Brutal Vows: A dark Bratva and Mafia arranged marriage romance

by Sophia Karlson

LUCA SCALERA
I’m the brother with no special skill. I’m just the prop covering for my identical twin. With the old Don dead and Stephano now living in Italy, all I want is out of the Mafia.

Until our new Don summons me. I am to marry Milana Petrov—a transaction to keep our sister safe. My first question is for how long, divorce and freedom a siren call.

Then I meet my bride…and it is her. The woman whose images I had to scrub off the internet for Ivan Petrov. My secret obsession. My dream. My downfall. Except she’s so changed, I hardly recognize her. The light in her eyes is gone. She’s ruled by a dark desperation, and I feel it the same need to get out and away. When I stumble on her why it almost destroys me.

She is my wife. I’ve pledged myself to her, for better or worse. Brutal vows that will test me, because taking Milana to Russia on one last errand breaks the blood oath between Il Consiglio and the Petrov Bratva.

She doesn’t know it yet, but I’ll bleed for her, burn for her, anything to prove I’m worthy of her…even sacrifice my life.

MILANA PETROVA
I should’ve disappeared in Russia, out of our family, out of the Bratva. But our father is dying, and my brother Ivan barely survived a coup—I had to come say goodbye.

But now I’m trapped in America, everyone clueless of what’s at stake. I have to escape by any means, even an arranged marriage to one of the Scalera brothers.

I don’t trust men. I’ll never love again. I plan to use Luca Scalera just long enough to run. But my new husband has plans of his own. Plans to woo me, to make me laugh, to reverse time and bring back the woman I once was...

Yet when he stumbles upon my secret, something fierce awakens in him. A protector. A man ready to burn the world to make things right.

I never expected an ally. I never expected Luca. I never thought he’ll defy his Don and my Pakhan by breaking all the rules for me—and face certain death in Russia if things go wrong. If we survive my forbidden return to the motherland, I’ll have to admit the I’ve fallen for my husband and can never let him go.

BRUTAL VOWS is an arranged marriage romance where Bratva and Mafia are chained together forever. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA. BRUTAL VOWS is the 5th book in the Mafia Vows series—please read in series order as this isn't considered a standalone. This series is trigger heavy and a list is included in the sample chapters. Please go through it before you pick up this book - read with care!

Genres: Mafia Romance

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

About the author

Sophia 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.

Reviews

[The Bou]

Best mafia of the year!!
Utter perfection
I cried ugly tears 😭
Hard to explain why it’s perfect as it can’t be read as a standalone but the whole series is amazing
Everyone and everything broke my heart ❤️‍🩹
Luca is serious book boyfriend perfection ❤️‍🔥
Oh the spice
Oh the tension

[Christina]

BRUTAL VOWS by Sophia Karlson is a fast-paced, high-tension dark mafia romance packed with arranged marriage, forced proximity, secrets, trauma, and plenty of angst. Luca and Milana are compelling characters, each carrying painful histories that make their journey from resistance to redemption especially satisfying. Karlson also creates an atmospheric world with distinct Italian and Russian syndicate dynamics, while Masha adds an unexpected twist.

The pacing is brisk and the emotional payoff is strong. I was especially intrigued by the balance between the romance and mafia conflicts. “Good shot, Princess,” I huff out, wiping at the sweat running down my forehead with my ruined hand before I meet her horrified gaze. “You know what we say in Il Consiglio: teamwork makes the f***ing dreamwork.” A genuine page-turner for anyone who loves dark mafia romance, intense chemistry, and compelling character arcs. The perfect mix of danger and black humor.

[Sally]

Luca Scalera has one foot – or one motorcycle wheel – out the door when his brother Matteo congratulates Luca on his upcoming marriage to the sister of the pakhan of the East Coast Bratva. Wait . . . what?? But Matteo is not only his brother, he’s the Don of the Scalera Family Mafia and you don’t say no to the Don. Luca’s role in the family is unique: basically he’s the “spare” covering for his identical twin Stephano when necessary. He handles security and communications, hacking and other similar activity with his brother Benedict, but they weren’t raised to take active part in the most unsavory aspects of Mafia life. With his evil father dead and his brother in place as the new Don, and Stephano living in Italy, Luca plans to roar off into the sunset on his motorcycle and have as normal a life as possible; no relationships, no commitments, just out of the Mafia. But plans change.

Milana Petrov also wants out. Her brother Ivan, the new pakhan, barely survived a bloody coup and their father is dying. She came back to say goodbye but now she’s trapped. She has a secret – and if you thought you knew what it was you would be wrong. It’s a huge secret with huge repercussions that puts everyone in danger. Milana has been plotting and planning her escape from the country, from the Bratva, but Ivan has her under what amounts to house arrest. And then he congratulates her on her upcoming marriage to Luca Scalera. Arranged, of course, for Bratva and Mafia reasons, to protect alliances and family members. And you don’t say no to the pakhan, either.

The happy day arrives, with Milana being quietly defiant and still planning her escape. Luca is resigned to the marriage, intending to stick it out until divorce is possible. He’ll treat his wife with respect but they will be husband and wife in name only; no happy-ever-after with a family. No entanglements, no love. Until he sees his bride-to-be and is . . . gob-smacked probably isn’t a word you think of when talking about the Mafia but that’s what Luca is, because he knows this woman, is in some weird way already in love with her. He yearns for the emotion he saw on her face to be impossibly directed at him. Her face he saw when he scrubbed images off the internet for Ivan Petrov. The woman who became his obsession, his unattainable dream without ever having seen her in person.

This changes things, doesn’t it? She’s haunted, unsettled, always looking for a way out but he is even more drawn to her than before, and when he learns her momentous secret he is drawn into her plans, vowing to aid and protect her. The danger of being caught and killed is high but she is determined to do what she must and he is equally determined to be at her side every step of the way, even if what they are going to do goes against the express orders of the Pakhan and the Don and could rattle the tenuous alliance.

This is just the backstory; wait until the story really gets going. There is blazing hot chemistry and attraction between them, but Milana trusted once before and that is what placed her in the position she is now in. Luca just wants her to be safe, to get what she wants and needs, but at what price?

Brutal Vows is the fifth book in author Sophia Karlson’s riveting Mafia Vows series. We’ve already seen how complicated and unforgiving Mafia life can be, the difficult choices and sacrifices that must be made. But Karlson has also shown us the human side of these often brutal, violent men. How thoughtful, tender, romantic and devoted they can be. And Luca, in his brother Benedict’s words, is “the best of us all. He is pure gold, f****d up gold for sure, but pure.” I guarantee you will fall in love with him from the start, fear for him, hurt for him, wish there was an easier way. But there isn’t. Milana is so much stronger than anybody sees coming but as soon as they leave America the danger is real, present and unrelenting. Even though most of his life has been as a prop for Stefano, Luca is still a Scalera: he’s resourceful, clever, fearless, brave and his ability to both inflict and endure pain will make you shudder and weep. Things often look hopeless. Their mission may succeed but there will be terrible long-term consequences.

Brutal Vows is the best yet in the series, both because Luca and Milana are so perfect together, so compelling, so heartbreaking but also because by this point in the series you have experienced the stories of Matteo and Tasha, Stephano and Gigi, Dominic and Ariana and Ivan and Gabriella and the people around them. Thanks to author Karlson’s superb plotting, dialogue and character development and her unparallelled weaving together of the dark and the light, the good and the evil you see the connections and threads that cannot be avoided. And then there is the romance. Men who can do unspeakable things without blinking but are brought to their knees by the women they love; the possessiveness, the devotion, the willingness to die in a second to protect those they love. And last but not least – the sexy, steamy, spicy, smolder-bursting-into-flame heat and passion.

I received an advance copy of Brutal Vows from the author as part of her review team. These books just keep getting better, complex but clear, riveting, people you are unable to turn away from. You really should read all the books to get the full enjoyment and understanding. Of course I recommend this book without hesitation and cannot wait for Benedict’s story next. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[MJLovestoRead]

Brutal Vows is the very best in mafia romance. What Sophia Karlson has created with this ongoing tale of the Scalera brothers and the women who tame them is definitely my favorite thus far. And trust me when I say: I have LOVED them all. But, there is something very unique about Luca Scalera and how he manages to fall hard for Malina Petrova when it's the last thing he ever expected from this forced arranged marriage with her. The fact that she is Ivan's sister, his soon-to-be brother-in-law, adds a whole other layer to this complicated plan, brought to Luca by his Don, his brother Matteo.

My head was spinning as it usual does with this series, but I was so curious about Malina and her deeply-held secrets that I took my time and savored every magnificent word from Karlson. I was pleased as heck that she always includes a brief summary of each book before the current one, in order to keep it all straight in my mind and reacquaint myself with all the characters and their roles in the Scalera family. And once I was back on track, I forged ahead happily and lost myself once more in Karlson's stellar storytelling.

With all that occurs between Luca and Malina as they navigate their new marriage, there was an underlying attraction that clearly helped each of them stick with the plan put forth for them. The fact that Luca had the shock of his life when he first saw his bride approach him to take their vows, added yet another wicked tangent that shook him to his very core. But he's a good man, a better brother and the very best kind of husband who respects his wife even when she's difficult. His understanding about women born into a mafia, whether Italian or in Malina's case, Russian, provided a kindness even when his Princess was being overly difficult.

Once things really heat up and most of Malina's secrets are revealed pertaining to her hope of going back to Russia, the book becomes a whirlwind of epic proportions and omg I was there for every heart-stopping and intense moment. With all that occurs and honestly, you must read every single word...skimming is not allowed here, I have to admit that it's the slow-burn love between Luca and Malina that adds the very best touch to this intricate storyline. How they fall in love with each other despite the lack of trust at the start and find themselves in awe of each other's strength and will to right all the wrongs they have faced. It's truly beautiful and the respect Luca has for Malina when perhaps he shouldn't most of the time, made me swoon hard for the man who lived in his twin's shadow and readily accepted his position as 'undertaker' and Stephano's doppelganger when it was deemed crucial. He is beyond thoughtful, full of charming mirth and is loyal to a fault.

Although I always recommend starting this series with book 1, if you're starting here with book 5, I know without a doubt that you'll want to go back and discover the love that surprises each and every one of these smexy Scalera brothers as their romances are told. Each is as unique as each of these powerful men are, as their talents for solving the impossible while trying their hardest to keep everyone they care for safe is gloriously enticing. You won't be able to look away and you'll want even more once the last page is read.

I will say I think I need more with the Scalera women as a group. Maybe some group texts or a true sitdown that leads to becoming besties and being able to talk about their men in secret. Each woman is strong in her own right yet vulnerable when it comes to love and family. The delicate web that Sophia Karlson has created with this series involves many moving parts, varied and clashing personalities, danger beyond belief and yet each new person introduced manages to fit right in with all the mayhem they encounter. Getting to watch Malina soothe Gigi's sister when she and Stephano had to walk on eggshells around her, was very touching and again, showed how these women may just get each other on a level that is all their own.

Brutal Vows lives up to its name as perhaps the darkest of the series so far. There are some harsh moments with dire consequences that took me by surprise and had me putting the book down to catch my breath a bit. But I find that with most of these Mafia Vows books, knowing to skip any part of this complicated journey would have been foolish. It's clever and well-written as Sophia Karlson seamlessly guides us in all things Mafia and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat while you fall hard for Luca Scalera and his heart of gold. I honestly cannot think of a better combination.

5 huge stars!!

[Maria Schoombee]

Brutal Vows by Sophia Karlson

Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Length: 390 pages
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

The Story

Luca Scalera is not the kind of man who appreciates being told what to do—especially when it involves marriage. As a powerful figure within Il Consiglio, he is furious when his Don orders him into an arranged union designed to strengthen ties with the Petrov Bratva.

But the situation becomes far more complicated when Luca discovers that his future wife is Milana Petrov, Ivan Petrov’s sister.

There is just one problem: Luca already knows who she is.

Or at least, he thinks he does.

Milana is the same woman whose explicit videos Luca was once hired to erase from the internet. At the time, he believed she was simply another one of Ivan Petrov’s mistresses. Discovering that she is actually his sister (and now Luca’s intended bride) changes everything.



One of the strongest aspects of Brutal Vows is its pacing. The story moves quickly and keeps the tension alive without losing the richness of its criminal underworld. Sophia Karlson does a great job of making the Italian and Russian organisations feel distinct, giving each side its own hierarchy, atmosphere, and sense of power.

The Russian setting also adds a fantastic edge to the story. The cold, unforgiving landscape and the presence of the Chertnikov Bratva create an atmosphere that feels both dangerous and immersive.

And then there is Masha.

She was easily one of the most interesting surprises in the book. At first, she appears to be one thing, but as the story progresses, more layers are revealed. I really enjoyed watching expectations around her character shift.

The larger conflict between the Chertnikov Bratva and Il Consiglio was something I found genuinely intriguing. There is clearly a much bigger story happening beyond Luca and Milana's relationship, involving territorial tensions, power struggles, and criminal politics.

Part of me would have loved to explore that world in greater detail. At the same time, expanding too deeply into those conflicts could easily have turned this into a much longer, more politically driven book. For a romance-focused story, I think the author made the right choice by keeping the central relationship at the heart of the novel.

Karlson’s writing is clean and easy to follow, particularly when it comes to the alternating points of view. The perspective shifts feel deliberate rather than distracting, allowing both Luca and Milana's emotional journeys to develop naturally.

At its core, this is a story built around several classic dark romance elements:

Duty vs. Desire

Neither Luca nor Milana enters this marriage willingly. Their relationship begins as an obligation—another sacrifice demanded by the violent worlds they belong to. But as attraction and emotional attachment begin to complicate the arrangement, the line between duty and desire becomes increasingly difficult to navigate.

Forced Proximity & Secrets

Being forced to share space means Luca and Milana have very little opportunity to avoid each other. Their initial hostility slowly gives way to curiosity, attraction, and eventually something much deeper. Along the way, secrets from Milana’s past begin to surface.

Trauma & Emotional Baggage

Both characters carry wounds that influence how they see themselves and their capacity to be loved. Milana struggles with the fallout of a deeply personal public scandal, while Luca remains trapped beneath the shadow of his father's legacy and his own unresolved trauma.

Neither believes they deserve happiness. Watching them confront those beliefs and begin to move beyond their pasts gives the romance its emotional weight.

From Angst to Redemption

There is plenty of tension, emotional conflict, power imbalance, and angst throughout the story. But beneath all the darkness is a satisfying journey toward healing, redemption, and ultimately, a happily-ever-after that feels earned.



Brutal Vows is a fast, addictive read for fans of dark mafia romance. It delivers arranged marriage drama, dangerous family politics, emotional baggage, forced proximity, and plenty of high-stakes tension.

The broader world-building kept me interested, but it was the characters — and the unexpected developments surrounding people like Masha — that kept me turning the pages.

If you enjoy dark mafia romances with complicated characters, emotional intensity, and relationships born out of obligation and danger, this is definitely one to add to your list.

Overall: ★★★★★

[Nicole]

O M G the plot thickens with Luca’s story; each twist and turn had me riveted, and there were SO MANY.

✦Series: Mafia Vows, 5
MF interconnected standalone. There’s no cliffhanger, but the series must be read in order.

Luca lived in the shadows as his twin’s doppelganger. Now it’s his turn to pay his dues through an arranged marriage to protect his little sister and Il Consiglio’s new alliance with the Petrov Bratva.

Milana has dangerous secrets and will do anything to escape the cage her Pakhan brother trapped her in. Arranging a marriage with her new sister-in-law’s mafia brother is the start.

✦POV: Dual
Luca is the mysterious brother because he’s been a background player so far. Everything about this man makes me sigh: charming, swoon-worthy, funny, will burn down the world for the woman he loves. Add to cart 🛒

Milana has some big secrets! She’s the black cat to Luca’s golden retriever personality but with that much trauma? I get it. She’s a talented concert pianist, layered, and cunning. I loved her.

These two are perfectly matched. The fact she’s Luca’s dream girl personified (literally, it’s a whole thing) gives fated vibes.

✦Spice: Open door
The slooow burn is torture, but the payoff makes up for it. Luca ratchets the tension with sensual touches, innuendo, and a body that makes Milana want to give up her vow never to trust another man. Also: 🍆🪜, so again, add to cart 🛒 😮‍💨🫠

» THIS WAS A WILD RIDE. Escape plots, turf wars, dark web, more gasps than I can count- I was locked in and I *cannot* wait to see how this all wraps up with Benedict in book 6!

✩ I love how some of the storylines run concurrently. Seeing events from different POVs adds so much depth! Each book starts with a recap which is so helpful!

♡ Sophia delivers another banger! Perfect if you love angsty mafia/ bratva romance with tangled storylines that will keep you up way too late (just me?). Satisfaction and HEA guaranteed!

⚠️ Contains so many triggers- please check warnings!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ happily rounded up!

✨ Thank you Sophia for the ARC to review!

→ Connect with me on Instagram!

[Liz]

Luca Scalera’s marriage to Milana Petrov in Brutal Vows is an arranged alliance between Il Consiglio and the Bratva, intended to protect Luca’s younger sister. Throughout the Mafia Vows series, Luca has remained something of a mystery - the family’s elusive hacker, usually lurking in the background unless he’s stepping in to impersonate his identical twin. More than anything, he wants a life far removed from the mafia, but family is family so when his Don tells him he’s expected to marry Milana, he agrees without much resistance. After all, there’s always divorce… right? That plan changes the moment he meets Milana and recognises her from the photographs he’s seen. It doesn’t take long for him to realise that she shares his desire to escape the life they’ve both been forced into. But he notices the secrets and hurt behind her eyes that make him want to figure her out and he becomes determined to discover who or what put them there. Before long, his curiosity develops into something much more intense, and he finds himself becoming slightly obsessed with the woman he never meant to fall for.

Their romance is definitely a slow burn, but that worked really well for their story and the tension simmering between them makes every moment delicious as they get to know each other. I liked how much they had in common; both are essentially trapped in lives they never wanted, and neither is particularly quick to trust or open up. Understandably, Milana especially has her walls firmly in place reluctant to trust any man, so Luca has to prove himself rather than simply expect her trust. His actions, particularly when he puts himself at risk for her, really show the kind of man he is beneath his enigmatic and somewhat detached exterior. There’s also plenty happening outside of the romance, with the story moving at a good pace and bringing plenty of action, twists and danger without taking away from the developing relationship.

Overall, Brutal Vows gave Luca the chance to finally step out of the shadows, while Milana proved to be a strong match for him. Their slow-burn romance, underlying tension and mafia intrigue worked well together. For anyone who loves romantic suspense with a dark mafia edge, Luca and Milana’s story delivers plenty to keep you turning the pages.

[Mags]

I am absolutely obsessed with this book! Brutal Vows is brutal in the best way possible. Sophia Karlson has delivered an absolute masterpiece with Luca and Milana’s story.

Luca completely stole my heart. Having spent his entire life hidden away in the shadows as Steph’s identical twin—used by the old Don only when necessary—he finally wants out. With the old Don gone, his brother Matteo in charge, and his twin living his best life in Italy, Luca is ready to jump on his motorbike and escape the mafia life for good. He wants to live in the light. But Matteo has other plans: a double wedding that ties the Mafia and the Bratva together. Luca must marry Milana Petrov, while Milana’s brother Ivan marries the long-lost Scalera sister, Gabi.

Milana is the ultimate foil for Luca. She is dealing with massive, dangerous secrets and has only agreed to this marriage to find a way to escape back to Russia—something her brother Ivan is dead-set against. When Luca takes on the task of keeping her safe in Boston, he quickly realises she is hiding something. Once the truth comes out, the lengths Luca goes to to protect her and get her what she needs—even knowing he is risking absolutely everything—is pure perfection. Milana is so vulnerable yet incredibly strong and brave, and watching her learn to trust Luca after everything she has been through was so rewarding.

The chemistry between them is sizzling, the banter is completely on point, and the spicy scenes are absolute fire! Nothing felt rushed; every single emotional beat and physical moment was completely earned. I also absolutely loved the family discussions at the end of the story, which gave the book such a satisfying wrap-up. A flawless five-star read!

[Ehva]

Luca and Milana 😩🧎‍♀️ Omfg!! These two have me on my knees! My favourite Sophia Karlson couple 🫦 Their chemistry, banter, flirting and love 🥹 had me hooked from their first meet 😏 Thank you so much, Sophia, for this ARC ❤️

Milana Petrov 🧎‍♀️ This sassy, feisty, brave Russian 🥹 I am absolutely obsessed with this fmc! I am frickin ecstatic that she has everything she loves and always wanted 😌🥹 Milana fought bravely and fiercely throughout this book! Her man is so hopelessly in love 😌 He literally follows her around like a puppy! Can we blame him 😏🫦 Beautiful, intelligent, brave, sassy, protective, fearless, kind, sunshine, shy, a mafia Princess, and obsessed 😏 She falls hopelessly for the man she wanted to leave behind 🤭 Someone that comforts, loves her, and will do literally anything for her happiness 🥹

Luca Scalera 🧎‍♀️This obsessed, intelligent Italian MAN 🥵 Luca is my dream and I adore his character so much 🥹 He is usually the joker, the golden retriever. But when it comes to his woman, he is ott protective, banterful, and absolutely loves to flirt 😏 He droves us crazy and we love him even more 🥹 He risks his life to take her to Russia, even though they are forbidden from going there. All because she asked him 😩 I love a man who will do anything for his woman 💃 Handsome, a billionaire, talented, tech genius, banterful, golden retriever, touch her and die, protective, obsessed af, kinky, pierced, and the hidden Mafia prince.

Gawd dayum, the spice 💃🥵 Sophia, you had me giggling and gasping! Their chemistry is sizzling and the kinkiness is perfect for them 🫦 I need the next book because that man has me 😍

[Redcurlsangel]

ARC Review, thx Sophia Karlson

This is the fifth book in the series and one of the best I’ve read recently.
I recommend reading them in order so you can fully grasp the overall story. Each book includes a brief, concise recap of the previous ones, making it easy to jump right back into the saga of the Scalera brothers.
I feel completely wrung out emotionally. It’s like a rollercoaster ride: once you get on, there’s no getting off until the end.
I laughed so much during the first half; the banter between Luca and Milana is top-notch. Luca simply wins everyone over with his charm—I fell in love with him. He is kind and loving, yet he has spent his entire life feeling like nothing more than a "replacement" for his twin brother. He doesn't even realize his own potential—and boy, there is a lot to him.
To discover who he really is, he needs the "scheming" rebel Milana. She’ll do anything to get back to Russia, though no one understands why.
The growth Luca and Milana experience—both individually and as a couple in an arranged marriage—is written in a way that is both refreshing and heartbreaking.
That’s why I shed so many tears during the final third of the book. I’m still processing everything I’ve read.
This installment was definitely the best one yet for me—and the first four were already fantastic.
Highly recommended!
HEA no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 2,5/5

[Sarah Bennett]

Oh wow okay so this book is so much more. You do have to read book four to understand this book. But man is there so much more that you did not know from the previous book to this one. Clearly, Milana is hiding a lot of secrets. And when you learn those secrets, oh boy are they big! And you also get to read about Luca which is Stephano twin brother. You do hear about him a little bit and Stephano's book. And clearly they both share something the same but not. They were both taught to be invisible. This book is so much more, I honestly loved it better than the devil's vow. And that's saying a lot because I love this series. But there's so much and it does lead off to the point where the arranged marriage starts. So you start from that section but on their POV.

You learn so much that you get so much hooked in, because there so many clues that are connecting but are adding more to it. But my this book had me in a choke hold!!! I need the next one, I need to know what happened after that ending. Because who is this person! How are they all connected, what is going to happen next!!!?!?!! Ugh I need that next book now!!!!!!!

[Crystal D]

I have absolutely loved this series and I equally love Luca! At the end of the day he’s done he wants out and just as he’s prepared to have this conversation with his brother he gets blindsided by an arrangement of marriage instead. That will seal his escape from the life will never happen for him. Milana is full of secrets ones that will get people killed especially if they want to help her so she’s forced to do things on her own(aside from her best friend) I loved how Luca was in with her and when he was an asshole she knew in heart why he was being that way. He needed to be seen for who he is just him as he’s forever been the doppleganger of his brother the one that needs to be someone else.

Again I love kids in books they steal the show and well a 4 month old did it in this one. No words just simple actions and swoon worthy moments that will make anyone have ovary explosions! lol

Is this the last book in the series? I’m thinking not. So until the next one!

[Brooklyn Lowe]

-mafia/bratva
-motorcycle
-arranged marriage
-pierced peen

Was I anticipating crying in a mafia book? No, but Luca and Milana’s story got me. An arranged marriage. Secrets. Lies.

I don’t want to give any spoilers… this was so good. I couldn’t put this book down.

This is book 5 of the il Consiglio series. There is a story line. It makes sense to read the whole series. We still have Benedict’s story, and I can’t wait to see what happens.

[Kasey]

4.5 stars
Brutal Vows is the 5th book in the Mafia Vows series, and it was such a thrilling and exciting book in the series. Luca, the twin of Stephano, has always been the mysterious brother that has remained largely unseen throughout the series, serving as a background player. He becomes important when he is forced to enter an arranged marriage to Milana, Ivan Petrov sister. She needs to return to Russia for an undisclosed reason, so she manipulates her brother into orchestrating this arrangement. However, everything goes awry when Luca forces Milana to remains unseen due to outside forces and refuses to take her to Russia. Milana is forced to reveal the reason behind her need to go to Russia. Initially when I started reading, I suspected the surprise twist, but as I read more, I forgot about it as I became engrossed in the story and was shocked when she finally disclosed the truth. It was a brilliant plot twist that made sense in the context of the previous book, explaining Milana’s behavior and actions. Her fierce and powerful nature, coupled with the strength she possesses to overcome the challenges she faces, ties up the story.

Luca, a mysterious and brooding hacker, yearns to escape the clutches of the mafia. He desires a life of his own but finds himself entangled in this marriage. I believe Luca and Milana share more similarities than they initially thought. Both have been kept hidden, undervalued, and relegated to secondary roles in the story. This shared experience likely forms the foundation of their deeper connection. It is this common ground that strengthens their relationship and makes them a formidable couple. Their banter in the early stages of the series was both hilarious and endearing. Additionally, Luca’s unwavering protection of Milana’s entire family added to the depth of their bond.

The second half of the book is equally thrilling and suspenseful as they embark on their journey to Russia. The experience is filled with nail-biting moments and stress. The plot is not only captivating but also meticulously crafted, keeping me thoroughly invested in the unfolding events. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series and thank the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review.