Savage Vow

Dark Lies #4

by J.L. Beck, Sade Rena

They say the truth will set you free.
That’s a lie.
The truth got me locked in an ivory tower, a victim to my new husbands rage.
If I’m going to survive I’m going to have to make Enzo fall back in love with me.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Mafia Romance, Audiobook, Spicy, Contemporary

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2022

About the author

J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

Reviews

[Grisette · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

This book's plot and its execution are an improvement over the Book 3, only if I pretend that Book 3 was never written and its plot condensed into a few essential lines to introduce this book.

There was a little more romance in this conclusion to the duet, but there were still so many incoherences in characterisation that it was not a very enjoyable romance. The only real positive thing I have to say about the writing is that the authors can write hot sex scenes (even if some of them fitted awkwardly with the book flow). But even those few scenes cannot save a badly constructed romance.

Bizzarely, if I pretend Book 3 did not happen, I found Enzo's character in this book very much to the point and actually making a lot of sense (in like 70% of the book). On the other hand, Alicia's character took a swift downward slope, with her acting infuriatingly dumb by time and again (and again, and again) lying to Enzo and breaking any fragile trust rebuilt between them. I wanted to punch her every time she focused on an irrelevant side issue instead of getting the big picture. It was as if her whole precious college education was a waste because she kept acting rashly without (a) thinking of consequences, and (b) an actual plan on what to do after messing up. I literally applauded Enzo when he forced her to see the bodies of the guards he executed due to her silly running away in the middle of the night (silly because her reasons for doing so were weak, if not outright imagined). He at least was acting coherently!

However, this book still had big plot holes. All because the authors tried so grossly to drown the fish instead of actually trying to string a sensible plot together. For instance:

💎 The book proceeds on the premise that Enzo's and Alicia's wedding is legally valid. It's not. At all. Because she wed him as Elena. I may have suspended my disbelief if that point was explained, but no, it was not.

💎 Why would Alicia need to enroll back into college just to lure Elena? With all Enzo's mafia resources, why not simply check the girl's background, track her and nab her? Instead weeks were wasted with Alicia trying to make contact with Elena in school, and all the while impatient, angry Enzo didn't even seem to be bothered by the lack of results... Him who was so blaming Alicia for the part she played that led to his grandpa's death and whom he did not trust one word from? Lol!

💎 All the guards, hired by dangerous mafia, fall asleep or are not in post in the middle of the night? Esp. when Enzo left very strict instructions? All to allow little Miss Dumb to fly away from the house undetected? Really? That's a very big snake to swallow!

💎 If Alvarez cared so much for Elena, and Enzo had her as his bargaining chip, why the heck did Enzo even accept to have his pregnant wife at the meet scene just because Alvarez set it as a condition? What could have Alvarez done if Enzo refused? He wanted Elena back so he would have no choice but follow Enzo's lead!! But no, Enzo made as if he could not refuse Alvarez's condition.

Conclusion: contrived plotting at its worst to stretch a thin (if not non-existent to begin with) plot... *sigh*

But well, I did it. I finished this duet, as painful as it was to do it. Needless to say, there won't be future re-reads.

------

My review for Book 3 (part i of duet): here

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

Amazing conclusion to Enzo & Alicia’s story. It took them (mainly him) long enough for them to see that they really had something worth fighting for. Yeah she lied at the beginning about her real identity, but she had good reason. And after that cliffhanger, wow, he blamed her for his grandfathers death! He treated her coldly & was very insensitive for most of the book. I wish she would’ve been a little stronger & denied him, he deserved it. I wanted to smack Enzo so badly, how he let her think he cheated, how he spoke to her & the plan w/Elena??! I felt for Alicia. As toxic as they were at times & as much growing up that they both needed, they were also good for each other and I was so happy for them by the end. But Enzo didn’t do nearly enough groveling to make up for everything he did & said to her.
Book 3 had me struggling for a bit, but by the end I was so hooked, & book 4 was crazy good! I knew it would be, & I couldn’t put it down!

[Bloody Blogger Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the cliffy from the last book was intense but I never imagined this book would actually surpass it as it did by a landslide. I highly recommend this 2nd installment along with the 1st book.
These authors present you with a well written original suspenseful storyline. There are triggers. The world build is excellent and characters are so vivid.
There's action, suspense, drama and a whole slew of emotions. Nail biting, check. Edge of my seat, check. Toe Curling, double check! One part, okay maybe a couple times I was like "Noooo, Noooo! Enzo & Alicia's story was so worth reading and couldn't put this book down! Get your copy now.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was gonna give it a 1 star anyway, but I hurried up and did it faster at the 30 % mark when the heroine called another woman a "bitch" for kissing her abusive husband who's been brutalizing her since the last book...

I don't know why authors think I want heroines to be jealous...

I DONT.

This girl is already annoying and pathetic, making her act jealous over a man who's not even treating her like a human.... makes her even more pathetic.

This heroine is awful and weak...

I don't know why the dynamic between the fmc and Elena needed to be so hostile and male centered.

Two women fighting over men/about men is distasteful.

There are better things to fight about...

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Vow picks up where Cruel Beast left off and it is incredible! This couple definitely gets run through the ringer. Alicia and Enzo are back and things are looking really bad for Alicia. Enzo doesn't know which end is up after all the chaos and Alicia and her lies are right up front. Savage Vow is dark, dark, intense and very emotional. Things are not looking good for this couple and they haven't even really started yet. This has been a fantastic, whirlwind journey for these characters, now I'm ready for Christian.

[Basak · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the brutal cliffhanger we were left in Cruel Beast, finally we have the happy ever after Alicia and Enzo rightfully deserves. Was it easy for Enzo to get over his anger for his wife’s supposed betrayal? Or was he quick to stop blaming Alicia for getting his grandfather murdered? And was he able to dispose of his feelings he has developed for Alicia and forget about her? Well, you have to read to find out! I can only say that theirs was an emotional and rocky journey but it was completely worth it at the end…

[ZeeZee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Vow follows up right after that cliffhanger ending from Cruel Beast. Enzo's rage after that shocking ending leaves Alicia in love with a man she has lied to and who blames her for everything. Their tumultuous relationship leads to a twist that neither of them saw coming.
Great follow up to Cruel Beast! And yet another amazing book from JL Beck and S.Rena.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
 
I was hooked on Alicia and Enzo's story by the end of book one and this is the ending to their story that we have been waiting for. We pick right back up where book one left off and these two are definitely not in a good place. They have quite a long way to go until they get their HEA. The journey is so worth it though and I was completely engrossed. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

[Nicola Chiappinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. An epic sequel to Enzo and Alicia's story.
The chemistry is amazing but as they are both hot headed and stubborn, neither will give in. This makes for some great scenes and the twists in this book have your head spinning.

[Miranda Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the series might have been a little drawn out. I think the series could have ended in book 3 with a few extra chapters. Though I really wanted to know what was going to happen after book 3 I wish there would have been a little more of something towards the end of the book.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Love this family
So dark intense emotional twisted amazing love story of Enzo and Alicia
All the feels
Whos next
Need more

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Dark Lies series picking up right where it last book left off I waited for this book just to see how it would all end or where it was headed so sit back because once you start you stop until the last page has been turned so buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). 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 YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!
We left off with Enzo and Alicia’s wedding where his grandfather is assassinated right in front of them but he learns the truth about Alicia she isn’t who he thought she was after making him fall in love with her but in his quest for revenge of Alverez who he assumed killed his grandfather, revenge against Alicia because he feels she lied to him but the truth of the matter he kidnapped the wrong girl, a girl who came from nothing, had no one to care for her so being kidnapped locked away, forced to marry to save her own skin and never feeling safe enough to tell him he took the wrong girl so at the wedding when all h*** breaks lose finding herself on the other end of his revenge but being forced to stay in the same house him not able to get her out of his system like he thought, feeling like she is a weakness and treating her with so much hatred most of the time. Often time I found myself wanting to reach in and slap some sense or common sense into him and tell him to pull his head out and take a look around but mostly to take responsibility into the mess they find themselves in because a lot of it was due to his hothead and his need to be in control of everything/everyone but some where along the journey they find truths out about each other, truths about his grandfather that will rock you to the core leaving you with your mouth hanging open wondering what the what, but will they see what is right in front of them, will they get to the bottom of the truth, will he learn what his grandfather wanted him to learn, can he prove he is a good leader …ruthless to the core, will he ever learn to trust her, and can they find happiness so where along the adventure?.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabriëlla Croes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Beast, ended in an unexpected cliffhanger. This book picked up right where we left Alicia and Enzo.

The growing feelings between them took a big hit after the thrilling ending. She is now being forced by Enzo into another arrangement. But is that all there is left between them?

The story was again intense. Enzo is such a bully but somehow it works with Alicia. He started to treat her better towards the end of Cruel Beast but all of that was gone by the start of this book. They went through a lot and the attraction between them is hot. Their characters grew, even Enzo with all his cruelness.

He only wants one thing from Alicia now. And Alicia agrees. Even if she might not be willing to give it up and leave them behind.

It was a mix of drama, action and spice and it made for a great rollercoaster of a story! Including a plottwist! I love Alicia and Enzo together. They got the HEA that they deserved.

Recommend to read this duet if a dark, mistaken identity and bully mafia romance sounds good to you. You will not be disappointed.


𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.

➛ Dark Mafia Romance
➛ Dual 1st person POV - Alicia & Enzo
➛ Tropes: Captive, Enemies To Lovers, Arranged/Forced Marriage, Surprise Pregnancy, Bully
➛ Spicy
➛ HEA
➛ Not a Standalone: part of series 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘀, this is book 4. Book 3 needs to be read before this book.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow the second book picks up right where at the wedding of Enzo and Alicia aka the Elena imposter. Enzo’s grandfather is murdered right before his eyes. They say the truth will set you free, certainly not for Alicia, she knew the truth was going to be exposed and she prayed he would understand the reason for her lies. Her world and the man she loves has just been ripped away from her. This is an emotional story will he forgive her or kill her? He still needs an heir, to find his grandfather’s killer and put the pieces of his life back together along with his Bratva. He blames her for his grandfather’s death, he wants revenge and she’s the closest outlet for his anger, all he sees is her betrayal and her lies. Will he finally see the love she bears him before he destroys her? A captivating book filled with secrets, lies, betrayal and twists you don’t see coming. Can these two find their way back to each other in this gripping suspenseful dark romance? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[phys_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book of the duet gave so much insight into these two characters. Alicia and Enzo are no longer on good terms. Her lies have made Enzo resent her and blame her for his grandfather's death. All Alicia wants is for Enzo to treat her like he used to, like he loved her.
Enzo doesn't trust Alicia at all, and all he wants from her is the Heir his grandfather wanted to continue the family legacy. He has lost hope that Alicia and him will ever have the marriage he thought they might have. Once Alicia gives him what he wants, a son, he will release her from the marriage they both were thrown into.
All I wanted was for these two to make amends and give into the feelings they both had for each other. They are both so good for each other, if only they would stop being stubborn and give into each other. It ended just how I would have hoped and such a beautiful story of two people who were forced into a marriage but ended up making the best of it!

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

This was a really good finish to Enzo's duet in the Dark Lies series. At the end of Cruel Beast I wasn't sure how he and Elena were going to repair things, they were not in a good place... And ultimately it took a good portion of this book for them to realize that they really did want to stick together, not just for marriage.

We got a few twists when we discover what actually went down with Enzo's grandfather. I was really taken by surprise but it all made so much sense in the end. I loved the justice Enzo took too. This one didn't feel as action packed, even though I think we had more deaths than Cruel Beast, and some ruthless ones at that.

I loved their happily ever after. The first time they said I love you was so freaking sweet, it's always a favorite part for me in dark bully romances. Watching Alicia and Enzo fall in love was truly a treat.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! For a while in this book, I thought Enzo was in a rage large enough to kill off his whole 'family' including Alicia AKA Elena. He blames her for his Grandfather being shot at the end of their wedding when it's found out she let him believe all along she was Elena, who turns out to be a dead girl. Full of grief, and feeling like an Alpha fool, he has little tolerance for anybody. I guessed part of the plot but never the whole. I turned the pages, remembering it was fiction when people died left and right and that somewhere before the end there would be a happy ending. Alicia even got revenge against her girlfriend Elena who got her into the mess to start with. Thumbs up for the authors of this recommended read.

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

SAVAGE VOW by JL Beck & S. Rena is book 4 in the Dark Lies Series. This continues the story of Enzo and Alicia "Elena" that started in the previous book 'Cruel Beast' before starting this one. It also is advised to read the two other books in this series : 'Perfect Villain' and 'Beautiful Monster' before starting this one but "Cruel Beast" for sure. This picks up with Enzo wanting revenge against who killed his grandfather and for Alicia who he felt betrayed him. This series is dark and page turning. I am a big fan of these two author's writing and I hope to read more from their soon.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Enzo and Alicia continues and if you thought they were destined for happy ever after you couldn’t be more wrong. The wedding day not only has Alicia’s secrets being revealed but a tragedy sends them down a road where Enzo is looking for vengeance and Alicia tries to show him that she made the best choice she could at the time.

Enzo feels betrayed by Alicia and wants her to feel the same pain while Alicia has seen his wrath when it comes to other and now, she is feeling it herself. Despite everything that is coming between them the feelings between them are stronger and together and they show that as long as they are together there is nothing they can’t overcome.

[Sua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with how things were going to turn out for Alicia and Enzo after the revelations of the previous book and its cliffhanger. This book didn’t disappoint as Alicia is back to square one with Enzo and trying to figure out a way to reach him again after she loses his trust. There was plenty of good action and drama mixed in with this couple’s already messy relationship, which had me looking forward to seeing what their ending was like.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up right where Cruel Beast ended. Enzo continues to live up to that moniker because he is an absolute bastard the majority of the time. Alicia digs herself even deeper into the web of lies she weaved to where I couldn’t really blame Enzo for how he was with her, but also I understood where she was coming from as well. All in all, the plot was good, loose ends from Cruel Beast were cleared up, and I enjoyed the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enzo & Alicia are back to conclude their story and Wow, what a ride they take us on! This duo really puts your heart through the ringer and stretches your nerves to the breaking point. Taut tension, rich darkness, juicy drama, raw emotions, stunning twists and breath stealing action and suspense suck you right back in and have you fully immersed in this tantalizing tale that packs a powerful punch. This is my volitional, forthright review.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enzo and Alicia’s story was epic. There is so much mistrust and truth between these two, will they be able to get back to where they were before the wedding? Action packed, secrets and lies and love will have you flipping through the pages until the end. Amazing read.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo and Alicia's story ramps up to a conclusion, the dark desires suspense, twists and turns keep you hooked from the start and craving more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shrutika _anand · Rating 1 out of 5]

Both the MCs were beyond pathetic and wishy washy. The FMC specially had a poor me attitude that she never resolved instead blaming another girl for her own choices.

The writing was also inconsistent.

[Andra Kapule · Rating 5 out of 5]

intense

Wow. I’m not even sure what to say about this book. It sure is really dark for most of it. Intensely dark. They do get their HEA, but boy do they, well she, has to suffer for it.

[rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to end the series. We see Enzo and Alicia fight back and forth and come around to see what each other needs. Loved it

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good! Enzo is definitely rough around the edges but Alicia was such a match for him. I loved the ending. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a dark yet spicy read.

[Tracy Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enzo was so frustrating and wouldn’t just COMMUNICATE!

[Trisha Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried at 80%, I’m so dumb lol