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Blessed Hearts #1
Broken Vows: Blessed Hearts Book 1
Two rival gangs. A marriage meant to unite them. A single word to start a war.
Siobhán Branigan has spent her whole life devoted to her family, given everything to be the perfect heir to her father’s gang. But what happens when it’s still not enough? She refuses to sign her life over to the enemy, to be used as nothing more than a pawn to unite the rival families. Marrying Oisín, the heir of the Cavanaugh gang, may be the answer to her father’s problems, but she’d rather sell her soul than marry a man she barely knows.
And so, instead of saying I do, she runs.
Nessa Tobin has given her all to crawl out of the gutter. She’s worked hard to earn her place as the enforcer for the Cavanaugh’s gang. She’s learned to be fierce. Brutal. Feared. But what happens when it’s still not enough? She refuses to put her life in the hands of her enemies, to give the girl who ruined everything the power to take her down with her.
So now, she’s on the hunt.
As their families teeter on the edge of war, Nessa and Siobhán must decide: where do their loyalties lie? And what happens when your enemy becomes more trustworthy than the people you've spent your life devoted to?
Siobhán Branigan has spent her whole life devoted to her family, given everything to be the perfect heir to her father’s gang. But what happens when it’s still not enough? She refuses to sign her life over to the enemy, to be used as nothing more than a pawn to unite the rival families. Marrying Oisín, the heir of the Cavanaugh gang, may be the answer to her father’s problems, but she’d rather sell her soul than marry a man she barely knows.
And so, instead of saying I do, she runs.
Nessa Tobin has given her all to crawl out of the gutter. She’s worked hard to earn her place as the enforcer for the Cavanaugh’s gang. She’s learned to be fierce. Brutal. Feared. But what happens when it’s still not enough? She refuses to put her life in the hands of her enemies, to give the girl who ruined everything the power to take her down with her.
So now, she’s on the hunt.
As their families teeter on the edge of war, Nessa and Siobhán must decide: where do their loyalties lie? And what happens when your enemy becomes more trustworthy than the people you've spent your life devoted to?
316 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
December 10, 2022
➥ 3.5 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
It's genuinely making me so happy to see sapphic romance finally prevailing in smuttier, darker subgenres. A little bird (Amy) told me she found a sapphic mafia romance and I was sold the second I found out. Overall, it is frankly apparent that this is a debut novel. Its mediocrity is undeniable but the entertainment value was high. It was ultimately a very enjoyable read. I'm really looking forward to reading more of these authors' books, they definitely have potential.
Generally, I think the romance was pretty well executed, but I think there are certain things that can definitely be worked on. But I'd rather start with what I loved!
These bitches were crazy for this, fully stamped the words "power couple" on their reputation because...
Like, woah woah woah. I need some recalibration and recuperation time rn. Nessa made me sweat sometimes.
CUTIE PIES. So you get the fuckin gist - they're hot. But unfortunately, this had some heavy cringe too.
I thought we were really done with the 'traitorous body' bs 😭😭😭!
I prefer to pretend this didn't happen, actually.
A lot of people enjoy the sexy (?) use of religion but I just find it unbearable, pls. Like in books like Priest and Hideaway there's some "confess your sins blah blah" and it's supposed to be sexy or something. Me personally...yucky lol.
So...yeah it's a little rough around the edges, but for the most part, this was pretty fuckin delightful. I'll leave you with this heart-melting scene for now:
The tough one in the relationship going soft...always does it for me.
Reluctantly, I snatch her discarded hoodie off the floor and shove it over her head. She frowns at me, her red brows pulling together and her teeth find her bottom lip.
“I’m fucking you in a proper bed,” I tell her, revelling in her squeal when I grab her and hold her to me. She clings to me, legs around my waist and arms looped around my neck, giggling.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
It's genuinely making me so happy to see sapphic romance finally prevailing in smuttier, darker subgenres. A little bird (Amy) told me she found a sapphic mafia romance and I was sold the second I found out. Overall, it is frankly apparent that this is a debut novel. Its mediocrity is undeniable but the entertainment value was high. It was ultimately a very enjoyable read. I'm really looking forward to reading more of these authors' books, they definitely have potential.
➥ Siobhán Branigan (h) was a pretty ok fmc. She wasn't notably good or bad really. A little pathetic sometimes, maybe, but she didn't bother me much. I'd like to see better characterisation of both fmcs next time!
➥ Nessa Tobin (h) has me gasping sometimes ngl. Cute, hot, crazy - what's not to like? I had a good time reading her character, she's a bit of a toughie, but I loooved that she insisted on calling Siobhán by her last name.
➥ Sebastian is the typical, comedic relief side character - loved him.
Generally, I think the romance was pretty well executed, but I think there are certain things that can definitely be worked on. But I'd rather start with what I loved!
I walk to Nessa and wrap my arm around her waist. I feel the press of her gun in the waistband of her jeans at the bottom of her back and I wrap my fingers around it before pulling it free. I push my lips against Nessa’s cheek softly, pecking her lightly before turning back to face the rest of the men on trial.
These bitches were crazy for this, fully stamped the words "power couple" on their reputation because...
“I need to come,” she gasps, her face flushed and her skin shining with a fine sheen of sweat. I lick my way up her throat and nip at her jaw.
“Go on then,” I taunt a little, reaching between us and feeling for her clit. “Give me one more like the good girl you are,” I whisper in her ear, repeating the motion as I thrust deep.
Like, woah woah woah. I need some recalibration and recuperation time rn. Nessa made me sweat sometimes.
I kiss her like she can fix the mess I’ve made of myself.
She kisses me back like she just might.
CUTIE PIES. So you get the fuckin gist - they're hot. But unfortunately, this had some heavy cringe too.
I mentally curse my body for being such a traitor, barely resisting the urge to curse her out loud for making me feel this way.
I thought we were really done with the 'traitorous body' bs 😭😭😭!
“Such a little whore,” I tell her as my cunt clenches around nothing.
“Your little whore.”
I prefer to pretend this didn't happen, actually.
"Crawl to me like the desperate little sinner you are."
A lot of people enjoy the sexy (?) use of religion but I just find it unbearable, pls. Like in books like Priest and Hideaway there's some "confess your sins blah blah" and it's supposed to be sexy or something. Me personally...yucky lol.
So...yeah it's a little rough around the edges, but for the most part, this was pretty fuckin delightful. I'll leave you with this heart-melting scene for now:
“Nessa Tobin, do you take Siobhán Branigan to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honour her all the days of your life?”
Nessa’s eyes don’t leave mine as she smiles softly at me, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my damned life. “I do.”
The tough one in the relationship going soft...always does it for me.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
November 22, 2022
4.5
This is the first sapphic mafia book I’ve come across, absolutely loved it.
That confession! WOW 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵
This is the first sapphic mafia book I’ve come across, absolutely loved it.
That confession! WOW 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵
November 3, 2022
“does it scare you? that i’m fucking you in the same room as death?”
this book is my holy grail. i’ve been looking for a dark ff mafia romance for what feels like forever. the homophobic subplot in mafia surrounding gay men is easily found and there’s even mm stories out there, but a mafia book for queer women written by queer women? and there’s no internalized lesbophobia or closeted fmcs? most women in the mafia are either pawns or princesses, but not these two. a female heir to a gang she doesn’t want and a female enforcer that makes grown men cry, they are the chess players that end up dominating the entire board game. one was forced into the life, not able to defend herself and the other was saved from life and taught how to protect herself. so to have their first time be after a sparring session because nessa wanted to teach shivy how to fight added so many layers to the bond they share. but the climax of it all was the church scene. two queer women in the house of a god neither of them believes in praying to each other, desecrating sacred ground with blasphemous confessions, sexual penance and spit as the blood of christ was a religious experience for me.
this book is my holy grail. i’ve been looking for a dark ff mafia romance for what feels like forever. the homophobic subplot in mafia surrounding gay men is easily found and there’s even mm stories out there, but a mafia book for queer women written by queer women? and there’s no internalized lesbophobia or closeted fmcs? most women in the mafia are either pawns or princesses, but not these two. a female heir to a gang she doesn’t want and a female enforcer that makes grown men cry, they are the chess players that end up dominating the entire board game. one was forced into the life, not able to defend herself and the other was saved from life and taught how to protect herself. so to have their first time be after a sparring session because nessa wanted to teach shivy how to fight added so many layers to the bond they share. but the climax of it all was the church scene. two queer women in the house of a god neither of them believes in praying to each other, desecrating sacred ground with blasphemous confessions, sexual penance and spit as the blood of christ was a religious experience for me.
January 28, 2024
a sapphic mafia book? i’m sat.
July 4, 2025
Rating: 2.5 ⭐
It was alright. Not gonna lie, I expected something better.
I liked the characters, especially Nessa and Sebastian, but the pacing was weird. Everything happened so fast; I couldn't see a true development, or a connexion, between the main characters. They were hot, though.
One thing I did appreciate was how the women played an important part in the gangs; Nessa being the most powerful enforcer of her group was a great surprise!
We need more sapphic mafia romances, please!
It was alright. Not gonna lie, I expected something better.
I liked the characters, especially Nessa and Sebastian, but the pacing was weird. Everything happened so fast; I couldn't see a true development, or a connexion, between the main characters. They were hot, though.
One thing I did appreciate was how the women played an important part in the gangs; Nessa being the most powerful enforcer of her group was a great surprise!
We need more sapphic mafia romances, please!
June 8, 2023
Actually, this one was really fun to read. And the ending was cute.
November 25, 2025
"Nessa holds me like she is holding me together. And I let her, I let her stop me falling apart, I let the girl who wrecked me pick up the pieces."
How is it possible to be so hooked by a book that lacked so much depth? I don't know, but I will say even though this book carries quite a lot of flaws I had quite a grand old time.
Let's start with Siobhán who is an endearing mix of pathetic and resilient. She makes entirely questionable decisions throughout this book and yet, I felt for her, because she really was just so desperate to be loved.
Nessa is the strong and unfeeling love interest who comes with her own backlog of deep-rooted trauma and baggage. I thought she was a more captivating character overall with her tough exterior, built from a hard past but with a yearning inside her to find love.
Together they create a burning chemistry that was built almost entirely on their intense sexual attraction and compatibility. These two just cannot keep their hands off each other and you know what all power to them.
The story itself is cliché and predictable and so it feels silly sometimes but I enjoyed it. The tension from the mafia backdrop feels horrendously forced and almost comical, but I don't think people are really here for that.
Nessa and Siobhán are the ones who steal the show with Nessa's growing respect and tenderness for Siobhán as she gives her so much room to grow her own toughness and courage to face her demons. And I mean they are so hot together it could start a fire 🔥 🥵
"I have never felt inclined to believe in God, but there on my knees for this girl, her taste on my tongue as I lap at her, I know this is sacred"
They yearn, and they tear themselves apart about it, and it was annoyingly captivating watching them mentally (and physically 😉) terrorize each other until they finally fell for each other harder than a rock thrown out of an 8-story building.
The third act conflict was again so silly and everything was just remarkably over dramatic, but it's all part of the charm of this novel.
I'm giving it 3 bloody knives 🔪🔪🔪 out of 5 (IFYYK)
How is it possible to be so hooked by a book that lacked so much depth? I don't know, but I will say even though this book carries quite a lot of flaws I had quite a grand old time.
Let's start with Siobhán who is an endearing mix of pathetic and resilient. She makes entirely questionable decisions throughout this book and yet, I felt for her, because she really was just so desperate to be loved.
Nessa is the strong and unfeeling love interest who comes with her own backlog of deep-rooted trauma and baggage. I thought she was a more captivating character overall with her tough exterior, built from a hard past but with a yearning inside her to find love.
Together they create a burning chemistry that was built almost entirely on their intense sexual attraction and compatibility. These two just cannot keep their hands off each other and you know what all power to them.
The story itself is cliché and predictable and so it feels silly sometimes but I enjoyed it. The tension from the mafia backdrop feels horrendously forced and almost comical, but I don't think people are really here for that.
Nessa and Siobhán are the ones who steal the show with Nessa's growing respect and tenderness for Siobhán as she gives her so much room to grow her own toughness and courage to face her demons. And I mean they are so hot together it could start a fire 🔥 🥵
"I have never felt inclined to believe in God, but there on my knees for this girl, her taste on my tongue as I lap at her, I know this is sacred"
They yearn, and they tear themselves apart about it, and it was annoyingly captivating watching them mentally (and physically 😉) terrorize each other until they finally fell for each other harder than a rock thrown out of an 8-story building.
The third act conflict was again so silly and everything was just remarkably over dramatic, but it's all part of the charm of this novel.
I'm giving it 3 bloody knives 🔪🔪🔪 out of 5 (IFYYK)
September 15, 2023
nessasiobhan shook the earth a little bit🔐🖤
July 25, 2024
Broken Vows Blessed Hearts #1 is a dark sapphic romance that pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. This thrilling mafia romance is everything I hoped for and more, with layers of intrigue, passion, and intense character development.
The story centers around Siobhán Branigan and Nessa Tobin, two formidable women from rival gangs. Siobhán, the devoted heir to her father's gang, refuses to be used as a pawn in a political marriage to Oisín, the heir of the Cavanaugh gang. Her defiant act of running away sets the stage for a riveting chase. Nessa, the fierce and brutal enforcer for the Cavanaugh gang, is determined to hunt down the girl who could ruin everything. The dynamic between these two strong, complex characters is electric, and their evolving relationship kept me glued to the pages.
What sets this book apart is its dark, gritty depiction of the mafia world. The authors masterfully craft a dangerous, realistic backdrop for the story, adding depth and tension to every scene. The stark realism of the mafia lifestyle is portrayed with great detail, making the stakes feel incredibly high and the dangers ever-present. Fans of mafia romances will find this twist particularly refreshing, as it infuses the genre with new life through the intense and electric chemistry between Siobhán and Nessa.
The steaminess of Siobhán and Nessa's relationship is off the charts. The authors excel in building tension and delivering passionate scenes that are both intense and well written. The palpable chemistry between these two characters enhances the overall narrative, making their interactions incredibly engaging and satisfying. Additionally, Siobhán's journey is a highlight of the story. Her strength, vulnerability, and determination to forge her own path despite the odds make her a character that truly tugs at the heartstrings. I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire book, invested in her growth and struggles.
The plot twist at the end was unexpected and brilliantly executed, leaving me eager for the next installment and wondering what lies ahead for these two captivating characters. Broken Vows is a dark, steamy, and utterly compelling read that I highly recommend. If you're a fan of mafia romances, this sapphic twist will not disappoint. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
The story centers around Siobhán Branigan and Nessa Tobin, two formidable women from rival gangs. Siobhán, the devoted heir to her father's gang, refuses to be used as a pawn in a political marriage to Oisín, the heir of the Cavanaugh gang. Her defiant act of running away sets the stage for a riveting chase. Nessa, the fierce and brutal enforcer for the Cavanaugh gang, is determined to hunt down the girl who could ruin everything. The dynamic between these two strong, complex characters is electric, and their evolving relationship kept me glued to the pages.
What sets this book apart is its dark, gritty depiction of the mafia world. The authors masterfully craft a dangerous, realistic backdrop for the story, adding depth and tension to every scene. The stark realism of the mafia lifestyle is portrayed with great detail, making the stakes feel incredibly high and the dangers ever-present. Fans of mafia romances will find this twist particularly refreshing, as it infuses the genre with new life through the intense and electric chemistry between Siobhán and Nessa.
The steaminess of Siobhán and Nessa's relationship is off the charts. The authors excel in building tension and delivering passionate scenes that are both intense and well written. The palpable chemistry between these two characters enhances the overall narrative, making their interactions incredibly engaging and satisfying. Additionally, Siobhán's journey is a highlight of the story. Her strength, vulnerability, and determination to forge her own path despite the odds make her a character that truly tugs at the heartstrings. I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire book, invested in her growth and struggles.
The plot twist at the end was unexpected and brilliantly executed, leaving me eager for the next installment and wondering what lies ahead for these two captivating characters. Broken Vows is a dark, steamy, and utterly compelling read that I highly recommend. If you're a fan of mafia romances, this sapphic twist will not disappoint. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
November 10, 2022
TW/ Tropes: rival families, grumpy x sunshine, dark romance, Irish mafia, enemies to lovers, sapphic, Blood, Death, Torture, Gang violence, Gun and knife violence, Sexualisation of religion, Kidnapping, Knife play, childhood abuse, past assault and threats, verbal abuse from a parent, Anxiety, Depression, Praise and degradation, Abandonment, Homelessness
Broken Vows is an ADULT, DARK FF mafia romance. It is a stand-alone, and the first in a connected series of stand-alones. I was super excited for this book - and it didn't disappoint! The chemistry between the two leads was hot and steamy. Siobhan’s dad has set up an arranged marriage between Siobhan and the son of the rival mafia to end the war. But Siobhan take matters into her own hands and runs away until one day she meets the rival’s enforcer, Nessa and everything changes. I really love the dual POV‘s as you get to witness what circumstances shaped Nessa and Siobhan‘s life for them to become such strong women in the mafia world. I’m so excited for book 2 and I hope we get to see more of Nessa‘s best friend Sebastian.
Broken Vows is an ADULT, DARK FF mafia romance. It is a stand-alone, and the first in a connected series of stand-alones. I was super excited for this book - and it didn't disappoint! The chemistry between the two leads was hot and steamy. Siobhan’s dad has set up an arranged marriage between Siobhan and the son of the rival mafia to end the war. But Siobhan take matters into her own hands and runs away until one day she meets the rival’s enforcer, Nessa and everything changes. I really love the dual POV‘s as you get to witness what circumstances shaped Nessa and Siobhan‘s life for them to become such strong women in the mafia world. I’m so excited for book 2 and I hope we get to see more of Nessa‘s best friend Sebastian.
December 6, 2022
a solid mafia/FF romance! i feel like it was a little bit insta love and insta hate but i enjoyed it. liked the smut and the tension was ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
4/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥
4/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥
May 8, 2025
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the church scene🥵🥵🔥
November 6, 2022
It's not easy to come across good FF spicy romance, let alone FF mafia spicy romance so I was super excited for this book - and it didn't disappoint!
Nadine and Scarlett have done a wonderful job of presenting a realistic queer relationship and the shared darkness of the souls in the two main characters lights a fire in my dark and twisted heart; if you're not familiar with Irish names, utilise the pronunciation section in the book and it will stop you stumbling throught the story.
Although it is a series of standalones, I can't wait to explore book 2 in 2023.
Nadine and Scarlett have done a wonderful job of presenting a realistic queer relationship and the shared darkness of the souls in the two main characters lights a fire in my dark and twisted heart; if you're not familiar with Irish names, utilise the pronunciation section in the book and it will stop you stumbling throught the story.
Although it is a series of standalones, I can't wait to explore book 2 in 2023.
Read
March 1, 2024DNF @ 50%
I was so bored reading this which sucks because I’ve never in my life encountered a sapphic mafia romance. I just felt like this relationship had no build up, and I didn’t really care about either of these characters /:
I was so bored reading this which sucks because I’ve never in my life encountered a sapphic mafia romance. I just felt like this relationship had no build up, and I didn’t really care about either of these characters /:
Read
October 10, 2023DNF. Lost interest really quickly. 😖
October 24, 2023
Siobhan is dumb. There I said it. How do you get caught hours after your dramatic great escape by two randos. Like how long did she spend on her plan knowing if she fucked it up she would be killed?? Why not leave the country instantly, a cab straight to the nearest airport? And then when she is caught by her family’s rivals instead of spending time on trying to escape, she spends it either lusting after one of her captors who hates her or starts befriending the other captor. She expects to be killed anytime they no longer consider her valuable but she never schemes, tries to understand her captors to get the better of them or even makes a plan to escape.
Nessa had barely any character outside of her anger and disgust. Nessa’s anger towards Siobhan felt so over the top and frankly unwarranted at the beginning since she barely knew her. She says and I still want to strangle the girl. Why? She doesn’t even know her. It felt very juvenile and unserious for her character and background as an enforcer.
One minor issue I had was of the spelling of the name of the character that Siobhan supposedly got killed during her escape (which they were so broken up about). It kept changing in a manner of a few paragraphs which was distracting. Is it Daizen or Denizen, like how much do these people actually care about this man when they could barely get his name correct??
The relationship between Nessa and Siobhan was too instalust for my liking. I would have liked a slower build into the relationship especially since they are both so “angry” and “disgusted” with each other all the time.
The sex scenes weren’t very good either. I mean what is this: Are you desperate already, thinking about fucking your enemy?” That line literally made me roll my eyes. It’s not hot. It’s cringy.
”I’m going to wreck the Branigans in more ways than one. Defiling their princess seems like a good place to start.” You can’t really defile someone who wants it and from Siobhan’s POV all we read is how much she wants Nessa.
Siobhan: “My head isn’t as empty as you all seem to think it is,”. Are you sure it isn’t cause the readers are in your head and nothing seems to be happening outside of being horny for Nessa??
“Never had I had the thought that perhaps she hates her father, her life, the way I do.” She literally shot her father with a gun on her wedding day to escape him and the life he expected for her but you thought she enjoyed her life??? What kind of logic is this?? Nessa is dumb and a hot head.
“You touched my property.” This is said by Nessa in reference to Siobhan. I don’t care if a man or woman says that but I would never ever find it hot to be referred to as someone’s property. It sounds degrading and dehumanising. But hey maybe thats just me.
“Drink,” she says, sticking her tongue out, spit pooling on the tip.” That just sounds disgusting and not sexy or hot.
The relationship felt all sex and no emotion. The book didn’t really build any emotion because anytime Siobhan and Nessa were together they just had sex, it never felt like any meaningful conversations were had between them.
Lastly, the conflict between the two rival gangs was so anticlimactic or not very well thought out. It also got resolved way too quickly. Siobhan’s father was also cartoonishly villainous and for such a bad guy he was easily defeated.
Nessa had barely any character outside of her anger and disgust. Nessa’s anger towards Siobhan felt so over the top and frankly unwarranted at the beginning since she barely knew her. She says and I still want to strangle the girl. Why? She doesn’t even know her. It felt very juvenile and unserious for her character and background as an enforcer.
One minor issue I had was of the spelling of the name of the character that Siobhan supposedly got killed during her escape (which they were so broken up about). It kept changing in a manner of a few paragraphs which was distracting. Is it Daizen or Denizen, like how much do these people actually care about this man when they could barely get his name correct??
The relationship between Nessa and Siobhan was too instalust for my liking. I would have liked a slower build into the relationship especially since they are both so “angry” and “disgusted” with each other all the time.
The sex scenes weren’t very good either. I mean what is this: Are you desperate already, thinking about fucking your enemy?” That line literally made me roll my eyes. It’s not hot. It’s cringy.
”I’m going to wreck the Branigans in more ways than one. Defiling their princess seems like a good place to start.” You can’t really defile someone who wants it and from Siobhan’s POV all we read is how much she wants Nessa.
Siobhan: “My head isn’t as empty as you all seem to think it is,”. Are you sure it isn’t cause the readers are in your head and nothing seems to be happening outside of being horny for Nessa??
“Never had I had the thought that perhaps she hates her father, her life, the way I do.” She literally shot her father with a gun on her wedding day to escape him and the life he expected for her but you thought she enjoyed her life??? What kind of logic is this?? Nessa is dumb and a hot head.
“You touched my property.” This is said by Nessa in reference to Siobhan. I don’t care if a man or woman says that but I would never ever find it hot to be referred to as someone’s property. It sounds degrading and dehumanising. But hey maybe thats just me.
“Drink,” she says, sticking her tongue out, spit pooling on the tip.” That just sounds disgusting and not sexy or hot.
The relationship felt all sex and no emotion. The book didn’t really build any emotion because anytime Siobhan and Nessa were together they just had sex, it never felt like any meaningful conversations were had between them.
Lastly, the conflict between the two rival gangs was so anticlimactic or not very well thought out. It also got resolved way too quickly. Siobhan’s father was also cartoonishly villainous and for such a bad guy he was easily defeated.
May 12, 2023
this was my first mafia wlw romance and i loved it so much!! siobhan, the heir to a mob she doesn't want to be in, is married off to the heir of their rival gang until she decides to take matters into her own hands by running away. nessa, from said rival gang, is then put in charge of hunting down siobhan and bringing her back to their home. nessa thinks that siobhan is a spoiled princess but soon figures out how wrong she is once she's put on 'babysitting' duties, making it more difficult to hate her. i LOVED seeing the typical 'male/female' mafia dynamics but with two females, and also loved seeing the switches in dynamic where siobhan (the more submissive one) would be more dominant and nessa (the more dominant one) submissive. the smut in this book was so HOT and the church scene omg?!?! but also seeing both of them being soft and holding hands and just wanting to be near each other was so 🥹 seeing the backstories of each character and how they became who they are now was so sad and i just want to give them both the biggest hug and say F YOU to anyone who hurt them.
p.s. i am also in love with sebastian (nessa’s bestfriend and now siobhan’s) i loved his character so much and how he only wanted the best for both the main characters and was their biggest supporter. and the scene where siobhan rests her head in his lap and nessa sending him death glares and he was like 🤷🏻
p.s. i am also in love with sebastian (nessa’s bestfriend and now siobhan’s) i loved his character so much and how he only wanted the best for both the main characters and was their biggest supporter. and the scene where siobhan rests her head in his lap and nessa sending him death glares and he was like 🤷🏻
November 22, 2022
3.5
I really really wanted to love this book. The premise, the mafia, the ff relationship, the murderous women, it should’ve been perfect. Yet, it took me up until 70% in to get attached to these characters and the romance, but when I did, it was GREAT.
I think what this story lacked was time. The plot was fast pace, which I like, but in doing so, it forfeited getting time to understand or sympathise with the characters. I imagine to save time, we’re told a lot of things but not necessarily shown them or the effect of them, so I struggled to connect with the characters.
One example is that Nessa’s backstory is tragic and emotional, yet we’re only told the details after it becomes important, which made the reveal of the plot twist unsatisfying to me. If her story was told more at the beginning, I would’ve been able to sympathise with Nessa, and understand her behaviour and her dynamic in the Cavanaugh mafia family. Instead, there’s a reveal and then only after that is it explained why this is important, forfeiting the emotional impact you would want. And then that’s not even the full story, we’re only given the full details of her backstory (like ages, locations, family) as she tells it to Siobhan. By that point we’ve already moved passed the event that would make her backstory significant to know.
This kind of character exposition is done better with Siobhan’s backstory with Conor. We’re told parts of the traumatic event throughout and we see the aftereffect of that in Siobhan’s manner. With Nessa, and other parts of the story, this context came after the consequence making the consequence seem insignificant.
All in all, this made the storytelling seem underdeveloped and for most of the story, I wasn’t convinced by it. The events weren’t earned, just like their first kiss, it came out of nowhere, and wasn’t built up by any kind of ‘will they, won’t they’ tension that would earn the kiss its impact. (and I get it, the element of surprise, but this kind of thing was consistent throughout).
BUT but but but, having said that…
With time, I got to understand the characters more and their perspective and why they are the way they are and began to love it. Their dynamic was addictive and the way they would kill for each other, and love each other was really fun to read.
And Sebastian??? What a cutie and the little trio that they formed, I LOVE LOVE LOVED that.
The romance after 70% was so cute and I was captivated by it, I just wish I had more time to become attached sooner, to experience their full glory.
I want to read more from these authors and continue this series. As the mafia world expands and more characters come into play, I think this book could really shine.
I really really wanted to love this book. The premise, the mafia, the ff relationship, the murderous women, it should’ve been perfect. Yet, it took me up until 70% in to get attached to these characters and the romance, but when I did, it was GREAT.
I think what this story lacked was time. The plot was fast pace, which I like, but in doing so, it forfeited getting time to understand or sympathise with the characters. I imagine to save time, we’re told a lot of things but not necessarily shown them or the effect of them, so I struggled to connect with the characters.
One example is that Nessa’s backstory is tragic and emotional, yet we’re only told the details after it becomes important, which made the reveal of the plot twist unsatisfying to me. If her story was told more at the beginning, I would’ve been able to sympathise with Nessa, and understand her behaviour and her dynamic in the Cavanaugh mafia family. Instead, there’s a reveal and then only after that is it explained why this is important, forfeiting the emotional impact you would want. And then that’s not even the full story, we’re only given the full details of her backstory (like ages, locations, family) as she tells it to Siobhan. By that point we’ve already moved passed the event that would make her backstory significant to know.
This kind of character exposition is done better with Siobhan’s backstory with Conor. We’re told parts of the traumatic event throughout and we see the aftereffect of that in Siobhan’s manner. With Nessa, and other parts of the story, this context came after the consequence making the consequence seem insignificant.
All in all, this made the storytelling seem underdeveloped and for most of the story, I wasn’t convinced by it. The events weren’t earned, just like their first kiss, it came out of nowhere, and wasn’t built up by any kind of ‘will they, won’t they’ tension that would earn the kiss its impact. (and I get it, the element of surprise, but this kind of thing was consistent throughout).
BUT but but but, having said that…
With time, I got to understand the characters more and their perspective and why they are the way they are and began to love it. Their dynamic was addictive and the way they would kill for each other, and love each other was really fun to read.
And Sebastian??? What a cutie and the little trio that they formed, I LOVE LOVE LOVED that.
The romance after 70% was so cute and I was captivated by it, I just wish I had more time to become attached sooner, to experience their full glory.
I want to read more from these authors and continue this series. As the mafia world expands and more characters come into play, I think this book could really shine.
November 4, 2022
This book was everything I could have hoped for, plus more 🫦
Gritty, passionate, dark and delicious , Scarlett King & Nadine O ‘Keeffe delivered and left no crumbs 🙅🏻♀️
I devoured this in a little over 12 hours. Alternating between both Nessa and Siobhans pov, you get to really get into the minds of both the girls, and are captivated and falling in love with each of them early on. I’ve been looking for stand alone’s lately, just a good one and done, and boy am I more than grateful that this wasn’t one! I will be eagerly awaiting book two, I didn’t just fall in love with the two FMC, but I fell in love with Sebastian too, I can’t wait to dive into more of his back story! Catch up with the girls, and see if the truce still stands between the two rival gang family’s!
If you love f/f sapphic romance , that’s hott and basically burning right off the pages , with a suspenseful story line plus some unexpected twists, this book is for you, and I have no doubt you will eat this up just as I have!
I received and arc of this book, and like always, I had the option to review or not, and these opinions are all my own!
Gritty, passionate, dark and delicious , Scarlett King & Nadine O ‘Keeffe delivered and left no crumbs 🙅🏻♀️
I devoured this in a little over 12 hours. Alternating between both Nessa and Siobhans pov, you get to really get into the minds of both the girls, and are captivated and falling in love with each of them early on. I’ve been looking for stand alone’s lately, just a good one and done, and boy am I more than grateful that this wasn’t one! I will be eagerly awaiting book two, I didn’t just fall in love with the two FMC, but I fell in love with Sebastian too, I can’t wait to dive into more of his back story! Catch up with the girls, and see if the truce still stands between the two rival gang family’s!
If you love f/f sapphic romance , that’s hott and basically burning right off the pages , with a suspenseful story line plus some unexpected twists, this book is for you, and I have no doubt you will eat this up just as I have!
I received and arc of this book, and like always, I had the option to review or not, and these opinions are all my own!
November 13, 2022
Broken Vows by Nadine O'Keeffe and Scarlet King is all that with whip cream and a cherry on top! This book is just what I needed in my life right now. It is so deliciously sinful. I could not get enough of Siobhán and Nessa. If you are looking for your next or just wanting to try a sapphic FF dark romance, you have to pick up a copy of Broken Vows.
While this book may be focused on Siobhán and Nessa, Sebastian is a nice addition as well. He brings the comedic humor to the story. It is very entertaining to see him push Nessa's buttons about Siobhán. Anybody else would be dead if they tried to push Nessa's buttons. Each intimate moment between these two women just got spicer and spicer. I can't wait to read book two.
While this book may be focused on Siobhán and Nessa, Sebastian is a nice addition as well. He brings the comedic humor to the story. It is very entertaining to see him push Nessa's buttons about Siobhán. Anybody else would be dead if they tried to push Nessa's buttons. Each intimate moment between these two women just got spicer and spicer. I can't wait to read book two.
October 2, 2025
Loved, however I just wish there was a bit more depth and gradual pace to their feelings evolving for each other. Their interactions with each other mainly revolved around sex. Other than that, the book is outstanding.
July 12, 2024
They lost me 48% in with the cringe but the worst was putting a ginger in a scarlet red wedding dress.
February 24, 2023
“Get on your knees and repent for your sins. Pray for my forgiveness.”
At the abandoned altar that hasn’t seen religion in years, I sink to my knees before my God.
“Forgive me, Goddess, for I have sinned.”
puta. que. pariu.
At the abandoned altar that hasn’t seen religion in years, I sink to my knees before my God.
“Forgive me, Goddess, for I have sinned.”
puta. que. pariu.
March 2, 2023
Overall, the story was well thought out and executed well. My favorite part of the book by far was during the edge play scene. During the scene, the POV character acknowledged that what they were doing was risky, then shrugged it off, saying, “it’s a scar I’d wear with pride.” I appreciate books that acknowledge the risk in with they’re doing because I feel that, too often, books gloss over that.
My least favorite part, I cannot think of anything glaring, but if pressed, my only complaint would be the lack of build-up before their first sexual encounter. Even then, the build of tension between the other sexual encounters was on point!
The chemistry between the two leads was steamy and well down. Each spicy scene added a new dynamic between the characters, and the book wouldn’t have been as well done if you took the scenes away (Which really makes for a quality read)
This wasn’t my first WLW mob/organized crime read, but it was by far my favorite. This book is well worth the read. And I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
TW/CW: Mentions on sexual assault
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Organized crime, Rivals, Captive Romance
Kinks: Edge Play, Knife Play, D/s dynamic/Power exchange, Praise, Degradation, God/acolyte Play
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
My least favorite part, I cannot think of anything glaring, but if pressed, my only complaint would be the lack of build-up before their first sexual encounter. Even then, the build of tension between the other sexual encounters was on point!
The chemistry between the two leads was steamy and well down. Each spicy scene added a new dynamic between the characters, and the book wouldn’t have been as well done if you took the scenes away (Which really makes for a quality read)
This wasn’t my first WLW mob/organized crime read, but it was by far my favorite. This book is well worth the read. And I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
TW/CW: Mentions on sexual assault
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Organized crime, Rivals, Captive Romance
Kinks: Edge Play, Knife Play, D/s dynamic/Power exchange, Praise, Degradation, God/acolyte Play
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
November 15, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【3 Stars】
This was my first book by Nadine O’Keeffe and Scarlet King. I thought it was a good debut novel by them. I enjoyed the representation of a character who is Irish. I think a lot of the writing could have been more complex and the characters should have felt more than one-dimensional. Either way, this was a good erotic enemies to lovers book
You follow Siobhán and Nessa’s relationship through the good and bad times. There were quite a few times where I was surprised, so props to that! I thought the worldbuilding was decent, but it was clear the authors focused on the erotic scenes the most.
TW: Gore, blood & knife play
If you enjoy dark books about the mafia, you’ll like this.
➢Happy reading!
This was my first book by Nadine O’Keeffe and Scarlet King. I thought it was a good debut novel by them. I enjoyed the representation of a character who is Irish. I think a lot of the writing could have been more complex and the characters should have felt more than one-dimensional. Either way, this was a good erotic enemies to lovers book
You follow Siobhán and Nessa’s relationship through the good and bad times. There were quite a few times where I was surprised, so props to that! I thought the worldbuilding was decent, but it was clear the authors focused on the erotic scenes the most.
TW: Gore, blood & knife play
If you enjoy dark books about the mafia, you’ll like this.
➢Happy reading!
June 15, 2023
I was pretty disappointed it was goijg good the first 200+ pages but then it was so cringy i almost died
I wouldnt be suprised if one of the lines was “my pussy winked” and then i kept getting reminded they were Irish or smt and i started laughing 💀
I wouldnt be suprised if one of the lines was “my pussy winked” and then i kept getting reminded they were Irish or smt and i started laughing 💀
March 31, 2023
fucking hell.
i went into this book blind, not really knowing what was waiting for me and i must say, i loved it very much.
its been a long time since i actually picked up a book and read it front to back in such little time, but i was hooked from the very beginning of this book and i couldn’t, for the love of me, put it down.
shivvy was literally so sweet and i can not imagine the shit she went through with her dad, and im actually so fucking happy that she got to kill him in the end bc that bastard deserved it, well maybe he deserved to be brutally tortured first.
anyway, i loved since shivvy’s development as the book went on and how she stayed sweet but not quiet anymore, and instead asked for what she wanted and honestly slayed while soing so.
nessa was probably the most badass character i’ve ever read about. she was so fucking strong, both physically and mentally, and she just i don’t know, she had this thing about her the made shivvy and even fucking me feel a little safe any time she was to appear in scene.
she had a hard exterior but a soft interior, and you could see that any time she thought about shivvy and how she would literally murder anyone if it meant to keep shivvy safe from any sort of danger.
the relationship between shivvy and nessa was the fucking best. they started out as enemies but that only made things hotter for them. they had such an insane chemistry that was fucking palpable through the pages of this book, and you could just see how much they cared for each other, and how after everything they still stood stronger than anybody ever has. its safe to say that i fucking loved them.
also, fucking thomas being nessa’s father, i didn’t saw it coming in the beginning, only when nessa got that file on him and it said he had two children did i piece the puzzle together.
lets talk about the situationship between seb and ois, like girl i want to know all of it, like im pretty sure they were “together” and it hurts my fucking heart to see sebastian so heartbroken after oisin comes back from fucking italy after marrying another girl. i felt for sebastian and i wish i could give him a big hug, but i know the next book is about the three of them and i will for sure eat that shit up.
all in all, i must say i LOVED this book, so utterly and completely that i will be thinking about it 24/7 and from now on there will only be shivvy and nessa in my brain.
i went into this book blind, not really knowing what was waiting for me and i must say, i loved it very much.
its been a long time since i actually picked up a book and read it front to back in such little time, but i was hooked from the very beginning of this book and i couldn’t, for the love of me, put it down.
shivvy was literally so sweet and i can not imagine the shit she went through with her dad, and im actually so fucking happy that she got to kill him in the end bc that bastard deserved it, well maybe he deserved to be brutally tortured first.
anyway, i loved since shivvy’s development as the book went on and how she stayed sweet but not quiet anymore, and instead asked for what she wanted and honestly slayed while soing so.
nessa was probably the most badass character i’ve ever read about. she was so fucking strong, both physically and mentally, and she just i don’t know, she had this thing about her the made shivvy and even fucking me feel a little safe any time she was to appear in scene.
she had a hard exterior but a soft interior, and you could see that any time she thought about shivvy and how she would literally murder anyone if it meant to keep shivvy safe from any sort of danger.
the relationship between shivvy and nessa was the fucking best. they started out as enemies but that only made things hotter for them. they had such an insane chemistry that was fucking palpable through the pages of this book, and you could just see how much they cared for each other, and how after everything they still stood stronger than anybody ever has. its safe to say that i fucking loved them.
also, fucking thomas being nessa’s father, i didn’t saw it coming in the beginning, only when nessa got that file on him and it said he had two children did i piece the puzzle together.
lets talk about the situationship between seb and ois, like girl i want to know all of it, like im pretty sure they were “together” and it hurts my fucking heart to see sebastian so heartbroken after oisin comes back from fucking italy after marrying another girl. i felt for sebastian and i wish i could give him a big hug, but i know the next book is about the three of them and i will for sure eat that shit up.
all in all, i must say i LOVED this book, so utterly and completely that i will be thinking about it 24/7 and from now on there will only be shivvy and nessa in my brain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
This was sooo promising but quickly became so disappointing with how boring it became 😭
Pros:
-the smut scenes were incredibly hot
-I loved Ness... Tough lesbian enforcer who hates that she's attracted to the daughter of the enemy hnnbg
-the whole concept of enemies to lovers lesbian Irish gangsters
Cons:
-As soon as the MC was captured by the opposing gang and held captive it just... Quickly degraded. I don't mind instalust, but I was disappointed by the instalove. Considering how tough Ness is and how much both women hate the enemy family I expected so much more push and pull... But nope, one night of horniness and they're automatically bff's
-The captive storyline. Based on the opening chapters, I thought this book was going to be so much darker than it really was. Instead, the enemy family basically gives the MC free reign to get around the mansion?? They even teach her how to fight?? They basically treat her as a hotel guest I'm so confused
Anyway... DNFed because I feel like the summary lied to me... I can't believe the MC went from a tense, badass girl who risked shooting her father just to be free... To this. No thanks, not for me.
Pros:
-the smut scenes were incredibly hot
-I loved Ness... Tough lesbian enforcer who hates that she's attracted to the daughter of the enemy hnnbg
-the whole concept of enemies to lovers lesbian Irish gangsters
Cons:
-As soon as the MC was captured by the opposing gang and held captive it just... Quickly degraded. I don't mind instalust, but I was disappointed by the instalove. Considering how tough Ness is and how much both women hate the enemy family I expected so much more push and pull... But nope, one night of horniness and they're automatically bff's
-The captive storyline. Based on the opening chapters, I thought this book was going to be so much darker than it really was. Instead, the enemy family basically gives the MC free reign to get around the mansion?? They even teach her how to fight?? They basically treat her as a hotel guest I'm so confused
Anyway... DNFed because I feel like the summary lied to me... I can't believe the MC went from a tense, badass girl who risked shooting her father just to be free... To this. No thanks, not for me.
November 8, 2022
Spoiler free review
Release date: November 16
4.5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Broken Vows, but I was pretty blown away by this.
I have picked up quite a few mafia books over the last year, but this was the first one that I’ve read where our main love interests are both women – and I really enjoyed it.
It was a welcome change of pace, and it was easy to get invested in Nessa and Siobhan. With the dual POV you get to delve even further into their past and their lives and it really makes you love these characters more. It was also hard not to love Sebastian and I really hope he is in the next book.
This book is everything you expect from a mafia romance and more. We get the violence, the chaos, the scheming and of course the spiciness with a hint of danger thrown in.
There was a lot to love in this book and I finished it in less than 12 hours because it did what Scarlet’s previous books did – it hooked me right in.
I’m a big fan of Scarlet’s work and this book also gave me a high appreciation for Nadine too as I hadn’t read any of her previous work.
Even though this is a stand alone in a series I can’t wait to read more from these two amazing authors.
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Release date: November 16
4.5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Broken Vows, but I was pretty blown away by this.
I have picked up quite a few mafia books over the last year, but this was the first one that I’ve read where our main love interests are both women – and I really enjoyed it.
It was a welcome change of pace, and it was easy to get invested in Nessa and Siobhan. With the dual POV you get to delve even further into their past and their lives and it really makes you love these characters more. It was also hard not to love Sebastian and I really hope he is in the next book.
This book is everything you expect from a mafia romance and more. We get the violence, the chaos, the scheming and of course the spiciness with a hint of danger thrown in.
There was a lot to love in this book and I finished it in less than 12 hours because it did what Scarlet’s previous books did – it hooked me right in.
I’m a big fan of Scarlet’s work and this book also gave me a high appreciation for Nadine too as I hadn’t read any of her previous work.
Even though this is a stand alone in a series I can’t wait to read more from these two amazing authors.
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 14, 2022
Broken Vows is the first book in the Blessed Hearts series. (I believe it will be a series of stand alone/s). It is a DARK adult mafia romance. It’s also FF - the very first FF mafia romance I’ve read!
I really loved the dual POV between Nessa and Siobhan. I feel like it gave us a lot of insight to both of their backgrounds as well as everything they were thinking and feeling. There was so much chemistry between them!The spice was very spicy (the Church, omg🥵😻) and the storyline suspenseful with some twists and turns.
Definitely check triggers before diving in.
I really loved the dual POV between Nessa and Siobhan. I feel like it gave us a lot of insight to both of their backgrounds as well as everything they were thinking and feeling. There was so much chemistry between them!The spice was very spicy (the Church, omg🥵😻) and the storyline suspenseful with some twists and turns.
Definitely check triggers before diving in.
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