We were volatile. Made entirely of snide remarks, hatred, and a stolen kiss that stained my childhood like spilled ink.
Remy Luciano was everything I loved to hate until a single night changed it all. One filled with light caresses and lust, his body made a promise it couldn’t keep.
Because Remy is betrothed and it's no longer to me.
Still he whispers a single confession. One that rocks me to my core and grips me in the confines of heartbreak and doubt.
This is book one of the Luciano Mafia series and it ends on a cliffhanger.
I am a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast who loves reverse harem books and is addicted to adopting animals. I dig crows, witchy things & anime. I live on a small hobby farm surrounded by my favorite people and growing animal family. I write under two pen names—AJ Wolf & Halle.
"You're mine." A phrase he never let me forget... And one that I hated for so long. One that I hated, until I wasn't his."
This story destroyed me!!!! I can't stop thinking about it even two days after I finished reading it... I need desperately the next book cause my heart can not bare this constant aching inside my chest... Remy and Beverly had stolen my heart and when their love and future was stolen away, it wrecked me... "Devious vows" started as an enemies to lovers and while we witnessed years that these two couldn't stand each other, they slowly became each other's worlds... Until, everything changed and it left them (and us!) totally heartbroken!!! I am in desperate need for redemption!!!
"Make no mistake, cuore mio. You are mine." "Maybe you're right, Remy, maybe I'm yours. But you are not mine."
Beverly was betrothed to Remy Luciano since she was twelve and he was fifteen... She couldn't stand him at all and she wished for a different fate than be married to the one she hated with passion... He was arrogant and he never stopped reminding her that she was his in every opportunity... and she wish that she were never his, until the day she got her wish!!! The thing is that when her heart had fallen for her enemy, others decided that she no longer fitted the Luciano's plans... Now, she is broken beyond repair and the man that she loves belongs to another woman...
"We always want things we can't have and fuck do I want what she has."
I believe I've said much already... I won't tell you much about Remy, other than this man was loving this woman with a passion since when they were kids... and he tried so hard to make her see that they belonged together... Unfortunately, he is not the boss yet, and he needs to follow the rules, even though they have the ability to shatter his heart... I loved fiercely Remy, but sometimes, I hated him for his choices... But honestly, I am wondering what he will do next and how he will manage to pull himself and his loved one out of the awful things that have shattered them...
"It's beautifully cruel what we have. A timeline already stamped with an ending we didn't choose, a love story destined to fail because we don't have control."
I can not express how much my heart was hurting in here... I still can not accept what happened in the end... I was invested to Bev and Remy's love story from the beginning and it was a complete shock when everything had fallen apart and with that ugly and untactful way that they happened... My heart was breaking for Beverly and the way she was treated after... It was cruel what they did to her!!! Very cruel!!! Honestly, I can not wait for the next book... I need something good after everything that AJ Wolf has put me through in here!!!
"You have never been and will never be mine."
This was a beautiful, but very hurtful, beginning to a very promising series!!! Yes, 'Devious Vows' had been published before as 'MINE', but the author had changed many things into Beverly and Remy's story... This was an enemies to lovers, mafia romance with an arranged marriage in the mix which around to 60% had me on the edge of my sit with the slaps that I was getting... It was heartbreakingly beautiful and I need more of Remy and his girl!!!
"His heart thumps beneath my palm, strong and steady.. "Do you feel that?" He waits for my slight nod, his fingers tightening around mine. "As long as it's beating, II'll always come for you."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
(Thank you Peachy Keen and the author A.J. Wolf for the eARC in exchange for a spoiler free review)
This was my first book from AJ and I have to say it was a good start to the series! The cover is so pretty as well.
Although it is not as serious as other mafia books and there wasn't much world-building, it was still quite an enjoyable read. I liked the childhood friends trope that was explained more with the time lapses so that I got a better understanding of Remy and Beverly.
There was a plot twist I honestly didn't see coming considering how fast I read the book and it was refreshing. I liked that it gave some tension to the plotline.
I am indeed eager to see how it plays out in the next book!
Oh my heart! I love this couple so much !!! This story was everything the first time around and reading this new version was just so much more! Remy and Bev will always hold a special place in my heart! Can’t wait for the next book!
Beverly Esposito, raised alongside the Luciano brothers, sons of the Capo Familia, arranged to marry the eldest. His, from when she was 12 and he was 15... until she wasn't years and years later....
Remy Luciano, the eldest child of Capo Familia (Sicilian Mafia) and heir, betrothed to another in an emotional turn of events.
Futures together and hearts ripped apart, hopes and dreams drowning in bitter tears. Their love story is a story unfinished as two souls, loving as one, living as halves. The other truly roped me in and tugged on my emotions with this one. We shall see where this goes... Will they be forcefully drifted apart or through twists of fates, have a happily ever after?
Remy and Beverly have been in an arranged marriage since they were children. Promised to each other for the sake of their families. The sparks slowly ignite as they get older, and as the time gets closer for them to be betrothed, the unexpected happens, and Remy ends up marrying someone else. This book was heartbreaking, and I felt so sorry for Bev. Such heartbreak, angst, and sadness. The way Beverly was treated was so bad, and I felt so sorry for her. Now onto book 2. I need to know how this ends.
Remy and Beverly seem like the most unlikely couple until they grow up. Their love takes years to grow and finally, when everything seems to be perfect, their future is stolen away. I could not put this book down. I think I went through every emotion as I read this story and the cliffhanger at the end just left me wanting more.
I liked where it was going, but then the book hit a snag in the road and made me realize.... The main character is just not my favorite. She actually is super annoying to be completely honest.
It’s like she has no personality... The only thing I know about her is that she is angry and doesn’t want to do anything anyone says. Ever... She is also so whiny and bratty.
I know we are supposed to feel sorry for her, but her choices are the reason she is in this mess and I don’t feel sorry for her at all.
Also REMY. He’s got dirty talk to an art and all, but he’s still kinda meh and also has no personality.
In addition, there was a twist that the author inserted 70% into the book that changed the whole premise of it and now I have to wait until the next one. I feel scammed.
This book was okay, but not completely my favorite.
This book comes with tropes, smut, and trigger warnings. See authors' website for detailed list.
From the age of 12 Beverly’s family announced she is to be married to Remy Luciano on her 21st birthday. Neither one are happy with this arrangement but understand both must do their duty to their familigia.
As you read Beverly and Remy’s story, you get to witness their tumultuous relationship, be there for the moment she falls in love with him, but also see how fiercely he protects her. But in between, as they grew up, it wasn’t always sunshine and daisies, because they couldn’t stand to be with each other, but over time they grew closer together, there affection for each other undeniable.
Preparations are being made for their wedding, but one stormy night, they give into their desires, and he takes her innocence in a night of unbridled passion. Then everything comes crashing down around Beverly, and new arrangements have been made for Remy to marry someone else.
Beverly is heartbroken, yet devastated. That what was supposed to her dream will now become someone else’s. Beverly makes every effort, but inside, she is breaking. Remy and Beverly take stolen moments, but know they won’t be able to do this for long.
And Remy is put in a difficult position. To save Julian’s life, he has to make the ultimate sacrifice by breaking Beverly’s heart. But those closest to Remy know his heart lies with her, but has to go through with the pre-tense, the charade for his familiga’s sake or suffer the consequences.
Remy goes through the wedding with Viva, but through it all, his mind is only on one person, the one person he can not have, he will not let this break him. Especially when he makes it clear to Viva that nothing will ever happen between them.
Gavino has always been jealous of his brother Remy, and makes his play to there father for Beverly’s hand in marriage, it’s only then does he disclose her indiscretion with Remy that it solidifies there arrangement. Because Beverly has no choice, for when it gets back to her mother, that she gave up her innocence, knowing her actions will bring shame to her family, she takes what dignity she has left and accepts her fate.
But Remy will not stand by as he watches her marry another man, because he saw what it did to her when he married Viva, he will fight for them, for there love, for there future, because Beverly will always belong to Remy.
This book has it all childhood enemies to enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, and mafia vibes. Possessive dominant alpha male, a mafia princess you will love to hate and hate love, unlikely friendships, murder, madness, mayhem, revenge, vengeance, violence, deception, adrenaline seeking suspense, jealousy, love triangle/ cheating, twists, turns, truths and betrayal.
This story is told from dual POV. It will take you on a wild ride, having you turn page after page. This book had me from the beginning to the end. Reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters. The author definitely knows how to write, and I’ll be coming back for more.
And those s*x scenes, were steamy, yet sensual, dirty, hot, intense, physical, provocative, it had all the angry angst, hate, jealousy, pleasure and passion one would except when Remy gives Beverly the pain and pleasure she deserve, his possessive and obsessive need for control and dominance, it was off the charts and had all of the feels.
Now, to anticipate what book two will bring Remy and Beverly!
Highly recommend both the author and the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
oh how i loved the plot so much, but i hated the way it was executed.
i like remy and beverly. they have all the recipes i enjoy-- indenial friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, arranged marriage, mafia, possesiveness, forbidden relationship, angst, she has fire in her (thank you) and he is not a manwhore (thank you)... but... i just like them, i root for them, but i am not obsessed with them the way i should be.... THANKS TO THE TIMESKIPS 😐
this would have strucked me more strongly if i was actually able to see how their relationship progressed. it was unclear how young beverly could hate remy, and why young remy could be so fixated on her, saying "you're mine" right from the start? it was briefly mentioned that they went on dates and events arranged by their families. i wish it was elaborated because it would have revealed more about them. even gavino's love for her seemed out of place because i rarely saw them interact.
the chapters were disconnected due to the timeskips, which is really infuriating!!!! 🥲 one second, i am engrossed. the next second, i am confused. 😵💫
the book only revealed a small portion of their years-long engagement. they are typically the "big moment"-- first kiss, first dance, first sexual encounter. however, small moments are just as important to me as the big ones. it is the mundane moments that build a relationship AND characters. it is why my favorite chapter was the cake testing. i want more of that plsss. 🛐
the book is focused on bev and remy, even though we also get some of gavino's povs. book 2 synopsis reads, "Will Remy get Beverly back? Or will she accept her fate with Gavino?" so i assume he is also a key character. this is another reason that the sudden timeskip after beverly asked remy to join her and gavino sucked. beside missing some cute library moments between them (fly high🕊🕊🕊), it was also a missed opportunity to see more of the trio's dynamics.
time skips are normal, yes. a space for imagination is normal, yes. but there were simply too many of them here!!! 😭😭 the book encouraged me to fill the spaces between the timeskips myself.... wanted me to write their relationship in my head myself... but i do not have enough material to work with. 🤕🤕😔
i do not know enough about the characters and the world they are living in. what makes the luciano and esposito's connection important? what does their relationship with their parents look like? for what reason were they engaged and given how young they were when it happened, it felt crucial, so why? and why is beverly suddenly deemed unfit? if esposito is also a key clan, then there ought to be ramification for the abrupt end of their engagement, right? why viva?
questions and more questions, and these are just the ones on top of my head. i hope book 2 answers them.
Whew, Devious Vows absolutely wrecked me in the best, messiest, most delicious way. I’m still sitting here, heart shredded, mind racing, and honestly? I would dive right back into the heartbreak and chaos without hesitation.
Reading this felt like being dragged through glass by emotions I wasn’t ready for—but somehow wanted more of. Remy Luciano and I had beef from page one. That man is arrogant, brooding, impossible—and yet, he’s everything you want to scream at and then absolutely fall apart for. Our relationship with him? Volatile doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s built on all those stolen glances, sharp words, and the kind of tension that physically weighs down on you through the pages.
And then there’s that one night—God, that night. It’s the kind of moment that gets under your skin and tattoos itself on your soul. It was perfect. And it was doomed. Because the second that night ended, so did any illusion that things could be simple for us.
Remy being betrothed to someone else? Absolute knife to the heart. His whispered confession that I’ve always been his? The twist of that knife... and I wanted more.
I love that AJ Wolf didn’t shy away from the uglier sides of love—the betrayal, the raw jealousy, the heartbreak that doesn’t make sense but still demands to be felt. There’s blood. There’s passion that teeters into obsession. There’s sexy, reckless, public heat that made me blush and keep reading anyway. And under all of it, there's this devastating tenderness Remy keeps hidden until he just can’t anymore.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, there are triggers. Yes, you will probably yell at the book (I sure did). But if you're like me and you live for that chaotic, soul-consuming love that makes absolutely no sense and yet feels like fate was tailor-made for you? You need this book.
I’m not okay after Devious Vows—and honestly? I don’t want to be.
Book 2, where are you??? Because I’m ready to be destroyed all over again. 💔🔥.
I didn’t realize going into this book that it was part of a duet, but thankfully, the second book is complete and available on KU.
I loved these characters and their love story so much. Remy’s possessiveness and passion for Bev is formidable, and Bev’s fearless and feisty personality is constantly crashing against him, challenging him. We get to see their relationship change and grow through the years, and it is so sweet and beautiful. Remy’s patience and persistence pays off, until…well, you’ll have to read to find out.
These books have been some of the best I’ve read recently. The author really draws the reader in. There is something beautiful in the way she writes and the story she weaves; her writing style feels a lot like Bella di Corte, who I am a big fan of.
Even though the author has TWs, I think some cautions may need mentioning: There is *technically* cheating in this story, but the main characters do remain faithful to each other. (Can’t say more than that to avoid spoilers.) Additionally, the (mafia) violence is cold and unmerciful and unapologetic. Fortunately (for me) no torture or especially drawn out scenes. The violence is very “matter of fact,” and what must be done - swift, efficient, and with little to no remorse. Some of the victims I had a lot of sympathy towards, but none was to be had by the famiglia. I read a lot of dark mafia romance, and so none of these elements detracted from my enjoyment of this story, but I also think they *could* be a no-go for some.
Oh my heart! This might be a little spoiler ish, and I’ll try to leave out as many details as possible. Remy and Beverly are arranged to be married since they were young kids. We see their tidbits of their interactions and they grow up in the same circle, and slowly their relationship transforms from one where they seemingly dislike each other to one where they deeply feel for the other. I felt a little something in this development was missing, as we do get a point in time when feelings start to shift but it’s hard to tell exactly why the dislike turned to like especially when Bev shows how she doesn’t like Remy’s company early on. Yet once we get past this point, they are definitely a couple you care about and want them to have an HEA. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop though and when it does, I was a little confused as to the why behind the sudden change (not due to Remy or Bev by the way) when for several years it was expected these two would be together and to go back on it seems a bit inappropriate. We do get a reason but it doesn’t seem strong enough to renege on a prior expectation. Several of the side characters too seemed perturbed. It actually makes me want to knock some sense into a certain character (or two) for what they’re doing to our couple! You can definitely feel Remy and Bev’s emotions through the pages and I really hope they find a way in the next book. Like I need it now!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
We were volatile. Made entirely of snide remarks, hatred, and a stolen kiss that stained my childhood like spilled ink. Remy Luciano was everything I loved to hate until a single night changed it all. One filled with light caresses and lust, his body made a promise it couldn't keep. Because Remy is betrothed and it's no longer to me. Still he whispers a single confession. One that rocks me to my core and grips me in the confines of heartbreak and doubt.
This is the story of Beverly and Remy. These two have got to be, or seem like they would be the oddest couple of all time. However when they grew up that all changed. They have been in an agreement for an arranged marriage since they were young. It took years for them to fall in love and make their relationship really special. That is until one day it is all stolen away from them. I don't really want to go into the detail of the story because I don't want to give anything away about it. I went into it blind. Fell in love with these characters and was living every single moment with them. I couldn't put this book down. I loved Bevery and Remy
AJ Wolf you have pulled me into this mafia romance and played with my emotions once again. I love the main characters, Beverly and Remy. They are Fire and ice. I loved how their relationship developed over time from childhood to adulthood. They are only children when they find out they are to be married. Mostly a one-sided enemies-to-lovers because Beverly hated the idea of being forced to marry Remy. Their banter was so good. Also, the side characters were fantastic.
Beverly is not your average meek mafia girl. She's confident and headstrong. She detests the idea of marrying Remy.
Remy is next in line to be the capo. I love how possessive he is over Beverly. His attention to detail or obsession gave me butterflies. He empowers her and wants to strengthen her. I love that he doesn't want to put her in a little box. And when he speaks Italian to her ai just about melted.
They are absolute fire together. I was not expecting my heart to ache for them so with the unexpected turn of events and cliffhanger in the end. I just want their happy ending, they deserve it after all.
Fast to read, roughly frustrating. Like can the FL be the strong character from the start to the end ?! I loved her fierce personality but in the last 2 pages she seemed like another person. I hope the second book will have an upgrade both on story and ML and FL actions. It's nothing new as from mafia romance. We all knew from the first pages about Gavino....aaaand what to expect. I hated the naive though of Bev about him, like seriously girl !!?? Cit.from the book: “You’re right. I am fortunate the situation turned out how it has.” My mother’s eyebrows rise at my admission, but she remains silent. The words are bitter in my mouth. Knowing this is the best option doesn’t make it one I’m happy with. “Gavino is a fine man and he will make a fine husband.” Like what?! The f**k you just said?!?! It could be better but it was okay. P.s. for once the Italian dialogue are correct!!!! Meravigliosa l'autrice! Brava !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Devious Vows is absolutely suspenseful and a page turning mafia romance. This novel had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. The story is fantastically written, amazingly balanced with action/romance and phenomenally executed by AJ Wolf. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was completely blown away from the storyline. The novel has marvelous plot, wonderful and breathtaking ending for the main characters. The story is captivating from start to finish, entertaining and an enjoyable read. Devious Vows follows the journey of Remy and Beverly. I absolutely adored learning about who Beverly and Remy as the main characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see what will happened between Beverly and Remy next. I would absolutely encourage other readers to checkout and give Devious Vows a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Devious Vows delivers all the intensity you expect from an arranged-marriage mafia romance. The forced-marriage setup is high-stakes from the start, and the chemistry between the leads sparks in every tense, dangerous moment they share. The hero is cold, calculating, and impossible to read, while the heroine’s strength and resilience give the story its emotional weight. The pacing is fast, the drama hits hard, and the world feels convincingly brutal. That said, it leans heavily on familiar mafia tropes—dangerous vows, family duty, possessive protectiveness—so seasoned dark-romance readers may find the major twists predictable. Still, the execution is strong enough to keep the pages turning. Bottom line: If you love your romances dark, arranged, and drenched in tension and betrayal, Devious Vows delivers a gripping, addictive ride—even if it doesn’t fully break new ground.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fast paced childhood enemies to lovers romance - full of angst, strong characters, betrayal, steamy spice… and so much more!
I loved the time progression in this story. It starts when both Remy and Beverly are younger, we see their feelings grow from disdain to a form of love they could only have for one another.
My heart hurts & if I’m honest when that plot twist happened I got a little sick. I was not prepared. I was ready for opposing families, kidnappings, anything but that. I need an explanation ASAP. Why the change?! And how dare they do that to Beverly.
Gavino who? …..
I can not wait for the next installment of the Luciano Mafia, Oath of Redemption, which is expected to hit kindles March 2023.
Remy and Beverly, betrothed enemies that through the years slowly became partners and passionate lovers, with strange chemistry and relationship. Until one evening everything changed, and their future together was no longer in plan for them. Remy and Beverly were an odd and confusing couple for me. Seeing them through the years, their slow growth, how possessive of each other they became. When I thought nothing could surprise me, the least expected turn in the plot happened, and simply delivered massive heartbreak. Mostly written from Beverly’s pov, getting all feelings, emotions, and reflections. I was slightly disappointed to get more of Remy’s pov basically closer to the end of the book - nonetheless pleased to be able to see how what happened affected him.
Honestly this just may be one of my fav mafia romances! I have never cried so much with how heartbreaking this story is!
Beverly and Remy have known each other their whole lives. They have had an arranged marriage set since Bev was twelve years old. She hated everything about it including Remy
We get to see Bev and Remy through the years leading up to the wedding that is meant to happen after Bevs twenty first birthday. Bev eventually starts to feel something other than hatred for Remy
I loved everything about Bev and Remys story! It was heartbreakingly beautiful and one I couldn’t put down!
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about this book.. the spice was very good but the plot wasn't actually very thick.
When beverly is promised to remy, the boy she despises, from a young age she thinks her whole life is going to fall apart. As she slowly becomes of age she starts to feel things she never thought she would.. then on her 21st birthday absolutely everything goes wrong.
I wish we had a but more behind the scenes with the mafia and reasons why certain things didn't happen but I guess that will come out in the second book! Definitely a good book to read for smut but not so much a plot line:)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, talk about emotions I had to get the tissues and a glass of icy cold water, I had to continue reading the book not putting it down, these two main characters were captivating. Remy Luciano and Beverly Esposito, she grew up with him they were enemies into friendship, she was betrothed to the older brother she went with the teo mother's to organise the wedding, everything was just about organised until she was told he will not be marrying her then someone spilt a secret to the fathers once it was too late now what will happen to her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luciano Mafia #1: Devious Vows by AJ Wolf is a gripping, emotionally charged romance that blends passion, betrayal, and suspense. The story follows a young woman entangled with Remy Luciano, whose forbidden desires and family obligations create a tumultuous and intoxicating love story. Wolf captures the intensity of first love, heartbreak, and the moral complexities of loyalty and desire, while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with mafia intrigue.
The cliffhanger ending ensures readers are fully invested in the series, eagerly anticipating the next installment. Fans of romantic suspense and mafia drama will be captivated by the blend of danger, passion, and emotional depth.
This book had me so mad at the ending. I just want them to be happy. This is book 1 in the Luciano Mafia series. I received an ARC and finished this in less than 5 hours.
Remy is the heir to the Capo Famiglia. Beverly and Remy are arranged to be married until one day they weren't. They are in love with each other and Remy is trying to find every way he can get his girl back. The cliffhanger in this book just came at the worst time. I need book 2 but it doesn't come out until March. Gavino - I liked you but now just disappear. You made me want to physically hurt you.
I wish I could give 10 stars... this book is good from beginning to end. I love that you meet the characters when they were children and how their love progress through the years. I've cried and smile throughout the whole book and now devastated I have to wait another week for book 2 to come out. Remy is every girl's dream and I hope they have the HEA they deserve. I read this book in 5 hours and only taking a break to grab the tissue box. Love love love this story!!! ❤️❤️❤️
This was my first read by AJ Wolf and I was not disappointed. This is book one in the Luciano Mafia series. This is a childhood enemies to lovers mafia romance. The FMC and MMC have been arranged to marry each other, until they no longer are. This book does end on a cliffhanger and will have you experiencing so many emotions for their story. I can't wait to read book two and dive deeper into their story. AJ did a wonderful job telling these characters stories.
Being in the mafia work, Beverly knows what they say goes. At 12 her whole life is decided for her when she’s informed of her arranged marriage to Remy the future boss on her 21st birthday. This story follows from a young age all way through turning legal. The story is a full of emotions and struggles. I loved the flow and you can’t help but root for them. This isn’t your normal forced proximity romance so buckle up!. I am on pins and needles for book two.!
What an ending! Even knowing it was a cliffhanger, what an ending! Nothing is ever as it seems, especially in the mafia. Remy and Beverly are pawns in the big picture. I felt spellbound reading this book. I wanted Remy and Beverly to have a happy ending. Yet it seems there is always someone watching, and someone wants what they aren't supposed to have. I need more!
A slow burn, but captivating read. Remy and Beverley's chemistry was really good and i loved how their relationship grew as the story progressed. The steam was off the charts good, but i did think the plot itself could do with some work and as a little more detail...maybe we will see that more in the second installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.