Ruthless Vow

Mafia Marriages #5

by Willow Fox

Men say I’m bred with Russian, that I should be bratva.

I have a reputation as being the most vicious and ruthless Italian in the world. They’re not wrong.

I murdered my boss and stole his throne.

He made me the beast that I am, and I made him pay the price.

But there’s a girl that I want beside me while I rule the city.

The only problem, she’s Russian and the little sister of my enemy. She’s innocent, naive, and has no idea what I intend to do to her family.

We’re at war with the bratva…

They’ve threatened our women, children, and attempted to burn our homes to the ground. They’ve come after our organization, stolen our shipments, and forced our hand.

The dons and our most trusted men must come together to destroy the bratva.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Crime, Ebooks, Second Chance

458 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2022

About the author

Willow has loved writing since she was in high school (many ages ago). Whether she’s writing romance or sitting outside by the bonfire reading a good book, Willow loves the magic of the written word.

https://shopwillowfox.com

Reviews

[Charlotte 🦋 · Rating 3 out of 5]

• Mafia
• Rival families
• enemies to lovers
• secret baby

Antonio (H) is a solider in a Italian Mafia when he kills his boss after getting a horrible job that involves Aleksandra (h) who he had a one night stand with 5 years ago.

This was a good book, but it just seemed a bit slow to me. I like my books to he a bit faster.

Not to mention both MC’s annoyed me in there own way. h was whiny and not helping her case with H.

H was also whiny and had anger issues. Like communication is key in a strong relationship.

[Reed Daylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

More bratva & mafia than romance

POV: dual
HUMOR: a bit
F BOMBS: yes
STANDALONE: yes
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: yes
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: gory, dead bodies, shootings, kidnapping, physical abuse, human trafficking

CHARACTERS: Aleksandra Barinov and Antonio Moretti

OVERALL: Didn't keep my interest - not for me, you decide if it's for you

PROS:
1. can be read as a standalone
2. ARC copy had only minor typos/missing words - not enough to take you out of the story
3. has an epilogue (that leads to HFN: happily for now)

CONS:
1. didn't care for FMC (spoiler below)
2. very little romance
3. the only "dark" in this dark romance is that Antonio is in the mafia, the gory details of mafia/bratva dealings, and her brother doesn't treat her well
3. didn't feel chemistry between MCs. No romance until suddenly, out of nowhere at about 50%, and they go all the way near the end of the book.

(spoiler)
Although there were many instances/scenes that made me not care for the FMC, only sharing this one:
A man is bleeding profusely, dying, yet Aleksandra wastes precious time to continually argue and would not let anyone else drive even though she's not familiar with the area, she admits in her thoughts:
"...I don't know where the h3ll I'm going, and I don't want to be responsible for a dying man.
Unlike Antonio, I'm not a murderer."


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m rating this one 3.5⭐️
This checked some of my favorite tropes… mafia, secret baby, kinda enemies/lovers/second chance, but I just couldn’t get into it enough. Not like the authors other books. The mfc, Aleksandra, really pissed me off. She was so annoying that I almost didn’t finish the book. I love any good secret baby book, but it was her attitude about everything. She purposely kept her pregnancy from Antonio, and even when he asked she denied. After DNA proved he was their father, her attitude was he could see them on birthdays and holidays! She never took his feelings or wants into consideration, or the kids. It was just about her. She complained the whole time Antonio had her at his house under protection that he was keeping her prisoner, so when he agrees to let her go, she ran right back to him. Even knowing everything her brother was responsible for and him threatening her, she still ran back to him. Then when she realized her mistake and her brother wanted her dead she couldn’t believe Antonio had let her go!!! WTF.
I just couldn’t get into this book, mainly due to the heroine. And I hated it because I’ve enjoyed so many of the authors other books.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Deepthi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book I have ever read in a mafia romance.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about fighting to protect those you care about – even if you don’t know that those are you own children! This was an intense, dark, bratva vs mafia story. The Italians vs the Russians. Only what happens when one from each side have one wild night that ends up with 2 kids? More drama, betrayal, secrets, misunderstandings and realizing what is most important. Antonio and Aleksandra don’t expect to ever see each other again, but when Antonio is ordered by Roberto to kidnap a child who just happens to be the nephew of your enemy, you know the story is about to get better!

The banter between Antonio and Aleksandra is hilarious. She is feisty, strong and is fierce. She’s not afraid to stand up and protect her kids. I loved the passion, intensity, and darkness this story brought. Willow Fox has done a great job with this series and I cannot wait to see what comes out next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it was like a cumulation of the other books in this series.
It would be helpful for readers to read the other stories because those characters are in play in this story.

This story is as gripping and exciting as the others in the series. I have enjoyed each book so far.
Can't wait to see what's next!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antonio is member of the Italian mafia until one night he has had enough of his boss and kills him. He has had a one-night stand with Aleksandra who is the sister of an enemy. He didn’t know it but she ends up pregnant with twins. When Antonio ends up kidnapping her son, they are reunited, what will happen when he discovers the truth? Fast-paced mafia read with loads of drama, twists and turns, action and sizzling scenes. I liked it.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offered up a raw intensity and freshness that I enjoyed heartily. Antonio and Aleksandra's story was powerfully gripping and once I was caught in this skillfully crafted web there was no escape. A potent and addictive combination of action, drama, tension, danger, emotion, twists and heat flows smoothly across the pages and reads easily. This book is a real breath stealing, heart thumper. I am posting an independent, impartial review.

[Nicolette Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I loved all of the twists and turns, I was in the edge of my seat the whole time. The chemistry between Antonio and Aleksandra was intense, and I loveddd it! Just the right amount of spice that I like in books!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonio is of both blood but leads the Italian Mafia, after taking the throne he wants a queen but the one he wants is his rivals sister, Aleksandra. Can these two make it I their dark trouble filled world? Well written steamy secret baby suspense, enemies to lovers romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A squeaky 3 rating: Alexandria and Antonio...two main characters that never gelled.

The writing is good accept Alexandria's banter..."annoying"; and the rest of the characters are noteworthy. Antonio's character is a bit over his head but overall is a standup male MC trying to do the right thing by protecting his family and the other Italian Mafia families from the Bratva. His character was the main reason I continued to read this story.

Alexandria's character was a whiny, annoying, childish, immature, female MC who became more frustrating as the story progressed. I've read my share of dumbed-down female characters but she took the cake. For someone who was supposed to be a mother to a set of twin children, she certainly didn't act like one; nor did she seem capable of making good decisions. She gets knocked up while on vacation by Antonio four years earlier w/o even considering who he might be or what the consequences would be getting pregnant with his children. She is the sister of a Bratva leader....really? Who gets pregnant in this day and age while having a one night stand? I know authors like to exploit that point but you at least need to include people who have chemistry to pull that off. Her character was as boring as watching paint dry. Her mothering skills were even worse. The twins in this story were merely sub-characters that were seen but not heard. They added no real substance to this story which was a shame. She doesn't have one obvious skill set, has no money of her own and is supported by her Bratva brother who eventually would have married her off to someone in the Bratva. Duh.....

I never saw a love match between these two characters. I always felt that Alexandria was just looking for someone to take care of her whether it be Antonio or her brother. The author writes well; unfortunately, this book wasn't one of her better ones. I've read the other stories from this series and have enjoyed them. This one didn't do it for me.

[NJMomof4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsatisfying

This couple never gelled together. They never really chose each other, admired one another or became true partners. The decisions were suspect. The plot points contrived and the reasoning was superficial. The heroine was too stupid to live over and over. And we never understood what she was trying to get back too. The new Don was inexperienced and too low on the totem pole to succeed taking over. The kids were painted as having no intuition. Kids know when they are not wanted around and when a new person is important. They would be affected by the upheaval. A good mom would not leave all the things the acquired behind for the sake of pride. That would have stressed the kids unnecessarily. No Don would send away his only heirs without atleast updating their birthday certificates and securing his rights at the school and with ID so he has legal control - even if the records are sealed. MS Fox has done a better job on other books.

[Cynthiaヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ﾉ DLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could have been better

This book had so much potential but it didn't deliver. I have read many mafia books so I'm picky when it comes to details. I didn't like the main characters I felt like there was no real connection between them just $3X and the twins. Also, some parts were rushed with no depth. The common denominator in all mafia books the head of the mafia is a boss and acts like it. Antonio was lacking in all aspects.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up book 5 is a wild ride, suspense, dangerous man, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously dark Mafia story (they write dark well). Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Alpha male personified, possessive, gorgeous, brooding and sex on legs, woman fall at his feet and men quiver in his presence. He always gets what / who he wants, and he isn’t afraid of working hard to get it. So, you can expect suspense, violence, kindness, bravery, fear, loyalty, betrayal, love and the emotions that you go through is a mile long. Antonio sexy as all get out Mafia hooks up with a beautiful women for one night which they both agreed on but what they didn’t agree on is her ending up with a gift that will arrive in roughly nine months (we did say Mafia right ). Now here is where it gets interesting Aleksandra his one-night stand is sister to head of the Bratva and a war is about to begin between them the Italians and Russians. Antonio is now the head of the Italian mafia, and he is about to find out the family he is going after is also the mother of this twins so the likely hood would be to marry for peace and raise his babies because he knows he isn’t walking away from his children so will there be a war, will there be peace, will he be upset that she didn’t tell him about the babies, and can they find happiness?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Fox does it again with another 5 star read for me. I should like to thank Willow Fox for my ARC in return for an honest review. Once in a while comes along a book that I cannot put down and finish in one sitting and this happens to be one of them. I was on the edge of my chair screaming as if they could hear me. It was so real that I forgot I was reading. The characters are all so strong and powerful...men, women and children. I had never read a book with the Bratva involved and the war between the Russians and Italians was wonderfully written. I want to read and want to go back and read others in this series. I even found myself rooting for one side against the other so powerful was the writing. For anybody who likes dark mafia family war books involving danger, adventure, romance and family life in a beautifully written book then this is for you. If you have been reading the series you must not miss this book. I once again have to thank Willow Fox via Booksprout for my copy of this book and would say this is my honest review.

[Sara Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, interesting and steamy. Ok, Antonio meets Aleksandra years back; that meet they discover he’s mafia and she’s bratva! So, never to see each other again?

Years later, Roberto, Antonio’s Don has him take Mikhail’s nephew, Liam. Antonio is not happy about taking kids but does it.

Aleksandra is told about Liam’s abduction and quickly heads for the school. Sophia, Liam’s twin is in tears and witnessed her brother being taken. She’s also worried that Liam was taken because the twins are Antonio’s.

Roberto is involved in more than what Antonio knew. Abducting kids and selling them, things take a turn; Antonio ends Roberto and is the Don. Not before planting the seed that Liam is his and wondering about Roberto adopting him?

How does Antonio find out? Will Aleksandra tell Antonio or keep denying? Why is Mikhail so intent on marrying Aleksandra? And, will Aleksandra aid FBI agent Malone in bringing her brother down?

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again! Willow Fox weaves another great tale from the criminal under world. Antonio is a member the Italian Mafia and has had a one night stand with Aleksandra that resulted in her walking away pregnant with twins. Aleksanrda's brother Mikhail is the head of Bratva family and sworn enemy of the Italian Mafia. Now, 5 years later, Antonio is the head of the mafia and preparing for war...with the Russians and about to find out that he's the father of twins by a Bratva princess. This book has crazy sizzle, action, drama, steam, twists and turns, and so much more. The Mafia Marriages series is an awesome read and these books are all available to read for free with KU. Binge away!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about sucking you into a world and swallowing you to get you hooked. That is what this book did at the very beginning. This is the first book that I read by Willow Fox and I will definitely read more.

Antonio is part of the Italian Mafia who ends up having a one night stand with Aleksandra who is from the Bratva. Little did they know this will leave a little, or two surprises for them both 9 months later. At war with each other, can they be together to raise their kids? Or is it too dangerous for them?

Talk about angst, secrets, violence, suspenseful, murder, lies and chemistry which leads to spicey scenes. This book was so much more than I expected.

I can’t wait to read more form Willow Fox and what happens in the next book. A true page turner.

[Cams Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Having read the previous books in the series I was looking forward to seeing characters from the other books and we did see a few of them, but I was left wanting more.
The storyline was a good one and the book was well-written. My main problem was the H and h. While I liked them, I didn’t feel that they had any kind of rapport. My favourite scene with them was their initial meeting. I also think Aleksandra took too long to get on board with Antonio.
It will be interesting to see how Mikhail is going to be able to redeem himself as the H in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with the war between the Italian mob and the Bratva. The author brings a strong cast of characters centering on Antonio and Aleksandra. It's an action packed story filled with violence and cruelty along with the romance. She moves the story fluidly with her vividly painted scenes and delivers a fantastic story that had me glued to the pages from page one right to the end. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[J H Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva's mafia father is heavily in debt. He decides the easiest way is to sell Eva at an auction to the highest bidder. "Daddy dearest" guilts Eva into accepting her fate to protect her younger sisters.

Gabriel, also a mafia boss, hates Eva's father as he blames him for the death of Gabriel's young brother. What better revenge than to buy Eva, make her life a living hell and taunt her father with her abuse.
I enjoyed the book but Gabriel's rapid transformation was unbelievable and hurt my enjoyment of the book.

I received an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Vow by Willow Fox is Book 5 of Mafia Marriages Series. This is the story of Aleksandra and Antonio who have a one night stand. Aleksandra falls pregnant but Antonio doesn't know since it was to be a one and done. Now a few years later Aleksandra is the mother of two twins and Antonio is the head of the Italian Mafia. Mikhail is Aleksandra brother and is the head of the Bratva along with being a sworn enemy of the Italian Mafia. They are actually at war but then Antonio learns of his children which of course he wants them. This was an exciting dark read.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

brutal Bratva

After one day together, the Russian Bratva princess and the Italian mob guy conceived twins. She kept it from him until they were 4 and the Bratva made a move on the Italian Dons across the country. Upon finding the twins are his Antonio takes them and their mother to keep them safe. She’s torn between believing all they tell her about her brother and her attraction to him. There’s a lot going on here, back and forth betrayal, before they get something of a peace.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ruthless Vow: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance (Mafia Marriages Book 5). This story was about Antonio Morretti from the Italian mob and Aleksandra from the Russian bravta. Antonio and Aleksandra meet one summer some years ago to meet again when Antonio kidnaps her son Liam. Antonio kills the don and becomes the leader of the Italian mafia after the kidnapping and it all unfolds from there! Such a great book and story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offered up a raw intensity and freshness that I enjoyed heartily. Antonio and Aleksandra's story was powerfully gripping and once I was caught in this skillfully crafted web there was no escape. A potent and addictive combination of action, drama, tension, danger, emotion, twists and heat flows smoothly across the pages and reads easily. This book is a real breath stealing, heart thumper. I am posting an independent, impartial review.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping Mafia story. Antonio works for a ruthless mafia don that he ends up killing. Aleksandra's brother is the head of the Bratva. The two of them have a one-nighter. Five years later, Antonio discovers she has twins, his. This story has fighting, danger, twists, and passion. Can a member of the Italian mafia and a member of the bratva make a life together? Check out Ruthless Vow and see.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an addictive book which I couldn't put down. There's the usual Russian Bratva vs Italian Mafia disputes.

Strong characters, treachery, kidnappings plus more.

This is a great story and I really enjoy reading books from this character.

I received a complimentary copy of the book via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Antonio and Aleksandra and does not let go. He is from the Italian Mob and she is from the Bratva. The story keeps us turning the pages with danger, action, treachery and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It was a good standalone but I think I may have enjoyed it more if I read the other 4 books first since it seemed like previous characters were included and a little more background would be nice. But overall I enjoyed it.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review