She’s not my wife. Yet. But she will be. And the heir growing in her belly will be my little king.
Fourteen years ago, Ava D’Amato kissed me like I was her future— Then vanished into the dead of the night.
I searched for her. She haunted me. But when I stopped hoping, I started building— An empire carved from Chicago’s shadows.
Then her ghost walked into my club with red stilettos and a fake name— Working for my enemy. Looking at me like I’m a stranger.
She doesn’t think I recognize her. And she sure as hell doesn’t realize what I’ll do to keep her this time.
I drag her into my penthouse. Into my bed. Into a marriage she never agreed to.
She thinks she’s playing me. Thinks I’m just another “job.” But Ava’s about to learn—I’m the king of this city. And she’s mine.
When I find out the truth—why she came back, who sent her… I’ll make them regret it.
And when I learn she’s pregnant? I’ll bury every lie she told—right beside my enemy.
Tormented Oath is the story of an obsessed mafia king blindsided by betrayal. It’s a standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhangers. But it does have a fiery second chance at love, forced marriage, and a surprise pregnancy. Don’t be scared. It’s morally gray and twisty here, but there’s always a happy ending.
Demi Ryder creates sexy dark mafia worlds that will make you weak in the knees. Deliciously dangerous alphas and the fiery heroines who fall prey in their naughty games are calling you.
Don’t be scared. It’s morally gray and twisty here, but there’s always a happy ending.
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2.5⭐️ This was an okay read despite the inconsistencies in the plot. An easy, drama free read, I’d say. However, I feel like the whole “Monster of Chicago” bit was over the top - like seriously, we get it…dude likes to be called a monster lmao. Overall, I felt like the story was lacking but if you’re looking for a quick, mindless read then this is the book for you.
Safety squad: - no OW/OM drama - no cheating/sharing - betrayal/deception - second chance romance - 10 year separation - celibacy of MCs not explicitly mentioned but I assumed they were celibate based on their behavior and the fact that the H never stopped searching for the h for a decade - forced marriage - accidental pregnancy - mentions of death, on page violence, gore, abuse, etc so don’t forget to check the TWs - HEA
What a great love story. I was especially obsessed with how in love Stefano was with Ava. He never tried to hide or downplay it. And he never stopped searching for her in the 10 years they were apart or attempt to move on. From boy to man, he never doubted for a second that she was it for him. The love of his life.
This is the story of Stefano Rega and Ava D'Amato set in Chicago's Mafia world. Stefano and Ava have known each other since they were children, Stefano being the son of a Mafia boss and Ava the daughter of con artists. When suddenly Ava and her family disappear when they were teens, he then spends the next 10 years searching to no avail. To Stefano's shock, one night, Ava walks into his club to Audition as a dancer.
Ava has spent the last few years raising her brother after her parents died. She takes one last big job: betraying Stefano Rega to his enemies, the Fioris, for a big payday so she can finally get her and her brother Tony out of Chicago to live a better life. But Ava was just as shocked to see Stefano as he was to see her that night in the club.
Stefano never wanted to live the life of a Mafia boss, but when his father and his brothers were murdered, he didn't have a choice but to take over. Since he has taken over, he has earned the name Monster and runs a tight ship; people know about his reputation because it is rightly deserved. But he also cares for his mum, who hasn't been the same since his father and brothers died and his little sister, who is sick with leukaemia. He cares for all of his staff and treats all the girls who dance in his club with the utmost respect.
Both Stefano and Ava struggle with all the emotions and feelings that they are feeling from the beginning. Ava soon realises that she loves Stefano and always has but it scares her. It scares her because she is betraying him and it scares her because she is trying to protect her little brother.
Stefano is determined to prove to her that he can give her a safe, protected life, but he is also determined to never let her go again.
Ava's betrayal set something in motion, or may these events where already been set in motion before Ava. She was just used as a porn in the mafia game. But ultimately, she did want a HEA with Stefano, she just had to realise it.
This was a fantastic book, I enjoyed it. I loved the relationship dynamic between Stefano and Ava. I love how even though Ava was scared, she was strong and she did what she needed to save herself and her brother and even Stefano in the end.
Just keep in mind that there are dark elements in this book. There is violence and death. This is not a traditional HEA.
This is the first book from this author I've read and I've already bought another from the series. What a fast paced, passionate story set in the underbelly of Chicago's Mafia world. Ava and Stefano's journey from childhood friends to HEA is filled with action, mystery, betrayal and torn loyalties. After Ava and her family suddenly disappear from Stefano's family life, he spends the next 10 years determined to find the girl he loved.
Ava's family were con artists and left for a "bigger mark". Ava was never comfortable with that life and instead read philosophy and classic literature with the dream of going to college and getting out of the family business. Unfortunately her parents were killed and she needed to focus on raising her brother Tony.
Stefano's family were in the Mafia. Stephan (3rd son) wanted to travel and explore the world with just a backback. He wasn't interested in the Mafia life. Unfortunately the murder of his father and two brothers forced him to take control of the business for his mother and sister's sake. His determination to dominate the Chicago underbelly for his family name, earned him a reputation for ruthlessness for those who stood in his way but even more importantly, threaten those he protected and the world he built.
Circumstances bring the two together with Ava being forced to spy on Stefano's enterprises and report back to a rival family. However, it soon become clear that the love and passion between the two were as deep as ever. Ava is torn between protecting her brother and earning enough to escape the con artists life against her rekindled feelings for Stefano.
The writer does an amazing job bringing the reader on this epic story of their journey through treacherous waters, angst filled choices and struggles of trust. This was an excellent book with characters you come to care about.
I cannot wait to read more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have loved reading this series but this one is my favorite. Stefano and Ava met as children. Ava’s family were con artists and she was taught the trade. Stefano’s father was the head of the most powerful mafia empire in Chicago. Stefano fell hard for Ava but then their worlds changed them. Ava disappeared and Stefano vowed to find her, searching for 10 years. Her parents death made her make choices she didn’t want to. She dreams of someday having enough to take her brother away to Montana and save him from self destruction. Stefano planned to travel Europe away from the life but the death of his father and brother and his sister’s illness made him choose to head the family and become the monster. Ava walks back into his life applying for a job in his club as a dancer but she was hired by rivals to get information. She never thought she would have to see him and old feelings make her want to find a way where she can save everyone and not betray him. But it all falls apart, her decision leading to consequences that threaten to destroy them all.
Stefano while being powerful and vicious was loving and loyal to those he trusted and loved. I loved him. Ava was strong with so much pressure and responsibility on her shoulders but so many times I wanted to scream at her and shake some sense into her. What she set in motion was insane.
I loved her redemption on the path to their HEA. I could not put it down, enthralled with how or if they could all survive, my heart breaking. It was raw and exciting. And the looks into the future were chef’s kiss.
Great read. Definitely a recommend this book. Bravo Demi! You get better with each book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Stefano sexy as all get out don who took over the Italian mafia after the death of his father, brothers running legitimate businesses, the so legal ones like the club but he takes care of his dancers making sure they earn enough to live, good home but he isn’t a man you want on your radar, he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day especially when needed, and when a new dancer comes in recognizes her instantly. Ava is sweet when she needs to be known as a con artist taking care of her brother, she has loved one man since she was a teenager, hired to get dirt on the one man she loved but finding no dirt made the people she worked for upset so kidnapped her brother to force her hand but little did they know the very man is her heart no matter how many years are between them but will he fight for her, with her, will they save her brother, and will they find the happiness after so many years apart?
A fabulous mafia romance, full of action, drama, great chemistry, steamy romance, secrets, suspense, danger, revenge, second chances, possessive MMC and passion with some wonderful twists.
Stefano had never forgotten his first love and had always hoped to find her again, promising himself when he did he wouldn't lose her again.
Ava had left fourteen years ago, vanishing with her family, and after her parents had died she'd been looking after her brother. She came from a family of con artists and despite not wanting to she knows she need to do one more job, to get the funds to leave Chicago for good. But she had been assured that Stefano wouldn't be at the club. While she knew the mafia boss owned it, she didn't think he managed it, and he recognises her the moment he sees her.
Stefano's love has never dimmed and he's determined she'll stay this time. But he doesn't know she's been sent to spy on him by his enemies. Ava will do anything to save her brother, but can she bring herself to betray the man who holds her heart?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second chance romance between Ava and Stephano. They were close friends when they were children, but Ava and her family disappeared when they were teens. Stephano spend ten years searching for her. He vowed he would find her. Ava's family were con artists and now her parents have died and she is raising her teenaged brother. Stephano's father was the head of the mafia and when his father and brothers were killed, Stephano took over. Stephano also owns legal businesses and is shocked to see Ava show up at his club to audition as a dancer. Stephano is thrilled Ava is back, but she is unsure if she wants to be with him. Ava is conflicted because she has other reasons for being at the club and she doesn't want to get too close to Stephano, even though she loves him and can't fight her feelings. I really liked this book, I loved Stephano and Ava together, even if she didn't want to be with him. They had great chemistry and i think Stephano was protective of Ava and wanted her with him. Another great one.
Ava went for a new job as a dancer in a nightclub, she went really because the fiori family sent her spying on Stefano , when she entered she studied all of the cameras. while she was auditioning her dance on the pole the energy of the room changed and a man was going closer to her ,Stefano the man that she couldn’t forget. Stefano and Ava knew each other from young age ,when the first time he saw her he knew she was special, they became inseparable and grew he became obsessed of her,then she vanished from the earth, he went everywhere to find her for 10 years but not trace of her. Now she came to work as a dancer for his club, He accepted her working for him, he asked her to go with him for dinner ,after asked her to go home with him , but she thought of her brother Tony waiting on a Hotel room, and the mission she supposed to do, but the memories of 10 years ago and seeing him again she couldn’t say no to him. It’s an amazing story that takes all your emotions out. Highly recommend this fantastic book.
Stefano and Ava. THe and Ava were children together. Then she disappeared. He’s been looking for her ever since. No matter where he is or what he’s doing. She didn’t want the life of crime her parents had. When her parents die she’s left raising her brother. But circumstance brings her to a mafia family and to save her brother she must spy on Stephano to give info on his empire to rival families. Stephano sees her when she’s coming in to be a new dancer. She may think she has the upper hand but that’s what Stephano wants her to think. She’s put in the middle of everything she wanted to escape. But the pull between the two is as much as it used to be. Even more. No matter the years before he found her has not dampened his desire and he’ll protect her and fight for her with all his soul. This mafia story will not disappoint. Has all the mafia chaos you have come to crave. Full of action, mystery, suspense, betrayal, family drama, trust issues, secrets revealed, lies, strong and exciting character’s.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tormented Oath delivers a powerful and intense story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The plot is well thought out, with layers of drama, tension, and unexpected twists that keep the reader guessing. Demi Ryder has created a storyline that feels both emotional and gripping, exploring deep themes of loyalty, betrayal, and personal strength.
What I appreciated most is how the story unfolded at a steady pace, allowing you to really connect with the events and characters as everything builds toward the climax. The emotional stakes are high, and the way the plot weaves everything together makes it a truly engaging read.
If you’re looking for a story that’s rich in drama and keeps you turning the pages, Tormented Oath won’t disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stefano Rega - Chicago’s underworld boss. Runs on precision, control, is ruthlessly efficient. Protects what is “His”
Ava D’Amato - daughter of a professional conman. Stefan’s past, present and future.
The Monster of Chicago needs someone to love and that person is Ava. What holds back their memories, who is pulling the strings at the moment.
Rival Mafia the Fioris - want everything.
This is more than retribution. More than lives lost. This is a story of love. A love of 10 years and more. A change from almost the usual Mafia storylines. Yes, the Power of ownership and respect are here but also an emotional presence. A Mafia’s Childs love/fascination. A conman’s daughter, 10 yrs of searching - all landed on his lap. Again,, this was more than “Mafia”, it was 2 souls coming home with a wild ride in between.
Another intense mafia romance that I devoured. I love this author and her ability to describe scenes and characters to the point where you feel like you’re part of the story, watching it happen from within.
The story of Ava, the con artist with a colored past and Stefano the Monster of Chicago mafia boss is passionate, twisted and destined from childhood.
I love the twist she put in this story where they knew each other as kids. It’s not a scenario I’ve read before and it created some really amazing connection between the characters. And when past and present versions of themselves collide it was magic.
If you love mafia romance then I highly recommend this book. Demi has such a way with words and every story has all the elements you look for to pull you in and keep you reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stefano is an Italian don. He took over when his father and 2 brothers were killed. He runs legitimate businesses and those that aren’t. His favorite is a club where he has dancers on stage, good house personal and they all make good wages, with a place to live. In comes a dancer to audition. As Stefano watches the first dancer he stops the audition. It’s the woman he has been hunting for 10 years. His Ava Ava is a con artist who has been taking care of her brother. She has been hired to spy on the man she loves. Stefano She gets in trouble with the men who hired her because she can’t find out any information of bad dealings. They kidnap her brother and the fight begins Excellent book. Characters are great and so is the storyline. ARC read
I really enjoyed reading Tormented Oath, it's a close favorite to Forbidden Oath (book 2). I liked the characters and that it kept me entertained. It was fast-paced and action-packed. I was able to read it all in one day. I thought that this one and Forbidden Oath are by far my favorites. You don't have to read the series in order; the books are complete standalone, so even though the books follow different couples, you don't have to read the prior books to know what is going on. If you are a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope then these books are for you. A nice dark mafia romance novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read more!
This book is more for 18+ readers as there may be some content that is not suitable for some readers.
Tormented Oath is book 4 in the Obsessed Kings series and is Stefano Rega and Ava D'Amato's story. The mob boss and the con artist bring quite a journey in this great second chance, forced marriage story. Being separated for years hasn't dimned the feelings these two shared as teenagers. It also didn't slow down Stefano's efforts in finding Ava after she disappeared. They take us on quite an intense, intriguing, dramatic and steamy ride. This author brought it all in this one just as she did in the previous books. Tormented Oath is a great way to spend an afternoon!
"My life has transformed from darkness to light. From monster to man. From obsession to love."
Ava and Stefano’s story is one big con, or so she thinks. He’s the Monster of Chicago and the boy she loved as a child . She’s a con artist that’s supposed to bring him down, instead they end up playing house in Montana ! This story goes from the mafia in Chicago to a country house in Montana and the hades Ava and Stefano go through to get there is full of blood and death ! It’s we’ll written, with characters you think have no redeeming qualities, and some don’t ! The sex is hot, but their love is hotter ! Loved the book. 5✨’s.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the way Stefano always knew he would forever love Ava and that he never gave up on finding her.
Ava was a strong, and very feisty heroine, but was so hell bent on protecting her brother and completing one last con. To set them up for a new beginning away from Chicago.
This story had many twists and turns that I did not see coming. Those twists are what kept me glued to this book until I finished it in one day! The ending was everything you would hope it to be and so much more. It brought tears to my eyes to see the awesome love Stefano had for Ava always.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Throughout the book, the word "Monster" was repeated so many times, I swear my brain was yelling, “Okay, okay, I get it—you’re a monster! Please stop saying it every chapter's!” 😩
And the FMC? Oh god. Every plan she made was a disaster waiting to happen. Especially the one where she tried to save the MMC at the end—honestly, it was the stupidest plan I’ve ever read. I was like, “Girl, what even was the logic??” It backfired so hard, I wanted to scream.
The MMC honestly deserved a better FMC, her love and trust for him were hanging by a thread every time since their childhood days but still he gave his all, and she gave… bare minimum emotional effort.
2 stars for the Mmc...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ava and Stefano are a perfect pair. Both Vicious and conniving with secrets and lies to tell.
When Ava is forced to spy on former flame she hasn't seen for 14 years, Stefano recognises her and vows to keep her.
So much danger, less, Betrayal and suspense. The romance is top notch and steamy once they get their act together. The chemistry built on history and attraction kicks off again when he decides to take her.
So well done. A first by this Author and definitely not a last. Awesome plot and characters exciting enough to keep me entertained. Just great!!
He has loved her since they were teenagers than she and her family disappeared. Although he paid dearly for PI to find her, they never could and then one night she appeared at his club trying to gather information. It restarts their connection that is filled with lies and betrayal. This action-packed story is filled with thrilling twists and turns that are surrounded by betrayal and deception. Will Stephano finally get back the woman that has had his heart for so long.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 4 in the Obsessed Kings Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a second chance romance between former childhood friends, Ava and Stefano. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. Once they reconnect, it is a bumpy ride with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, betrayal and violence, forgiveness and redemption, twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An emotional page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stefano hadn't seen Ava for 14 years after she left he built an empire he never stopped looking for her but to his surprise she walks in to his club on the side of his enemy and this time he won't let her go, he takes her, makes her his once more and vows to destroy any one in their path. Well written steamy desires, second chances, possessive and more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-This intense mafia romance blends second chances, danger, and devotion. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Stefano and Ava reunite after a decade of secrets, betrayal, and longing. Ava’s strength and Stefano’s fierce loyalty make their love unforgettable. Twists, redemption, and a gripping plot make this a must-read thrill ride. Great epilogue!
This was such a good mafia story. Ava and Stefano knew each other when they were young, and then she just disappeared. When she showed up at his club, he was astounded. Their relationship was complicated, but they loved each other underneath it all. The story had lots of drama, hot chemistry between the two and then a sweet ending. It was well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ava got away from Stefano once, if she thinks he will let her go this time, she has another thing coming. Ava is strong, intelligent, and a force to be reconned with. Ava will not be controlled, but Stefano needs to have control to keep Ava safe. Ava and Stefano have a intense, once in a lifetime kind of love. Twists and turns had me super engaged with the story and characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story has rival mafias fighting for the same territory so the smaller one wanting to get info bring in a con artist to get info. But that con artist is actually the long lost girlfriend of the man she was sent to betray. There is a shoot out, a kidnapping and several attempts to make agreements that don't always work. Great storyline that ends with someone's happily ever after. Or should I say many someone's.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a second chance at love story. Ava and Stefano meet again after many years and have . They have been through and endured a lot and, there were secrets, darkness, romance, betrayal. Can they come out together after all these years and join forces and be true to each other? This was a wonderful story that holds your attention from the beginning.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Demi ryder has surpassed herself with this book. Ava and Stefano's story is a tale of lost and regained love with twists and turns that keep you guessing The plot is well written with wonderfully developed characters. What a love story in the tumultuous mafia. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked a lot about TORMENTED OATH - the long time pining of unrequited love, the reunification with secrets and loyalty issues, and the obsession and possessiveness Stefano had over Ava.
But about half way through, the book lost some of its polish. There was a lot of repetition (especially the “Monster of Chicago” references). There were missing pieces of the story that had me scrolling back to see if I missed something.