What do you think?
Rate this book
Cruel Command #1
Cruel Vows
He killed my father. Now he’s my husband.
Sean O’Connor is everything I hate.
Twelve years older. My brother’s best friend. The man who stole my chance at revenge.
But in our world, marriage isn’t about love—it’s about power.
And this one ties me to the man I swore to destroy.
I fight him in private, obey him in public, and burn for him in ways I refuse to admit.
He says I belong to him. That I should forget the past.
Then my brother is kidnapped, and Sean is the only one who can help me save him.
But the more I fight him, the more I realize—he’s not just my enemy.
He’s the only man who will ever own me.
And in this war, falling for my husband might be the most dangerous thing of all.
Cruel Vows is a captivating dark enemies-to-lovers mafia romance with an arranged marriage twist that will leave you hooked. It’s the thrilling first installment in the Cruel Command series.
Sean O’Connor is everything I hate.
Twelve years older. My brother’s best friend. The man who stole my chance at revenge.
But in our world, marriage isn’t about love—it’s about power.
And this one ties me to the man I swore to destroy.
I fight him in private, obey him in public, and burn for him in ways I refuse to admit.
He says I belong to him. That I should forget the past.
Then my brother is kidnapped, and Sean is the only one who can help me save him.
But the more I fight him, the more I realize—he’s not just my enemy.
He’s the only man who will ever own me.
And in this war, falling for my husband might be the most dangerous thing of all.
Cruel Vows is a captivating dark enemies-to-lovers mafia romance with an arranged marriage twist that will leave you hooked. It’s the thrilling first installment in the Cruel Command series.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
540 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 12, 2025
Mafia and enemies to lovers, now that's my jam. Cruel Vows had it all: the sexual tension, banter, and digs they threw at one another had me laughing. 🤣
Sean and Ellie hate each other and have good reasons for it. Their families have bad blood, but when Ellie is attacked one night, her brother Aiden goes into protective mode and strikes a deal that Ellie and Sean get married, which ensures an alliance between the families.
With neither of them happy about this marriage and both of them wanting to k💀ll each other, you can only imagine how their marriage starts 😆
Can they learn to love each other?
I'm excited to continue the series and read Royce and Gia’s story.
dnf
May 5, 2025dnf@Chapter 9
Cruel Vows should have been a winner for me, it has tropes that I love but unfortunately it was a fail. I didn't like any of the characters and found Aiden and Sean weak for mafia men. I also hated Sean's father; he has absolutely no respect for his son. Ellie is annoying and I can't believe we are to accept that Sean killed their father but for Aiden it didn't seem like a big deal. Maybe we are told more about the father later on, but I have no interest in finding out.
Cruel Vows should have been a winner for me, it has tropes that I love but unfortunately it was a fail. I didn't like any of the characters and found Aiden and Sean weak for mafia men. I also hated Sean's father; he has absolutely no respect for his son. Ellie is annoying and I can't believe we are to accept that Sean killed their father but for Aiden it didn't seem like a big deal. Maybe we are told more about the father later on, but I have no interest in finding out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
4.5 Chaos stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️
3🌶
Un enemies-to-Lovers atat de intens..si totuși, întreaga poveste mi s-a părut un haos total, genul de haos cand nu ai timp sa treci la următorul capitol, pt ca se întâmplă din nou ceva. Si asta m-a facut sa nu las cartea din mana pana la final.
3🌶
Un enemies-to-Lovers atat de intens..si totuși, întreaga poveste mi s-a părut un haos total, genul de haos cand nu ai timp sa treci la următorul capitol, pt ca se întâmplă din nou ceva. Si asta m-a facut sa nu las cartea din mana pana la final.
May 22, 2025
Seriously?! SMDH
I’ve lost count on how many mafia books I have read to date and I can confidently say—this is the worst book I have EVER read. I really wish I could give it a zero star.
FMC and the MC’s brother are the most inept mafia men in the history of mafia families. Every character was a caricature! The storyline was beyond absurd.
The MC was all talk and no actions. The FMC was attacked twice in their house. The house he insisted that she stayed in for her protection. I can’t
I wanted every last one of all them to experience a horrible death.
I was rooting for the villain!
Why Kira Cole?! Whhhhyy????!!!
I’ve lost count on how many mafia books I have read to date and I can confidently say—this is the worst book I have EVER read. I really wish I could give it a zero star.
FMC and the MC’s brother are the most inept mafia men in the history of mafia families. Every character was a caricature! The storyline was beyond absurd.
The MC was all talk and no actions. The FMC was attacked twice in their house. The house he insisted that she stayed in for her protection. I can’t
I wanted every last one of all them to experience a horrible death.
I was rooting for the villain!
Why Kira Cole?! Whhhhyy????!!!
April 17, 2025
Some novels whisk you away to far-off lands; others plunge you into epic battles. Cruel -Vows does both while reminding us that the fiercest wars are waged not on battlefields but in the human heart.
At its core, this book is not a slow burn, transforming a tale of hatred into one of grudging respect—and maybe something more. The protagonist, Ellie, is a smart woman. Forced by circumstance (and a brother who wants to protect his family) to marry her sworn enemy, the brooding and infuriatingly handsome Sean, she vows to make his life as miserable as her own. What follows is a delicious blend of verbal sparring, emotional depth, and reluctant attraction.
Every interaction between Ellie and Sean crackles with tension, each word a dagger sheathed in silk. And while their initial disdain feels palpable, it becomes clear that their hatred is built on misunderstandings as much as betrayal. Watching their walls come down—brick by stubborn brick—is nothing short of mesmerizing.
But Cruel-Vows isn’t longing glances and secret heartache. The political intrigue surrounding their forced union adds stakes that feel genuinely threatening. Loyalties are tested, plots are uncovered, and alliances shift like quicksand. Ellie’s sharp tongue and keen intellect are matched only by her courage to stand on her own, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Meanwhile, Sean’s brooding exterior hides a wounded heart, and seeing him grow alongside Ellie is as rewarding as their eventual surrender to love.
If there’s one criticism, it’s that the villain—while effective—lacks the nuance of the leads for me. Still, their machinations serve as a satisfying backdrop for the main event: the fiery collision of two hearts bound by circumstance yet destined for more.
In Cruel Vows, the line between love and hate has never been thinner—or more addictive. If you’re a fan of fire-driven romance, crackling chemistry, and heroines who refuse to play by anyone’s rules but their own, this book will have you staying up far too late, savoring every page. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself hoping for a sequel—Ellie and Sean's story feels like only the beginning.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At its core, this book is not a slow burn, transforming a tale of hatred into one of grudging respect—and maybe something more. The protagonist, Ellie, is a smart woman. Forced by circumstance (and a brother who wants to protect his family) to marry her sworn enemy, the brooding and infuriatingly handsome Sean, she vows to make his life as miserable as her own. What follows is a delicious blend of verbal sparring, emotional depth, and reluctant attraction.
Every interaction between Ellie and Sean crackles with tension, each word a dagger sheathed in silk. And while their initial disdain feels palpable, it becomes clear that their hatred is built on misunderstandings as much as betrayal. Watching their walls come down—brick by stubborn brick—is nothing short of mesmerizing.
But Cruel-Vows isn’t longing glances and secret heartache. The political intrigue surrounding their forced union adds stakes that feel genuinely threatening. Loyalties are tested, plots are uncovered, and alliances shift like quicksand. Ellie’s sharp tongue and keen intellect are matched only by her courage to stand on her own, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Meanwhile, Sean’s brooding exterior hides a wounded heart, and seeing him grow alongside Ellie is as rewarding as their eventual surrender to love.
If there’s one criticism, it’s that the villain—while effective—lacks the nuance of the leads for me. Still, their machinations serve as a satisfying backdrop for the main event: the fiery collision of two hearts bound by circumstance yet destined for more.
In Cruel Vows, the line between love and hate has never been thinner—or more addictive. If you’re a fan of fire-driven romance, crackling chemistry, and heroines who refuse to play by anyone’s rules but their own, this book will have you staying up far too late, savoring every page. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself hoping for a sequel—Ellie and Sean's story feels like only the beginning.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2025
This is one I didn't expect. It may be because there's usually a lull. Well, that didn't happen. Ellie is a nurse who wants to leave the family and their life in the mafia behind. Sean is the heir to another family who is responsible for an attack on her father that Ellie witnessed. They couldn't stand each other so logically they end up in an arranged marriage.
Ellie is a spitfire with an attitude that doesn't stop. She gives as good as she gets. Sean is friends with Ellie's brother Aiden & agrees to help him. Sean's father wants a more permanent union and suggests marriage. Sean agrees as long as it's not Ellie which is who his father wants. The start out as frenemies and through good character development, they get under each other's skin and start a slow burn towards love. There's twists, turns, and suspects.
While I'd love to give this a five-star rating, it's more a 4.5. There were some issues. The transition between chapters was rocky and didn't flow. That meant it took longer for the reader to resettle into the story. Aiden's character was decent but had plot holes that was frustrating. Noah was supposed to be extremely dangerous and was more window dressing than action. The guy he sent after Ellie was mafia vicious and who I pictured Noah should have been. Ryder, Aiden's brother, was more a leader than Aiden. Maybe if Aiden has his own book, the writer will flesh out his character and understand why he's the way he is.
All in all, there were issues, but the characters of Ellie and Sean were multi dimensional and strong alphas in their own right. Ryder, Rebecca (Sean's sister) and Dominic (Sean's right hand) were developed enough to possible warrant their own books. I received a free copy from Bookspout of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie is a spitfire with an attitude that doesn't stop. She gives as good as she gets. Sean is friends with Ellie's brother Aiden & agrees to help him. Sean's father wants a more permanent union and suggests marriage. Sean agrees as long as it's not Ellie which is who his father wants. The start out as frenemies and through good character development, they get under each other's skin and start a slow burn towards love. There's twists, turns, and suspects.
While I'd love to give this a five-star rating, it's more a 4.5. There were some issues. The transition between chapters was rocky and didn't flow. That meant it took longer for the reader to resettle into the story. Aiden's character was decent but had plot holes that was frustrating. Noah was supposed to be extremely dangerous and was more window dressing than action. The guy he sent after Ellie was mafia vicious and who I pictured Noah should have been. Ryder, Aiden's brother, was more a leader than Aiden. Maybe if Aiden has his own book, the writer will flesh out his character and understand why he's the way he is.
All in all, there were issues, but the characters of Ellie and Sean were multi dimensional and strong alphas in their own right. Ryder, Rebecca (Sean's sister) and Dominic (Sean's right hand) were developed enough to possible warrant their own books. I received a free copy from Bookspout of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2025
“Cruel Vows” is the first instalment in the “Cruel Command Series.” It is a captivating dark enemies-to-lovers mafia romance with an arranged marriage twist that will leave you hooked. Definitely a thrilling first instalment. Ellie is forced to marry Sean for the good of the family - he is Aidan’s best friend and will unite them against a common enemy, the Rinaldo family. She hates him as he killed her father in front of her. The feeling is mutual!
“I have to marry Sean Andino.
The man who killed my father.
The monster who spent years making my life miserable.
I’m not going to survive this marriage.”
This is suppose to be a business arrangement …. but the walls start to crumble. Even though neither of them can stand each other, they do have chemistry. Sean knows that Elle is fiercely independent and stubborn, but also loyal to her family. Can Sean and Elle dare to believe in “happily ever after” together? Do they dare open their hearts to each other and fight a common enemy together? Can this fake marriage be more? These questions and more will have you captivated from start to finish! I know I was and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes through moments of the thoughts or possibilities that it could happen to, to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I’m very happily hooked! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
“I have to marry Sean Andino.
The man who killed my father.
The monster who spent years making my life miserable.
I’m not going to survive this marriage.”
This is suppose to be a business arrangement …. but the walls start to crumble. Even though neither of them can stand each other, they do have chemistry. Sean knows that Elle is fiercely independent and stubborn, but also loyal to her family. Can Sean and Elle dare to believe in “happily ever after” together? Do they dare open their hearts to each other and fight a common enemy together? Can this fake marriage be more? These questions and more will have you captivated from start to finish! I know I was and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
The story is full of passion, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes through moments of the thoughts or possibilities that it could happen to, to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I’m very happily hooked! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
March 26, 2025
This is Book 1 in the series Cruel Command. An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance. This book is a captivating dark enemies-to-lovers mafia romance with an arranged marriage twist that will grab you and keep your interest.
Ellie Lynde (Hells Ells😁) is our beautiful twenty six year old MFC with outstanding forest green eyes.
She’s a nurse at a clinic, and she loves her job. She’s considers the part where she stitches up cuts and dig bullets out of her brother’s soldiers to be her part for the Lynda Mafia Family. And it works till Aiden, her brother, head of the New York Lynde Mafia, decides her part to the family is to marry Sean O’Connor, Prince of the O’Connor Mafia Family.
Seans father and Aiden forces Ellie and Sean into a marriage contract to join the interests of the two families. Mainly being to fight against the Rinaldo family.
Sean O’Connor is handsome, muscular and he and Ellie hate each other. You know what they say about hate and love😁. The problem being, Sean killed her dad (forced by his dad) when she as a child. She was with her dad when Sean took him out.
And as they each got older, since Sean and Aiden were best friends, they were around each other often.
But this is a mafia story filled with greed, spicy spots, kidnappings, beatings, brutality, sabotage, double dealings, and more! And yes there’s a happy ending filled with deep love.😁.
This is book 1 of a series and although it is, ends with a solid footing. Although a future is referenced to because Noah Rinaldo was still out there..hiding…waiting….
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie Lynde (Hells Ells😁) is our beautiful twenty six year old MFC with outstanding forest green eyes.
She’s a nurse at a clinic, and she loves her job. She’s considers the part where she stitches up cuts and dig bullets out of her brother’s soldiers to be her part for the Lynda Mafia Family. And it works till Aiden, her brother, head of the New York Lynde Mafia, decides her part to the family is to marry Sean O’Connor, Prince of the O’Connor Mafia Family.
Seans father and Aiden forces Ellie and Sean into a marriage contract to join the interests of the two families. Mainly being to fight against the Rinaldo family.
Sean O’Connor is handsome, muscular and he and Ellie hate each other. You know what they say about hate and love😁. The problem being, Sean killed her dad (forced by his dad) when she as a child. She was with her dad when Sean took him out.
And as they each got older, since Sean and Aiden were best friends, they were around each other often.
But this is a mafia story filled with greed, spicy spots, kidnappings, beatings, brutality, sabotage, double dealings, and more! And yes there’s a happy ending filled with deep love.😁.
This is book 1 of a series and although it is, ends with a solid footing. Although a future is referenced to because Noah Rinaldo was still out there..hiding…waiting….
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2025
Ellie has hated Sean, her brother Adrian's best friend, since he killed their father.
Adrian, who is now head of the Lynde mafia, needs to make a tough decision in the war against the Rinaldos. He approaches Sean's father, Malcolm, who is head of the Andino mafia. Would he be willing to join forces to bring down Noah? But Malcolm has one stipulation for his help: Sean is to marry Ellie to secure the alliance.
The story follows the trials that Sean and Ellie have to deal with so early on in their marriage. Not only having to live together when the past is between them, but also Noah hunting them down. They say love and hate are closely entwined, and this is proven with these two. The spark of attraction is there, and their bodies may be in sync, but can their brains and hearts soon follow?
They are fighting for their lives and those of their families, but in this war, who can they trust?
A great opening book of the series. I was drawn into it immediately, willing the past between Sean and Ellie to be buried once and for all and letting the love they felt for each other win through. I loved that Ellie is a strong female character, willing to fight for what she believes in, especially when their world is dominated by alpha males. Sean, who wasn't looking for love, especially with the thorn in his side, Ellie, soon realises that she has been under his skin for a long time. She may have been an irritating itch under his skin, but it soon became a compulsion; she may fight it, but she is his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Adrian, who is now head of the Lynde mafia, needs to make a tough decision in the war against the Rinaldos. He approaches Sean's father, Malcolm, who is head of the Andino mafia. Would he be willing to join forces to bring down Noah? But Malcolm has one stipulation for his help: Sean is to marry Ellie to secure the alliance.
The story follows the trials that Sean and Ellie have to deal with so early on in their marriage. Not only having to live together when the past is between them, but also Noah hunting them down. They say love and hate are closely entwined, and this is proven with these two. The spark of attraction is there, and their bodies may be in sync, but can their brains and hearts soon follow?
They are fighting for their lives and those of their families, but in this war, who can they trust?
A great opening book of the series. I was drawn into it immediately, willing the past between Sean and Ellie to be buried once and for all and letting the love they felt for each other win through. I loved that Ellie is a strong female character, willing to fight for what she believes in, especially when their world is dominated by alpha males. Sean, who wasn't looking for love, especially with the thorn in his side, Ellie, soon realises that she has been under his skin for a long time. She may have been an irritating itch under his skin, but it soon became a compulsion; she may fight it, but she is his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
What an awesome read! This is a great Mafia book and kept my attention the whole time. It's been a while since I have read a mafia book that sucked me in right from the beginning.
Ellie is the sister Mafia head Aiden. Sean is the son of another Mafia Don, and he is also BFFs with Aiden. At the request of his father, Sean killed Ellie and Aiden's father 16 years ago when he was 22 and Ellie was 10. Through it all Aiden and Sean have remained friends. When a rival family makes threats against Ellie's family, an arranged marriage between Ellie and Sean is negotiated and neither is happy since they can't stand one another. All this is the beginning of the story, and it only gets better from there.
These characters were well developed and again, I couldn't put it down... and didn't want to, it was so good, and I was captivated! I loved this snarky couple that didn't like each other until they started liking each other. This couple had so much chemistry and while neither was happy about the arrangement, it is always Family!
If you want to read a steamy, suspenseful mafia story, pick this one up as it looks like there are more coming in this series and I can'[t wait.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie is the sister Mafia head Aiden. Sean is the son of another Mafia Don, and he is also BFFs with Aiden. At the request of his father, Sean killed Ellie and Aiden's father 16 years ago when he was 22 and Ellie was 10. Through it all Aiden and Sean have remained friends. When a rival family makes threats against Ellie's family, an arranged marriage between Ellie and Sean is negotiated and neither is happy since they can't stand one another. All this is the beginning of the story, and it only gets better from there.
These characters were well developed and again, I couldn't put it down... and didn't want to, it was so good, and I was captivated! I loved this snarky couple that didn't like each other until they started liking each other. This couple had so much chemistry and while neither was happy about the arrangement, it is always Family!
If you want to read a steamy, suspenseful mafia story, pick this one up as it looks like there are more coming in this series and I can'[t wait.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2025
In Cruel Vows, Ellie Lynde has been trying to leave the Mafia life behind. All she wants is to work and have a normal life. Her brother makes it difficult. He is always telling her she needs to do what is expected for the family. Even though it is the last thing she wants, she always does what her brother tells her to do. This time however she has to marry Sean Andino, a man she can’t stand. She even calls him the enemy.
Sean is best friends with Ellie’s brother. Sean feels the same as Ellie and only tolerates her because of her brother. He doesn’t like being around her and shares her animosity toward the arrangement. Once married, they try to avoid each other but the attraction is there. When they finally give into their explosive chemistry, it is fireworks.
Kira Cole took me through a bloody journey. This story is filled with so many shocks and twists at every turn. I laughed, cried, and wanted to throw the kindle. It was an emotional rollercoaster but so entertaining. I couldn’t put it down. I love both characters. Sean oozes touch her and die vibes and Ellie is an all around badass. Their chemistry sizzles on the pages. I love the epilogue. I am so excited for the next book! I can’t wait!!
Sean is best friends with Ellie’s brother. Sean feels the same as Ellie and only tolerates her because of her brother. He doesn’t like being around her and shares her animosity toward the arrangement. Once married, they try to avoid each other but the attraction is there. When they finally give into their explosive chemistry, it is fireworks.
Kira Cole took me through a bloody journey. This story is filled with so many shocks and twists at every turn. I laughed, cried, and wanted to throw the kindle. It was an emotional rollercoaster but so entertaining. I couldn’t put it down. I love both characters. Sean oozes touch her and die vibes and Ellie is an all around badass. Their chemistry sizzles on the pages. I love the epilogue. I am so excited for the next book! I can’t wait!!
January 18, 2025
Loved this story, it’s full of angst, action, tension and all the mafia goodness I like in a mafia romance!
The story is well written and the characters are great with good chemistry and dynamics.
Ellie is born into a mafia family and is desperate to leave the lifestyle and forge her own path in life separate to the ‘family business’ as a nurse. After witnessing her fathers murder at age 10 her overprotective older brother (Aiden) and mafia don doesn’t let her cut ties. When a rival mafia family starts making moves against them and declares that he intends to kill all her siblings, aiden makes a deal with another family (andino family) to form an alliance. The andino don decides that the only acceptable way to do this is by a marriage alliance and decides that Ellie is to marry his son Sean, Aiden’s best friend and also their fathers murderer and Ellie’s sworn enemy! When Ellie becomes the focus of the rival (Ronaldo family) who repeatedly attack her Sean will do anything and kill anyone to protect her at all costs.
Brilliant enjoyable story and I hope there will be more coming in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is well written and the characters are great with good chemistry and dynamics.
Ellie is born into a mafia family and is desperate to leave the lifestyle and forge her own path in life separate to the ‘family business’ as a nurse. After witnessing her fathers murder at age 10 her overprotective older brother (Aiden) and mafia don doesn’t let her cut ties. When a rival mafia family starts making moves against them and declares that he intends to kill all her siblings, aiden makes a deal with another family (andino family) to form an alliance. The andino don decides that the only acceptable way to do this is by a marriage alliance and decides that Ellie is to marry his son Sean, Aiden’s best friend and also their fathers murderer and Ellie’s sworn enemy! When Ellie becomes the focus of the rival (Ronaldo family) who repeatedly attack her Sean will do anything and kill anyone to protect her at all costs.
Brilliant enjoyable story and I hope there will be more coming in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2025
Author Kira Cole continues to show what a brilliant author she is with each book that I have read by her thus far. I have absolutely loved reading this book from beginning to end. Cruel Vows is the first story in The Cruel Command series. Cruel Vows follow the intricate journey of Ellie and Sean. I LOVED learning about Ellie and Sean as the main characters of this amazing mafia romance book. I couldn’t get enough of their incredible story and was slightly saddened when it came to an end because I didn’t want it to stop. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I didn’t even want to put this book down until I read the last sentence of the last page. This book is completely captivating from start to finish, it held my interest through the entire book. Cruel Vows is well written, amazingly balanced and perfectly executed by Kira Cole. I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I can hardly wait to see what will come next from this amazing author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2025
A thrilling read, that has Ellie thrust into an arranged marriage to her brother’s friend, she hates him, he killed their father! Sean is furious his father has made this arranged marriage between him and Ellie, she is nothing but a spoiled brat who is forever testing her brother Aiden’s authority, but as a good heir apparent in the mafia world he will do what his father has ordered and marry her.
The marriage is meant to create an alliance to fight against the man who threatens both families, their businesses, their livelihood and their loved ones.
The marriage of Ellie and Sean sets off a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, sabotage, guilt, anger and plenty of steam. Their world is rocked when the house is breached by an intruder and this sets of series of events that continued to keep me absolutely glued to the pages, I was on the edge of my seat, I didn’t guess the twist and the end was so satisfying. Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and I am writing this review voluntarily
The marriage is meant to create an alliance to fight against the man who threatens both families, their businesses, their livelihood and their loved ones.
The marriage of Ellie and Sean sets off a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, sabotage, guilt, anger and plenty of steam. Their world is rocked when the house is breached by an intruder and this sets of series of events that continued to keep me absolutely glued to the pages, I was on the edge of my seat, I didn’t guess the twist and the end was so satisfying. Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and I am writing this review voluntarily
January 12, 2025
This is the start to The Cruel Command Series where we have two families that have been united and enemies over the years. Sean was tasked with taking out Aiden’s father that Ellie was a witness and the guys remained friends due to the circumstances so when an enemy of both families comes for them they join an alliance by an arranged marriage of Sean and Aiden’s very independent sister, Ellie. These two cannot stand one another at all! Sean’s father’s the Don of his family is of old school and allows some cruel rules following the marriage that only sets them up for trouble of the heart. These two are married where fighting is daily and all Ellie wants to do is be a nurse and leave the Mafia world but with Sean by her side they will go through some horrific and unspeakable situations at the hands of those who should protect them. Be prepared for your heart to experience drama, anger, undermining, threats they cannot fight, genuine feelings and steamy times but most of all finding redemption. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2025
Ellie finds herself in a forced marriage to Sean a man she hates. The man who killed her father and is also her Aiden her brother's best friend and mafia rival.
Both Sean and Ellie have never seen eye to eye. The only way to keep both families save from another mafia family is to bring the families together, the idea of Aiden. That first night, is something to think about.
Problem is both have chemistry. Sean knows this marriage will not be easy, and Ellie is no push over. Being a nurse and wanting a say in her life, she pushes all Sean's button, causing some very steamy exchanges.
With the both families are now defending themselves against their mutual enemy.
Both Sean and Ellie agree to stop the fighting and soon more blooms. With Ellie and other family members in danger, Sean finds he wants to protect his beautiful wife and keep all safe.
We have angst, drama, action, family, chemistry and such heat.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.hhj
Both Sean and Ellie have never seen eye to eye. The only way to keep both families save from another mafia family is to bring the families together, the idea of Aiden. That first night, is something to think about.
Problem is both have chemistry. Sean knows this marriage will not be easy, and Ellie is no push over. Being a nurse and wanting a say in her life, she pushes all Sean's button, causing some very steamy exchanges.
With the both families are now defending themselves against their mutual enemy.
Both Sean and Ellie agree to stop the fighting and soon more blooms. With Ellie and other family members in danger, Sean finds he wants to protect his beautiful wife and keep all safe.
We have angst, drama, action, family, chemistry and such heat.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.hhj
January 18, 2025
Forced into Marriage to Form an Alliance...
Another great mafia book by Kira Cole! Cruel Vows is Book 1 of the Cruel Command series.
The characters are well-developed and the storyline is well thought out and captured my interest right from the start.
Ellie is the female lead and a strong character with good intentions and plans for her future outside of the family business. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't exactly get to make all her own life plans as her brother is now the head of her family after their father was murdered.
Sean may not be the head of his mafia family but he still seems to bear the weight of the family's burdens and responsibilities...as well as the danger. One of the responsibilities he must accept is the arranged marriage to his childhood best friend's sister who just happens to have a very good reason for hating him.
The mystery, suspense, and steamy moments of this story had me glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great mafia book by Kira Cole! Cruel Vows is Book 1 of the Cruel Command series.
The characters are well-developed and the storyline is well thought out and captured my interest right from the start.
Ellie is the female lead and a strong character with good intentions and plans for her future outside of the family business. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't exactly get to make all her own life plans as her brother is now the head of her family after their father was murdered.
Sean may not be the head of his mafia family but he still seems to bear the weight of the family's burdens and responsibilities...as well as the danger. One of the responsibilities he must accept is the arranged marriage to his childhood best friend's sister who just happens to have a very good reason for hating him.
The mystery, suspense, and steamy moments of this story had me glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2025
Ellie was born into a mafia family but wants to live her life away from it. Her dreams are shattered when her brother Aiden tells her she has to marry Sean who is the son of another mafia Don. Sean is the one person she completely hates. Aiden and Sean are friends. Things happened in the past so it's understandable why Ellie hates Sean. She has no choice but to marry him. Once they are married Ellie begins to change toward Sean. They are very attracted to each other and have great chemistry. Can their marriage last?
I enjoyed Ellie as the FMC. She was witty and very courageous. She was also a great match to Sean. Their banter made me laugh. Sean was a good MMC. I found him to be very protective of Ellie. He made a few mistakes with her but he made up for them.
The story will hook you from the beginning. It is full of steam, surprises and suspense. A great mafia story and this is one of my favorite tropes. I definitely recommend reading this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed Ellie as the FMC. She was witty and very courageous. She was also a great match to Sean. Their banter made me laugh. Sean was a good MMC. I found him to be very protective of Ellie. He made a few mistakes with her but he made up for them.
The story will hook you from the beginning. It is full of steam, surprises and suspense. A great mafia story and this is one of my favorite tropes. I definitely recommend reading this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2025
This was such a mesmerizing book that it kept me glued to the very last page. Torture, kidnapping, beheading, murder, betrayal and all the things that the Mafia is known for. Rinaldo seems to be ahead, but Sean is determined to see him dead.
Being a girl who grew up in the Mafia, Elle fights in every way she can and refuses to show any fear. If cornered she threatens despite those threats being useless. Sean and Elle have a lot of hate for each other and for the Rinaldo’s but hopefully they can find a way to live together and fight their common enemy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I know that there is more coming which I anxiously await. The torture is explicit and may not be for everyone. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Mafia story, this one has everything you could expect and more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being a girl who grew up in the Mafia, Elle fights in every way she can and refuses to show any fear. If cornered she threatens despite those threats being useless. Sean and Elle have a lot of hate for each other and for the Rinaldo’s but hopefully they can find a way to live together and fight their common enemy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I know that there is more coming which I anxiously await. The torture is explicit and may not be for everyone. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Mafia story, this one has everything you could expect and more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2025
Ellie wants nothing to do with the Mafia lifestyle she was born into. She became a nurse to save people, not kill them. Her brother Aiden became the leader after her father’s death 16 years ago, by the hand of his best friend Sean. So when she is forced to marry the man who took her father away from her family just to form an alliance, she will stop at nothing to get her freedom to live the life she wants. But when Noah Rinoldo, the enemy they are working together against, makes it a priority to end the Lynde family, Sean Andino and Ellie Lynde must find a way to make this marriage work. But with so much past hatred and threats coming from all sides, can they make it. This story was amazing!! There is no shortage of drama, angst or spicy romance to go around! You will love getting to see Sean and Ellie learn to love each other against all the odds and the danger threatening to tear their lives apart. I couldn’t put the book down!
April 16, 2025
I loved this book. The whole thing was intense, whether they were fighting the enemy or their love for each other, trying to vie for control or taking out their frustrations in the sex scenes. The fight against the enemy was bloody. The fight against each other was electric. The sex scenes were passionate. And the whole story was a good read.
Here are the Cat’s Stats:
MMC/FMC- Sean and Ellie
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- about 300 pages
Heat- 4/5 volcanoes. They do the things and use the P word when naming the parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Blood, graphic violence, firearms, language, torture, more blood, explicit erotic content, unaliving threats, branding.
Tropes- Forced/Arranged Marriage, I Want to Break Free, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Enemies to Lovers, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso, Hate Sex High.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here are the Cat’s Stats:
MMC/FMC- Sean and Ellie
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- about 300 pages
Heat- 4/5 volcanoes. They do the things and use the P word when naming the parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Blood, graphic violence, firearms, language, torture, more blood, explicit erotic content, unaliving threats, branding.
Tropes- Forced/Arranged Marriage, I Want to Break Free, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Enemies to Lovers, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso, Hate Sex High.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2025
Ellie is the sister of Aiden who is the Don of Lynde Faily. She wants nothing to do with the family business.
All she wants to do is be a nurse.
In order to boost the family's strength against the Rinaldo family who is attempting to take over business in the city, she is forced into an arranged marriage with Sean Andino by her brother and his father. She witnessed Sean kill her father under orders from his father, which was traumatic and makes her hate Sean.
She continues to rebel against Sean and his restrictions.
Despite the alliance the Rinaldo family continues to interfere with business of the Lynde family.
The ending is very surprising which I don't want to spoil.
This was a engaging read with twists in the plot, lots of heat between Ellie and Sean.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All she wants to do is be a nurse.
In order to boost the family's strength against the Rinaldo family who is attempting to take over business in the city, she is forced into an arranged marriage with Sean Andino by her brother and his father. She witnessed Sean kill her father under orders from his father, which was traumatic and makes her hate Sean.
She continues to rebel against Sean and his restrictions.
Despite the alliance the Rinaldo family continues to interfere with business of the Lynde family.
The ending is very surprising which I don't want to spoil.
This was a engaging read with twists in the plot, lots of heat between Ellie and Sean.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2025
As the first book in the series, Kira Cole has once again proven her ability to craft a compelling narrative. I am excited about the potential of this series. The chemistry between Ellie and Sean is palpable, although they have yet to realize their connection. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that certain secondary characters, such as Dominic and Kira, deserved more development. Their limited presence in the story was noticeable, particularly given their significance as Sean's trusted ally and Ellie's bodyguard. Moreover, the plot had several inconsistencies, including the failure to address the mole within their organization, which led to additional attacks. Despite these issues, I found the book engaging, and I eagerly await the next installment, hopefully featuring Aiden's story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2025
Enemies to lovers.
This book focuses on Ellie a nurse, and part of a Mafia family, and Sean from a rival family. Ellie’s dad was killed by Sean, right in front of her, Sean being a good friend of Ellie’s brother Aiden, who then became the don. Ellie thus hates Sean.
Ellie’s life is threatened, a message from another rival gang, planning to kill all of Ellie’s family. Aiden decides their family needs an alliance with Sean’s family, which leads to Ellie and Sean becoming man and wife.
There is a lot of action, suspense and twists in the story.
I really enjoyed this book, the tension, the banter and the energy used between these two was palpable. They both have strong characters, each fighting for the upper hand, then finally they have to fight with each other against an enemy.
I have read a few books from this author and enjoyed each and everyone, would definately recommend.
This book focuses on Ellie a nurse, and part of a Mafia family, and Sean from a rival family. Ellie’s dad was killed by Sean, right in front of her, Sean being a good friend of Ellie’s brother Aiden, who then became the don. Ellie thus hates Sean.
Ellie’s life is threatened, a message from another rival gang, planning to kill all of Ellie’s family. Aiden decides their family needs an alliance with Sean’s family, which leads to Ellie and Sean becoming man and wife.
There is a lot of action, suspense and twists in the story.
I really enjoyed this book, the tension, the banter and the energy used between these two was palpable. They both have strong characters, each fighting for the upper hand, then finally they have to fight with each other against an enemy.
I have read a few books from this author and enjoyed each and everyone, would definately recommend.
February 14, 2025
This is a very well written novel I enjoyed reading immensely.
It follows Ellie who is the sister of Aiden, head of their mafia family. She is wanting different for her life and is passionate about being a nurse, a job that she loves. Aiden thinks she needs to be more involved in family matters.
Sean is Aiden’s BFF, not only is his family their rival but he is also the man that killed Ellie and Aiden’s father 16 years ago.
When a rival mafia family comes after their families it is decided it’s in the best interest of their families to unite them by the marriage of Sean and Ellie…and the two of them can’t stand to be in the same room together!
Get ready for all the drama, threats, escalating emotions, lots of steam 🥵 and a chemistry like no other. You like a page turner of a mafia story? Then get yourself a seat and be ready to not want to put this book down. Would recommend!
It follows Ellie who is the sister of Aiden, head of their mafia family. She is wanting different for her life and is passionate about being a nurse, a job that she loves. Aiden thinks she needs to be more involved in family matters.
Sean is Aiden’s BFF, not only is his family their rival but he is also the man that killed Ellie and Aiden’s father 16 years ago.
When a rival mafia family comes after their families it is decided it’s in the best interest of their families to unite them by the marriage of Sean and Ellie…and the two of them can’t stand to be in the same room together!
Get ready for all the drama, threats, escalating emotions, lots of steam 🥵 and a chemistry like no other. You like a page turner of a mafia story? Then get yourself a seat and be ready to not want to put this book down. Would recommend!
February 23, 2025
Sean is twelve years older than Ellie, and what he did to her family many years earlier makes hate seem like a small name for her feelings toward him. To build an alliance between their families against another enemy, Sean and Ellie are forced to marry. Both are stubborn and have very different opinions on how each of their lives should be spent. Loyalties are questioned and relationships become rocky, leading to a fight for their lives. Sean and Ellie are explosive throughout the book. There is a constant battle of wills, yet seem to keep finding themselves back in each other’s arms for one reason or another. I enjoyed the tension and their struggles to make the marriage work despite agreeing to very little. This story is the first in a series and does end on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2025
Ellie is the younger sister of Aiden (head of the Lynde family) and Sean Andino is his best friend. Although there is a history between Ellie and Sean’s family (the murder of their father), Aiden and Sean find a way to still remain friends. When Noah Rinaldo is out to take out the Lynde family, Aiden has no choice but to unite the Lynde and Andino families. A marriage is set up between Ellie and Sean. Ellie is not happy at all because he killed her father. Or did he? Memories of hers have been repressed and she cannot be to sure.
Constant turmoil and conflict keep them on their feet! The constant bickering between Sean and Ellie along with the passion will make it very hard to put this book down!
Betrayal, lies and torture are plenty! Cannot wait to read more from this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Constant turmoil and conflict keep them on their feet! The constant bickering between Sean and Ellie along with the passion will make it very hard to put this book down!
Betrayal, lies and torture are plenty! Cannot wait to read more from this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2025
This is an action-packed story right from the start. We have enemies and best friend's mafia boss Aiden and his best friend Sean the heir to another rival mafia. Aiden informed his sister Ellie she will be marring Sean who is also the man who killed her father sixteen years ago. An alliance is to make them stronger to fight their enemies. Wow do the sparks fly, the chemistry between Sean and Ellie is amazing. I love her snarky attitude and their witty banter with each of them trying to gain control of their relationship. She hates him, but at times she finds her attraction to him growing. The story was so good it was hard to put the book down danger is everywhere with it several twists and turns as secrets and betrayals are uncovered. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
My first Kira Cole book! While it wasn’t terrible, I didn’t love it. The spice was just mediocre and the characters were somewhat annoying. I felt like conversations just rambled on and the enemies to lovers trope was excessive- like they argued and fought till the very last page. Yes, that’s just how their relationship worked, but I tend to find the constant arguing very annoying and exhausting.
Guys kept breaking into the husband house and he lives in a gated mansion, I mean cmon, it’s completely unrealistic that he doesn’t have enough security to keep his own house safe? Especially after the FIRST TIME it happens- you’d think he’d increase security to make it impenetrable?
Also found the FMC somewhat naive and annoying. She hoped to move away from her mafia family (not gonna happen!) and was constantly crying to go back to work
Guys kept breaking into the husband house and he lives in a gated mansion, I mean cmon, it’s completely unrealistic that he doesn’t have enough security to keep his own house safe? Especially after the FIRST TIME it happens- you’d think he’d increase security to make it impenetrable?
Also found the FMC somewhat naive and annoying. She hoped to move away from her mafia family (not gonna happen!) and was constantly crying to go back to work
September 1, 2025
Gotta be honest, this book wasn't for me, which is surprising because I loved her Koslov Bratva series.
That being said, there are lots of my wife moments, lots of spice, and lots of banter. I was so utterly disappointed that we didn't get a reaction from Sean after Ellie was attacked before they even got married. In these books, usually, the MMC may dislike his FMC but if she's hurt, he will burn the whole world down because no one touch what is his. But in this case, Sean just glossed over it and Ellie was beaten pretty badly. I think that left a bad taste in my mouth for this paring over all. Then there's Aiden who is mad that his bff fell for his sister - ummm...what did you think was going to happen?
I didn't find the book very enjoyable and just wanted it to be over already!
That being said, there are lots of my wife moments, lots of spice, and lots of banter. I was so utterly disappointed that we didn't get a reaction from Sean after Ellie was attacked before they even got married. In these books, usually, the MMC may dislike his FMC but if she's hurt, he will burn the whole world down because no one touch what is his. But in this case, Sean just glossed over it and Ellie was beaten pretty badly. I think that left a bad taste in my mouth for this paring over all. Then there's Aiden who is mad that his bff fell for his sister - ummm...what did you think was going to happen?
I didn't find the book very enjoyable and just wanted it to be over already!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews