Bound by the Christmas Vows

by Ava Gray

My father is Boston’s Pakhan.
Powerful. Merciless. Unforgiving.

And he just arranged my marriage—
to his most dangerous enforcer.

Dmitri Volkov.
Cold. Controlled. Sin wrapped in devotion.

He kills for my father.
But on Christmas Eve… he’ll vow himself to me.

A sacred Bratva wedding.
Blood vows. Candlelight. No escape.

He swears his promises are holy.
That once spoken, they can’t be broken.

But I’m already keeping a secret.
A heartbeat he doesn’t know about.
A truth that could damn us both.

Because when vows are lies,
love becomes a battlefield.

And when the cathedral erupts in gunfire,
my father dies in my arms—
while my groom bleeds at the altar.

Now blood stains the marble,
and the vows meant to save us…
might destroy everything we love.

This Christmas, when the echoes fade—
will our baby ever know the love of its parents…
or be swallowed by the war that made us?

Author’s A dark, emotional Bratva Christmas romance where vows are sacred, love is dangerous, and one secret changes everything.
Arranged marriage • Age gap • Secret pregnancy • Mafia power • Holiday passion

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2025

Reviews

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deciding the rating almost became existential experience. Interesting strong characters, good story line. I enjoyed the dynamic between Valya and Dimitri, but with the difference in writing style I felt as if I’d been thrown into a Tolstoy novel, only I was “The Idiot”. Some sections I had to go back and reread. But I did complete the book. Definitely not the style of writing expected after reading so many books by Ava Gray.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kit C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book read like a poem. It was quite different from another book by the same author, but I honestly preferred this.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dimitri and Valya walk into an arranged marriage, but it never feels cold or forced. Dimitri’s gentle determination to make sure Valya actually wants this marriage completely won me over. He is protective in a way that feels grounding instead of overbearing, and knowing he serves as her father’s enforcer adds this delicious edge to every moment they share. Valya’s quiet strength pairs so beautifully with his loyalty.

The ending tied everything together in the most satisfying way. It felt earned, spicy, and absolutely perfect for them

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound By The Christmas Vows is the second book in the Bratva Christmas Vows Series. A dark, emotional Bratva Christmas romance where vows are sacred, love is dangerous, and one secret changes everything. A dark mafia romance where an enforcer marries his boss's daughter on Christmas Eve, only for violence to erupt during a sacred ceremony. This is Dimitri and Valya story which is told from a dual point of view. Dark. Dangerous. Compelling. Sinful. Twisted. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this mind-blowing rollercoaster ride filled with high-octane action, non-stop twists and turns, panty-melting passion, suspense, violence, bloodshed and danger. A fast paced, thrilling, and gripping story. An exquisitely written story with complex individuals and twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you riveted and turning the pages.
A contemporary romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero romance, morally-grey antihero romance, dark mafia romance, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, arranged marriage romance, Bratva romance, holiday romance, Christmas romance, billionaire romance, secret pregnancy story, forbidden romance, with obsession, possessiveness, power play, power struggle, drama, guilt, revelation, guilt, heartache, greed, murder, attacks, threats, dominance, submission, consensual intense rough sex, dirty talking, revenge, retaliation, resilience, survival, loss, grief, steam, tension, emotions, longing, anger, mystery, deception, angst, betrayals, espionage, mayhem, love and so much more.
Valya dad is Boston pakhan. He's merciless, powerful, unforgiving and feared. He doesn't have an heir to take over his empire and as just arranged the marriage of his daughter Valya to his fierce, most, trusted and most dangerous enforcer Dmitri Volkov. Dmitri is cold, controlled and ruthless. He's sin wrapped in devotion. Dmitri is loyal to his pakhan and bound by the traditions of the bratva and will do anything that the pakhan ask. He kills for her father. The Pakhan is sick and doesn't have any heir to take over his empire after he dies and that's why he have arranged the marriage between two most important people in his life. The wedding is set for Christmas Eve. Valya know that as a daughter her role was to marry the person of her dad's choosing, so she different have a problem when her father suggested the arrangement plus she had already had a connection with Dmitri already.
On the day of her most sacred ceremony all hell broke loose and her wedding becomes a battlefield her ex broke in and ruin her wedding by killing her dad. She held her dead father in her arms, while her groom bleeds at the alter. Now blood stains the marble, and the vows that was meant to save them might destroy everything they love. He wanted power. Dmitri vowed to take care of her and he plans on upholding it. Their nuptials was riddle with deceit, bloodshed danger, traitors and past complications that they will have to fight their way through. She's already keeping a secret, a heartbeat he doesn't know about, a truth that could damn them both. And at the end there will be a new pakhan and pahanessa of her family's empire and a heir.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complex and intriguing read that holds reader captured between the pages
This has been a wonderful read I have o say that it was not purely the story which was wonderful but also the tone of this read, it is as though this is a simply wonderful written also as though this is a also poetry in parts and know that I have to complete this story that is simply captivating and I love every moment of this book.
Dmitri and Valya are in a situation not all of their making and yet they all know their place in this house and are aware that their adherence to the family is all important and when her father tells her that she is to marry Dmitri and that she needs a roof and he wants to keep her safe.
Valya is unlike her family she works to help those that are in need, she gathers milk and blankets and other things they need to help those that are in need, she loves babies and she wishes to do whatever she can to save as many babies and mothers as possible.
This is a complex story and you will find the returning Aleksandr from her past that had once left her with a broken heart of sorts but she would not run she had faced the faces that believed the knew too much and I guarantee that you will be captivated by the growing relationship between Dmitri and Valya.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bratva stories. This one is very compelling and complex. It deals with the struggles of a Bratva princess who want to be more than expected. Her father chooses a warrior as her husband. Dimitri and Valua have a complicated relationship. There is fire in their chemistry. He wants her to choose him not be forced. Her father said he needs to make it happen that they marry on Christmas Eve. There is a lot of conflict with the Bratva about the old ways vs new ways. Dimitri and Valya are challenged with half truths and an old love interest of hers. This is a page turner of a storyline. The intrigue is ongoing . I love how the book ends and how a future is forged with the new Pakhan and Pahanessa. It is a beautiful love story. The metaphors used in this story is very poetic and interesting by using words such and house and roof. It is more than 5 star worthy. Plus it is a book that can be revisited in the future with the same enjoyment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Bratva Christmas Vows Series where we are given an intriguing story with poetry with a mix of the Bratva world making an enjoyable read. Valya has been a woman who gives to those in need and knows her value in her father’s powerful world. One day he comes letting her know she’ll exchange vows with Dmitri, his Enforcer on Christmas Eve as she needs a roof for her house. Either asked for this situation and neither runs from it. It’s beautiful to see how their spoken vows witnessed in the chapel shows they put family priorities of the old world over their enemies who only seek power at all cost. When Valya’s past returns he creates opportunities to cause problems and bring danger to her house. When Valya and Dmitri make the decisions they do they set in motion a beautiful love story! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RxReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy and satisfying holiday romance. Bound by Christmas Vows delivers all the best marriage of convenience vibes with a festive backdrop that actually feels meaningful instead of just decorative 🎄 The chemistry builds naturally, and I loved how the forced proximity slowly turned into real emotional connection. It felt warm, romantic, and surprisingly heartfelt while still keeping things steamy.

What really worked for me was how the relationship evolved. Watching the characters move from obligation to genuine care made the story feel grounded and believable. The pacing was smooth, the holiday atmosphere added charm, and the happy ending felt well earned ❤️ If you enjoy fake marriages, winter settings, and romance that balances heat with emotional payoff, this one is an easy recommendation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dewey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for an overly creative, pretentious and confusing writing style. So many (mixed) metaphors: "Every room is a problem with an answer if you refuse to let noise pretend to be music." What? Metaphors are important but not every other sentence. I wonder if I'm reading a fairy tale.

I spend too much time trying to figure out what sentences mean. For example, "He mistakes novelty for evolution and calls vows a tourist story to be sold with souvenirs."

"The docks tell me Grekov is laundering confidence along with the rifles because this is a song I have heard in three languages."

I try but the writing style sends me to a DNF. "I prefer stairs that echo less and corridors that have been scrubbed so often they confess lye and salt and the old taste of blood."

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentina is the daughter of the Pakhan, she volunteers at a mission providing food, clothing and companionship. Her father arranges a marriage to his enforcer which uncovers plots to overthrow the regime.
The story is very complex and dark with lightness interspersed. The prose is poetic and emotional.
The story is quite profound with significant religious undertones.
It is a very entrancing story and well worthwhile read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A dark, emotional Bratva Christmas romance where vows are sacred, love is dangerous, and one secret changes everything.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Fairburn]

Vaya's marriage has been arranged by her the her father the Pakhan to his enforcer Dmitri is fraught with danger from the start.
Although secret lovers marriage was never spoken but the love was there, privately.
Enemies want to stop the wedding going through and the plots come thick and fast making it hard for Dmitri to keep her safe.
On the wedding day nothing goes right and bloodshed and deaths follow.
Ava has written this story so well and the detail of the vows are so interesting.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has a lot of angles to it that made for a unique read. It was interesting even though at times I lost interest but then it would quickly draw me back in. I loved the two main characters, Dmitri and Valya, and was glad they finally achieved their happy end even though the path was full of danger and deceit. It’s a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by this author that I could not put down until the end. Dmitri and Valya’s love journey was filled with slowburn tension and sizzling passionate moments. Amidst betrayals and espionage,they work to find a way to trust in each other and the house they are to create together through marriage. Well written with beautiful metaphors, secrets revealed, perseverance, emotion and a forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valya is the daughter of the Pakhan and was raised knowing she would be expected to marry a man of her father’s choosing. He has chosen his enforcer, Dmitri Volkov to marry his daughter on Christmas Eve. Neither put of a fight, they know what is expected of them..

I am an avid reader of the author but this one did not hit the mark for me, the beginning was a bit hard to get thru but the story is worth completing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby it's cold outside, but the room inside is going to get warmer due to this AWESOME 5 star read by Ava. After you start to read this romance book you are going to keep reading all about Dmitri and Valya. Their arranged marriage is an unstoppable read and I couldn't get enough of this book. It's really well written and very entertaining.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentina is the daughter of Boston's Pakhan and he's arranged for her to marry Dmitri Volkov, the Pakhans Enforcer. These two have a tough road to begin with but it doesn't take long for them to find a rhythm and they move boldly into their rightful places. Bound By The Christmas Vows is an intense, intriguing read and definitely worth the read!

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was not for me. I found myself wandering from the story and felt disconnected from the characters. And, that’s okay. Not every book is meant for everyone.

If you like Bratva stories, I would encourage you to give this one a try. You may be the target reader after all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

She is the daughter of the Pakhan and has been given to his enforcer to marry. It is an interesting story filled with blood shed, romance and new beginnings. Valentina and Dimitri had me all caught up in this thrilling tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mafia arranged marriage romance. It really spicy with an intense alpha that is very caring for this wife . This had adventure and mystery in it . It definitely has an happy ending. Definitely enemies to lovers. I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wild action filled story dealing with the Bratva and lots of drama and danger. A fun story that had me glued to see how it would end. Plus it has the Christmas timing to add to all the fun. Enjoyed the story and characters. Enjoyed watching Dimitri and Valya's arranged marriage end up something different that they both needed.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow Valya’s story in her relationship with her father, her duties and Dmitri, prepare yourself to be dazzled by with that mafia romance filled with suspense, danger, it has it all. I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am all about this type of romance. I enjoyed the two main characters very much but the flow of the story was a bit lacking the normal oomph for me. I can’t put my finger on it but just felt like it was a bit slow in a lot of places, which is unusual for Ava. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vow of Promise

This one is definitely written a little differently than what I am used to from the author. However, the overall premise was intriguing and kept my interest. The sparks between Dmitri and Valya were intense and steamy which was a great addition to the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angelia Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many of Ava Gray's books, which I love, but this one fell a little flat for me. My first initial thought was, did someone else write this story? I finally had to skip ahead to reading the dialogue when someone was talking because there were so many details of beeswax and honey all the time.

[Lesley Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bored

To much thoughts and maybe less dialogue would help this story along. Not being Russian I found a lot of the book unintelligible, rites and vows, discussions about past generations and what they did and wanted set the book up to be very boring. There was little in the way of tension and little to no violence associated with the Bratva. Very disappointing.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valyas father arranges her marriage to his enforcer Dmitri and he takes the vows seriously he wants her, but as bloodshed rains on their wedding day, death follows but also new life, and Dmitri will do anything to keep her safe. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action twists and more

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by the Xmas Vows

Dimitri and Valya

Struggled with this one to complete. Different style of writing that I wasn't used to. MCs were good and likable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. In this story this bratva thinks that a house is together with a roof that is solid and stronger with loyalty and honor.

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Dimitri and Valya. I couldn't get enough of them and the way Dimitri claimed Valya even before he was asked to marry her. It was really enjoyable to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.