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Kingdom of Sin #1
Carnal Vows
USA Today Best Selling Author Jordan Marie is bringing you a brand new series full of morally gray men who demand complete control and will do whatever they must to ensure it. This series is full of alpha males, lots of steam, and each book is a standalone read that delivers.
I’ll cheat death to claim her.
She belongs to me.
I owe everything to Emilia’s father. I’d do anything for the man.
When he asked me to marry his daughter, I thought he was insane.
I was only going to protect her. That was my job.
Yet, one innocent kiss changed everything.
Now, it’s not about what her father wants.
It’s all about her.
When enemies try to take her and the life we could have away, they will learn why they call me the devil.
I’ll show them no mercy.
Emilia is mine and God help anyone who tries to come between us.
Standalone Read
I’ll cheat death to claim her.
She belongs to me.
I owe everything to Emilia’s father. I’d do anything for the man.
When he asked me to marry his daughter, I thought he was insane.
I was only going to protect her. That was my job.
Yet, one innocent kiss changed everything.
Now, it’s not about what her father wants.
It’s all about her.
When enemies try to take her and the life we could have away, they will learn why they call me the devil.
I’ll show them no mercy.
Emilia is mine and God help anyone who tries to come between us.
Standalone Read
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2023
812 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Marie
117 books4,753 followersI'm just a simple small town country girl, haunted by Alpha Men who talk in my head 24 hours a day.
I knew I wanted to write when it became clear I couldn't be happy with just viewing other people's stories. I always wanted to rewrite them.
Like why did Jack have to die? Why couldn't Rose move her butt over? Because that was a huge piece of wood she was on, people.
Happy Endings should be fought for, but they should always happen. Mine might take some curves and twists, but they eventually get there.
Having published over fifty stories, it always feels surreal that this is my life. Hitting USA Today had me crying for days, but nothing is more special than hearing from readers that they loved one of my books.
Want to keep up with me? You can here:
Newsletter Sign Up- https://www.jordanmarieromance.com/ne...
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JordanMarieA...
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jordan_mari...
Amazon- https://amzn.to/3ftdTS0
I knew I wanted to write when it became clear I couldn't be happy with just viewing other people's stories. I always wanted to rewrite them.
Like why did Jack have to die? Why couldn't Rose move her butt over? Because that was a huge piece of wood she was on, people.
Happy Endings should be fought for, but they should always happen. Mine might take some curves and twists, but they eventually get there.
Having published over fifty stories, it always feels surreal that this is my life. Hitting USA Today had me crying for days, but nothing is more special than hearing from readers that they loved one of my books.
Want to keep up with me? You can here:
Newsletter Sign Up- https://www.jordanmarieromance.com/ne...
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JordanMarieA...
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jordan_mari...
Amazon- https://amzn.to/3ftdTS0
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
April 29, 2023
I really liked that he wasn’t pedo creep. I liked how the beginning of their relationship was handled. I liked that he wasn’t celibate while he waited for her to grow up. I like that this wasn’t instalove. I liked the OW drama. That kept me reading when I DNF 90% of the recent indie mafia books.
I didn’t like that there was no depth to their relationship. Niko was too much of a cream puff for me. Tepid bark and no bite. He seemed to think a lot of himself, but no one else seemed to hold him in the same regard. I wish the h was the one to be put in danger and not the other way around. I started losing interest around 50% and skimmed the last 30%…
It was ok but I’m unlikely to come back for more.
I didn’t like that there was no depth to their relationship. Niko was too much of a cream puff for me. Tepid bark and no bite. He seemed to think a lot of himself, but no one else seemed to hold him in the same regard. I wish the h was the one to be put in danger and not the other way around. I started losing interest around 50% and skimmed the last 30%…
It was ok but I’m unlikely to come back for more.
March 6, 2024
?
Who keeps his mistress by his side making excuses to oh I stopped with her three years after our engagement when I decided you were old enough. I did keep the one mistress the entire time we did have a years long relationship.. you have seen me kiss her.. she never goes away and we must talk about her though the ENTIRE book…… wTF but don’t worry baby all I will say is that she has been and still good to me for years.. I forget how you you are and wouldn’t understand..and we do business together… why would I stop seeing her. TSTL
Who keeps his mistress by his side making excuses to oh I stopped with her three years after our engagement when I decided you were old enough. I did keep the one mistress the entire time we did have a years long relationship.. you have seen me kiss her.. she never goes away and we must talk about her though the ENTIRE book…… wTF but don’t worry baby all I will say is that she has been and still good to me for years.. I forget how you you are and wouldn’t understand..and we do business together… why would I stop seeing her. TSTL
August 13, 2023
3 Nico and Emilia Stars
This was an enjoyable age gap , mafia romance but it's not a book I would re read.
Nico is working his way up in the ranks of the Mafia and Emilia's Dad , Maxwell , is the Consigliere to De Luca , the Boss and he sees great things in Nico's future. Maxwell realises his young daughter will need a Husband who understands the world she lives in and will be protective. Emilia is a teenager (14) at the start of the book. Nico is 26. At 16 her Father decides Nico will be the man to marry her and a contract is drawn up. Nico is initially somewhat weirded out by to all because she is so much younger so while she is growing up , he is off living his own life. The agreement is that they will not marry until she is 21.
I enjoyed the Other Woman drama in the book - Katherine is a prize Bitch of the highest order. There was no way that woman was going quietly.
Once Nico falls for Emilia , he falls hard and does everything he can to make her happy but external forces make this road to true love very bumpy.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. I felt the relationship when they were actually together never really gathered much depth. It felt like it was a bit rushed. Also there is a very graphically violent scene that I had to skip through. I don't mind reading a little bit of blood and gore but this scene actually made my tummy turn. Also, towards the end it did feel a bit too far fetched but that is just my opinion. Finally , I really wanted to know more about Nico's life before the Mafia.
I do enjoy this author's work and all the other books I have read by her have been 4 and 5 stars. I will certainly be trying more in this series and I am absolutely going to read Pure TemptationPure Temptation which is about Callan and Zoe , Nico and Emilia's best friends. Also, I would love Vic's book....
HEA? Yes
Cheating? Not once they are together. During the engagement Nico carries on his arrangement with the other woman.
This was an enjoyable age gap , mafia romance but it's not a book I would re read.
Nico is working his way up in the ranks of the Mafia and Emilia's Dad , Maxwell , is the Consigliere to De Luca , the Boss and he sees great things in Nico's future. Maxwell realises his young daughter will need a Husband who understands the world she lives in and will be protective. Emilia is a teenager (14) at the start of the book. Nico is 26. At 16 her Father decides Nico will be the man to marry her and a contract is drawn up. Nico is initially somewhat weirded out by to all because she is so much younger so while she is growing up , he is off living his own life. The agreement is that they will not marry until she is 21.
I enjoyed the Other Woman drama in the book - Katherine is a prize Bitch of the highest order. There was no way that woman was going quietly.
Once Nico falls for Emilia , he falls hard and does everything he can to make her happy but external forces make this road to true love very bumpy.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. I felt the relationship when they were actually together never really gathered much depth. It felt like it was a bit rushed. Also there is a very graphically violent scene that I had to skip through. I don't mind reading a little bit of blood and gore but this scene actually made my tummy turn. Also, towards the end it did feel a bit too far fetched but that is just my opinion. Finally , I really wanted to know more about Nico's life before the Mafia.
I do enjoy this author's work and all the other books I have read by her have been 4 and 5 stars. I will certainly be trying more in this series and I am absolutely going to read Pure TemptationPure Temptation which is about Callan and Zoe , Nico and Emilia's best friends. Also, I would love Vic's book....
HEA? Yes
Cheating? Not once they are together. During the engagement Nico carries on his arrangement with the other woman.
September 27, 2025
I totally 3.5 enjoyed this!
The deviation from your typical arranged marriage was appreciated - it was nice that although there was as an age difference, it was presented gradually.
Our FMC hat some actual grit which I loved and the whole storyline worked really well.
I almost feel it went too smoothly, there wasn’t enough of it. I actually wanted more dates, more getting to know eacb other, more of them together, more of the friends. It was just a really good time.
The deviation from your typical arranged marriage was appreciated - it was nice that although there was as an age difference, it was presented gradually.
Our FMC hat some actual grit which I loved and the whole storyline worked really well.
I almost feel it went too smoothly, there wasn’t enough of it. I actually wanted more dates, more getting to know eacb other, more of them together, more of the friends. It was just a really good time.
April 26, 2023
Great twist on arranged marriage trope
I really loved this story but I have to be honest. Other woman drama isn’t something I like. Especially when Nico continued to sleep with his hookup until the heroine was 20 years old. When she was 14,16 I get it. She was a kid and he was almost 30. The marriage contract didn’t come due until she was 21 but I would have felt better if when she turned 18 he didn’t see anyone but her. I don’t understand these men making women wait and stay celibate but they won’t miss out on sex for any time period.
That being said I loved the relationship Max and Nico had. This book brought me to tears because you could feel how strong their bond was . The fact that Max arranged his daughter’s marriage to Nico out of love and the need to protect her was a twist on the normal arranged marriage trope. Most parents do it out of greed or something to gain but Max loved Emilia and Nico.
I am super excited to see where this series goes. Also let me add Nico not returning Katherine’s advances made it possible for me to read all the other woman drama involved in this story.
I really loved this story but I have to be honest. Other woman drama isn’t something I like. Especially when Nico continued to sleep with his hookup until the heroine was 20 years old. When she was 14,16 I get it. She was a kid and he was almost 30. The marriage contract didn’t come due until she was 21 but I would have felt better if when she turned 18 he didn’t see anyone but her. I don’t understand these men making women wait and stay celibate but they won’t miss out on sex for any time period.
That being said I loved the relationship Max and Nico had. This book brought me to tears because you could feel how strong their bond was . The fact that Max arranged his daughter’s marriage to Nico out of love and the need to protect her was a twist on the normal arranged marriage trope. Most parents do it out of greed or something to gain but Max loved Emilia and Nico.
I am super excited to see where this series goes. Also let me add Nico not returning Katherine’s advances made it possible for me to read all the other woman drama involved in this story.
April 13, 2023
We first met Niko and Emilia in Callan and Zoe’s book. It left me wanting more of their story and this book didn’t disappoint! It just sucks you in from the start. Their relationship didn’t start normally but that had an intense connection that they fought at first. Thus book has funny & romantic moments. It also had intrigue and suspense. Overall it had it all. I can’t wait to get the next books on this series.
April 12, 2023
Carnal Vows💍
Niko and Emilia we’ve met previously in another book of Jordan’s where Niko’s lawyer Callan meets Emilia’s best friend Zoe😉 Carnal Vows is now the story of Niko and Emilia and their arranged marriage.
Niko has risen through the ranks and is considered by some to be an outsider. When his mentor, Maxwell suggests an arranged marriage with his daughter, Emilia, Niko is unsure if he’s up to the task. But danger circles Emilia and Maxwell wants some surety should anything happen to him, his daughter is well looked after and by a man he trusts to be ruthless when required❣️Emilia is only fifteen, so they will have to wait until she is of age before getting married.
This story was amazing, the depth of emotion by the characters and the storyline. I also grew to love Emilia as she blossomed into a woman with a backbone of steel. There were moments of humorous brevity that had me laughing out loud throughout and I loved the hints of what other characters might be up next in this series, and there are a few which I can’t wait for😍
A definite must read🤩 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
Niko and Emilia we’ve met previously in another book of Jordan’s where Niko’s lawyer Callan meets Emilia’s best friend Zoe😉 Carnal Vows is now the story of Niko and Emilia and their arranged marriage.
Niko has risen through the ranks and is considered by some to be an outsider. When his mentor, Maxwell suggests an arranged marriage with his daughter, Emilia, Niko is unsure if he’s up to the task. But danger circles Emilia and Maxwell wants some surety should anything happen to him, his daughter is well looked after and by a man he trusts to be ruthless when required❣️Emilia is only fifteen, so they will have to wait until she is of age before getting married.
This story was amazing, the depth of emotion by the characters and the storyline. I also grew to love Emilia as she blossomed into a woman with a backbone of steel. There were moments of humorous brevity that had me laughing out loud throughout and I loved the hints of what other characters might be up next in this series, and there are a few which I can’t wait for😍
A definite must read🤩 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
dnf
April 16, 2023Absolutely not ✋
He was just as sleazy as Dante 💀 Man needed to get off his high horse I detest men who are still in a relationship with other women after they are engaged I don’t care that they didn’t love each other then it still is cheating. Also screw the dad he’s honestly so useless when Niko was talking about attraction towards his daughter man didn’t say anything like helloooo red flaggg 🤢🤢🤢 the fact Niko had the audacity to talk about it to her dad was so offensive.
What would have been better if she got to live her life met with other guys then came back around Niko. This would have been better if she had more experience with guys but she was so naive that it was absolutely ridiculous.
He was just as sleazy as Dante 💀 Man needed to get off his high horse I detest men who are still in a relationship with other women after they are engaged I don’t care that they didn’t love each other then it still is cheating. Also screw the dad he’s honestly so useless when Niko was talking about attraction towards his daughter man didn’t say anything like helloooo red flaggg 🤢🤢🤢 the fact Niko had the audacity to talk about it to her dad was so offensive.
What would have been better if she got to live her life met with other guys then came back around Niko. This would have been better if she had more experience with guys but she was so naive that it was absolutely ridiculous.
April 24, 2023
I was so excited to read this book but sadly DNF, the writing came across as very immature and the heroine drove me nuts with her attitude.
August 13, 2025
good plot and characters, Juicy drama and lots of scary realistic mobster violence. If you like Reservoir Dogs + mafia romance mash up. You might enjoy more than I did. But I feel ewwwww to grody descriptions of gangsta torture
May 7, 2024
I mean it was ok but it didn't grab me.
April 16, 2023
Started off not too bad. Around the midway point, it took a plunge and even though there was some action, OMG I was so bored. All the characters and the plot became very predictable, and I started skimming through just to get to the end. I wasn't even interested in the epilogue, that's how little I cared about these characters.
April 15, 2023
We were teased with Nico and Em’s story with their cameo in Pure Temptation (Callan and Zoe’s story. If you haven’t ready it, go treat yourself)
Finally we get to dive deep and understand their dynamic and the constant push and pull.
Off the bat, Em from day one is a strong heroine, never allowing the people around her to push her around, especially Nico. Her story starts off with her being 14 and her view on the world she’s been born into. The love her father has surrounded her by to protect her, but also raise her to be strong woman.
Nico, we got a glimpse of his rough upbringing from the other book with Callan and the importance of Em’s dad, in extension his own father in every way it counts.
Where Nico is calculated and hard, Em is safe and soft, yet they work and compliment each other so well. When Em is of age you can see the brewing chemistry turn into sparks. The way they push and pull at each other, and it’s never enough. Yet we see them grow together over time, not one having to completely change who they are, but learn to compliment. I loved this story for that reason alone.
Jordan also ventures into the mafia world, showing us the power struggles with those born into and who worked for it. The money hungry ones. Even the moments where it gets darker and makes you remember this isn’t just a simple romance, but these a darker men with strong women behind them. She executed it brilliantly.
The story had a good pace and at the end of the day, Jordan could put out any book and it would always become a comfort peace.
I don’t want to add any spoilers because really, give it a chance but believe me it has a bit of everything in it.
Finally we get to dive deep and understand their dynamic and the constant push and pull.
Off the bat, Em from day one is a strong heroine, never allowing the people around her to push her around, especially Nico. Her story starts off with her being 14 and her view on the world she’s been born into. The love her father has surrounded her by to protect her, but also raise her to be strong woman.
Nico, we got a glimpse of his rough upbringing from the other book with Callan and the importance of Em’s dad, in extension his own father in every way it counts.
Where Nico is calculated and hard, Em is safe and soft, yet they work and compliment each other so well. When Em is of age you can see the brewing chemistry turn into sparks. The way they push and pull at each other, and it’s never enough. Yet we see them grow together over time, not one having to completely change who they are, but learn to compliment. I loved this story for that reason alone.
Jordan also ventures into the mafia world, showing us the power struggles with those born into and who worked for it. The money hungry ones. Even the moments where it gets darker and makes you remember this isn’t just a simple romance, but these a darker men with strong women behind them. She executed it brilliantly.
The story had a good pace and at the end of the day, Jordan could put out any book and it would always become a comfort peace.
I don’t want to add any spoilers because really, give it a chance but believe me it has a bit of everything in it.
April 17, 2023
This story broke my readers' block!!! It’s been horrible. Every book I’ve opened, I just couldn’t get it to hold my interest, but then J. Marie mercifully heard my pleas and gave me Carnal Vows. We got a sneak peek of Niko and Emilia in Pure Temptation, and I just knew we were in for a ride. Damaged, gruff bad boys are my jam, and she does them so well! Niko works for the mafia, so you already know there are some issues there but shoo we does he make those issues look good! He doesn’t give a flying F what anyone thinks about him and is a self-proclaimed bachelor for life. That is until his boss and longtime confidant comes to him with a proposition about his daughter. An arranged marriage for her safety and it would also cement him within the “family”. Too good to pass up right? And this, my friends, is where we get down to the nitty-gritty. They both fight this arrangement at first because let’s be real, Emilia is no wilting flower, and the angst is a beautiful thing to watch. There are also so many side characters that I just must know more about. Antonio and Vic being the top of that list. There is a lot going on with those two and I can’t wait to see how their stories play out.
Give me all the love, drama, heartache, and death! Yes, that might make me sound a little unhinged, but this is why I read. I want to get lost in these worlds. I want to be excited and eagerly anticipate their next move. I want to be so caught up in their lives that I temporarily forget about my own and with Carnal Vows, J. Marie accomplished just that.
Give me all the love, drama, heartache, and death! Yes, that might make me sound a little unhinged, but this is why I read. I want to get lost in these worlds. I want to be excited and eagerly anticipate their next move. I want to be so caught up in their lives that I temporarily forget about my own and with Carnal Vows, J. Marie accomplished just that.
April 14, 2023
Niko and Emilia are Jordan Marie’s latest dynamic duo. And they were worth the wait.
Niko finds himself presented with an arrangement from the man that he sees as both his father and mentor. Niko is the man and holds the status within the family that he does because of this him. So when Niko is asked to marry Emilia, his daughter, he can’t refuse. What he didn’t realize was that this young woman was about to set his world on fire. She had him twisted in knots and becoming an obsessive and over protective man that he never dreamed possible. And he was falling for this woman.
Emilia knew what was expected of her. She would honor her father and family. But Niko quickly worked his way into her heart.
But circumstances and threats from those closest to them began to present themselves. And when danger and destruction took over their lives, Emilia became the woman she was meant to be.
I liked the turmoil that Niko had to work through. I loved how Emilia developed into the mafia queen destined to rule.
Highly recommend this story.
Niko finds himself presented with an arrangement from the man that he sees as both his father and mentor. Niko is the man and holds the status within the family that he does because of this him. So when Niko is asked to marry Emilia, his daughter, he can’t refuse. What he didn’t realize was that this young woman was about to set his world on fire. She had him twisted in knots and becoming an obsessive and over protective man that he never dreamed possible. And he was falling for this woman.
Emilia knew what was expected of her. She would honor her father and family. But Niko quickly worked his way into her heart.
But circumstances and threats from those closest to them began to present themselves. And when danger and destruction took over their lives, Emilia became the woman she was meant to be.
I liked the turmoil that Niko had to work through. I loved how Emilia developed into the mafia queen destined to rule.
Highly recommend this story.
April 19, 2023
I really wasn't sure how I would feel about this series as I have not, in the past, been a fan of the Mafia sub-genre. But, as usual, Jordan Marie hit it out of the park!
I loved all the characters I needed to love; Emilia, Niko, Antonio, Victorio, Zoe. But most especially, I loved Emilia. What a strong partner she turned out to be! And Niko, who would of thought he would turn out to be the perfect partner for Emilia. There were so many things that could have kept them apart, most especially their own stubbornness. Fantastic read!!!
And I so can't wait for Antonio's story! And, maybe if we are lucky, Victorio's??
I loved all the characters I needed to love; Emilia, Niko, Antonio, Victorio, Zoe. But most especially, I loved Emilia. What a strong partner she turned out to be! And Niko, who would of thought he would turn out to be the perfect partner for Emilia. There were so many things that could have kept them apart, most especially their own stubbornness. Fantastic read!!!
And I so can't wait for Antonio's story! And, maybe if we are lucky, Victorio's??
April 14, 2023
It's always the closed off ones, the one that's sure they don't have time or ability to form a relationship. They fall the hardest. Niko is the perfect example of an overachiever/ closed off while Emilia is aware of their world while still remaining wide open. They are perfection if only they could see it. Take this wild ride. It's well worth it. I seriously am looking forward to the next in line. All the feels for real. Just read it!
June 2, 2023
KC Rating: 3.5🍁 | 🌶️
This was a great story that i enjoyed. I did have some issues with it, but overall it was a great read. Did i want a bit more spicy time? Yes! Especially after that scene at the beach! But well, the book was more plot than spice and it was nice anyway.
The story follows Niko and Emilia, two very different characters but that make absolute sense together (especially towards the end of the book, when Emilia gets out of her shell and becomes an absolute badass!).
There is a great deal of character development in both Niko and Emilia, it was great to see the unemotional Niko become overly possessive over his future fiancée. Though he had his dumb moments, he was still a great character to read about.
This was a great story that i enjoyed. I did have some issues with it, but overall it was a great read. Did i want a bit more spicy time? Yes! Especially after that scene at the beach! But well, the book was more plot than spice and it was nice anyway.
The story follows Niko and Emilia, two very different characters but that make absolute sense together (especially towards the end of the book, when Emilia gets out of her shell and becomes an absolute badass!).
There is a great deal of character development in both Niko and Emilia, it was great to see the unemotional Niko become overly possessive over his future fiancée. Though he had his dumb moments, he was still a great character to read about.
September 29, 2025
2 stars only because the male narrator for the audiobook was a pleasure to listen to.
The main guy felt like he was close to being a pedo, but luckily wasn’t. There were problems that could have easily been solved by talking. The main girl at times truly felt like a child even though she was of age. So much whining. Very repetative.
All in all, I barely finished, I skipped through the last 6 or so chapters.
The main guy felt like he was close to being a pedo, but luckily wasn’t. There were problems that could have easily been solved by talking. The main girl at times truly felt like a child even though she was of age. So much whining. Very repetative.
All in all, I barely finished, I skipped through the last 6 or so chapters.
October 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This is honestly closer to 4 stars but the fact that I could not put it down, I’m bumping it up to 5. Also, that beach scene was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 It was one of the hottest scenes ever and I’ve read a lot of them. There were a few plot holes but I overlooked them because like I said, I couldn’t put the book down. I alternated between listening and reading and the audiobook narrators were great. I definitely recommend this one if mafia romance is your niche genre.
This is honestly closer to 4 stars but the fact that I could not put it down, I’m bumping it up to 5. Also, that beach scene was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 It was one of the hottest scenes ever and I’ve read a lot of them. There were a few plot holes but I overlooked them because like I said, I couldn’t put the book down. I alternated between listening and reading and the audiobook narrators were great. I definitely recommend this one if mafia romance is your niche genre.
April 14, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! Jordan definitely knocked this one out of the park. Niko and Emilia are such a great couple, and I loved their story. It was cool to see the other side of their story that we got a taste of in Pure Temptation, and I'm happy to have the conclusion.
Super excited for what she has in store for this series!
Super excited for what she has in store for this series!
April 22, 2023
it was okay
This isn’t he first Jordan Marie book I’ve read…. But most likely the last.
There isn’t depth to the h or H… you never get the back story on Niko. No history what so ever. The relationship development is half as@ed.
the first 45% is so repetitive and her fighting/resistant to the relationship. It’s not quality writing. The spice 2/5.. and that’s generous.
This isn’t he first Jordan Marie book I’ve read…. But most likely the last.
There isn’t depth to the h or H… you never get the back story on Niko. No history what so ever. The relationship development is half as@ed.
the first 45% is so repetitive and her fighting/resistant to the relationship. It’s not quality writing. The spice 2/5.. and that’s generous.
April 27, 2023
good
I must say that I loved this boy. It was better than I expected. I wish it was longer.😀. Great book
I must say that I loved this boy. It was better than I expected. I wish it was longer.😀. Great book
May 7, 2023
Enjoyed 😉
Great book. Loved all the characters. Lots of drama going on in this book. I do wish her father's story turned out different though. The H and H were great together. I liked how she didn't take his bossy behavior. I can't wait for the next book.
Great book. Loved all the characters. Lots of drama going on in this book. I do wish her father's story turned out different though. The H and H were great together. I liked how she didn't take his bossy behavior. I can't wait for the next book.
Read
August 6, 2023DNF
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Very annoying heroine and I'm out of patience for this shit.
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Very annoying heroine and I'm out of patience for this shit.
April 25, 2025
4.5⭐️ it was so good. I was worried about the age gap at first, but it didn’t make me gag.
August 14, 2023
Dnf even tho I skipped up to 84% .
Very immature writing and not because of the h being young and sheltered , the H was all talk no show and too arrogant for zero reason .
It felt like a wattpad amateurish writing , this was my first book and probably my last from this author .
I doubt This author knows how to write actual male pov.
Niko talked to much for a brooding dangerous man , he had a very fragile ego and was all about “ they call me devil , fuck around and you’ll find out why they call me that..”
Making threats and all but not a actually doing anything , No one feared him or gave him much respect tbh . not her security guard , not Dante the ennemi , not his mistress not even the h … and all this bla bla 😒 to just be in a coma at the end . 😐
Also mega cringe alerte 🚨
when he told her “ I love you before they got shot 🤢 “
even tho homeboy doesn’t feel emotions and doesn’t know what love feels like ( his words ) and can’t express it … wuss moment worthy . All the adults were so boring and immature … no plot beside him Of course not wanting her then wanting her then wanting in her pants . I don’t see why there is a need for a book 2 if it’s also about them , there is no real plot no action or anything that required me to waste one of my adhd pills to be able to focus and read .
Very immature writing and not because of the h being young and sheltered , the H was all talk no show and too arrogant for zero reason .
It felt like a wattpad amateurish writing , this was my first book and probably my last from this author .
I doubt This author knows how to write actual male pov.
Niko talked to much for a brooding dangerous man , he had a very fragile ego and was all about “ they call me devil , fuck around and you’ll find out why they call me that..”
Making threats and all but not a actually doing anything , No one feared him or gave him much respect tbh . not her security guard , not Dante the ennemi , not his mistress not even the h … and all this bla bla 😒 to just be in a coma at the end . 😐
Also mega cringe alerte 🚨
when he told her “ I love you before they got shot 🤢 “
even tho homeboy doesn’t feel emotions and doesn’t know what love feels like ( his words ) and can’t express it … wuss moment worthy . All the adults were so boring and immature … no plot beside him Of course not wanting her then wanting her then wanting in her pants . I don’t see why there is a need for a book 2 if it’s also about them , there is no real plot no action or anything that required me to waste one of my adhd pills to be able to focus and read .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
Just meh
So I don't like that the book was over 80% done before there was any love scenes. Correction I guess I should say love scenes where they go all the way. Prior to that there was some oral which was good but the fact that there was no follow-up until the book was almost over and even then only very few scenes left me feeling cheated. And another thing wrong with this book is that when I want to read a mafia romance I want just as much mafia as there is romance and this barely had any mafia in it. The MMC getting hurt and the mFC having her father die just is not my cup of tea it's not what I was looking for. This book left me feeling man like sorely disappointed and that I wasted some hours reading it. I kept hoping it would get better.
I am very glad that I got it on Kindle unlimited because if I had paid for this book I would be pissed. Right now I'm just slightly annoyed.
So I don't like that the book was over 80% done before there was any love scenes. Correction I guess I should say love scenes where they go all the way. Prior to that there was some oral which was good but the fact that there was no follow-up until the book was almost over and even then only very few scenes left me feeling cheated. And another thing wrong with this book is that when I want to read a mafia romance I want just as much mafia as there is romance and this barely had any mafia in it. The MMC getting hurt and the mFC having her father die just is not my cup of tea it's not what I was looking for. This book left me feeling man like sorely disappointed and that I wasted some hours reading it. I kept hoping it would get better.
I am very glad that I got it on Kindle unlimited because if I had paid for this book I would be pissed. Right now I'm just slightly annoyed.
July 7, 2023
Some age gap novels can be difficult for me to connect with, but I will say that this author did a good job in providing a young h and and older H who pulled off the storyline much better than expected. Ms. Marie provided a decent backstory for our young h while adequately providing the reader with a real look at Niko (her contracted husband to be). He was not a blood relative but was the closest thing to a son to Maxwell, Emilia's father. The relationship between Niko and Maxwell was noteworthy.
There wasn't an ick factor with a "stalker type betrothed H" with Niko basically going on with his life until Emilia is much older in the story. If anything, his character refused to step over that line, but believe that was also due to his apathy to marry Emilia. The fact that he continued his "hook-up" with Katherine didn't bother me due to the fact that Emilia was so young when this all began. She didn't experience much as a girl/young woman growing up but, that wasn't because of Niko. That was more in part due to Maxwell and Emilia's own decisions. Her father wasn't portrayed as the wicked thoughtless father, but one that wanted to save his daughter from a fate associated with Dante; the overlooked nephew who craved to lead and would do everything to achieve that goal. Murder and marriage to his cousin., was a means to an end as the story reveals his nefarious activities by books' end. His mother and he always believed that he was the rightful leader, not Niko.
The story starts to pick up as Emilia gets closer to her 21st birthday. This time frame develops into a slow-burn love story between she and Niko, with a backdrop of crime family activities beginning to boil over with players who had always been on the radar as possible enemies living right under their noses. Dante has always been a threat to Emilia and to the future of the crime family, but Katherine and Dante's mother were just bleeps on the radar, not actual threats. Pieces of the puzzle as well as accusations lies and corruption build at a steady pace placing Emilia and Niko at odds with each other due to the actions of others.
Niko was the perfect crime family character, ruthless and unforgiving when he needed to be, but thoughtful, loving, caring and gentle with those he protected and loved. His love and respect for Maxwell and Emilia was very endearing. He never thought of Emilia as a woman or a wife, but that of a child. It was an unlikely love story centered in the world of the criminal underground that connected with me. Both characters had their flaws and their secrets and their vulnerabilities, but both characters came into their own by books' end.
Emilia's character goes from a woman riddled with panic attacks and a low self esteem into a character that stands up for the man she loves against the enemies that have crafted a far different reality than what she has been led to believe. She helps Niko recover from his near death experience as well as deal with the loss of her father while building a strong dynamic relationship between the two of them. She supports Niko as he deals with his enemies and the rage associated with their plans. They not only become lovers and a love match, they become a team.
Callan is a good addition to the characters in this novel as well as Zoe. A good read in "arranged marriage - age gap tropes" with a good cast of characters.
There wasn't an ick factor with a "stalker type betrothed H" with Niko basically going on with his life until Emilia is much older in the story. If anything, his character refused to step over that line, but believe that was also due to his apathy to marry Emilia. The fact that he continued his "hook-up" with Katherine didn't bother me due to the fact that Emilia was so young when this all began. She didn't experience much as a girl/young woman growing up but, that wasn't because of Niko. That was more in part due to Maxwell and Emilia's own decisions. Her father wasn't portrayed as the wicked thoughtless father, but one that wanted to save his daughter from a fate associated with Dante; the overlooked nephew who craved to lead and would do everything to achieve that goal. Murder and marriage to his cousin., was a means to an end as the story reveals his nefarious activities by books' end. His mother and he always believed that he was the rightful leader, not Niko.
The story starts to pick up as Emilia gets closer to her 21st birthday. This time frame develops into a slow-burn love story between she and Niko, with a backdrop of crime family activities beginning to boil over with players who had always been on the radar as possible enemies living right under their noses. Dante has always been a threat to Emilia and to the future of the crime family, but Katherine and Dante's mother were just bleeps on the radar, not actual threats. Pieces of the puzzle as well as accusations lies and corruption build at a steady pace placing Emilia and Niko at odds with each other due to the actions of others.
Niko was the perfect crime family character, ruthless and unforgiving when he needed to be, but thoughtful, loving, caring and gentle with those he protected and loved. His love and respect for Maxwell and Emilia was very endearing. He never thought of Emilia as a woman or a wife, but that of a child. It was an unlikely love story centered in the world of the criminal underground that connected with me. Both characters had their flaws and their secrets and their vulnerabilities, but both characters came into their own by books' end.
Emilia's character goes from a woman riddled with panic attacks and a low self esteem into a character that stands up for the man she loves against the enemies that have crafted a far different reality than what she has been led to believe. She helps Niko recover from his near death experience as well as deal with the loss of her father while building a strong dynamic relationship between the two of them. She supports Niko as he deals with his enemies and the rage associated with their plans. They not only become lovers and a love match, they become a team.
Callan is a good addition to the characters in this novel as well as Zoe. A good read in "arranged marriage - age gap tropes" with a good cast of characters.
June 13, 2023
3.75stars—CARNAL VOWS is the first instalment in Jordan Marie’s contemporary, adult KINGDOM OF SIN erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Mafia princess Emilia Korslova, and Niko Petrova’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emilia and Niko) with a couple of additional first person, following several time lines, CARNAL VOWS follows in the wake of Mafia consigliere Maxwell Korslova making preparations for his only daughter’s future. Several years earlier Maxwell Korslova contracted with Niko Petrova to marry his daughter Emilia but our heroine was barely a teen, and Niko struggled with the aga difference between himself and the woman he would grow to love. Maxwell Korslova didn’t trust many men in his life but Niko was the only man he could trust with his only child. As the years pass, Niko came in and out of Emilia’s life without ever getting up close and personal, until her twentieth birthday when Niko would claim Emilia as his own but all was not well in the Korslova family, someone else was eyeing Emilia for himself, and Niko’s past refused to let go. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Emilia and Niko, and the potential fall-out as an assassin takes aim at the men Emilia loves.
Niko Petrova was keeping his distance from the woman who was too young to claim. Maxwell Korslova make preparations for the what if or why, and Niko was the man Maxwell trusted, a man he loved like a son. Emilia Korslova struggled with the contract her father make between himself and Niko Petrova. Emilia didn’t have a choice but there were others ‘creeping’ around the periphery of the family, others who were determined to claim Emilia as their own. A lack of maturity follows Emilia throughout the story but we meet the heroine when she is only fourteen years old, and she will be protected from the outside world for the next fix years.
The relationship between Emilia and Niko begins as a contract; an arranged marriage to protect a young woman who had lost so much as a child but Niko was involved with someone else, someone who was refusing to walk way without a fight. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dynamic and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Emilia’s personal protector Victorio; head of the American Italian Mafia Antonio De Luca; Niko’s best friend and attorney Callan, and Emilia’s best friend Zoe. A relationship between Zoe and Callan develops parallel to Emilia and Niko’s relationship-Zoe and Callan’s story is found in the prequel novella PURE TEMPTATION. The requisite evil has many faces.
CARNAL VOWS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and murder, family, relationships, friendships and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive but struggles with difference in ages, experience and our hero waiting until Emilia is twenty years old. The characters are energetic but desperate and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emilia and Niko) with a couple of additional first person, following several time lines, CARNAL VOWS follows in the wake of Mafia consigliere Maxwell Korslova making preparations for his only daughter’s future. Several years earlier Maxwell Korslova contracted with Niko Petrova to marry his daughter Emilia but our heroine was barely a teen, and Niko struggled with the aga difference between himself and the woman he would grow to love. Maxwell Korslova didn’t trust many men in his life but Niko was the only man he could trust with his only child. As the years pass, Niko came in and out of Emilia’s life without ever getting up close and personal, until her twentieth birthday when Niko would claim Emilia as his own but all was not well in the Korslova family, someone else was eyeing Emilia for himself, and Niko’s past refused to let go. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Emilia and Niko, and the potential fall-out as an assassin takes aim at the men Emilia loves.
Niko Petrova was keeping his distance from the woman who was too young to claim. Maxwell Korslova make preparations for the what if or why, and Niko was the man Maxwell trusted, a man he loved like a son. Emilia Korslova struggled with the contract her father make between himself and Niko Petrova. Emilia didn’t have a choice but there were others ‘creeping’ around the periphery of the family, others who were determined to claim Emilia as their own. A lack of maturity follows Emilia throughout the story but we meet the heroine when she is only fourteen years old, and she will be protected from the outside world for the next fix years.
The relationship between Emilia and Niko begins as a contract; an arranged marriage to protect a young woman who had lost so much as a child but Niko was involved with someone else, someone who was refusing to walk way without a fight. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dynamic and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Emilia’s personal protector Victorio; head of the American Italian Mafia Antonio De Luca; Niko’s best friend and attorney Callan, and Emilia’s best friend Zoe. A relationship between Zoe and Callan develops parallel to Emilia and Niko’s relationship-Zoe and Callan’s story is found in the prequel novella PURE TEMPTATION. The requisite evil has many faces.
CARNAL VOWS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and murder, family, relationships, friendships and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive but struggles with difference in ages, experience and our hero waiting until Emilia is twenty years old. The characters are energetic but desperate and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
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