Bound by Fire

Vows & Vengeance #2

by Raven DeNoir

He’s a soldier in the Irish mafia. She’s the woman who makes him question everything.

After surviving a brutal war that nearly cost him everything, Liam O’Connell is laser-focused on protecting his family and their empire. Loyalty is sacred. Distraction is deadly. And Ava—fierce, untouchable, unforgettable—is a risk he can’t afford.

But when an attack leaves Ava shaken and vulnerable, Liam does the he locks her away in Ravenhurst, under his protection and far too close to the fire burning between them. She’s furious. He’s unapologetic. And neither of them is ready for what happens next.

Ava refuses to be caged, even by the man who saved her life. But desire doesn’t obey reason—and when sparks fly, they ignite a passion neither of them can deny.

As war brews with the Bratva and old alliances fracture, Liam is faced with an impossible marry the enemy’s daughter to broker peace—or lose everything, including Ava.

The price of loyalty is steep. And sometimes, love is the most dangerous vow of all.

Unknown Binding

First published June 9, 2025

About the author

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I write BWWM romance across four lanes: dark mafia, contemporary, paranormal, and erotic short stories—all built on obsession, power, and the kind of love that leaves bruises on your pride (in the best way).

My stories live where leverage matters. Where desire is a decision. Where the man doesn’t chase—he claims. And the woman isn’t a prize—she’s the one who can burn the whole operation down if she’s pushed wrong.

My debut novel, Dark Vows, released May 1, 2025, and it set the tone for what I do: high heat, hard choices, ruthless devotion, and heroines who don’t fold just because a powerful man wants them. Whether I’m writing mafia wars and bloodline politics, a contemporary romance that hits like a confession, a paranormal world with teeth, or a fast, filthy short meant to be read in one breath—my focus stays the same:

competent Black women, dangerous men, clear consent, and HEAs that are earned.

If you like romance with edge, intensity, and consequences—welcome.
If you want sweet, soft, and polite… you’re probably in the wrong place.

Start with Dark Vows. Then pick your poison.

Reviews

[SndyNYC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bound by Fire - Book 2

The book dragged too long. All the IT code talk was to over the top. I really felt bad for CJ & Talia, but this storyline was so convoluted that it was annoying !!!! So disappointed 😢

[Phaze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liam and Ava

Ava and Liam

The plot of the first book was very clear. In this book i got lost, It began focused on Ava and Liam, but the issues of other charcters started to take over.

Liam became protective of Ava after attempts were made against her. He took her to their compound to protect her.

Then they learned of the schemes of the Bratva against them. Then the chapters because repeatative about their system and software being hacked.

[Jevonna Sabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Raven DeNoir!

Right from the first page, I was hooked. The writing drew me in so quickly it felt like I was on a wild, exciting ride. The storyline was full of twists, suspense, and just the right amount of action to keep me turning the pages.

[A. Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Disappointed

I have read more than enough BWWM romances to know very bad writing. This story was very repetitive as if there wasn’t any editing. The book was way too long and didn’t really focus on the love story of the main characters. The dialogue was repetitive among all the characters.

The description and cover drew me in and I really had high hopes for this story but it was not well written. Believe it or not I still might read the 3 book hopefully there is improvement. Please get an editor. One is needed badly.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story

I wanted to like this book, but it was too repetitive, and the plot dragged on. The premise was good, but the story didn't work for me. I will still read the next book, because I am interested to see how the CJ and Nova storyline twists the story.

[raeneysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book thinking it was about Liam and Ava—their story had me intrigued from the beginning. But as I kept reading, it felt like the focus kept shifting. Suddenly, Roman and Janelle were front and center, and then it veered again toward CJ and Natalia. Honestly, I felt pulled in too many directions. I kept asking myself: who is this book really about?
The constant change in focus made it hard to stay emotionally invested. I wanted to follow one compelling arc, not bounce between characters who felt more like distractions than developments. I’ve decided not to continue with the rest of the series if it continues this way. The only exception? Elena and Victor. Their story still holds my attention, and Victor’s journey especially feels worth exploring.

[Heidi Riggsbee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as books 1 & 4

I read book 1 (Mac & Janelle) in the spring and then I read book 4 (Ronan & Jasira) over the holiday break. They were really good stories so I decided to go back and read other books in the series. However this book #2 (Ava & Liam; CJ & Natasha) did not live up to my expectations. I would suggest skipping this one and it’s highly unlikely that I’ll read book 3

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with heat, passion, betrayal and retribution the second book in the Vows and Vengeance series reeled me in from the very first page. The action continues fast and bloody and the heat sizzles off the page. This is Liam and Ava’s story which again ends on a cliff-hanger but I really didn’t mind. This series is worth the wait!
I was given an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Fern · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is so different from the first book in the series. THis one was supposed to focus on Ava and Liam and their romance but it was focused on CJ and Natalie and everyone else was secondary. Also, I was lost to the many characters as well as the computer dynamics which seemed to be the main focus of the story, too. I am going to take a break from this series and wait until the other books in the series are released.

[Kadine Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible editing..dragged out storyline

It took me a month to force myself to finish with this book and I usually read a book in 2 days. I skipped a pages to move through the story and the 7th page repeated he exact words of 1st page. Save yourselves. Skip this one. The story goes nowhere. Absolute trash.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew these two were going to get together. The flirting between them two in the first book. Ava is Liam’s ride or die period. She wants this man, she accepted his world, and so she wants the smoke too. I love this!!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc reading this story was a wild ride. The emotional roller coaster, the drama and SPICE. The story flows in a way that satisfies the brain but also in a way that makes sense. I will be reading this book again 10/10

[Joyce Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVISED & EXPANDED

I really started out really liking the first book. This one was very confusing. Some parts were great and other parts were very confusing. I think this book needs better proofreading. I plan on going for book 3, hopefully better.

[Avid Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful writing!