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Quinlan Empire #2
Savage Promises
A STANDALONE Irish Mafia BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND and FORCED MARRIAGE Romance by Amazon Top 50 Bestselling Author Deborah Garland.
She’s the wrong bride but he’ll make her the perfect wife.
She was my secret obsession.
My best friend’s younger sister.
But with our families at each other’s throats,
I turned my back on the only woman I ever cared about.
And I regretted the loss of her fiery spirit
every day of my life.
I learned to live with the pain and emptiness,
vowing never to fall in love or marry another.
But Lennox didn’t disappear.
She was right there.
Gorgeous. Successful. Ice cold.
So close. But out of my reach.
Years later our world is very different.
With so many enemies, Irish blood must stay pure.
Putting chains on my wrists,
to marry my worst enemy’s daughter.
But not Lennox.
Her sister.
Now Lennox hates me all over again.
But underneath I see profound sadness.
The hidden desire for me she never let go of.
And I’ll drag hell to my doorstep to marry the woman I want.
Lennox was always mine.
I will not let her slip through my fingers again.
Savage Promises is Book 2 in the Brand-New Irish Mafia Series: Quinlan Empire.
This exciting new dark mafia series features the Quinlan Brothers from the Astoria Royals Series who also first appeared in Rebel Billionaire (November 2020).
Audiobook Lovers: Each installment in the Quinlan Empire Series will be a SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE of E-book, Paperback, and Audiobook!
💙Irish Mob Fixer Hero
💙Night Club Owner Heroine
💙Forced Marriage
💙Sister’s Fiancé
💙Rival Families
💙Blackmail
💙’It was always you’
💙Cheating (with FMC)
💙They find the cat!
Follow Deborah for Updates!
She’s the wrong bride but he’ll make her the perfect wife.
She was my secret obsession.
My best friend’s younger sister.
But with our families at each other’s throats,
I turned my back on the only woman I ever cared about.
And I regretted the loss of her fiery spirit
every day of my life.
I learned to live with the pain and emptiness,
vowing never to fall in love or marry another.
But Lennox didn’t disappear.
She was right there.
Gorgeous. Successful. Ice cold.
So close. But out of my reach.
Years later our world is very different.
With so many enemies, Irish blood must stay pure.
Putting chains on my wrists,
to marry my worst enemy’s daughter.
But not Lennox.
Her sister.
Now Lennox hates me all over again.
But underneath I see profound sadness.
The hidden desire for me she never let go of.
And I’ll drag hell to my doorstep to marry the woman I want.
Lennox was always mine.
I will not let her slip through my fingers again.
Savage Promises is Book 2 in the Brand-New Irish Mafia Series: Quinlan Empire.
This exciting new dark mafia series features the Quinlan Brothers from the Astoria Royals Series who also first appeared in Rebel Billionaire (November 2020).
Audiobook Lovers: Each installment in the Quinlan Empire Series will be a SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE of E-book, Paperback, and Audiobook!
💙Irish Mob Fixer Hero
💙Night Club Owner Heroine
💙Forced Marriage
💙Sister’s Fiancé
💙Rival Families
💙Blackmail
💙’It was always you’
💙Cheating (with FMC)
💙They find the cat!
Follow Deborah for Updates!
346 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2025
1517 people are currently reading
2589 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garland
59 books755 followersDeborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
dnf
July 12, 2025Sometimes I just have to wonder; are authors allergic into writing experienced fmcs? What’s the obsession with virgin fmcs????? And the mmc is so “obsessed” with the fmc and “it’s always been you” BS but had no problem with being written as non-virgin and already been with multiple other women. When the fmc is the one engaged with a guy but of course he’s not interested in doing anything with her. How typical. How repetitive. How boring. How unoriginal. 🥱
Read
July 15, 2025DNF
Not for me, while engaged to the h’s sister, it bothered me both MCs were okay with cheating.
Not for me, while engaged to the h’s sister, it bothered me both MCs were okay with cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
This is a mafia romance, arranged marriage, second chance (ish), rival families kind of story.
And I love that in the description (and what got me to read the book) was a trope saying - they find the cat. And yes, it's an actual cat, and I loved that scene.
Shane, youngest son in an Irish crime family, deals with surveillance and some of the more hands on dealings with his family's business.Lennox - forgotten middle daughter of a made man, wanting nothing more than to distance herself from her father. She runs a night club, has a somewhat distant fiancé of convenience and is just trying to live her life. One man she has never forgotten though, is Shane. In love with him since the age of fifteen, he used to be her brothers best friend - until everything fell apart. Now years later, she sees him again, and he's being arranged into marriage with her younger sister. Although she fights it, she can't let him go. Shane also never forgot Lennox - but with the idea of them together getting further and further away, how far will he go to get the bride he really wants.
And I love that in the description (and what got me to read the book) was a trope saying - they find the cat. And yes, it's an actual cat, and I loved that scene.
Shane, youngest son in an Irish crime family, deals with surveillance and some of the more hands on dealings with his family's business.Lennox - forgotten middle daughter of a made man, wanting nothing more than to distance herself from her father. She runs a night club, has a somewhat distant fiancé of convenience and is just trying to live her life. One man she has never forgotten though, is Shane. In love with him since the age of fifteen, he used to be her brothers best friend - until everything fell apart. Now years later, she sees him again, and he's being arranged into marriage with her younger sister. Although she fights it, she can't let him go. Shane also never forgot Lennox - but with the idea of them together getting further and further away, how far will he go to get the bride he really wants.
December 19, 2025
It started off really well, but the last 30% was unbearable—it dragged on with a lot of unnecessary drama. The whole divorce storyline and everything around it just didn’t sit well with me.
July 15, 2025
I have mixed feelings...
The first 80% of the book? LITERALLY PERFECT. the pacing, the tension, and the chemistry between the MCs, it had me hooked! The FMC was a resilient, independent woman, and the MMC was intense in all the right ways.
But then... the miscommunication trope hit, and honestly? What the hell? It felt so awkward and forced. The FMC went from being a mature and independent woman to suddenly thinking she wasn’t good enough for the MMC?? Like… Where did that even come from?
And the MMC? He listens to her brother and immediately goes to request divorce papers from the lawyer without even talking to her first? Then he has the nerve to say “you didn’t let me in”, when he was the one who wanted separate bedrooms?? Broo ??
And after kicking her out of the house, he didn’t even grovel enough, and she took him back way too soon.
Also, let’s talk about the FMC’s family: absolutely awful. Like, seriously — who needs enemies when you’ve got that kind of family? (but well her siblings somehow came to their senses, even if it was late so....)
I honestly don’t know what to think. The beginning had me ready to give this 5 stars, but the ending just… nope.
The first 80% of the book? LITERALLY PERFECT. the pacing, the tension, and the chemistry between the MCs, it had me hooked! The FMC was a resilient, independent woman, and the MMC was intense in all the right ways.
But then... the miscommunication trope hit, and honestly? What the hell? It felt so awkward and forced. The FMC went from being a mature and independent woman to suddenly thinking she wasn’t good enough for the MMC?? Like… Where did that even come from?
And the MMC? He listens to her brother and immediately goes to request divorce papers from the lawyer without even talking to her first? Then he has the nerve to say “you didn’t let me in”, when he was the one who wanted separate bedrooms?? Broo ??
And after kicking her out of the house, he didn’t even grovel enough, and she took him back way too soon.
Also, let’s talk about the FMC’s family: absolutely awful. Like, seriously — who needs enemies when you’ve got that kind of family? (but well her siblings somehow came to their senses, even if it was late so....)
I honestly don’t know what to think. The beginning had me ready to give this 5 stars, but the ending just… nope.
August 29, 2025
All I can say is: this was badly written. The author lacks skills related to consistency, character development, and any sense of plotline continuity.
The FMC is a perfect example. She’s described as a “cold lioness,” but nothing in her behavior reflects that. In reality, she’s an emotional doormat, especially with her family. Everything the MMC says she is, the book never actually shows.
In general, the actions of characters don't make sense. It's like they're new people in each scene, depending what the author needs in the moment.
The smut is even worse - just a string of stereotypical one-liners, none of which fit together. There’s no chemistry at all between the characters, even though the author spells it out over and over. It’s impossible to feel it because the scenes have no flow, just random lines thrown in.
Consistency is another huge problem. The author seems unable to remember what happened just a few pages earlier, so we get contradictions and illogical claims that pop up out of nowhere.
I’d like to blame lack of editing, but the grammar itself was fine. Every other aspect of writing was just wrong.
On top of that, the book felt like it ended multiple times. There were several “big” scenes that each could’ve wrapped things up nicely, but instead, the author kept dragging it on. It reminded me of amateur Wattpad writing, where each new chapter adds unnecessary drama just to keep the story going, without pacing, proper development, or any sense of closure.
The FMC is a perfect example. She’s described as a “cold lioness,” but nothing in her behavior reflects that. In reality, she’s an emotional doormat, especially with her family. Everything the MMC says she is, the book never actually shows.
In general, the actions of characters don't make sense. It's like they're new people in each scene, depending what the author needs in the moment.
The smut is even worse - just a string of stereotypical one-liners, none of which fit together. There’s no chemistry at all between the characters, even though the author spells it out over and over. It’s impossible to feel it because the scenes have no flow, just random lines thrown in.
Consistency is another huge problem. The author seems unable to remember what happened just a few pages earlier, so we get contradictions and illogical claims that pop up out of nowhere.
I’d like to blame lack of editing, but the grammar itself was fine. Every other aspect of writing was just wrong.
On top of that, the book felt like it ended multiple times. There were several “big” scenes that each could’ve wrapped things up nicely, but instead, the author kept dragging it on. It reminded me of amateur Wattpad writing, where each new chapter adds unnecessary drama just to keep the story going, without pacing, proper development, or any sense of closure.
October 23, 2025
Okay, guys—what the hell? I was completely fooled by all the 5-star reviews. And I’m sorry, the FMC is supposed to be confident?? Listen, as a curvy girl myself, I get the insecurities. But the FMC is described as confident, independent, a “lion,” as Shane put it when talking about her personality. I did not see this confidence or “lioness” energy anywhere in this book.
Sure, she’s independent—that I’ll give her credit for. But goddamn, she got on my nerves. I got so tired of the constant “I’m not good enough” and the full-on doormatting she did. The guy you love is engaged to your damn sister, and he asks YOU to pick out her ring?! And you just go along with it? I would have liked to actually see her stand up for herself more.
Basically, everyone treats her like shit, and she doesn’t say shit. And to be honest, I don’t like Shane. Every conversation they had made him seem like this big, bad wolf, and she was just a little sheep being bossed around. Yet Shane describes her as the perfect mafia wife, full of confidence... blah blah blah..yea nah.
The writing was fine—some misspellings here and there and a few sentences that could use restructuring—but nothing that got on my nerves too much. LOL.
OH, AND?! LENNOX—You suspect your 17-year-old sister is having an affair with her 40-something coach and you’re THAT chill about it?? I didn’t see her mention the age gap even once, or how messed up it is for a grown ass man, who works with kids, to have a relationship with her underage sister. Yet everyone hated the idea of her marrying Shane, who was younger than the coach.
Okay, okay—so I’m at 44%. Maybe it’s not fair to judge without finishing the book, but I honestly don’t feel like I’m reading the story that was described to me. The plot is good so far! But the dialogue? Nah. I just can’t. She sounds so childish to me and a bit hypocritical.
She asks her friend, “Do you really think I would do that to Neve?” when asked if she and Shane had fucked... Uhm, yeah? You almost begged for it, but my bad for thinking so. I was actually very surprised by how okay she was with him basically cheating on Neve with her—and calling her names during their “interaction.” She flat-out said, “I can be your whore,” and then proceeds to tell him she loves him, basically falling to her knees and worshipping him every time he gives her a crumb of attention. But of course, she wouldn’t do that to Neve, right? LOL.
Okay, so basically this whole review was me ranting about the FMC hahahaha. If you stayed with me this far, you are a saint :) I’ll give it 2 stars because the book had so much potential. Just don’t write a doormat FMC and describe her as strong and confident, ‘cause that just pissed me off. And to be honest, I didn’t feel the love or connection between these two. It feels like she’s been obsessed with him and in love since she was 15, while he just wants her because he finds her attractive and lusts for her. Or maybe I just haven’t gotten to that part yet...
EDIT: so I kept reading cause I paid for it yk. And this *strong independent baddie* just asked her fiance IF SHE COULD KEEP WORKING after they married. Idk what kind of 1950's mafia book this is but I'm dropping it for good.
Sure, she’s independent—that I’ll give her credit for. But goddamn, she got on my nerves. I got so tired of the constant “I’m not good enough” and the full-on doormatting she did. The guy you love is engaged to your damn sister, and he asks YOU to pick out her ring?! And you just go along with it? I would have liked to actually see her stand up for herself more.
Basically, everyone treats her like shit, and she doesn’t say shit. And to be honest, I don’t like Shane. Every conversation they had made him seem like this big, bad wolf, and she was just a little sheep being bossed around. Yet Shane describes her as the perfect mafia wife, full of confidence... blah blah blah..yea nah.
The writing was fine—some misspellings here and there and a few sentences that could use restructuring—but nothing that got on my nerves too much. LOL.
OH, AND?! LENNOX—You suspect your 17-year-old sister is having an affair with her 40-something coach and you’re THAT chill about it?? I didn’t see her mention the age gap even once, or how messed up it is for a grown ass man, who works with kids, to have a relationship with her underage sister. Yet everyone hated the idea of her marrying Shane, who was younger than the coach.
Okay, okay—so I’m at 44%. Maybe it’s not fair to judge without finishing the book, but I honestly don’t feel like I’m reading the story that was described to me. The plot is good so far! But the dialogue? Nah. I just can’t. She sounds so childish to me and a bit hypocritical.
She asks her friend, “Do you really think I would do that to Neve?” when asked if she and Shane had fucked... Uhm, yeah? You almost begged for it, but my bad for thinking so. I was actually very surprised by how okay she was with him basically cheating on Neve with her—and calling her names during their “interaction.” She flat-out said, “I can be your whore,” and then proceeds to tell him she loves him, basically falling to her knees and worshipping him every time he gives her a crumb of attention. But of course, she wouldn’t do that to Neve, right? LOL.
Okay, so basically this whole review was me ranting about the FMC hahahaha. If you stayed with me this far, you are a saint :) I’ll give it 2 stars because the book had so much potential. Just don’t write a doormat FMC and describe her as strong and confident, ‘cause that just pissed me off. And to be honest, I didn’t feel the love or connection between these two. It feels like she’s been obsessed with him and in love since she was 15, while he just wants her because he finds her attractive and lusts for her. Or maybe I just haven’t gotten to that part yet...
EDIT: so I kept reading cause I paid for it yk. And this *strong independent baddie* just asked her fiance IF SHE COULD KEEP WORKING after they married. Idk what kind of 1950's mafia book this is but I'm dropping it for good.
July 12, 2025
✨”When I’m not with you, I watch you. At home. At the club. In your car. I’m so fcking proud of you. But you need to be reminded you’re mine, I will claim every inch of you.”
💚Happy Audiobook release day! Ahhh the way I have loved listening to these fantastic performances in Savage Promises by @deborahgarlandauthor! Returning to this world, falling head over heels in love with these characters, and being immersed in the Quinlan’s chaos has been incredible with so many of my favorite tropes!
✨Irish Mafia
✨Rival Families
✨Enemy’s Daughter
✨Found Family
✨Forces Marriage
✨Age Gap
💚And these narrators, they both gave absolutely incredible duet performances bringing Shane and Lennox to life! @aka_averycaris and @seanmastersaudio 🎧💚 Audiobook lovers, add this to your list!
Savage Promises is available as an audiobook NOW!
💚Happy Audiobook release day! Ahhh the way I have loved listening to these fantastic performances in Savage Promises by @deborahgarlandauthor! Returning to this world, falling head over heels in love with these characters, and being immersed in the Quinlan’s chaos has been incredible with so many of my favorite tropes!
✨Irish Mafia
✨Rival Families
✨Enemy’s Daughter
✨Found Family
✨Forces Marriage
✨Age Gap
💚And these narrators, they both gave absolutely incredible duet performances bringing Shane and Lennox to life! @aka_averycaris and @seanmastersaudio 🎧💚 Audiobook lovers, add this to your list!
Savage Promises is available as an audiobook NOW!
July 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️/2 🌶️
Okay, so this one started off a little differently than the usual mafia romance—it was more of a medium burn in the beginning. But once it picked up speed? Damn,🥵.
Let's start with Lennox. I know the story is technically about both her and Shane, but for me, she was the main character🙌🏼. Fierce and strong, yet still so human in her vulnerability, like we all do sometimes! I loved how fiercely devoted she was to Shane, even when it wasn’t easy. Honestly, Lennox deserves the entire world and then some.
And Shane? Our classic grumpy mafia boss with a soft spot for one woman only. The dynamic between them was 🤌🏼. The pacing of the book was perfect—no boring filler or unnecessary drama. Just back-to-back plot twists, sizzling tension, and some serious spice.
And that Crumb for Connor we got? eek, so excited!! 🤩
P.S. - didn't like the 3rd act break up though!
Okay, so this one started off a little differently than the usual mafia romance—it was more of a medium burn in the beginning. But once it picked up speed? Damn,🥵.
Let's start with Lennox. I know the story is technically about both her and Shane, but for me, she was the main character🙌🏼. Fierce and strong, yet still so human in her vulnerability, like we all do sometimes! I loved how fiercely devoted she was to Shane, even when it wasn’t easy. Honestly, Lennox deserves the entire world and then some.
And Shane? Our classic grumpy mafia boss with a soft spot for one woman only. The dynamic between them was 🤌🏼. The pacing of the book was perfect—no boring filler or unnecessary drama. Just back-to-back plot twists, sizzling tension, and some serious spice.
And that Crumb for Connor we got? eek, so excited!! 🤩
P.S. - didn't like the 3rd act break up though!
July 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved these books and these characters!! There's something so real and genuine about the struggle to accept true love from a significant other especially when you feel you don't deserve it.
Watching how sacrificing Lennox was for her siblings was heart wrenching especially with how they treated her. Even Shane putting his feelings aside for the sake of his family empire was admirable. I'm not usually a fan of a 3rd act break up, and I know I have been vocal about having conflicts for couples be outside of the relationship. But in this case I truly think in this case these two needed that time to appreciate what they had with each other.
I loved watching Shane and Lennox grow together and fight for each other and learn from their mistakes. I cannot wait for Connor's story! The teaser in the epilogue has me chomping at the bit!
Thank you Deborah Garland and the Author Agency for an ARC of this book!
🔥Irish Mafia
🔥Mob Fixer Hero
🔥Night Club Owner Heroine
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Sister’s Fiancé MMC
🔥‘Wrong Bride’ FMC
🔥Rival Families
🔥Enemy’s Daughter
🔥Blackmail
🔥Surprise Pregnancy
🔥Found Family
🔥It was always you
🔥Cheating (with FMC)
🔥They find the cat!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved these books and these characters!! There's something so real and genuine about the struggle to accept true love from a significant other especially when you feel you don't deserve it.
Watching how sacrificing Lennox was for her siblings was heart wrenching especially with how they treated her. Even Shane putting his feelings aside for the sake of his family empire was admirable. I'm not usually a fan of a 3rd act break up, and I know I have been vocal about having conflicts for couples be outside of the relationship. But in this case I truly think in this case these two needed that time to appreciate what they had with each other.
I loved watching Shane and Lennox grow together and fight for each other and learn from their mistakes. I cannot wait for Connor's story! The teaser in the epilogue has me chomping at the bit!
Thank you Deborah Garland and the Author Agency for an ARC of this book!
🔥Irish Mafia
🔥Mob Fixer Hero
🔥Night Club Owner Heroine
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Sister’s Fiancé MMC
🔥‘Wrong Bride’ FMC
🔥Rival Families
🔥Enemy’s Daughter
🔥Blackmail
🔥Surprise Pregnancy
🔥Found Family
🔥It was always you
🔥Cheating (with FMC)
🔥They find the cat!
July 19, 2025
I actually really liked it. Shane was a simp from the very beginning but he was very much “you’re mine but I can’t marry you” type vibes. I definitely wanted to punch him at times. Lived Lennox tho she was perfect. Arranged marriage to sister’s fiancé trope. 3rd act breakup.
Summary:
Lennox has been in love with Shane since she was 18. On her 18th birthday they get hot and heavy but that stops when some drama happens and he has to go home. Before that tho he tells her it can never happen again. Lennox and Shane and from 2 Irish mafia families that hate each other. 6 years later, Lennox’s brother betrays Shane and his mafia and so they take him hostage and beat him. As payment for her brother Lennox’s dad offers Shane’s family for Shane to marry Neve, Lennox’s little sister. Neve doesn’t want to but Shane agrees out of a sense of duty. Lennox is heartbroken broken all over again but she isn’t chosen because she’s already engaged. One day she finds her fiance cheating on her and leaves the apartment he bought her and calls Shane for help. He puts her in a hotel and they make out for the first time again. The entire time Shane is engaged to Neve it’s actually Lennox who is planning the wedding and trying to get Neve to be a mature fiance and a good person. At the proposal where Shane was supposed to propose to Neve he instead proposes to Lennox because Neve was hooking up with her volleyball coach. Lennox accepts and they get married and they’re super happy with each other even though Shane insists on them having separate rooms. One day Lennox’s brother and dad try to convince her to make Shane cheat so she can claim the infidelity clause in their prenup and get a ton of money. She refuses. Shane finds out about this plan and draws up divorce papers and kicks Lennox out. She goes to stay with her friend and he goes to Ireland for a week. When he comes back he feels her absence and realizes he loves her and goes to apologize to her on his knees. She refuses. Later he sees on the news that the nightclub she owns has been shot up and he goes in guns blazing and saves her. He takes her home and she tells him she’s pregnant and they live happily ever after.
Summary:
Lennox has been in love with Shane since she was 18. On her 18th birthday they get hot and heavy but that stops when some drama happens and he has to go home. Before that tho he tells her it can never happen again. Lennox and Shane and from 2 Irish mafia families that hate each other. 6 years later, Lennox’s brother betrays Shane and his mafia and so they take him hostage and beat him. As payment for her brother Lennox’s dad offers Shane’s family for Shane to marry Neve, Lennox’s little sister. Neve doesn’t want to but Shane agrees out of a sense of duty. Lennox is heartbroken broken all over again but she isn’t chosen because she’s already engaged. One day she finds her fiance cheating on her and leaves the apartment he bought her and calls Shane for help. He puts her in a hotel and they make out for the first time again. The entire time Shane is engaged to Neve it’s actually Lennox who is planning the wedding and trying to get Neve to be a mature fiance and a good person. At the proposal where Shane was supposed to propose to Neve he instead proposes to Lennox because Neve was hooking up with her volleyball coach. Lennox accepts and they get married and they’re super happy with each other even though Shane insists on them having separate rooms. One day Lennox’s brother and dad try to convince her to make Shane cheat so she can claim the infidelity clause in their prenup and get a ton of money. She refuses. Shane finds out about this plan and draws up divorce papers and kicks Lennox out. She goes to stay with her friend and he goes to Ireland for a week. When he comes back he feels her absence and realizes he loves her and goes to apologize to her on his knees. She refuses. Later he sees on the news that the nightclub she owns has been shot up and he goes in guns blazing and saves her. He takes her home and she tells him she’s pregnant and they live happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
He kinda loves her but they live like a roommates and sex bodies. There is no love, just sex. FMC doesn’t feel herself worthy and MMC doesn’t do anything to make her feel better and then he kicked her out from his house? WTF?
Immature MMC, walking red flag who doesn’t know what he wants.
FMC forgave him after a week? She started as a strong heroine and became a weak and pathetic character.
Immature MMC, walking red flag who doesn’t know what he wants.
FMC forgave him after a week? She started as a strong heroine and became a weak and pathetic character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
I don't know what's the problem, but the story gave me the ickkk, like I know they're the MCs but how can she kiss her sister's fiancé (even though she loved him first), that's cheating in my book, and aaaafter when they got each other, they felt soooo off, so it was exciting only before they were together but afterrrr NOOOO. DNF
July 12, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
🔥Irish Mob Fixer Hero
🔥Night Club Owner Heroine
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Sister’s Fiancé
🔥Brother’s Best Frenemy
🔥Rival Families
🔥Blackmail
🔥It was always you
🔥Cheating (with FMC)
🔥They find the cat!
This book had me feeling all the feels: heart break, swooning, fanning myself, and more heart break. I don’t know what it was about this book that had me in tears more than normal. I felt Lennox’s pain with being mistreated and ignored and it gutted me. I usually tear up but I went through a few tissues nearing the end. I won’t go into to much detail, because I want you to enjoy the ride. When Lennox’s brother crosses the Quinlans, Shane is forced into a marriage, but not to Lennox, to her younger sister Neve. Lennox is then forced into helping plan the wedding and even help Shane pick out the rings. Lennox goes along because she is used to making sacrifices for her family even though they mistreat her. The whole time she is heartbroken and wishing it was her getting married. Shane is furious he has to marry a teenager, when all he can think about is Lennox. Things heat up between them and the lines are blurred. Things change quickly when Shane discovers something amiss with Neve and instead of proposing to her, he proposes to Lennox. My goodness, when they finally get together it is hot and they can’t keep their hands off each other. The happy times don’t last because of Shane’s inability to love and Lennox’s insecurities cause a rift between them. The road to their happily ever after is bumpy but they get there. You’re in for all the feels with this book. Her cat, Hawk, adds a cuteness factor and is there for her like my dog has been, giving me even more feels.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading
Thank you to Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for the ARC
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Lennox is the embodiment of the kind of woman a mob boss needs in a partner. Strong and independent.”
“I want to handle Lennox. Manhandle her. Throw her on my bed and f*€ her until she comes so hard around my cock, she practically
passes out. Even if I’m supposed to marry her sister.”
“You own me. Body, soul, and every dark piece in between, my lioness.”
“When I’m not with you, I watch you. At home. At the club. In your car. I’m so f*€king proud of you. But you need to be reminded you’re mine. I will claim every inch of you.”
“With them or alone, I will burn down the whole city beforeI lose my wife again.”
3🌶️
🔥Irish Mob Fixer Hero
🔥Night Club Owner Heroine
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Sister’s Fiancé
🔥Brother’s Best Frenemy
🔥Rival Families
🔥Blackmail
🔥It was always you
🔥Cheating (with FMC)
🔥They find the cat!
This book had me feeling all the feels: heart break, swooning, fanning myself, and more heart break. I don’t know what it was about this book that had me in tears more than normal. I felt Lennox’s pain with being mistreated and ignored and it gutted me. I usually tear up but I went through a few tissues nearing the end. I won’t go into to much detail, because I want you to enjoy the ride. When Lennox’s brother crosses the Quinlans, Shane is forced into a marriage, but not to Lennox, to her younger sister Neve. Lennox is then forced into helping plan the wedding and even help Shane pick out the rings. Lennox goes along because she is used to making sacrifices for her family even though they mistreat her. The whole time she is heartbroken and wishing it was her getting married. Shane is furious he has to marry a teenager, when all he can think about is Lennox. Things heat up between them and the lines are blurred. Things change quickly when Shane discovers something amiss with Neve and instead of proposing to her, he proposes to Lennox. My goodness, when they finally get together it is hot and they can’t keep their hands off each other. The happy times don’t last because of Shane’s inability to love and Lennox’s insecurities cause a rift between them. The road to their happily ever after is bumpy but they get there. You’re in for all the feels with this book. Her cat, Hawk, adds a cuteness factor and is there for her like my dog has been, giving me even more feels.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading
Thank you to Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for the ARC
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Lennox is the embodiment of the kind of woman a mob boss needs in a partner. Strong and independent.”
“I want to handle Lennox. Manhandle her. Throw her on my bed and f*€ her until she comes so hard around my cock, she practically
passes out. Even if I’m supposed to marry her sister.”
“You own me. Body, soul, and every dark piece in between, my lioness.”
“When I’m not with you, I watch you. At home. At the club. In your car. I’m so f*€king proud of you. But you need to be reminded you’re mine. I will claim every inch of you.”
“With them or alone, I will burn down the whole city beforeI lose my wife again.”
November 16, 2025
Main Characters:
Shane Quinlan & Lennox Donnelly
Review:
I loved Lennox but hated her family and how she kept letting them treat her like trash.
Tropes:
-Age Gap
-Cat
-Childhood Friends
-Forbidden
-Irish
-Mafia
-Marriage of Convenience
-New York
-Second Chance Romance
-Smut
Quotes:
“I married Lennox instead of Neve because I wanted her. I stayed married even after the warehouse fire because I wanted her. I... I fucking love her.”
"A bitter laugh claws at my throat, but I swallow it down. My fingers curl into fists in my lap as I force myself to breathe past the ache in my chest. He doesn’t want me. Not enough. Not the way I want him. I won’t beg. I won’t ask why. I won’t let him see me break."
Shane Quinlan & Lennox Donnelly
Review:
I loved Lennox but hated her family and how she kept letting them treat her like trash.
Tropes:
-Age Gap
-Cat
-Childhood Friends
-Forbidden
-Irish
-Mafia
-Marriage of Convenience
-New York
-Second Chance Romance
-Smut
Quotes:
“I married Lennox instead of Neve because I wanted her. I stayed married even after the warehouse fire because I wanted her. I... I fucking love her.”
"A bitter laugh claws at my throat, but I swallow it down. My fingers curl into fists in my lap as I force myself to breathe past the ache in my chest. He doesn’t want me. Not enough. Not the way I want him. I won’t beg. I won’t ask why. I won’t let him see me break."
July 12, 2025
Shane and Lennox’s story is here!! They came from rival families and could not be together…until Shane finds himself in an arranged marriage…to her sister…
Oh the tension in this book is so good!! Shane and Lennox had amazing this chemistry but after years of being apart they were both really hurt and find themselves always putting their families first.
Shane was brooding and unhinged and completely obsessed with Lennox - he wasn’t going to give up on her. Lennox was smart and strong and feisty. She cared for her sister so much and had worked so hard to make something of herself.
Their relationship was complicated and it was not smooth sailing. We get to see their relationship grow. Yes, there is a 3rd act breakup but it fits the story so well and makes so much sense with these characters - this is a very hard fought HEA and I could not get enough of them!
No spoilers but when her cat goes missing Shane really steps up!!
✨What To Expect:
☘️Irish Mafia
🔪Mob Fixer Hero
💋Night Club Owner Heroine
💒Forced Marriage
😳Sister’s Fiancé MMC
💍‘Wrong Bride’ FMC
⚔️Rival Families
📸Blackmail
🍼Surprise Pregnancy
💚Found Family
🔥”It was always you”
🐈⬛They find the cat!
Oh the tension in this book is so good!! Shane and Lennox had amazing this chemistry but after years of being apart they were both really hurt and find themselves always putting their families first.
Shane was brooding and unhinged and completely obsessed with Lennox - he wasn’t going to give up on her. Lennox was smart and strong and feisty. She cared for her sister so much and had worked so hard to make something of herself.
Their relationship was complicated and it was not smooth sailing. We get to see their relationship grow. Yes, there is a 3rd act breakup but it fits the story so well and makes so much sense with these characters - this is a very hard fought HEA and I could not get enough of them!
No spoilers but when her cat goes missing Shane really steps up!!
✨What To Expect:
☘️Irish Mafia
🔪Mob Fixer Hero
💋Night Club Owner Heroine
💒Forced Marriage
😳Sister’s Fiancé MMC
💍‘Wrong Bride’ FMC
⚔️Rival Families
📸Blackmail
🍼Surprise Pregnancy
💚Found Family
🔥”It was always you”
🐈⬛They find the cat!
Read
July 11, 2025Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)
The second in this spin off series, and while this could be read as a standalone, IMO it's a better read when you know all the past drama and happenings. This is a bit different, and while one of the triggers mentions cheating, I will say that it's not really cheating in this scenario. This was a really good addition to the series, giving us drama, danger, violence, and hot naughty bits. I give this 5 stars.
(5 stars)
The second in this spin off series, and while this could be read as a standalone, IMO it's a better read when you know all the past drama and happenings. This is a bit different, and while one of the triggers mentions cheating, I will say that it's not really cheating in this scenario. This was a really good addition to the series, giving us drama, danger, violence, and hot naughty bits. I give this 5 stars.
July 15, 2025
I loved and hated aspects of this. Solid 2.5-2.75.
I loved the angst in the beginning that could’ve been. But I also didn’t fully buy into their issues? The set up was great, however at times Lennox felt like a doormat.
Overall fun and I enjoyed it, just not perfect.
I loved the angst in the beginning that could’ve been. But I also didn’t fully buy into their issues? The set up was great, however at times Lennox felt like a doormat.
Overall fun and I enjoyed it, just not perfect.
August 14, 2025
“I wasn’t good enough, was I?”
There was a lot of wrong going on in this book but I’m a mood reader and I eat up sad/tragic upbringings and feelings of worthless. For some reason when someone feels unlovable or alone I love it. I want to cry along with them. I do cry along with them. There has to be something wrong with me. Because here I am reading about a girl whose family is shit and I love it. I want more of it. Anyways, this is your typical forced mafia marriage. Except the sister offered for the bargain is not the one the MC wants or even likes. He wants the older sister. But no worries everything works out. And I also seem to love all the added drama to this story so there really is something wrong with me. The only problem I had was with the ending. Haha. I wanted more blood. It’s all fake anyways, more blood mafia dudes!!!
There was a lot of wrong going on in this book but I’m a mood reader and I eat up sad/tragic upbringings and feelings of worthless. For some reason when someone feels unlovable or alone I love it. I want to cry along with them. I do cry along with them. There has to be something wrong with me. Because here I am reading about a girl whose family is shit and I love it. I want more of it. Anyways, this is your typical forced mafia marriage. Except the sister offered for the bargain is not the one the MC wants or even likes. He wants the older sister. But no worries everything works out. And I also seem to love all the added drama to this story so there really is something wrong with me. The only problem I had was with the ending. Haha. I wanted more blood. It’s all fake anyways, more blood mafia dudes!!!
July 19, 2025
Rival families and he's engaged to her sister?! What could go wrong haha
Shane and Lennox share something special from years ago and that feeling never dies but circumstances, secrets and lies arise before their relationship has time to develop. Years go by and circumstances have changed and Shane finds himself in an arranged engagement with Lennox's sister. Tensions are high and feelings and chemistry can't be hidden or ignored this time between Lennox and Shane. But when the mafia is involved things tend to get a little crazy.
The tension may be high but the stakes are even higher. Lennox has made something for herself despite her all of her father's antics and is trying to be there for sister through her heartache.
Shane is unhinged and obsessed with Lennox, not to mention when you add in the mafia this combination is bound to explode and cause a little chaos.
Their relationship takes some time to get right and they have to endure pain to get there but they push through and the ride to get to there was tough but these two were meant to be. And to be honest the ups and down were so relatable. This HEA was hard fought and deserved.
This book gave me all the emotions and feels that I love to feel while reading.
Thank you Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for this ARC.
Shane and Lennox share something special from years ago and that feeling never dies but circumstances, secrets and lies arise before their relationship has time to develop. Years go by and circumstances have changed and Shane finds himself in an arranged engagement with Lennox's sister. Tensions are high and feelings and chemistry can't be hidden or ignored this time between Lennox and Shane. But when the mafia is involved things tend to get a little crazy.
The tension may be high but the stakes are even higher. Lennox has made something for herself despite her all of her father's antics and is trying to be there for sister through her heartache.
Shane is unhinged and obsessed with Lennox, not to mention when you add in the mafia this combination is bound to explode and cause a little chaos.
Their relationship takes some time to get right and they have to endure pain to get there but they push through and the ride to get to there was tough but these two were meant to be. And to be honest the ups and down were so relatable. This HEA was hard fought and deserved.
This book gave me all the emotions and feels that I love to feel while reading.
Thank you Deborah Garland and The Author Agency for this ARC.
July 18, 2025
I have been looking for an Irish mafia book and I FOUND IT. This book has unrequited love, second chance and cheating (not between the MC's) and the angst was just perfect. I could have hugged this book multiple times and I cried when it ended because I knew I couldn't read it for the first time again.
September 24, 2025
this book was genuinely so amazing, i love shane and lennox so badly 🥹🥹🤍
July 8, 2025
I’m speechless
Savage Promises By Deborah Garland is a sizzling Irish mafia romance that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go.
The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable but will have you wanting more and have you at the edge of your seat.
I absolutely loved watching Shane and Lennox grow together and fight for each other.
Savage Promises By Deborah Garland is a sizzling Irish mafia romance that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go.
The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable but will have you wanting more and have you at the edge of your seat.
I absolutely loved watching Shane and Lennox grow together and fight for each other.
July 8, 2025
loved this book! it has an Irishman that finds a way to be with who he really wants when faced with an arranged marriage.the MCs had so much tension leading up to the marriage and then their marriage was full of tension- them just trying to get it right. the FMC's family was horrid til the end and you feel for her. but the MMC's family is one most wish to be part of
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
ALC Review: Savage Promises
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
If you’re into mafia romance with rival families, forced marriage, and second chances, Savage Promises is a solid pick.
Lennox and her brother’s best friend have serious history—and even more unresolved tension. Now he’s set to marry her sister for the sake of family alliances, but it’s clear she’s the one he really wants. Cue the drama, angst, and some seriously addictive mutual pining.
Lennox is strong and guarded, and he’s determined to win her back, no matter the cost. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Add in a great narration, and the audiobook makes for an entertaining listen.
Perfect for fans of forbidden love, emotional slow burns, and a satisfying HEA.
Thank you to @bluenoseaudio and @deborahgarlandauthor for sending me an alc to review!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
If you’re into mafia romance with rival families, forced marriage, and second chances, Savage Promises is a solid pick.
Lennox and her brother’s best friend have serious history—and even more unresolved tension. Now he’s set to marry her sister for the sake of family alliances, but it’s clear she’s the one he really wants. Cue the drama, angst, and some seriously addictive mutual pining.
Lennox is strong and guarded, and he’s determined to win her back, no matter the cost. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Add in a great narration, and the audiobook makes for an entertaining listen.
Perfect for fans of forbidden love, emotional slow burns, and a satisfying HEA.
Thank you to @bluenoseaudio and @deborahgarlandauthor for sending me an alc to review!
October 8, 2025
Book was kind of meh. Exciting at first but didn’t like how the strong female main character was almost a doormat for her new husband. I wasn’t a big fan of how he was engaged to her sister at first and then worked it out to get rid of the sister so he could be with the main character. They both clearly had feelings for each other and he shouldn’t have agreed to the dumb engagement to begin with her sister. He also got butt hurt and divorced the main female character and told her he cheated on her when he didn’t which caused her to be kicked out of the house and also broke her heart. I really wasn’t a fan of how immature he acted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
I don’t know why I finished it.
What bothers me about this is, his whole family knew he wanted the older sister and allowed him to be forced into an engagement with the 17yo other sister. Like come on. He says they can never be together then needs her help tracking down her underage sister and picking out rings. This book just pissed me off. This whole situation was just cruel. This story was a hot mess, the stuff he said in the bedroom was corny, they both made un-smart decisions, you say you’ve always wanted her but then y’all have separate bedrooms? You say you’re never letting her go, but sign divorce papers at the first chance you get? She’s not her sister. A lot of the story didn’t make sense but there is so much ridiculous drama you have to keep going to see how it turns out.
And what about the coach? Why wasn’t abusive, dear old dad beating him up?
And then the ending? His brothers call him and he needs Lennox to hold his hand? I can’t.
What bothers me about this is, his whole family knew he wanted the older sister and allowed him to be forced into an engagement with the 17yo other sister. Like come on. He says they can never be together then needs her help tracking down her underage sister and picking out rings. This book just pissed me off. This whole situation was just cruel. This story was a hot mess, the stuff he said in the bedroom was corny, they both made un-smart decisions, you say you’ve always wanted her but then y’all have separate bedrooms? You say you’re never letting her go, but sign divorce papers at the first chance you get? She’s not her sister. A lot of the story didn’t make sense but there is so much ridiculous drama you have to keep going to see how it turns out.
And what about the coach? Why wasn’t abusive, dear old dad beating him up?
And then the ending? His brothers call him and he needs Lennox to hold his hand? I can’t.
August 1, 2025
I really didn’t like this one.
Lennox and Shane have always wanted each other since they were teenagers. However, their families are kind of enemies a little bit but also work together and so they just can’t be with each other because of the vague animosity that I didn’t even feel. Until, Shane is promised Lennox’s sister who is a total brat and he commits to marry her, no resistance at all, and the rest of the story follows.
Lennox is obnoxious. She has a big mouth just like the badass heroines that I love but she has absolutely no skill to back it up. She mouths off to all manner of dangerous people because “she knows men like this” and basically gets herself beaten and deeper in trouble as a result. Like grow a brain girl. Not a hint of self-preservation with this one.
AND for almost the whole book the “hero” didn’t even resist the marriage to Lennox’s sister. He was just like well I guess this is what I have to do now. And he was supposedly from the more powerful family so what do you mean you can’t just say “no im taking Lennox, not this spoiled brat.”
AND Lennox’s family was the absolute worst but she just couldn’t let them go. They treated her like garbage and they were just generally terrible people. They had a nonsense redemption arc that wasn’t redeeming at all and I hated them.
I wanted so much more for this story. It basically sucked.
Lennox and Shane have always wanted each other since they were teenagers. However, their families are kind of enemies a little bit but also work together and so they just can’t be with each other because of the vague animosity that I didn’t even feel. Until, Shane is promised Lennox’s sister who is a total brat and he commits to marry her, no resistance at all, and the rest of the story follows.
Lennox is obnoxious. She has a big mouth just like the badass heroines that I love but she has absolutely no skill to back it up. She mouths off to all manner of dangerous people because “she knows men like this” and basically gets herself beaten and deeper in trouble as a result. Like grow a brain girl. Not a hint of self-preservation with this one.
AND for almost the whole book the “hero” didn’t even resist the marriage to Lennox’s sister. He was just like well I guess this is what I have to do now. And he was supposedly from the more powerful family so what do you mean you can’t just say “no im taking Lennox, not this spoiled brat.”
AND Lennox’s family was the absolute worst but she just couldn’t let them go. They treated her like garbage and they were just generally terrible people. They had a nonsense redemption arc that wasn’t redeeming at all and I hated them.
I wanted so much more for this story. It basically sucked.
July 4, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - July 11, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• irish mafia
• forced marriage
• enemies to lovers
• age gap
• forbidden romance
• she fall first
• surprise pregnancy
• touch her & die vibes
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
I loved this one so much. Shane and Lennox gave me butterflies in the most chaotic way. The tension, the stolen looks, the forbidden everything
I love when a hero is all cold and controlled until she walks in and ruins him. Lennox is fire and Shane is all sharp edges and danger.
This book had me kicking my feet and gasping every 5 mins. Mafia + angst + spice = my fav combo. The Quinlan world is getting more addictive with each book. This was pure dark romance goodness and I didn’t want it to end
Can’t wait for more from this series.
Thank you so much the author agency and author for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - July 11, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• irish mafia
• forced marriage
• enemies to lovers
• age gap
• forbidden romance
• she fall first
• surprise pregnancy
• touch her & die vibes
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
I loved this one so much. Shane and Lennox gave me butterflies in the most chaotic way. The tension, the stolen looks, the forbidden everything
I love when a hero is all cold and controlled until she walks in and ruins him. Lennox is fire and Shane is all sharp edges and danger.
This book had me kicking my feet and gasping every 5 mins. Mafia + angst + spice = my fav combo. The Quinlan world is getting more addictive with each book. This was pure dark romance goodness and I didn’t want it to end
Can’t wait for more from this series.
Thank you so much the author agency and author for the free ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews