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DEVIL'S VOWS: DISCREET COVER
Ivan Petrov
After a brutal year defending the Bratva’s East Coast throne as pakhan, I have only two goals: forge a new alliance to strengthen my weakened position and produce male heirs to safeguard my family’s legacy.
One move will kill two birds with one stone: marry the younger sister of the Scaleras, the brothers who head up the powerful Il Consiglio operation. And after killing my cousin, they can’t say no, not unless they want a blood feud on their hands.
Arranged marriages are nothing new in my world. I’ve been in one before and it didn't end well. This time round I get to choose—my bride will be young and inexperienced, so I can mold her to my needs.
She’ll start as my daughters’ nanny. A test. A taste. My little bird to cage if she’s the right fit. But when we sign on the dotted line, the enemy strikes. Turns out Gabriella was a false promise. A stolen bride.
Except she’s mine now, and has crawled right into my heart, becoming my only salvation.
You touch her, you die.
Gabriella Scalera
I’ve spent my life running from Randazzo, my fake father, and his vow which bound me to an arranged marriage. When his death shatters the Italian Mafia, I seize the chance to disappear forever.
Fleeing to America with the brothers I never knew—leaders of Il Consiglio—I’m sure I’ve finally outrun my unwanted fiancé. But I was wrong. The other party to Randazzo’s vow still hunts me down, putting my new-found family in danger.
To protect them, I find perfect cover as the nanny to the young daughters of the East Coast Bratva’s pakhan, planning to stay only until I’ve earned enough to vanish for good.
Except, within weeks, I discover I’ve been entangled in yet another arranged marriage vow. This time to Ivan, this older man who is slowly luring me out of my shell and into desire I’ve always denied myself. His slow seduction is breaking down my walls, making me want him, crave him.
But Ivan can never be mine, not when there’s a monster on my tail hellbent on bloodshed. I won’t endanger this man and his two little girls who have all stolen my heart.
Now I’m ensnared in vows I never wanted to make. Cornered by a love I never expected to feel. And left with only two choices…
Run again and watch from afar as those I love get killed.
Or stand my ground and protect them with my life.
DEVIL'S VOWS is an arranged marriage, single dad and nanny romance. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA. This is a Mafia romance so some scenes might trigger readers. A full list of this series' triggers are listed in the sample chapters. Please go through them before you pick up this book - read with care!
After a brutal year defending the Bratva’s East Coast throne as pakhan, I have only two goals: forge a new alliance to strengthen my weakened position and produce male heirs to safeguard my family’s legacy.
One move will kill two birds with one stone: marry the younger sister of the Scaleras, the brothers who head up the powerful Il Consiglio operation. And after killing my cousin, they can’t say no, not unless they want a blood feud on their hands.
Arranged marriages are nothing new in my world. I’ve been in one before and it didn't end well. This time round I get to choose—my bride will be young and inexperienced, so I can mold her to my needs.
She’ll start as my daughters’ nanny. A test. A taste. My little bird to cage if she’s the right fit. But when we sign on the dotted line, the enemy strikes. Turns out Gabriella was a false promise. A stolen bride.
Except she’s mine now, and has crawled right into my heart, becoming my only salvation.
You touch her, you die.
Gabriella Scalera
I’ve spent my life running from Randazzo, my fake father, and his vow which bound me to an arranged marriage. When his death shatters the Italian Mafia, I seize the chance to disappear forever.
Fleeing to America with the brothers I never knew—leaders of Il Consiglio—I’m sure I’ve finally outrun my unwanted fiancé. But I was wrong. The other party to Randazzo’s vow still hunts me down, putting my new-found family in danger.
To protect them, I find perfect cover as the nanny to the young daughters of the East Coast Bratva’s pakhan, planning to stay only until I’ve earned enough to vanish for good.
Except, within weeks, I discover I’ve been entangled in yet another arranged marriage vow. This time to Ivan, this older man who is slowly luring me out of my shell and into desire I’ve always denied myself. His slow seduction is breaking down my walls, making me want him, crave him.
But Ivan can never be mine, not when there’s a monster on my tail hellbent on bloodshed. I won’t endanger this man and his two little girls who have all stolen my heart.
Now I’m ensnared in vows I never wanted to make. Cornered by a love I never expected to feel. And left with only two choices…
Run again and watch from afar as those I love get killed.
Or stand my ground and protect them with my life.
DEVIL'S VOWS is an arranged marriage, single dad and nanny romance. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA. This is a Mafia romance so some scenes might trigger readers. A full list of this series' triggers are listed in the sample chapters. Please go through them before you pick up this book - read with care!
472 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2025
About the author
Sophia Karlson
20 books253 followersSophia writes sensual, emotional, and evocative contemporary romances about good guys and bad girls and sometimes it's the other way around. Either way, happy ever afters rule!
Please read the Mafia Vows series in order, starting with HATED VOWS. All her other books can be read as standalones or out of series order.
Happy reading!
Follow Sophia on FB and Instagram @sophiakarlson.
Please read the Mafia Vows series in order, starting with HATED VOWS. All her other books can be read as standalones or out of series order.
Happy reading!
Follow Sophia on FB and Instagram @sophiakarlson.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 20, 2025
This was a thrilling and engaging read! I really liked the setting of the story and the side characters were really interesting as well. I also liked how Gabriella instantly bonded with Ivan's daughters. They were adorable and their scenes always made me smile. The chemistry between Ivan & Gabriella was definitely there but I wish the romance was more built up, because the sudden confession in the end felt very lackluster to me tbh. Also a few questions were left unanswered but because of it, I can't wait to continue this series. Overall, this was a solid 3.75 star read for me.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
November 14, 2025
Everything Sophia touches turns into gold, and with this book it is no different. I’ve read and loved all her books but her mafia series really is so so so good. Everything is right in those books, every storyline, every character, every detail, everything just fits. Everything is described so well and vividly that it feels like you are experiencing the story yourself, as if you were the main character.
And what else can I say about this book. I didn’t think it was possible but it’s even better than the first 3 books. Ivan and Gabriella were so good together, I'm not going to reveal much about the story, because that would spoil the plot, but what I can say is that you really shouldn't miss this book! It so freaking good!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
And what else can I say about this book. I didn’t think it was possible but it’s even better than the first 3 books. Ivan and Gabriella were so good together, I'm not going to reveal much about the story, because that would spoil the plot, but what I can say is that you really shouldn't miss this book! It so freaking good!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 11, 2025
Devil’s Vows
By Sophia Karlson
I want to say so much about this book. But I feel like anything I say will be a spoiler.
This is book 4 in Il Consiglio Scalera: A Mafia Dynasty series.
The good convent girl is found by her family. She goes with them. When she realizes they might be in danger she makes a plan to be the single father Bratva leaders nanny. Only she doesn’t realize her family traded her for an arranged marriage.
By Sophia Karlson
I want to say so much about this book. But I feel like anything I say will be a spoiler.
This is book 4 in Il Consiglio Scalera: A Mafia Dynasty series.
The good convent girl is found by her family. She goes with them. When she realizes they might be in danger she makes a plan to be the single father Bratva leaders nanny. Only she doesn’t realize her family traded her for an arranged marriage.
November 20, 2025
Devil’s Vows by author Sophia Karlson is so spectacular that I hardly know how to begin this review. The pace is relentless with unexpected characters popping up who could be friend or foe, twists and turns you don’t see coming, surprises from the past, suspense because there could be danger around every corner. Just when you think you understand what happened in the past, what’s going on in the present and can anticipate the future, you discover you’re wrong. Another bombshell is dropped, something else blows up, maybe literally. Just when you think the worst things you could have imaged have already happened, another layer is revealed and you shudder at the cruelty, the brutality. It just goes on and on.
Ivan Petrov assumed the role of pakhan of the Bratva’s East Coast family after his father retired. Just like Don Matteo Scalera, he was raised to take over from his father one day, but that day came sooner than expected. The last year has been brutal; he’s been attacked, betrayed, blindsided, suffered loss. He’s still learning what works and what doesn’t, but he is determined to protect what remains of his family at any cost. Especially his two little girls.
Everything we thought we knew about Gabriella Scalera has been proven wrong. And the only thing we know for sure now is that she didn’t die at birth like everyone was told. What has her life been and how is it going to be now? Convent girl, promised bride to an unwanted fiancé, always in danger, always on the run. Gabi is the only one who knows what’s true and what isn’t, and the depth of her suffering. Safe at home with her brothers now, but is she really safe? Gabi is keeping big secrets to protect those she cares about.
Usually we see the bad side first, the forceful, ruthless Don or Pakhan with just a hint of vulnerability showing through. With Ivan, though, in addition to the leader who knows what his job is going to require of him, we also see the soft, tender, loving side of him right away. With his daughters and in his hopes for a real-life love story, a happy family someday. Once again author Karlson skillfully merges the leader capable of doing horrible things with a man with a big heart, a soft side, able to love so big, and we love these characters because of their devotion and willingness to do anything to protect those they love; family is so important, everything.
And Gabi? She may have spent much of her life in a convent, but she is a Scalera, strong, fierce, and tough with a protective streak, first for her brothers and their loved ones, then for Katja and Irina and Ivan and then finally for Milana. She may be inexperienced but she has first-hand knowledge of evil. She wasn’t raised to be a princess and doesn’t expect things to be done for her; she’s not afraid to step in and step up.
All of the wars and battles and grievances, the interconnections, agreements, allegiances, changing roles of and between families, enemies, rivals or traitors are complex and complicated. So many hidden objectives, so much to evaluate and analyze. For example, there is so much more to the simple job of Gabi as nanny to Ivan’s daughters, in both families, in both Gabi and Ivan’s intentions. Were it not for Karlson’s extreme talent of making it look effortless and therefore logical and easy to follow, it would be impossible to understand the inner workings, the traditions, the expectations, the loyalty and honor codes and the hidden meanings and fear. The plot is smooth and logical, the pacing just right, everything is clear and connections become obvious; you will definitely get caught up in the story but you won’t get lost trying to follow it.
Devil’s Vows is amazing, fantastic, terrific . . . you get the picture. You really need to read the books that precede this one to meet the Scaleras and understand their stories. And as always, author Karlson leaves you with a delicious little cliffhanger. You’re pretty sure you know who the stars of the next story will be and what the main theme of the book is, but you’re not positive and you have absolutely no idea what twisted, wicked paths she will take you down next. And you can’t wait! I received an advance copy of Devil’s Vows from the author as part of her review team. Very, very satisfying read. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Ivan Petrov assumed the role of pakhan of the Bratva’s East Coast family after his father retired. Just like Don Matteo Scalera, he was raised to take over from his father one day, but that day came sooner than expected. The last year has been brutal; he’s been attacked, betrayed, blindsided, suffered loss. He’s still learning what works and what doesn’t, but he is determined to protect what remains of his family at any cost. Especially his two little girls.
Everything we thought we knew about Gabriella Scalera has been proven wrong. And the only thing we know for sure now is that she didn’t die at birth like everyone was told. What has her life been and how is it going to be now? Convent girl, promised bride to an unwanted fiancé, always in danger, always on the run. Gabi is the only one who knows what’s true and what isn’t, and the depth of her suffering. Safe at home with her brothers now, but is she really safe? Gabi is keeping big secrets to protect those she cares about.
Usually we see the bad side first, the forceful, ruthless Don or Pakhan with just a hint of vulnerability showing through. With Ivan, though, in addition to the leader who knows what his job is going to require of him, we also see the soft, tender, loving side of him right away. With his daughters and in his hopes for a real-life love story, a happy family someday. Once again author Karlson skillfully merges the leader capable of doing horrible things with a man with a big heart, a soft side, able to love so big, and we love these characters because of their devotion and willingness to do anything to protect those they love; family is so important, everything.
And Gabi? She may have spent much of her life in a convent, but she is a Scalera, strong, fierce, and tough with a protective streak, first for her brothers and their loved ones, then for Katja and Irina and Ivan and then finally for Milana. She may be inexperienced but she has first-hand knowledge of evil. She wasn’t raised to be a princess and doesn’t expect things to be done for her; she’s not afraid to step in and step up.
All of the wars and battles and grievances, the interconnections, agreements, allegiances, changing roles of and between families, enemies, rivals or traitors are complex and complicated. So many hidden objectives, so much to evaluate and analyze. For example, there is so much more to the simple job of Gabi as nanny to Ivan’s daughters, in both families, in both Gabi and Ivan’s intentions. Were it not for Karlson’s extreme talent of making it look effortless and therefore logical and easy to follow, it would be impossible to understand the inner workings, the traditions, the expectations, the loyalty and honor codes and the hidden meanings and fear. The plot is smooth and logical, the pacing just right, everything is clear and connections become obvious; you will definitely get caught up in the story but you won’t get lost trying to follow it.
Devil’s Vows is amazing, fantastic, terrific . . . you get the picture. You really need to read the books that precede this one to meet the Scaleras and understand their stories. And as always, author Karlson leaves you with a delicious little cliffhanger. You’re pretty sure you know who the stars of the next story will be and what the main theme of the book is, but you’re not positive and you have absolutely no idea what twisted, wicked paths she will take you down next. And you can’t wait! I received an advance copy of Devil’s Vows from the author as part of her review team. Very, very satisfying read. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
Wow, this truly could be Sophia Karlson's most intense book to date. And trust me, this entire Mafia Vows series has kept me on the edge of my seat! With Devil's Vows, we get the marriage of two powerful forces in the underground world. Ivan is the new leader of the Petrov Bratva and suddenly his very calculated world is tossed aside as the newest member of the Il Consiglio Scalera is to be his next wife. Gabriella has been a well-guarded secret since her supposed stillborn death. However, she has been through hell more than once as she has managed to escape her tormentor, forever on the run, yet finally found in the safety of a convent in Italy. From the moment she is reunited with her brothers and taken back to Boston, her life becomes even more complicated as she becomes a nanny for Ivan's adorable daughters, setting the stage for Gabi to find exactly what she both needs and wants like never before.
From start to finish, the emotions are ripe for the taking as my heart broke over and over again for what Gabi has endured and her ongoing fears that she'll never truly escape what she perceives is her fate. But it was also wonderful to watch her spread her wings, find her Scalera backbone and not only fall hard for Ivan and his daughters but also the life they could have without all the outside noise always threatening any semblance of real peace.
I loved that Gabi is selfless to a fault, not wanting what has been following her since she was 13 to affect her brothers, their significant others and most importantly, Ivan and his girls. Her soul is precious and despite there always is a nagging doubt deep down about Gabi that Ivan can't seem to shake, even he can't help but be under her spell.
These two have much to overcome yet the attraction is real and heady. Even though Gabi is innocent in many ways, she can't hide her desire for Ivan and it was beautiful to see him treat her so delicately. Even as that illusion is suddenly shattered, Gabi never backs down and when she finally comes clean as to everything that has plagued her in her young years, the passion that is unleashed only makes what she and Ivan share that much more desperate for both of them.
With an explosive last few chapters, Gabi proves herself to be a true Mafia princess, worthy of being the wife to a man like Ivan. She matches him in all ways, including their incredible trysts in the bedroom and it was a true pleasure seeing how she claimed her womanhood as one heck of a fierce warrior.
The story isn't over, however, and I can't wait to see what will transpire next as the root of all the evil that seems to continue to affect both the Scaleras and the Petrovs, needs to be dealt with once and for all. As Luca Scalera and his new wife still have a story to tell and the missing Chiara seems to be keeping many secrets of her own, I can only imagine what Sophia Karlson will have in store for us next.
In the meantime, I'm still reeling as to all that went down in Devil's Vows and my head is spinning with all the revelations. At least, though, the two families have joined forces, which can only mean I'll have to buckle up tight for what is bound to happen next. And I can't wait.
5 big stars!
From start to finish, the emotions are ripe for the taking as my heart broke over and over again for what Gabi has endured and her ongoing fears that she'll never truly escape what she perceives is her fate. But it was also wonderful to watch her spread her wings, find her Scalera backbone and not only fall hard for Ivan and his daughters but also the life they could have without all the outside noise always threatening any semblance of real peace.
I loved that Gabi is selfless to a fault, not wanting what has been following her since she was 13 to affect her brothers, their significant others and most importantly, Ivan and his girls. Her soul is precious and despite there always is a nagging doubt deep down about Gabi that Ivan can't seem to shake, even he can't help but be under her spell.
These two have much to overcome yet the attraction is real and heady. Even though Gabi is innocent in many ways, she can't hide her desire for Ivan and it was beautiful to see him treat her so delicately. Even as that illusion is suddenly shattered, Gabi never backs down and when she finally comes clean as to everything that has plagued her in her young years, the passion that is unleashed only makes what she and Ivan share that much more desperate for both of them.
With an explosive last few chapters, Gabi proves herself to be a true Mafia princess, worthy of being the wife to a man like Ivan. She matches him in all ways, including their incredible trysts in the bedroom and it was a true pleasure seeing how she claimed her womanhood as one heck of a fierce warrior.
The story isn't over, however, and I can't wait to see what will transpire next as the root of all the evil that seems to continue to affect both the Scaleras and the Petrovs, needs to be dealt with once and for all. As Luca Scalera and his new wife still have a story to tell and the missing Chiara seems to be keeping many secrets of her own, I can only imagine what Sophia Karlson will have in store for us next.
In the meantime, I'm still reeling as to all that went down in Devil's Vows and my head is spinning with all the revelations. At least, though, the two families have joined forces, which can only mean I'll have to buckle up tight for what is bound to happen next. And I can't wait.
5 big stars!
December 14, 2025
To be honest, I struggled to get into this story at first. Even with the author’s recap of the previous books (which I thank her for), the opening felt like being dropped straight into someone else’s head. I was disoriented and couldn’t quite find my footing. You obviously need to read the previous books but even with that I was lost...So many plot twists in each books.
That said, around the 15% mark, I finally became invested.
✅ single dad / nanny
✅ he didn’t love his first wife (details matter)
✅ age gap (22/37)
✅ one takes a bullet for the other
✅ V heroine
✅ secrets, so many secrets and the angst that goes with
The age gap was my first annoyance. Ivan fits the cliché of the dad pining for the nanny.
Ok ok, he was my real issue!! He’s a cold, selfish, clueless excuse for an MC. His obsession with her purity was creepy.He openly admits he wanted to marry Gabi just to have sons, says he would never love her, and basically treats marriage as a way to f*** her until she fulfilled her “purpose.”. Once that was done, he planned to be done with her too. If he recognised he failed his first wife, he kept doing the same mistakes with Gabby (also the guy kept his previous wife jewellery and piercing....heurk)
In a way, he reminded me of Henry VIII (don't ask why)
I honestly don’t know if this is how the author intended him to come across, but he gave me serious creep vibes, not alpha possessive as I generally like with V-card, innocent heroine.
“We’re married, your body belongs to me” , dude the girl just confessed she was trafficking!!!
A large portion of the book takes place in Ivan’s house, making it feel almost like a huis clos, which adds to the heavy, claustrophobic atmosphere.
This book is much darker in tone than the previous ones. The lightness and humor that balanced previous books are mostly absent here.
Most of the time I wanted to scream at Gabi "but tell him!!!"
And yet… and yet....somehow… this might be my favorite of the series.
That said, around the 15% mark, I finally became invested.
✅ single dad / nanny
✅ he didn’t love his first wife (details matter)
✅ age gap (22/37)
✅ one takes a bullet for the other
✅ V heroine
✅ secrets, so many secrets and the angst that goes with
The age gap was my first annoyance. Ivan fits the cliché of the dad pining for the nanny.
Ok ok, he was my real issue!! He’s a cold, selfish, clueless excuse for an MC. His obsession with her purity was creepy.He openly admits he wanted to marry Gabi just to have sons, says he would never love her, and basically treats marriage as a way to f*** her until she fulfilled her “purpose.”. Once that was done, he planned to be done with her too. If he recognised he failed his first wife, he kept doing the same mistakes with Gabby (also the guy kept his previous wife jewellery and piercing....heurk)
In a way, he reminded me of Henry VIII (don't ask why)
I honestly don’t know if this is how the author intended him to come across, but he gave me serious creep vibes, not alpha possessive as I generally like with V-card, innocent heroine.
“We’re married, your body belongs to me” , dude the girl just confessed she was trafficking!!!
A large portion of the book takes place in Ivan’s house, making it feel almost like a huis clos, which adds to the heavy, claustrophobic atmosphere.
This book is much darker in tone than the previous ones. The lightness and humor that balanced previous books are mostly absent here.
Most of the time I wanted to scream at Gabi "but tell him!!!"
And yet… and yet....somehow… this might be my favorite of the series.
November 30, 2025
Sophia Karlson 🧎♀️ You got me on my knees again for your work, characters, mafia world and writing 🔥😈 Holy fuck!!!!!! Ivan and Gabriella 😈 I have to admit, they're my favourite Sophia couple! Thank you so much for this ARC and for accepting me into your team 🤭🥹
Ivan Petrov 😈🧎♀️ Hawt dayum baby! This man had me falling for him immediately, and I'm not lying 🥵 Tall, insanely handsome, morally grey, billionaire, Pakhan of the Petrov Bratva, intelligent, gentle with her and his daughters, gentleman, kinky, touch her and die, immensely protective, possessive, stalker 😏, loves to beg, kind, wants her safe and happy 🥹 and willing to do anything for her. Ivan needs sons to secure his daughters safety and futures, and he needs them now 😩 After his disaster of a first marriage, he wants to do it right this time 🥹 He's trying so hard not to fall for his fiancée 😏 but everyday he sees her with his daughters and her shy smiles, he's on his 🧎♀️ His scenes with his daughters had me 😩
Gabriella Scalera 🤭 The hidden and missing Scalera daughter. Gabi's character was a surprise in Dom and Ariana's book! I was immediately protective of her and I was so frickin ecstatic that we were getting her book 🤭 Beautiful, intelligent, innocent, secretive, lived in convents her whole life, traumatized, hiding, protective, feisty, attracted to the hot older single dad, kind, sunshine, shy, loves seeing Ivan on his knees, kinky, loves to banter and falling for him 🧎♀️Her character is so frickin brilliantly written as well. I adored seeing her with Irisha and Katya 🥹 She healed them 🥹❤️ Gabi wants to protect her siblings from her hidden past, and will do anything, even nannying for a stranger 😏
I need Milana and Luca's book immediately Sophia ❤️ That single scene had my jaw dropped! I am so in love with Gabi and Ivan 🥹 That slow burn and finally that spice 🧎♀️🥵 Queen!
Ivan Petrov 😈🧎♀️ Hawt dayum baby! This man had me falling for him immediately, and I'm not lying 🥵 Tall, insanely handsome, morally grey, billionaire, Pakhan of the Petrov Bratva, intelligent, gentle with her and his daughters, gentleman, kinky, touch her and die, immensely protective, possessive, stalker 😏, loves to beg, kind, wants her safe and happy 🥹 and willing to do anything for her. Ivan needs sons to secure his daughters safety and futures, and he needs them now 😩 After his disaster of a first marriage, he wants to do it right this time 🥹 He's trying so hard not to fall for his fiancée 😏 but everyday he sees her with his daughters and her shy smiles, he's on his 🧎♀️ His scenes with his daughters had me 😩
Gabriella Scalera 🤭 The hidden and missing Scalera daughter. Gabi's character was a surprise in Dom and Ariana's book! I was immediately protective of her and I was so frickin ecstatic that we were getting her book 🤭 Beautiful, intelligent, innocent, secretive, lived in convents her whole life, traumatized, hiding, protective, feisty, attracted to the hot older single dad, kind, sunshine, shy, loves seeing Ivan on his knees, kinky, loves to banter and falling for him 🧎♀️Her character is so frickin brilliantly written as well. I adored seeing her with Irisha and Katya 🥹 She healed them 🥹❤️ Gabi wants to protect her siblings from her hidden past, and will do anything, even nannying for a stranger 😏
I need Milana and Luca's book immediately Sophia ❤️ That single scene had my jaw dropped! I am so in love with Gabi and Ivan 🥹 That slow burn and finally that spice 🧎♀️🥵 Queen!
November 20, 2025
'Devil's Vow' is another outstanding book in the Il Consiglio Scalera series, and this time Gabriella Scalera and Ivan Petrov take centre stage.
Ivan, who is everything protective, possessive, powerful, and tender when it comes to his two daughters. But as a single father trying to balance fatherhood and the Bratva life, he is struggling, especially after a failed coup resulted in the loss of most of his trusted men.
Knowing he needs to strengthen to survive, and when his plan to marry his cousin to his sister falls through due to Il Consiglio, he comes up with an even better plan: a marriage of convenience with their newly found twenty-two-year-old sister, Gabriella.
Only Ivan realises he needs to gently introduce her and the family to this idea by first bringing Gabi in as the nanny.
And Gabi agrees, as she's seeking a reason to eventually escape America and her family after learning an old, powerful enemy has killed the only mother figure she ever had.
However, when it comes to making a break for freedom, Gabi finds herself actually wanting to stay.
But with Il Consiglio Scalera and the Bratva's enemies circling, should Gabi have run after all?
And with so many secrets between them, and with the perfect build-up and spice. This story is slow-burn perfection. I say that as someone who generally detests slow-burn romances, but Sophia nailed it. Ivan and Gabi were everything, and I couldn't stop reading. For me, this series keeps getting better, and I can't wait to see whìú zaz Xznext.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading, and if possible, read this series in order to fully understand the family dynamics.
My thanks to Sophia Karlson for my copy of Devil's Vows, All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊
Ivan, who is everything protective, possessive, powerful, and tender when it comes to his two daughters. But as a single father trying to balance fatherhood and the Bratva life, he is struggling, especially after a failed coup resulted in the loss of most of his trusted men.
Knowing he needs to strengthen to survive, and when his plan to marry his cousin to his sister falls through due to Il Consiglio, he comes up with an even better plan: a marriage of convenience with their newly found twenty-two-year-old sister, Gabriella.
Only Ivan realises he needs to gently introduce her and the family to this idea by first bringing Gabi in as the nanny.
And Gabi agrees, as she's seeking a reason to eventually escape America and her family after learning an old, powerful enemy has killed the only mother figure she ever had.
However, when it comes to making a break for freedom, Gabi finds herself actually wanting to stay.
But with Il Consiglio Scalera and the Bratva's enemies circling, should Gabi have run after all?
And with so many secrets between them, and with the perfect build-up and spice. This story is slow-burn perfection. I say that as someone who generally detests slow-burn romances, but Sophia nailed it. Ivan and Gabi were everything, and I couldn't stop reading. For me, this series keeps getting better, and I can't wait to see whìú zaz Xznext.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading, and if possible, read this series in order to fully understand the family dynamics.
My thanks to Sophia Karlson for my copy of Devil's Vows, All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊
February 8, 2026
Devil’s Vows feels like quiet tension wrapped in promises that were never meant to become romantic, until they are. This is a story built on restraint, atmosphere, and the kind of slow burn that lives in stolen glances and words left unsaid. Two people are bound by obligation, not choice, and watching them slowly realize that desire and agency can exist inside duty is deeply compelling.
Her journey is subtle but powerful. She begins the story sheltered but not foolish, untested rather than naïve, and the world she is forced into shapes her instead of breaking her. The growth feels earned and organic. He is her opposite, carrying certainty and control like armor, convinced he knows exactly who he is and what he needs. That certainty begins to fracture the moment emotions enter a situation that was meant to remain transactional. Their dynamic is layered with imbalance, curiosity, and tension that hums beneath every interaction.
What elevates this story is the constant undercurrent of secrecy. Small omissions build into larger truths, and the weight of what is being hidden adds pressure to every decision. The presence of a shared enemy sharpens the stakes, turning the marriage into something strategic long before it becomes personal. When intimacy finally appears, it feels intentional, complicated, and inevitable, the result of trust forged under strain rather than convenience.
Devil’s Vows is a deliberate, moody story about power, faith, and duty, and about the quiet rebellion of choosing someone when the world has already decided your role for you.
Tropes:
Arranged marriage
Age gap (15 years)
Convent-raised FMC
He needs heirs
Little lies
Big secrets
Mutual enemy
Her journey is subtle but powerful. She begins the story sheltered but not foolish, untested rather than naïve, and the world she is forced into shapes her instead of breaking her. The growth feels earned and organic. He is her opposite, carrying certainty and control like armor, convinced he knows exactly who he is and what he needs. That certainty begins to fracture the moment emotions enter a situation that was meant to remain transactional. Their dynamic is layered with imbalance, curiosity, and tension that hums beneath every interaction.
What elevates this story is the constant undercurrent of secrecy. Small omissions build into larger truths, and the weight of what is being hidden adds pressure to every decision. The presence of a shared enemy sharpens the stakes, turning the marriage into something strategic long before it becomes personal. When intimacy finally appears, it feels intentional, complicated, and inevitable, the result of trust forged under strain rather than convenience.
Devil’s Vows is a deliberate, moody story about power, faith, and duty, and about the quiet rebellion of choosing someone when the world has already decided your role for you.
Tropes:
Arranged marriage
Age gap (15 years)
Convent-raised FMC
He needs heirs
Little lies
Big secrets
Mutual enemy
November 23, 2025
I’ve been following this series since its inception, and I believe it ranks alongside Broken Vows as my favorite. This is surprising, considering that the single dad trope isn’t always my favorite. However, when the author crafts a compelling story with it and I thoroughly enjoy it, it becomes an exceptional read.
The story picks up where the previous one left off, with the Scalera brothers finding their long-lost sister, Gabriella, and bringing her home. However, their attempts to get to know her are abruptly interrupted when they must strike a deal with Ivan, the current leader of the Petrov Bratva. This is because the Scalera brothers had murdered Ivan’s cousin, so as good faith Ivan wants Gabriella to live with him and be his daughter’s nanny, unaware that she will soon be his wife.
The story unfolds with an intriguing plot, a slow-burning tension that builds gradually, adorable two girls, and a narrative that leaves you questioning the future of the other Scalera brothers. I found this book to be exceptionally well-written, with each main character meticulously detailed and well-developed. Gabriella, initially shy and reserved, gradually gains trust and opens up, discovering her true self on her own terms. She forms a strong bond with Ivan’s daughters and protects them from the start.
I also appreciated Gabriella’s quiet intelligence, as everyone underestimated her. The Scalera brothers were impressed by her, and she even asked to join their meetings at the end. Ivan, while protective and brooding, exudes an inner calmness and sweetness when it comes to his daughters and Gabriella. They are his primary objectives, and I was delighted to see him become less of a lone wolf by the end of the story.
Overall, this thrilling, exciting, and tension-filled novel has left me eager to discover what happens next, particularly in Luca and Milana’s book.
The story picks up where the previous one left off, with the Scalera brothers finding their long-lost sister, Gabriella, and bringing her home. However, their attempts to get to know her are abruptly interrupted when they must strike a deal with Ivan, the current leader of the Petrov Bratva. This is because the Scalera brothers had murdered Ivan’s cousin, so as good faith Ivan wants Gabriella to live with him and be his daughter’s nanny, unaware that she will soon be his wife.
The story unfolds with an intriguing plot, a slow-burning tension that builds gradually, adorable two girls, and a narrative that leaves you questioning the future of the other Scalera brothers. I found this book to be exceptionally well-written, with each main character meticulously detailed and well-developed. Gabriella, initially shy and reserved, gradually gains trust and opens up, discovering her true self on her own terms. She forms a strong bond with Ivan’s daughters and protects them from the start.
I also appreciated Gabriella’s quiet intelligence, as everyone underestimated her. The Scalera brothers were impressed by her, and she even asked to join their meetings at the end. Ivan, while protective and brooding, exudes an inner calmness and sweetness when it comes to his daughters and Gabriella. They are his primary objectives, and I was delighted to see him become less of a lone wolf by the end of the story.
Overall, this thrilling, exciting, and tension-filled novel has left me eager to discover what happens next, particularly in Luca and Milana’s book.
November 20, 2025
So so so good, I could not put this book down, it had me so absorbed in the story that I lost track of time. Gabriella has been living the life on the run she has been through so much and at age thirteen things became that much worse. When her long lost family finally finds her, she hopes that life will get better until, tragedy hits and she sees that her Russan will never stop hunting for her. Ivan has been trying to get the family back to a norm since the brutal 4th of July attack and betrayal. As the new Pakan he is trying to juggle being the head of the family and raising his daughters. When he learns about Gabi he makes arraignments with her brothers to arrange a marriage. The relationship and attraction that these two had was breathtaking, she is bringing Ivan back to life and he is giving her something she never thought she would have a home. The bond between his daughters and her was beautiful, they brought each other so much joy. Ivan is a hard man, and trust is something he just can't hand out, when he feels betrayed life changes quickly. The story is fast paced, action packed, full of angst and longing, when she becomes the protecter his heart is lost to her, and it was perfect. I can't wait to see what will come next. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
November 22, 2025
This is one of those series that just keeps getting better with each new release and Devil’s Vows was no exception. I knew a Scalera sister would be just as much of a badass as her brothers but then again maybe its in the blood even for a good convent girl like Gabriella who was determined to protect her newly discovered family from the monster, the man she’d believed to be her father had promised her to. But her brothers had plans of their own for their new sister.
Pakhan Ivan Petrov was determined to protect what remained of his family, namely his two daughters and the quickest way to do so was an alliance between his bratva and Il Consiglio cemented by his marriage to Gabriella but first he had to be sure of her so he ostensibly engaged her as a nanny not realising she had only taken the job so she could earn enough money so she could go into hiding to evade her enemy and protect her loved ones. She didn’t realise how much she would come to care for Ivan and his daughters, but that just meant more people she would do anything to protect. While Ivan and Gabi’s romance was a slow burner, their chemistry was palpable as it simmered away between them, but the overall story was fast paced and action packed as the secrets both the hero and heroine had were revealed. Devil’s Vow is probably my favourite book in the series so far.
Pakhan Ivan Petrov was determined to protect what remained of his family, namely his two daughters and the quickest way to do so was an alliance between his bratva and Il Consiglio cemented by his marriage to Gabriella but first he had to be sure of her so he ostensibly engaged her as a nanny not realising she had only taken the job so she could earn enough money so she could go into hiding to evade her enemy and protect her loved ones. She didn’t realise how much she would come to care for Ivan and his daughters, but that just meant more people she would do anything to protect. While Ivan and Gabi’s romance was a slow burner, their chemistry was palpable as it simmered away between them, but the overall story was fast paced and action packed as the secrets both the hero and heroine had were revealed. Devil’s Vow is probably my favourite book in the series so far.
November 15, 2025
Internal screaming and physiological reactions the whole way. I need the next book now! Devil’s Vows ruined me so well. 😮💨🫠
✦Series: Mafia Vows 4
Interconnected standalone, but the story is getting thick, folks. The series recap at the start is brilliant for existing fans as well as context for new readers. Sophia takes care of us 😘
✦POV: Dual, first-person
Gabi was born a Mafia princess but spirited away in convents to hide from the arrangement her father made for her as a child. The stakes are high and she’s a good Catholic girl. Then she starts leaning into her birthright and nothing will stop her. I loved her warmth and sassy tenacity.
Ivan is the head of the Petrov Bratva with plenty of his own dark secrets and tragic past. He’s morally grey→black with a hidden heart that Gabi slowly digs into.
✦Spice: Open door, explicit
Oof. Sophia masterfully builds tension that makes my heart race and breaths quicken; it is achingly hot. This one is a slow burn but when it finally ignites? Mercy! Gabi’s innate sensual energy is off the charts once she taps in and Ivan has obsessive, protective/possessive alpha BDE energy locked down. 🔥
» God her books just lock me in. Slow start but it paves the way for an intensely gripping read. Scenes flow into each other naturally so it feels impossible to put down! Everything you love in a mafia romance is here.
✩ I loved having the Scalera brothers included in bits, but her friend Chiara is her immoral compass. The devil on her shoulder 😂 with doctrine on the other. I like how her voice is in her head encouraging Gabi to live for herself.
♡ This is a solid age gap, single dad/nanny, arranged marriage of convenience, mafia/ bratva romance that totally hits the plot!
⚠️ Trigger heavy. Please check warnings.
✨ Thank you Sophia for the ARC for review!
→ Connect with me on Instagram!
✦Series: Mafia Vows 4
Interconnected standalone, but the story is getting thick, folks. The series recap at the start is brilliant for existing fans as well as context for new readers. Sophia takes care of us 😘
✦POV: Dual, first-person
Gabi was born a Mafia princess but spirited away in convents to hide from the arrangement her father made for her as a child. The stakes are high and she’s a good Catholic girl. Then she starts leaning into her birthright and nothing will stop her. I loved her warmth and sassy tenacity.
Ivan is the head of the Petrov Bratva with plenty of his own dark secrets and tragic past. He’s morally grey→black with a hidden heart that Gabi slowly digs into.
✦Spice: Open door, explicit
Oof. Sophia masterfully builds tension that makes my heart race and breaths quicken; it is achingly hot. This one is a slow burn but when it finally ignites? Mercy! Gabi’s innate sensual energy is off the charts once she taps in and Ivan has obsessive, protective/possessive alpha BDE energy locked down. 🔥
» God her books just lock me in. Slow start but it paves the way for an intensely gripping read. Scenes flow into each other naturally so it feels impossible to put down! Everything you love in a mafia romance is here.
✩ I loved having the Scalera brothers included in bits, but her friend Chiara is her immoral compass. The devil on her shoulder 😂 with doctrine on the other. I like how her voice is in her head encouraging Gabi to live for herself.
❝The rabbit hole to lust is just an optical illusion; it really has the shape and scent, the words and whispers, the lips and kisses of Ivan Petrov, and once you’ve slipped and tumbled, it’s a free fall to heaven.❞
♡ This is a solid age gap, single dad/nanny, arranged marriage of convenience, mafia/ bratva romance that totally hits the plot!
⚠️ Trigger heavy. Please check warnings.
✨ Thank you Sophia for the ARC for review!
→ Connect with me on Instagram!
November 8, 2025
I might be married… and Ivan might be fictional… but I’m convinced he’s my soulmate.
Ivan is everything — protective, possessive, powerful. A single dad trying to balance fatherhood and the Bratva life. And honestly, what better way to have it all than a marriage of convenience?
Gabi, on the other hand, is still discovering who she is — and what family really means. When she becomes the nanny to two adorable little girls, freedom is all she dreams of. But when that freedom finally becomes an option… will she even want it anymore? Or will she fall for the dangerously devoted Bratva boss and his sweet girls who have stolen her heart?
This story is a slow burn, but I was so captivated by Ivan and Gabi’s connection — and all the secrets tangled between them — that I didn’t even mind. Every page pulled me in deeper.
I need more! Counting down until we (hopefully!) get more of Luca and Milania.
Ivan is everything — protective, possessive, powerful. A single dad trying to balance fatherhood and the Bratva life. And honestly, what better way to have it all than a marriage of convenience?
Gabi, on the other hand, is still discovering who she is — and what family really means. When she becomes the nanny to two adorable little girls, freedom is all she dreams of. But when that freedom finally becomes an option… will she even want it anymore? Or will she fall for the dangerously devoted Bratva boss and his sweet girls who have stolen her heart?
This story is a slow burn, but I was so captivated by Ivan and Gabi’s connection — and all the secrets tangled between them — that I didn’t even mind. Every page pulled me in deeper.
I need more! Counting down until we (hopefully!) get more of Luca and Milania.
November 29, 2025
This is book four in the Mafia Vows series and if you have been following along, you know this story has been building for a long time. It completely delivered and had me hooked from the first chapter.
Gabriella has spent her whole life hidden away in a convent to keep her safe. She has survived things no one should ever have to face and learned early that danger follows her everywhere. When her brothers finally find her and bring her home, she steps into a world she never knew she belonged to. When her brothers send her to Ivan to be his nanny she has no idea that she is actually being given to him as his bride to bind the Italians and the Bratva.
Ivan is the new head of his Bratva family, carrying the weight of betrayal, loss, and responsibility on his shoulders. Protecting his two daughters and rebuilding his broken circle has become his whole life. Taking Gabriella in as their nanny is supposed to be a practical move, but seeing her innocence and strength wakes a softness in him he refuses to admit he still has. He wants loyalty, control, and stability, yet she cracks him open in every way.
I cannot express how much I loved these two together. Gabriella's innocence mixed with her fire made her impossible not to root for. Ivan has always been ruthless, but watching him slowly open up to her was everything. Their connection is full of longing, slow burn tension, and such deep vulnerability that it felt impossible to look away. The way they gradually formed a bond with each other and with his daughters gave this story so much heart. The angst, the danger, the secrets, the loyalty tests, and the final twist at the end left me reeling. I already need the next book because I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
If you love arranged marriage, dangerous secrets, protective men who fall hard, and heroines who refuse to break even after everything they have survived, this one needs to be on your list.
Gabriella has spent her whole life hidden away in a convent to keep her safe. She has survived things no one should ever have to face and learned early that danger follows her everywhere. When her brothers finally find her and bring her home, she steps into a world she never knew she belonged to. When her brothers send her to Ivan to be his nanny she has no idea that she is actually being given to him as his bride to bind the Italians and the Bratva.
Ivan is the new head of his Bratva family, carrying the weight of betrayal, loss, and responsibility on his shoulders. Protecting his two daughters and rebuilding his broken circle has become his whole life. Taking Gabriella in as their nanny is supposed to be a practical move, but seeing her innocence and strength wakes a softness in him he refuses to admit he still has. He wants loyalty, control, and stability, yet she cracks him open in every way.
I cannot express how much I loved these two together. Gabriella's innocence mixed with her fire made her impossible not to root for. Ivan has always been ruthless, but watching him slowly open up to her was everything. Their connection is full of longing, slow burn tension, and such deep vulnerability that it felt impossible to look away. The way they gradually formed a bond with each other and with his daughters gave this story so much heart. The angst, the danger, the secrets, the loyalty tests, and the final twist at the end left me reeling. I already need the next book because I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
If you love arranged marriage, dangerous secrets, protective men who fall hard, and heroines who refuse to break even after everything they have survived, this one needs to be on your list.
March 11, 2026
This is the fourth book in the Mafia Vows series, and I'm so happy it's continuing.
This installment tells the story of Gabriella, the sister of the Scalera brothers, and Ivan, the Pakhan of the Petrov Bratva.
Gabriella has just been found by her brothers, but complications during her rescue allow Ivan to blackmail the Scalera brothers into forcing Gabriella to marry him. Many obstacles must be overcome on the way to the HEA.
This installment also includes suspense, plot twists, emotions, and smut. The overarching plot continues to develop as well.
A pure reading pleasure. I'm already looking forward to Lucas and Milana's storyline.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2.5/5
This installment tells the story of Gabriella, the sister of the Scalera brothers, and Ivan, the Pakhan of the Petrov Bratva.
Gabriella has just been found by her brothers, but complications during her rescue allow Ivan to blackmail the Scalera brothers into forcing Gabriella to marry him. Many obstacles must be overcome on the way to the HEA.
This installment also includes suspense, plot twists, emotions, and smut. The overarching plot continues to develop as well.
A pure reading pleasure. I'm already looking forward to Lucas and Milana's storyline.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2.5/5
November 20, 2025
Gabi and Ivan are so dumb. They fell for each other so fast, and neither one of them noticed it! I loved how they were able to overcome their challenges and get it together.
Also, nicknames in other languages are my Achilles heel.
This one is a ssslllllooowww burn with a lot of build-up. What got me is having to stop reading to go back to work just when it started to get spicy.
Devil's Vow releases tomorrow on Amazon! This is book 4 of the Mafia Vow's series. Sophia was kind enough to give us cliff notes of events in the first 3 books for us with goldfish brains. Love her for that!
Also, nicknames in other languages are my Achilles heel.
This one is a ssslllllooowww burn with a lot of build-up. What got me is having to stop reading to go back to work just when it started to get spicy.
Devil's Vow releases tomorrow on Amazon! This is book 4 of the Mafia Vow's series. Sophia was kind enough to give us cliff notes of events in the first 3 books for us with goldfish brains. Love her for that!
December 1, 2025
“Devil’s Vows” is a sharp, addictive blend of danger, desire, and heart. Gabriella’s strength and transformation—from fugitive to heroine—pairs perfectly with Ivan’s brooding protectiveness and unexpected tenderness, especially where his children are concerned. Their slow-burn chemistry feels earned, intimate, and deeply satisfying.
With tight pacing, compelling characters, and stakes that escalate on every page, made this my favorite in the series. Thrilling, sexy, and surprisingly emotive—left me desperate to see what’s next for the Scalera brothers.
With tight pacing, compelling characters, and stakes that escalate on every page, made this my favorite in the series. Thrilling, sexy, and surprisingly emotive—left me desperate to see what’s next for the Scalera brothers.
November 20, 2025
I love it when the love interest of our main character hit it off with their children.
Sophia’s books are always so engaging and deliver a thrilling, exciting plot with well written spice and characters. I love our FMC Gabriella and the relationships she makes, especially with Ivan’s daughters. Our MCs are a perfect match and not just this book but the whole series is so worth the read.
Sophia’s books are always so engaging and deliver a thrilling, exciting plot with well written spice and characters. I love our FMC Gabriella and the relationships she makes, especially with Ivan’s daughters. Our MCs are a perfect match and not just this book but the whole series is so worth the read.
December 1, 2025
This was such a good book. I never wanted to put it down. I got sucked into the story within the first chapter.
I immediately loved the characters and loved their story. It was addictive and I didn’t want it to end. The side characters were so well fleshed out and it made the story even better in my opinion.
As someone who suffers from panic attacks, the rep in this book was fantastic. It made me feel for Gabi.
With each book in this series, I love the series even more. I look forward to the next one.
Thank you Sophia Karlson for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book.
I immediately loved the characters and loved their story. It was addictive and I didn’t want it to end. The side characters were so well fleshed out and it made the story even better in my opinion.
As someone who suffers from panic attacks, the rep in this book was fantastic. It made me feel for Gabi.
With each book in this series, I love the series even more. I look forward to the next one.
Thank you Sophia Karlson for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book.
March 15, 2026
amazing
Can’t wait for the next book. This series is books are definitely page turners. Each book pulls you further into this family .
Can’t wait for the next book. This series is books are definitely page turners. Each book pulls you further into this family .
November 24, 2025
4.5⭐️3🌶️
I was less than 10% into the book when I fell for Ivan. Just seeing him with his daughters was enough to sell that he may be my fav mmc from this series so far. I love how the story came together where now both mafia & bratva know they have a mutual enemy. I’m ready for Luca’s book and to see his story for him and his new bride and boy the lengths I’m sure he will go for her and the risks it’s going to take. Ivan has lost his trust in people but he slowly worked on getting it back with the help of Gabi they truly were made for each other. I know their story isn’t over as the enemy hasn’t be removed from the board.
I was less than 10% into the book when I fell for Ivan. Just seeing him with his daughters was enough to sell that he may be my fav mmc from this series so far. I love how the story came together where now both mafia & bratva know they have a mutual enemy. I’m ready for Luca’s book and to see his story for him and his new bride and boy the lengths I’m sure he will go for her and the risks it’s going to take. Ivan has lost his trust in people but he slowly worked on getting it back with the help of Gabi they truly were made for each other. I know their story isn’t over as the enemy hasn’t be removed from the board.
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