Vow of Malice

by Bianca Cole

One glance from Hunter Reed, and my world ignited. The only problem? He's now my stepsister's fiancé.

A misunderstanding led my stepfather to arrange Hunter's marriage to Olivia, when Hunter had actually been asking about me. Now this ruthless billionaire uses his engagement to invade my life, his touch setting my skin ablaze whenever we're alone.

I should stay away. But as I uncover secrets about my father's death and Hunter's connection to the shadowy Vipers society, I'm pulled deeper into his dangerous world.

The line between desire and danger blurs with every forbidden moment we share. And at the masquerade ball, when the masks finally come off, I discover the deadliest secret of all.

Was everything between us a lie? Or is the man I shouldn't want the only one who can save me?

This book is the first book in the Hunter and Prey duet and it does end in a Cliffhanger ending, which will be settled in the second book, A Vow of Venom. It contains dark themes and content some readers may not be comfortable with.

Genres: Dark Romance

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2026

About the author

Author of dark romance and lover of anti-heros.

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Society, taboo romance, touch her and ☠️, instant tension. Aurora and Hunter meet on a cliffside where her father committed suicide. The tension between them is instant, only Aurora learns a little later that Hunter is engaged to her sister Olivia. Hunter realizes his mistake when he meets Olivia, but the tension between Hunter and Aurora becomes more intense than they can withstand. This does end on a cliffhanger and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a 5* read! I absolutely loved reading this book and it’s such a page turner and has you hooked, I felt it was abit slow at the beginning but once you get into it, it’s hard to put my kindle down!

I’d highly recommend this book by Bianca Cole, and I will definitely be reading more of Bianca’s books!.

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

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5 - Smut: 3/5 —————-> This was entertaining, but HIGHLY predictable. Hunter sounds like he’d be pretty fun to be alone in a room with. Aurora and Hunter together? They were well written together. Hunter and Olivia? 😴😴😴.


Ends on a cliffy, with Hunters crew/society kidnapping Olivia and Aurora. Setting you up for book 2. Here’s to hoping
book 2 isn’t as predictable as book 1 was. Not trying to bash it. I did like this. I just guessed every twist and turn.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

Vow of Malice will sweep you into its current and will not let you go. The storm that is Hunter Reed? That is one I could get lost in…

🖤Dark Secret Society
🖤Billionaire Alphahole MMC
🖤Taboo - Stepsister’s Fiancé
🖤Touch Her & ☠️ Energy
🖤Pr!mal Play & Power Exchange
🖤Use of Restraints, Sq💦irting
🖤Br33d!ng K!nk

Connecting with Hunter Reed’s gaze shifted Aurora’s world on its axis. The problem? He’s now her stepsister’s fiancé.

A misunderstanding and a business arrangement made behind closed doors finds Hunter engaged to the wrong woman, and he’s using his engagement to his advantage to get closer to Aurora. And when they’re alone? His touch ignites a passion within that she didn’t know existed.

Aurora feels she should stay away from Hunter, it’s the right thing to do after all. But she can’t resist the pull and the more she gets to know Hunter, the deeper she’s pulled into his dangerous world. The Vipers have rules that Aurora can’t even begin to comprehend, nor the lengths that they would go to ensure their members’ loyalties aren’t compromised, and riding the line of danger and desire could have deadly consequences…

The moment Hunter realizes he got the identity wrong of the woman he wanted? Lordt. Hunter Reed is calculating and he’s willing to adjust the chess pieces to ensure that he gets what he has deemed his, and that’s Aurora. And that misunderstanding, which gutted Aurora, gets cleared up pretty quickly between these two…now, making it actually happen in reality? Well…that wasn’t as easy to coordinate given the business deals at stake, Aurora’s stepdad having a lot of connections beyond what the Vipers could control, and answering to the head of the Vipers…there are so many contingencies that will have you biting your nails in anticipation! And the spice? You’ll be fanning your face because Hunter has a filthy mouth, is OTT possessive and he’s ready to mark and claim Aurora, consequences be damned. That cliffhanger?! I need book 2 of this duet as of yesterday. I have so many questions and I am ready to 🔥 it all down because there’s only one person I trust right now to fix things…

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

After she lost her father, Aurora went to Europe to escape, but she is now returning to The Cliff House, to face the place where the tragedy happened. It's there she briefly meets Hunter, the billionaire and CEO of Reed Technologies and one of the Vipers from a secret society. The society is an organization that rules over the city, and all that goes on in it, those where are willing to cross lines that others won't.

Hunter decides that he wants Aurora, so he makes a business deal with her stepfather for an arranged marriage. Only when the night comes to tell everyone about it, he realizes that there is more than one daughter, and he's asked for the wrong daughter, Olivia. Although this is a miscommunication type trope, it didn't feel like a normal one and was okay with it.

There is instant chemistry between the two MCs; the moment they meet, you can already start to feel a strike of lightning. He's power and control incarnate. She's sweet and strong. The spice between these two is intense and hot! The fact that he was engaged to Olivia was only a business transaction, and he was not going to let that get in the way of being with Aurora.

The overall story is built on mystery, drama, secrets and suspense with twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The cliffhanger at the end has me needing book 2 asap!!
 
 
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Hunter & Aurora
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Books need to be read in order, Duet
Title: Hunter and Prey Duet- Vows of Malice: Book 1
Ending Type: Cliffhanger
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*"Playboy" lifestyle before FMC
*Secret Society
*CEO BIllionaire MMC
*Power Exchange
*Loss of parents FMC
*No cheating or sharing between the MCs
 

⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lawd, I'm STILL trying to pick my mouth up off the floor with this one. I mean, WOW! This was one phenominal read! One of the best I've read all year, actually. I was, literally, hooked from page one, and the addiction NEVER let up!!

We're introduced to the mfc, Aurora, who is at her childhood home, the very place her father leapt to his death off a cliff in the backyard. Enter the mmc and neighbor, Hunter, who finds Aurora standing at that very cliff ledge, where he believes she plans to jump, only she's not. He intercedes, though, and sparks fly, but they part ways. Only, unbeknownst to Aurora, an obsession began for Hunter, who sets up an arranged marriage through her step-father, whom he's, through a stroke of luck, doing business with. Problem is, because Hunter never got Aurora's name, the arrangement is made with her sister, Hunter not knowing there's more than one daughter, and it isn't until Hunter comes over to discuss "business", that he realizes this fact. Hunter decides then and there, he's gonna do what he has to to get out of the marriage arrangement with Aurora's sister and make Aurora his.

Aurora fights her feelings, not wanting to betray her sister, but the more Hunter pushes, the more her walls crumble. But marriage arrangements to the wrong sister aren't their only obstacle. Hunter has a secret life, one that puts a target on Aurora's back, putting her in danger. Can they overcome the danger and obstacles to have their happily ever after, or will Hunter lose Aurora forever?

There's so much intrigue, mystery, drama, you can't turn the pages quick enough to find out what happens next. And the spice is absolute. Freaking. Chef's. Kiss! When I say EVERYTHING about this book is utter perfection, I'm not remotely kidding! So ready for book two!!!

[RogueCommaKilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The inconsistencies in this book made me nuts. They are sloppy and irritated me enough to write a review.

ETA: I just remembered there’s an editing note left in the text. All I recall is, “Got it!” and something about making a flashback into a conversation, I think? First time I’ve ever seen that, lol.

~ Since when is NYC on the Pacific Ocean? She looks down into the Pacific at the cliff house in the beginning, but then they drive up from the city.

~ Apparently Martha is cloned. She’s the full-time housekeeper at the cliff house, but also cooking at the NYC home of the stepfather.

~ She is 20 and running an entire publishing division? In what world would this happen? Even raging nepotism is not this incompetent.

~ In one of the sex scenes, he is described as walking toward her with his shirt open. A few moments later, she is ripping it open and buttons are flying everywhere. I’m assuming in this fantastical world of 20-year-old publishing moguls, magic shirts also exist.

~ If I said “I’m tired” as much as this chick did, and no one questioned whether or not I was dying and needed to see a doctor, it would hurt my feelings.

I’m sure there’s more, but I won’t be reading or rereading to find it. I also will not be reading the next book. My blood pressure does not need another spike from something I’m supposed to enjoy.

What saved this from being a one-star review was the writing, which was actually pretty decent. The actual story was also not bad, especially if you don’t care about continuity, consistency, or basic geography.

Cross-posted on Amazon.

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good heavens, I am still utterly speechless, completely blown away by "Vow of Malice"! Honestly, WOW! This was not just a good read; it was an absolutely phenomenal and unforgettable literary experience! It is, without a doubt, one of the absolute best books I've had the pleasure of reading! From the very first page, I was completely and utterly hooked, and the captivating pull of this story never, ever relinquished its grip on me! The ingenious plot twists and breathtaking turns kept me on the very edge of my seat, my heart pounding in anticipation with every turn of the page. Furthermore, the characters were so brilliantly crafted and intricately developed, I felt like I had the distinct pleasure of knowing them personally; their struggles and triumphs felt so real, so deeply human. Bianca Cole possesses an undeniable, innate talent for storytelling, and "Vow of Malice" serves as the shining, perfect testament to her extraordinary gift. If you are searching for a book that will completely enthrall and immerse you in its narrative, leaving you utterly breathless and craving more, then look no further, because you have absolutely found it! This is, without a shadow of a doubt, an absolute must-read for any true book lover!.

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

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vow of Malice is the first story in the Hunter and Prey duet. I absolutely loved it and could not put it down. It is so well-written and the characters are amazing.

Aurora is sad that her mother has died. She goes to the house where her mother lived. When she goes outside and looks over the rocks a man comes and saves her. He thinks she is going to jump. She is very attracted to him. She later finds out his name is Hunter and he is a wealthy businessman.

Hunter is very attracted to Aurora but doesn't find out her name. He contacts her father and arranges for them to be married. The problem is that he doesn't know Aurora has a sister. When he finds out the arrangement is to Aurora's sister, he begins to plan how he is going to get out of their arrangement. He refuses to have any other woman besides Aurora. Aurora doesn't want to betray her sister and tries to ignore her feelings for Hunter. What will happen to their relationship?

I loved Aurora and Hunter's chemistry. They set the pages on fire. I can't wait to read the second part of their story. The cliffhanger left me on the edge. Amazing story.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st part of the Hunter and Prey Duet where Aurora thinks about how her father left this life on the very cliff she’s standing on in the pouring rain only to be pulled back from the edge from a powerful man, Hunter. These two cannot stop the pull between them so when Hunter makes a deal with her step-father to marry his daughter, Hunter is engaged to Olivia her step-sister that Hunter confused for Aurora. Being a member of the Vipers Hunter has power and he uses it to manipulate getting close to Aurora behind everyone’s back until the leader discovers what’s going on and uses Aurora against Hunter. Aurora tries to do the right thing by denying Hunter but their connection is unstoppable and they fall in love amongst the extreme danger to Aurora and her life. Hunters best laid plans seem to ensure her safety at his annual masquerade balk only for the bottom to fall out leaving Aurora and Olivia taken by his enemies while she gives Olivia the truth about her relationship with Hunter! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this book is fire. Hunter and Aurora were the most amazing characters in this book. The intense heat between could set my soul on fire. Hunter saves Aurora from falling from a cliff. She wasn’t actually going to fall, but what an amazing guy. And his attraction to her was instant. He knew she was who he wanted for life. So he asked her father to arrange their marriage. However, not knowing her name or that she had a sister, her dad arranges the marriage between Hunter and Aurora’s sister. Out of respect for her sister, Aurora tries to step back and leave it alone. But Hunter is doing everything he can to get IT fixed.
This book was so well written. It was intense and pulls you in. I didn’t want to put it down. I devoured this book and I’m impatiently waiting for the next book. This was just absolutely wickedly delicious.

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

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will keep you glued to your Kindle. Be sure and read the trigger warnings.
Aurora is at her family home where her father committed suicide. She is mulling her thoughts about his suicide and her life in general. Hunter finds her and takes away from the edge, but both recognize their attraction. He suggests an arranged marriage with her stepfather, not realizing it will be with her stepsister.
Despite this they begin a relationship which has really dark overtones while hiding it from all the parties concerned.
There are factions behind Hunter who want him to cut off his relationship with Aurora, but he refuses.
As a result, she and her stepsister are abducted from a masquerade ball.
This story has a cliff hanger ending, I can't wait for the book in this series.

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

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Hunter Reed is another book boyfriend I wouldn't mind running into on a dark night in the woods! He's everything a tall, handsome, & dangerous man should be; everything Aurora shouldn't want but does! Their banter, the power struggle, Aurora's submission, & their desire for each other is one I got lost in. Aurora's independent, smart, & beautifully broken. The pull Hunter & Aurora have from the moment they first touch is nothing short of magnetic! The twists, turns, what lurks in the darkness, & what is right in front of everyone is addictive! I read this book so quick! I haven't found one of Bianca's books that I have devoured or a book boyfriend I haven't fallen in love with! 🖤 It's a quick read full of everything you could want in a morally grey, dark romance. Must read!.

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow, this meet-cute sets the stage for a stormy romance and then some!
I was immediately captured by Aurora's struggle at the scene of her father's suicide. Then add in Hunter's taking control of her at the very moment when the storm rages down on them and the plot is set for an epic turmoil between the two. When Hunter discovers that his planned engagement to his friend's daughter is actually not the one he assumed, he is already plotting how to get out of it. I can feel Aurora's shock as she can fathom the idea of lusting after her stepsister's fiance. Hunter refuses to take no as an answer from Aurora to be together, while his secret association with the Vipers puts a kink in his plans. The end builds to something you know is coming, yet you don't want it to happen. I can't wait for the next book in the duet!

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora’s life takes a twisted path when she meets Hunter. I love the dark obsession between them: they can’t keep their hands off each other even though he’s promised to her sister. Their scenes are absolutely perfect: addictive, intense, dirty, and extremely spicy! He’s a powerful man with secrets that require his loyalty, but his distraction changes everything! Bianca Cole created a book of great characters, a sinister secret society, and enough heat to burn their world down! The cliffhanger is brutal and leaves so much mystery about who survives and who prevails! I can’t wait for the next book in this duet!.

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

[Crystal Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part 1 of a duet so prepare yourself for the cliffhanger. For a tech billionaire, member of a secret society, and slightly stalkerish, I find it very funny that Hunter ends up engaged to Olivia and not her stepsister Aurora. Despite his arrangement, he is not going to let Aurora go and his possessive/obsessive nature is intense. The tension that builds as Aurora juggles her feelings for Hunter, her sister and her friends figuring out something is happening between the two was perfect. Not really a slow build but not immediate either. This book definitely sets the stage for chaos in part 2. I am anxiously waiting to see how things pan out because things hit the fan at the end!.

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

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vow Of Malice is book 1 in the Hunter And Prey duet. Holy Hades!!!!!! What a freakin mess a misunderstanding can make! Hunter, Aurora and Olivia are in the midst of chaos and danger that seems to come from all sides. These characters are absolutely fantastic and pulls you into their journey so quickly. My heart ached for Aurora, but at the same time I was so aggravated with both her and Hunter. Vow Of Malice is a completely consuming story and that cliffhanger left me speechless. I can't wait for Vow Of Venom!

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistaken identity and arranged marriages. Aurora and Hunter meet on a cliffside where her father committed suicide where their attraction starts. Hunter is intrigued and seeks an alliance. A captivating story as the wrong sister is engaged to Hunter, but that doesn't stop him from getting what he wants. He has his own secrets, as this story twisters and turns and dark danger surrounds him and Ava. This story does end in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read where the story takes us.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter and Prey Duet part 1

If you're looking for a delicious morally gray character to make you squeal and kick your feet while you lose your mind over his dirty talking mouth then look no further because Hunter is here. This man is relentless let me tell you the way he goes after Aurora is unhinged. Bianca Cole writes some steamy action. I was definitely fanning myself. This was a fast/easy read I couldn't get enough of. I ate it up! I can't wait to see where the story goes in book 2!

Tropes:
Secret society
Billionare
Primal
Dual POV

Check TW

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, I can’t wait for book 2…
In book 1 of the Hunter & Prey duet Aurora falls in love with her stepsister Olivia’s fiancé Hunter Reed. In her defense, she met him first and he mistakenly entered into a marriage contract thinking that she is Olivia. Now things have gone from bad to worse as they’ve landed in the crosshairs of deadly Vipers… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a wild ride, and the connection between the characters is immediate and intense. Normally I am not a fan of relationship complications, however the way it is written here I did not even think twice about it. They meet on a cliff and things escalate quickly from there, not literally, do not worry. When she discovers that he has been set up in an arranged marriage, the story takes a sharp turn. And that cliffhanger at the end absolutely left me needing more.

[Sarah Bollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance meeting....
Sparks......
Attraction....
Obsession......
Possession......

And thats just one side of the coin! There is so much intensity to Aurora and Hunter, their lives, their love. No amount of denial could stop what was obviously meant to be!

I just cannot wait for part two Bravo Bianca Cole, Bravo!.

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

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more, but it was the fact that Hunter refused to end the relationship between him and Aurora's Step-Sister. It was only an engagement for an arranged marriage, but still.
Hunter and Aurora meet on a cliff, and he "saves" her from falling. It was an obsession at first sight. They continue their relationship despite Aurora feeling guilty for being with him and not being honest with Olivia.
Ends on a cliffhanger, will have to read book two for closure.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'One glance from Hunter Reed, and my world ignited.
The only problem? He’s now my stepsister’s fiancé.'

The characters were very compelling and complex and complicated. Plot was intriguing and intense. World building was well developed and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora went to grieve her mother at the rocks, where Hunter saves her thinking shes going to jump, but not catching her name he goes to her father to arrange a marriage and buisness deals only to discover she has a sister hes now engaged to but that wont stop Hunter from getting the woman he wants. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action twists, forbidden and a cliffy!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have misunderstandings, wrong sister, attraction that is instant and full of chemistry. So much going on mafia, loyalty, betray and kidnapping. That is just for starters. Throw in chemistry, lust and mistaken marriage.
Strong characters, full on pace. Hold on to your hats.

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

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

This thrilling story is filled with secrets, forbidden romance and a connection so intense that it draws you into the Aurora and Hunter's drama. They meet at the place where Aurora's father committed suicide and sparks ignites between them. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of the Hunter & Prey Duet and pulls us into the lives of Aurora and Hunter. This heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, secrets, danger and steam. The story ends with a cliffhanger that leads into the second book of the Hunter & Prey Duet.

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

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning - this book is part one of a duet, so you will be left hanging in the best way. The storyline tautly weaves many tales at once with several dark themes, but it sucks you in in the best manner possible.

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right from page one. It's got everything I look for in a book and more. The main characters had explosive chemistry and pulled me right into their drama. A fantastic read.
This is a voluntary review.