Scarlet Vows

Empire of Sin & Blood #1

by Sylvia Rae

I hate Nico Moretti. The Reaper. The man who turns blood into power, whose name is spoken in fear and reverence.

And in forty-eight hours, I'll be wearing his ring.

Our marriage is meant to prevent a war, but it's the very thing that might ignite one. A mole is revealing sensitive information, causing chaos amongst mafia heads, threatening to destroy both our families.

My father calls it business—like trading me to the devil is nothing more than balancing the books.

I tell myself I can do this—I'm a Bellanti. I've survived worse than becoming a mobster's bride.

But the real betrayal? My body doesn't fear him. It craves him. His voice, deep and commanding, vibrates through me until my body hums with unwanted desire.

One look, and I shatter. One touch, and I tremble.

And when our enemies strike, I realize the most terrifying truth of The man I should hate may be the only thing standing between me and death.

I vowed to survive him. But some monsters don't just own your soul. They make you beg for the burn.

Genres: Novella

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ★

Cute arranged mafia novella 🙂‍↕️ definitely a one sitting type read ! This was more plot less smut but I did enjoy it and liked how fast paced it was. I do wished the ending was a little longer !

[Mary Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 50%. The writing is just so bad. The story was somewhat interesting but the progression was ludicrous. Her mom’s house during dinner? It’s hard to find a decent book

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It is one of those books that stays with you and keeps you thinking about it long after you finish reading it. It centers around two Mafia families, the Bellanti’s and the Moretti’s, and an alliance through marriage. There is a mole leaking information that undermines the families power position within the Mafia community, and the alliance strengthens both families. The marriage is between Isabella Bellanti and Nico Moretti. Isabella runs the legitimate Bellanti family businesses and Nico is the enforcer for the Moretti family.

This was an intense story about betrayal, acceptance, respect, and above all - family. I thought it was an intriguing story, with good world building and character development. The sexual tension between the MCs strummed throughout the story with some mildly spicy scenes. I enjoyed the snappy and hilarious banter between the MCs. There are lots of funny one-liners sprinkled throughout the story. There were a lot of supporting characters to keep up with and my favorite character was Matteo. He was the snarly, brooding brother of Isabella, who was a loyal and good guy underneath the mafia suit. There were lots of twists in this sometimes-scary story. The story was brutal at times, but it is in context with life in the mafia, with a shocking betrayal that will occur. There were lots of twists to keep readers engaged until the end. Overall, I recommend this book for those readers that like mafia, enemies to lovers romance stories.

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

[thesmokymountainsreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows by Sylvia Rae is the story of two Mafia families, the Bellanti’s and the Moretti’s, coming together in an alliance through marriage. Someone (a mole) is leaking sensitive information that threatens both families' positions in the Mafia community. The marriage is between Isabella Bellanti and Nico Moretti. Isabella runs a club, a legitimate family business. Nico is known as “the enforcer” of the Moretti family and has a reputation for violence.

The chemistry between Isabella and Nico sizzles from their very first meeting. She stands up to him, holds her own, and isn’t afraid of him. He is all business, but treats her like the equal she is and takes his new role of husband seriously. When her life is threatened, he immediately goes into protection mode. This is a short book, but the author shows the characters' relationship growth realistically. There is a twist near the end that I wasn’t expecting. I hope there is a sequel to this book. I will be looking for more by this author in the future.

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

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows is a short dark mafia romance, which is favorite type of book. It started off interesting but kinda lacked luster for me due to typos (i.e. one scene they’re in the bathroom having s3x on the bathroom sink, but then there’s a line that says she arched off the bed… that threw me off and kinda ruined the scene).

Scarlet Vows is about an arranged marriage between two mafia families. Like most arranged marriages, this one is to form an alliance and stop an impending war/takeover. The MMC and FMC are somewhat reluctant but go through with it for the sake of their individual mafia families. Insta-lust followed by insta-love as they team up to figure out who’s trying to take their families down.

Also, since it’s a short book, the immediate falling in love was too immediate. I would’ve liked if it went deeper into the enemies-to-lovers trope, but I guess it couldn’t since it’s a shorter read.

Overall, it had potential, but the typos and somewhat overlapping plot lines made it a little jarring to fully enjoy.

P.S. More smut needed, because the ones in the book (although good) were too few 😅

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll never guess who the villain is!
Oh, my God, what a ride! This quick read is filled with mystery, suspense, and mayhem. I can usually figure out the bad guys pretty fast, but not in this book. I was utterly shocked.
Nico Moretti’s father, Antonio, is a monster who brutalized Nico when he was young. Nico, now 35 years old, lives a cold, robotic life as the Morettis family enforcer.
Isabella Bellanti lives a wonderful life centered around the Bellanti Syndicate. Her father, Luca, is the family's Don. Her loving and protective brothers are Matteo, Lorenzo, and Angelo. Her sister Olivia is the family Lawyer. But trouble is brewing; someone is stealing family secrets, not just Moretti’s but other crime families', too. A plan is enacted to combine two strong families, which means marriage. Isabella Bellanti will marry Nico Moretti ASAP. The mayhem starts at the rehearsal and doesn’t stop. The culprits are the most unexpected people. I loved Isabella, her family, and Nico. You really root for their happiness. Linda

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novella about an arranged married couple who get pulled into finding the person who’s been betraying their families as well as several other families that they deal with.
He was tormented as a child by his father to prove he had what it took to be in the family and it changed him.
The couple go through everything to figure out who was betraying their families. At every turn the betrayal became deeper. After finding out who it was she decided to confront them.
She’s taken and he’s wounded due to the ones who betrayed their families going after her. After he recovers he goes with some of her family to save her. During some commotion they get one of the ones who betrayed them, the other one runs.
At the end the couple goes on their honeymoon. Everything has been tended to about the betrayal but they are still looking for the one who ran. The couple is in love, they have a happy ending.

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

[Harper’s Home · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic plot twist, didn’t see it coming.

A marriage of alliance is made between the Moretti Syndicate and the Bellanti Syndicate, to strengthen their power as the two strongest mafia families in New York.

Someone is attacking all the families where it hurts and each is accusing the other, they’ve discovered a mole amongst them and have joined resources to find out which family is behind this deception.

I LOVED this story. It’s filled with action, well developed and interesting characters, and a journey that will shock you in the end.

It’s a fast read with page after page entertainment. There’s whitty repartee, secrets and strong family bonds, page after page will keep you entertained and shocked.

Happy Reading📖🌻.

I received an advance copy of this book from the Author via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest unbiased review.

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. This is a short story, but it definitely leaves an impact. Isabella and Nico are two strong characters who refuse to let anyone push them around. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I couldn’t get enough of them.
I wish it had been a bit longer, just to dive more into them and especially Nico’s past. But honestly, even in its short length, this story was perfect. The pacing was spot-on, and the emotional intensity was amazing.
I absolutely recommend it if you want a quick, intense story with characters you’ll love from the first page.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review voluntary.

[Lauren Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this arc via Booksprout and am leaving an honest review.
This is my first book by Sylvia and man it did not disappoint! I recieved this as an arc and I’m so happy I found her cause mafia is my jam lol. This book is about an alliance between 2 mafia family’s the Bellanti and the Moretti. Isabella Bellanti and Nico Moretti to be exact, Isabella is a strong independent woman who has her own club and other businesses outside of the mafia. Nico The Reaper as he is a called is a cold and calculated man who strikes fear into his enemies eyes. Their worlds are thrown together in an arranged marriage because someone is leaking information about their mafia businesses. Start this amazing read and find the jaw dropping truth of who is behind the biggest betrayal of a lifetime.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella and Nico's wedding was designed to prevent a war, but Isabella got more than she bargained for when it comes to the man. Their bond brings them closer together and when she works on finding out who is behind trying to take down their families they learn that it wasn't who the thought. Will they be able to take out the threat and have their happily ever after as well. This thrilling story had me all caught up in it from start to finish.

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

[Theresa Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check Trigger/Content Warnings
5/5 STARS 5/5 SPICE

Isabella & Nico
2 mafia families, arranged marriage, Alpha MMC known as the enforcer.
MFC runs family owned legitimate club. Both strong headed, strong willed, firey chemistry. They work together as they learn there is a mole that has been sharing sensitive info that can destroy both families. Will they discover who the mole is in time before their worlds come crashing down then pick up this book to see what happens. If you love Great dark spicy mafia reads then you'll enjoy this one
mafia

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico and Isabella. Their marriage will bring the warring families together. She just needs her brain and body to be on the same page. Love and hate dance along the same line. Theres a traiter in their midst threatening to bring down the families. Making them to work together.
What happens when the pawn becomes the queen? Theres all the mafia chaos you expect. Danger, betrayal, twists and turns, action, secrets, surprises, and a hot mafia alpha male. You will enjoy this entertaining well written read.

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

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the amazing and engaging story. Two crime families agree to be joined in the marriage of Nico and Isabella. As Nico and Isabella try to figure out who is behind the threat, both of them are shot at, defend themselves and each other, and the chemistry between the two of them smolders. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story full of mystery and romance.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Scarlet Vows” by Sylvia Rae

-An intense Mafia romance that blends betrayal, loyalty, and simmering sexual tension. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

Isabella and Nico are strong leads, though their deeper connection needed more page time.
The world-building is solid, and the twist at the end is genuinely surprising.
Some plot moments feel too convenient, but overall it’s a gripping, memorable read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to first start off by saying that the colors and the man on the cover is very eye catching. There is something about the color red and the tattooed hunk that says read me. Then once you open up the book and start reading about Nico and Isabella screams suspense and romance. Sylvia has written an OMG mafia romance book that is going to be a best seller for her because the storyline is FREAKING FANTASTIC.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows

Arranged marriage between two top Mafia families in order to flush out a mole that is causing harm to them both. This a short but steamy read that I enjoyed a great deal. The author threw in an interesting twist towards the end. Would have liked to seen more of a blossoming relationship between the two main characters.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Isabella and Nico. She has a hard time when she is used as a bargaining chip for her marriage to Nico to prevent a war, unfortunately things don't work out and it's not long before she becomes a target of the enemies and it's up to Nico to keep her safe and protected. There is action and tension, danger and enough steam between them.








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

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an outstanding read and is Nico and Isabella's story. The chemistry sizzles between these two from the start. This story will keep the reader hooked with all of the excitement, danger, suspense and spice. The story is written wonderfully and the characters are all great. An entertaining book to read.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Alliances

A marriage of alliance is supposed to solidify family rivalry into a positive outcome. For Isabella and Nico, the aftermath is tense and emotionally charged. This was an exciting read as the danger unfolds, and betrayals hit hard. I could not get enough of this story and can't wait for more by this author.

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

[Shalene Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a spicy little novella that I actually had hoped was longer. I wish some of the scenes had been more fleshed out. But I enjoyed it.
Nico is a dark figure in the underworld, mysterious and sexy.
Isabella is an independent woman who is loyal to a fault.
This one had a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, which made for a fun, quick read. I’d give this one a try if your into Mafia romance.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is being traded like a pawn in marriage to Nico to prevent war but others are willing to see the aliance crumble, and when Osabella is in the target site Nico is the only one to keep her safe. Well written engaging steamy desires, action quick read.

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

[Courtney Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY!! What did I just read? This was a great and well thought out story. Great pace.
Two families come together for an arranged marriage to avoid a war. Little did anyone suspect what was really going on.

🖤 Family tr@umas
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Twists
🖤 Maf!a
🖤 Tr!gger Warn!ngs in front of book
🌶️ 🌶️
📖 105 pgs

[Dewey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This really is a 0 star. I can't believe that anybody would rate this above 2 stars. This is some of the worst writing I've found. Fortunately it's short. Odd writing style using 1 and 2 sentence paragraphs. Not much to say I guess. Ridiculous to have two attacks in two days. OF course she's instantly turned on by her protective new husband. So corny. I DNF when she finds him pleasuring himself.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the beginning of the Empire of Sin and Blood series. It follows the alliance through the marriage of Isabella and Nico. Both sides have family issues. It moves quick and tackles those problems with a vengeance. There's still the unresolved best friend issue. It sets up the series quite well.

[Jackie Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely enjoy this read. Mafia stories have definitely become an interesting read for me. This book is the start of a series and I can’t wait to read the rest. Well written characters and such suspense that makes you keep turning the page to see what happens next between Nico and Isabella.

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

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story.

Isabella and Nico marry for an alliance. Isabella runs part of her family's business and knows how to take care of herself. I like the plot . There are twists as Isabella and Nico's families look for the mole betraying them. I like the action. This is a quick read. I will be reading the next book.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella and Nico are to be married to unite families, as someone is giving out information about them Isabella won't be safe until mole is found. Nico will protect Isabella, and he sees how strong she is I loved it needed story longer a hot addictive read looking forward to book 2

[Mary Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Isabella was a strong FMC that didn’t let anyone or anything walk all over her. This I loved about her. Nico I loved because regardless of what he endured as a kid still came out as a loving and protective partner. Super quick read and it had the right amount of plot to ya know other things. Super good short love story.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella and Nico marry to unite their families but things heat up quickly. Both families trying to work out who is working against them leads to real unexpected deception. Ok quick read.

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