Amelia Kappe is a Mafia Romance author currently in her dark era, bringing to life dangerous and damaged men who don’t believe in love—until they love with an intensity that burns.
Amelia began her journey as an online writer, touching the hearts of millions. Away from her writing desk, you can find her leading (at least trying to) a healthy lifestyle, traveling the world with her husband, or enjoying the company of her furry friend at home.
Nikos is known as the God of the Dead. He is feared by all the men that surround him. When he wants something, he gets it, and he wants Serena.
When Serena finds out her dad gave her away in an arranged marriage to get her brother back, she goes through with it because she loves her brother so much. She wants nothing to do with her new husband, and pushes his buttons every chance she gets.
I loved Nikos. He was obsessive and possessive. He would hurt everyone except Serena. And if someone touched what was his? Well he would either kill them or make sure they could never harm her again.
I loved trying to figure out who was betraying Nikos and Serena. I got it half right haha. I loved their story.
I love love love love this book. It’ was so super fun and I could not put this down. I told myself one more chapter and next thing I knew it was almost 2 hours later. This book was amazing, it’s not entirely a plot I haven’t seen before, but it’s my favourite kind of mafia romance and was written perfectly. This plot was arranged marriage, maybe a love (obsession) at first sight, and morally dark mmc. Their marriage is a contract, her brothers life in exchange for marriage to him, but here’s the thing, the marriage doesn’t benefit either of them… so why? This book is mostly them getting through their trust issues, figuring out their relationship and learning to trust each other. But at this mmc, is absolutely insane and definitely has a corruption kink. This man is giving Kaz Brekker and Jeremy Volkov smashed into one. And yall know those mmcs are so high on my book boyfriend list. He wears gloves and doesn’t like to touch people like Kaz because of trauma, so yeah major trauma here but luckily he does get over it a little quicker. And like Jeremy has a major corruption kink, is in the mafia, although in this book he’s the head of like the entire Italian mafia. And yes major daddy issues. Both MCs have major trauma and issues but watching them work through it is the best part. And I just gotta say this mmc is so unhinged like his wedding vows are insane (the previous slide). Also the cult stuff? Did they really have a blood ritual at their wedding in front of a priest??? Not a big fan of the nickname Wicked One but it’s not the worst I’ve read. I wasn’t really expecting the plot twist at the end and loved it. I had so much fun reading this and give it a 5/5
Nikos Romano is the kind of character you don’t forget. He’s dark, dangerous, and absolutely obsessed with Serena and that obsession drives every part of this story. He’s brutal to the world but soft in his own way with her. And even though he doesn’t say much, his actions speak for everything.
Serena agrees to an arranged marriage to save her brother, but she doesn’t just give in. She challenges Nikos at every turn, and that’s what made me love her. She has a quiet strength in the beginning, but the way she grows and learns to stand on her own? It was one of my favorite parts.
Their chemistry is intense. It’s definitely a dark romance, but consent is very clear throughout, which I appreciated a lot. Nikos might be possessive and violent, but never with her and that balance was written really well.
The story also had some great twists. I was trying to figure out who the real enemy was, and while I guessed some of it, a few reveals still caught me off guard.
If you’re into Hades/Persephone-type dynamics in a mafia setting, with a protective anti-hero and a heroine who comes into her own power, this book is for you. It’s dark, emotional, and addictive in the best way.
“Vow to Corrupt” is the story of Serena and Nikos.
Big bad mafia marries the innocent heroine when she agrees in exchange for her twins life. He then vows to be her hades, and the whole book is a set of monologues about how he wants to ruin his “wicked one” and her defying him and giving in. It was suggested by my book group for the tattoo and castration scene but overall this was not my cuppa, and bored me.
“I am your damnation and your salvation. Your nightmare and your reality.”
If you like dominant, tattooed, possessive, mafia men. Nikos is the one for you. It’s an arranged marriage, to save her family but the predator found his prey.
Really enjoyed this book, was an easy book to fall into as well as to follow. Enjoyed following the plot throughout the book, but loved that it focused on the relationship dynamic changing between Nikos and Serena.
“You’re now my queen, Serena. And the role of a queen is to stand by her king.”
🌟 Mafia 🌟Age gap 🌟Virgin FMC 🌟He wants to bring her into his darkness 🌟She welcomed the darkness 🌟Touch her or look or talk to her and d*e 🌟Hades and Persephone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — Vow to Corrupt You by Amelia Kappe
This dark romance seriously pushes the boundaries of the genre. I’ve read darker books, sure—but this one walks the razor’s edge, and I couldn’t put it down no matter how hard I tried.
Serena is the epitome of innocence—pure, sheltered, and sweet—while Nikos is the God of Corruption himself. Twisted, powerful, and unrelentingly dark, he drags her into a nightmare fantasy she can’t escape from… and maybe doesn’t want to. Their story plays like a very dark Cinderella retelling, though that’s more of a vibe than a plot. Still, the echoes are there, and they work.
Amelia Kappe knows how to write characters that get under your skin. The tension, the moral grayness, the sheer audacity of where she takes this story—it’s all consuming. If you're into pitch-black romances with morally corrupt antiheroes and complex power dynamics, this book is a must-read.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings (non-exhaustive): Violence, torture, psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, childhood and parental trauma, forced marriage (mafia context), mutilation (MMC cutting off body parts), blood play, corruption kink, humiliation kink, dub-con, bondage, branding/tattooing, stalking, possessiveness, obsession.
This one isn’t for the faint of heart—but for those who crave the darkest of dark romances? You’ll be hooked.
This had soooo much potential, it’s almost sad. While the story is expected of a Mafia romance, I wish we were given a chance to fall and care more for Nikos. Same goes for Serena. The potential Hades x Persephone left me a little wanting more.
There was always the alluded trauma on each side that was meant to connect them “in darkness” and yet it felt like not only was it just eventualy mentioned in conversation, there was also an imbalance of depth between Nikos and Serena’s traumas. It almost makes the connection and bond not as strong as it could be. So you’re not as invested with what happens to them.
The twist in the end was predictable and it just made it end on a flat note.
Note: Reading is subjective, what I like you might not & vice versa. Everyone experiences a book differently so please be respectful on how someone else perceives a book.
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes/Themes: Mafia Romance/Forced Marriage/Corruption Kink/Who did this to you? / Touch her and d*e/Dual POV/ Hades and Persephone Themes/ Villain Hero/Dark Themes
My Rating: 5/5
Would I recommend it?: Yes, if you love a possessive and obsessive male lead who’s ruthless to the world but soft for her, paired with a strong heroine who finds her voice and power, this book is for you. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy obsessive love done right. Protective, intense, yet always respectful. If you’re into dark romance with a mafia setting, packed with suspense, shocking twists, emotional growth, and sizzling chemistry, you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect anyone craving a story where two damaged people heal and empower each other. I’d also recommend this to dark romance beginners, those curious about dark romance but want a story that isn’t too unhinged. However, I suggest you do check the trigger warnings down below to see if this book is for you.
Brief book description: Vow to Corrupt You is a dark, intense mafia romance that explores the collision between power and vulnerability. When a ruthless crime boss and a strong-willed woman are forced together by a dangerous deal, their connection sparks a battle of wills, obsession, and control. Set in a brutal underworld where loyalty is tested and emotions are a liability, this story dives into the depths of forbidden desire and the blurred lines between love and domination. Serena would do anything to protect her loved ones and Nikos would do anything to protect her, and corrupt her…
Things I liked about the book: What I loved most about this book was how it blended dark romance with emotional depth, intense chemistry, and a strong heroine arc. Serena didn’t just give in; she challenged Nikos and evolved from someone selfless and silenced into a woman who finally stood up for herself. Her transformation was so satisfying to witness. Nikos, though ruthless, had a soft spot for her that made their connection electric. Their teasing tension and push-and-pull dynamic were absolutely addictive. I loved how obsessed he was with her in a protective, respectful way and how he was always steps ahead. Despite his ruthlessness, he always values consent and show his softer side with Serena. He is a man of action and his word. I loved how he reassured her and made her feel strong enough to stand up for herself. Being ruthless was his survival mechanism, I loved how she made him embrace his loving side. Together, they balanced each other out, two damaged people who brought out the best in one another. The twists kept me on edge, especially as the real threat was revealed. I also adored the Italian setting, the Cinderella undertones, and the Greek mythology references that added depth to the story. It gave 365 Days vibes but better.
Favorite lines/Quotes: > “You look like a goddess no matter what you wear.” > “You’ve become my obsession, my salvation, and my damnation all at once. You own me, whether you realize it or not.” > “She’s like a bullet I don’t want to dodge.”
Vow to corrupt you by @ameliakappe.author ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Thank you to @beyondthebookspr for the ARC 💌 The second I saw the tropes and that stunning artwork, I knew I needed this book immediately. And it delivered!
Fast-paced and addictive, this dark romance had me hooked with its possessive villain MMC and sweet little Serena. The mafia vibes, the betrayal, the plot twists?? I devoured it in one sitting. 👀🔥
If you love your morally grey men unhinged and obsessive—add this to your TBR ASAP it is out now!!
Tropes: Mafia Dark romance Mine Touch her and 💀 Violence Forged marriage Villain hero Hades and Persephone themes
Book overview: NIKOS They call me the God of the Dead. Forged in violence. Worshipped through fear. Her brother’s betrayal should’ve ended with a bullet, but death was a mercy he didn’t deserve—so I took her instead. Serena Conti. Soft where I’m brutal. Pure where I’m poison. She was meant to be a warning, a leash around her brother’s throat. But that’s a lie I can’t keep telling. Because now, she’s under my skin. In my blood. A lethal madness infecting every part of me. The only thing more dangerous than my wrath… is my obsession. And I’ll burn the world down before I ever let her go.
SERENA To save my brother, I made a deal with a monster. Nikos Romano. The villain in every story I was warned about.A legend built on blood and fear.
Now I wear his ring like a shackle, and his name like a brand. I should hate him. Sometimes, I do. But I see the cracks in his armor, the broken boy beneath the brutal king. I thought I could save him. That love would be enough. I was wrong. It was my sentence. And he is my executioner.
Book one of the Gods of Corruption series, where each book is interconnected but can be read as a standalone.
Vow to Corrupt You by Amelia Kappe is a dark mafia romance following Nikos Romano and Serena Conti. This is book one in the Gods of Corruption series, massive trigger warning. This is a dark book with lots of cruelty, make sure you are taking care of yourself and reading the content warning.
Main Characters 🥀🖤 Serena, our FMC, is used as a trade to save her twin brother’s life after he betrays the head of the Italian Mafia Nikos Romano. Forced to marry the man known as The God of Death, she can’t help but fear what he has planned for her and her future. Although timid, she is strong and more beautiful than she realizes and as her character develops, she starts to feel more confident in her role as the Mafia Queen. She just needs to break down those thick walls that her husband has built without losing herself in his darkness.
Nikos, our MMC, The God of Death is ruthless and feared by many. After a betrayal, that would typically end with death, he agrees to trade Salvatore’s life for marriage to Serena, Salvatore’s twin sister. His original plan was to use her as a weapon to torture her brother, what he wasn’t expecting was to develop an obsession and isn’t going to give her up now that he has her in his possession.
My thoughts 💭 I loooooved this book so much. The character development was done so great. From beginning to end reading how Serena slowly learns to accept her own darkness is so beautiful, I love reading about FMCs maturing and accepting who they truly are and that’s exactly how Serena Conti is developed in this world. She was the perfect woman to show Nikos what it is to love and to be loved in returned. Although this book is very dark and heavy, their journey is sooo good and very beautiful. I one hundred percent recommend this book!! 💫
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First and foremost thank you to the author for sending me an arc of her book.
Let me just start off by saying, what the absolute fuck?!!!
I’ve been a fan of miss Kappe for a very long time and jumped at the chance to read this book. When I tell you I wasn’t disappointed!!! I’ve been abstinence from dark romances for so long I forget what they entail. Though there were some things that threw me off guard, I still enjoyed the book. It wasn’t the content within the book that threw me off but how they left me dumbfounded.
In the beginning, I couldn’t stand Nikos, he was too overbearing and his obsession with her innocence had stirred revulsion within me. However, I can’t pinpoint the precise moment I felt a switch but when it flipped, I went from hating Nikos to loving him.
His obsession was intoxicating that even I felt suffocated through the book upon his words. I felt as though I was Serena as I went through the motions and feels with her. Hating him, loving him, everything. There were a few times I was screaming at her through the book to come to her senses but that was all part of the experience.
Their relationship development was so interesting to read, watching them discover different things about themselves. Specifically Serena who grew a back bone. There were a few contradictions I noticed in her character that I wish were developed or expounded on, but I loved her.
She became such a force to be reckoned with owning her name, her position and who she was as a person. She overcome so much and went from an innocent naive martyr to a strong willed woman. 👏🏽 💗
I loved the bond between her siblings but I wished with how everything had happened, she held more resentment towards Nikos for the pain he inflicted or more resistance, even though she was inevitably bound to crack.
The Greek myth references???? Chefs kiss.🤌🏽 I’m a big fan of Greek mythology with Hades and Persephone being one of my favorite couples with Serena and Nikos bearing striking resemblances. 😩
This is a book you definitely don’t want to miss out on. 🫢👀
| honestly don't even know where to begin because... what just happened to my heart?! Huge thanks to the author for the ARC, what a ride. I dove in expecting dark romance and came out the other side emotionally bruised but weirdly satisfied. Let's talk Serena and Nikos. From the start, this story dragged me into its gritty, blood-soaked world and refused to let go. Nikos was every bit the cold, calculating villain he promised to be, but underneath that terrifying exterior? Chaos. Fire. And a kind of hunger that felt dangerously real. There were moments I despised him. The way he talked about Serena's purity, the possessiveness, the manipulation, ugh. But then, cracks started to show. And just like Serena, I got caught. Not by his charm, but by the depth behind the brutality. And Serena... this woman surprised me. She didn't just endure, she evolved. From a scared girl bound by duty to someone who stood tall in the storm, she became fierce, flawed, and beautifully complicated. I loved her fire. I loved her strength. I only wish her resistance to Nikos had burned a little longer before that inevitable fall. The sibling dynamics were a strong emotional layer, even if I wanted more fallout from the betrayal. But honestly? That might've shattered me, and this book already came close. The Greek mythology touches? YES. YES. YES. Nikos as Hades, Serena as a reluctant Persephone perfection. Subtle enough not to feel forced but potent enough to raise the stakes and deepen the symbolism. This story is dark, violent, obsessive, and messy. But it's also intoxicating, emotional, and strangely tender in the most unexpected moments. If you love morally grey men, women who find their power, and enemies-to-lovers with gut-wrenching tension... don't walk...run.
Analysis The plot dives deep into a chilling but yet addictive dynamic. Nikos a heartless mafia man with the nickname “The god of the dead” Agrees to marry Lucio’a youngest daughter Serena. you can tell that Serena isn’t happy about it but she agrees to save her brother’s life.
Serena on the other hand is a sweet girl with a heart of gold. she’s what they call pure innocent. A girl that would do anything for her family. The psychological intensity of their relationship is central to the book’s pull. It’s not a traditional romance; it’s about obsession, control, trauma, and survival.
The writing style is immersive, with alternating POVs that let you crawl into the minds of both characters unsettling but addictive. Amelia doesn’t shy away from graphic content, which serves the story but won’t be for everyone.
Personal Evaluation If you enjoy romance that pushes boundaries and makes you uncomfortable on purpose, this is for you. The power imbalance is the point it explores what happens when danger and desire mix. That said, some scenes are extremely intense and not suitable for sensitive readers.
What impresses me about this book is how well written it is and how captivating it truely is. It has changed my narrative about dark romance more positively than before. Seeing how Serena goes from ”I’m scared” to «you’re my home“ amazes me it really proves that love conquers all.
I would read this book over and over again with no regrets.
Nikolaos Romano, the man you are 😩🛐 I would die for a HUSBAND like him. I mean when is it my turn god 🥹 this man started a WAR on another mafia because the heir called 'his wife' a bitch. And every man who touched her has lost his yk, 'a very important male part'. He was INTENSE, HOT, UNHINGED AND YET SO SOFT TO HER WHEN NEEDED.😭❤🔥 In the end, if I have to sacrifice my life to save my family, I will. I WOULD GLADLY BE ON MY KNEES FOR THIS MAN 😩🤌🏻
Serena Romano, she's not your typical innocent FMC (like the MMC thinks she is), but there's a reason Nikos calls her 'wicked one' because apparently she's not so pure and innocent when it comes to Nikos. And I really loved how she accepted to be the queen of his empire rather than become a mere pawn in someone's life. 😭 And this baby, she needed Nikos in her life, who always put her on top. NO MATTER THE SITUATION, his baby, his wicked one, is his priority 🤭
Together, they are just two ice that melt and become one. I mean, they just fit so perfectly together 🥹🤌🏻 the way Serena never let him feel like the monster he thinks he is, and Nikos always making her his priority when no one ever did that in her life. And pls, this man vowed to corrupt her and damn he did.
“You’ve become my obsession, my salvation, and my damnation all at once. You owe me, whether you realise it or not.” — Who's gonna tell him that he's my obsession, salvation and damnation all at once 😭
Hades & Persephones themes/vibes/retellings are just something that I love in books, but I often find hard to do well. Kappe nails that dynamic between Nikos and Serena. Nikos is the personification of corruption while Serena defines innocence. Wanting to save her brother, Serena agrees to marry Nikos and enters his dark mafia world.
While Serena may be innocent, she isn't afraid to challenge to Nikos, which leads to some of their more electrifying moments together. Those challenges help Serena grow and develop as character. Nikos, while ruthless, does always seem to respect Serena and empower her to challenge him and his world.
This is definitely a dark romance and could border on a pitch-black romance for some. Morally, for me, Nikos does have redeeming qualities (such as always respecting Serena rather than being morally black and steamrolling her), so I'd place it more towards dark romance rather than pitch-black romance. That being said, always read the trigger warnings! If something isn't for you or you hesitate, then skip because that's okay!
🩷Dark Mafia Romance 🖤Forced Marriage 🩷Secret Society 🖤Villain Hero 🩷Corruption K!nk 🖤Hades and Persephone Themes 🩷Dual POV 🖤Open-Door Spice 🩷Touch Her & D!e 🖤Possessive & Obsessive MMC
Thank you to the author and Beyond the Books PR for the gifted copy!
Serena never believed in monsters until Nikos Romano walked into her life. And honestly? Fair enough. He’s terrifying. The kind of man who doesn’t just arrive, he consumes. Their marriage isn’t born of love it’s a bargain, a cage, a means to protect her brother. In the beginning, it’s all warnings and razor sharp tension. But then something shifts. Suddenly, it’s unclear whether Nikos is destroying Serena or awakening something just as dark within her. And Nikos? He’s not just cold or dangerous he’s obsessed. This isn’t a man who falls in love. He descends. Spirals. And once he sees Serena as his, it’s over. It’s possessive, unhealthy, and twisted in all the ways that make it impossible to look away. But what truly stuck with me? Serena’s transformation. She starts off scared, in over her head but slowly, deliberately, she becomes someone powerful. She learns to hold her ground in a quiet, lethal way. I loved watching her take that control. This book is chaos trauma, blood, obsession, and strangely enough, moments of softness woven through the madness. Some scenes made me tense up, others had me tearing up. It’s not a sweet romance. It’s violent, toxic, magnetic and I couldn’t stop reading. Loved it
If you love books with strong FMC, with a backbone, who doesn’t contradict herself all the time. A MMC truly interesting, that you cannot help to fall in love with no matter all his flaws. Books well written, where the author doesn’t repeat the same thing over and over again every chapter. Well, don’t read this book. I tried to give it a chance, I really really did. But what was that ? I had to DNF it at 64% Was it really necessary to repeat in every chapter, how dangerous, terrifying and mean Nikos was ? If only there was only that. You have a FMC who swear that she’s not going to do something, no matter what, only for her to turn around and do that exact same thing only 1 day later ? And the writing ? Over describing everything, especially luxurious things, doesn’t bring anything interesting to the table. “I pair the gown with 24-carat gold earrings” “Finally, the sales lady tallies, "€296000." Where am I ? Wattpad in 2016 ? Last but not least, if you write a book that sets place in Italy, a country that uses the metric system, why would you make the character use the imperial system ? It could have been a good book, but there was too many things that made it unenjoyable in my opinion
If you like Hades/Persephone retelling this one is for you.
Vow to corrupt is a Hades/Persephone retelling set in a mafia world.
Nikolaos Romano is a ruthless Don who will strike to kill first and ask questions never.
In order to save his son’s life, after he tried to start a riot against Nikos, Lucio Conti offers Nikos a marriage alliance between him and one of Lucio’s daughters.
While he was initially not going to take the deal all bets are off when Nikos sees Serena. Even though she was not the sister Lucio intended Nikos marry she’s the one he wants and takes to be his bride.
Nikos is completely unhinged straight out the gate for Serena he vows to corrupt her and make her his own. He is extremely possessive and obsessed with her to the point he will kill any man for thinking of touching her.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what kind of man would burn the world down for a woman Nikolaos Romano is that man.
Some of my fav quotes were
🖤 “Now you’re mine,” …. “Completely and irreversibly mine.” 🖤”my possession, my obsession, my wife.” 🖤 “I’d let the world burn for you.”
Thank you Amelia and Beyond the Books PR for the ARC of this book.
Nikos now lives in my head rent free and I am not mad about it!
To help her brother, Serena agrees to a marriage that wasn’t her decision — but she never simply accepts the terms. She questions Nikos, pushes back, and refuses to be silenced. What I appreciated most was how her quiet determination in the beginning gradually grew into real confidence. Seeing her come into her own was one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
He’s a shadowed force, unpredictable and driven by an all-consuming pull toward Serena. That relentless need shapes everything that unfolds. To the outside world, he’s merciless — sharp and unyielding — but with her, there's a quiet intensity, a gentleness buried beneath the edge. He rarely speaks, yet his intent is unmistakable in what he does, not what he says.
The twists had me moving each page eagerly to see where the story went and to figure out where the true enemy lies. I could not get enough of this dark, emotional, consuming and chaotic story between these two. This is one you will love if you like mafia, morally grey men, possessiveness, enemies to lovers and so much more!
The story follows Nikolas Romano — a man feared by all, known as the God of Death. He’s brutal, dangerous, and the kind of character you’ll never forget. The moment he lays eyes on Serena, he becomes obsessed. He always gets what he wants — and now, he wants Serena.
Serena agrees to marry him in exchange for her twin brother’s life. What I loved most about this book is that Serena doesn’t just give in. She challenges him at every step, and that made me adore her. At first, she’s innocent and selfless — doing everything for her family and the people she loves — but the way she grows and learns to stand up for herself? That was my favorite part.
He was brutal to everyone — but only soft for her. She was his safe place.
Their chemistry is intense. I also loved the sibling bond in this book. The way Salvatore was ready to risk everything to help Serena escape from Nikolas — that was such a pure act of selflessness.
I absolutely loved this book. The character development is incredible. From beginning to end, watching Serena embrace the darkness — like she was made for it — gave me chills. And the way Nikolas calls her his wicked one? I paused, giggled, laughed, and repeated.
ARC REVIEW (Read Trigger Warning) ❤️💍 This book is one of the best and unhinged ARC I have ever received! That book is so beautiful and dark cause it isn’t about Serena’s trauma but Nikos, he was mysterious, always wear black gloves, plot twist was twisting. That wedding made me question my morals, wedding night, and even his action made me eating this book up! I love everything about this book, that smut was so GOOD and ROUGH……no he did not do anything non-consensual acts towards her just to disclaim but it did not mean it was a some easy smuts but it’s worth it! Little Family drama, actions, blood and all that. I love it! Their marriage was forced to start with but just wait until later in the book! I love dark aesthetic and how Serena was so innocent till she realised she got what she was looking for 🖤💯💍🫶🏾 • Amalia my sweet darling, you really surprised me this time! I love Serena & Nikos, they will always be in my mind as I’m so excited for your next book! Therefore you deserve 5 stars and 4 spice 🌸💕❤️ • Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’ve ever been drawn to the intense, forbidden love story of Hades and Persephone, this book will captivate you in ways you didn’t expect. The story centers around Nikos, a man whose reputation strikes fear into everyone around him, and Serena, who is forced to marry him to save her family. What makes this tale stand out is how it flips expectations—while outsiders assume Nikos is cruel, he’s actually offering Serena a world she never imagined, filled with passion and power.
This book dives deep into themes of betrayal, loyalty, and hidden truths, weaving a dark and spicy romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are layered and flawed, making their journey feel authentic and raw. I found myself unable to put it down, finishing it in just a few days. If you’re looking for a story that blends mythic elements with modern emotional complexity, this is must-read.
Serena never believed in monsters until she met Nikos Romano — and honestly? Fair. He’s terrifying. The kind of man who doesn't just walk into your life, he takes it over completely. She marries him to save her brother, and it’s not a love story at all in the beginning. It's a warning. A leash. A trap. But it shifts—and suddenly you don’t know if he’s destroying her or if she’s becoming something even darker beside him. And Nikos? Oh my god. He’s not just cold and dangerous—he’s obsessed. He doesn’t fall in love, he spirals. And when he sees Serena as his? That’s it. Game over. It's unhealthy and twisted and so intense that I could not stop reading even when I wanted to breathe. But the real win? Serena’s growth. She’s scared at first, completely out of her depth, but then she slowly becomes someone powerful. Like you can feel her taking control in her own quiet, deadly way. I loved that. The entire book is a mess of trauma, blood, dark vows, and somehow… softness? There were scenes that made me tense and others that made me want to sob into a pillow. It’s not a safe, comforting romance. It’s violent and obsessive and absolutely insane—and I loved it. If you like stories where the villain is the love interest, the girl becomes queen of his ruin, and you’re a little bit morally unwell while reading? This one’s for you.
ARC Review: Vow to Corrupt by Amelia Kappe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️ 3/5 Spice
Vow to Corrupt is a gripping dark romance that pulls you into a world of twisted devotion, danger, and emotional intensity. As an ARC reviewer, I was immediately drawn to Amelia Kappe's bold writing and the complex dynamic between the characters. The chemistry is electric, and the slow unraveling of trust and obsession keeps you turning pages late into the night.
This is very much a dark romance, so readers should proceed with caution. It includes themes that may be triggering to some—such as manipulation, violence, and morally grey characters. That said, Kappe handles these elements with care, making it clear this isn’t your typical love story.
With a solid 4/5 rating overall and a moderate 3/5 spice level, Vow to Corrupt delivers both tension and tenderness for fans of the genre. If you're into emotionally intense, morally complex romances, this one’s worth the read—but definitely check the trigger warnings first.
“You’ve become my obsession, my salvation, and my damnation all at once. You own me, whether you realize it or not.”
I had high hopes for this book and it totally delivered! This book has Hades x Persephone kind of vibes. Serena agrees to an arranged marriage to save her family, and that’s how she ends up with Nikos. At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about Nikos but ended up loving him. The man is intense, dark, obsessive, dangerous, and a little unhinged, but also totally obsessed with Serena from the moment he saw her. I really loved Serena’s growth, she went from being a naive girl to standing her ground, taking no crap, and absolutely claiming her power. How the relationship developed between them was also really good and they ended being perfect for each other. And don’t even get me started on the plot twist… I was dumbfounded!
Thank you to Amelia and beyondthebookspr for the ARC! 🤍
I didn’t expect to like this so much!!!???? I’m new to the dark romance genre so this was out of my comfort zone. I’m a LOVER for he falls first and harder and Nikos didn’t let me down! The tension between him and Serena was 😚🤌🏾 perfect amount of hate and desire. The nickname grew on me ngl, at first I was “that’s kind of cringy 🥴” but towards the end I like it and more when he was talking soft and patiently to her. As a Colombian I was kinda mad we’re always in the mess of the mafia but I laughed it off. The throne scene???!!!!! Fave part of all the book 🤭. We love a good worshipper 🙂↕️ The best thing about this was the no 3rd act break up, I just HATE THEM. There were conflicts but not a break up 😌 Oh, and the most important part: Serena’s evolution was well executed according to her personality. As a people pleaser myself, I felt for her need to please her family above all, and specifically her blindness when they were just taking advantage of her. Thank you Nikos for opening her eyes IN PRIVATE. Because that was another thing, he always respected her in front of people, even if she didn’t. Overall this was a great read to start inserting in the dark genre and I’m going to keep dipping into it 😌
This story had me hooked from the very first page. I was instantly intrigued by how the dynamic between the characters would unfold. Nikos — ruthless, cold, and cloaked in darkness — lives up to his chilling reputation as the God of Death. He is haunting, untouchable power that dominates in every scene he appears ❤️🔥 And then there’s Serena — delicate, selfless, and willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. A gentle soul in a brutal world. What I loved most? Watching Nikos slowly teach her self-worth. He doesn’t just break her open — he reflects her own shadows back to her, showing her that even the softest hearts hold darkness too. A beautifully twisted, emotionally rich story that lingers long after the last page. 🖤 thank you Amelia Kappe and Beyond the books PR for this amazing ARC opportunity 🥹❤️
I really loved this book! It was a perfect dark mafia romance with strong characters and intense story. Nikos was not just a typical bad guy, he had a deep past and real feelings, which made me want to hug him. Serena was strong and smart, not just a victim, and her growth was amazing. Their forced marriage started rough but their chemistry and tension kept me hooked all the way. The story was never boring, full of action, drama, and steamy scenes that were hot but always with clear consent. I was totally obsessed and can’t wait for the next book. Loved it. Thank you so much to the author and Beyond The Books PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
A Mafia tale reminiscent of Hades and Persephone with shades of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella…really, what else do you need?
This is a story of obsession; of power and betrayal. Known as the God of Death, he takes one look at her and makes a vow…not just to make her his, but to corrupt her.
This is the type of book that uses red flags as decoration. It comes with tattoos, a secret society of mafia leaders, a hateful stepfamily, dogs that like fresh meat, a hero who always wears gloves (except when he *touches* her), and the best nickname ever (wicked one).
It’s a slow burn, hate/fear to love. It is definitely open door, but it isn’t the most OTT spice I’ve read. This is book one of a new series and I am really looking forward to seeing where it goes. Add it to your TBR now!
ARC REVIEW 5 stars!! Honestly, I don't know how to start this review. First, I have to say that I did not read the blurb or anything else related to this book. I just saw the art work and decided to fill out the arc form. I did not have any expectations but I was surprised in the best way. The writing was so good and the story? The story was just WOW. I LOVED EVERYTHING. A lot of things happened in this book, some predictable, some not. All in one I really have to say: This is one of my favorite books so far. Thank you so much for providing me this arc!!