Poisoned Vows

by M. James

I’ve never been anything but a means to an end. But now the most powerful man in Chicago wants to make me his…forever.

All my life I knew one thing about my father–that he wanted to be more than he was. More than a low-level nobody for the Chicago Bratva. And all my life, he’s groomed me to be his ticket to a seat at the table.

When he barters my innocence for that seat, the pakhan takes him up on his offer. I’m meant to be a plaything for the Bratva heir. Thrown away and discarded, all for a powerful man’s pleasure.

Except Nikolai Vasilev takes one look at me, and decides I’m his. Forever. He doesn’t just plan to take me to his bed. He demands that I marry him.

He’ll stop at nothing to own me, mind, soul and body. No matter how broken I am, no matter how I fight. He’s determined to make me his bride in every way–not just in name. And when he discovers what my father’s plan has been all along–he’ll stop at nothing to avenge me.

When passion and devotion meet violence and sin, there’s only one thing left to find out–

Can a lasting love spring from poisoned vows like these?Poisoned Vows is a full-length standalone dark mafia romance featuring an alpha hero and a feisty heroine who fall in love hard. If you like enemies to lovers, forced marriage, and happily ever afters, you’ll love this new book!

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Dark

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2023

About the author

Prepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.

M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.

From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.

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Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Interesting plot but too smutty for me.
Dnf @ 17%

[Harim · Rating 2 out of 5]

i guess the story's premise is decent enough but the heroine is so unnecessarily unpleasant and the hero is so meh, their chemistry just doesn't click. So despite being halfway in the story, I could not even get a smooth reading feeling let alone get to experience even one chapter fully. The start is so strong that it sets expectations sky high.

[pen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Basically rape but it’s not rape because they are married.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilliana was just a pawn in her fathers game, he wanted to rise to a higher level in the mafia and forcing Lilliana into an arrangement as a mistress was all a part of the plan. The plan was to give her to the head of the Chicago Bratva is the plan, but then he offers her to his son Nikolai Vasilev. Nikolai doesn't want to partake in the vulgar trade but he agrees to have Lilliana as his but makes it a marriage instead.

Lilliana just wants her freedom. She hates what her father has put her through and now she hates Nikolai. He wants the marriage and everything that comes with it, but his brutal and cold demeanor is off putting. Nikolai tries and switches tactics, he finds himself falling for Lilliana but despite trying to woo her she pulls farther away. Everything changes though and life is about to spiral in a way neither saw coming.

I liked this one but it is brutal in some of the parts. I thought Lilliana was a tortured soul and at times could not see past her own hurt. Nikolai redeems himself, there are times he is a bit too alpha for me but overall intense story. Dark though.

[Ashkenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

H- Nikolai Vasilev (Bratva Pakhan's son)
h-Lilliana Narokovna
I was very intrigued by this story. We have Lilliana trapped, physically & mentally abused by her dad who is training her to become a Bratva pakson's mistress. He offers her to the Pakhan (Ego Vasilev) being that she is a virgin to get on his "good side". Her dad always dreamt of becoming someone & with the help of his beautiful virgin daughter he felt he could achieve anything. When they got to the Pakhan's mansion, there was a change of plans since Pakhan decided to give the gift (Lilliana) over to his son and future heir. Upon seeing her, he couldn't think of having her once and letting her go or even forcing her, so he decided to marry her. Of course Lilliana didn't want that, all her life she was told she would only mount to his being a mistress and then she would be set Free.. being married to Nikolai she will never be free. This is where the story becomes redundent- same thing keeps happening, he will "force' her to be with him, not realizing that being married or not, forcing her to be with him still considered rape, he of course didn't see it that way since he felt that she is his wife and is his property for him to do what he wants with. Then we have his father killed and they kidnapped his sister, then he got captured and beaten up and this is where we find out OUT of nowhere that her father killed the Pakhan (how he did that.. we don't know) and also captured Nikolai and kidnapped his daughter Lilliana. He beats him up also killing him but then they all get rescued and her father was killed and they lived happily ever after.

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilliana has it hard - she's lived her entire life under her father's control, being prepared to marry someone of his choosing. She's supposed to be given to the head of the Chicago Bratva, but imagine her surprise when Nikolai Vasilev, the son, wants to have her instead.
He is brutal and arrogant. However, the more time Lilliana is forced to spend with him, she realizes there's more to him than what meets the eye.
Lilliana and Nikolai couldn't be more different. But still, there's this constant need for each other, a force that pulls them toward each other. And that is so beautiful. It's so beautiful to see her melt the ice that Nikolai's heart is wrapped in. It's beautiful how he has a soft spot only for her.

Also, they had the most bizarre first-meet ever.

And they have a snowball fight. A SNOWBALL FIGHT!!? That's the cutest thing ever!!

[Amy Plank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Nikolai a lot. He tried extremely hard to make things better and comfortable for Lilliana. I thought Lilliana took way too long to finally realize how great Nikolai was. I wanted to see them come to acceptance of each other way sooner in the story and watch them grow as a couple.

[Rome]

DNF

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

The thing about this book is it made me feel conflicted. In one hand I understand the h's actions towards the H. She had been groomed to please whoever the father pushed her to and she didn't have a choice but to obey him. I get it she would feel bitter and salty about it and angry as well. That what real life people would feel and I couldn't fault her for that otherwise I would come out as crazy. But I couldn't help feel a little irriatted at her for being nasty at the H when the H didn't treat her badly. Yes he wasn't sweet but he didn't abuse her tho. So her acted like a brat kinda annoy me. But still, I get it.

The mafia aspect wasn't that prominent, the twist was filled with holes like how did the dad get the manpower to attack the pakhan when he had nothing before both MCs were married. Even after they were married he wasn't given any significant role in the mafia so that was what confused me. It wasn't explained to so I felt a bit confused about that.

The sudden love confession made the ending felt rushed. Because at 85% mark the h was still being nasty to the H but then at 90% mark they both confessed they love each other?

The ending was okay, with both of them found out they were pregnant and they renewed their vows as well (only mentioned, no details). Overall an okay book.

[Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading M. James is a vision of a great smut DVD... very visual and moving...period end of story. ALL her books are DARK and DANGEROUSLY TRIGGER city.

This story is very simple Lilliana Narokovana does not want to be a part of the Bratva family... She wants her freedom, what her father promises her is thee ultimate lie. If she's with the Pakhan he will only want her for a minute, until he give her to his son Nikolai Vasilev for a job well done, change in plans he wants to marry her in two weeks. She's not happy and she voices it to him to often to still have a tongue. Not your ordinary bratva story.. loving it.!

Everything he did for her he was trying to protect her, she could have been handed off to another.
At one point I wished Nicolai had left Lilliana alone to ponder what she would be missing during her pigheadedness of wanton and her freedom. No where in her scenario freedom did she think someone would not harm her.... {SMH}.

[Soleil · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF... I knew before hand that I might not like Lilliana's attitude based on some of the reviews. I decided to give this book a chance regardless. What a huge mistake I made. Lilliana is nothing but a big B!😡😡 What was this author thinking? I hate when authors make their main female characters a big B and mean. That does not equate to being a strong person to me. I tried reading, skimming, and skipping chapters in this book but I just couldn't take her attitude anymore. Lilliana's attitude is just horrible! The MMC to me was weak. He should of been more strict and stronger with her. He was no alpha to me. He just took and took her nasty attitude. By the way she was not raped by her husband! She liked and got off the sex! If a FMC needed to die and be tortured in a book it should be Lilliana and every other female like her!! I don't care what anyone else thinks or says. This book was terrible!!!

[MrsL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilliana has been brought up by her ambitious father for one thing only, and that is to elevate his position in the Bratva hierarchy. His plan is to give her to his Pakhan to use and discard in exchange for a higher ranking. Unfortunately, for him, things don't go to plan and she ends up being given to the Pakhan's son, Nikolai. Nicolas decides to marry her instead, much to Lilliana's dismay as she thought that once she'd done her 'duty' she would be free and could start to live her life.

What follows is the story of how they get to know each other and learn how to live together. It's not an easy journey, particularly for Lilliana, who is filled with so much stubbornness and rebellion that it shadows everything she does.

Will they overcome their differences and reach a happy ever after?

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilliana Narokova was raised for one purpose and one purpose only. To elevate her father's status within the Bratva. Nikolai Vasilev, heir to the Vasilev Bratva, is the one chosen to accept her father's offer. He surprises everyone when he counter offers with marriage. Poisoned Vows is my first read by this author and it's a great, gritty, fast paced, forced marriage story that will definitely keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. These two have quite a journey before they find their HEA but when they do it's absolutely explosive!

"I’ve found something that I never knew was possible for a man like me— Love."

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, M James doesn't disappoint. A truly amazing book!
Lilliana is groomed to be a Bratva plaything by her father when Nikolai decides to marry her much to her dismay.
I loved these two and the journey they went on to finally find each other. Both had a lot to learn to accept each other.
But their passion and intensity never wained contributing to the spice of the story. Filled with so much drama, danger and suspense, as well as heaps of steamy moments and eventually romance.
So well written, I love this author as her stories drag you in kicking and screaming but by the end you don't want to leave.
Such a fantastic book, I highly recommend.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-packed story kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to all the thrilling drama. Lilliana is groomed to be the Pakhan's plaything but when he offers her to his son, he decides to marry her instead. Nikolai takes one look at Lilliana, and he is hooked. He knows that she is scared and doesn't want any part of his plans. What they didn't know was that her father had underlying plans and when he follows through lives will be lost and no one will be left untouched by his destruction. Will Nikolai and Lilliana find their way afterwards.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since a child Lilliana has been groomed by her father to become a mistress to the Parhan of the Chicago Bratva. He being a nobody has aspirations of being a somebody with his daughter's help.
At the last minute the Parhan decided to give his son Nikolai the woman as a reward and use her as his toy. Little did the Parhan know that his son had other ideas.
Throughout their relationship Lilliana had so much hate in her system that she took it out on Nikolai who had bent over backwards to please her. His cold, black heart had softened.
When tragedy strikes Nikolai knows there is a war on the horizon and he thinks he knows who the rat is. Nikolai and Lilliana are now in the hands of a psycho putting their lives on the line.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Lilliana get her freedom?

Lilliana has been raised by her father to be a gift to the Pakhan or whoever the Pakhan saw fit to gift her to. Just a plaything that after all was said and done she could have her freedom and her father could rise in the ranks. Unfortunately for Lilliana she is gifted to the Pakhan's son, Nikolai and he decides to make her his wife. This is not what Lilliana expected nor is it what she wants because it means she will never be free. This is a great read and I highly recommend it.

[María · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es la primera novela que leo de este autor y ahora pertenece a mi gusto personal a la lista de autores como Rina Kent , Cora Reilly, TL Swan , Michael Heard , Marlee Wray .. Tiene de todo sin perder la relación entre los protagonistas y cómo se enamoraron y disfrutaron de sexualidad.
La Magia de la escritura permite conocer y relacionarse con Nikolai y Liliana , su caótica y emocional relación así cómo superar situaciones tabú como la promesa de incesto , amenaza de muerte , prostitución, etc RECOMENDABLE!!!

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this book threw me for a loop! It wasn’t anything what I expected in such a good way. It was dark and delicious. The chemistry and sexual tension was off the charts! This story took off straight out gate and I couldn’t put it down. If you love a dark romance then this baby is for you all day long I couldn’t get enough and this author is new to me and I’m seriously devouring all the books!!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting, dark romance that had me entertained from the first chapter. I loved Liliana’s and Nikolai’s story. I grew a bit weary of her angst, but understood why she was that way when the truth came to light. I loved Nikolai’s patience with her. There’s drama, violence, lies, deceit, passion and lots of smexy scenes. Awesome read. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

All her life Lilliana knew she was a pawn to further her fathers rise in the bratva, when he offers her to the Pakhans son and heir Nikolai, he sonly meant to be a toy, used and discarded but Nikolai has other plans he wants her forever, and learning of her fathers true plans he vows to give her vengeance. well written steamy desires, action and more.

[Nineette · Rating 5 out of 5]

childhood issues

At the beginning I got annoyed with the female lead. Further down you will understand her resistance to the male main character. She was groomed to do stuff that she didn’t want to earn her freedom. He was to arrogant to see the damage her father has inflicted on her.

[Loda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring

Not a mafia romance. Just a man in the mafia who is trying to convince his wife,who was forced to marry him, to want to have sex with him. This finally happens when you hit 92% of the book. Even then I not sure that’s what she wants. Even the sex is boring and skimmed through it. He is crazy about her and she keeps saying how much he hurts her. End of story.

[patricia ann moreland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

A little different twist to a mafia story. Written well. Basically about relationships and a power hungry father. We all grow up in a private hell of some sort. But we all survive in some way. It is great to be ordinary!

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author to me and I really enjoyed this read - there was lots of betrayal, broken families and love all out into this book.

[tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a rollercoaster!

Wow! Wow! Wow! This book is full of twists and turns. Heartbreak and repair.. longing for freedom and choices.

A marvellous read!!

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soft and sensual, with angst!

[Doreen Pappas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book.. Fantastic author..

[Domi ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 ⭐

[Kristy Roebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️