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Bound by Vows #4
Vigilant Vows
A fake marriage to save my nephew becomes dangerously real when the man I've secretly loved proves he'll risk everything for me.
Cora
One phone call shattered my world—my sister's dead, and I'm suddenly the guardian of a two-month-old nephew I didn't know existed.
At twenty-four, I'm fighting for custody against my sister's abusive husband in a Texas courthouse, and I'm losing.
The court wants stability.
A two-parent home.
Everything I can't give Elias on my own.
Then my boss—the gorgeous, untouchable Jason Georgiou—offers me a marry him.
It's supposed to be temporary. Just for the custody battle.
Except nothing about the way Jason holds Elias feels fake. And the heat between us is becoming impossible to ignore…
Jason
I've loved Cora from the moment she walked into my office, but I never thought I deserved her.
Now she needs me, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her and Elias—even if it means putting a ring on her finger and pretending this marriage is just for show.
But there's nothing fake about the way I feel when she looks at me like I'm her hero.
Or how right it feels when Elias falls asleep in my arms.
Cora thinks this is temporary, that once the custody battle is won, we'll go our separate ways. But I'm not letting her go.
This marriage might have started as a lie, but I'll fight to make it real…
Vigilant Vows is a contemporary romance with suspense, protective heroes, found family, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today and fall in love with Cora and Jason.
Cora
One phone call shattered my world—my sister's dead, and I'm suddenly the guardian of a two-month-old nephew I didn't know existed.
At twenty-four, I'm fighting for custody against my sister's abusive husband in a Texas courthouse, and I'm losing.
The court wants stability.
A two-parent home.
Everything I can't give Elias on my own.
Then my boss—the gorgeous, untouchable Jason Georgiou—offers me a marry him.
It's supposed to be temporary. Just for the custody battle.
Except nothing about the way Jason holds Elias feels fake. And the heat between us is becoming impossible to ignore…
Jason
I've loved Cora from the moment she walked into my office, but I never thought I deserved her.
Now she needs me, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her and Elias—even if it means putting a ring on her finger and pretending this marriage is just for show.
But there's nothing fake about the way I feel when she looks at me like I'm her hero.
Or how right it feels when Elias falls asleep in my arms.
Cora thinks this is temporary, that once the custody battle is won, we'll go our separate ways. But I'm not letting her go.
This marriage might have started as a lie, but I'll fight to make it real…
Vigilant Vows is a contemporary romance with suspense, protective heroes, found family, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today and fall in love with Cora and Jason.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this mafia romance. Loved the characters and the storyline. I can't wait for the next in the series. 4.5⭐
P.S. There was one scene that was a pretty heavy make out scene but it didn't go further than that.
P.S. There was one scene that was a pretty heavy make out scene but it didn't go further than that.
April 2, 2026
Okay, so I love the series. But this isn’t my favorite. It’s a good one, especially if you like an MMC who feels unworthy of a wonderful woman. And that FMC is a strong one that I appreciated. It’s also got suspense that keeps you going. And honestly, I hope Thomas gets a story.
January 2, 2026
Amazing. The found family in this book was BEAUTIFUL. Jason and Cora’s journey through the books before and coming to a beautiful conclusion in this one was just amazing… Their relationship is my fav in this series. Big fan of a no spice mafia romance read!
June 10, 2026
This kept me occupied at work but that doesn’t really mean much when I’m auditing patient profiles for 6 hours.
February 5, 2026
*Closed Door/Steamy/Violence*
November 21, 2025
"What's the other part saying?"
"I'd rather be a villain."
Jason Georgiou! 😍 My heart! I didn't know what to expect from a book that was labeled "closed door mafia romance" and which didn't have a blurb at the moment I started it, but Jason and Cora's story completely sucked me in and made me a fan of the series! It's got the perfect mix of romance, mystery, suspense, and action, and I can't recommend it enough! It's got marriage of convenience (though it was more of an engagement of convenience, but still. One of my favorite tropes!), as well as a swoony, protective hero, a "strong and fierce in her own right" heroine, and the sweetest baby (Elias) that will change both their worlds.
Fans of the series will love the updates on past characters, but new readers (like me) will enjoy all the fun side characters and the dynamics they add to the story (I especially enjoyed the bromance with Thomas). 🙂 The pace was also great, and I loved the development between our two main leads. That chemistry was 🔥, and the wait totally paid off.
Seriously, there's a bit of something for everyone, so grab your copy and enjoy the ride or re-immersing yourself in this world. I know I'm looking forward to more from this series, and I'm glad I have books to get caught up with. :) ~ 5 stars!
Content: pretty clean
Romance: just passionate/descriptive kissing. Mention of making out.
Language: none. Closest is "son of a—" but it's never spelled out (which proves you can write a mafia romance without language).
Violence: It is a mafia romance, and it's set in a border town. Which means guns and gunshots, punches, mentions of torture, but not full-on descriptions. There are nightmares and an ongoing investigation.
"I'd rather be a villain."
Jason Georgiou! 😍 My heart! I didn't know what to expect from a book that was labeled "closed door mafia romance" and which didn't have a blurb at the moment I started it, but Jason and Cora's story completely sucked me in and made me a fan of the series! It's got the perfect mix of romance, mystery, suspense, and action, and I can't recommend it enough! It's got marriage of convenience (though it was more of an engagement of convenience, but still. One of my favorite tropes!), as well as a swoony, protective hero, a "strong and fierce in her own right" heroine, and the sweetest baby (Elias) that will change both their worlds.
Fans of the series will love the updates on past characters, but new readers (like me) will enjoy all the fun side characters and the dynamics they add to the story (I especially enjoyed the bromance with Thomas). 🙂 The pace was also great, and I loved the development between our two main leads. That chemistry was 🔥, and the wait totally paid off.
Seriously, there's a bit of something for everyone, so grab your copy and enjoy the ride or re-immersing yourself in this world. I know I'm looking forward to more from this series, and I'm glad I have books to get caught up with. :) ~ 5 stars!
Content: pretty clean
Romance: just passionate/descriptive kissing. Mention of making out.
Language: none. Closest is "son of a—" but it's never spelled out (which proves you can write a mafia romance without language).
Violence: It is a mafia romance, and it's set in a border town. Which means guns and gunshots, punches, mentions of torture, but not full-on descriptions. There are nightmares and an ongoing investigation.
January 18, 2026
Vigilant vows by Kess Avalon (5 stars)
A clean mafia romance full of steam and romance, but also tension and danger.
This is book #4 and, although they can be read as stand-alone novels, they are better when read in order. Each one follows and refers to the one before it.
Cora works for Jason and is aware that he isn’t just the owner of a construction company, but never mentions it.
They are both attracted to one another, but neither acts on it; Jason because he feels unworthy and Cora because she feels she’s not his equal socially or financially.
Cora suddenly finds out her sister has had a baby and has died and left the baby to her.
The baby’s father is a nasty piece of work who runs a gang and so when Cora proposes to go right into the gang’s territory to get the baby, Jason has to come along to protect her.
It’s actually a beautiful story of two people who are already falling in love, instantly connecting to an infant and willing to do anything to keep the baby safe and out of the hands of its biological father.
There’s a lot of sexual tension, but also a lot of respect of boundaries.
Jason is honorable and Cora is brave.
A clean mafia romance full of steam and romance, but also tension and danger.
This is book #4 and, although they can be read as stand-alone novels, they are better when read in order. Each one follows and refers to the one before it.
Cora works for Jason and is aware that he isn’t just the owner of a construction company, but never mentions it.
They are both attracted to one another, but neither acts on it; Jason because he feels unworthy and Cora because she feels she’s not his equal socially or financially.
Cora suddenly finds out her sister has had a baby and has died and left the baby to her.
The baby’s father is a nasty piece of work who runs a gang and so when Cora proposes to go right into the gang’s territory to get the baby, Jason has to come along to protect her.
It’s actually a beautiful story of two people who are already falling in love, instantly connecting to an infant and willing to do anything to keep the baby safe and out of the hands of its biological father.
There’s a lot of sexual tension, but also a lot of respect of boundaries.
Jason is honorable and Cora is brave.
August 29, 2026
I sat down this morning thinking that I was just going to read a few chapters because there was stuff that I had to get done. A few chapters turned into an hour. An hour turned into two. Two hours turned into three. Three hours turned into forget it. I'm just going to finish the book. There's always tomorrow to get things done, right?!
It's been a while since I've done a review. In fact, the last time I reviewed a book was in January after reading the first three books in this series. Did it feel like I had spent 7 months away from the Bound by Vows crew? Not even a little bit. It was like meeting up with a best friend that you haven't seen for ages. We just picked up right where we left off.
Jason and Cora have been fighting their feelings for each other for a while now. The feelings of doubt and not being good enough for each other kept them from seeing what everyone else around them had been seeing for a while. But their eyes start to open as Cora's world flips upside down the moment she receives a call about her sister's death and learns that she's been named soul guardian of a nephew she knew nothing about.
Y'all. I was immediately sucked into all things Jason, Cora, and little Elias. With danger lurking around the corner and not knowing who can be trusted in the small border town they were in, Jason became fiercely protective of Cora and Elias. There was no way he was going to let either of them down. He was going to do whatever he could to keep his family safe. Watching their journey unfold had my heart melting into a big ol' pile of goo. And I was here for every single minute of it! *dreamy sigh*
Another amazing book by Ms. Avalon! I seriously love how she can suck me in from page one! I can't wait to get my hands on another one of her books!
And for my casting... I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?
It's been a while since I've done a review. In fact, the last time I reviewed a book was in January after reading the first three books in this series. Did it feel like I had spent 7 months away from the Bound by Vows crew? Not even a little bit. It was like meeting up with a best friend that you haven't seen for ages. We just picked up right where we left off.
Jason and Cora have been fighting their feelings for each other for a while now. The feelings of doubt and not being good enough for each other kept them from seeing what everyone else around them had been seeing for a while. But their eyes start to open as Cora's world flips upside down the moment she receives a call about her sister's death and learns that she's been named soul guardian of a nephew she knew nothing about.
Y'all. I was immediately sucked into all things Jason, Cora, and little Elias. With danger lurking around the corner and not knowing who can be trusted in the small border town they were in, Jason became fiercely protective of Cora and Elias. There was no way he was going to let either of them down. He was going to do whatever he could to keep his family safe. Watching their journey unfold had my heart melting into a big ol' pile of goo. And I was here for every single minute of it! *dreamy sigh*
Another amazing book by Ms. Avalon! I seriously love how she can suck me in from page one! I can't wait to get my hands on another one of her books!
And for my casting... I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?
January 2, 2026
Vigilant Vows by Kess Avalon is now available, and I am so excited it’s out in the world now. I devoured this beauty so quickly, the emotional angst, mutual pining and level of commitment from both of them for each other and sweet baby Elias dripped from the page and tugged right on my heartstrings.
I don’t want to give anything away, so suffice it to say, if you love a good marriage of convenience, found family, danger, a bit of “touch her and die” with a whole lot of sizzle with no spice, you will thoroughly enjoy this beauty. I must admit, it also throws in some twists and turns that took me by surprise on the way towards happily ever after. It’s definitely an adventure worth taking, so grab your copy and enjoy!
As a friendly FYI, while this is a clean and closed door read, it IS a mafia romance. There is a fair bit of violence and killing, with occasional mild language.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
I don’t want to give anything away, so suffice it to say, if you love a good marriage of convenience, found family, danger, a bit of “touch her and die” with a whole lot of sizzle with no spice, you will thoroughly enjoy this beauty. I must admit, it also throws in some twists and turns that took me by surprise on the way towards happily ever after. It’s definitely an adventure worth taking, so grab your copy and enjoy!
As a friendly FYI, while this is a clean and closed door read, it IS a mafia romance. There is a fair bit of violence and killing, with occasional mild language.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 15, 2026
This one was probably my second favorite in the series ( I love Ari and Anna's story the most) but this was a close second. I'm not usually a fan of marriage of convenience, but in this case it worked out and wasn't super cringy for me. The motherly instinct in Cora was just spot on. Jason was so sweet to her over and over. All the characters were really well developed and I wish I got to know a little more about Kane. I loved reading about Jason stepping up in ways that was required but because he genuinely wanted to.
This was another 6/5 read ( I don't know if I have read anything from Kess Avalon that was less than perfection). Highly recommend if normal mafia is a little too dark for you- this one is a little lighter than the others. It does still have some content warnings though. It does have a bit more intense kissing, but still no spice.
I'm hoping for some other additions to the series in the coming years!
This was another 6/5 read ( I don't know if I have read anything from Kess Avalon that was less than perfection). Highly recommend if normal mafia is a little too dark for you- this one is a little lighter than the others. It does still have some content warnings though. It does have a bit more intense kissing, but still no spice.
I'm hoping for some other additions to the series in the coming years!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a great read! It's a perfect addition to the rest of the series. This author has a way of getting the reader to fall in love with the sweetest "grey area" men. This story has suspense, action, and heartwarming moments. This works as a standalone, but you might as well read the rest of the series. Kisses only, some violence (duh.. it's mafia), no cussing and an HEA. Tropes: He falls first, boss/employee, single mom, fake fiance. Thanks for the early read Kess!
January 4, 2026
a nice update
This was a nice read/ update following Ari and Anna’s book. The end felt a bit unfinished/ rushed so I would have liked the book to have been longer. This book was shorter than expected so it felt more like a novella. I would have liked more development of the relationship outside of the situation with Cora’s nephew. Nonetheless there was yearning, it was a slow burn containing some action.
This was a nice read/ update following Ari and Anna’s book. The end felt a bit unfinished/ rushed so I would have liked the book to have been longer. This book was shorter than expected so it felt more like a novella. I would have liked more development of the relationship outside of the situation with Cora’s nephew. Nonetheless there was yearning, it was a slow burn containing some action.
January 4, 2026
Vigilant Vows
This book is well written but not exactly the type I normally would read. I enjoy Bree Livingston books but this one was a bit on the dark side for me. It is also not a standalone book as she referred quite a bit to a situation that seemed important to the character development that occurred in a previous book. Or at least I presume it was in the previous book. I have another of the series in my KU to be read but not sure if I will do so before I return it.
This book is well written but not exactly the type I normally would read. I enjoy Bree Livingston books but this one was a bit on the dark side for me. It is also not a standalone book as she referred quite a bit to a situation that seemed important to the character development that occurred in a previous book. Or at least I presume it was in the previous book. I have another of the series in my KU to be read but not sure if I will do so before I return it.
January 5, 2026
My least favorite of the series by far. It was too short so the whole storyline felt rushed and resolved way too quickly. In my opinion there wasn’t much of a slow burn like the other ones since they both already liked each other going into it. There also wasn’t much for ‘mafia’ action in this one. It was a fine, easy read but really lacked the depth and development the other books in this series had so I was really disappointed in it.
January 10, 2026
I think this was my leave favorite book in this series so far. After reading desperate vows (10/10) I was ready for this to do the same. Just didn’t do it for me. Personally I feel it lacked details, background, and some other deeper things I would’ve liked. Still enjoyed this book and the sweetness between these two characters!!
January 12, 2026
A fight for love
This is exactly what it promises. Closed door, gritty, mafia billionaire romance. It’s good. The story is fast paced and interesting the romance is sweet and the story has the hard edge of a darker side. Trafficking is a main topic in the story. There was 🚫🤬🚫🌶️, kisses were intense but not descriptive.
This is exactly what it promises. Closed door, gritty, mafia billionaire romance. It’s good. The story is fast paced and interesting the romance is sweet and the story has the hard edge of a darker side. Trafficking is a main topic in the story. There was 🚫🤬🚫🌶️, kisses were intense but not descriptive.
March 17, 2026
3.8 ⭐️ rounded up
Not quite a spin off, more like a detour where we get Jason and Cora’s story. I was unsure if this one would have the same vibes as the rest of the series… it was a little roundabout but it did get there. This book wins the “was not expecting that” moment prize over all the rest of the series thus far, so well done there! I hope we get more sweet Elias moments go forward.
Not quite a spin off, more like a detour where we get Jason and Cora’s story. I was unsure if this one would have the same vibes as the rest of the series… it was a little roundabout but it did get there. This book wins the “was not expecting that” moment prize over all the rest of the series thus far, so well done there! I hope we get more sweet Elias moments go forward.
August 10, 2026
at first i wasn’t sure id like it
⭐ 5/5 - (I had the time of my life)
🌶 1/5 - ( Glimpses and kisses
I wasn’t sure I wanted to veer from the mafia family and overall story line I have grown to love so much but I’m so glad we did. This was such a sweet story and i really enjoyed Cora and Jason!
⭐ 5/5 - (I had the time of my life)
🌶 1/5 - ( Glimpses and kisses
I wasn’t sure I wanted to veer from the mafia family and overall story line I have grown to love so much but I’m so glad we did. This was such a sweet story and i really enjoyed Cora and Jason!
January 4, 2026
amazing
This is an amazing book. There’s excitement on every page, and so worth the time to read. I have read all of Bree Livingston’s books, and can’t wait until her next book comes out!
This is an amazing book. There’s excitement on every page, and so worth the time to read. I have read all of Bree Livingston’s books, and can’t wait until her next book comes out!
January 5, 2026
never enough
I always want more from each book, it’s never long enough for me. While this is a mafia book it’s a light mafia. Has some darker themes but not really described. Romance is clean but 🫠🔥 and the language is clean too, at least to my remembrance.
I always want more from each book, it’s never long enough for me. While this is a mafia book it’s a light mafia. Has some darker themes but not really described. Romance is clean but 🫠🔥 and the language is clean too, at least to my remembrance.
January 15, 2026
Jason and Cora...a story of love and found family. Jason is protective and loving and working thru his own issues. Cora is sweet, knows there is more going on and yet feels like she doesn't belong in Jason's world. Lots of dark issues discussed in this book.
No Spice 🫑
No Foul Language 🫢
No Spice 🫑
No Foul Language 🫢
May 11, 2026
This book had some of my favorite tropes and I was so excited to get Jason and Cora’s story. They were meant to be and so protective of the other. This found family/marriage of convenience/mafia/workplace romance was wonderful. Four stars
January 5, 2026
Jason and Cora’s book was the perfect addition to this series! Intensity matches the other books I’d say, but I never thought I would like a Mafia series so much!
January 5, 2026
My Favorite
I think this might be my favorite book in this series. I loved Jason and Cora together. And baby Elias...how adorable! I am looking forward to the next book.
I think this might be my favorite book in this series. I loved Jason and Cora together. And baby Elias...how adorable! I am looking forward to the next book.
January 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
like i already said, this series could go on forever and i will read every. single. one. i'm obsessed with this universe forever and ever
like i already said, this series could go on forever and i will read every. single. one. i'm obsessed with this universe forever and ever
January 19, 2026
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
March 9, 2026
Engaging.
What a terrific work of Christian fiction. It was so engaging that I finished reading it in record time.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
What a terrific work of Christian fiction. It was so engaging that I finished reading it in record time.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
July 1, 2026
I loved this series! I loved this one and the main characters, but the problems were buttoned up a little too quickly.
July 14, 2026
4.5 stars rounded
August 3, 2026
I liked it but it's probably my least favorite of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews