and Annetta are my vision of a power couple. This book was incredibly well written, paced appropriately, and kept me flipping page after page. I'll always be a sucker for mafia romances, and Eve didn't disappoint with this one. I'm SO eager to read book 3!
If you're looking for a mafia romances with a forced marriage, forced proximity, possessive "my wife" behavior, an age gap, and spice that' make your toes curi, PICK THIS UP!
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The way I fell for Dom is unreal. I couldn't tell you one thing about this man that I didn't love. He was deliciously broody, protective, POSSESSIVE, and everything you could want in a man. And Annetta? Oh how I LOVE her black cat energy! We need more FMCs like her! She was so fiesty but also feminine and I love that she wanted to learn to protect herself and didn't take shit from anyone. Dom and Annetta are my vision of a power couple. This book was incredibly well written, paced appropriately, and kept me flipping page after page. I'll always be a sucker for mafia romances, and Eve didn't disappoint with this one. I'm SO eager to read book 3!
If you're looking for a mafia romances with a forced marriage, forced proximity, possessive "my wife" behavior, an age gap, and spice that' make your toes curi, PICK THIS UP!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews