Reckless Promises

Reckless #2

by Eva Simmons

ODETTE

Sold…
One word seals my fate.

I’m sold to the highest bidder to settle my father’s debts, and now I’m at the mercy of a mafia prince.

Cillian is gorgeous. Heartless. Deadly.

And I’m his revenge.

There’s only one problem… Cillian isn’t the only one seeking vengeance. I’ve been chained and shackled long enough.

So when Cillian threatens to burn my family to the ground if I disobey him, I can’t help but hand him the matches.

CILLIAN

Bought…
I wanted revenge so I bought it.

And now Odette is mine.

It’s not her fault her father placed her on the auction block when I was looking for something of his to break. But he handed me his prized possession. And to ruin him—I’ll start with her.

Odette can fight me, she can resist, she can beg. She’ll learn to play her part in this game.

Except one taste of her fire, and all my rules break.

I vowed ‘til death.
And for her, I’ll do anything.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Marriage Of Convenience

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Eva Simmons writes dark contemporary and gothic fantasy romance. With over twenty published books, Eva is constantly crafting new worlds and falling for the anti-hero in all of them.
​
When Eva isn’t dreaming up stories or devouring every book she can get her hands on, she can be found spending time with her family, painting a fresh canvas, or playing an elf in World of Warcraft.

Eva is currently living out her own happily ever after in the Midwest with her family.​

You can find Eva online at:
www.evasimmons.com

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https://www.tiktok.com/@evasimmonsbooks

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Books on Amazon:
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Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva always nails it so it doesn’t surprise me that she dropped yet another read that left me captivated and begging for more. I was already intrigued by Cillian’s character from Reckless Games so I was excited going into his book. Add in a bratty fmc with a smart mouth, a marriage auction, a good ol revenge plot and a man absolutely obsessed? Don’t let me joke… but this book had me SOLD. Odette was a woman after my own heart. Sassy, fierce and a brat that won’t quit? I loved her so much. Eva writes the perfect twists you don’t see coming and this was an easily bingeable, intriguing and (of course) spicy read. Highly recommend anything Eva writes.

[monica ✨ romantasyreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I liked this and then 2 days later I’m like did I actually???

there were some missing things for me like AFTERCARE!!! also it was so insta-lovey and fast paced I couldn’t believe they fell that fast.

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Marriage Auction
- Father’s Enemy
- Virgin FMC
- Mafia Romance
- Man Obsessed

While I knew I was going to love Cillian after being introduced to him in Reckless Games, I was not prepared for Odette. Despite the situation she had found herself in she was so freaking sassy and I ate up her bratty attitude. I loved her. I loved this story, her and Cillian together and the twists! My gosh I was hooked and didn’t see them coming!

As with everything else I have read by Eva Simmons so far, this is another one I highly recommend.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Tropes : marriage auction, revenge driven, possessive H
Ending : HEA
Triggers : attempted SA, violence, abuse, gore
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OW (h was jealous of H’s mom’s assistant)
Intimacy details: virgin h, no condoms, rough sex, sex toy, masturbating, edging
Standalone/Series : standalone

Hero : Cillian Cross (20s-30s)
Heroine: Odette ‘Clover’ Bardot/Cross (21)

[Rose DeVault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve absolutely obsessed with everything Eva Simmons writes! I was so excited to get Cillian’s book after being introduced to him in Reckless Games!

Within the first couple chapters on Reckless Promises I knew Cillian was going to be a “my wife” kind of MMC. He did not disappoint.

I also didn’t expect Odette to be so sassy, but damn did I love her. She is so feisty and a smart ass 🤣

Also, that twist…I didn’t see coming. My emotions were on high reading the last little bit.

I will never not recommend Eva Simmons.

[Trishh_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to need everyone to read this book when it comes out!!! HOLY COW I LOVED IT!!! I am a sucker for mafia books and this one was amazing! The plot… the spice… THE TWISTS AND TURNS!!!! I was on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen next! I always love when you are reading a book and the author keeps you guessing! I TRUSTED NO ONE!!! I hope there are more books coming for this series so I can see Cillian and Odette again ♥️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️

Release: March 15, 2024
Tropes:
🖤mafia romance
🖤man obsessed
🖤fathers enemy
🖤ultra protective hero
🖤marriage auction
🖤pleasure dom
🖤revenge
🖤virgin FMC
🖤will burn down the world for her

Review: When Cillian was brought in, in Reckless Games of course I had to pounce on this book once it was announced he would be the next MMC. I mean who doesn’t love a morally gray MMC who would go to the ends of the earth for their love? This story absolutely pulled me in straight from the get go. Odette is a wonderfully written FMC who was born into the mafia world and molded as the “perfect” wife. However, just like her male counterpart she will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves. Even if it means marrying the man who wants to exact revenge on her family. This book had me in the feels towards the end. Plus the twists and spice? Yes. Absolutely. I honestly cannot wait for more of this series. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

[Catie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*eARC REVIEW*


No shocker that I gave yet another Eva read 5 stars. 5 big, beautiful stars!

Cillian Cross has been gone from the family business for 8 years, making his own way, until the death of his father leaves him as the heir to the East Coast Division of the Irish Mafia. And what better way to get revenge on the man that is responsible for his father’s death, than by buying his daughter at a marriage auction.

Odette was raised to be compliant and small-minded, and would eventually become a mafia wife. What she wasn’t expecting, was to become Cillian’s wife. And although Cillian planned to use her to destroy her family, he still vowed to protect her, til death.

I will continue to say this until I’m blue in the face, and then you can write it on my headstone... But Eva Simmons can DO👏🏼NO👏🏼WRONG! I devour everything she writes and I’m always immediately obsessed with her MCs! I mean come on! “My wife” ?!? GIMME GIMME! Not only is Cillian a filthy mouthed Irish mafia leader who will stop at nothing to protect his “Clover,” but Odette was a fierce, black wedding dress wearing, ball of sass; regardless of how her father tried to raise her. And I LOVED IT… and so did Cillian. 😏

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙊𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚’𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩. 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚.

You can never go wrong with a touch her and d!e book, or anything written by Eva! Rockstar? Stepbrother? Fiancé’s Brother? Billionaire? And now Mafia? YAS PLEASE!

ALL ABOARD THE EVA TRAIN! Next stop, Cold Hard Truth in May. CHOO CHOO!

[Lakshmi Praveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book sold me on the tropes along and I was hooked from the first chapter. I mean who doesn't love a morally grey man!! Cillian and Odette, i love that name , enter into an arranged marriage through the unconventional mafia ways. Odette who has been bought up to be the perfect mafia wife even if it goes against her morals has to marry Cillian who is dark n deadly and everything Odette is against.
The story that comes about with these two is amazing, i could not put this one down.

[Tan Gon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mafia story without the Mafia dialogue or actual supporting evidence. I don’t even know where to start on this one it seemed like a great story was going to develop unfortunately after the second chapter it went to the empty hole is nothingness. Absolutely no chemistry, no development, no mafia scenes I was done..

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

full list of trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
torture, murder, revenge, death of family members, attempted sexual assault of a minor, FMC is sold at auction to the MMC, possessive MMC, use of sex toys, withholding orgasms, FMC is poisoned, held captive, and physically struck (by an enemy, NOT the MMC)

I knew I wanted more of Cillian Cross the moment Adam Kingsley introduced us. And after finishing his book, I can say with full confidence that there’s no such thing as having enough Cillian Cross. How dare life (and sleep) make me put this down! I needed to devour this book as quickly as possible! Cillian had no intentions of running the family business or getting married…but then life said “so sorry”. That bought bride of his was meant to just be revenge. But Odette is ANYTHING but revenge. I mean, my goodness, she gets a nickname right out the gate! Also, that “my wife” claim comes just as fast! I knew instantly that she was gonna be trouble. And Cillian figured that out just as quickly. The rules and lines were blurred before either knew what hit them. Cillian was weak from her from the start. The poor thing didn’t know it, but I sure did! They really tried to fight it, good for them, and I enjoyed every second of it! Cillian is a killer with a squishy heart, and it was nearly too much for my own heart to handle! By the end of the book, my crush on Odette was just as strong as the one I had on Cillian. I blame that on him too!

Clover: 23
wife: 10

My Favorite Quotes:
• “What makes you think I won’t kill you in your sleep?” “Word of advice. Don’t miss.”
• “I vow to kill anyone who dares place a hand on you without your permission. And I don’t exclude myself from that promise. You are mine now, and I will protect you.”
• ‘She’s my wife. I’m not supposed to like her.’
• “Just because I’m a patient man, doesn’t mean I won’t lose control when given permission.”
• “You want to be a brat? Then I’m happy to teach you a lesson.”
• “Eyes on us. I want you to remember every second of the first time your husband f!cks you.”
• “I want to see you come for me. I want to feel you come on my c!ck. Show me.”
• “Your husband wants your cum on his c!ck.”
• “Now you made yourself mine on your own. And no matter what happens, I’m not letting you go.”
• “You don’t need to thank me for taking care of my wife.”
• “While you’re right that I didn’t want this, I have it now. I have you. And I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else.”
• “All I want right now are your screams.”
• “Sweet as sin. Don’t worry, I’m not even close to done with you yet.”
• “I want to watch my wife come.”
• “I want you to sit on my face. And I hope to God you do suffocate me, so I can die happy.”

8/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Arranged (forced) Marriage
7/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Mafia Romance
8/10 Series

This is my review for Reckless Games

Trigger Warnings include:
torture, murder, revenge, death of family members, attempted sexual assault of a minor, FMC is sold at auction to the MMC, possessive MMC, use of sex toys, withholding orgasms, FMC is poisoned, held captive, and physically struck while pregnant (by an enemy, NOT the MMC)

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love *everything* Eva writed, and this was no exception!! The sass, the banter, the feels and the steam -- it was all so perfectly well done. I was literally hooked to my kindle until the end, and I cannot wait for the next installment in this series!

Odette is desperately trying to rescue her sister from her evil fathers clutches, but her perfectly curated plan goes off the rails when an unexpected buyer ..well, buys her. She never counted on Cillian (who is her father's enemy) nor did she expect to feel something feel anything for him at all.

Cillian never expected to get married, but when Odette catches his eye, he forms a plan that will ruin all of his enemies in one fell swoop -- he just needs to say "I do" first.

I LOVED how upfront and honest Cillian was with Odette, and just how kind and protective he was of her. Her whole life she was prepared to basically follow in her mother's footsteps and be considered a second class citizen to her husband and everything that comes with being a mafia wife, but she never expected respect, honesty, devotion or love, and that might be the most dangerous thing of all.

There are a lot of twists and turns here, so much so my jaw was dropping! Plus the banter, the heat and the absolute fun these two had together?! It was just absolute perfection. I can't recommend this book enough!!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **

[readingwithliliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆.5

I had the opportunity to read the ARC in return for my honest thoughts/opinion for Wordsmith Publicity

First off, Eva Simmons has became hands down one of my favorite authors and will continue to read anything she writes! After falling in love with Reckless Games, I knew this book was going to be just as good. It didn’t disappoint at all, the angst and banter between Odette and Cillian was everything and had me giggling while kicking my feet 😂 Definitely make sure to read the tigger warnings before reading. I couldn’t set this down, and I’m lowkey sad it’s over 🤧 I look forward to reading the next book in the series once it’s released!

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m at a loss for words! This book was hella good!

Odette and Cillian came together in a very non traditional way, but in the way of the mafia, nothing is traditional in any form.

Odette knows she is going to be sold in an auction- but what she doesn’t know is who she will end up being sold to by the end of the night, in this twisted auction game the mafia men play.

When Odette is finally purchased (which is so jacked up by the way/but makes for one hell of a read), she knows she is going to have to let her fire blaze and show how mouthy and straight forward she is going to have to be, to try to protect herself. But what she gets is a man who likes her fire and Tenacity- and gives her free rein of her own feelings, thoughts and emotions…. To an extent.

The push and pull, the storyline, the characters are all chefs kiss!! The angst and adrenaline was pumping full speed for me personally, and I devoured this book so fast. I loved the MMC so darn much! The FMC was a badaz$ & the side characters were very intriguing as well.

I say I highly recommend & can’t wait for more by this author. Thank you for this earc in return for an honest review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Promises is the second book in the Reckless series by Eva Simmons.
The novel follows Cillian, who appears in Reckless Games and is a morally grey character. And Odette, who was born into the Mafia and moulded to be the perfect wife. But just like Cillian, she will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves. Even if it means marrying the man who wants revenge on her family. The book was full of twists and turns and full of spice. A brilliant novel that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more by Eva and the next book in the series.
💖 Reckless Promises is released on 15th March.
💕 Thank you to the author, Eva Simmons for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger from Miss Eva!! Mafia romance enemies to lovers forced marriage touch her and die smutty smut smut I loved it fckin all!! Cillian and Odette were goals and I loved that their chemistry and relationship were so fckin hot.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this right up! I love me an Irish mafia romance and more so because Eva Simmons wrote it!

[Marisela vidalperez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review

Virgin FMC
Auction/marriage
Billionaire
Enemy to lover
Revenge
Mafia

Odette and Cillian

Odette is auction off to pay for her father debt and the man who going to buy her is a ruthless and disgusting man named Sasha who been wanting her since she was underage. Her home life have been in a bubble her father kept her lock in until he could use her Virginity.Cillian took over after his father was betrayed and kill and he want revenge he just didn’t expect for his enemy daughter to land on his lap by bidding for her.

Her father threats her to find out any information but instead she help Cillian with his revenge toward her father for the safety of her mother and sister. There so much banter between them and Odette sassiness she doesn’t back off and doesn’t let Cillian be like her father treat her mother. The twist you don’t see coming.

[Lorelei Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear I fell ass over tea kettle for Cillian Cross the moment he showed up on page in this book! His broody, no f*cks given, alpha, OTT, possessiveness was top tier, and he will live rent free in his own corner of my brain and my diddle drawer! And Odette!?!? One of my all time favorite FMC's... hands down... by the end of this book, I was left wanting more of these 2! I didn't see them coming... but I'm sad the book is over. Well done, Eva... well done!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva does it again 👏 I knew I was going to love Cillian’s story after meeting him in Reckless Games… but I didn’t know I’d love him this much!!



What to expect:
💍 Mafia Romance
💍 Marriage Auction
💍 Pleasure Dom
💍 Virgin Heroine
💍 Father's Enemy
💍 Revenge
💍 Ultra Protective Hero
💍 Will burn the world down for her

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is only the second Eva Simmons book I've read and I am obsessed!!! This book was SO good! I loved Cillian and Odette! When I finished the book it had me needing more!!

[Hazel Gower · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Book

This is first book I’ve read from this author and it won’t be the last. Personally I wouldn’t say this was a dark Mafia, but it flowed well and not too much unnecessary drama. My only meh part was how they finally consummated, I would have liked him to be more alpha and not so hesitant.

[Enni (on hiatus) ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cillian didn’t want his throne, but then my father betrayed Ronan Cross, and he was forced to take it.
Now he’s out for revenge.
And he just got it.

Odette Bardot.
The sheltered mafia princess.
Auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Bought by her father's rival.

I no longer just want her for revenge. I want to keep her. To protect her. To make sure no one else can get to her.

Cillian Cross.
The unwilling mafia heir.
Forced to take over after his father's death.
Desperate for revenge.

“What are you doing in here?”
“I’m going to bed.”
“In here?”
“It’s my room, where else would I sleep?”
“I thought this was my room.”
“We’re getting married. It’s our room now.”

I have to admit, I was disappointed in this book. I have read one book by Eva Simmons before that I enjoyed a lot and I was excited to start reading this as well. I was expecting a dark and twisted mafia romance. Instead, I got an okay read that was a bit boring. And to think, this book had all the makings for greatness with the plot and the tropes.

If you have followed my reviews for a while, you know I don't like books that end way too quickly. And in this book, I just cannot help but to think how the poisoning occurred because it was never revealed despite it being part of the big plot-twist at the end.

His warm lips press to mine. Soft at first, gentle. No hint of the beast that’s sure to come out eventually. And I sink into his kiss like it’s not all his revenge. The black wedding. The dyed flowers.
I drink the lie from his lips.
I’ll survive this.
I have to.

I liked Cillian and Odette as characters but they just seemed quite superficial. I kind of got a glimpse to how their feelings about each other changed but it was still not enough because suddenly, they both just realized they like the other.

The characters were quite interesting and there was enough plot to keep things interesting but still the little something that makes me want to stay up all night reading was missing. That's why I gave this book three stars. It was still an easy-ish read, even if I was not hurrying to get back to it.

“When people treat you like an object long enough, I guess you start to think that’s what you are.”
“You aren’t an object to me, Odette.”
“I didn’t say—”
“I’m not saying you did.”
“But still, you need to know that. Whatever spark you think burned out is still in you. I saw it that first moment you stepped onto the stage.”

Cillian was actually surprisingly sweet. The way all the mafia men were portrayed in this book was the worse of the two stereotypes - the one where the women are for one purpose only and treated as objects.

The softest touch of the cruelest man is impossible to interpret.

Cillian was not like that though. From the beginning, he was Odette's knight in shining armor. He treated her like a partner, not like an object. Yes, he was possessive and obsessed with her dafety while still wanting to give her the world at the same time.

I think my affinity to dark romaces was also a big factor to how I felt about this book because the more dark and twisted the book gets, the more I usually like it. The darkness and twistedness were definitely missing from this book which in turn affected my reading experience. Especially with the expectations I had.

There were still a lot of questions left hanging in the air for me from this book but I guess at least some of them will be revealed in the next book to better tie the books together.

Overall, this was an easy and quick-ish read with pleasant main charavters but it was just not really my cup of tea.

I received an ARC of Reckless Promises in exchange for an honest review

• • • • •

I hope this will be as dark, twisted and interesting as it has the potential to be.

[Astraycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although they met under the uncommon situation, H never treated h badly, nor did he cheat on her. Loved to read how they gradually built up their relationship and fell in love.

[Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Advance Readers Copy)

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5

I love a great mafia romance, and this one just topped all my past favorites. Eva Simmons is pure talent and writes in a way that draws her readers in. I was not disappointed in this book at all.

Odette comes from a mafia family that is awful. Her father has treated her, her mother, and her sister like crap her entire life. The only important thing when it comes to having a daughter is keeping her a virgin and selling her at an auction for the highest price. Odette knows her future and what the outcome will be. Her father messed up and now owes a business partner. She has been prepared her whole life on how to become the perfect mafia wife. Now she's promised to an awful man named Sascha. Only when her is her turn to go out on stage to have her future husband bid on her, things don't go how their supposed to. Now she is going home with a new man who bought her. Her father's enemy.

Cillian never wanted to take over the family business. He left as soon as he turned 18 to get away from the man he called his father. Now he's back, in his fathers place as the head of the family. He has a reputation, and it's not a good one. He's a killer and not the fun, goofy child he once was. People fear him, and he likes to keep it that way. He has a new way he wants to take his fathers business affairs, and everyone is wondering what they are. His mother takes him to an auction, and he has no clue what kind until he gets their. He doesn't believe it's buying a wife and has no plan on doing so. He doesn't even want to be married. That is until the man that killed his father puts his daughter up their to be bid on.

Odette knows why Cillian bought her, and he's up front about it. He's going to destroy her father and everything he loves. What Cillian soon learns is that Odette doesn't care if her is taken down. Odette doesn't exactly know what to make of her new husband. He isn't the man her mother prepared her for. He pledges his loyalty to Odette and promises to take care of her. This is nothing she's used to seeing. She's known nothing but watching her father cheat on and beat their mother. Cillian is nothing like their father. She doesn't know what to make of it.

Cillian is protective of Odette and is soon wanting to give her anything. One taste is all it takes for him to become possessive. He's not a weak man and knows that Odette is a weakness to him. They promise to never lie to each other, and Cillian doesn't make promises he can't keep. What was supposed to be revenge ends up turning into something else. He has enemies around every corner, but what happens when someone he isn't even watching tries to poison and kidnap his wife. Especially when she has a secret she's trying to protect as well. That he doesn't even know about.

This book was so good and one I hope to add to my collection of books soon. This enemies to lovers, mafia romance book takes the cake of other I've read. I can't wait to read what Eva Simmons does next.

Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- One Bed
- Possessive MMC
- Alpha Hero
- Virgin Bride
- Touch Her & Die

[Thorunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I'll need days - nay, weeks - to recover from this one. This book was.... insane! Insane in the best possible way because it literally blew my mind.

This was a first-time Eva Simmons read for me, and admittedly I went in totally blind. Judging by the cover, I figured it'd probably be a little dark, probably some form of mafia. And that it is. So if you've got any triggers when it comes to mafia tropes and slightly morally gray characters, then you might want to check those trigger warnings before cracking the pages open.

Because, I mean, come on! This book starts at a wedding auction, women being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Hold on, hold on, I'm not spilling any secrets here - this is not a spoiler. When you read the description of the book, that's what it states. So let's just keep that in mind when you're thinking about reading this book - BUT!!! Hang on, keep reading here --> So I'm all for girl power and femininity and equality - like all day, every day. I hate male chauvinism and all that crap - like hate it so much! So then how can I enjoy a book like this that is mafia and starts at a wedding auction of all things? Valid question, right? So yes, at the start of this book (and many mafia books that I read) when the reader is faced with that male chauvinism and the woman being treated kind of like a possession or object, sure it tests my morals. I don't love that part BUT I understand that that is part of this world, part of the story, and is necessary in some fashion.

So!

That all said, Eva has done something unique here in this book. Cillian and Odette are... they are beautiful and interesting and deep and complex. Your heart bleeds for them both, you want to hate parts of them yet you love all of them. Individually, together. And that is the core of this book - how Eva has taken the standard mafia tropes and a mafia-type story, and how she's made it unique to her with the relationship between Cillian and Odette - that is the heart of this book - and it is addicting!!! From the moment I opened this book and began reading, I was so hooked. The writing is riveting, you are completely immersed and enthralled in this story, in this world, in these characters. You feel so deeply for them - again, why you love them so much and then hate parts of them. You will find yourself rooting for them - so hard! And how Cillian sees and treats Odette? OMFG!!!!! How he recognizes her true self, how he lets her shine, how he encourages her growth, how he protects her - how he ultimately loves her? Give. Me. More!!!! That man, phewww. He is officially my favorite mafia MMC!!! Cillian Cross is all that - and a box of mafia secrets.

Now, I'm not about the spoilers, I'm just all about gushing about authors and books that I love and the reasons I love those books. So if it's not clear enough above, I just love this book. I love every single part of it. I even went so far as to DM Eva halfway through reading because I was just losing my mind over this book. As I told her, I can't even pinpoint what it is exactly that it is that I like about it - I just love it. Eva handles this male-led mafia world in a way I've not seen another author do. Her style of storytelling and her way with words is addicting and you're so caught up in her world that you lose all sense of time and space. And then at the end, the end of this book? Giiiiiiiiirl - stop it! Like just stop. Insane! It was insane. And I desperately need more.

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every book Eva Simmons has written, but Reckless Promises may have taken the top spot from all others, and it’s all due to the characters and story she wrote for this one. Every man should take notes from Cillian Cross in Reckless Promises, especially the way this man treats his wife, Odette. The way this man had me swooning every time he said ‘My Wife’ and how he wanted to make her happy, yes, this man is top-tier Book Husband material. Eva sure knows how to write some very memorable, sexy, dirty-talking MMCs in her stories. I thought Adam Kingsley was top-tier, but Cillian Cross stole it from Adam after reading this book.

Storyline: Cillian didn’t expect to go to a marriage auction one day and bid on a beautiful young woman to be his wife, but he did, especially when the young woman was his enemy’s daughter. What better way to get revenge on your enemy than marrying the enemy’s daughter? The only issue with this logic is that he’s going to have a hard time not falling in love with his enemy’s daughter, especially when she’s constantly tempting him.

I loved Cillian’s way of proving to Odette that he wasn’t like her father or his father, and he proved it by treating her like a Queen at his side. He was also very protective of her and let her know it at every turn, which surprised her, even when they barely knew one another. This man also had a way in the bedroom and outside of it.

“I think you should be sure of what you want before propositioning your husband, Clover. Just because I’m a patient man, doesn’t mean I won’t lose control when given permission.”

I loved Odette, too, because although she may have been born into the mafia and raised by her parents to be a perfect wife, she was a sassy, beautiful woman who pushed Cillian’s boundaries and defied him a few times to get what she wanted from him. There were several moments in the book between her and Cillian that were swoon-worthy. She definitely found the perfect man to have her firsts with and also the best husband to show her the world.

I loved that Eva Simmons dived into writing a Dark Mafia Romance and now I need to read more of these. She’s a creative genius at writing any trope/subgenre, and I can’t get enough of her books. Seriously, if you have not read a single Eva Simmons book, this book is a MUST to read, and so are the others, but start with this one.

Tropes:
💍Mafia Romance
💍Marriage Auction
💍Father’s Enemy
💍Revenge
💍Touch Her and I’ll Unalive You

Find All My Reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

Check out Reckless Games (Reckless #1) (Can be read as a Standalone)


I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Simmons has quickly become one of my favourite authors! I have absolutely devoured her last few books, even signing up to her Patreon to read about Saint!
Knowing Eva's men and getting a glimpse of Cillian in Reckless games, I just knew he was going to be a no-nonsense Mafia heir. Cillian was not the normal truly cold-hearted Mafia head like you usually see. He was making changes and trying to move away from things his father did.
So when he goes to the auction and buys a wife, he isn't exactly happy with himself, but he's loyal if nothing else and will protect what's his.
This was fabulous. The tension these two had from the get-go, was almost palpable. Odette always knew she was destined to be sold and was trained quite well from a young age. What was a delightful surprise was the fact she didn't lose any of her spark, and I felt she was so perfectly matched for Cillian. He made it clear right from the beginning that he would never force her to do anything she didn't want, aside from marrying him of course, which slowly made her realise she could trust him and he was not like the rest.
I loved Cillian's character, he was every bit as hard and ruthless as what the rumours suggested but for Odette he was different. Some, ok most, of his comments to her made me swoon, and I love that he wanted her to be able to defend herself, even if it meant putting himself at risk.
I loved Odette's character and the fact she wasn't a whiny, petulant girl who wanted to make things difficult. While she did test Cillian's patience a time or two, she was level headed and worked with him rather than against him. I loved their dynamic and I could totally see them being this formidable power couple in the future. She is his equal and I'm so here for that!
Eva really knows her characters and again, this was a story I couldn't put down, reading late (or early) into the morning, even when I had to get up early for work.
Another fantastically written book that I wish didn't end so quickly!
Thank you once again, for an awesome read!

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less than twenty-four: The number of hours it took me to devour this book.

Two: The number of pages I read before I knew I was going to love it.

Every-fucking-one: The number of Eva’s books I will be reading.

Bravo! Eva has done it again! Reckless Promises is the second book in the Reckless seres. We met Cillian in Reckless Games and I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know more about him and he is everything I hoped for and more!

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝; 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭.“

Cillian has very reluctantly taken over the “family business” and Odette is the virginal daughter of a rival family who has been forced to participate in a marriage auction. Neither of them are happy about their situation but both feel the weight of their family obligations.

“𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐈’𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐣𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥.“

The way I loved this modern spin on the mafia family/arranged marriage! Cillian is intent on changing the course of his family and is not going to be content just following in the footsteps of the old ways. Despite her sheltered upbringing, Odette is smart, sassy and opinionated and isn’t going to settle for an invisible life in someone else’s shadow.

“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝.“

Eva’s writing is lyrical and comforting and so easy to read. The story draws you in from the very first page! The tension and banter between Cillian and Odette will have you squealing and kicking your feet as they challenge and push each other, all while falling in love! From the beginning, Cillian is so protective and loyal and Odette quickly realizes that there is far more to Cillian than she first assumed.

“𝐈 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐮𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.”

This story is so, SO good! It’s got it all - romance, humor, tension, suspense and swoony spice. Read this, you will not be disappointed! Eva’s books hit the mark every time and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Then tell me something. If you really trust me, then what is your weakness, Cillian?”
He smirks. His gray eyes light with his amusement as he reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear.
“Pay attention, Clover. And you just might figure it out.”

And figured it out she did.

I have to say, Odette was definitely a breath of fresh air. For someone who was extremely sheltered and didn't know the "real world", she had a lot sass and spunk inside of her. She didn't let the lack of inexperience deter her from knowing what she wanted. And Cillian was very much attracted to that sassiness about her.

It’s dangerous to trust my heart in the hands of a killer, but I don’t know what else to do when he steals it.

And let's take a moment to appreciate some secondary characters. Let's give a moment of silence for Daniel and how "dead" he will be because he didn't stand a chance for Falling (Cillian's little sister) and all her over-the-place craziness. He has his hands full with her. Gives a whole new definition to enemies to lovers. We shall see if they get their own book.



And what is up with Shane? Will Cillian's "baby" brother have a little something of his own? Maybe Odette's younger sister Genevieve?