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Forbidden Vows
It’s forbidden. Taboo. We’re stepsiblings—and total opposites.
After a brutal breakup, I have nowhere to go.
He demands I stay with him—my older stepbrother.
The one with the dangerous grin and the filthy reputation.
He’s mafia.
Cruel when crossed. Ruthless in business.
And phenomenal in bed.
Despite my panties melting at the idea of him, I push back
But if you tell him, no, he claims. Punishes. Owns.
He calls me a good girl—but only when I’m being bad.
We're opposites with nothing in common but the fire we make.
I was just supposed to sleep under his roof.
Not in his bed with his fingers exploring places no one’s been.
His name is on my lips like a forbidden vow, and what if I can't resist?
A steamy AGE GAP Stepbrother Dark Mafia STANDALONE
Forbidden Vows is a standalone full-length novel with no cheating, no cliffhanger, and has an HEA—part of Shanna Handel's Sinbound Vows Series.
After a brutal breakup, I have nowhere to go.
He demands I stay with him—my older stepbrother.
The one with the dangerous grin and the filthy reputation.
He’s mafia.
Cruel when crossed. Ruthless in business.
And phenomenal in bed.
Despite my panties melting at the idea of him, I push back
But if you tell him, no, he claims. Punishes. Owns.
He calls me a good girl—but only when I’m being bad.
We're opposites with nothing in common but the fire we make.
I was just supposed to sleep under his roof.
Not in his bed with his fingers exploring places no one’s been.
His name is on my lips like a forbidden vow, and what if I can't resist?
A steamy AGE GAP Stepbrother Dark Mafia STANDALONE
Forbidden Vows is a standalone full-length novel with no cheating, no cliffhanger, and has an HEA—part of Shanna Handel's Sinbound Vows Series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
About the author
Shanna Handel
80 books847 followersShanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 14, 2025
Different feel and MMC than other Bachman stories but still good!
This is another Bachman book, but it has a totally different feel from other Bachman stories, even the MMC is different.
First: Yes, it does have the typical Bachman male's expectations and consequences (if you've read them you know), but there are differences. For example, typically, those "Bachman" scenes occur when the female has broken a rule, put herself in danger or has been really bratty. But in this story...the initial scenes (which seem long in coming) are more playful and come while laying down the rules; even the one for true discipline (for breaking a rule) have more a bdsm play feel to it than actual discipline.
Second: Where most Bachman MMC's are confident, in control, commanding, sure of their woman (at least in all the ones I've read), this MMC is not so confident, not about her (the MFC) nor himself. He's definitely loved her for a long time, but he doesn't feel like he's good enough for her. (She lacks confidence and doesn't think someone like her could ever hold his interest...plus, he's in organized crime...she wants a vanilla life, and he's her step brother which she considers taboo...).
In most Bachman stories, the MMC knows what he wants and goes after it. In this story we have two people who are attracted to each other, have off the chart chemistry, obviously care for each other, but are too afraid to admit it. While it had a slow start, it did pick up, had a great finish, and was even kind of sweet! Could have had better proof reading...a few typos or incorrect words (not typical of Handel's books). Still a good story. 4 stars for this one.
This is another Bachman book, but it has a totally different feel from other Bachman stories, even the MMC is different.
First: Yes, it does have the typical Bachman male's expectations and consequences (if you've read them you know), but there are differences. For example, typically, those "Bachman" scenes occur when the female has broken a rule, put herself in danger or has been really bratty. But in this story...the initial scenes (which seem long in coming) are more playful and come while laying down the rules; even the one for true discipline (for breaking a rule) have more a bdsm play feel to it than actual discipline.
Second: Where most Bachman MMC's are confident, in control, commanding, sure of their woman (at least in all the ones I've read), this MMC is not so confident, not about her (the MFC) nor himself. He's definitely loved her for a long time, but he doesn't feel like he's good enough for her. (She lacks confidence and doesn't think someone like her could ever hold his interest...plus, he's in organized crime...she wants a vanilla life, and he's her step brother which she considers taboo...).
In most Bachman stories, the MMC knows what he wants and goes after it. In this story we have two people who are attracted to each other, have off the chart chemistry, obviously care for each other, but are too afraid to admit it. While it had a slow start, it did pick up, had a great finish, and was even kind of sweet! Could have had better proof reading...a few typos or incorrect words (not typical of Handel's books). Still a good story. 4 stars for this one.
June 2, 2025
THINK FROM THE HEAD—NOT THE BED
The story is written to be a stand-alone. Blaze is the biological brother of Haze (Vow of Vengeance: Age Gap Dark Mafia Romance). Both of them are now part of the Bachman Brotherhood and live in Italy, reporting to Liam. While Haze has married, Blaze hasn’t. That doesn’t mean he is celibate, because he definitely isn’t. There is still someone who haunts his memories. What happens when he returns to New York and meets up with his former stepsister, Cleopatra?
Blaze was raised by his mother, Sharon, and it was a shock when he learned he had an older brother, Haze. Cleopatra ‘Cleo’ was raised by her father, Falcon. Neither one had a stable home life, especially the way their parent changed partners, whether it was by marriage or living together. For a short time, Sharon and Falcon are married, they break up, and it will be the surprise remarriage of their parent once more that brings Blaze and Cleo together again. It is also that wedding, at the stone cathedral, that has a test of trust, and a need to protect. It is good and a curse to be a Bachman.
“You’re beautiful. My Queen from Queens. I can’t tell you more right now, but I’m telling you two things, and you need to trust me. You are in danger. You are going with me.”
This will be one of the hardest reviews I will ever write for Ms. Shanna Handel, because I have always been a huge fan of hers, and have read almost every single book she has written. My review is honest, and not to bash her or her story—I wish I could honestly say that this book wowed me, but that wouldn’t be true.
I felt the mystery or danger part was brushed under the rug, stated, never substantiated, which revolved around another mafia group known as The Morettis. They want a stronghold in New York that is controlled by the Bachman Brotherhood. All of that was just glazed over, and while it seemed relevant, all the sex, and it is all the time, seemed to take precedence and completely overshadowed a storyline. I was absolutely shocked and horrified by the not one, but two sex scenes inside the church between the two characters, which was an irredeemable taboo. The so-called taboo of being stepsiblings wasn’t an issue, especially considering their parent didn’t make it long in the marriage, and it wasn’t like they were raised together as children for years—it was only months.
The storyline wasn’t there, nothing learned, nothing resolved, just a blimp on the radar—but if you only want to read a story with one sex scene after another for 250 pages, and yes, they were hot scenes, this book has all that for you. I will say that Blaze knows exactly how to push Cleo’s buttons, seducing her to his will, even when she tries to say no. His method is crass, and yes, he does truly care about her, even to the point of letting her go. At least in the end, they both know that they are meant to be and do find their happily ever after.
“Every bad boy needs a good girl backing him up.”
The story is written to be a stand-alone. Blaze is the biological brother of Haze (Vow of Vengeance: Age Gap Dark Mafia Romance). Both of them are now part of the Bachman Brotherhood and live in Italy, reporting to Liam. While Haze has married, Blaze hasn’t. That doesn’t mean he is celibate, because he definitely isn’t. There is still someone who haunts his memories. What happens when he returns to New York and meets up with his former stepsister, Cleopatra?
Blaze was raised by his mother, Sharon, and it was a shock when he learned he had an older brother, Haze. Cleopatra ‘Cleo’ was raised by her father, Falcon. Neither one had a stable home life, especially the way their parent changed partners, whether it was by marriage or living together. For a short time, Sharon and Falcon are married, they break up, and it will be the surprise remarriage of their parent once more that brings Blaze and Cleo together again. It is also that wedding, at the stone cathedral, that has a test of trust, and a need to protect. It is good and a curse to be a Bachman.
“You’re beautiful. My Queen from Queens. I can’t tell you more right now, but I’m telling you two things, and you need to trust me. You are in danger. You are going with me.”
This will be one of the hardest reviews I will ever write for Ms. Shanna Handel, because I have always been a huge fan of hers, and have read almost every single book she has written. My review is honest, and not to bash her or her story—I wish I could honestly say that this book wowed me, but that wouldn’t be true.
I felt the mystery or danger part was brushed under the rug, stated, never substantiated, which revolved around another mafia group known as The Morettis. They want a stronghold in New York that is controlled by the Bachman Brotherhood. All of that was just glazed over, and while it seemed relevant, all the sex, and it is all the time, seemed to take precedence and completely overshadowed a storyline. I was absolutely shocked and horrified by the not one, but two sex scenes inside the church between the two characters, which was an irredeemable taboo. The so-called taboo of being stepsiblings wasn’t an issue, especially considering their parent didn’t make it long in the marriage, and it wasn’t like they were raised together as children for years—it was only months.
The storyline wasn’t there, nothing learned, nothing resolved, just a blimp on the radar—but if you only want to read a story with one sex scene after another for 250 pages, and yes, they were hot scenes, this book has all that for you. I will say that Blaze knows exactly how to push Cleo’s buttons, seducing her to his will, even when she tries to say no. His method is crass, and yes, he does truly care about her, even to the point of letting her go. At least in the end, they both know that they are meant to be and do find their happily ever after.
“Every bad boy needs a good girl backing him up.”
May 30, 2025
Ms. Handel is one of my favorite authors. Her books are witty and so much fun to read. This story was exciting and an emotional rollercoaster I couldn't get off once I started. It was delicious, steamy, sizzling, and intense, just the way I like it. And let's not forget the passion. This romance was tinged with a Mafia theme sprinkled with humor and a dose of magic.
They say opposites attract, and this is evident between Cleopatra and Blaze. Their relationship had pitfalls as well as peaks. He was outgoing and extroverted, while she was quiet and introverted. Cleopatra plays by the rules, and Blaze breaks them. I loved the game of cat and mouse and the push-and-pull between them. Cleo, a strait-laced kindergarten teacher, fought hard to ignore her attraction to Blaze but failed. Their escapade in church at a wedding was hard to forget. Cleopatra's self-esteem was at an all-time low after a bad breakup with her boyfriend when Blaze reappeared again and swept her off her feet and into his life.
Under his humor and bad-boy image, Blaze has a serious side, especially regarding Cleopatra’s safety. He was protective and dominant, and for all his womanizing, he only wanted the one girl who stole his heart. Blaze was a member of the Bachman Brotherhood Mafia Family. When danger appeared from another Mafia family, Blaze whisked Cleopatra to his home in Italy, where he lived. I liked how Blaze loved Cleopatra’s curves. I also liked that he found a way to diffuse the danger without violence.
This book was a very entertaining romance, with its unique twists about step-siblings finding love and trust in each other.
They say opposites attract, and this is evident between Cleopatra and Blaze. Their relationship had pitfalls as well as peaks. He was outgoing and extroverted, while she was quiet and introverted. Cleopatra plays by the rules, and Blaze breaks them. I loved the game of cat and mouse and the push-and-pull between them. Cleo, a strait-laced kindergarten teacher, fought hard to ignore her attraction to Blaze but failed. Their escapade in church at a wedding was hard to forget. Cleopatra's self-esteem was at an all-time low after a bad breakup with her boyfriend when Blaze reappeared again and swept her off her feet and into his life.
Under his humor and bad-boy image, Blaze has a serious side, especially regarding Cleopatra’s safety. He was protective and dominant, and for all his womanizing, he only wanted the one girl who stole his heart. Blaze was a member of the Bachman Brotherhood Mafia Family. When danger appeared from another Mafia family, Blaze whisked Cleopatra to his home in Italy, where he lived. I liked how Blaze loved Cleopatra’s curves. I also liked that he found a way to diffuse the danger without violence.
This book was a very entertaining romance, with its unique twists about step-siblings finding love and trust in each other.
June 10, 2025
Ms. Handel does not disappoint! This is the story of Blaze and Cleo. Once step siblings, now it's in a gray area. Cleo's ex boyfriend does the unthinkable betrayal. Blaze, who has always kept tabs on Cleo, swoops in and solves the problem! However, there's another threat looming. Their parents are getting remarried asap. During the wedding, there's another threat to the Bachman family. Blaze sweeps everyone off to Italy. During that time, the chemistry is off the charts! The parents and best friend enjoy a second honeymoon and a vacation. Blaze and Cleo rediscover the bond that they've always had. Their relationship is hot!! However, when the threat is neutralized, will their relationship stand the test of time and an ocean between them? As usual, you feel as if you're right in the middle of the country with them! The descriptions are vivid and you can picture it as you immerse yourself in the story! Highly recommended! |
June 9, 2025
I absolutely love these Bachman books! This is the story of Blaze and Cleopatra, with ties to the Italian branch of the Bachman mafia. Their story starts off with a bang at a wedding, pun intended, but their back story and personal family ties are the crux of their angst. Whereas Cleo has great difficulty dealing with their family history, Blaze has no concerns whatsoever and seriously wants to develop a meaningful (and sexual) relationship with her. While she balks at all of his advances, or at least feels very unsettled with them, she can not get over her desires. He does absolutely everything in his power to make her more comfortable and secure in what they are doing, and he supports and encourages her at every turn. With the help, and at times hindrance, of their families and her best friend, they struggle through to a happy for now ending, with the promise (?) of more to come. All of Ms. Handel’s hot and humid sex scenes woven in to a (twisted?) romantic love story. Enjoy!! 5 Stars
May 31, 2025
This was a very emotional tale that had me turning one page after the next, wanting to be sure Blaze and Cleo actually got together! There were so many ups and downs that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Blaze and Cleo couldn't be any more different if they tried, but that just made it all the more complicated for Blaze and more exciting for us. Thankfully she agreed--well not exactly, but you know what is meant by that--to accept protection when things started to go wrong, and that allowed Blaze to try and win her heart.
I can't wait to see what Shanna Handel brings next: this will be a hard one to top :)
I can't wait to see what Shanna Handel brings next: this will be a hard one to top :)
June 1, 2025
The story is well written and edited, however, for the first time, a Bachman book did not grab and hold my interest. Perhaps it was the back and forth on the Step-sister/brother trope. Their parents were married for a very short period of time when they were in their teens but somehow they can't get together because they were step-siblings, yet they can share a bed for a summer... If you can get past this, it is a very well written book that continues the Bachman legacy and of course has their HEA.
June 1, 2025
I loved this latest story by Shanna Handel. I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to see what happened between Blaze and Cleo. Blaze and Cleo were once step-siblings before their parents divorce. It is years later and they are both adults. There is an undeniable connection between them. Cleo breaks up with her boyfriend and Blaze is back in town dealing with something. Cleo tries to stay away but when there is a threat, Blaze will stop at nothing at keeping her safe. Will they end up together?
I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
I dropped it at Chapter 8.
Idk what it was, but I couldn’t get engaged. The characters felt so…fluffy…for a “dark” mafia romance, dare I say, very…”chic lit” esq? None of the characters felt like true adults, maybe college freshmans - the ML was like a frat boy while the FL was the nerdy, church girl.
The amount of times they kept saying “stepsiblings” and “related” made me wish I couldn’t read…like, WE GET IT, U GUYS R BANGING STEPSIBS. Cue the eye roll of an angsty teen.
I might pick up again, but probably not.
Idk what it was, but I couldn’t get engaged. The characters felt so…fluffy…for a “dark” mafia romance, dare I say, very…”chic lit” esq? None of the characters felt like true adults, maybe college freshmans - the ML was like a frat boy while the FL was the nerdy, church girl.
The amount of times they kept saying “stepsiblings” and “related” made me wish I couldn’t read…like, WE GET IT, U GUYS R BANGING STEPSIBS. Cue the eye roll of an angsty teen.
I might pick up again, but probably not.
May 29, 2025
I enjoyed Forbidden Vows, the plot was strong so wasn't the characters, the story was written well. Blaze and Cleo have off the charts chemistry, it's steamy, they were good for each other, they may have been opposites but they were well matched, they're good together.
Cleo and Blaze's story was sizzling, Shanna Handel did a great job on their story, it was great. Thank you, Shanna Handel, Great work :)
Cleo and Blaze's story was sizzling, Shanna Handel did a great job on their story, it was great. Thank you, Shanna Handel, Great work :)
June 9, 2025
Deserves More Than 5 Stars!
Such a great book!!! Different from most of the Mafia stories I have read!!! It is so refreshing because Cleo and Blaze really like each other!!! (Not willing to admit their love) They don't hurt each other or fight! There is very little angst!! However, there are twists and turns and loads of spice!!!! I couldn't put this book down! I loved it and definitely recommend it!!!
Such a great book!!! Different from most of the Mafia stories I have read!!! It is so refreshing because Cleo and Blaze really like each other!!! (Not willing to admit their love) They don't hurt each other or fight! There is very little angst!! However, there are twists and turns and loads of spice!!!! I couldn't put this book down! I loved it and definitely recommend it!!!
June 13, 2025
I really enjoyed Blaze and Cleo's story. They both hold each other in a special place in their hearts but their love story isn't an easy road. Cleo is strong and independent. She knows what she wants out of life. Blaze is patient and sweet but protective too. This book pulled at the heartstrings. Shanna writes the best stories. The characters are always relatable and endearing. Another five star read!
May 30, 2025
Wow this book is amazing! I loved the characters Blaze and Cleopatra. They have a very interesting past and them coming together could be taboo to some but shouldn’t be. Their connection is off the charts and the sexy times in this book are fantastic! I definitely recommend reading this book.
This is one of my favorites by Shanna Handel. Can’t wait for the next book!
This is one of my favorites by Shanna Handel. Can’t wait for the next book!
June 7, 2025
I’m being super generous with my stars here. I skimmed a lot of it and was about to give up on it more than a few times. So, meh. Just a manual for BDSM lite and very very dragged out confusing and whinging characters. Meh.
The only reason I persevered was because of the secret society aspect which was a mere few mentions.
The only reason I persevered was because of the secret society aspect which was a mere few mentions.
August 19, 2025
Step-siblings.
Taboo or acceptable? This is Blaze and Cleo's intense, mafia-themed love story. Be ready for passion, punishment, possessiveness, violence, protectiveness, dangerous rivals, dominance, with some humor and smile worthy moments. I really enjoyed Blaze and Cleo's personalities, the mafia guy and the kindergarten teacher.
Taboo or acceptable? This is Blaze and Cleo's intense, mafia-themed love story. Be ready for passion, punishment, possessiveness, violence, protectiveness, dangerous rivals, dominance, with some humor and smile worthy moments. I really enjoyed Blaze and Cleo's personalities, the mafia guy and the kindergarten teacher.
April 6, 2026
Mafia courtship
Another entertaining story of the Bachman Mafia. This one is heavy on the romance and lighter on the Bachman intrigue. Cleopatra and Blaze were a great couple who fought their feelings because they had once been step-siblings. However love prevailed and Blaze eventually got his girl...
Another entertaining story of the Bachman Mafia. This one is heavy on the romance and lighter on the Bachman intrigue. Cleopatra and Blaze were a great couple who fought their feelings because they had once been step-siblings. However love prevailed and Blaze eventually got his girl...
June 6, 2025
A fantastic story with an intriguing cast that held me captive throughout the entire story. I loved the intensity. I loved the compelling scenes which drew me into their world and didn’t let go. I can’t wait for the next book.
June 12, 2025
Smoking hot 🔥
I absolutely loved Blaze, he melted the pages. He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to get it. Cleo wanted that forbidden fruit, but was very conscious of the taboo aspect. I loved every bit of this book and highly recommend it. Shanna never dissapoints 👌
I absolutely loved Blaze, he melted the pages. He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to get it. Cleo wanted that forbidden fruit, but was very conscious of the taboo aspect. I loved every bit of this book and highly recommend it. Shanna never dissapoints 👌
June 17, 2025
Blaze and Cleo!! I enjoy stepsibling stories, but this one took me a bit to get into. Once I did though, it was a wild ride. The Bachman's have always been a favorite of mine from this author and even though it took me a bit, I ended up loving it. These two bring all the heat, steam and sexiness.
June 22, 2025
This is the second book in the Sinbound Vows series. I really enjoyed Blaze and Cleo‘s crazy wild story! It’s an addictive, steamy, forbidden romance. I was pulled into their story right away. A must read
July 13, 2025
LGJ
The book was very interesting from beginning to end even so the content was off some. Love does occur when you least expect it and being your soul mate was a added bonus looking to see how it all plays out in the next series
The book was very interesting from beginning to end even so the content was off some. Love does occur when you least expect it and being your soul mate was a added bonus looking to see how it all plays out in the next series
July 28, 2025
I love a good Bachman book. Blaze and Cleo are an interesting couple. They were step-siblings at one time and then became step-siblings again when their parents remarried. They are finally both free to be with one another. It was a fun book to read, and I always enjoy this author's books.
December 29, 2025
You can’t choose who you love
Cleopatra and Blaze are the most unobvious couple. That should be what keeps them away from each other being step siblings and all. But you can’t control who owns your heart.
Cleopatra and Blaze are the most unobvious couple. That should be what keeps them away from each other being step siblings and all. But you can’t control who owns your heart.
June 5, 2025
This was a great read. I really enjoyed it.
This is a voluntary review.
This is a voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews