How do I know my husband despises me? He calls me enemy before he calls me wife.
Leonardo Chiaroscuro marries me like it’s an execution. Cold eyes. Ruthless hands. A playboy prince forced to bed the daughter of his rival.
He humiliates me in private. Claims me in public. And when his control slips, it’s terrifying how much he wants me.
I learn too late that this marriage was never meant to last.
I go home seeking answers. And am locked inside betrayal. Told my baby was a mistake. One they plan to erase after my husband dies.
I escape to warn him. Gunfire greets me instead.
His father is dead. His empire is ashes. And Leonardo looks at me like I pulled the trigger.
He disappears. I’m taken.
And as the enemy presses a hand to my stomach, they smile… Because they know exactly what I’m carrying.
Author’s Destructive Ties is a dark mafia romance series of interconnected standalones. Each book follows a different couple, but the betrayals—and consequences—carry through the series. Recommended reading Oath of Deceit → Bonds of Betrayal → Covenant of Loss → Vow of Destruction → Chains of Recompense.
Oath of Deceit is the first book in the Destructive Ties Series. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. A beautifully written story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that's driven by revenge that captures the reader attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages with it's pulse-pounding suspense, panty-melting passion, mystery, high-octane adventures and surprises. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this mind-blowing tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with tension, drama, threats, and attacks. In this dark mafia romance, Leonardo marries his rival's daughter in a forced union. When his empire falls and his father dies, he blames his pregnant wife for betrayal. This is Sora and Leo story which is told from a dual point of view. Destructive Ties is a dark mafia romance series of interconnected standalones. Each book follows a different couple, but the betrayals and consequences carry through the series. A romance collections & anthologies stories, action & adventure romance, erotic literature & fiction story, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, forced marriage romance, forced proximity romance, virgin heroine story, contemporary romance, off-limits romance, forbidden romance, taboo romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, morally-grey antihero romance, mafia romance, aged gap trope romance, polar opposite attracts story, enemy's-daughter relationship, arranged marriage story, marriage-of-convenience romance, he-falls-first romance, secret pregnancy story with rivalry, lies, chaos, deep hidden secrets, hatred, danger, violence, enemies, loss, love, deception, darkness, madness, anger, spice, obsession, hurt and pain, possessiveness, alliance, dirty talking, miscommunication, kidnapping, action packed, murder, survival, bloodshed, family dysfunction, captivity, gun fight, revenge, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, retaliation, push and pull, cruelty, resilience, humiliation, hidden agendas, manipulation, pawn, mob war and redemption. Eighteen year old Yakuza mafia princess Sora Tanaka as lived a sheltered life all her life but have also been groomed to be the perfect wife for her mafia husband whenever her father arranged a marriage for her. The Tanaka family had been at war with the Chiaroscuro. Her father have arranged a marriage with Don of the Chiaroscuro for her to marry his son Leonardo Chiaroscuro in order to stop the war and have peace among the two families. Italian mafia prince Leonardo Chiaroscuro is the heir to the Chiaroscuro throne. He's also the eldest child of five. His father wants him to get married not because he wanted to stop the war between the two families but destroy them. Leo is against this union regardless of what his father wants and will do anything to stop it. Leo is the thirty-four year old heir, and reluctant groom to Sora. Although the purpose of the marriage is to stop the bloodshed between the two families, he knows that deep down neither family is truly willing to make peace and have entered in this arrangement to secretly get dirt on the other to decimate each other. Her brother also have a separate agenda from his father. They both oppose this union but neither have a choice in the matter and as to do what their dad's say. Their union was setup for failure and doom to fail before the ink dries on the contract because both parents is playing a dangerous game with deep dark secret and hidden agendas. Leo does everything in his power to get Sora to back is unsuccessful. Leo marry her like an execution. Cold eyes. Ruthless hands. A playboy prince who was forced into bedding the daughter of his rival. Sora knows that her husband despises her because he calls her enemy before he calls her wife. Leo claims her in public and in private he humiliates her. But when his control slips, it's terrifying how much he wants her. However, she learns too late that their marriage was never meant to last. She got soon into the marriage something that should've never happened based on the plans that her father has for the Chiaroscuro's. Leo made is dad mad because he wasn't doing the job that his dad wanted him to do and have fallen for Sora. She overheard a conversation between Leo and his dad that made her ran home seeking answers. But was told by her mother that as they speak that the Chiaroscuro's mansion was being attacked by her brothers with evil asshole brother Kenji at the charge. She's locked inside of a betrayal and not of her choosing. And was even told that her baby was a mistake, one they plan to erase after they kill her husband. And as she tried to go warn her husband she was locked into a room by her equally vile and evil mother. And when Sora escaped her mother's clutches to warn him about her family's plan, she was greeted by gunfire instead and the house was in a total disaster and mayhem. And standing there in the middle was her brother Kenji taunted him with lies that Sora knew that they were going to attack his family from the start and had betrayed him for her family. His father was dead and his empire is in ashes and Leo looked at her like she had pulled the trigger herself. He walk away and disappeared in chaos and then she was taken and put on yacht. They taunt her and was about to rape her but she told them that she was pregnant. And as the enemy presses a hand to her stomach, they smile because they know exactly what she was carrying. Leo doesn't know what she's carrying his heir. But when he hears that she was pregnant he went to go rescue her and just in time. He'd found out that she wasn't aware of her parents plans for his family. The two confesses their love for each other and get their hard fought HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
He married her for power. She became the only thing he couldn’t risk losing.
Leo was raised to lead, command, and win. When he's forced to marry Sora, the daughter of his family's oldest enemy, he sees a threat wrapped in silk and duty. Cold and calculated, he draws his lines early. Enemy first. Wife second.
Sora walks into the lion's den knowing it was never about love. She’s quiet, smart, and stronger than anyone expects. But nothing prepares her for the brutal politics, the heat behind closed doors, or the man who claims her like he’s already lost her. She came to survive. She starts to want more.
As sparks turn to something deeper, buried lies come to light. Sora searches for truth and stumbles into betrayal she never saw coming. What she carries puts her in the crosshairs. What she learns leaves her with one impossible choice.
Taken. Tested. Changed. She holds tight to one truth: love like this doesn’t die in the dark. And Leo? He'll tear down the world to bring her home. Together, they don't just survive what was meant to break them. They rise from it.
Sora grows from a silenced bride into a woman who won’t be caged. Leo lets go of power, pride, and everything he thought mattered to protect the only thing he can’t lose. What starts as forced proximity burns into loyalty, healing, and the kind of love that changes them both.
A dark, steamy, age gap, enemies to lovers, forced marriage, secret pregnancy, kidnapped heroine, morally gray hero, mafia romance exploring power dynamics, betrayal, identity, loyalty, survival, family legacy, revenge, redemption, and love through adversity. It’s about two enemies bound by duty who become each other’s only escape, where trust is forged in fire, intimacy becomes survival, and love is strong enough to tear down the empires built to keep them apart.
The Elevator Pitch: A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance where a forced marriage between enemies ignites into something dangerously real. Twisting through betrayal, power struggles, and a secret that could cost them everything, it’s a story of survival, loyalty, and love that refuses to break. High heat, high stakes, and a connection that cuts deeper than blood.
✨ Contemporary 🔥 Romantic suspense 🖤 Dark romance ⚔️ Mafia 🔥 Forced proximity 🔥 Age gap 🔥 Enemies to lovers 🔥 Forced marriage ⚔️ Arranged marriage 🖤 Secret pregnancy ⚔️ Kidnapped bride ✨ Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline ✨ Page turner / suspenseful / fast-paced ✨ Fun cast of supporting characters
Oath of Deceit is the first book in Destructive Ties series. From the first page the story emerges the readers into the treacherous heart of the dark mafia romance genre, delivering an unrelenting narrative of betrayal, passion, and survival. The tone is charged with visceral tension, drawing readers into a world where love is a weapon and loyalty a fleeting illusion.
Leonardo is described as a 'playboy prince', never wanted to be a Don or bear the heavy burden of duty and expectations. His initial interactions with Sora are marked by calculated coldness—a deliberate emotional distance intended to assert dominance and establish boundaries, treating her as a mere pawn. Caught in the crossfire of this hostile environment, Sora is not merely a victim but a strong heroine, embodying quiet defiance, vulnerability, and inner strength. Between them exists undeniable attraction and chemistry, which only further captivates Leonardo. Though they both struggle with their feelings, they find strength in each other.
A powerful and intense read that perfectly sets the world of the Destructive Ties series. It blends raw passion with intricate plotting, leaving readers utterly captivated by an emotionally charged romance and the harsh realities of the world.
Oath of Deceit is a gripping, emotionally charged dark mafia romance that pulls you in from the very first page and never loosens its hold. Built around an arranged marriage meant to fortify an alliance between the Italian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza, this story delivers tension, danger, and an unexpectedly powerful love. Leonardo never wanted to be Don, nor did he want a wife; yet duty forces him into a marriage with Sora, a Japanese princess, used as a pawn by her family for a hidden agenda. What begins as hostility, control, and humiliation slowly transforms into something neither of them anticipated. Beneath the cold exterior and ruthless reputation, Leonardo reveals himself to be fiercely protective and deeply loving, and the chemistry between him and Sora is intense and combustible. As secrets unravel, betrayals surface, and danger closes in, especially with a baby on the way, their love is tested in the most brutal ways. Packed with suspense, shocking twists, emotional depth, and unforgettable moments, this book is a powerful start to the Destructive Ties series. Lisa Cullen once again proves her ability to blend darkness with heart, and I will absolutely keep reading her books! Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oath of Deceit pulled me in fast and never let go. This book is packed with tension, secrets, and emotional twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. From the start, there’s a sense that nothing is quite as it seems, and I loved slowly uncovering the truth alongside the characters.
The characters themselves are a huge strength of this story. They’re complex, flawed, and driven by motivations that feel believable. The relationships are layered with mistrust and longing, which makes every interaction feel charged. I especially appreciated how the author allowed the characters to grow and change rather than keeping them stuck in predictable roles.
The pacing is strong, balancing action, emotional moments, and revelations in a way that keeps the story engaging without feeling overwhelming. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot took another turn, and I was completely hooked again.
Overall, Oath of Deceit is a gripping, emotionally rich read that blends intrigue with strong character development.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Neither Leo, a Mafia prince, or Sora, a Yakuza princess, want to get married, but their families need the marriage to seal their alliance. Leo is particularly hostile; in his 30s, he has successfully avoided marriage thus far and has earned a reputation as a total man Ho-ho-ho. He’s barking up the wrong tree when he tries to get Sora to cancel the wedding because she has as little or less choice about it. Not an auspicious start. But soon the bow-chicka-wow-wow takes over, and somehow neither one minds quite so much… I thought the book was pretty good. I haven’t read a lot of Yakuza romance, and would have liked more of the culture and norms of it represented in the book, however. Book is SAFE. Heat is EXPLICIT, frequent, and features a Virgin Heroine. TRIGGERS include emotional abuse, violence, language. TROPES include International Relations, Forced/Arranged Marriage, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Secret Pregnancy, Enemies to Lovers, Reformed Man Ho-Ho-Ho.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sora was always a pawn in her family and was never valued as a person. When her father makes a deal with the families sworn enemies, Sora is thrown into the pit to become a bridge, but life doesn't always work the way some people want it to.
Leo is the oldest son of the reigning mafia family and as such is made to marry the daughter of their enemy. This marriage is nothing he wants and he knows that neither family are willing to make a bond to strengthen either family, but he has to do what his father wants.
This story was full of little things that made you want to keep reading and turning the pages. The main characters were written very well and held my interest throughout. There were times I wanted to yell at them, but on the whole they held their own in each family. Sora was stronger than many gave her credit for and with that strength she tried to best to give her husband and his family respect and kindness, even when it wasn't give back most of the time. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more in this series.
Such a gripping start to Lisa Cullen's dark mafia series. A begrudgingly sinful flare of heat sparks between Sora and Leo as the Italians and the Yakuza's endless stream of deception and hate are finally settling down with their marriage.
There was a lot of tension between Sora and Leo as neither wanted to be held down by marriage—especially Leo with his womanizing ways and uninterested role in becoming the new Don. But every flame that burns bright needs oxygen to keep it going, and that is what Sora is to him. He may not want his new wife, or so he says, but he does enjoy the passion that flares between them.
Sora on the other hand just wants peace—for their families and for herself. If that means having to shackle herself to a man that sees nothing in her than a bridge between both waring factions, she'll do it.
I'm excited to read the next book and see Miko (Leo's adoptive brother) and Anika have in store for us.
I've not read a lot by Lisa Cullen, I'm ashamed to say, but I plan to remedy that immediately. What I have read has been outstanding. This book here included in that statement. I loved everything about it!
This is book one of the Destructive Ties series by Lisa Cullen and centers around Leo and Sora. They have an arranged marriage neither wanted, they very much have a lot of dislike for each other, but there is definite chemistry between them. It's very much there, even with Leo doing his hardest to hate Sora because of the family she comes from. That becomes much easier said than done.
It's definitely a journey to them finding love and overcoming their struggles, but that's what makes it so beautiful and raw. This was a slow burn, but it was perfect that way. The plot, the characters, the drama, the action, everything about this book made it a perfect read, and I'm so excited to see what comes next! Can not wait for the next book by this author!
Oath of Deceit hooked me right away and wouldn't let go. It's full of tension, hidden secrets, and emotional twists that kept me reading late into the night. From the first page, you sense nothing is what it seems—and I loved piecing together the truth with the characters. The characters are a major highlight: complex, flawed, and driven by realistic motivations. Their relationships crackle with mistrust, longing, and depth, making every scene feel electric. I especially liked how they actually grow and evolve instead of staying stuck in the same roles. The pacing is spot-on, mixing action, heartfelt moments, and big revelations perfectly. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the plot twisted again and pulled me right back in. Overall, it's a gripping, emotionally rich story that masterfully blends intrigue with strong character development. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At 18, Sora Tanaka has her whole life ahead of her. She soon learns that she is to be the bridge to a peace plan between two warring families. Sora is to be the bride of Leonardo Chiaroscuro, the 32 year old heir to his Italian family. Sora does not want to be married so young but it is what she has been born into. She was raised to become a Yakuza wife and to run a home for her husband so he is free to do his job. Just as Leonardo accepts that as the oldest born son of his four brothers it is expected of him to become the heir to his father.
Lisa Cullen did a great job with this book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I have always enjoyed her books but I enjoy mafia stories the most and she did not let me down with Sora and Leo's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leo and Sora are brought together in an arranged marriage between the Italian mafia and the Yakuza to make them stronger against their enemies. Leo tells Sora in no uncertain terms to end the arrangement, as he doesn't want to marry her. But the marriage goes ahead as planned, and Leo finds himself falling for Sora much as he tries not to. Then things start to go wrong when the Yakuza dont want to keep to their agreement with the Chiaroscuro family. Sora finds herself caught in the middle between the two families. Will Leo and Sora ever get their HEA, or will family politics tear them apart? I recieved an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a Dark Mafia Romance with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, then you will love this book.
Despite their obvious dislike of their arranged marriage, the attraction and chemistry between Leo and Sora is so palpable - even if, in Leo's concern, he tries his utmost to hate Sora because of her family. Their journey to loving each other made this such a great book to read. Even Kenji, although I disliked his character I couldn't help but understand him at the same time. Yes, he's completely horrible to Sora, but it did make me wonder how much is he like the way he is because of his father; and the responsibility that is thrust upon him because they are Yakuza.
This was a great slowburn, mafia romance read, and it will be interesting to see what next lies in store for Leo's brothers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved these charachters! Neither Leo nor Sora really want to be married and Leo tries to get Sora to back out. His antics to get her to hate him are hilarious but it is easy to see that he still lets Sora get under his skin. The passion they shared was just the perfect amount without taking away from an excellent story. The brothers were just crazy enough to make you crave a sequel to hear how they fall. And the parents decide to separate them until the wedding?? That scene had me in stitches!
The writing was superb, characters were well developed to make you fall in love, and the twists kept you guessing. Loved this book and cant wait to read more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oath of Deceit is a suspenseful story. It will keep you guessing.
Sora is only eighteen years old. She finds out that she is going to be married to Leonardo to keep peace between their families. He is 32 years old and is an Italian. Sora doesn't want to get married so young. Leo doesn't want to marry Sora. They both have to do what is necessary for their families.
Leo begins to fall in love with Sora. Suddenly Sora's family doesn't want to keep peace between Leo's family. Sora has to decide where her loyalty lies.
I love how Leo's and Sora's story was filled with twists that keep you entertained and guessing. I look forward to the next story from this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yowza!!! Oath of Deceit by Lisa Cullen was the totally engrossing story of Leo and Sora. Their families are intense rivals. Italians and Japanese. A deal is made to bring the families together…a marriage, of sorts…between Leo (about to be the head of the family), and Sora, a prized asset of the Japanese. Neither want it. Neither look forward to it. Both agree to do it…for their families.
There’s so much more happening in this backstory!!! I totally embraced these two characters!!! Him, the wanton playboy. Her, the pure embodiment of cultural sanctity. Each family has their own motives for the coupling. LOVED THIS READ!!!!!!
I so loved this new world presented to us by Lusa Cullen, who weaves together a dark and delicious blend of Japanese Yakuza and the Italian Mafia, in a story that unites the two powerful crime families of Sora Tanaka and Leonardo Chiaroscuro.
The story is about an arranged/forced marriage between two very different people who, despite all the odds and miscommunications, find love. Their marriage, which began as a business arrangement, turns into the real thing
This is the first book in a new series, and I admit I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oath of Deceit is a dark Mafia forced marriage between Leo, the heir to his Italian Mafia who is reluctant to marry Sora who is a princess from the Japanese Yakuza crime family. He goes to great lengths to force Sora to refuse their engagement and upcoming marriage since Leo does not trust her family. After they are wed Sora must acclimate to the Italian household as well as serve as an intermediary between both families. Their age gap romance has well developed characters, intrigue, criminal underworld action, mistrust, and steamy passion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just wow! This was a very intense book. Leo and Sora were incredible in this. This book pulled me in quickly, and kept me engaged throughout its entirety. The twists and turns had me on a rollercoaster ride. Every time I thought I know what was going to happen next, PLOT TWIST! The depth and emotion that was written into this was amazing. There was betrayal and secrets, lies and deception. So much to place in this. I enjoyed the danger and chaos as well. It kept me on the edge of my seat. This was truly a mind blowing book. Loved every minute.
This is a great addition to Cullen's new Destructive Ties series. A great mafia romance read that while part of an interconnected series, can be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Leo and Sora and while their arranged marriage is not ideal, the chemistry they have is undeniable. Loved the danger and tension as well as all the heat. A gripping storyline with great characters you'll be sure to love! Can't wait for more from Cullen!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Oath of Deceit is a spellbinding where the Japanese Yakuza are warring with the Italian Mafia. To bring things to an end a marriage between the warring factions come into play with Leo and Sora as the marriage pact and their journey begins. It is a marriage of deception, lies and betrayals but through it all Leo and Sora find their way. Will their marriage finally bring an end to the war between their families. This action-packed story kept me on the edge of my seat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oath of Deceit is a dark blend of Italian Mafia and Japanese Yakuza that unites the crime families of leads Sora Tanaka and Leonardo Chiaroscuro when they are forced into marriage. I enjoyed the story which was dramatic, intrigue rich, filled with danger, suspense, family dynamics, action, surprises, and plenty of spice that was nicely written and was an entertaining read as a marriage that began as a business arrangement turned into so much more despite the manipulations of their families. HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story of Leo and Sora was a joy to read. Even though they are forced to marry by their fathers to align the competing families, they find it hard to ignore the fire between them.
Sora has been raised as an obedient Japanese mafia daughter, so declining to marry Leo is not allowed. But once he kisses her she can't control her desire.
This is a well written steamy mafia love story, with the passion and the violence expected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'And as the enemy presses a hand to my stomach, they smile… Because they know exactly what I’m carrying.'
The characters carried the story and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leo and Sora’s arranged marriage was meant to be an alliance between the mafia and yakuza. However, the situation is not as stable as it seems and actions only add to the tension between them all. When a betrayal results in a dangerous situation, coming out unscathed won’t be easy. This story was exciting and heart pounding, I even enjoyed the extended epilogue introducing the next book in the series. What a fantastic read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think Leo and Sora felt a bit light in terms of character development. Sora especially was just there. But there was some good growth through the book which is always nice. And I enjoyed all the action and drama.
There was a weird time issue with something happening in a few months but then it only being a month from the wedding. But they act like it's been longer. It was minor, just confusing to me.
This is the story about the heir to the Italian Mafia in Chicago marrying the daughter of the head of the Yakuza in Chicago. Leonardo does not want to become the new Don or get married. Sora has been raised to be the perfect Yakuza wife and has no idea how to live with a husband, his father and his 4 brothers. Especially when she has to be a go between her new family and the old one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oath Of Deceit is book 1 in the Destructive Ties series. This Leo and Sora's journey and it's quite a journey. The Italian Mafia meets Yakuza in this great, fast paced, enemies to lovers, age gap story. Their journey is gritty, intense, dramatic and full of action. There's not a dull moment from start to finish.
This is a compelling story of an arranged marriage, warring families and falling in love. What I love most about Lisa Cullen's stories is that it is easy to get lost in the story. Just the right match of strong characters and falling in love. Happy ever after ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me in a hold. I have enjoyed other books by Lisa Cullen so when I saw this one I knew I needed to read and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the developing romance between the couple and the supporting characters and can't wait to read the next book and hopefully see more of Leo's brothers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.