Forbidden Oath

by Demi Ryder

“Your father’s debts are due, and you’re the payment.”

Romeo
Nobody betrays me and gets away with it.
Viviana Rossi is the trophy for my vengeance—my vendetta.

A reward I’ve been tracking for years.
Now she’s mine—full of fire and fury, fighting me at every turn.

Every ounce of her defiance ignites the savage beast in me.
The flames are feral—consuming.

She is my obsession.
I’ll stop at nothing to keep her.
Even if it means turning my empire to ash.

Viviana
I’m collateral damage. Kidnapped…forced into a forbidden oath.
My captor–Romeo Valenti–is cold, calculating, and utterly ruthless.

I should despise him for taking everything from me.
But I’m on my knees and he’s giving me more than he ever took.

His sheer darkness is starting to feel like home…
A deliciously dangerous home where ravish and ruin collide.

But now it’s my body that’s betraying me… Sealing my fate.
There is no escape as Romeo’s heir grows inside me.
I’m bound to his kingdom forever.


Forbidden Oath is a dark tale of an obsessed mafia king haunted by his past and dead set on claiming his future queen. It’s a standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhangers. But it does have enemies who become lovers and a suspenseful surprise pregnancy. Don’t be scared. It’s morally gray and twisty here, but there’s always a happy ending.

Genres: Romance

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Demi Ryder creates sexy dark mafia worlds that will make you weak in the knees. Deliciously dangerous alphas and the fiery heroines who fall prey in their naughty games are calling you.

Don’t be scared. It’s morally gray and twisty here, but there’s always a happy ending.

>>> Follow Demi on Goodreads (click that “Follow Author” button!)

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Reviews

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔪Contemporary
🔪Romantic suspense
🔪Dark romance
🔪Mafia romance
🔪Billionaire
🔪Stalker + obsessed mafia king
🔪K!dn-@-pping
🔪Betrayal
🔪Revenge
🔪Enemies to lovers
🔪Forced marriage
🔪"My wife"
🔪Surprise pregnancy
🔪Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
🔪Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
🔪Page turner / suspenseful / fast-paced
🔪Fun cast of supporting characters

Forbidden Oath is the second book in Obsessed Kings series. Each book can be read as a standalone featuring a complete story with its own HEA. A thrilling, dark mafia tale that kept me engaged from start to finish, with an obsessed mafia king haunted by his past, unable to move on, yet deadly set on the future with his queen-to-be, a heroine who is an artist with hopes and dreams, becoming a collateral damage unaware of her fate, enemies to lovers, and forced marriage. The author excels at creating captivating stories full of unexpected twists and turns, and an intricate plot with relatable characters.

Romeo Valenti, a ruthless mafia king, is on a mission to claim Viviana Rossi as his future queen. Viviana is an artist who dreams of opening her own gallery. Romeo is cold, calculated, possessive, obsessed, protective, and determined to win over Viviana and make her his. Unbeknownst to Viviana, she is caught in the middle of a mafia conflict and becomes a pawn in Romeo's game who kidnaps her not only to protect her but also to use her against his enemy. I love the way the author explores the complex relationship between these two as they navigate a morally gray world and twists and turns. The chemistry between them is intense, and the forbidden aspect adds an extra layer of intrigue. Both are complex and possess vulnerability even though they are trying to hide their emotions. Despite their initial animosity, Viviana and Romero's bond strengthened and the slow reveal of development of their feelings became increasingly captivating.

Forbidden Oath is an engaging and emotion-charged story that balances romance, intrigue, and danger.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of dark, addictive romances with complex characters and a whole lot of intensity, then Forbidden Oath by Demi Ryder will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is everything I crave—tension, passion, and characters that make you feel both conflicted and captivated at the same time.

Romeo Valenti is the ultimate anti-hero, and his obsession with Viviana Rossi pulled me into the story immediately. He’s ruthless, calculating, and completely consumed by his need for vengeance. But there’s more to him than just the dark exterior—his obsession with Viviana is almost… tender in its own twisted way. It’s the kind of dark desire that you can’t help but get lost in, even when you know you probably shouldn’t.

Viviana is everything I love in a heroine—strong, fiery, and unapologetically defiant. Even though she’s forced into this dangerous world, she fights every step of the way. But as the story unfolds, you can see how her resistance to Romeo’s domination turns into something far more complicated. Watching her struggle with her feelings—anger, lust, and even a twisted sense of belonging—was incredibly satisfying.

What really made Forbidden Oath stand out for me is the way the emotional depth of the characters unfolds alongside the high-stakes action and passion. Romeo’s brutality isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and psychological, and it drives both him and Viviana to places they didn’t expect to go. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts, and I found myself rooting for them, even when I wasn’t sure if I should.

This book is one of those reads that pulls you into a world that’s both dark and mesmerizing. If you enjoy romance with a heavy dose of power dynamics, obsession, and the kind of emotional rollercoaster that makes your heart race, Forbidden Oath will absolutely deliver. This series has completely captivated me, and I’m already looking forward to what happens next!.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's been watching her for year; she's his, she just doesn't know it yet

A fabulous mafia romance, full of action, drama, great chemistry, steamy romance, secrets, suspense, danger, revenge and passion with some wonderful twists.

Viviana has worked hard to build her gallery and won't let her father's financial problems become hers. But when she's taken by Romeo, claiming that she's payment for her father's debts she's furious she's being pulled into a world she knows nothing about.

Romeo has been seeking revenge for the death of his brother for years, blaming Viviana's father who had worked with a rival. But his plan in taking Viviana isn't just for control of her father, having followed her for years he feels drawn to her spirit and once he's got her he knows he's not going to let her go.

As he keeps her captive in his penthouse, Viviana fights against Romeo and her growing feelings for him. She's strong willed and doesn't like the pull she feels towards him, keeping secret her desires along with other truths. But all he wants to do is keep her safe and protected, recognising she doesn't fit in his world. But when Salvatore, the head of the rival family, starts setting his sights on Viviana Romeo knows he needs to protect her but could his very nature be what drives her away?

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

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm picking the wrong books

DNF at 16%. I'm sure it gets better but I'm confused why she sleeps with him after he kidnaps her and gives her a one line about her dad involved with the death of his brother. It was like a day. The same thing just happened in another book I DNF'd with the whole body betrayal thing. He didn't even have to work for it. There was no preamble or anything just arguing, he kisses her, she melts, then BANG. That's it. They had some history a long time ago but she didn't even recognize him at first. And it's worse because she supposedly is "fiesty" and "determined" and you see it for 2 seconds expecting something else to happen but nope she gives right in. I think this is a trigger warning that should be put in books like this. Forget the non and dub con I can handle that, but this for some reason just irks me. I've read Wallflower, God of Malice, Corium, etc and none of those bothered me and I really like those books but this drives me up a wall. I'm definitely in a book slump 0 for my last 3. This book I think had some good potential and I know it's my personal preference so if you have no problem with the body betrayal it would probably be worth reading.

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viviana works in an art gallery with dreams of being an artist herself and displaying her work in her own gallery. Romeo is the most feared mafia boss. Romeo has been obsessed with Viviana since childhood when his father would take him and his brother to her home. He was enthralled that she had dreams that were encouraged where he had no choice but to follow in his father’s footsteps. Viviana is promised to Romeo when her father is in debt to him and then discovers that her father also promised her to his enemy. Romeo at first wants to use her but he is obsessed with her. He wants to not only keep her safe but he wants her to want to stay and trust him. Viviana is fiercely independent and while she fights him she keeps giving in to the feelings she has for him. She becomes pregnant and when Romeo finds out everything changes as the walls close in around them.

This book had interesting twists, a lot of spice and strong characters. I really enjoyed the road to their HEA. I couldn’t put it down.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second book of a series but can be read as a standalone. It was my first book by this author but it won't be the last. I read it in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down. It was very engaging and had a lot of romance and suspense.

Viviana didn't know that her father had put her in danger with two mafia men. Romeo had loved her once before until his life changed. He now wants to protect Viviana from his enemy. Romeo is not a good man to the outside world. He is cold and very driven. Viviana brings out a different side to him. He is very loving to her. Even though he takes her captive he says he is doing it to protect her.

I enjoyed the characters very much. I loved seeing them interact and their chemistry was very good. I love reading mafia romance and this one did not disappoint. The ending was not one I saw coming but it was very good. The story was very well-written.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I absolutely loved reading this story about Romeo Valenti, once loved her until he became broken and haunted and now as a Mafia Kingpin the monster inside him comes out to play and that terrifies people his men kidnapped her just to lock her up. Vivianna, loved him once then he broke her heart by disappearing, now she just wants her own art gallery and she hasn't got long before she achieves it, until she was kidnapped. When Romeo visited her she wanted to know why he kidnapped her, he answered to keep you safe "it's not safe out there for you" he's broken he can never love again "he doesn't feel any emotions" wants to give her the world, he would do anything for her just so she smiles.

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

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is a story of Romeo and Viviana. Romeo is a mafia boss and he kidnaps Viviana to pay for her father's debts. Romeo is a ruthless man, and he is quickly becoming obsessed with Viviana. He thinks he is the only man who can protect her, even though she hates him. Viviana always wanted to open her own art gallery, but she thinks she will never escape Romeo. Viviana also hates that she is attracted to Romeo. There is a mob war happening and Viviana finds herself in even more danger. I liked this book, it was a slow burn and there was a lot happening. I liked Romeo, even though he was ruthless. I think he really loved Viviana, but didn't know how to show it. Good one.

[Janie Graybeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Forbidden Oath" is an intoxicating blend of danger, passion, and morally gray characters that keeps readers on edge. Romeo Valenti is the epitome of an obsessed anti-hero, driven by vengeance yet ensnared by his fiery captive, Viviana Rossi. Their journey from enemies to lovers crackles with tension, as defiance and desire collide in a world of dark twists and high stakes. The suspense escalates with a surprise pregnancy, intertwining their fates even further. Demi Ryder masterfully weaves a standalone romance that is as wickedly intense as it is deeply satisfying, delivering a gripping story with a guaranteed happy ending.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demi Ryder does not disappoint. Romeo kidnapped Viviana to protect her from another Mafia boss. He also wanted her for himself, but would use her to get to the other boss. It was a very wild ride for them. She protested at every turn, but their chemistry was so hot, there was no denying it. She waited months to tell him she was pregnant and only then to try and stop him from the violent action she knew he was going to take against someone. I was surprised how the book ended. It was unusual, but fit the story and them perfectly. Well done.

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Mafia books where the boss is a cold calculating man but is obsessed with the daughter of a man who keeps betraying him and turns into a big softy then this is for you. Viviana's father, who is always asking her for money and betraying the secrets of Romeo's Mafia to his enemy Salvatore, forces Romeo to kidnap her and keep her in his penthouse for her protection. She keeps trying to hate him but finally gives in. Salvatore proves very hard to kill and keeps going after Romeo who can't catch a break anywhere. It pays to keep reading as all the mob action happens in the last half of the book.

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

[GKP2460 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Oath is book 2 in the Obsessed Kings series. It's Romeo and Viviana's intense story and is full of great tropes and not to be missed excitement. Arranged marriage/Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, stalker, just to name a few and let's not forget the drama, action, betrayal and steamy times that we love with our Mafia reads.
Romeo is the epitome of what's depicted of a Mafia guy but watching him evolve as his feelings for Viviana intensifies was beautiful. Viviana is one tough cookie. She fights Romeo at every turn and defies everything he does and says. This couple compliments each greatly in the end.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viviana works on an art Gallery, her dream to open one of her own.
One night while she was on a night of exhibitions her father showed up,he told her to leave for Milan because a guy named Romeo Valenti a Mafia guy is after her , she told him because of your depths and to leave her alone.
Romeo as a mafia boss wanted revenge from a guy who sells him to another guy named Salvatore.
But he had other thing in mind ,his enemy daughter he’s after her from decades he wanted to make her his. One day she found two men at her apartment and they were going to take her when another man entered her apartment he was Romeo.

A Good book to read, recommended.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mafia story with everything you can expect from a mafia story. Romeo is a man who wants everything to go his way and how he wants it, like a real control freak. Shady business deals happen in back rooms in bars full of shady people, Viviana is someone who does not like that control thing and fights against it with tooth and nail. But as we know they can not live without each other because she loves him and the sex and the hot and steamy scenes between them were great and the bickering between them and the arguments, fights were spectacular and then the make up scenes were hot.






I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candace LiteraryAdventurer_23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Oath by: Demi Ryder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Surprise Pregnancy
🖤 Forced Marriage
🖤 Stalker
🖤 Mafia Billionaire

This was my first Demi Ryder book and the second in this series so it was fine to read as a stand alone. Let👏 Me👏 Tell👏 You....this book ate 🤌 I devoured this book and couldn't put it down. I will definitely be reading more and go back to the first one. Romeo and Viviana's story took me through all the emotions and everything was balanced. I don't say it could have used a bit more 🌶 for my liking but overall the story was fantastic. Definitely worth a read.

Always check your triggers.

[Tiera Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obsessed and confused

*Mild Spoilers*
I think the storyline had great potential but lost me along the way. It went on too long I finished because I had to see the story to the end. It became repetitive and dragged unnecessarily. The push/pull of obsession quite do it for me. We had the bad guy “die” too many times. The baby timeline left me confused. The ending left me underwhelmed and seemed unrealistic for Mafia life. I didn’t see growth in the heroine and what maybe was supposed to be( the shootout scene) didn’t make sense. I’m just left confused. Good writing and editing, just needed a more flushed out story.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review

3 1/2 ✨

Romeo Valenti - The Revenant : “ born out of the ashes, abuse suffered”

Broken 😞

Viviana - a pawn 🥺 a distraction.

Every Mafia storyline has got a turf war situation. Here, there is no exception. Betrayal and power is what it’s all about.

Romeo had the worst upbringing within. This made him the man of today ‘The Revenant’. In order to survive he was ruthless. Viviana was a soft spot hidden within himself. His want for her was his trial. His “second chance”.

Not elaborating further a good read and also suit many readers.

Life within the mafia has expectations

[Dawn Pelikan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Was a good read, but I only gave four stats due to errors in book. For example on page 290 (I am using a Kindle) it states they made it back home to the Estate, then on the next page Romeo is telling everyone to clean it up and then they are heading back to the estate?
There are so many little instances like that, it threw me off and I had to go back to make sure I didnt miss something. there was a part where he “ back her into the sofa” and the next sentence states the bed hit the back of her knees. Otherwise great read! definitely going to read book 3 in series

[Trisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book needs better editing for sure. In one scene she is described as wearing a dress. In the next paragraph as she undresses its pants. Later on in the book they are on the bed. A couple of sentences later he lifts her and carries her to the bed. Around the 72% reading point she walks in and sees her father beaten and tied to a chair. A few sentences later she’s asking where her father is. A battle ensues and she crawls to the next room and finds her father. This is all in the same scene!!! At that point, I had to DNF. The MFC is so annoying and repetitive. It’s always the same convo between her and the MMC. I don’t understand how this book had 4-5 star reviews.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Forbidden Oath” : An Enemies To Loves Mafia Romance (Obsessed Kings Series, Book2)
This is a story of mafia king Romeo Valenti, who is obsessed over a woman, Viviana Rossi. And just how far he would go to take and keep her as his Queen. He’s cold, calculating and ruthless but finds he can’t imagine a future without her. How their hateful relationship turns into more. And how the surprise she’s carrying might change everything.
After a crazy, wild ride, we do have a happy ending.

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

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Viviana’s is a mafia romance full of adversity, blood and bullets. The love and family comes later in the story. The storyline is full on mafia back room deals and Romeo wanting things his way and only his way ! He was definitely a control freak. Viviana fought it tooth and nail, but loved him so the sex was hot and the fights even hotter! Demi Ryder did this mafia story with redemption at the end just right ! 5✨’s.

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

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Vivian's story has a lot of conflict and violence that surrounds their world. Vivian is strong willed and defiant and stands her ground. Helping Romeo see things from a different perspective. This is a wonderful story. All the characters are relatable. The only thing I didn't like is all the repetitive wording. It's a little to much. I have been reading Demi's books for a while now and they are very good. I'm just not sure about the change in her writing style. I do recommend this book. It's a very good story

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

Viviana finds herself collateral thanks to her father and is kidnapped and taken to Romeo which starts them on their journey. She is caught in the middle and Romeo wants to keep her safe. her father is something else and his actions puts her in Jeopardy. will Romeo get the love of his life and be able to keep Vivana safe as well. This thrilling story had me all caught up in the action and drama from start to the very end.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo abducts Vivian as part of plan to take down an enemy, one that her father is working with. What starts as a plot to deal with a rival turns into so much more. Romeo becomes obsessed with Vivian and is determined to protect her. Vivian is not so co-operative she does not like being in a gilded cage and fights him at every turn.

She tries to hate him but her body betrays her, time and time again. The interaction between them takes two steps forward and three steps back.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was another great book from this author Demi. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was captivating. I was hooked and I was on my verge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The book cover was steamy of hotness. Viviana is a rising new artist But Romeo was a handsome mafia that had money and he can buy anything he wanted.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Obsessed Kings Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is an enemies to lovers romance between Viviana and Romeo. These flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. What starts out as a forced marriage turns into something more. It is a love story with drama and steam, action and suspense, sexual tension and chemistry, twists and turns, and an interesting cast of secondary characters. An engaging page turner.

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

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Obsessed Kings series but can be read as a standalone. I was captivated from the start and the unexpected twists and turns kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. Romeo and Viviana are fascinating characters and the chemistry between them is sizzling, steamy, and intense. I enjoyed reading this book and definitely recommend reading it. Look forward to reading more from Demi Ryder.

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

[GMW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a drawn out angsty tale. Romeo kidnaps Viviana after finding our that her father has betrayed him. He wants her for his own and uses this as an excuse to take her. She is angry, frustrated and afraid of her attraction to Romeo despite his treatment of her. She soon finds out that she is pregnant, and decides to keep it a secret, not wanting Romeo to know. Lots of bloody battles and people dying. They do get their HEA.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemies to lovers mafia story. Viviana is taken by Romeo Valenti. He takes her as vengeance, as a payment for her father’s betrayal. He has been obsessing about her for a long time and now she is his. Viviana wants to hate him, but her body is responding to him. I love the dynamics between the two. There are a number of potential triggers for people so check the warning list. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viviana is a rising artist, Romeo is a man who knows what he wants, and he wants Viviana. Romeo takes her to protect her, but Viviana wants none of it, at least at first.
This book had me enthralled. The chemistry between the two of them is palpable and raw that Viviana does not stand a chance of resisting it. This book has a phenomenal story and great characters.

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