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Brutal Vows #3
Bound By A Promise
Arranged-marriage, age-gap, Mafia/cartel romance, forbidden
Due to my birth order as child of the capo of the Luciano famiglia, I’m used to second place.
Second son.
Second in standing.
Never number one.
It’s the way my life has always been.
Only in the dark alleys, private clubs, and seedy establishments am I respected. Not just as the consigliere to my brother, the new capo of the Kansas City Famiglia, but also for my unmatched skills with a knife and my particular skills of interrogation. This status is as high as I will achieve. First place will forever be out of reach.
Camila Ruiz is the youngest daughter of Andres Ruiz, a top lieutenant in the Roríguez cartel. From the first moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her. She is too young and fragile to be with a man like me, a killer and criminal. I don’t deserve a woman like Camila. Taking her would be to ruin her.
With the newly established alliance between the Luciano famiglia and Roríguez cartel, I ask for the impossible and promise my life. With the blessing of my capo and the Roríguez drug lord, Camila is to be mine.
For once, I will be first in another’s eyes. And Camila will always be first to me.
What happens when the fragile alliance is tested?
Can I keep my promise to my wife and my oath to the famiglia?
Have you been Aleatha’d?
BOUND BY A PROMISE is a stand-alone dangerous Mafia/cartel romance in the interconnected world “Brutal Vows” series. Each arranged-marriage story is filled with the suspense, intrigue, and heat you’ve come to expect from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
Due to my birth order as child of the capo of the Luciano famiglia, I’m used to second place.
Second son.
Second in standing.
Never number one.
It’s the way my life has always been.
Only in the dark alleys, private clubs, and seedy establishments am I respected. Not just as the consigliere to my brother, the new capo of the Kansas City Famiglia, but also for my unmatched skills with a knife and my particular skills of interrogation. This status is as high as I will achieve. First place will forever be out of reach.
Camila Ruiz is the youngest daughter of Andres Ruiz, a top lieutenant in the Roríguez cartel. From the first moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her. She is too young and fragile to be with a man like me, a killer and criminal. I don’t deserve a woman like Camila. Taking her would be to ruin her.
With the newly established alliance between the Luciano famiglia and Roríguez cartel, I ask for the impossible and promise my life. With the blessing of my capo and the Roríguez drug lord, Camila is to be mine.
For once, I will be first in another’s eyes. And Camila will always be first to me.
What happens when the fragile alliance is tested?
Can I keep my promise to my wife and my oath to the famiglia?
Have you been Aleatha’d?
BOUND BY A PROMISE is a stand-alone dangerous Mafia/cartel romance in the interconnected world “Brutal Vows” series. Each arranged-marriage story is filled with the suspense, intrigue, and heat you’ve come to expect from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2024
133 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Aleatha Romig
127 books12.9k followersAleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis, USA. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family, including her beloved grandchildren.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 12, 2024
Bound By A Promise is the 3rd story in the Brutal Vows series by Aleatha Romig. I loved this one!! ❤️
Camila and Dante’s heat blasts off the pages as you read them. I love that he asked her first to be his wife instead of her just being arranged in marriage (plot twist) like the rest of the family. Her rebellious and sassy streak is a perfect match for Dante. They compliment each other in so many ways.
Their story takes many twists and turns (in true Aleatha style) that keep you guessing through out the entire book. I couldn’t put this book down!! 5 ⭐️’s.
~Kim💜
Camila and Dante’s heat blasts off the pages as you read them. I love that he asked her first to be his wife instead of her just being arranged in marriage (plot twist) like the rest of the family. Her rebellious and sassy streak is a perfect match for Dante. They compliment each other in so many ways.
Their story takes many twists and turns (in true Aleatha style) that keep you guessing through out the entire book. I couldn’t put this book down!! 5 ⭐️’s.
~Kim💜
October 4, 2024
Dante was enamored with Camila from the first time seeing her, her beauty, her spunk and couldn’t get her out of his thoughts. I think he was in love with her from then too.
I love a strong willed woman who doesn’t let anything or anyone get in her way of getting what she wants and Camila is that and more. When she sets her eyes on Dante, she knows she wants him.
I loved all the suspense in this book, I was on the edge of my seat many times while reading it. Loved the ending.
Can’t wait for more of this series.
I love a strong willed woman who doesn’t let anything or anyone get in her way of getting what she wants and Camila is that and more. When she sets her eyes on Dante, she knows she wants him.
I loved all the suspense in this book, I was on the edge of my seat many times while reading it. Loved the ending.
Can’t wait for more of this series.
October 13, 2024
Bound by a Promise didn't disappoint and was a perfect ending to the Brutal Vows series! This story has all the intense action, family drama, secret enemies, suspense, and passion that will hook you to the storyline.
I was surprised by Dante’s romantic side and the lengths he was prepared to go to show Camilla how much he loves and values her. She doesn’t realise just how important she is to him but he's determined she will. I liked how willing he was to sacrifice for her. Camilla knew that Dante was the one for her but in the world of mafia/cartel families, a woman's voice or choice will never be heard. Will Camilla obey her father to marry the man she was arranged to?
The author has an amazing way of captivating your attention with the story that keeps you engaged up to the last page. The characters are well-defined and the pacing is great. This is a wonderful series that must be read in chronological order to make it more enjoyable. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2024
Mafia/Cartel romance? YES! Bound By A Promise was a completely captivating read. Dante Luciano is second in command to his brother, Dario, but he is second to none in the romance department! When he falls for a younger woman in the Cartel who is already promised to another, he'll stop at nothing to make her his. This exciting story had it all...action, intrigue, suspense, romance, steamy love scenes, and more!
I am loving this Mafia/Cartel world that Aleatha Romig has created. The characters are multi-layered and realistic. The women are beautiful and fiesty. The men are all-Alpha and handsome. What they want, they get! Bound By A Promise is another smooth, delectable read from one of my favorite authors. It appears she's not done with this world yet. There's more coming, and I, for one, cannot wait!
I am loving this Mafia/Cartel world that Aleatha Romig has created. The characters are multi-layered and realistic. The women are beautiful and fiesty. The men are all-Alpha and handsome. What they want, they get! Bound By A Promise is another smooth, delectable read from one of my favorite authors. It appears she's not done with this world yet. There's more coming, and I, for one, cannot wait!
October 12, 2024
This is the 3rd standalone installment to the Brutal Vows series. More alliances are made and this time between Dante Luciano 2nd brother to Dario & Mafia Capo and Camilla Ruiz (sister to Dario's wife Catalina) who is the youngest daughter of Andreas Ruiz who is a lieutenant in the Rodriguez Cartel (as a reminder). When Dante and Camilla see each other at a wedding and the attraction is there, but Dante holds off because of the age difference and she thinks because of her inexperience. Well a little bit of time has passed and feelings can't be ignored. This one was another fast action paced story as now other organizations are getting nervous. This world sure is interesting, can't wait for the next one.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 8, 2024
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
4 1/2 Stars
I loved how different this third book in the Brutal Vows series was, yet it still had many similar elements and, of course, the same characters. The focus is on Dante Luciano and Camilla Ruez, members of the two opposing underworld families that had joined an alliance.
Without giving anything away, I was gobsmacked by how this story resolved itself. I truly couldn’t see how things could work out, and it might not have been to everyone’s liking, but it was resolved. The cartel and famiglia may always have to prove their allegiance, and in this story, things certainly get tested.
Camila was a determined young woman who knew her mind. She didn’t bow down to antiquated traditions, nor did she want to upset anyone. What a conundrum she had. I liked Camila; she knew her own mind and took things in her stride.
Although quite a bit older, Dante was determined to prove he was the right man for Camila. He certainly grabbed my attention. 🤣
I loved learning how the other characters from previous books were going, especially Mia. She seems like a totally different woman and so much better off.
The drama and action were a little tamer in this book, but not by much. It still had me on the edge of my sister with excitement.
It was a very entertaining and enjoyable story. Bring on Queens and Monsters, the next book in this series.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
4 1/2 Stars
I loved how different this third book in the Brutal Vows series was, yet it still had many similar elements and, of course, the same characters. The focus is on Dante Luciano and Camilla Ruez, members of the two opposing underworld families that had joined an alliance.
Without giving anything away, I was gobsmacked by how this story resolved itself. I truly couldn’t see how things could work out, and it might not have been to everyone’s liking, but it was resolved. The cartel and famiglia may always have to prove their allegiance, and in this story, things certainly get tested.
Camila was a determined young woman who knew her mind. She didn’t bow down to antiquated traditions, nor did she want to upset anyone. What a conundrum she had. I liked Camila; she knew her own mind and took things in her stride.
Although quite a bit older, Dante was determined to prove he was the right man for Camila. He certainly grabbed my attention. 🤣
I loved learning how the other characters from previous books were going, especially Mia. She seems like a totally different woman and so much better off.
The drama and action were a little tamer in this book, but not by much. It still had me on the edge of my sister with excitement.
It was a very entertaining and enjoyable story. Bring on Queens and Monsters, the next book in this series.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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October 8, 2024
4 1/2 stars
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
I loved how different this third book in the Brutal Vows series was, yet it still had many similar elements and, of course, the same characters. The focus is on Dante Luciano and Camilla Ruez, members of the two opposing underworld families that had joined an alliance.
Without giving anything away, I was gobsmacked by how this story resolved itself. I truly couldn’t see how things could work out, and it might not have been to everyone’s liking, but it was resolved. The cartel and famiglia may always have to prove their allegiance, and in this story, things certainly get tested.
Camila was a determined young woman who knew her mind. She didn’t bow down to antiquated traditions, nor did she want to upset anyone. What a conundrum she had. I liked Camila; she knew her own mind and took things in her stride.
Although quite a bit older, Dante was determined to prove he was the right man for Camila. He certainly grabbed my attention. 🤣
I loved learning how the other characters from previous books were going, especially Mia. She seems like a totally different woman and so much better off.
The drama and action were a little tamer in this book, but not by much. It still had me on the edge of my sister with excitement.
It was a very entertaining and enjoyable story. Bring on Queens and Monsters, the next book in this series.
October 14, 2024
I am absolutely LOVING this mafia/cartel series.
Dante is second in line to his brother Dario, the capo dei capi. He's always known his role and never really yearned for more. Until he met Camila, his sister in law's sister. He knew immediately that there was something there.
Camila is determined to not have her fate decided for her. She knows she loves Dante and she will stop at nothing to have him as hers.
There are outside forces still trying to disrupt the merger between the Mafia and the cartel. Will the Mafia and Cartel let them marry?
Like I said, I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. And I literally can't wait until the next book comes out! You should read this whole series, you won't be disappointed!
Dante is second in line to his brother Dario, the capo dei capi. He's always known his role and never really yearned for more. Until he met Camila, his sister in law's sister. He knew immediately that there was something there.
Camila is determined to not have her fate decided for her. She knows she loves Dante and she will stop at nothing to have him as hers.
There are outside forces still trying to disrupt the merger between the Mafia and the cartel. Will the Mafia and Cartel let them marry?
Like I said, I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. And I literally can't wait until the next book comes out! You should read this whole series, you won't be disappointed!
October 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤arranged-marriage
🖤age-gap
🖤mafia/cartel romance
🖤forbidden
Another five stars for Aleatha Romig! Bound By A Promise was a fantastic read that had me swooning with every page.
Dante is definitely the perfect mafia MMC. Tall, dark,dangerous and handsome…a deadly and perfect combination. I absolutely adored Camila as a FMC. Despite her young age she knows what (and who) she wants. The way this book portrayed their love story plus featured everyone from the past books in the series was fantastic. It was a great to see Mia and Cat again as well as their guys. These mafia women are anything but weak and I love reading about them!
Thank you Aleatha Romig and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC of this book!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤arranged-marriage
🖤age-gap
🖤mafia/cartel romance
🖤forbidden
Another five stars for Aleatha Romig! Bound By A Promise was a fantastic read that had me swooning with every page.
Dante is definitely the perfect mafia MMC. Tall, dark,dangerous and handsome…a deadly and perfect combination. I absolutely adored Camila as a FMC. Despite her young age she knows what (and who) she wants. The way this book portrayed their love story plus featured everyone from the past books in the series was fantastic. It was a great to see Mia and Cat again as well as their guys. These mafia women are anything but weak and I love reading about them!
Thank you Aleatha Romig and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC of this book!
October 14, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Dante Luciano was captivated by Camila Ruiz from the first time he met her, the night before his older brother’s wedding. But she was too young and innocent for him then.
When her house was attacked he took her and her mother to his brother’s home. They became closer while she stayed there. Months later, he asked her to marry him and she said yes. But their plans didn’t work out like they hoped to. Dante will do anything to make Camila his. Even if this will cause a rift between the alliance.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an age gap, billionaire, mafia romance then you’re going to love it.
Dante Luciano was captivated by Camila Ruiz from the first time he met her, the night before his older brother’s wedding. But she was too young and innocent for him then.
When her house was attacked he took her and her mother to his brother’s home. They became closer while she stayed there. Months later, he asked her to marry him and she said yes. But their plans didn’t work out like they hoped to. Dante will do anything to make Camila his. Even if this will cause a rift between the alliance.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an age gap, billionaire, mafia romance then you’re going to love it.
October 14, 2024
This intense, intriguing world of familigia and cartels, brings Dante and Camila's story, and it is a humdinger! There is a building sense of threat that is woven into the fabric of what is also a fabulous love story. Dante has had to step back from his undeniable attraction to Camila, both because of their age difference, and by the order of Dario, now the capo. But circumstances and the strong willed Camila, bring things to a head and force their hands.
With threat, danger all around them and sizzling attraction burning between these two, the book romps along at a fair clip, keeping me glued to the page as the story unfolded. This series is fabulous and I loved the inclusion of other members of these two closely woven families. 💖💖💖💖💖
With threat, danger all around them and sizzling attraction burning between these two, the book romps along at a fair clip, keeping me glued to the page as the story unfolded. This series is fabulous and I loved the inclusion of other members of these two closely woven families. 💖💖💖💖💖
October 13, 2024
Bound by a Promise by Aleathea Romig is the story of Dante and Camila. They live in similar worlds…and he has decided that she will be his. She agrees. But, their worlds and the people within them have other ideas. Dangerous ideas….
Really liked the premise behind this story, it just took a really long time to get there! It was still an enjoyable read and the characters were well-developed and interesting. They had their strengths and weaknesses, and their own issues with the past and their families. Overall, a very good story!!
Really liked the premise behind this story, it just took a really long time to get there! It was still an enjoyable read and the characters were well-developed and interesting. They had their strengths and weaknesses, and their own issues with the past and their families. Overall, a very good story!!
October 11, 2024
I absolutely loved Dante and Camila's story. Their coupling, so unexpected but so perfect. Blending the cartels is making others nervous. First Dario and Catalina and now Dante and Camila, the cartel and la Familia are blended and viewed as a threat. Dante never expected to ever find love and Camila was the first woman to touch his heart. Camila, the headstrong sister who wants to do things her way. Drama, spice and intrigue abound in this story.
October 13, 2024
Bound By Promise, the third in the Brutal Vows series by Aleatha absolutely didn't disappont.
Dante was taken by Camila from the first time he had seen her, but she was much too young.
Camila wishes to be free to choose the man she is to marry, and she wants Dante.
I loved this, Dante was so sweet and protective. These two deserved their HEA!
Aleatha always gives her readers a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With a story that has twists turns and a heap of spice and suspense. What is not to love about that?
I definitely recommend 👌
Dante was taken by Camila from the first time he had seen her, but she was much too young.
Camila wishes to be free to choose the man she is to marry, and she wants Dante.
I loved this, Dante was so sweet and protective. These two deserved their HEA!
Aleatha always gives her readers a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With a story that has twists turns and a heap of spice and suspense. What is not to love about that?
I definitely recommend 👌
October 14, 2024
Mafia / Cartel Romance
Dante has always had a soft spot for Camilia, but thought she was too young and innocent for a man like him. So he always held himself back
Time has gone by and with the new alliance between the families, Dante finds he can’t hold himself back any longer. Does she feel the same?
Another great story for the Brutal Vows series. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was full of danger, drama, action and suspense.
Dante has always had a soft spot for Camilia, but thought she was too young and innocent for a man like him. So he always held himself back
Time has gone by and with the new alliance between the families, Dante finds he can’t hold himself back any longer. Does she feel the same?
Another great story for the Brutal Vows series. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was full of danger, drama, action and suspense.
October 30, 2024
Bound By a Promise
Man! I’m so bummed that I have to wait until 2025 for the next book in this series!! Every single book was pure fire!! The intensity! The drama! The energy in these books was palpable and I couldn’t put them down. I read them every chance I could just to find out what was going to happen next. Absolutely loved this book as well. Simply brilliant and a definite must read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Man! I’m so bummed that I have to wait until 2025 for the next book in this series!! Every single book was pure fire!! The intensity! The drama! The energy in these books was palpable and I couldn’t put them down. I read them every chance I could just to find out what was going to happen next. Absolutely loved this book as well. Simply brilliant and a definite must read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 7, 2024
Dante and Camila’s story is exciting. Camila wants to marry for love rather than be married off to benefit the cartel. When she falls for Dante, he promises to get her father’s blessing to marry her. When things don’t go as planned, they take matters into their own hands. In the aftermath of an attack against the alliance, they settle into their lives with an unbreakable bond.
October 13, 2024
I enjoyed this one a lot. Despite her age, Camila is a strong heroine who is not afraid to go after what she wants. And she wants Dante. Dante is determined to move heaven and earth to be with Camila. There are many factors in play to try to keep them apart and to mess with the alliance between the cartel and familigia. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
October 9, 2024
Absolutely love this brutal vows series. Mafia/Cartel age-gap always interesting for me. Dante has been enthralled with Camila for a long time. But getting the approval from the families doesn’t always hold strong. Their feelings are too strong to deny. They will do whatever it takes to be together.
October 11, 2024
Loved it!
Camila is fabulous….fun, sassy, sweet, strong. Dante may be alpha but his proposal was so endearing. This book has all the feels.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Camila is fabulous….fun, sassy, sweet, strong. Dante may be alpha but his proposal was so endearing. This book has all the feels.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
October 14, 2024
Really enjoyed this age gap romance!! Super hot and the drama continues between the cartel and familigia!!
January 31, 2025
No connection with the MCs. Very slow start… it’s boring. 😴
Read
March 18, 2025Dnf at 25%
So tired of the "little girl" talk
So tired of the "little girl" talk
October 24, 2024
Loved the continuation of this story within these families. There’s lots of suspense throughout the story and plenty of spice between the main characters. And you still get to see all the characters from the previous books staying up to date on what’s going on with them. I can’t wait for the next book in the series for more excitement and heat…..
Want to read
October 3, 2024Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook
October 24, 2024
If you love mafia & forbidden romance then this book is definitely for you! Although it can be read a standalone I would suggest reading the first two books. They are just as great! Full of suspense to keep you tuning the pages. I didn’t want to put it down.
October 25, 2024
Bound by promise
This is another great book by Aleatha Romig. Now we have to wait until 2025 for the 4th books In the series. Love all her books.
This is another great book by Aleatha Romig. Now we have to wait until 2025 for the 4th books In the series. Love all her books.
October 20, 2024
The third book in the Brutal Vows series, Bound by a Promise, is a great example of storytelling. The novel keeps readers hooked with the passionate relationship between Dante and Camilla. Their strong commitment to each other is tested by outside challenges, which pushes the story forward.
Dante and Camilla’s deep connection is what makes the story exciting, as they risk everything for their love, even though there are obstacles in their way. With lots of suspense, Bound by a Promise is an exciting and enjoyable read.
Dante and Camilla’s deep connection is what makes the story exciting, as they risk everything for their love, even though there are obstacles in their way. With lots of suspense, Bound by a Promise is an exciting and enjoyable read.
October 19, 2024
This author never ceases to amaze me
Great characters in the various families but certainly these people know how to love. Bit of a cliffhanger at the end, can’t wait for the next instalment.
Great characters in the various families but certainly these people know how to love. Bit of a cliffhanger at the end, can’t wait for the next instalment.
October 15, 2024
This is the third installment of the Brutal Vows books and I have to say it is my favorite. I love Dante and Camila’s story. Marriage in this world is usually arranged for some gain but Dante and Camila wanted to be together, but there were others that wanted them apart. I loved how they fought for each other and didn’t back down from those not wanting them together. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Romig has in store for all the Brutal Vows couples in her new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews