What do you think?
Rate this book
Dangerous Vows
My marriage will stop a war between our families. But it’s a marriage begun on a lie…
There’s only one man in Chicago more powerful than my brother, the newly minted pakhan of the Vasilev Bratva–and that’s Theo McNeil, the leader of the Irish Kings in this city. A man I don’t know and have rarely seen, Theo is whispered to be a brutal man, even more violent and steeped in blood than my brother.
And he’s going to be my husband.
When Theo turns his eyes on the still-fragile territory that belongs to my brother, the only way to stop him from destroying what’s left of our family is by agreeing to marry him. I have no choice–I’ve known all my life that this is what I’m meant for. That my duty is in offering up my hand in marriage–and my innocence–to bridge an alliance and stop a bloodbath.
Except I have no innocence left to give. And the man who claimed it wants me for himself.
With my loyalties split and these dangerous vows made, who will I choose to love in the end?
Dangerous Vows is a full-length standalone Bratva romance featuring a brutal alpha and a sweet heroine who fall in love. If you like enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, and age-gap happily ever afters, you’ll love this new book!
There’s only one man in Chicago more powerful than my brother, the newly minted pakhan of the Vasilev Bratva–and that’s Theo McNeil, the leader of the Irish Kings in this city. A man I don’t know and have rarely seen, Theo is whispered to be a brutal man, even more violent and steeped in blood than my brother.
And he’s going to be my husband.
When Theo turns his eyes on the still-fragile territory that belongs to my brother, the only way to stop him from destroying what’s left of our family is by agreeing to marry him. I have no choice–I’ve known all my life that this is what I’m meant for. That my duty is in offering up my hand in marriage–and my innocence–to bridge an alliance and stop a bloodbath.
Except I have no innocence left to give. And the man who claimed it wants me for himself.
With my loyalties split and these dangerous vows made, who will I choose to love in the end?
Dangerous Vows is a full-length standalone Bratva romance featuring a brutal alpha and a sweet heroine who fall in love. If you like enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, and age-gap happily ever afters, you’ll love this new book!
- GenresMafia Romance
Audible Audio
Published October 17, 2024
About the author
M. James
68 books420 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
INSTAGRAM
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 26, 2024
A love story in a genre whereas few realistically survive, but that is destroyed in one chapter.
This book could have been a 5 but after reading chapter 21; ruined it for me. There are very few written reviews of this book. I have read selective books of this authors' and have always come to the same conclusion, the author loves to see the women in these novels tormented. Some are not as dramatic as this book but the conclusion is the same. The women in these books are terrorized, kidnapped, held as hostages, used, bartered and treated deplorably by either a forced marriage or their own families or the enemies of the people who are supposed to protect them. They are beaten, sexually and physically abused, left for dead and humiliated in horrific ways for numerous reasons throughout the books or deemed to be a traitor or interloper as was Marika w/o hearing her story.
It begins in chapter 21 when Theo's rage and ego results in him "stepping over the line" in what he does to Marika. He didn't get a virgin as promised for his bride resulting in his huge ego taking a beating. Marika was not only a forced bride but also a mole for her brother. The sexual double standard in these novels are laughable.
The story had merit and could have been a "great love story" in a genre that doesn't eek out allot of love stories that are believable, but died for me after the punishment he inflicts on Marika. He vowed to protect her and yet he turned into her worst tormentor and her worst nightmare.
I believe that Marika did what she thought she had to do under the circumstances with the treaty that ensued between her brother Nikolai and Theo after her marriage. She couldn't undo what happened between she and Adrik, but never willingly cheated on Theo once the arrangement was negotiated and while she was married to him. She fell in love with Theo which all went to hell in one chapter.
As much as I wanted Theo and Marika to heal, I felt the author could have spent more time after chapter 21 as opposed to the amount of time spent on humiliating and degrading Marika in front of Theo's men and Adrik. It was all to overly dramatic and could have been a far better ending to this story with some actual time spent on how the couple overcame such a huge obstacle vs., watching a woman reduced to the garbage on the floor by the man that was supposed to have fallen in love with.
This book could have been a 5 but after reading chapter 21; ruined it for me. There are very few written reviews of this book. I have read selective books of this authors' and have always come to the same conclusion, the author loves to see the women in these novels tormented. Some are not as dramatic as this book but the conclusion is the same. The women in these books are terrorized, kidnapped, held as hostages, used, bartered and treated deplorably by either a forced marriage or their own families or the enemies of the people who are supposed to protect them. They are beaten, sexually and physically abused, left for dead and humiliated in horrific ways for numerous reasons throughout the books or deemed to be a traitor or interloper as was Marika w/o hearing her story.
It begins in chapter 21 when Theo's rage and ego results in him "stepping over the line" in what he does to Marika. He didn't get a virgin as promised for his bride resulting in his huge ego taking a beating. Marika was not only a forced bride but also a mole for her brother. The sexual double standard in these novels are laughable.
The story had merit and could have been a "great love story" in a genre that doesn't eek out allot of love stories that are believable, but died for me after the punishment he inflicts on Marika. He vowed to protect her and yet he turned into her worst tormentor and her worst nightmare.
I believe that Marika did what she thought she had to do under the circumstances with the treaty that ensued between her brother Nikolai and Theo after her marriage. She couldn't undo what happened between she and Adrik, but never willingly cheated on Theo once the arrangement was negotiated and while she was married to him. She fell in love with Theo which all went to hell in one chapter.
As much as I wanted Theo and Marika to heal, I felt the author could have spent more time after chapter 21 as opposed to the amount of time spent on humiliating and degrading Marika in front of Theo's men and Adrik. It was all to overly dramatic and could have been a far better ending to this story with some actual time spent on how the couple overcame such a huge obstacle vs., watching a woman reduced to the garbage on the floor by the man that was supposed to have fallen in love with.
November 21, 2023
Sexy Age Gap with a dark twist
M. James delivers another phenomenal dark mafia romance. I loved every second of this book. There were so many twists and unexpected moments that you won't be able to put it down.
Theo & Marika are going to captivate you from the very first page to the last. Theo is a ruthless King who needs a wife and an heir. He's not getting any younger and when Marika is offered he sees no reason to refuse.
However, Marika has a rough history she is trying to move on from and the choices she makes will haunt her future. Their story is action packed and very sexy. These two have so much chemistry it is bursting off the page. You will devour this dark romance. Happy Reading!!!
M. James delivers another phenomenal dark mafia romance. I loved every second of this book. There were so many twists and unexpected moments that you won't be able to put it down.
Theo & Marika are going to captivate you from the very first page to the last. Theo is a ruthless King who needs a wife and an heir. He's not getting any younger and when Marika is offered he sees no reason to refuse.
However, Marika has a rough history she is trying to move on from and the choices she makes will haunt her future. Their story is action packed and very sexy. These two have so much chemistry it is bursting off the page. You will devour this dark romance. Happy Reading!!!
October 5, 2023
This book was a mind bender. For the first 60 percent I loved the male lead- self aware, caring, thoughtful. The female lead had a complicated life and this book does involve her cheating with a guy she was with before her mob marriage. She did have her tstl moments.
Then there’s a terrible humiliating scene the male lead inflicts on her as punishment and she barely makes him grovel as part of the aftermath. At that point I gave up— she gave in too easily and he barely groveled. Gross.
Then there’s a terrible humiliating scene the male lead inflicts on her as punishment and she barely makes him grovel as part of the aftermath. At that point I gave up— she gave in too easily and he barely groveled. Gross.
November 14, 2023
not a standalone
I enjoyed the book but I didn’t know that Lilliana and Nikolai’s story needs to be read first. So it is part of a series but at least it ends with HEA not cliffhanger.
I enjoyed the book but I didn’t know that Lilliana and Nikolai’s story needs to be read first. So it is part of a series but at least it ends with HEA not cliffhanger.
September 30, 2023
Yeah FMC was TSTL a lot
January 25, 2024
A lot of dark romance is dark-adjacent: hero is growly and dominant, maybe some bondage and backdoor action, angst due to heroine having conflicted feelings, but the really bad things possibly on the horizon for the heroine never actually happen and definitely don't happen on the page. In contrast, M James takes the dark in her dark romance very seriously, and subjects her heroines to all sorts of abuse and humiliation before the readers' eyes. This is a characteristic of her work: a feature, not a bug.
This book is excellent dark romance for people who like their romance really dark. It is good in the way good horror is good, where the disturbing parts have the intended emotional effect and seriously mess you up. Overall, the book is very well written and engrossing, the spice is very hot, and the mounting central conflict ends in an explosive conclusion (brief synopsis with mild spoilers: Bratva princess heroine is no longer a virgin, which no one knows, and she has to marry and spy on an Irish mob boss on her brother's orders; she starts to like and enjoy her new husband, but her former bodyguard slash lover blows everything up due to his own jealousy and causes the heroine, who has had very little agency the whole time, to end up graphically humiliated in the "office scene"). The book is dual POV from the heroine's and her husband's sides, and the characterization is very well done. We get a good feeling for who both protagonists are, as well as who several of the side characters are (heroine's former lover, her brother and sister-in-law). In particular, the change in the heroine's former lover from someone who initially appears besotted (but has always shown some red flags) into someone who is extremely violent is written quite realistically. All the intimate scenes and the office scene are very immersive and very intense. My only objection is that the aftermath of the office scene is too brief. The violation of trust was too great and the hero should have had more groveling to do, but then again this is a hard, violent world, and the heroine has every right to pick her poison after everything she's been through. I rooted for her and her husband.
This book is excellent dark romance for people who like their romance really dark. It is good in the way good horror is good, where the disturbing parts have the intended emotional effect and seriously mess you up. Overall, the book is very well written and engrossing, the spice is very hot, and the mounting central conflict ends in an explosive conclusion (brief synopsis with mild spoilers: Bratva princess heroine is no longer a virgin, which no one knows, and she has to marry and spy on an Irish mob boss on her brother's orders; she starts to like and enjoy her new husband, but her former bodyguard slash lover blows everything up due to his own jealousy and causes the heroine, who has had very little agency the whole time, to end up graphically humiliated in the "office scene"). The book is dual POV from the heroine's and her husband's sides, and the characterization is very well done. We get a good feeling for who both protagonists are, as well as who several of the side characters are (heroine's former lover, her brother and sister-in-law). In particular, the change in the heroine's former lover from someone who initially appears besotted (but has always shown some red flags) into someone who is extremely violent is written quite realistically. All the intimate scenes and the office scene are very immersive and very intense. My only objection is that the aftermath of the office scene is too brief. The violation of trust was too great and the hero should have had more groveling to do, but then again this is a hard, violent world, and the heroine has every right to pick her poison after everything she's been through. I rooted for her and her husband.
January 15, 2024
This is my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is an age gap, dark mafia romance between Marika and Theo. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. What starts out as an arranged marriage turns into something more. It is an emotional roller coaster with drama and steam, secrets and betrayal, lies and danger, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. An engaging page turner.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 11, 2025
powerful!
Who knew that this book would end the way it did! Theo and Marika are married in an arranged marriage between two rival families to keep the peace. But there’s more to this story than just that. Marika’s brother arranged it so they could get close to Theo in order to get rid of him. We are not sure why until much later. But Theo is not who they think he is, and he falls for Marika and she falls for him! Only their happy ending doesn’t follow. There are things in motion that prevent their happiness!
This was a story I actually read 3 times because it was so powerful! Only M James can write a book that seems broken, and fix it at the end of the story. Well done!
Who knew that this book would end the way it did! Theo and Marika are married in an arranged marriage between two rival families to keep the peace. But there’s more to this story than just that. Marika’s brother arranged it so they could get close to Theo in order to get rid of him. We are not sure why until much later. But Theo is not who they think he is, and he falls for Marika and she falls for him! Only their happy ending doesn’t follow. There are things in motion that prevent their happiness!
This was a story I actually read 3 times because it was so powerful! Only M James can write a book that seems broken, and fix it at the end of the story. Well done!
October 22, 2024
M James transmite, elabora simples y complicadas tramas. Aparente simple tema complicados personajes llenos de humanidad .
Dude de la historia ofreciendo una situación la cual me desagrada , pero atrapa.
La situación en la oficina y luego en el sótano son desesperadamente dolorosos al punto de romper el espíritu de un ser humano.
Cuando dicen que el amor lo cura todo tengo mis reservas y si , la trama tiene el final que los personajes te llevan a desear. TODAS LAS DESCRIPCIONES DE LOS ENCUENTROS SEXUALES CARGADOS DE EMOCIONES te dejan pensando y analizando la situación.
Dude de la historia ofreciendo una situación la cual me desagrada , pero atrapa.
La situación en la oficina y luego en el sótano son desesperadamente dolorosos al punto de romper el espíritu de un ser humano.
Cuando dicen que el amor lo cura todo tengo mis reservas y si , la trama tiene el final que los personajes te llevan a desear. TODAS LAS DESCRIPCIONES DE LOS ENCUENTROS SEXUALES CARGADOS DE EMOCIONES te dejan pensando y analizando la situación.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
Theo needs a wife and an heir.
Marika always knew she would have to marry to help her family gain more power or prevent a war, she was never going to get to chose her husband. When her brother, the Pakhan, tells her she needs to marry Theo McNeil in order to prevent a war she has no choice but to agree to the marriage. Too bad practically everyone is plotting to betray someone in this whole setup and it can end no other way but badly. Will Marika come out of it alive?
Marika always knew she would have to marry to help her family gain more power or prevent a war, she was never going to get to chose her husband. When her brother, the Pakhan, tells her she needs to marry Theo McNeil in order to prevent a war she has no choice but to agree to the marriage. Too bad practically everyone is plotting to betray someone in this whole setup and it can end no other way but badly. Will Marika come out of it alive?
October 3, 2023
Marika knew her life was destined as a bargaining chip, and when her brothers empire is threatened, by the Irish there's only one outcome a marriage to Theo, but there's someone else who wants her too and has already had her where will it leave them all? The story was engaging but fell a little flat and rushed at the end.
October 4, 2023
Dangerous Vows is a "buckle up and hold onto your seat" kind of read. It started a bit slow but then all heck broke loose and Holy Cow what just happened! It's filled with all kinds of chaos. Lies, secrets, betrayal, angst and heartache are everywhere in thus one. Theo and Marika catch it all, some of it by their own doing, but it makes for one heckuva story.
October 9, 2023
Betrayal and Deceit
It was one intense read.She didn’t fully recover from her trauma and then she compiled by her brother to marry a man her brother sees as the enemy. She get confusing emotions towards her husband. Betrayal, and deceit creates a chaotic mess of epic proportions with this couple.
It was one intense read.She didn’t fully recover from her trauma and then she compiled by her brother to marry a man her brother sees as the enemy. She get confusing emotions towards her husband. Betrayal, and deceit creates a chaotic mess of epic proportions with this couple.
March 11, 2024
Lies. Deceit. Arranged marriage. Torn between two lovers, her family. There is no way out. Between a rock and a hard place. It cannot end well. Brutal humiliation. (A very brutal scene.) Lots of heart pounding sex scenes. A well written story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
September 25, 2023
If there was a ten button I’d be be slamming it! Just wow! I was so drawn in! The secrets, the lies, the emotions and everything else that came along. Sensual and passionate! Nerve wrecking and heart pumping! Such a tender and loving ending!
September 27, 2023
Marika was torn between two lovers in this dark mafia stand-alone. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions, drama, secrets, lies and passion. I never knew what she would choose to do next! It’s a thrilling read and I enjoyed it.
October 30, 2023
way to tie it all up at the end
Surprisingly complex. Not your typically Nadia romance. Had my doubts how she was going to end it all and if it would be believable…but bang she did it!
Surprisingly complex. Not your typically Nadia romance. Had my doubts how she was going to end it all and if it would be believable…but bang she did it!
November 14, 2023
Lots of wide-eyed gasps, shock at what I was reading, mixed with horrified anticipation for what I knew was coming, and oh boy did it come! Great read, makes you feel ALL the feels! Spice is superb. Highly recommend.
September 26, 2023
Awesome book.. one of my best authors to read..
September 26, 2023
Love it
This book is another hit for M James I cannot wait for another from her. Although I know she needs time, Thank you
This book is another hit for M James I cannot wait for another from her. Although I know she needs time, Thank you
September 27, 2023
Enjoyed The Book
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of this series. HAPPY READING EVERYONE.Until next time.Keep reading.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of this series. HAPPY READING EVERYONE.Until next time.Keep reading.
October 3, 2023
DNF
Honestly, the h frustrated me too much, I skipped to the end of the book right away! 😒
Honestly, the h frustrated me too much, I skipped to the end of the book right away! 😒
November 28, 2023
I had a blast and I’m really happy with the pacing of the storyline.
Read
September 26, 2023picked this one up and even though this trope is not my cuppa, I still went in and enjoyed it. everything was going well and I was like yes, this man!!!!
but then the author took that dark and nauseatingly disturbing turn and everything went to shit, it was impossible to come back from and destroyed what could've been a really good, angsty story.
traumatizing horrific hell
but then the author took that dark and nauseatingly disturbing turn and everything went to shit, it was impossible to come back from and destroyed what could've been a really good, angsty story.
traumatizing horrific hell
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews