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Faithless Vows
Before I was old enough to understand marriage, I was promised to Ronin Byrne. It was a match made to bind our families and tie my future to his.
I was the girl from Ireland, raised to believe marriage was sacred and vows were kept for life. He was the heir to Boston's Irish mob, his father's crown waiting to pass to him the moment we said I do. I thought we were already partners. I thought he chose me.
But Ronin set me straight the night I became his bride. In front of his men, our families, and everyone who mattered, he showed me exactly what the promises he made to me were worth.
Nothing.
He broke me with a smile as he walked away with another woman, leaving me in the wreckage of my own beliefs. He made his choice. So I made mine.
I disappeared. I covered my tracks. I buried the girl he broke so deeply I hoped she would never resurface. But the past has a way of finding you, no matter how well you bury it.
When the man I once trusted with my heart tracks me down to remind me that wives don't get to vanish and that I belong to him, he won't find the girl who loved him without question.
She no longer exists.
And if Ronin Byrne wants even a chance at earning back what he destroyed, he'll have to decide how much he's willing to bleed for it.
I am Alannah O'Connell... and this is my heartbreak.
Content & Historical Context Notice
Faithless Vows is an emotionally intense romance set in the 1950s. It reflects the social attitudes, power dynamics, religious expectations, and criminal realities of the era.
This book includes on-page and off-page cheating or infidelity, sexual content, coercive dynamics and emotional manipulation, public humiliation, attempted abduction or forced return, threats and intimidation, and historical organized crime elements. Some situations may be triggering for certain readers. Reader discretion is advised.
I was the girl from Ireland, raised to believe marriage was sacred and vows were kept for life. He was the heir to Boston's Irish mob, his father's crown waiting to pass to him the moment we said I do. I thought we were already partners. I thought he chose me.
But Ronin set me straight the night I became his bride. In front of his men, our families, and everyone who mattered, he showed me exactly what the promises he made to me were worth.
Nothing.
He broke me with a smile as he walked away with another woman, leaving me in the wreckage of my own beliefs. He made his choice. So I made mine.
I disappeared. I covered my tracks. I buried the girl he broke so deeply I hoped she would never resurface. But the past has a way of finding you, no matter how well you bury it.
When the man I once trusted with my heart tracks me down to remind me that wives don't get to vanish and that I belong to him, he won't find the girl who loved him without question.
She no longer exists.
And if Ronin Byrne wants even a chance at earning back what he destroyed, he'll have to decide how much he's willing to bleed for it.
I am Alannah O'Connell... and this is my heartbreak.
Content & Historical Context Notice
Faithless Vows is an emotionally intense romance set in the 1950s. It reflects the social attitudes, power dynamics, religious expectations, and criminal realities of the era.
This book includes on-page and off-page cheating or infidelity, sexual content, coercive dynamics and emotional manipulation, public humiliation, attempted abduction or forced return, threats and intimidation, and historical organized crime elements. Some situations may be triggering for certain readers. Reader discretion is advised.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2026
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August 9, 2026
Honestly this is the story of a pathetic weak “mobster” and the dumbest bitch ever written into existence 🤧✨💀. I’m genuinely questioning if the author is mentally deficient or she just thinks her audience is 🤔. Honestly nobody needs to read this dumpster fire; it lacks sense and is pathetically unsatisfying. In fact you may have already read it before, this gave me war flashbacks to Bound to You by our fave author of loving, devoted Mafia men Charlotte McGinlay 🤗. Except this is set in the 50s and replaces the Irish mafia for the Bratva. Minus that you’ve just about got the same story, only author really somehow exceeded expectations and wrote an even more pathetic MMC with even less satisfying grovel 🤡. It’s really remarkable when you have no expectations and still walk away unsatisfied. Author puts FMC through the wringer and then hides behind plot armor, claiming it’s the 50s so she needs to put up with it lol 💀. I guess the readers defending her should pat themselves on the back, because author definitely wrote it with you in mind 🙄. Spoilers ahead.
So FMC is Alannah and MMC is Ronin. Ronin’s family runs the Irish mafia in Boston. Alannah’s family moves here when she’s 13 from Ireland. Her grandaddy wasn’t happy about this, but her dad is besties with Ronin’s daddy 💕✨. They decided to come out here and make a name for themselves. Mickey (FMC’s older brother) are introduced to Ronin and seems like he is really taken with Alannah. I think there’s a 3 year age gap.
So time passes and their families are close. It’s obvious that Ronin is obsessed with Alannah. He’s already been with OW at this point though 💕. Their dads approach him and ask if he’d be interested in marrying Alannah; he agrees 👰💍🤵. No one asks her obviously, they just tell her it’s gonna happen 💀. So please note everyone it’s HIS choice to marry her.
Despite this Ronin still fucks around on her from the start of their relationship 🥰. Him and Mickey are close because of business. Whenever they go out drinking, Ronin hooks up with random girls. He doesn’t “mean” to but then he gets drunk or Mickey pushes a girl on to him and it’s game over. His ass will wake up naked in a random girls bed. Mickey is indifferent towards his sister and doesn’t seem to like her 😑.
This bullshit aside, he decides to formally court Alannah when she turns 16. So he’s pursuing her and taking her on dates while still hooking up with OW 🥰💕✨🤢. One of these turns out to be daughter of one of his father’s men— Kathleen aka Kitty. He feels guilty but again nothing stops him lol 🤮. He goes out of his way to propose to Alannah when she turns 17. She’s smitten and thinks he loves her 💀. The plan is to get married at 18. She’s planning their whole life together and his weak ass just needs the slightest excuse to fall into bed with another woman 🙂↕️😒.
The author REALLY wants you to think he’s an unwilling participant, a victim even, having this forced on him but yet he never removes himself from the situation 🙄. Keep in mind this is the 50s and most of these encounters occur after Ronin becomes blackout drunk, so how often do we think condoms are being used? 🤢 The man could have bastards roaming around and be swarming with STDS to bring back to his faithful virgin fiancée. Wow I wonder why author never touched on any of that?? 🤗✨💕
So this all comes to a head at his stag party. Ronin tries to leave since his guilt is getting too loud but of course! He’s drunk— AGAIN! 🤡 He runs into OW while trying to go home, Mickey all but pushes him at OW. He ends up fucking her in the back of his car 🤢🤢. The same car he’s been telling his fiancée about fixing up and taking her out on dates in. Oh and this is but a week before the wedding 🤮🤮. Also his daddy is so happy with him being responsible and growing up, he decides to give him control of the business 🤗✨.
Meanwhile this dumb bitch is shopping for her wedding dress and planning out dinners. Ronin says he loves her so obviously she’s hooked. They get married and Ronin makes all these vows of love and fidelity like he wasn’t banging other women throughout their courtship 💀🙂↕️. And this doormat is ready to be walked all over 🤗. They head to the hotel for their reception. Ronin needs to speak with his men at the bar. While waiting she runs into OW, who gives her the run down and says she’s been her hubby’s lover for the last few years 😱. She can’t wait to share him now and lets her know she fucked his brains out at his stag party 😚✨.
So h does something sensible and confronts him 👏. Only he’s at the bar and his men are around, asks him if it’s true and how he could do this to her. One of his men scoffs and this big bad’s mafia’s massive ego bursts into a million pieces and makes little tinkling noises ✨. Oh no he might love her but no she absolutely cannot question him in front of his men, bitch needs to be put in her place 🙅. Like you would think a supposed badass alpha could just put a bullet in this dude’s head for laughing at him and call it a day right? 💀 Nope.
Instead he walks into his reception with his wife and makes a public announcement saying he needs to clear the air about something 👀. He invites OW on to stage. Says he can do whatever the fuck he wants while holding OW’s hand . Then announces he plans to spend the night with OW and walks out of the reception, leaving his wife behind to deal with his mess 🤮🤮. Obviously girl is hysterically crying. What do their parents do? Make a few jokes and then tell her to sit her ass down and enjoy the reception 🤯. LMFAO. Yeah her FIL tells her not to cry and be strong and her OWN daddy tells her no to run off and make it worse 💀. No one thought to reprimand the jackass groom for making a mockery of his marriage two hours after exchanging vows of love and fidelity in front of god?? 😤🤬🤬🤬 No but they remember to cut the cake 🎂.
Yeah so home girl actually does make a decent decision and makes run for it 👰 💨. She leaves her wedding ring in the bathroom then runs home, packs a bag. Ditches her bridal outfit and goes to the bank. She pulls out the money her grandad left her and calls a number he gave her for emergencies. His men meet up with her and smuggle her out to Ireland 😙. Meanwhile Ronin puts OW in a cab and threatens her never to come near him or his wife again 😤. Then goes and gets drunk at a bar near the hotel. He thinks everything will blow over after they’ve slept on it and he apologizes, then he can jet her off to Italy for their honeymoon. Only when he returns hungover, he realizes his bride is gone 😒😒. Their families are pissed at Ronin, he literally didn’t even think about how it would go over once he pulled his little stunt 😤😤.
Meanwhile Alannah goes to Ireland and reunites with her other half of the family, only to sit in a catatonic state for weeks 🫠. Ronin can’t find his wife, they realize someone must be helping her. They get a call from her granddaddy—turns out he’s a big shot mobster in Ireland who makes Ronin and his friend look like Paul Blart 🫣. He tears Ronin and his son (Seamus, Alannah’s daddy) a new one for disrespecting her 🤭. Says she she isn’t coming back and if he sets foot in Ireland, it’s on sight 🔫💥. Tells him to sign the annulment papers when they arrive. See since Ronin publicly walked out of his wedding with his mistress, everyone on both sides of the Atlantic know the marriage wasn’t consummated 🤷♀️. Truly playing idiot games and winning stupid prizes here 🤗.
Someone really should have explained the situation to Ronin better. Because for some reason he was under the impression everyone was kissing HIS ass 🤭. When in actuality, Alannah’s family seems to be the big bad mafia here. Seamus followed his friend to Boston to make a name for himself and wanted their kids to get married. Alannah’s granddaddy is the one with all the connections, Ronin’s organization is barely starting out. At this point, I’m like damn why the hell is Alannah’s dumbass daddy allowing his daughter to be treated like this 😤.
So Alannah chills in Ireland with her grandparents. Reconnects with her extended family and old friends. They’re all super welcoming and give her time to come to terms with her “marriage”. She also reconnects with an old childhood friend Finn 😚. We learn that Alannah’s grandad didn’t want her to go to Boston. He noticed she was close with his loyal underling’s son— Finn and intended to set up a match there. He even told her daddy to leave her in Ireland but he refused wanting to set her up with Ronin instead 🙄.
This whole process takes over like a year and Alannah turns 19. Ronin is sent the annulment papers and refuses to sign even though everyone tells him it’s pointless. He’s just living alone, sad in the house he bought for them 😢. The one she was excited about and designed everything for. At one point OW shows up with her dad and tries to claim she’s pregnant with his kid, but it’s been too long and it’s obviously a lie 😒. Literally what was the point of this? To show us OW was crazy and targeted him lol? We already saw him happily fuck her and lie about it. 🥰✨
So now you must be thinking. Wow this dude is well and truly fucked 👀. What’s he gonna pull for his big one? To show her he’s worthy of a second chance? 🤔 Well he tries to sneak into Ireland anyways, only to immediately get detained by mobster granddaddy 👮♂️. Who then locks his ass in a shed and beats up him for a few days, trying to get him to sign the annulment papers 💥💥. But he refuses until he can see Alannah. Anyways, one of her cousin drops the bomb he’s here. She asks granddaddy and he relents, even giving Ronin a chance to clean himself up. Alannah finally confronts him over the cheating 🥰. She realizes it’s all true now (i thought she had her proof when her man ditched her to fuck his mistress in front off all their guests in their wedding night? 🤮). Asks him how many times and if it was more than one woman. Ronin insists it wasn’t THAT many times or THAT many women lol 😂. Alannah starts to break down and Ronin flips a switch, because she’s looking at him with heartbreak like the reception all over again . Asks her where her Claddagh is. He’s still wearing his wedding ring and accuses her of looking for a new husband already 💀💀 LMFAOO. Home girl actually does her second most decent thing in the whole story and tells him goodbye lol 💃.
She runs to Finn and starts to break down, only for Ronin to escape 🤦♀️. He recognizes he fucked up his only opportunity to fix things . So he hits Finn over the head with a rock and tries to kidnap Alannah. Damn he really redeemed himself 💀. They get caught, and Ronin gets dragged back to the torture shed. Now granddaddy insists he better sign the papers or he’s gonna shoot. He only held out this long as a favor to his dad. Alannah walks in as he’s getting ready to pull the trigger and stops him 😒. This is the first time she hears about the papers. Granddaddy explains what the annulment means. Alannah tells him to sign so he does. Immediately gets out on a plane back to Boston.
So Ronin goes back and is big sad 😢. He continues living in their marital house, he unpacks her things because he can’t bear to look at boxes anymore 🥺. Alannah continues life in Ireland. Finn officially announces his attention to court her and Alannah agrees 🤗. He makes it clear he’ll wait and give her time if that’s what she needs. Granddaddy supports them, everyone is nice. Ronin starts writing this idiot letters, telling her about the woman he slept with and what happened with Kitty 🤮. He basically admits to his horrible treatment of her and why he did things through these letters 🤢. He insists he didn’t “mean” to hurt her and lose his temper when they talked in Ireland. But he panicked when she started shutting down and looking at him like she did at the reception after he admits to cheating 😒. This was just plain cowardly to me. He couldn’t admit it to her face, so he admits it over letters where he doesn’t have to face her heartbreak, anger, or misery. I don’t believe he deserves forgiveness after avoiding the pain he inflicts . Weak and pathetic all the way through.
Now at this point author realized she wrote herself into a corner. Cause no sane woman would chose this nasty ass cheat over the kids understanding childhood friend who’s been nothing but supportive right? 🙄 Right?? 🙄🙄 So author immediately gives everyone in Ireland a personality transplant 💀. Alannah asks for time and people become more hesitant with her. Then she starts acting like someone forced her to agree to the annulment and marry Finn 😒. She asks for space and everyone gives it to her, but she doesn’t like that they aren’t as kind and welcoming as before 😒😒. Like this dumb bitch has been freeloading off them for over a year, they helped her get back in her feet afterher own parents let her be disrespected 🙄. But she claims they’re now treating her the way her parents did with Ronin 😒😒🤬. The parents that didn’t even ask if she agreed to the marriage lol, they only asked Ronin.
Finn and his sister start to pull back. Finn is genuinely in love with her and afraid to be hurt 🥺. Plus her grandpa isn’t pushing her to marry some ugly troll, this man is in demand with the ladies, who he pushes to the side for this dumb bitch 🤦♀️. Things reach a crescendo when Alannah realizes her grandmother hid her parents letters to her. This happened when Alannah was basically catatonic and shut down at the mention of them or Ronin, it was genuinely coming from a good place. But Alannah villainizes them suddenly for this 🤦♀️🤦♀️. Remember everyone author thinks hiding letters is unforgivable but cheating isn’t ok? 🙄 She accuses her grandparents of not giving her a choice. Like a proper doormat, Alana villainizes, the only people trying to help her, and claims its independence 🙄🙄.
Umm genuinely did the author forget she wrote this set in the 50s? 🙄 Because this bitch has no education, no common sense, or money 😒💀. Like they’re trying to set her up with a genuinely good option and willing to give her some time to get comfortable with it. What’s worse her grandparents explain they’re pulling away to protect themselves. They showered their son with love and it wasn’t enough for him in the end, he abandoned them to chase being somebody’s second in a foreign land 😒. At the price of his daughter’s dignity and his son’s birthright (that’s why Mickey is sooo bitter and hates Alannah).
Alannah gets a letter from Ronin— he wants to sell the house, he can’t stand living there anymore. He essentially writes he’s moving on and this stupid bitch goes running to pack her bags 🙄. She leaves Finn’s bracelet the same way, she abandoned Ronin’s ring. She’s literally just play red rover between two guys in a similar situation, but one is a cheater and the other wants to do right by her 💀. Obviously she’s gotta go running to her nasty cheat 🤢.
She shows up at his doorstep and sees the house for the first time. She points out a room she didn’t want touched because she had wanted it to be a nursery . They have sex and get married again in courtroom wedding literally two weeks later 🙄🙄. She forgives her parents, the people who made her cut cake after her husband walked out of the reception announcing he was going to fuck another woman, like it’s nothing lmfao 💀. And she’s pregnant by the end. So yep she’s screwed. Author genuinely wants us to think this is a happy ending? 💀💀 Like now he’s got her trapped and she’s out of money and second option if he cheats again lol 🥰✨.
So that’s it for you, weak pathetic vapid grovel. Author tries to convince us he didn’t really “want” to cheat and was pushed to it from his surroundings 🙄. Really the truth is right there. He cheated because he could and she couldn’t do a damn thing about it 🤗. It’s the 50s, he intentionally withheld his history for a reason. He says it himself too, because once they were married the church wouldn’t have granted them a divorce anyways 💕✨. He just got super unlucky because he publicly didn’t consummate the wedding and the church was in her granddaddy’s pocket 💀. Despite this author wants to convince us what Finn and the grandparents did was somehow worse? Ronin and her parents literally didn’t ask her if she wanted to marry him, he tricks her into thinking he loves her while sleeping with OW, publicly disrespects her, and then acts like she’ll be fine after she sleeps it off lol 💀💀💀. Literally fuck this guy and plot trying to hide behind the “social constraints” of the 50s .
So FMC is Alannah and MMC is Ronin. Ronin’s family runs the Irish mafia in Boston. Alannah’s family moves here when she’s 13 from Ireland. Her grandaddy wasn’t happy about this, but her dad is besties with Ronin’s daddy 💕✨. They decided to come out here and make a name for themselves. Mickey (FMC’s older brother) are introduced to Ronin and seems like he is really taken with Alannah. I think there’s a 3 year age gap.
So time passes and their families are close. It’s obvious that Ronin is obsessed with Alannah. He’s already been with OW at this point though 💕. Their dads approach him and ask if he’d be interested in marrying Alannah; he agrees 👰💍🤵. No one asks her obviously, they just tell her it’s gonna happen 💀. So please note everyone it’s HIS choice to marry her.
Despite this Ronin still fucks around on her from the start of their relationship 🥰. Him and Mickey are close because of business. Whenever they go out drinking, Ronin hooks up with random girls. He doesn’t “mean” to but then he gets drunk or Mickey pushes a girl on to him and it’s game over. His ass will wake up naked in a random girls bed. Mickey is indifferent towards his sister and doesn’t seem to like her 😑.
This bullshit aside, he decides to formally court Alannah when she turns 16. So he’s pursuing her and taking her on dates while still hooking up with OW 🥰💕✨🤢. One of these turns out to be daughter of one of his father’s men— Kathleen aka Kitty. He feels guilty but again nothing stops him lol 🤮. He goes out of his way to propose to Alannah when she turns 17. She’s smitten and thinks he loves her 💀. The plan is to get married at 18. She’s planning their whole life together and his weak ass just needs the slightest excuse to fall into bed with another woman 🙂↕️😒.
The author REALLY wants you to think he’s an unwilling participant, a victim even, having this forced on him but yet he never removes himself from the situation 🙄. Keep in mind this is the 50s and most of these encounters occur after Ronin becomes blackout drunk, so how often do we think condoms are being used? 🤢 The man could have bastards roaming around and be swarming with STDS to bring back to his faithful virgin fiancée. Wow I wonder why author never touched on any of that?? 🤗✨💕
So this all comes to a head at his stag party. Ronin tries to leave since his guilt is getting too loud but of course! He’s drunk— AGAIN! 🤡 He runs into OW while trying to go home, Mickey all but pushes him at OW. He ends up fucking her in the back of his car 🤢🤢. The same car he’s been telling his fiancée about fixing up and taking her out on dates in. Oh and this is but a week before the wedding 🤮🤮. Also his daddy is so happy with him being responsible and growing up, he decides to give him control of the business 🤗✨.
Meanwhile this dumb bitch is shopping for her wedding dress and planning out dinners. Ronin says he loves her so obviously she’s hooked. They get married and Ronin makes all these vows of love and fidelity like he wasn’t banging other women throughout their courtship 💀🙂↕️. And this doormat is ready to be walked all over 🤗. They head to the hotel for their reception. Ronin needs to speak with his men at the bar. While waiting she runs into OW, who gives her the run down and says she’s been her hubby’s lover for the last few years 😱. She can’t wait to share him now and lets her know she fucked his brains out at his stag party 😚✨.
So h does something sensible and confronts him 👏. Only he’s at the bar and his men are around, asks him if it’s true and how he could do this to her. One of his men scoffs and this big bad’s mafia’s massive ego bursts into a million pieces and makes little tinkling noises ✨. Oh no he might love her but no she absolutely cannot question him in front of his men, bitch needs to be put in her place 🙅. Like you would think a supposed badass alpha could just put a bullet in this dude’s head for laughing at him and call it a day right? 💀 Nope.
Instead he walks into his reception with his wife and makes a public announcement saying he needs to clear the air about something 👀. He invites OW on to stage. Says he can do whatever the fuck he wants while holding OW’s hand . Then announces he plans to spend the night with OW and walks out of the reception, leaving his wife behind to deal with his mess 🤮🤮. Obviously girl is hysterically crying. What do their parents do? Make a few jokes and then tell her to sit her ass down and enjoy the reception 🤯. LMFAO. Yeah her FIL tells her not to cry and be strong and her OWN daddy tells her no to run off and make it worse 💀. No one thought to reprimand the jackass groom for making a mockery of his marriage two hours after exchanging vows of love and fidelity in front of god?? 😤🤬🤬🤬 No but they remember to cut the cake 🎂.
Yeah so home girl actually does make a decent decision and makes run for it 👰 💨. She leaves her wedding ring in the bathroom then runs home, packs a bag. Ditches her bridal outfit and goes to the bank. She pulls out the money her grandad left her and calls a number he gave her for emergencies. His men meet up with her and smuggle her out to Ireland 😙. Meanwhile Ronin puts OW in a cab and threatens her never to come near him or his wife again 😤. Then goes and gets drunk at a bar near the hotel. He thinks everything will blow over after they’ve slept on it and he apologizes, then he can jet her off to Italy for their honeymoon. Only when he returns hungover, he realizes his bride is gone 😒😒. Their families are pissed at Ronin, he literally didn’t even think about how it would go over once he pulled his little stunt 😤😤.
Meanwhile Alannah goes to Ireland and reunites with her other half of the family, only to sit in a catatonic state for weeks 🫠. Ronin can’t find his wife, they realize someone must be helping her. They get a call from her granddaddy—turns out he’s a big shot mobster in Ireland who makes Ronin and his friend look like Paul Blart 🫣. He tears Ronin and his son (Seamus, Alannah’s daddy) a new one for disrespecting her 🤭. Says she she isn’t coming back and if he sets foot in Ireland, it’s on sight 🔫💥. Tells him to sign the annulment papers when they arrive. See since Ronin publicly walked out of his wedding with his mistress, everyone on both sides of the Atlantic know the marriage wasn’t consummated 🤷♀️. Truly playing idiot games and winning stupid prizes here 🤗.
Someone really should have explained the situation to Ronin better. Because for some reason he was under the impression everyone was kissing HIS ass 🤭. When in actuality, Alannah’s family seems to be the big bad mafia here. Seamus followed his friend to Boston to make a name for himself and wanted their kids to get married. Alannah’s granddaddy is the one with all the connections, Ronin’s organization is barely starting out. At this point, I’m like damn why the hell is Alannah’s dumbass daddy allowing his daughter to be treated like this 😤.
So Alannah chills in Ireland with her grandparents. Reconnects with her extended family and old friends. They’re all super welcoming and give her time to come to terms with her “marriage”. She also reconnects with an old childhood friend Finn 😚. We learn that Alannah’s grandad didn’t want her to go to Boston. He noticed she was close with his loyal underling’s son— Finn and intended to set up a match there. He even told her daddy to leave her in Ireland but he refused wanting to set her up with Ronin instead 🙄.
This whole process takes over like a year and Alannah turns 19. Ronin is sent the annulment papers and refuses to sign even though everyone tells him it’s pointless. He’s just living alone, sad in the house he bought for them 😢. The one she was excited about and designed everything for. At one point OW shows up with her dad and tries to claim she’s pregnant with his kid, but it’s been too long and it’s obviously a lie 😒. Literally what was the point of this? To show us OW was crazy and targeted him lol? We already saw him happily fuck her and lie about it. 🥰✨
So now you must be thinking. Wow this dude is well and truly fucked 👀. What’s he gonna pull for his big one? To show her he’s worthy of a second chance? 🤔 Well he tries to sneak into Ireland anyways, only to immediately get detained by mobster granddaddy 👮♂️. Who then locks his ass in a shed and beats up him for a few days, trying to get him to sign the annulment papers 💥💥. But he refuses until he can see Alannah. Anyways, one of her cousin drops the bomb he’s here. She asks granddaddy and he relents, even giving Ronin a chance to clean himself up. Alannah finally confronts him over the cheating 🥰. She realizes it’s all true now (i thought she had her proof when her man ditched her to fuck his mistress in front off all their guests in their wedding night? 🤮). Asks him how many times and if it was more than one woman. Ronin insists it wasn’t THAT many times or THAT many women lol 😂. Alannah starts to break down and Ronin flips a switch, because she’s looking at him with heartbreak like the reception all over again . Asks her where her Claddagh is. He’s still wearing his wedding ring and accuses her of looking for a new husband already 💀💀 LMFAOO. Home girl actually does her second most decent thing in the whole story and tells him goodbye lol 💃.
She runs to Finn and starts to break down, only for Ronin to escape 🤦♀️. He recognizes he fucked up his only opportunity to fix things . So he hits Finn over the head with a rock and tries to kidnap Alannah. Damn he really redeemed himself 💀. They get caught, and Ronin gets dragged back to the torture shed. Now granddaddy insists he better sign the papers or he’s gonna shoot. He only held out this long as a favor to his dad. Alannah walks in as he’s getting ready to pull the trigger and stops him 😒. This is the first time she hears about the papers. Granddaddy explains what the annulment means. Alannah tells him to sign so he does. Immediately gets out on a plane back to Boston.
So Ronin goes back and is big sad 😢. He continues living in their marital house, he unpacks her things because he can’t bear to look at boxes anymore 🥺. Alannah continues life in Ireland. Finn officially announces his attention to court her and Alannah agrees 🤗. He makes it clear he’ll wait and give her time if that’s what she needs. Granddaddy supports them, everyone is nice. Ronin starts writing this idiot letters, telling her about the woman he slept with and what happened with Kitty 🤮. He basically admits to his horrible treatment of her and why he did things through these letters 🤢. He insists he didn’t “mean” to hurt her and lose his temper when they talked in Ireland. But he panicked when she started shutting down and looking at him like she did at the reception after he admits to cheating 😒. This was just plain cowardly to me. He couldn’t admit it to her face, so he admits it over letters where he doesn’t have to face her heartbreak, anger, or misery. I don’t believe he deserves forgiveness after avoiding the pain he inflicts . Weak and pathetic all the way through.
Now at this point author realized she wrote herself into a corner. Cause no sane woman would chose this nasty ass cheat over the kids understanding childhood friend who’s been nothing but supportive right? 🙄 Right?? 🙄🙄 So author immediately gives everyone in Ireland a personality transplant 💀. Alannah asks for time and people become more hesitant with her. Then she starts acting like someone forced her to agree to the annulment and marry Finn 😒. She asks for space and everyone gives it to her, but she doesn’t like that they aren’t as kind and welcoming as before 😒😒. Like this dumb bitch has been freeloading off them for over a year, they helped her get back in her feet afterher own parents let her be disrespected 🙄. But she claims they’re now treating her the way her parents did with Ronin 😒😒🤬. The parents that didn’t even ask if she agreed to the marriage lol, they only asked Ronin.
Finn and his sister start to pull back. Finn is genuinely in love with her and afraid to be hurt 🥺. Plus her grandpa isn’t pushing her to marry some ugly troll, this man is in demand with the ladies, who he pushes to the side for this dumb bitch 🤦♀️. Things reach a crescendo when Alannah realizes her grandmother hid her parents letters to her. This happened when Alannah was basically catatonic and shut down at the mention of them or Ronin, it was genuinely coming from a good place. But Alannah villainizes them suddenly for this 🤦♀️🤦♀️. Remember everyone author thinks hiding letters is unforgivable but cheating isn’t ok? 🙄 She accuses her grandparents of not giving her a choice. Like a proper doormat, Alana villainizes, the only people trying to help her, and claims its independence 🙄🙄.
Umm genuinely did the author forget she wrote this set in the 50s? 🙄 Because this bitch has no education, no common sense, or money 😒💀. Like they’re trying to set her up with a genuinely good option and willing to give her some time to get comfortable with it. What’s worse her grandparents explain they’re pulling away to protect themselves. They showered their son with love and it wasn’t enough for him in the end, he abandoned them to chase being somebody’s second in a foreign land 😒. At the price of his daughter’s dignity and his son’s birthright (that’s why Mickey is sooo bitter and hates Alannah).
Alannah gets a letter from Ronin— he wants to sell the house, he can’t stand living there anymore. He essentially writes he’s moving on and this stupid bitch goes running to pack her bags 🙄. She leaves Finn’s bracelet the same way, she abandoned Ronin’s ring. She’s literally just play red rover between two guys in a similar situation, but one is a cheater and the other wants to do right by her 💀. Obviously she’s gotta go running to her nasty cheat 🤢.
She shows up at his doorstep and sees the house for the first time. She points out a room she didn’t want touched because she had wanted it to be a nursery . They have sex and get married again in courtroom wedding literally two weeks later 🙄🙄. She forgives her parents, the people who made her cut cake after her husband walked out of the reception announcing he was going to fuck another woman, like it’s nothing lmfao 💀. And she’s pregnant by the end. So yep she’s screwed. Author genuinely wants us to think this is a happy ending? 💀💀 Like now he’s got her trapped and she’s out of money and second option if he cheats again lol 🥰✨.
So that’s it for you, weak pathetic vapid grovel. Author tries to convince us he didn’t really “want” to cheat and was pushed to it from his surroundings 🙄. Really the truth is right there. He cheated because he could and she couldn’t do a damn thing about it 🤗. It’s the 50s, he intentionally withheld his history for a reason. He says it himself too, because once they were married the church wouldn’t have granted them a divorce anyways 💕✨. He just got super unlucky because he publicly didn’t consummate the wedding and the church was in her granddaddy’s pocket 💀. Despite this author wants to convince us what Finn and the grandparents did was somehow worse? Ronin and her parents literally didn’t ask her if she wanted to marry him, he tricks her into thinking he loves her while sleeping with OW, publicly disrespects her, and then acts like she’ll be fine after she sleeps it off lol 💀💀💀. Literally fuck this guy and plot trying to hide behind the “social constraints” of the 50s .
Read
August 15, 2026I’m not sure why I thought this would be anything other than misogynistic garbage. I guess I have this bad habit of giving authors another chance after they disappoint me. And, really, I should stop doing that because they always continue to be disappointing.
Alanna comes to Boston at age 12 from Ireland with her family sometime in the 1950s. Is arranged to marry Ronin when she’s 18, who - despite all internal thoughts claiming he loves her and can’t wait to have a life with her - sleeps with any woman he can find up until and including at his bachelor party immediately before the wedding. This woman then tells Alanna - who fell for his bs hook, line, and sinker and thinks he loves her - that she fucked him a week ago and she and Alanna were basically going to share him during this marriage. She’s hysterical and asks him about it and the little baby’s pride is bruised that this wife would dare stand up to him in front of his men so he tells her she’s stupid and naive to think she’d be his only woman then drags her into the reception where he proceeds to stand up and tell everyone he can do whatever the fuck he wants and he wants to spend his wedding night with his mistress. Takes the mistress and leaves the wedding with her. A real gem. Did he then put the mistress in a cab and go home alone? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely fucking no.
I won’t bore anyone with further details other than Alanna runs home to Ireland. Her family helps her heal. She reconnects with a nice boy who wants to marry her when she’s ready. And suddenly every single person there has a total and complete personality transplant which serves no purpose other than to make Ronin the lesser evil and give her a reason to reconcile with him. Because he wrote her letters telling her about all the women he fucked while they were together and promised not to do it again. After he tried to kidnap her and force her back to Boston against her will. What’s not to love??
And yet the author truly believes we should feel like Ronin is redeemed and Alanna running back to Boston to be with him is her “making her own choices about her life” and choosing happiness. Ummm, what choice is she making for herself? Choosing to return to the lying cheating bastard - who she was arranged to marry - who has done nothing to deserve her or earn forgiveness just because everyone else has suddenly become worse?
Suffice it to say this book is absolute garbage. This author has a real problem with writing stories that beat women down and glorify and romanticize abuse, misogyny, and patriarchy. Hiding behind a particular time period and choosing to call your story “historical” doesn’t give you license to perpetuate harmful ideals and call it romance. Truly a lost cause as an author and, after three disappointments, the last book of hers I’ll ever read.
Alanna comes to Boston at age 12 from Ireland with her family sometime in the 1950s. Is arranged to marry Ronin when she’s 18, who - despite all internal thoughts claiming he loves her and can’t wait to have a life with her - sleeps with any woman he can find up until and including at his bachelor party immediately before the wedding. This woman then tells Alanna - who fell for his bs hook, line, and sinker and thinks he loves her - that she fucked him a week ago and she and Alanna were basically going to share him during this marriage. She’s hysterical and asks him about it and the little baby’s pride is bruised that this wife would dare stand up to him in front of his men so he tells her she’s stupid and naive to think she’d be his only woman then drags her into the reception where he proceeds to stand up and tell everyone he can do whatever the fuck he wants and he wants to spend his wedding night with his mistress. Takes the mistress and leaves the wedding with her. A real gem. Did he then put the mistress in a cab and go home alone? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely fucking no.
I won’t bore anyone with further details other than Alanna runs home to Ireland. Her family helps her heal. She reconnects with a nice boy who wants to marry her when she’s ready. And suddenly every single person there has a total and complete personality transplant which serves no purpose other than to make Ronin the lesser evil and give her a reason to reconcile with him. Because he wrote her letters telling her about all the women he fucked while they were together and promised not to do it again. After he tried to kidnap her and force her back to Boston against her will. What’s not to love??
And yet the author truly believes we should feel like Ronin is redeemed and Alanna running back to Boston to be with him is her “making her own choices about her life” and choosing happiness. Ummm, what choice is she making for herself? Choosing to return to the lying cheating bastard - who she was arranged to marry - who has done nothing to deserve her or earn forgiveness just because everyone else has suddenly become worse?
Suffice it to say this book is absolute garbage. This author has a real problem with writing stories that beat women down and glorify and romanticize abuse, misogyny, and patriarchy. Hiding behind a particular time period and choosing to call your story “historical” doesn’t give you license to perpetuate harmful ideals and call it romance. Truly a lost cause as an author and, after three disappointments, the last book of hers I’ll ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
I don't give books 1 stars, and if i hate them i will just DNF or not write a review at all.
my exception is when arc readers give it 5 stars then attack everyone who speaks against it and it's awful content aka making the fmc end up with an abusive misogynistic cheater. what's worst than defending it, is justifying his actions.
all while being led by their cult leader ( we all know who).
my exception is when arc readers give it 5 stars then attack everyone who speaks against it and it's awful content aka making the fmc end up with an abusive misogynistic cheater. what's worst than defending it, is justifying his actions.
all while being led by their cult leader ( we all know who).
August 6, 2026
Alannah is an idiot.
I was really hoping this would end a different way, but that would mean Alannah would have to have a fully developed prefrontal cortex. I guess that’s why the author decided to make her 19, otherwise why else would she end up with who she did?
And why is it the norm to have such weak men as heroes?!
Makes no fucking sense.
I was really hoping this would end a different way, but that would mean Alannah would have to have a fully developed prefrontal cortex. I guess that’s why the author decided to make her 19, otherwise why else would she end up with who she did?
And why is it the norm to have such weak men as heroes?!
Makes no fucking sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
such a huge disappointment
This was awesome till probably 80%
If you’re going write a book with cheating and redemption. Make them have an actual conversation about what happened. Not just say well he wrote me letters. Don’t blame this on time period either because you had the opportunity for them to have the conversation and you chickened out or didn’t actually know how to write the conversation. Using letters as excuse. The H and h were not even in the same room for over 70 % of the book. Such poor execution on book that could have been 5 plus stars
This was awesome till probably 80%
If you’re going write a book with cheating and redemption. Make them have an actual conversation about what happened. Not just say well he wrote me letters. Don’t blame this on time period either because you had the opportunity for them to have the conversation and you chickened out or didn’t actually know how to write the conversation. Using letters as excuse. The H and h were not even in the same room for over 70 % of the book. Such poor execution on book that could have been 5 plus stars
August 8, 2026
This low star rating is NOT because he cheats on her. I knew that going in - it's in the blurb! And I wanted to read that. I see reviews crashing out about it, and they're giving the energy of, "how dare this vampire book have vampires in it, 1 star!"
Anyway, this book is everything wrong with the current betrayal / grovel subgenre (except how it’s been flooded with AI slop, I THNK that’s mercifully absent from this). What I mean by that is, it's a great idea. It sounds so juicy and angsty…and then the author doesn’t follow through on her own premise. These authors are like dogs chasing cars - when you "catch" the car, now what? The authors have good ideas for the betrayal / "gut punch" moment, and then they don't know what to do, after that. The story has great drama and angst potential, and it squanders it.
The hero (in his 20s, I think) and heroine (18) are both in the Irish mob, and they're arranged to be married. They’re both cool with it, and like each other. Secretly, he cheats on her (usually one night stands, over the years of their courtship). She finds out at their wedding. He humiliates her in front of all their guests, and leaves with another woman. Then she runs away, ruins his life, and somehow by the end, the author makes a HEA happen. I was onboard! I was ready to be hurt.
But, in a story like this, the behavior needs to make sense. His behavior for the big betrayal scene at the wedding came out of left field. In the first few chapters, he’s a pretty nice guy! (Except for the whole cheating thing. But even then, the heroine is below 18 for a lot of their "arranged marriage" courtship. They both know they'll marry when she's 18. Obviously cheating isn't justified, but as far as cheating in fiction goes, "he has random 1 night stands when his arranged fiancee is too young" is...not that bad. I've read much worse, where the author was able to redeem the guy). He’s also close with her family. So, it doesn’t make sense for him to humiliate her in front of them.
This story needed to do more work building to his sudden 180 at their wedding, where he’s a dick to her out of nowhere. Or, he needed to be more of a dick from the start. It didn’t work to have him go from “basically pretty nice” to “suddenly, the biggest dick,” whiplash fast. He also was an idiot, because his reasons for being a dick to her at their wedding were to look strong in front of the mob. But, it made him look like a mess. And it made his parents mad. So, it actually lost his standing in the mob. So, instead of making me feel angsty, that “big betrayal” scene just made me go, “huh??? This makes no sense.”
The blurb warned us that this is a 1950s mob world that reflects attitudes of the time. But, this book didn’t actually commit to that, either! His dad is ashamed of what he did! So, his sudden dick behavior would have also made much more sense if his dad was a sexist guy who encouraged cheating. But, he's not!
And, if she was raised to be a mob wife in the 50s, she would have grown up being told, "Men cheat, you need to look the other way." Why would she have an expectation that her husband would be faithful? Why would she be shocked he cheated? That made no sense, either. The betrayal would have made more sense if they'd had a conversation about it, he promised to be faithful, and then, he was revealed to have broken that promise. This book uses the “50s mob world” setting as window dressing for a few plot points. But, it never situates the characters in it. (The Black Oak series by Monique Edenwood did a much better job of showing how a hero can be shaped by a sexist mob environment where cheating is normalized. And, that isn't even set in the '50s!).
In a story like this, they also need to be in close proximity and interact a lot, to work through the angst. That didn't happen. They’re apart for a huge chunk of the middle, and never truly work through their issues. The author seemingly got interested in the heroine’s relationships with side characters. The ending where she returns to him is rushed and undercooked. The author basically only used the '50s premise to explain why the heroine took him back without much development.
The right way to write a book like this is Silent Flames. In that book, he cheats on her, and then they’re in close proximity, interacting a lot, taking their problems out on each other, and using that to grow together.
A lot of these recent betrayal / grovel authors have good ideas, but they waste them on half-baked stories. The authors seem to not know what to do, after the "angst" moment, so they separate the characters for too long, when they should make them interact, and give us real conflict. I don’t expect any of these books to be high art or great works of literature. But I do expect a book to follow through on the promise of its own premise.
Anyway, this book is everything wrong with the current betrayal / grovel subgenre (except how it’s been flooded with AI slop, I THNK that’s mercifully absent from this). What I mean by that is, it's a great idea. It sounds so juicy and angsty…and then the author doesn’t follow through on her own premise. These authors are like dogs chasing cars - when you "catch" the car, now what? The authors have good ideas for the betrayal / "gut punch" moment, and then they don't know what to do, after that. The story has great drama and angst potential, and it squanders it.
The hero (in his 20s, I think) and heroine (18) are both in the Irish mob, and they're arranged to be married. They’re both cool with it, and like each other. Secretly, he cheats on her (usually one night stands, over the years of their courtship). She finds out at their wedding. He humiliates her in front of all their guests, and leaves with another woman. Then she runs away, ruins his life, and somehow by the end, the author makes a HEA happen. I was onboard! I was ready to be hurt.
But, in a story like this, the behavior needs to make sense. His behavior for the big betrayal scene at the wedding came out of left field. In the first few chapters, he’s a pretty nice guy! (Except for the whole cheating thing. But even then, the heroine is below 18 for a lot of their "arranged marriage" courtship. They both know they'll marry when she's 18. Obviously cheating isn't justified, but as far as cheating in fiction goes, "he has random 1 night stands when his arranged fiancee is too young" is...not that bad. I've read much worse, where the author was able to redeem the guy). He’s also close with her family. So, it doesn’t make sense for him to humiliate her in front of them.
This story needed to do more work building to his sudden 180 at their wedding, where he’s a dick to her out of nowhere. Or, he needed to be more of a dick from the start. It didn’t work to have him go from “basically pretty nice” to “suddenly, the biggest dick,” whiplash fast. He also was an idiot, because his reasons for being a dick to her at their wedding were to look strong in front of the mob. But, it made him look like a mess. And it made his parents mad. So, it actually lost his standing in the mob. So, instead of making me feel angsty, that “big betrayal” scene just made me go, “huh??? This makes no sense.”
The blurb warned us that this is a 1950s mob world that reflects attitudes of the time. But, this book didn’t actually commit to that, either! His dad is ashamed of what he did! So, his sudden dick behavior would have also made much more sense if his dad was a sexist guy who encouraged cheating. But, he's not!
And, if she was raised to be a mob wife in the 50s, she would have grown up being told, "Men cheat, you need to look the other way." Why would she have an expectation that her husband would be faithful? Why would she be shocked he cheated? That made no sense, either. The betrayal would have made more sense if they'd had a conversation about it, he promised to be faithful, and then, he was revealed to have broken that promise. This book uses the “50s mob world” setting as window dressing for a few plot points. But, it never situates the characters in it. (The Black Oak series by Monique Edenwood did a much better job of showing how a hero can be shaped by a sexist mob environment where cheating is normalized. And, that isn't even set in the '50s!).
In a story like this, they also need to be in close proximity and interact a lot, to work through the angst. That didn't happen. They’re apart for a huge chunk of the middle, and never truly work through their issues. The author seemingly got interested in the heroine’s relationships with side characters. The ending where she returns to him is rushed and undercooked. The author basically only used the '50s premise to explain why the heroine took him back without much development.
The right way to write a book like this is Silent Flames. In that book, he cheats on her, and then they’re in close proximity, interacting a lot, taking their problems out on each other, and using that to grow together.
A lot of these recent betrayal / grovel authors have good ideas, but they waste them on half-baked stories. The authors seem to not know what to do, after the "angst" moment, so they separate the characters for too long, when they should make them interact, and give us real conflict. I don’t expect any of these books to be high art or great works of literature. But I do expect a book to follow through on the promise of its own premise.
August 7, 2026
Second edit to my edit. You can call me out in your reviews I don't care. I'm generalizing in speaking about all of the reviewers purposely reading a book they're going to find offensive and yet still read it so they can leave a negative reviews. And also yes the time period matters for accuracy. Get out of your fantasy. Some people just love to hear themselves speak and will and think they're doing us all a favor. You're not. And one of you reviewers is stalking this author's work on other platforms. A bit obsessed aren't you? How many other authors are you targeting in your keyboard warrior quest? Get a life seriously. If you know an author isn't for you how about to go the fuck away? Just a thought. I too have authors I won't read from. And guess what snowflakes? I don't read from them. Mind blown 🤯. Such an epiphany. Try it some time. Lastly, trigger warnings were in the beginning. You chose to turn the page.
So I'm adding an edit because of the negative reviews. And it's not because I got an advanced copy. I have to wonder why people read something they know they're not going to like. It baffles me honestly. Considering it's the 1950s and given their circumstances that they're in the mob of course there's going to be misogyny. Add in they're obviously Catholic being from Ireland. The author obviously tried to portray what it would have been like for Alannah back then. Young, and in an arranged marriage given that women's dreams were to marry and have children. Get off your high horses everyone. Of course Ronin wasn't going to go against the grain. Neither was Alannah. Do you even know how mob wives are treated even today? The contemporary mafia books you're all reading including myself are fantasy ladies. Fantasy!! This is not how it goes. So once again. Maybe step away from the books you're not going to like. One last tweak actually I wish this book had had was that Ronin was still carrying the momentum of being an asshole. Ok. Little rant finished.
Advanced copy
While I did like this. Especially the first 50% with all the gut punches. The last 50% fizzled out for me. I really think this author is a strong starter. The build up always excellent. But I wanted more in the end. I wish the redemption and reconciliation had been longer. They're only making up at 90% of the book. Then it felt like a warp speed to the finish. Also, wished the author tidied up a bit more with the side characters.
Set in the 1950s, Alannah is set to have an arranged marriage with Ronin who has ties to the mob. He's 3 years older. While he woos and courts her he continuously sleeps with ow's for more than a year. After he officially proposes he develops a conscious as he has developed real feelings for Alannah. He's good until his stag party where he's drunk and once again sleeps with ow in his car. On the day of their wedding ow approaches Alannah giving details about Ronin and her. Obviously upset she confronts Ronin after he insists she tell him what's wrong. But to save face in front of his men as he's now the top mob dog, he treats her like shit and tells her off. The wedding reception was a huge unforgettable gut punch, and I must say well done to the author. After, we have a runaway bride back to Ireland where we're given more details about Alannah's family etc. This is where the book slowed down quite a lot. Overall I liked it. Could use a little more tweaking. But I see this author getting better each time she writes.
So I'm adding an edit because of the negative reviews. And it's not because I got an advanced copy. I have to wonder why people read something they know they're not going to like. It baffles me honestly. Considering it's the 1950s and given their circumstances that they're in the mob of course there's going to be misogyny. Add in they're obviously Catholic being from Ireland. The author obviously tried to portray what it would have been like for Alannah back then. Young, and in an arranged marriage given that women's dreams were to marry and have children. Get off your high horses everyone. Of course Ronin wasn't going to go against the grain. Neither was Alannah. Do you even know how mob wives are treated even today? The contemporary mafia books you're all reading including myself are fantasy ladies. Fantasy!! This is not how it goes. So once again. Maybe step away from the books you're not going to like. One last tweak actually I wish this book had had was that Ronin was still carrying the momentum of being an asshole. Ok. Little rant finished.
Advanced copy
While I did like this. Especially the first 50% with all the gut punches. The last 50% fizzled out for me. I really think this author is a strong starter. The build up always excellent. But I wanted more in the end. I wish the redemption and reconciliation had been longer. They're only making up at 90% of the book. Then it felt like a warp speed to the finish. Also, wished the author tidied up a bit more with the side characters.
Set in the 1950s, Alannah is set to have an arranged marriage with Ronin who has ties to the mob. He's 3 years older. While he woos and courts her he continuously sleeps with ow's for more than a year. After he officially proposes he develops a conscious as he has developed real feelings for Alannah. He's good until his stag party where he's drunk and once again sleeps with ow in his car. On the day of their wedding ow approaches Alannah giving details about Ronin and her. Obviously upset she confronts Ronin after he insists she tell him what's wrong. But to save face in front of his men as he's now the top mob dog, he treats her like shit and tells her off. The wedding reception was a huge unforgettable gut punch, and I must say well done to the author. After, we have a runaway bride back to Ireland where we're given more details about Alannah's family etc. This is where the book slowed down quite a lot. Overall I liked it. Could use a little more tweaking. But I see this author getting better each time she writes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2026
Zero grovel or redemption - because a few letters and broken ribs do not equate to a grovel and we all know he's gonna cheat again and again and AGAIN because he can. Also, two of the dumbest characters I've read about in a long time don't make for a great read. Pity as I had high hopes for this one. That said, these two idiots truly deserve each other
Did Not Finish
August 10, 2026DNF @ 75%
Weak hero
Weak hero
August 6, 2026
Mafia Romance
Pls. Look at the trigger warnings before proceeding to read the book.OWD,on page cheating,plethora of family dynamics.
This book is written well.The time line and pacing is on point. Redemption arc with a hard earned grovel is refreshing. Thank you A.M.Kray..
Love your books; a different genre with a refreshing twist.
Pls. Look at the trigger warnings before proceeding to read the book.OWD,on page cheating,plethora of family dynamics.
This book is written well.The time line and pacing is on point. Redemption arc with a hard earned grovel is refreshing. Thank you A.M.Kray..
Love your books; a different genre with a refreshing twist.
August 6, 2026
ARC Read 😍
📝Writing: I feel like I just I transported back in time! I enjoy historical romances, and so I LOVED going back to 1950s Boston. You are really in the 50s Southie with things such as gender expectations, the notion of being a “good Catholic wife” and power imbalances. It’s obvious how much work the author dedicated into taking us there. While they are involved in organized crime the crime wasn’t a main plot point.
♥️Romance: Alannah came from Ireland when she was 12 and met Ronin (15). Their families are close, so they spent a lot of time together. Eventually they get into an arranged marriage agreement, and are set to get married when she turns 18. While it was an arrangement, he did go to Alannah with the plan to build something real and have a loving marriage. So you see them date and fall in love, and see their relationship flourish. It’s adorable. Their relationship felt believable and genuine.
🔪Betrayal (spoiler): While Ronin has always felt *something* towards her, it didn’t stop him from cheating repeatedly once the marriage arrangement was made. Goodness, that was ROUGH to read. And just when you think that’s the worst of it? Ronin rises to the occasion. Again and again. And AGAIN. 🤣 You will want to put him down. The pesky ego of his was a significant problem. It took some time for him to grow up, but in the end I had no problem believing he matured and would never make the same mistakes again.
👩❤️👨Characters: Alannah is a “good girl.” During this era and their environment, things are decided for her. In the beginning she goes along with this, it seems to be working out for her and she “knows her place.” But after the betrayal, she does has an awakening and realizes that she’s never had a choice in anything. So she learns to choose for herself. Ronin is a more turbulent character. He seems to have a good head, but when pushed, his ego comes out and does him zero favors. This is something that takes him a long time long to rectify.
💍Alannah (18) / Ronin (21)
💍Arranged Marriage
💍Cheating (on and off page)
💍Betrayal
💍Organized Crime
💍Dual POV
💍First Person POV
💍HEA
5⭐️2🌶️
As I was putting this together, I realized, I’m feeling a little unwell that I finished this already. I kind of feel like I’m going through withdrawals right now.
Also, I do want to add, I knew exactly what I was getting into reading this. I took the blurb, the era, the MC’s backgrounds, the tropes, and the content warnings into consideration when I decided I wanted to read this because it was stuff I liked to read about. I know there’s mixed reviews, so like with anything, do your research before starting a new book. Protect your peace!
📝Writing: I feel like I just I transported back in time! I enjoy historical romances, and so I LOVED going back to 1950s Boston. You are really in the 50s Southie with things such as gender expectations, the notion of being a “good Catholic wife” and power imbalances. It’s obvious how much work the author dedicated into taking us there. While they are involved in organized crime the crime wasn’t a main plot point.
♥️Romance: Alannah came from Ireland when she was 12 and met Ronin (15). Their families are close, so they spent a lot of time together. Eventually they get into an arranged marriage agreement, and are set to get married when she turns 18. While it was an arrangement, he did go to Alannah with the plan to build something real and have a loving marriage. So you see them date and fall in love, and see their relationship flourish. It’s adorable. Their relationship felt believable and genuine.
🔪Betrayal (spoiler): While Ronin has always felt *something* towards her, it didn’t stop him from cheating repeatedly once the marriage arrangement was made. Goodness, that was ROUGH to read. And just when you think that’s the worst of it? Ronin rises to the occasion. Again and again. And AGAIN. 🤣 You will want to put him down. The pesky ego of his was a significant problem. It took some time for him to grow up, but in the end I had no problem believing he matured and would never make the same mistakes again.
👩❤️👨Characters: Alannah is a “good girl.” During this era and their environment, things are decided for her. In the beginning she goes along with this, it seems to be working out for her and she “knows her place.” But after the betrayal, she does has an awakening and realizes that she’s never had a choice in anything. So she learns to choose for herself. Ronin is a more turbulent character. He seems to have a good head, but when pushed, his ego comes out and does him zero favors. This is something that takes him a long time long to rectify.
💍Alannah (18) / Ronin (21)
💍Arranged Marriage
💍Cheating (on and off page)
💍Betrayal
💍Organized Crime
💍Dual POV
💍First Person POV
💍HEA
5⭐️2🌶️
As I was putting this together, I realized, I’m feeling a little unwell that I finished this already. I kind of feel like I’m going through withdrawals right now.
Also, I do want to add, I knew exactly what I was getting into reading this. I took the blurb, the era, the MC’s backgrounds, the tropes, and the content warnings into consideration when I decided I wanted to read this because it was stuff I liked to read about. I know there’s mixed reviews, so like with anything, do your research before starting a new book. Protect your peace!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had been wonderfully unpredictable. From the blurb I knew the MMC's betrayal was going to be a gut-punch, so when I started reading the book I couldn't anticipate how it would all go wrong when Ronin had obviously been in love with the FMC, Alannah.
After the betrayal happened and Alannah sought refuge with the family she had left in Ireland, I thought all I was to expect from then on was Ronin's groveling. But no, something else happened that I never quite anticipated, and I loved that surprising twist. Let me just say that it was in that twist where the importance of personal choice over one's life was clearly advocated by the story.
Character-wise, Alannah truly had been the stronger character here. She knew what she wanted in her life, and she knew what she wouldn't put up with. She remained loyal and respectful to her family members even when they'd failed her, but she wouldn't let them dictate her life. She truly was her own fierce, independent person, and I adored her for that.
As for Ronin, well I had a love-hate relationship with him. Ronin was notoriously prideful, and that had severely cost him Alannah. He was led more by his volatile emotions - his rage, his panic, his fear - in the most crucial times that he interacted with Alannah, causing him to make instant, reactive, and ultimately unsound decisions that would hurt Alannah even more. It was only when he'd lost all hope of ever reclaiming Alannah that he could finally think more rationally about his actions and its consequences. That was when he finally realized what kind of man he needed to be for there to be any hope of Alannah forgiving him. He had truly been a character you would have loved to strangle because he had been quite a douchebag, but then he was also one to earn back your esteem for finally being able to set his priorities and his head straight.
This had been truly another intensely satisfying read for me. I love that Ms. Kray has been so remarkably consistent with her heroines, with all the FMCs in all the books of hers I have read having been such incredibly strong women who would not let a man define her worth, and would be women the men would willingly change themselves for in order to be considered worthy of her. That's the power of an extraordinary woman for you right there!
I was granted an early review copy of this book for free. I leave this honest review fully voluntarily.
After the betrayal happened and Alannah sought refuge with the family she had left in Ireland, I thought all I was to expect from then on was Ronin's groveling. But no, something else happened that I never quite anticipated, and I loved that surprising twist. Let me just say that it was in that twist where the importance of personal choice over one's life was clearly advocated by the story.
Character-wise, Alannah truly had been the stronger character here. She knew what she wanted in her life, and she knew what she wouldn't put up with. She remained loyal and respectful to her family members even when they'd failed her, but she wouldn't let them dictate her life. She truly was her own fierce, independent person, and I adored her for that.
As for Ronin, well I had a love-hate relationship with him. Ronin was notoriously prideful, and that had severely cost him Alannah. He was led more by his volatile emotions - his rage, his panic, his fear - in the most crucial times that he interacted with Alannah, causing him to make instant, reactive, and ultimately unsound decisions that would hurt Alannah even more. It was only when he'd lost all hope of ever reclaiming Alannah that he could finally think more rationally about his actions and its consequences. That was when he finally realized what kind of man he needed to be for there to be any hope of Alannah forgiving him. He had truly been a character you would have loved to strangle because he had been quite a douchebag, but then he was also one to earn back your esteem for finally being able to set his priorities and his head straight.
This had been truly another intensely satisfying read for me. I love that Ms. Kray has been so remarkably consistent with her heroines, with all the FMCs in all the books of hers I have read having been such incredibly strong women who would not let a man define her worth, and would be women the men would willingly change themselves for in order to be considered worthy of her. That's the power of an extraordinary woman for you right there!
I was granted an early review copy of this book for free. I leave this honest review fully voluntarily.
August 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some advice read the book for yourself skip the reviews and form your own opinion you won’t be disappointed. If you like mafia, 50’s era, arranged marriage. Which I absolutely LOVE!!!
My favorite kinds of books are arranged marriage and mafia books and this book has both of those and was written really well.
I feel the author nailed it on what a 1950’s marriage may have looked like especially with the mafia background.
Ronin our H seems to not be liked much in the reviews I have seen but I actually loved him. He was written well. I felt his love for Alannah he just had a lot of growing up to do. What people need to understand this was an arranged marriage so of course he wasn’t going to fall instantly in love with our h. But I do believe he loved her when he married her.
The pressure of wanting to impress his men he would be leading laid heavily on him too so a lot of his mistakes were due to that and in the end he knew what he all did was not good.
Alannah was not weak I don’t like seeing people thinking that. For the era I believe she was a very strong h. It may have taken a bit but she did stand up for herself and make the decisions that made her happy. She got to choose. Also Alannah was 19 years old I think for that age she did well.
I don’t see Ronin as weak. He also wasn’t that old and taking on so much at once. Wife and head of the mafia that is a lot.
To me this had just the right amount of OW drama. (I hated Kitty) 😘
Alannah didn’t just run back to Ronin she took the time to figure things out.
I have to say the author was able to surprise me on a few things and I loved it!!! I didn’t see a few things coming and so happy how it went.
A.M. Kray has put right under the description of the book all the warnings so you know exactly what to expect.
It says on page/off page cheating and public humiliation and so much more so none of this was a surprise that you wouldn’t have been warned about.
If you made it this far with all my rambling make sure to go read Faithless Vows. Form your own opinion. ❤️
Some advice read the book for yourself skip the reviews and form your own opinion you won’t be disappointed. If you like mafia, 50’s era, arranged marriage. Which I absolutely LOVE!!!
My favorite kinds of books are arranged marriage and mafia books and this book has both of those and was written really well.
I feel the author nailed it on what a 1950’s marriage may have looked like especially with the mafia background.
Ronin our H seems to not be liked much in the reviews I have seen but I actually loved him. He was written well. I felt his love for Alannah he just had a lot of growing up to do. What people need to understand this was an arranged marriage so of course he wasn’t going to fall instantly in love with our h. But I do believe he loved her when he married her.
The pressure of wanting to impress his men he would be leading laid heavily on him too so a lot of his mistakes were due to that and in the end he knew what he all did was not good.
Alannah was not weak I don’t like seeing people thinking that. For the era I believe she was a very strong h. It may have taken a bit but she did stand up for herself and make the decisions that made her happy. She got to choose. Also Alannah was 19 years old I think for that age she did well.
I don’t see Ronin as weak. He also wasn’t that old and taking on so much at once. Wife and head of the mafia that is a lot.
To me this had just the right amount of OW drama. (I hated Kitty) 😘
Alannah didn’t just run back to Ronin she took the time to figure things out.
I have to say the author was able to surprise me on a few things and I loved it!!! I didn’t see a few things coming and so happy how it went.
A.M. Kray has put right under the description of the book all the warnings so you know exactly what to expect.
It says on page/off page cheating and public humiliation and so much more so none of this was a surprise that you wouldn’t have been warned about.
If you made it this far with all my rambling make sure to go read Faithless Vows. Form your own opinion. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2026
Choices **Spoilers Below**
Well written and the characters had their own voices. Choice is mentioned a lot in this book because Alannah doesn't ever actually have a free choice throughout the story. She was led into the arrangement and despite knowing it was an arrangement, she fell for him and then he broke her heart. So, it could be argued that going home to Ireland was her first choice, but was it? Either stay and seep in Ronin's betrayal and her humiliation or go to the only other place/people she knows. That's not really a choice that being stuck between a rock and a hard place. The whole thing with Finn I have mixed feelings about because a part of me feels like she did him dirty. She wasn't naive to the world they lived in yet that's exactly how she acted. And my god, she spent 90% of this novel crying and being helpless.
So then she finds out about the arrangement with Finn, which mind you, wasn't a new thing. It was a reality before her parents moved them to Boston so why was she so shocked that everyone thought it was naturally on the table again—especially when they'd been spending so much time together?
Her feelings were hurt because her family in Ireland had been shutting her out but again, she grew up in this world so why is she so naive? Instead of stating what she wants Alannah does exactly what she did before and runs, without a word to anyone, only this time back to Boston. When she's never been outside of those two environments. Never dated any one else or even really interacted with anyone outside those two bubbles—then can it be said that Ronin is actually her choice? When she's never was basically groomed into that relationship to begin with. To me, it's more like fell back into what was more comfortable and that comfort was the feeling of "first love."
Alannah never had a choice but it seemed like at the end she'd be treated well so there's that. And I'm glad to see Michael got his comeuppance because what a terrible brother and friend.
Well written and the characters had their own voices. Choice is mentioned a lot in this book because Alannah doesn't ever actually have a free choice throughout the story. She was led into the arrangement and despite knowing it was an arrangement, she fell for him and then he broke her heart. So, it could be argued that going home to Ireland was her first choice, but was it? Either stay and seep in Ronin's betrayal and her humiliation or go to the only other place/people she knows. That's not really a choice that being stuck between a rock and a hard place. The whole thing with Finn I have mixed feelings about because a part of me feels like she did him dirty. She wasn't naive to the world they lived in yet that's exactly how she acted. And my god, she spent 90% of this novel crying and being helpless.
So then she finds out about the arrangement with Finn, which mind you, wasn't a new thing. It was a reality before her parents moved them to Boston so why was she so shocked that everyone thought it was naturally on the table again—especially when they'd been spending so much time together?
Her feelings were hurt because her family in Ireland had been shutting her out but again, she grew up in this world so why is she so naive? Instead of stating what she wants Alannah does exactly what she did before and runs, without a word to anyone, only this time back to Boston. When she's never been outside of those two environments. Never dated any one else or even really interacted with anyone outside those two bubbles—then can it be said that Ronin is actually her choice? When she's never was basically groomed into that relationship to begin with. To me, it's more like fell back into what was more comfortable and that comfort was the feeling of "first love."
Alannah never had a choice but it seemed like at the end she'd be treated well so there's that. And I'm glad to see Michael got his comeuppance because what a terrible brother and friend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An absolute masterclass in emotion, heartbreak, and reclaiming love.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
There are books you read to escape reality, and then there are books that anchor themselves so deeply in your chest that they quietly become a part of you. Faithless Vows is undeniably the latter.
A.M. Kray has delivered a breathtaking emotional journey that reaches far beyond a standard romance. This is a raw, meticulous exploration of what happens when trust is shattered and the monumental, painful effort it takes to rebuild it. The grovel in this story is nothing short of top-tier perfection. It is not rushed.... No. It is not performative. It is agonizingly earned and grounded in such profound emotional honesty that it left me completely melted into a puddle. 🫠
What makes this novel extraordinary to me - is the heart beating behind every single page.♥️ Kray writes characters that are vividly, beautifully human - and; they stumble, they ache, they carry scars, and they love with a fierceness that radiates off the page.🌼I found myself fiercely turning pages late into the night, ignoring my own real-life exhaustion just to see them heal. Their emotions never feel manufactured; they unfold naturally, making every triumph sweeter and every heartbreak linger long after the final chapter.🌹
If you are searching for a story that will make you feel every heartbeat, every hope, and every ache, you cannot miss this one. A.M. Kray is a master storyteller, and this is an unforgettable masterpiece.💎
Thank you again — not just for trusting me with your ARC of "Faithless Vows", but for sharing such a beautiful piece of your heart with the world.🌿
There are books you read to escape reality, and then there are books that anchor themselves so deeply in your chest that they quietly become a part of you. Faithless Vows is undeniably the latter.
A.M. Kray has delivered a breathtaking emotional journey that reaches far beyond a standard romance. This is a raw, meticulous exploration of what happens when trust is shattered and the monumental, painful effort it takes to rebuild it. The grovel in this story is nothing short of top-tier perfection. It is not rushed.... No. It is not performative. It is agonizingly earned and grounded in such profound emotional honesty that it left me completely melted into a puddle. 🫠
What makes this novel extraordinary to me - is the heart beating behind every single page.♥️ Kray writes characters that are vividly, beautifully human - and; they stumble, they ache, they carry scars, and they love with a fierceness that radiates off the page.🌼I found myself fiercely turning pages late into the night, ignoring my own real-life exhaustion just to see them heal. Their emotions never feel manufactured; they unfold naturally, making every triumph sweeter and every heartbreak linger long after the final chapter.🌹
If you are searching for a story that will make you feel every heartbeat, every hope, and every ache, you cannot miss this one. A.M. Kray is a master storyteller, and this is an unforgettable masterpiece.💎
Thank you again — not just for trusting me with your ARC of "Faithless Vows", but for sharing such a beautiful piece of your heart with the world.🌿
August 10, 2026
3.5 Stars
This mafia-esque story had me intrigued as it's set in the 1950s, with the exception of a few details here and there, it didn't feel like the 1950s that we see in The Godfather (1975).
Of course, you've read the synopsis and you know he betrays and humilates her after the wedding, i kept wondering why as he's the one the agreed to the arranged marriage and decides to court her, none of which he actually had to do.
So, when he snaps at the reception, I really thought he's have a good explanation, other than he was an arsehole.I thought perhaps he was being blackmailed. How he thought his announcement at the reception on how he was going to treat his just married wife during their marriage was a good idea is perplexing. He left Alannah no choice but the one she was forced to make.
Mick, we're told Alannah's brother doesn't like her, she is a sweetheart and i needed a why. There were times I felt mick was deliberately leading Ronin down a road of destruction to destroy Roni;s relationship with Alannah. Given their history as childhood friends and after reading about the aftermath of Ronin's behavior at the reception, I've come to the conslusion that Mick had feelings for Ronin. This is something that would never have been acknowledged in the 1950s. It's the only explanation that makes sense after his behavior.
Ronin tries to make amends (both near and far) but it's too little, too late. When Alannah's safe haven begins to show cracks underneath. She has to decide what is best for her.
Recommended: Read this Book!
This mafia-esque story had me intrigued as it's set in the 1950s, with the exception of a few details here and there, it didn't feel like the 1950s that we see in The Godfather (1975).
Of course, you've read the synopsis and you know he betrays and humilates her after the wedding, i kept wondering why as he's the one the agreed to the arranged marriage and decides to court her, none of which he actually had to do.
So, when he snaps at the reception, I really thought he's have a good explanation, other than he was an arsehole.I thought perhaps he was being blackmailed. How he thought his announcement at the reception on how he was going to treat his just married wife during their marriage was a good idea is perplexing. He left Alannah no choice but the one she was forced to make.
Mick, we're told Alannah's brother doesn't like her, she is a sweetheart and i needed a why. There were times I felt mick was deliberately leading Ronin down a road of destruction to destroy Roni;s relationship with Alannah. Given their history as childhood friends and after reading about the aftermath of Ronin's behavior at the reception, I've come to the conslusion that Mick had feelings for Ronin. This is something that would never have been acknowledged in the 1950s. It's the only explanation that makes sense after his behavior.
Ronin tries to make amends (both near and far) but it's too little, too late. When Alannah's safe haven begins to show cracks underneath. She has to decide what is best for her.
Recommended: Read this Book!
August 6, 2026
Be aware it has cheating on page and the H is a real jerk!
The story follows Alannah and Ronin, whose marriage is arranged by their fathers when they're young. At first, I thought it would be another "arranged marriage turned into love" romance because Ronin genuinely courts Alannah, he brings her flowers, remembers little things about her, takes her on thoughtful dates, drives her to the beach because she once mentioned missing the sea in Ireland, and slowly earns her trust an on the other hand Alannah completely believes they're building a real relationship before their wedding. The "only" problem is that while he's doing all of that, Ronin is still sleeping with other women. He regularly goes out drinking with Mick, hooks up with women in bars, and convinces himself that because the engagement was arranged and they aren't married yet, it somehow is ok.
The breaking moment for me was the wedding when a woman who slept with him tells Alannah that she was his lover for years and they both will share him. When Alannah confronts him with this he gets mad and instead of apologizing he takes the OW's hand and walks out of the reception with her telling everyone there that he will spend the night with her leaving the h alone at the party. Alannah does exactly what I hoped she would—she leaves him and returns to Ireland. I loved that the author didn't have her forgive him immediately and although the road till his redemption is long for me was difficult to root for him.
The story follows Alannah and Ronin, whose marriage is arranged by their fathers when they're young. At first, I thought it would be another "arranged marriage turned into love" romance because Ronin genuinely courts Alannah, he brings her flowers, remembers little things about her, takes her on thoughtful dates, drives her to the beach because she once mentioned missing the sea in Ireland, and slowly earns her trust an on the other hand Alannah completely believes they're building a real relationship before their wedding. The "only" problem is that while he's doing all of that, Ronin is still sleeping with other women. He regularly goes out drinking with Mick, hooks up with women in bars, and convinces himself that because the engagement was arranged and they aren't married yet, it somehow is ok.
The breaking moment for me was the wedding when a woman who slept with him tells Alannah that she was his lover for years and they both will share him. When Alannah confronts him with this he gets mad and instead of apologizing he takes the OW's hand and walks out of the reception with her telling everyone there that he will spend the night with her leaving the h alone at the party. Alannah does exactly what I hoped she would—she leaves him and returns to Ireland. I loved that the author didn't have her forgive him immediately and although the road till his redemption is long for me was difficult to root for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2026
Let's talk about Alannah & Ronin... This book brought the gut punch and rage for me! Both MC's a product of the era and the environment, both just following/doing what they know. That Wedding scene!!! If you didn't think Ronin was a POS before then, you def did after!!! My heart broke for Alannah. I was happy when she left and started thinking for herself. I was grateful when she started piecing herself back together in Ireland... I was very team Finn.. UNTIL.... I wasnt.... When the grands started pushin for another "arrangement, thinkin this one would be better since it was who "they" choose... I knew it wasn't going to end well. When Alannah stood her ground that's when the Ireland peeps showed their true colors; proving she was only useful if she did what they wanted.
I honestly felt bad for Ronin in the end; he grew in the time they were separated and he owned his mistakes... the LETTERS, those letters is what did it for me and his redemption. When he finally let her go and gave her what SHE wanted... ALL the feels....
I would have never survived this era and am very glad I was born when I was cause NOPE I would have revolted no matter what the times would have taught me.
I honestly felt bad for Ronin in the end; he grew in the time they were separated and he owned his mistakes... the LETTERS, those letters is what did it for me and his redemption. When he finally let her go and gave her what SHE wanted... ALL the feels....
I would have never survived this era and am very glad I was born when I was cause NOPE I would have revolted no matter what the times would have taught me.
August 9, 2026
3.5 stars rounded to 4
I read this in one sitting because it was really good for the first 80% or so. Then it was WTF. There's a little bit for everyone in here. Historical romance that's set in the 1950s where women didn't have rights where their husbands were concerned, arranged marriage, some Irish mafia stuff, OW and OM drama, on page cheating, second chance and slow burn.
It was a little slow starting off. The relationship builds slowly like they did back then. Ronin seemed to only fuck up when he was with Alannah's brother Mick. Mick was a piece of shit brother. I'm still not sure why Mick got pissy when the wedding reception scene happened since he was the one who pushed a shitfaced Ronin off on the skank at the stag party.
Alannah leaves Boston for Ireland to her grandparents house after the big betrayal. And holy shit is it a huge, very public betrayal. She heals for a while only for Ronin to show back up and put his foot back in his mouth. Then her grandparents along with a childhood friend start fucking with her life. I loved them until I didn't.
I didn't like the ending. Everything wraps up a little too neatly for the damage that had been done.
I read this in one sitting because it was really good for the first 80% or so. Then it was WTF. There's a little bit for everyone in here. Historical romance that's set in the 1950s where women didn't have rights where their husbands were concerned, arranged marriage, some Irish mafia stuff, OW and OM drama, on page cheating, second chance and slow burn.
It was a little slow starting off. The relationship builds slowly like they did back then. Ronin seemed to only fuck up when he was with Alannah's brother Mick. Mick was a piece of shit brother. I'm still not sure why Mick got pissy when the wedding reception scene happened since he was the one who pushed a shitfaced Ronin off on the skank at the stag party.
Alannah leaves Boston for Ireland to her grandparents house after the big betrayal. And holy shit is it a huge, very public betrayal. She heals for a while only for Ronin to show back up and put his foot back in his mouth. Then her grandparents along with a childhood friend start fucking with her life. I loved them until I didn't.
I didn't like the ending. Everything wraps up a little too neatly for the damage that had been done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2026
This author also wrote "Tangled", which is a favourite of mine. I read some of this book as a WIP on Wattpad. For these reasons I was looking forward to the release of this book. I binge read it. I was in the book. When the h was by the sea in Ireland, I was there. When the H was in the shed, I was there. Where I felt a little let down by the writing is in the character development. The H's angry reaction during the wedding reception felt out of character. He had not previously been concerned about his image in front of his men. The behavior felt impulsive which would not reflect well on a leader with his responsibilities. What worked for me is that the groveling that lead to the HEA was the result of the h's awareness of her need being met or not met by the H and OM.
The marriage is arranged with the consent of the H but the h is not considered. The H does spend time getting to know the h while they wait for her to turn eighteen. The h doesn't take the H's humiliation lying down much to the surprise of the H which makes you wonder how well he knew her. I enjoyed it.
The marriage is arranged with the consent of the H but the h is not considered. The H does spend time getting to know the h while they wait for her to turn eighteen. The h doesn't take the H's humiliation lying down much to the surprise of the H which makes you wonder how well he knew her. I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was absolutely amazing! I am going to try to write this review without spoilers. I think what surprised me most about Ronin, who I grew to adore (eventually), was the fact that it wasn't the elders that he felt the need to impress, it was his peers and even people that worked beneath him. A.M clearly did her research into the heavy Irish culture in Boston ( still very present to this day) and the family dynamics were spot on. I had mixed feelings about Mick. I wanted to understand his resentment towards Alannah. Then I wanted his redemption. Sometimes neither is necessary. Alannah showed more guts and grit than was common for an Irish Catholic girl in that era. A. M. you did her proud.
I was blessed to be granted an ARC of this book by the author and am leaving a completely honest review.
I was blessed to be granted an ARC of this book by the author and am leaving a completely honest review.
August 16, 2026
I was skimming through this boring story about life as a teenage girl getting her first kisses from the guy she's supposed to marry. Going out to lunches; riding in his fabulous Cadillac, going to the beach, etc. Finally the wedding happens and, OUT OF THE BLUE, Ronin totally betrays her at the reception. Where did this jackass behavior come from, because he never acted anything but sweet with her. He is a complete idiot. Lana is an innocent, naive girl. Apparently her mom forgot to tell her how mafia guys cheat. This is why teenagers shouldn't get married. At least she had the courage to run but not the courage to kick him in the nuts. I DNF because I knew she would take him back. NOTHING he could say or do would make this the right move.
This story is so bad; the AI betrayal/revenge slop is better written.
This story is so bad; the AI betrayal/revenge slop is better written.
August 7, 2026
Faithless Vows , oh how I loved thee.
I waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint. The gut punch was so much better than I could’ve anticipated. I think this is a full 5⭐️ read. Some say they felt the ending too rushed and I could maybe understand that point but I think any longer it would’ve been too long. I also understand that not a lot of people could relate to the culture of the time but IYKYK. I think AM Kray does an outstanding job getting it right. Not only the culture of Boston but also Ireland and where women were placed in society. It’s in the strength and the backs of women at the time,taking control over their lives and going against tradition that were able to have free autonomy today to chose what we want, and what is acceptable.
I waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint. The gut punch was so much better than I could’ve anticipated. I think this is a full 5⭐️ read. Some say they felt the ending too rushed and I could maybe understand that point but I think any longer it would’ve been too long. I also understand that not a lot of people could relate to the culture of the time but IYKYK. I think AM Kray does an outstanding job getting it right. Not only the culture of Boston but also Ireland and where women were placed in society. It’s in the strength and the backs of women at the time,taking control over their lives and going against tradition that were able to have free autonomy today to chose what we want, and what is acceptable.
August 6, 2026
I'm sorry, but I didn't like any of the characters in this book. Alana was weak, constantly crying and running somewhere, sometimes to the beach, sometimes somewhere else, always in the rain. I assume this was for drama. Ronin was stupid and weak. I still don't understand how he can lead the mafia when all his friends are walking all over him. His parents, grandparents, cousins, and friends were all terrible. There wasn't a single positive or interesting character in this book. There were no historical aspects either; the plot could easily have unfolded in today's time. It was boring, banal, and predictable.
August 16, 2026
Such A White Male Supremacist, American MAGA Woman, When We Irish Wouldn't Take Back Proud Cheaters
So like what the fuck is this doormat?
Letting him cheat and letting him toucn you.
And that focus on pretend Kathleen fucmed him is pathetic.
You cannot be sedated and aroused at the same time.
Thats not how the blood pressure works.
But West Brits and Colonisers love that grift.
As an Irish woman, I love that we are more feminist than the Patriarchial West Brits.
Imagine believing you can be in love while cheating.
I'd need him to jump off that bridge befote I believed him.
Bootlicker.
So like what the fuck is this doormat?
Letting him cheat and letting him toucn you.
And that focus on pretend Kathleen fucmed him is pathetic.
You cannot be sedated and aroused at the same time.
Thats not how the blood pressure works.
But West Brits and Colonisers love that grift.
As an Irish woman, I love that we are more feminist than the Patriarchial West Brits.
Imagine believing you can be in love while cheating.
I'd need him to jump off that bridge befote I believed him.
Bootlicker.
August 14, 2026
I liked it, but at the same time felt like a little was missing. Why did her brother hate her so much? Why the set up at the stag party? The way everyone just changed when she spoke up. How much of a man child Ronin was. I would have liked a conversation about why their dads chose to go to Boston.
What I liked was that this was the time before cell phones and internet, so it nice to see letters being written. Picturing them driving around in the car.
What I liked was that this was the time before cell phones and internet, so it nice to see letters being written. Picturing them driving around in the car.
August 7, 2026
oh its 1950s oh its a mafia and oh its fiction so its all OK!!!
The purpose of books is not to romanticize this, right? And there goes all the aunties who does and defends this.
What a disgusting outlook as disgusting as this book and what its trying to portray that accepting scrap is all a woman can be in the 1950s mafia world.
The purpose of books is not to romanticize this, right? And there goes all the aunties who does and defends this.
What a disgusting outlook as disgusting as this book and what its trying to portray that accepting scrap is all a woman can be in the 1950s mafia world.
August 8, 2026
I would read this again.
I’m a mood reader, and I wanted a good gut punch betrayal and I got it. The grovel was nice, loved the letters. The outcome with Ireland was sad and unexpected, I was rooting for them and Finn, for the longest. I’m glad Ronin got his act together and showed he might be worthy of her.
I’m a mood reader, and I wanted a good gut punch betrayal and I got it. The grovel was nice, loved the letters. The outcome with Ireland was sad and unexpected, I was rooting for them and Finn, for the longest. I’m glad Ronin got his act together and showed he might be worthy of her.
August 8, 2026
I’m glad they found a way back together, wasn’t sure how it would happen but given how awful everyone in Ireland ended up being towards her Ronin felt like the better option. Bit gutted about how fast her family turned on her when Ireland seemed like a sanctuary for her. And weirdly sad about Mick, even though he was a prick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was privileged to get an ARC copy of this book and I read it in one night. It’s another AM Kray hit. The strong characters, the betrayal and heartache and grovel is everything you are looking for in a 50’s mafia love story. Just fantastic
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