Vengeful Oath: Dark Mafia Romance

Dashkov Crime Family #1

by Jo McCall

What is the best way to enact revenge on your enemy?
Force his daughter to marry you and burn down his entire empire.
Nobody crosses the Dashkov Bratva and now I have everything I need to take complete control.

Ava Ward is mine...
Mine to use.
To bend.
To break.

I’ll bind her to me. First with my ring on her finger and then in my bed.
She can fight me all she wants, but the secrets of her past are the key to my future.
Nothing will stand in my way from taking what I want.
This isn’t about love. It is about revenge.
She is nothing more than a pawn to move across the board as I see fit.

And she’ll either fall in line or be removed from the board entirely.

What To Know About Vengeful Oath
-Mafia forced marriage
-Enemies-to-lovers
-Unapologetic anti-hero
-Who hurt you?
-Russian Mafia Romance
-Virgin FMC
-Complete Trilogy
-Dual POV
-Content warnings listed on my website

A Note from the publisher: Stunning Rewrite of the beloved Shattered World Series. Now better than ever!
Vengeful Oath is the First book in the Dashkov Crime Family. It CANNOT be read as a complete standalone. Although I enjoy shy, reserved heroines, I do not write doormats but I also do not write super over the top badass women. The heroines in my book build themselves up but they never lose that vulnerability. This is not a mafia-lite book and while there is nothing irredeemable about my anti-hero's, they aren't always the nicest to their ladies at first. Be warned. If you are looking for a cinnamon roll, this book is not for you.

Reading Order
*All books can be read as a standalone unless marked

Dashkov Crime Family


1. Vengeful Oath (Ava and Matthias Story)
2. Poisoned Empire (Ava and Matthias Story)
3. Redeeming Vow (Ava and Matthias Finale)

Sovereign Brotherhood
1. Cruel Vows (Vanya and Adrian)
2. Wicked Vows (Evaline and Kenzo)
3. Brutal Vows (Gia and Vitali)

Kavanaugh Crime Family
1. Reckless Seduction (Kiernan, Seamus, and Bailey's Story)
2. Tainted Crown (Katherine and Liam's story)

"This epic first book in the Shattered World series is an explosive first novel following Ava and Matthias. Action, suspense, and steamy scenes make this book for Mature readers"

"Absolutely amazing read. Jo McCall has kicked off this series with a bang. "
-Amazon Reviewer

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Suspense, Forced Proximity, M F Romance, Enemies To Lovers

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2025

About the author

Jo McCall writes dark, contemporary and paranormal romance with a mafia focus.

A paramedic for over ten years, Jo traded in her stethoscope for paper and pen after an injury left her unable to finish out her career.

She is an avid reader of anything dark and steamy and when she isn’t writing, you can find her making a rather large dent in her TBR.

She is a lover of strong but vulnerable heroines who find their own and hot, sexy alpha males who might be a tad bit over-possessive. Jo loves to lose herself in her characters and the flaws and darkness that surround them.

There is no shame found here, and she often gets lost when writing out those erotic, steamy scenes that make women’s (and men’s) fantasies come true.

“There is nothing like getting lost in something. you know is wrong, but still can’t resist.”

Jo currently resides in the beautiful state of Washington with her two dogs.

Reviews

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Oath is the first book in the Dashkov Crime Family series written by Jo McCall.

💜 mafia
💜 mysteries
💜 forced proximity
💜 forced marriage
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice

Matthias knows why he was promised. What he is owed. And when that promise is not fulfilled, he will make sure that it will be done. That is why he is here trying to find any information he can about where she went. Gone. Somehow she has managed to stop through everyone’s fingers for almost a year. He will find her. Will everything go to plan once she is found? Will he be able to leverage Elias the way he wants to?

This is a good start to a series. I love the push pull dynamics between Matthias and Ava. The world building that is done in this book is top notch. It’s don’t well enough that it doesn’t make the story drag but still give information to help you understand the storyline better. This book definitely keeps you on your toes and never knowing what will happen next. This story does end on one heck of a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic mafia read from a new author the first time I read and this rewrite is even better! She has taken the trope and made it fresh. This has some great twists and turns. I really enjoyed this with its great angst and emotions.

[karl.loves.the.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rewrite of her earlier released Shattered World Series, and that was one of my favorite mafia series. And this new version has not disappointed. This is a dark mafia/underworld rom. And I do mean dark. So definitely check your triggers. Jo doesn’t shy away from giving you a real dark, gritty and dirty read packed full of spicy heat. And the heat is just as dark and dirty. I’m excited to see what the rewrites have in store for the rest of the series. As always make sure you are comfortable with what you’re reading. A definite recommend for me. Happy Reading💜

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! This one had me on the edge of my seat! Fantastic!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Dashkov Crime Family trilogy and Vengeful Oath was a deliciously dark, tale as Matthias's plan for revenge against Ava Ward's father involves forcing her into marriage for the sole purpose of breaking her - but little does he know, she's not as fragile as he thinks, and this forced marriage might just be the start of a beautifully dysfunctional partnership

The overall writing has a fantastic flow to it making for a real page turner, with a plot laden with twists as the suspense built. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed that there was drawn out conflict between the hero and heroine with Ava not the timid mouse Matthias expected. He wanted to break her but didn’t realise she was already used to mistreatment but there was no way she could fight her body’s response to him despite it being against her will. Matthias was definitely the kind of morally grey antihero that you will love to hate, and he’s got quite the journey ahead of him before he redeems himself. Be warned this book does end on a cliffhanger but then again it is the opening book in a trilogy, so it was only to expected.

[Patricia Monica Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Mattias🥰

Ava Ward is the secret daughter of Elias Ward. To pay his debts with the Seattle Brava, he just give her to Mattias Dashkov, the Pakhan, instead of him killing his son. But Ava is on the run, and Matt will go after her. What he will find is betrayal, conspiracy, corruption, lies and a mystery about Ava’s childhood that will change everything. But can he trust her? It’s all a game or reality is about to unravel all his plans? Nothing is looking as is supposed to be…

First book in the Dashkov trilogy from Jo McCall. It’s a trilogy but don’t worry, the next two books will be available January 14 2026. And you better hang on tight because it’s roller coaster ride!!! I was at the edge of my seat and I was able to stop reading it!! Ava and Mattias characters are so realistic and true to themselves that is the world around them that is so chaotic and no one can’t trust nobody. And yes we are left in a cliffhanger but who cares!!!! I’m counting the days until the whole series will be released!!!!
5⭐️

[Kyrstyn Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Oath is the first book of a trilogy by Jo McCall. Matthias is the Pakhan of the Bratva. He is looking to use Ava, daughter of his enemy Elias Ward, to exact revenge on Elias.
Ava has spent her life in a guided cage while enduring pain and suffering at the hands of her father.
Elias trades Ava to Matthias who wants to dominate and break her and use her as a spy against her father. Matthias is very much a dominant and expects obedience and loyalty from Ava. He does not easily reciprocate feelings or loyalty towards Ava. He is very self-centered in order to look strong in his Bratva leadership position. Ava does not want to submit to his dominance, but her body betrays her and she does.

I LOVED this book. I stayed up way too late reading this book (3:30 am with a 6:00 am wake up). Jo did a great job weaving a story and developing a very fragile relationship between Matthias and Ava. The Cliffhanger is killing me. Waiting not very patiently for the next book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new trilogy, and what an amazing start this story is.
Mattias finds that there is no better way to enact revenge, than to force the man’s daughter, Ava, to marry him, and then burn down her father’s empire. Ava may be a pawn in Mathias’ game, but she has endured so much in her life, and if anyone deserves to be loved, it is her.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with dual POV’s, family dynamics, friendships, tension, secrets, danger, suspense, intrigue, vulnerability, unapologetic anti-hero, forced marriage, enemies / lovers, revelations, vengeance, and undeniable chemistry, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, dark Russian mafia romance.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this thrilling trilogy!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so darn happy that THIS is book one of a trilogy!

To say I couldn't put this down…MAN, I wouldn't, unless I absolutely had to!

The story, it's characters, the world, held me in a very tight grasp!

Emotional.
Intense.

Will you fall for Matthias like I did?
I know, I know, I shouldn't!!!

Will he use Ava for revenge against her father?
Will Ava be cowed by Mathias?
I had my heart strings around her, hoping to provide additional strength!
Ava deserved love, my goodness what she endured, endures!

I don't know how patient I can be waiting for book two!

[Ecbella76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark mafia romance. Excellent out and spice. Check your triggers. FMC runs away from her mafia family due to abuse and because she is sold to Pakhan. He is a Russian brats boss. Excellent spice and plot.

[Mr_Lydecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Shattered World series a long time ago. I gave it 5 stars. I just finished reading the revised edition that Jo McCall recently published, and I have to say that, even without remembering all the details of the previous version, the new trilogy leaves you with the same feeling of having read something extraordinary. Phenomenally written, the story is addictive, exciting, and features characters that the author has boldly defined and kept true to themselves and what they represent, making this story what readers like me expect from a mafia story, without any forced concessions to soften the world it describes. It's still a 5-star for me. Absolutely recommended. Many thanks to Jo McCall for providing me with an ARC. Congratulations, you are very talented, and it shows from the first page.

[Nikki'J' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo McCall has re-released her first novel and renamed it with some edits. There are no changes to the overarching storyline and while it’s been a while since I read the first release I did notice some subtle changes.

The story was just as addictive as the first time I read it. It didn’t matter that I knew what the outcome would be, or that I knew the ups and downs. Ava and Matthias had me on the edge, biting my nails, stomach full of anxious butterflies, and dying for these two to open their eyes and see what they could be together.

Vengeful Oath is dark mafia romance, and you’ll want to observe the triggers if you have them. At times this book is very dark, and the scenes are hard, but it wasn’t just violence for violence’s sake, it all fit with the characters, their story and the lives they are twisted in.

Ava is broken and beaten down by her past and on the run, despite it all, she has an inner strength trying to set her free. Matthias the head of the Russian Mafia in Seattle has a debt he is owed and Ava is that debt.

Matthias sees Ava as the debt he’s owed, but it’s more than that. He also wants her and he can’t say why even to himself but he’s never been one to deny himself what he wants.

Ava sees Matthias as just another prison she can’t escape from. She’s been trapped in her father’s house her whole life and treated poorly with no freedom and no sight of a future of her own.

After Matthias forces Ava’s hand there seems like there is no way out, but Ava escaped once before and she has no plans to give up now. There is a lot at play for Ava and Matthias. Ava’s past is going to be discovered and threatened. She’s got pressure coming from all sides that will force her to betray, lie and risk it all. Matthias knows he’s always under threat but he’s got no idea how close the threat to his empire is getting or exactly what he might lose.

Again, I am anxious for book two even though I know what is coming. I can’t wait to continue this series again.

Happy Reading.

[RavenGodess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Vengeful Oath in exchange for an honest review.

Vengeful Oath delivers a dark, emotionally charged mafia romance that immediately pulls you in from the get-go and ends in a brutal cliffhanger once Mathias realizes what happens.

Mathias is a powerful Pakhan in the Russian Mafia. He is ruthless, calculating, and unapologetically morally gray. Avia is a heroine who is bound to secrecy, control, and survival. She has been hidden away, manipulated, and constantly paying for the sins of others. Their dynamic is tense, complicated, and layered with power imbalance, unspoken truths, and buried trauma.

The psychological tug-of-war between the characters stood out the most. Ava is fighting for control of her life, and Mathias is trying to push her away by controlling her. Trust is a tangible thing that slowly grows between Mathias and Avia. Vengeful Oath leans heavily into betrayal, secrets, and emotional conflict, which kept me turning pages even when it was uncomfortable (in the best dark-romance way).

One quote in the entire book stood out:

“I’m the man who forced her to marry me. I’m her captor, her warden, and I know that if we
never get past that, if we never fix that, I’ll constantly be chasing after her.”

This line alone should be enough to drag you into reading Vengeful Oath. It is messy, intense, and far from being over.

If you enjoy dark mafia romance, morally gray heroes (I mean, who wouldn't), forced proximity, and high emotional stakes, then read Vengeful Oath. Be warned, it ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you wondering what will happen next.

[Misha GUPTA · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first DNF BOOK

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore a good mafia romance and this one hit all the right spots. Great writing, amazing characters and a cliffhanger that’ll make you say “more!”

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly did not expect to enjoy this book this much. The events are brutal and the plot is painful, ripping your heart out and leaving it shattered. Ava should have stayed hidden, but blackmail always finds a way to drag someone back into the dark.

I expected Matthias to be gentler, but he enters the story as a villain shaped by revenge, rage, and motives far more twisted than they first appear. Yet "sometimes you need a villain to defeat a monster". Still, I knew he would eventually care for her, and that those feelings would become a weakness others would exploit. They are surrounded by enemies and spies, and no one can be trusted.

Their relationship changes slowly. It begins with fear and dubious consent and grows into obsession, tension, longing, and mistakes. Matthias is dominant and demanding and never accepts disrespect or disobedience. The punishments fit his nature. Not always my favorite, but acceptable in the story’s tone.

I loved the Bratva brotherhood and the sisters’ dynamics. Some events were tragic while others carried hope that made everything hurt even more. The ending is a brutal cliffhanger and the betrayal hits hard. I loved this book. I recommend it. I cannot wait for books 2 and 3. Jo McCall delivered a powerful new version to start this series.

P.S. This story features tropes including forced marriage, sex trafficking and revenge, mafia power plays, Bratva dynamics, BDSM, a dark villain turning into an anti hero against his own will, and a strong heroine who refuses to be a pawn and speaks her mind.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Matthias and Ava. She is the secret daughter of Elias Ward. However, the man has some serious debts with he Seattle Bravta. To settle that debt he is giving his daughter to the Pakhan, Mattias Dashkov. In return he won't kill his son. However, Ava has taken off and is trying to live a life where she doesn't belong to anyone. Mattias is not will to let this stand though and is going after her. However, he gets more than he is bargaining for when he finds betrayal, lies, corruption, a mystery that involves Ava's childhood that will change everything!! Now the man is wondering if he an ever even trust Ava. Nothing is as it seems and it is very much the feeling of his plans all falling apart and landing in ashes at his feet. This book will keep you on your toes. It is a fact, and you won't be able to lay this book down. I loved getting to know these character's and trying to figure out what in the world is going on. You really get to know Ava and Mattias so well that you feel like you know them and are in the moments with them. I think I went though every emotions you could, and had a book hangover to go along with everything else. I loved reading this book and can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava has escaped her sheltered life under her father Elias. But now she has been found and returned to him with the help of her cousin and her brother, Christian. She is then forced into marriage with Matthias (Matt) Dashkov as payment for her father's misfortune. Jo keeps you turning the pages with all the twists and turns that you don't see coming. Plus the match between Ava and Matt is very fiery. Ava gives her opinion at every turn, which she soon finds to her discomfort, given his reaction to her indiscretions. The more the story unfolds, the more family lies are being discovered, and mafia links are widening.
I recieved an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a Steamy Russian Mafia forced-marriage read, you will love this book. However, this book may not be for everyone. Therefore, please heed the author's trigger warnings before reading or purchasing the book. It also ends on a giant cliffhanger. Therefore, I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next. If this is Book One, I don't know how the author will top this one, but I'm sure she will.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st story in the Dashkov Crime Family Series where we meet Matthias, Pakhan who has a plan in place to use his enemy, Elias’s daughter, Ava to his advantage for overdue revenge. Matthias is one strong controlling alpha man and when his promised bride runs off he bides his time until she is found at a cost to Ava she may never be able to forgive. Ava has never has a good life after she loses her mother and taken in by her father who has done nothing. But torture her in one unforgettable way after another and her older brother is just as vicious. When Matthias finally collects Ava, he expects and demands obedience with some interesting punishments Ava never thought she’d enjoy and struggling with her feelings. Their tragic relationship grows with respect, mistakes, feelings neither ready to accept, lies and unseen betrayal that will leave us on the edge of our seats and our hearts shattered for them and how their enemies will now have the upper hand leaving Ava unprotected!

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a total mafia/bratva groupie, and this one gave me the exact kind of book-rush I love. Matthias is laser-focused from the start. Once he wants her, that’s it. Ava never stood a chance, and her resistance only made the hunter more fascinated with his prey. And the humor? Perfect. That “Gravity is a real bitch, and her stripper name is Karma” line had me cackling. There are a few characters (can’t spoil by giving names) who were absolute pieces of work. Jo definitely had me hating them hard! The whole story blends gritty writing with steamy moments that were 🥵. There are some sensitive subjects, so definitely check the warnings first. Dȁmň, can’t trust NO ONE in this story. AHHHHH, where’s the rest! Evil just evil Jo! JK, she’s not! She just left me hanging on that darn book cliff. And what a way to leave it. Sooooo, just touching base, you have the next book ready for me yet? Pretty please lol.

PS. Loving that cover!

[Pat Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🖤ARC BOOK REVIEW🖤🖤

Vengeful Oath: Dark Mafia Romance is Jo McCall's debut in the Dashkov Crime Family Series. The series follows Ava and Matthias and ends on a cliffhanger.

Ava, the secret daughter of Elias Ward, is given to Matthias Dashkov to pay off a debt to Seattle Bratva. Defiant and independent, Ava clashes with Matthias but their attraction grows stronger. After escaping to find her own way, Matthias chases her and discovers secrets that change everything. Although based on a forced marriage trope, Ava and Matthias’s relationship feels real, and the story ends on a captivating note.

I am looking forward to the second book, Poisoned Empire, on January 16th!

Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What To Know About Vengeful Oath
🖤Mafia forced marriage
🖤Enemies-to-lovers
🖤Unapologetic anti-hero
🖤Who hurt you?
🖤Russian Mafia Romance
🖤Virgin FMC
🖤Complete Trilogy
🖤Dual POV

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started with a bang. It draws you in from the beginning and keeps you interested all the way through. The Character build up is phenomenal. Matthias is dominant and controlling but shows a side of compassion to Ava and there chemistry is through roof. This is a forced marriage romance that is gritty and suspenseful and keeps you on your toes. Ava is strong willed and will not bow down to Matthias. She can hold her own and gives him a run for his money. This was a wild ride with a crazy cliffhanger can't wait for the next installment in the series

I received this book as an ARC for my Honest Review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Oath is the first book of the trilogy series Matthias is the Pakhan of the Bratva and Ava's story. The best way for alliance is marriage, or to exact revenge on his enemy, Elias Ward he takes his daughter Ava and forces her to marry him. I love the witty banter between them she's not the spoiled princess he thought he was getting, she's so much more. A great story filled with twists and turns as they navigate their way through emotions, vulnerabilities, secrets, lies and danger in this suspense thriller. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story that does end in a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book two to continue Matthias and Ava's story.

[Valkyrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole thing was deliciously dark and challenging to all my senses. As much strength as Ava must have had...she has my endless admiration.

Mathias was simply a wolf, literally and figuratively, and even if he sometimes acted like a jerk, I wouldn't change a single thing about him. He was very charming.

I hope Ava's "family" deserves everything they will hopefully get in time.

A demanding read, but I don't regret a single minute I devoted to this book, and the author definitely has my loyalty. Readable, spicy and fresh in the confusion of mafia romances. Just love it and be done with it.

Next part please....

[Dorothy Y Nunamacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow OMG Wow, ok i just need to get this off my chest "That dumb a55 btch". This is the first time that I feel that the main FML is unforgivable. Why oh why did she do it if her gut told her differently. That so-called FBI agent screams dirty. Now who is going to save her hmmmmm.
On to the mafia hero Mathias Dashkov..... Holy Smokin Hotness, now thats a man's man who has a heart, but she who shall not be named might have destroyed it. That cliffhanger stopped my heart. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Mathias and Ava's story! I was captivated from the start until the end.
Along with some of my favorite tropes. Mafia, forced marriage, enemies to lovers, and more!
This book had danger, action, betrayal, and secrets. Then we have the tension and spice between Mathias and Ava. It was off the charts. I also enjoyed seeing their actual relationship develop. The tender moments and slowly them opening up.

Lastly, that ending wasn't cool. Oh my goodness though, it makes me so excited for the next book! I need more!!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy this read was highly addictive. Ava had such a tough life growing up after her mom passed away. Her dad was not a great person especially to her, she was raised with violence and cruel words, until she escaped. Eventually she would be caught and that would lead her to her new life and a husband. She traded one prison for another, or maybe this one could be better. Her husband Matthias wants to destroy her father, and she has a choice to make. Trust the violence she was raised into or her new husband. This book took some turns I wasn't expecting at all and i can't wait for more!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rewrite of the Shattered World Series and it is dark! Check your triggers.

Jo McCall has brought the Dashkov Crime Family trilogy back with a re-write and it does not disappoint at all. It's dark, depraved, and a page turner.

Matthias has taken his enemies daughter, Ava, as his. Her freedom has been taken from her more than once and she's determined to find a life she can live without all of the drama and danger that she's grown up with.

Great characters and a great story! I can't wait to read the remaining books in the trilogy.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in this trilogy surrounding Ava and Mattias. Between a forced marriage between these two. Revenge plots, Elias is not your father, add in despite her hatred for the forced marriage she can't deny the pull between them. He claims he can't love her but he won't let her go. There her twists and revenge and then that cliffhanger that left me shocked because what the heck just happened, Not going spill it but really. No way.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible page turner. I read the previous version of this story but this tops that one. This is a beautifully written rewrite. I loved all the added details. I liked the depth of the storyline and the characters were flushed out perfectly. This is an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.