Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris

A delectably spicy romance with an addictive storyline, Sinful Vows is exactly the sort of dark mafia romance I love to read. This is Michael and Elsie’s story, and when it begins, we find that Elsie is being held captive and made to “work” after being trafficked. Michael’s taking over for his father as the head of their crime family, and when we first meet him, he’s inadvertently come into contact with Elsie but only at a distance. She’s desperate to leave and secretly escapes by way of Michael, which is partially how they find themselves in a marriage of convenience (for him)/forced marriage (for her). He’s also got a lot weighing on him, including the expectation that he’ll marry. However unfortunate a circumstance they’re made to be in, there’s a true connection between them, but will personal fears and outside forces keep them apart?

I loved the way this story developed. There’s plenty of spice, but then the plot is really well thought out and even sets you up for what’s next up in the series, which I appreciate. The progression of events lends to a believable storyline, and then there’s this simmering tension throughout the book that’s ever present in a way that makes you need to find out what’s going to happen. There’s drama that plagues Michael and Elsie’s lives, which makes their story so engaging. Add in the twists and turns, and it’s exactly all that that made this book so completely unputdownable for me.

And I adore how absolutely deep these characters are and how complicated their love is. Michael is this seemingly tough guy that from the outside someone would assume couldn’t be rattled, but he deals with so much inner turmoil and fear of losing the people he cares for most and that makes him actually quite vulnerable. Then there’s Elsie, and despite all the horrors she’s lived through, she’s come out of it all still sweet but so strong and fiery. She’s the perfect counterpart to Michael and can hold her own against him.

I devoured this romance, and if you enjoy steamy, dark mafia romances then you’re absolutely going to want to give this book a read. Next up is Michael’s brother’s book, and I’m beyond excited for it.