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Marriage to Luca was supposed to be my salvation. Now it’s just a prison I can’t escape.

Marry him or die.
That was the choice.
When the Bratva attack on our wedding forces my new husband into the position of Don, all his promises to me are on hold. Now I’m in a gilded cage, locked away from everything that might harm me—except for the man who holds the key.
Until one passionate night makes me question everything I believed about the man I married against my will, and leaves me with a secret that I’ll die to keep.
He broke his promise.

Now I’m going to have to break mine.

Broken Promise is Book #2 In the Dark Promise Series.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

705 people are currently reading
598 people want to read

About the author

M. James

57 books395 followers
Prepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.

M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.

From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.

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5 stars
881 (41%)
4 stars
680 (32%)
3 stars
430 (20%)
2 stars
79 (3%)
1 star
45 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for elara.
231 reviews14 followers
August 10, 2024
they were so toxic but entertaining as hell
1 review
July 20, 2022
So i have read quite some reviews saying that they were annoyed with Sofia character. To that I just have to say that if you like getting humiliated and rejected and used and assaulted by a character I think there is severely something wrong with your thinking. Even though this is dark romance the way Luca spoke and acted towards Sofia was utterly disgusting. I don’t know why the author thought that there should never be a time in both books where Luca once apologized for his behaviour. Just because he granted her the luxury and protection there is no effing respect towards her. Also it is so disgusting that no one is rattled by his thinking of I can sleep with whoever I like but my wife can’t. There is so much wrong the reviews and the book that they sincerely need to think where there dignity went to.
454 reviews
October 2, 2021
For all the praise I gave Sophia in the last book, she became a sappy, horny, doormat. Chapters and chapters of her pathetic, internal monologue was so annoying. I was so upset. Why do authors do this? Turn strength into weakness and wrap it up as a romantic concept ? That scene where he humiliated her and she was begging like she had no dignity was so dumb, like her . I really hated this book like I loathe Sophia’s character in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for dahlia.
496 reviews22 followers
December 27, 2021
Sofia spends this entire book trying to push Luca away and Luca does the same.

So annoying.
Profile Image for Shahla hajatnia.
130 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2023
Did I read the second book even though I didn't think much of the first book? Yes, I did and I'm not proud of it.
Did I think it was a step down from the last book? Also yes.
654 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2022
I didn't realise this was a trilogy, it could have been one great book, or two mediocre books.. but three?? The repetition is irksome.

For example in Sofia's chapter it might read: I killed the man, the evening we went to the gauchos... then in Luca's chapter it would read: I can't believe she killed a man on the night we went to gauchos. This happens throughout the series and what's worse, the character may repeat several chapters later.. so you're reading the same thing multiple times.
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,796 reviews
October 2, 2021
Oh My Gosh!! I literally devoured this book! Seeing both Sofia and Luca struggle and refuse to face their feelings for one another! The unanswered questions, the grit, and attacks made it a page turner! Exciting! Gahh! I’m desperate for the next installment after that huge cliffhanger! Fantastic book!
Profile Image for Renske.
16 reviews2 followers
Read
June 17, 2025
This book wasn’t the best.. The way Luca treated Sofia was disgusting. The plot is good, but it’s just written poorly. It could’ve been so much better. I feel like all three books could’ve been made shorter and made as one. I’ll only read the last book to know the ending, but I’m not expecting it to be good 🤷🏼‍♀️
Profile Image for ana ❥.
96 reviews54 followers
March 5, 2024
3.5⭐
I'm here for the sex and the drama.
They're so back&forth and toying w each other's feelings but I LOVE THE DRAMA so can't really complain. i do hope they get their shit together in the last book tho 😭
Profile Image for Dakota Bias.
33 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2024
okay, kinda the same as the first book but it got better. luca and sofias relationship was giving me whiplash for a second there. i’m still trying to figure out what’s so special about her, but i refuse to buy the next book lmao.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
950 reviews9 followers
November 4, 2021
Good Book

OMG that’s two books in a row you have left a cliffhanger and it’s 05:45 in UK and I need sleep but also need to know what happens next.
Damn Luca had me so happy he was changing and I knew he was falling in love with Sophia even if he denied it to himself.
He is going to go ballistic with what’s just happened at the end and I think Rossi arranged it.
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews31 followers
November 5, 2021
Things are getting more and more complicated.

This is book two in the Dark Promise series, please be sure to read book one, Vicious Promise before reading this book. With all the promises that were made in the contract that Sophia signed before marrying Luca, she should have known there was no way they could keep them all. Now she has a decision to make and no matter what she decides, she may never be safe again. I am looking forward to reading book three, Ruthless Promise, to see how their story will end.
Profile Image for Sarah Lentz.
113 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2021
Book 2 in the series picks up exactly where the cliff hanger from book 1 left us. This book brings in some more depth to Luca and Sofia’s relationship and the spicy level kicks up a notch or two!!! SPICY 🌶 🥵🔥
Twists and Turns keeping us on our toes and yet again this book ends on a cliff hanger!!!! Can’t wait to read book 3 and see what happens! Such a wonderfully written mafia romance series!

Profile Image for Deb Richmond.
672 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2022
A great part two

I loved this book because Luca and Sofia have gotten closer. Now there’s a secret and an unknown threat. I can. Not. Wait. For. Part. Three!!!!!!!!!
1,045 reviews33 followers
November 15, 2021
As an avid reader of Mafia genre this trilogy hooked me from the first page to the last. The writing is very well done. I don't make that statement lightly as I have read or tried to read some pretty awful author's attempt's to write a story in this genre. This author knows how to take a deep dive into her character's exposing their insecurities as well as their strength's while producing a story that keeps the reader wanting more.

Book two of the series tried to humanize Luca who is described by Sophia as a "Jekyll and Hyde" which describes the breakneck speed to anger or "jump to conclusions", he so often resorts to. He says things before thinking which makes his character human but, not always smart. As a man, he is a control freak who would drive any sane woman crazy. He is drawn to a confrontational women such as Sofia but who also fights them at every turn. He wants his women submissive and is into punishment when he doesn't get his way. He's not one of my favorite book H but he did grow on me in book 2. He always seems to be waging this internal battle (which the author does well) as to his feelings for Sophia and takes one step forward, only to take two steps backward. Their relationship is like a roller coaster of emotions throughout this trilogy even after everything that happens to Sophia; sometimes he acts like he can't live without her and other times he can't get away from her quick enough. I feel his character is on the precipice of enacting some 2021 change to the Rossi Dynasty, but is still stuck in the old ways, the old traditions.

Sofia is just trying to survive and to try to understand where she stands with Luca. That is hard to do when every time she disobeys him he threatens to "kill her and put and end to all of this". It's always her fault! Between the Rossi Don, Franco, Viktor and Luca, it's enough to question the whole " I am going to keep you safe thing". Sofia and Luca have a huge trust/communication issue as characters. Someone needs to make up their mind and stop threatening her at every turn. This particular Mafia story focus's on the antiquated, outdated traditions of the Italian Mafia. It certainly wasn't written with 2021 Mafia women in mind who are educated, who work in or out of the families and who are considered equals to their Mafia men. The men in this story were all basically man whores and liars who screws everyone, has mistress's while their women never go on vacations or travel with their husbands or kids. These women are strictly objects that in many instances are abused, told to shut up, open their legs and give them heirs. God forbid if they have an affair which usually results in their death or suicide. Women in this world are whores for cheating while the men are expected to cheat. Double standard anyone?

Book two was great as more revelations start to build in this trilogy. The saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" really starts to develop a special meaning for book three.
Profile Image for Sandy Knox.
1,277 reviews18 followers
October 10, 2021

I AM ABSOLUTELY LOVIN THIS TRILOGY!

I'm so excited for the final book. I don't know for sure how I feel about Sofia's character. I felt that in the beginning she had every right to be upset, because the way everything was just dropped on her and it was shocking. It was heartbreaking that her father had a life she knew nothing about and he had a secret life she never knew or dreamed of for him to be involved in. I'm so curious to find out why Vicktor wants Sofia so much. One thing that has really bothered me throughout both books 1 & 2 in book 1 it starts out with Sofia telling us all about her life as an accomplished violinist and how she practiced constantly, never having a life but throughout both books not once did she pick up her violin. For someone as committed to the violin as she is supposed to be how could she just forget all about it. I mean she doesn't even talk about it or mention it. Anyway, I am still on the fence about Luca. He definitely has a hard outer shell but he also has a soft mushy inside at times. This book was so exciting and off the charts smokin hot! Poor Caterina, my heart was broken for her. You could almost feel her pain coming off the pages.I can honestly say I didn't feel sorry for Vitto Rossi at all. He's a monster. Now, Franco, who's character I like in the beginning because he seemed kind, caring and funny turned out to be a complete @sshole. The suspense is almost non-stop, my insides were jittery and the excitement had my heart rate speeding up. I freakin loved it! There are twists and turns around every corner and so many trials and tribulations, at times it was like a rollercoaster ride. When things begin to change between Luca and Sofia it was so heartwarming to think that Sofia really was gonna get the kind of marriage she'd hoped for but not really. Luca is the epitome of the alpha male. I don't want to see him get too soft but I do like his softer side toward Sofia almost as much as his bad@** side. I extremely recommend this trilogy to everyone.
Profile Image for Vee.
707 reviews197 followers
March 4, 2022
4 stars

So I decided to read this book and thankful it was better than the first one. Although I disliked the part where the H decided to pushed the h away again almost by the end of the book just because he kinda realized he was in love/obsessed with the h, quite unnecessary and uncalled for but I tried to understand. He was scared of the feelings and didn't want to jeopardize the h's safety because apparently love was weakness and love could blind you etc. Every male in this book was cheating manwhores. Oh and this one ended with the h convinced she was preggers and wanted to run away since in the previous book, before they were married, she signed a clause where she would not get pregnant and if she somehow fell pregnant, she must terminate it, still unsure why tho but I had some guesses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews20 followers
April 25, 2022
Darkness before the light

Sofia is now Luca’s wife and he is now The Don! She has started to adjust to this new life and she is finally open to admitting and acting on her true feelings for Luca. However, The Bratva are not backing down and their threat is real and they are determined to get to Sofia. Luca is still torn internally to admit his true feelings for Sofia and this leaves his tormenting himself between his feelings for his wife and his duty as Don. There are some mysteries still to be unraveled in Book 3 and Sofia’s life is still in danger. There are also some hints of traitors within their ranks. The final book is going to be amazing and entertaining because Luca will do anything for Sofia and I think this is going to be challenged in Book 3 to the max! Happy Reading!
11 reviews
March 1, 2024
I dont even wanna give 1 star to this book, waste of time i thought maybe the second book would be better but its just gets worse. This book gave me a fucking headache and i dont even know from where to start.

Fucked up, toxic characters especially the mmc was a egotistical misogynist and made my blood boil. His mindset of fucking any girl he wanted and not being faithful to sofia while she had to be a trophy good mafia wife. Sofia being weak and pathetic asf she couldn't hold her ground and got off the humiliation. The whole book is horrible, luca going to a bachelor party and getting a boner by a blonde sitting on his lap while he was married was my last straw. Idk what the fuck the author was thinking bc shes rlly needs professional help if she thought this was a good romantic book. And let me tell u There was no romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
August 10, 2021
🔥Luca🔥 I’ve never read any mafia romance before and I think I might have to read more but I think Luca might have ruined every other character I could find!

Fierce & steamy I couldn’t put it down until I was done. The ending really caught me off guard and I was so thankful to be able to read book three right after. I love that this series makes you guess something that you think might happen but then plot twists into something even more than you could have dreamt to keep the pages turning!!

I was lucky to receive advance copies of book 1, 2, 3 and so grateful that I didn’t have to wait to get over the cliffhanger ending. I’m freely leaving this review because everyone needs to know how amazing it is!!!
Profile Image for s.
507 reviews
December 4, 2023
3.25
that book was slightly better because they worked through their issues even though that lasted literally ten fucking seconds. at this point i am rooting for her to get the fuck away from him because the “im too afraid to love bc what if i lose them so im gonna break up with them” trope is actually one of the most insufferable tropes to ever be written. if youre gonna think of a third act break up authors everywhere i am begging you to think of something else that trope makes me want to jump off a building every time without fail it is so annoying and pointless. hes annoying and shes still annoying but i am rooting for her now that shes pregnant. very happy that she got kidnapped at the end cant wait to see how that will go in the next book sorry feminism.
Profile Image for Carissa Riggs.
377 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2021
M. James does it again. The story continues as Luca and Sophia struggle with their relationship and how to make things work in their household. Their marriage was never going to be perfect, but what now? This is not the life that Sophia wanted to live, can she handle the pressures and the dangers that surround her? Or will she cave to the pressure? Luca has more to do now more than ever. Can he focus and get things done? Or will his new wife continue to be a distraction and his potential downfall? Seriously, this book has it all. Don't miss out on this series. Waiting patiently for book 3.
Profile Image for Alex Ciz_naughty.
895 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2022
UGH, what is the big secret?!

OMG I’m dying to know why Sophia is so important to the Russians, why Don Rossi was so insistent that Luca & Sophia consummate their marriage. What is going on? Something to do with Sophia’s Russian side obviously but what? Was her mom the daughter of the Bravta head who died? Is Sophia the princess of the Bravta??
So many questions but such a 🔥 read! Full of yummy steamy scenes of course but also building on the freaking mystery. Can’t wait to start the next book to find out what is going on so I won’t wait, bye! Lol
Profile Image for lilypie.
46 reviews
March 9, 2024
so i did move forward with book 2… and i did end up being disappointed. No groveling from Luca, only the urge to slap him any time he opened his filthy, misogynistic mouth and disrespected Sofia yet again. Had the tiniest bit of character development and then we went like 2948 steps back. However if i had to choose between this book and the first one i would choose this one because it was slightly less unbearable. Just waiting to get it over with book 3 because yes i will force myself to finish this godforsaken trilogy.
5 reviews
October 26, 2021
I was one if the lucky ones, I received copies of book 1,2,3 and lets just say no one saw me for the couple of days it took me to read them all.

Once again M James fantastic writing kept me gripped till the very end.
Is it possible to fall a little in love with a character? Being part of the mafia I shouldn’t but i have a soft spot for Mr Luca.

Hot and steamy and 1000000% worth the read. M James you are an incredible author 💗
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews36 followers
July 25, 2022
Okay, from book one the (h)'s attitude did not improve until 3/4 of the way into the book. It is a good read if it was not for her blasted attitude issues. Things heated up between the h/H but for some reason went all to heck. Rossi is aware of something vital about the h but does not reveal anything to her. Unpredictable cliffhanger. On to book three.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Profile Image for LG.
72 reviews
December 19, 2022
Nunca me habia sentido como en una montaña rusa como con este libro. Super adicivo.

Que estres que los dos eviten quererse y cuando lo intentan piensan en que los va a afectar y deciden regresar a las peleas. Me dan demasiaa ilusion y luego me la quitan solo porque tienen miedo de sus emociones y lo que signifca en el mundo de la mafia.

Y wow con ese final, otra vez, esta autora sabe como dejarte con la curiosidad y querer leer el siguiente libro, cosa que claramente voy a hacer.
Profile Image for Ruth.
465 reviews10 followers
September 22, 2021
The story is attention grabbing, page turning, emotional, steamy with well developed characters. Luca returns home when Sofia is attacked. What happens next makes Sofia reconsider what she thinks/feels she knows about Luca. What will the future bring for the two of them? I love the continuing series and can't wait for book three!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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