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Lethal Vows #3
Verleidelijke geloften
Sluw, dodelijk en veerkrachtig waren maar een paar woorden die mannen hebben gebruikt om Anya Ivanov te omschrijven. Sommigen gebruikten woorden die veel erger waren. En toevallig gebeurde het dat het hoofd van een twijfelachtige veiling de aandacht trok van een meedogenloze zakenman, River Bently.
River wist dat ze de zijne was zodra hij haar zag. En hij was meer dan geduldig, gaf haar de tijd om te beseffen dat hij nergens naartoe ging. Ook al drong hij zich binnen in haar territorium, hij was van plan om te blijven.
De enige manier om tijd met Anya door te brengen, was als je het geld had om te betalen voor haar gezelschap.
En dat kon hij.
Hij kon elke laatste dollar betalen die ze eiste om in dezelfde ruimte te zijn als de vrouw voor wie iedereen bang was. Wat hij zag, was niet een vrouw die hem op de knieën kon brengen.
Nee, hij zag een vrouw voor wie hij graag op zijn knieën zou gaan.
River wist dat ze de zijne was zodra hij haar zag. En hij was meer dan geduldig, gaf haar de tijd om te beseffen dat hij nergens naartoe ging. Ook al drong hij zich binnen in haar territorium, hij was van plan om te blijven.
De enige manier om tijd met Anya door te brengen, was als je het geld had om te betalen voor haar gezelschap.
En dat kon hij.
Hij kon elke laatste dollar betalen die ze eiste om in dezelfde ruimte te zijn als de vrouw voor wie iedereen bang was. Wat hij zag, was niet een vrouw die hem op de knieën kon brengen.
Nee, hij zag een vrouw voor wie hij graag op zijn knieën zou gaan.
Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
1964 people are currently reading
10857 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Smith
85 books6,691 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
June 27, 2024
WHAT? I. LOVED. THIS. OH MY GOD.
The intensity, the power, the danger and the tension. UGGHHH. I. JUST. DIED. DEAD. DECEASED FROM LIVING. This is the second fucking book I have read from Kia, and I AM JUST FROTHING. Yes, I know I used that word. I intended it and meant it. No, I am not going to change it.
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. OH MY GOD. This series has been in my tbr for a while now and I am absolutely in so much desperation to read the others after this. Anya for one, is the BADDEST MOTHERFUCKING BITCH I HAVE EVER SEEN. Her background and upbringing is true control, with the result being the woman she is today. But I do want to hug her though, even if she’d put a bullet through my skull. I want her to feel my love. And she just screams power and literally oozes sex. Not that that’s a bad thing… certainly not for the River Bently. I just… I don’t think I have any words nor a vocabulary to accurately describe River. And I don’t think I want to. Just. YUM. FUCKING. DELICIOUS. I’m not even going to lie at this point, I would get on my knees for the both of them and I’m not even sorry about it.
The story, even with its mystery element is just outstanding. It could not get any better than this. The never-ending push and pull of banter and pure sarcasm from both River and Anya had me REELING. Not to mention the small comments here and there made by Michael and Will. Pure comedy gold. Just had me outright cackling. But the PLOT TWISTS. GOOD LORD. BURN. THEM. ALL. I cannot be more specific when I say I absolutely loved everything about this book. YES. YES. YES. I cannot wait for Alek’s story, as I AM DYING TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM. He 100% is a freak and I am calling it.
The intensity, the power, the danger and the tension. UGGHHH. I. JUST. DIED. DEAD. DECEASED FROM LIVING. This is the second fucking book I have read from Kia, and I AM JUST FROTHING. Yes, I know I used that word. I intended it and meant it. No, I am not going to change it.
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. OH MY GOD. This series has been in my tbr for a while now and I am absolutely in so much desperation to read the others after this. Anya for one, is the BADDEST MOTHERFUCKING BITCH I HAVE EVER SEEN. Her background and upbringing is true control, with the result being the woman she is today. But I do want to hug her though, even if she’d put a bullet through my skull. I want her to feel my love. And she just screams power and literally oozes sex. Not that that’s a bad thing… certainly not for the River Bently. I just… I don’t think I have any words nor a vocabulary to accurately describe River. And I don’t think I want to. Just. YUM. FUCKING. DELICIOUS. I’m not even going to lie at this point, I would get on my knees for the both of them and I’m not even sorry about it.
The story, even with its mystery element is just outstanding. It could not get any better than this. The never-ending push and pull of banter and pure sarcasm from both River and Anya had me REELING. Not to mention the small comments here and there made by Michael and Will. Pure comedy gold. Just had me outright cackling. But the PLOT TWISTS. GOOD LORD. BURN. THEM. ALL. I cannot be more specific when I say I absolutely loved everything about this book. YES. YES. YES. I cannot wait for Alek’s story, as I AM DYING TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM. He 100% is a freak and I am calling it.
February 20, 2025
I don't dnf books a lot I just skim most if them but this one I just couldn't take it any longer 😭😭 God the fmc was infuriating. A bad ass??? More like conceited 💀.
Dnf'd at 34%
Dnf'd at 34%
June 28, 2024
Cunning Vows deserves so many stars 🌟
It's always been Alek and Anya. But Alek has disappeared, leaving Anya to run their business on her own. Alek had made deals that Anya had no idea about. So when River Bently casually strolls in and makes himself comfortable, Anya is not very pleased with this.
With everything she throws at him, it only makes him come back for more.
Anya is she used to being in control. She has no idea what to do when she starts to have feelings. It only makes her more of everything to River.
Anya was so volatile and like a bomb ready to go off. But she was one crazy, epic woman. She took no bullshit. Rivers car.. well she did not fucking blink. She is unapologetically content in her own skin and she is a BOSS BITCH and I literally LOVE HER.
River is a cocky bastard but did he give up oh HELL NO. He was persistent, demanding and domineering and Anya actually loved it (not that she liked to admit it.)
They were 🔥
I am definitely looking forward to reading Alek's story. He was a mystery from start to end of River and Anya's book, and I MUST find out what his story is.
I definitely recommend Cunning Vows! 👌
It's always been Alek and Anya. But Alek has disappeared, leaving Anya to run their business on her own. Alek had made deals that Anya had no idea about. So when River Bently casually strolls in and makes himself comfortable, Anya is not very pleased with this.
With everything she throws at him, it only makes him come back for more.
Anya is she used to being in control. She has no idea what to do when she starts to have feelings. It only makes her more of everything to River.
Anya was so volatile and like a bomb ready to go off. But she was one crazy, epic woman. She took no bullshit. Rivers car.. well she did not fucking blink. She is unapologetically content in her own skin and she is a BOSS BITCH and I literally LOVE HER.
River is a cocky bastard but did he give up oh HELL NO. He was persistent, demanding and domineering and Anya actually loved it (not that she liked to admit it.)
They were 🔥
I am definitely looking forward to reading Alek's story. He was a mystery from start to end of River and Anya's book, and I MUST find out what his story is.
I definitely recommend Cunning Vows! 👌
July 2, 2024
2.5⭐️3🌶️
This wasn’t totally bad, it just wasn’t for me, I didn’t enjoyed it and neither was I invested in the characters or the plot.
I picked this up because of TikTok, specifically the scene when they meet and she is a ruthless woman in a man’s world.
But color me disappointed when she was ruthless for point five seconds before she was being unraveled by one man’s looks.
I was expecting to see more of her personality of queen of an empire and someone you don’t fuck with but the whole book she was unraveling mentally and emotionally not only because of River but also because of Alek and Meredith.
Her thoughts and wants were at war with her actions and for me this diminished her credibility as the badass she was portrayed to be.
Since this was the only version of Anya that was presented I didn’t see growth, I saw a woman tiered of her responsibility’s with obvious attachments issues towards her brother so that she latched to the first man who showed her something other than what she was used to.
The relationship between Anya and River was toxic to say the least, their relationship was a perfect example that there’s a very thin line between love and hate and not exactly in a good way.
Not only do I think this characters were toxic for each other but their relationship was unhealthy and inconsequential.
There was no plot, the relationship was the plot because all her businesses took the back burner and were forgotten all of a sudden.
I don’t normally regret reading something but I could add this to that list.
This wasn’t totally bad, it just wasn’t for me, I didn’t enjoyed it and neither was I invested in the characters or the plot.
I picked this up because of TikTok, specifically the scene when they meet and she is a ruthless woman in a man’s world.
But color me disappointed when she was ruthless for point five seconds before she was being unraveled by one man’s looks.
I was expecting to see more of her personality of queen of an empire and someone you don’t fuck with but the whole book she was unraveling mentally and emotionally not only because of River but also because of Alek and Meredith.
Her thoughts and wants were at war with her actions and for me this diminished her credibility as the badass she was portrayed to be.
Since this was the only version of Anya that was presented I didn’t see growth, I saw a woman tiered of her responsibility’s with obvious attachments issues towards her brother so that she latched to the first man who showed her something other than what she was used to.
The relationship between Anya and River was toxic to say the least, their relationship was a perfect example that there’s a very thin line between love and hate and not exactly in a good way.
Not only do I think this characters were toxic for each other but their relationship was unhealthy and inconsequential.
There was no plot, the relationship was the plot because all her businesses took the back burner and were forgotten all of a sudden.
I don’t normally regret reading something but I could add this to that list.
July 11, 2024
This book was a first for soo many things for me. A woman, the FMC in particular, dealing in sex trafficking (voluntary), The FMC being intimate with her guards (no cheating involved tho). The MMC earning less than the FMC (hes not poor, he just earns a few less millions than her) and lastly the FMC being the psycho possessive one in the relationship.
Anya is the most fierce/ badass FMC I have EVER read. She was just on another level crazy and possessive, she knew what she wanted and she didn’t wait around for anyone to hand it to her. I think she made this book worth reading tbh, her sass, her attitude and just everything. She would torch a car up into flames just to prove a point.
“I am not fucking jealous! Fuck you! I’m pouring gasoline on your car and torching it. Once I’m done with this car, I’m going over to your house and torching the others.”
Michael drives me up Anya’s driveway after dropping my mother off. We park in front of her home. Smoke is billowing on the front lawn from what appears to be one of my favorite cars up in flames.”
She actually lit his car on fire. We love a girl who can keep her word.😭💀 River was okay tbh. He didn’t do much for me, he just existed. I didn’t like him, I didn’t hate him. I just have to give him credit for his dedication and patience tho, idk how on earth he’s handling a girl like Anya.
Plot wise, I wasn’t too into it, and I felt like the ending was sooo rushed. She hated him and vowed to never be with him until 92% of the book and then suddenly in the last 5%, she not only wanted to be with him but she married him💀 like what? The math ain’t mathing. The only thing keeping me going was their banter, it was great🤌
“She tries to remove her hand from mine, but I tighten my grip as I thread my fingers through hers.
“Yuck,” she spits. “I didn’t take you as the overbearing type.”
“One of us has to make up for your prickly presence,” I say, unfazed”
“What do you want to eat?”
“Why, do you plan to hand feed it to me?” she asks, lifting a perfectly manicured brow.
“Do you want me to?”
“Give it a try. Let’s see how many fingers I can remove with my teeth,” she snarks back. I smile, transfixed by her. ”
Overall It was an experience to say the least. Did I absolutely love this book? No, but I had a good time reading it so that’s all that matters.
Anya is the most fierce/ badass FMC I have EVER read. She was just on another level crazy and possessive, she knew what she wanted and she didn’t wait around for anyone to hand it to her. I think she made this book worth reading tbh, her sass, her attitude and just everything. She would torch a car up into flames just to prove a point.
“I am not fucking jealous! Fuck you! I’m pouring gasoline on your car and torching it. Once I’m done with this car, I’m going over to your house and torching the others.”
Michael drives me up Anya’s driveway after dropping my mother off. We park in front of her home. Smoke is billowing on the front lawn from what appears to be one of my favorite cars up in flames.”
She actually lit his car on fire. We love a girl who can keep her word.😭💀 River was okay tbh. He didn’t do much for me, he just existed. I didn’t like him, I didn’t hate him. I just have to give him credit for his dedication and patience tho, idk how on earth he’s handling a girl like Anya.
Plot wise, I wasn’t too into it, and I felt like the ending was sooo rushed. She hated him and vowed to never be with him until 92% of the book and then suddenly in the last 5%, she not only wanted to be with him but she married him💀 like what? The math ain’t mathing. The only thing keeping me going was their banter, it was great🤌
“She tries to remove her hand from mine, but I tighten my grip as I thread my fingers through hers.
“Yuck,” she spits. “I didn’t take you as the overbearing type.”
“One of us has to make up for your prickly presence,” I say, unfazed”
“What do you want to eat?”
“Why, do you plan to hand feed it to me?” she asks, lifting a perfectly manicured brow.
“Do you want me to?”
“Give it a try. Let’s see how many fingers I can remove with my teeth,” she snarks back. I smile, transfixed by her. ”
Overall It was an experience to say the least. Did I absolutely love this book? No, but I had a good time reading it so that’s all that matters.
July 12, 2024
uhhhh this was kinda dumb. i’m still trying to figure out what the plot was. the girl wasn’t even a tough bad ass she was just quite frankly a psychotic bitch (kinda validly but fucking crazy nonetheless).
August 4, 2024
This book was just what I needed to get me out of a slump. Mafia book but she's a boss too so instead of a game of cat and mouse you have two lions circling each other. He falls first and he falls hard! Also no detailed gore and smut wasn't disturbing so bonus
October 19, 2024
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 2 stars ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
this book is fast fashion.
(aaaand once again I ask myself why I can’t begin reviews like a normal person)
I read this book because I wanted something to clean my slate after finishing a masterpiece of a book and to avoid falling into a reading slump.
And you know what? this book did that. so really, I’m not complaining.
The plot of this book is nonexistent. There’s minimal character development and character depth is something the authors have not yet heard of. Both of the main characters are unlikable, arrogant and about as self aware as a piece of bread. The spice gets repetitive faster than you can say emotional trauma.
But I’m not complaining.
The pacing is okay and every now and then I enjoyed myself - because of well written banter or simply the absurdity of their talks? who knows.
Sometimes you need a book like this whether to wipe your slate clean or to appreciate a good book the next time you read one. The moral of the story is that you can’t expect something cheap to be good. And that goes for fast fashion too.
xx
this book is fast fashion.
(aaaand once again I ask myself why I can’t begin reviews like a normal person)
I read this book because I wanted something to clean my slate after finishing a masterpiece of a book and to avoid falling into a reading slump.
And you know what? this book did that. so really, I’m not complaining.
The plot of this book is nonexistent. There’s minimal character development and character depth is something the authors have not yet heard of. Both of the main characters are unlikable, arrogant and about as self aware as a piece of bread. The spice gets repetitive faster than you can say emotional trauma.
But I’m not complaining.
The pacing is okay and every now and then I enjoyed myself - because of well written banter or simply the absurdity of their talks? who knows.
Sometimes you need a book like this whether to wipe your slate clean or to appreciate a good book the next time you read one. The moral of the story is that you can’t expect something cheap to be good. And that goes for fast fashion too.
xx
June 29, 2024
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
WHEW one thing I will never get over is the banter and struggle with two people who are currently enemies, but are destined to be lovers🫠
Anya is cutthroat and takes nothing from anyone in her life. I love how determined she was throughout the story to forge her own path, but River just had to push his way in to get to her lol. Them together is like a nuclear bomb of want, longing, emotions and tension that followed them through out the story & I loved every second. I was so here for the slow burn between the both of them, because it showed just how important it was for them to win each other’s affection🥹
As this series progresses, I love the connections between each book! Thank you so much to T. L. Smith & Kia Carrington-Russell for this arc🩵
Spice: 4🌶️
WHEW one thing I will never get over is the banter and struggle with two people who are currently enemies, but are destined to be lovers🫠
Anya is cutthroat and takes nothing from anyone in her life. I love how determined she was throughout the story to forge her own path, but River just had to push his way in to get to her lol. Them together is like a nuclear bomb of want, longing, emotions and tension that followed them through out the story & I loved every second. I was so here for the slow burn between the both of them, because it showed just how important it was for them to win each other’s affection🥹
As this series progresses, I love the connections between each book! Thank you so much to T. L. Smith & Kia Carrington-Russell for this arc🩵
June 29, 2024
I am obsessed with mafia romances and I loved this addition in this new series that we are getting from this author duo! River and Anya were amazing their chemistry was palpable it was intense and just off the charts they are definitely a match made in heaven or maybe it’s hell lol either way they are both perfect for each other and I devoured their story! I can’t wait to see what this powerhouse duo brings next!
June 30, 2024
This book was brilliant and everything I thought we would be getting from River and Anya. This book had the correct title. Cunning as well as lethal was exactly what this book was. I'm gonna find it very hard to review this book. As so much happens, and yet it will easily be spoilt. And I would hate to do that.
The banter, chemistry, and tension are all off the charts. I love the persistence of River, but in saying that, I love the strength and no nonsense of Anya. Their push and pull dynamic was brilliant to read. But all that aside. There is a darkness that runs throughout this book, and when all the secrets are spilt, it's a shock the truth comes out.
This book is a huge recommend from me. This series just keeps building and getting stronger with each book.
The banter, chemistry, and tension are all off the charts. I love the persistence of River, but in saying that, I love the strength and no nonsense of Anya. Their push and pull dynamic was brilliant to read. But all that aside. There is a darkness that runs throughout this book, and when all the secrets are spilt, it's a shock the truth comes out.
This book is a huge recommend from me. This series just keeps building and getting stronger with each book.
July 3, 2024
4 🌟
3 🌶️
I was not prepared to fall in love with Anya from the previous books in this series. But here I am. River was chef's kiss and I loved their story. As always, T.L. and Kia deliver with this series. I was NOT expecting the item that came out of his dresser...IYKYK
3 🌶️
I was not prepared to fall in love with Anya from the previous books in this series. But here I am. River was chef's kiss and I loved their story. As always, T.L. and Kia deliver with this series. I was NOT expecting the item that came out of his dresser...IYKYK
October 27, 2024
Badass FMC
I am completely obsessed with these two. The fire between them but also their attraction to each other. I am still confused about Alek and why he acted the way he did and why he was back out of a sudden, so I can't wait to find out I the next one.
I am completely obsessed with these two. The fire between them but also their attraction to each other. I am still confused about Alek and why he acted the way he did and why he was back out of a sudden, so I can't wait to find out I the next one.
June 28, 2024
Volatile, fire, explosive, all of those adjectives describe the relationship between River and Anya in this angsty, rollercoaster of a story!
Anya is a woman who will not be told what to do. She is a boss in a man’s world and doesn’t let anyone forget it. When she meets River for the first time they are both taken by surprised with each other and the attraction they start to feel. He won’t let her go and she won’t fall on her knees for him. This story is a power struggle but a glorious one because the steam is piping hot!
Loved the ups and downs, twists and turns and cannot wait for Anya’s brother’s story!
Anya is a woman who will not be told what to do. She is a boss in a man’s world and doesn’t let anyone forget it. When she meets River for the first time they are both taken by surprised with each other and the attraction they start to feel. He won’t let her go and she won’t fall on her knees for him. This story is a power struggle but a glorious one because the steam is piping hot!
Loved the ups and downs, twists and turns and cannot wait for Anya’s brother’s story!
October 9, 2024
If I could 0 star I would, nearly DNF but had to keep going for the reading challenge
February 20, 2025
Some parts were a serve, but others were serving ‘why am I still reading this?’ energy."
June 30, 2024
Not really a fan of this book it started good I loved River but Anya towards the middle of the book just done my head in really didn’t like her and if I’m honest I prefer TL writing on her own the last 2 books have not be for me but that’s just my opinion you judge for yourself
January 31, 2026
#părerea_Violetei
#recomandare_de_lectură
💍Cunning vows, T. L. Smith & Kia Carrington Russell
392 pagini (Lethel vows, #3)
💍Posibile spoilere!
💍Anya Ivanov este o femeie dură, este o femeie care trebuie să conducă cu mână de fier afacerea sa, mai ales acum ca fratele său - Aleksander - a dispărut, este femeie care nu se lasă dominată de sentimente, este o femeie care nu a cunoscut iubirea, iar ceea ce îi dă satisfacție este puterea și bijuteriile scumpe. Numai ca lumea Anyei este întoarsă cu susul în jos de un bărbat, pe numele lui River Bently.
💍River este un bărbat dur și nemilos, este un bărbat puternic și din momentul în care o întâlnește pe Anya, în ciuda caracterului ei și a limbii spurcate, știe ca o vrea pe ea, pe adevărata Anya, în viața lui, iar pentru a obține acest lucru va fi nevoit să treacă prin focurile iadului.
💍Cumva River sparge gheața în care este prinsă inima Anyei și încet, încet se infiltrează în viața ei, în sufletul și inima ei. Ceea ce începe să simtă pentru River, pe Anya o sperie deoarece mereu a trebuie să fie puternică și să nu depindă de nimeni, dar cu River simte să pierde acest control, ceea ce o face să-l evite, lucru cu care el nu este de acord, provocând-o la orice pas și căutând să-i dea jos toate măștile. Dar nu totul este simplu și cei doi vor avea de înfruntat secrete, dușmani, un trecut dureros și multă încăpățânare, iar dacă le vor dovedi pe toate și vor găsi împlinirea unul în brațele celuilalt rămâne să aflați voi.
💍Și acest volum mi-a plăcut, iar ceea ce este și mai surprinzător este faptul ca mă țin de serie, am și început volumul patru. River și Anya sunt două personaje aparte, mai ales Anya care îl va provoca maxim pe River. Mi-a plăcut faptul ca River este asumat și nu a ascuns o clipă care îi sunt intențiile față de femeia pe care o vrea, mi-a plăcut cum Anya se deschide în fața lui, foaie cu foaie, mi-a plăcut cum a ținut piept tuturor provocărilor, mi-a plăcut ca a înțeles ca merita mult mai mult de la viață, dar mai ales merita sa fie iubită și sa iubească, mi-a plăcut modul în care mama lui River a acceptat-o pe Anya și nu a speriat-o atitudinea ei rece și distantă (dialogul dintre ele este delicios). Da recomand și abia aștept să descopăr povestea din volumul următor.
#recomandare_de_lectură
💍Cunning vows, T. L. Smith & Kia Carrington Russell
392 pagini (Lethel vows, #3)
💍Posibile spoilere!
💍Anya Ivanov este o femeie dură, este o femeie care trebuie să conducă cu mână de fier afacerea sa, mai ales acum ca fratele său - Aleksander - a dispărut, este femeie care nu se lasă dominată de sentimente, este o femeie care nu a cunoscut iubirea, iar ceea ce îi dă satisfacție este puterea și bijuteriile scumpe. Numai ca lumea Anyei este întoarsă cu susul în jos de un bărbat, pe numele lui River Bently.
💍River este un bărbat dur și nemilos, este un bărbat puternic și din momentul în care o întâlnește pe Anya, în ciuda caracterului ei și a limbii spurcate, știe ca o vrea pe ea, pe adevărata Anya, în viața lui, iar pentru a obține acest lucru va fi nevoit să treacă prin focurile iadului.
💍Cumva River sparge gheața în care este prinsă inima Anyei și încet, încet se infiltrează în viața ei, în sufletul și inima ei. Ceea ce începe să simtă pentru River, pe Anya o sperie deoarece mereu a trebuie să fie puternică și să nu depindă de nimeni, dar cu River simte să pierde acest control, ceea ce o face să-l evite, lucru cu care el nu este de acord, provocând-o la orice pas și căutând să-i dea jos toate măștile. Dar nu totul este simplu și cei doi vor avea de înfruntat secrete, dușmani, un trecut dureros și multă încăpățânare, iar dacă le vor dovedi pe toate și vor găsi împlinirea unul în brațele celuilalt rămâne să aflați voi.
💍Și acest volum mi-a plăcut, iar ceea ce este și mai surprinzător este faptul ca mă țin de serie, am și început volumul patru. River și Anya sunt două personaje aparte, mai ales Anya care îl va provoca maxim pe River. Mi-a plăcut faptul ca River este asumat și nu a ascuns o clipă care îi sunt intențiile față de femeia pe care o vrea, mi-a plăcut cum Anya se deschide în fața lui, foaie cu foaie, mi-a plăcut cum a ținut piept tuturor provocărilor, mi-a plăcut ca a înțeles ca merita mult mai mult de la viață, dar mai ales merita sa fie iubită și sa iubească, mi-a plăcut modul în care mama lui River a acceptat-o pe Anya și nu a speriat-o atitudinea ei rece și distantă (dialogul dintre ele este delicios). Da recomand și abia aștept să descopăr povestea din volumul următor.
June 28, 2024
“At this angle, her gaze pierces through the dark night with only the interior car light acting like a halo around her. But she’s anything but angelic.”
5/5 Stars
4/5 Spice
Once more I was blessed to be approved for an ARC in this wonderful series. This series was the first time I had ever read T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington Russell and it has been an amazing journey.
Cunning Vows is the third book in the series of Lethal Vows. It is a standalone but I always recommend reading the previous books before because characters from this book make appearances in those books and those characters make appearances in this book so that it won't spoil you that way.
Anya Ivanov twin sister to Alek. The two run a powerful empire, people don't dare to mess with them. She is the definition of "I'm a strong independent woman who doesn't need help from any man." Anya is left caring for their empire when her brother disappears on her.
River Bently comes to New York City hoping to get what he is owed from Alek but instead finds a beautiful Anya running things solo without her brother. He is smitten by the little she-devil and willing to do anything to get a little taste of her.
Anya uses her beauty and power to get what she wants and that's money and sex and doesn't want a man or any man to take what is hers or to control her. This action and her resistance have River just fascinated by Anya and he can't wait to break her.
There is so much angst between the two and their little banter back and forth with calling each other by the wrong first names is honestly adorable. It's great to see River try to win Anya's affection, and though she hates what he is doing to try to win it, she can't help but love how she's benefiting from it. Both are very dominant, they are both used to being alphas in anything they do. This is a slow burn though there is a bit of spice but the real juice stuff happens around 67%. Even with the slow burn, I couldn't put the book down.
I honestly can't wait for Deranged Vows to come out. I can't wait to read Alek's story.
Read those trigger warnings and happy reading.
5/5 Stars
4/5 Spice
Once more I was blessed to be approved for an ARC in this wonderful series. This series was the first time I had ever read T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington Russell and it has been an amazing journey.
Cunning Vows is the third book in the series of Lethal Vows. It is a standalone but I always recommend reading the previous books before because characters from this book make appearances in those books and those characters make appearances in this book so that it won't spoil you that way.
Anya Ivanov twin sister to Alek. The two run a powerful empire, people don't dare to mess with them. She is the definition of "I'm a strong independent woman who doesn't need help from any man." Anya is left caring for their empire when her brother disappears on her.
River Bently comes to New York City hoping to get what he is owed from Alek but instead finds a beautiful Anya running things solo without her brother. He is smitten by the little she-devil and willing to do anything to get a little taste of her.
Anya uses her beauty and power to get what she wants and that's money and sex and doesn't want a man or any man to take what is hers or to control her. This action and her resistance have River just fascinated by Anya and he can't wait to break her.
There is so much angst between the two and their little banter back and forth with calling each other by the wrong first names is honestly adorable. It's great to see River try to win Anya's affection, and though she hates what he is doing to try to win it, she can't help but love how she's benefiting from it. Both are very dominant, they are both used to being alphas in anything they do. This is a slow burn though there is a bit of spice but the real juice stuff happens around 67%. Even with the slow burn, I couldn't put the book down.
I honestly can't wait for Deranged Vows to come out. I can't wait to read Alek's story.
Read those trigger warnings and happy reading.
June 27, 2024
Cunning Vows is the perfect title for this book, as Anya Ivanov is very cunning; she is also resilient and lethal when she needs to be. Her twin brother, Alek, is every bit as deadly. However, he has his own story to tell. Enter River Bently, who is obsessed with Anya, and we have the basis for an excellent dark romance story.
Having read snippets about both twins in the two previous books, I was intrigued by them, and holy moly, Anya is an interesting character. I didn’t think I would like her so quickly and so much, but I did. She’s such a strong-willed character who almost demands respect from everyone, including readers! Anya meeting River is like lighting a match in a fireworks factory; they explode with passion, ire, and challenges. Their relationship is more of the push-and-pull relationship type, and the sparks light up continually. River is one persistent character, and he just so happens to be a gorgeous big surprise to Anya.
Some serious elements continue through the entirety of the book; some questions were answered, but not all🤔 (bring on Alek’s book). However, there is some great humour throughout, often cynical but very humorous and cleverly woven into the story. Likewise, there are some chilling scenes where Anya and River show what they are capable of when threatened. These scenes are balanced so well with enough detailed descriptions to paint clear but not too graphic pictures.
I really enjoyed this easy-to-read, very entertaining book with its captivating characters and exciting storyline.
Having read snippets about both twins in the two previous books, I was intrigued by them, and holy moly, Anya is an interesting character. I didn’t think I would like her so quickly and so much, but I did. She’s such a strong-willed character who almost demands respect from everyone, including readers! Anya meeting River is like lighting a match in a fireworks factory; they explode with passion, ire, and challenges. Their relationship is more of the push-and-pull relationship type, and the sparks light up continually. River is one persistent character, and he just so happens to be a gorgeous big surprise to Anya.
Some serious elements continue through the entirety of the book; some questions were answered, but not all🤔 (bring on Alek’s book). However, there is some great humour throughout, often cynical but very humorous and cleverly woven into the story. Likewise, there are some chilling scenes where Anya and River show what they are capable of when threatened. These scenes are balanced so well with enough detailed descriptions to paint clear but not too graphic pictures.
I really enjoyed this easy-to-read, very entertaining book with its captivating characters and exciting storyline.
June 28, 2024
4.5⭐️
Great introduction to the FMC who gives off badass girl boss vibes.
I really liked how the main couple started to interact with each other as it seemed to give off a fun dynamic. The main couple began to show a good build up of tension based on the back and forth they had when talking to each other.
The story is well laid out as it builds the main relationship to show good chemistry. The MMC becomes obsessive of the FMC but it’s great that she doesn't give into him easily as this leads to intense but fun moments throughout.
I love the FMC's attitude and how confident she is. I like that even though she tries to appear indifferent to everyone, the MMC slowly melts her walls away and you can see she has more complexity to her emotions than initially thought. The banter between the main couple is so entertaining to read and made me want even more.
Overall, this story easily held my attention, from the interactions between the main couple, the development of their relationship and even the mystery behind the FMC's brothers disappearance I found myself absorbed in this book.
✨Touch Her & Die
✨Dark Romance
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Opposites Attract
✨Bad Girl
✨Bad Boy
✨Obsessive MMC
✨Duel POV
✨Thank you to the authors for the ARC✨
Great introduction to the FMC who gives off badass girl boss vibes.
I really liked how the main couple started to interact with each other as it seemed to give off a fun dynamic. The main couple began to show a good build up of tension based on the back and forth they had when talking to each other.
The story is well laid out as it builds the main relationship to show good chemistry. The MMC becomes obsessive of the FMC but it’s great that she doesn't give into him easily as this leads to intense but fun moments throughout.
I love the FMC's attitude and how confident she is. I like that even though she tries to appear indifferent to everyone, the MMC slowly melts her walls away and you can see she has more complexity to her emotions than initially thought. The banter between the main couple is so entertaining to read and made me want even more.
Overall, this story easily held my attention, from the interactions between the main couple, the development of their relationship and even the mystery behind the FMC's brothers disappearance I found myself absorbed in this book.
✨Touch Her & Die
✨Dark Romance
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Opposites Attract
✨Bad Girl
✨Bad Boy
✨Obsessive MMC
✨Duel POV
✨Thank you to the authors for the ARC✨
June 28, 2024
I absolutely loved these characters, especially Anya & her whole personality! She was an absolute powerful queen who knew how to have a man bow down to her & they knew their place when they came around. She was the twin of her brother Alek whom decided to leave her to deal with their foster mother, so he could go on to chase the some mysterious woman. Now when River Bently came into the picture I knew it was about to get so much better because these two where total opposites when it came to how they handled themselves or even personality wise, but River saw something in his beautiful Red & refused to back down no matter how dangerous that could be. I devoured these two & their whole back & forth throughout the entire book, Anya definitely enjoyed being in control but she loved it even more when River made her crawl & beg. Their whole storyline was addicting & I became quickly obsessed. Absolutely amazing ending & of course Anya got to play with some fire & her favorite toys when dealing with Meredith. Can’t wait to see whom is getting all of Aleks attention in the next book!
July 10, 2024
3.5
Anya was such a fucking badass (though she did annoy me at times). This was such an easy read for me, I don't ask for a lot in Mafia books but this ticked most of my boxes. And River, can we talk about River, that man was so fucking goneeeeee the first time he met her, he was also persistent. He knew what he wanted and he NEVER gave up.
..............................................................................................
“𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫,” 𝐈 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐞. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞. “𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮?” “𝐈 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥,” 𝐈 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭.
“Anya Ivanov will be mine. She just needs to wake up and smell the roses to realize there will be no me without her.”
Anya was such a fucking badass (though she did annoy me at times). This was such an easy read for me, I don't ask for a lot in Mafia books but this ticked most of my boxes. And River, can we talk about River, that man was so fucking goneeeeee the first time he met her, he was also persistent. He knew what he wanted and he NEVER gave up.
..............................................................................................
“𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫,” 𝐈 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐞. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞. “𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮?” “𝐈 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥,” 𝐈 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭.
“Anya Ivanov will be mine. She just needs to wake up and smell the roses to realize there will be no me without her.”
July 25, 2024
I loved it, I loved it.
This book was amazing I loved their banter and how genuinely loved and cared for her.
Rivier Bentley is LITCH husband material, he has everything a girl wants and needs.
Because he knows how much she loves jewellery and diamonds he spoils her with it. Because he knows she didn’t grow up in an affectionate household she showers her with love and affection.
Anya is LITCH the definition of a girl boss. She LITCH stands- and sits on business.
The only thing that I wish, were more scenes of the both of them when they were together.
And also more scenes with her and her brother. And i wanted to now what happened to Vance and Clay, bcs I felt that they genuinely cared for her.
But other than that loved it.
And the smut🥵 there weren’t a lot of scenes but when there were it was host ash.
This book was amazing I loved their banter and how genuinely loved and cared for her.
Rivier Bentley is LITCH husband material, he has everything a girl wants and needs.
Because he knows how much she loves jewellery and diamonds he spoils her with it. Because he knows she didn’t grow up in an affectionate household she showers her with love and affection.
Anya is LITCH the definition of a girl boss. She LITCH stands- and sits on business.
The only thing that I wish, were more scenes of the both of them when they were together.
And also more scenes with her and her brother. And i wanted to now what happened to Vance and Clay, bcs I felt that they genuinely cared for her.
But other than that loved it.
And the smut🥵 there weren’t a lot of scenes but when there were it was host ash.
June 28, 2024
Cunning Vows by Kia Carrington-Russell and TL Smith is an enemies to lovers romance novel. These two authors write one marvelous story together. The plot was suspenseful, adventurous, spicy and full of emotions. While the romance was slow burn the story was more of a fast pace.
The characters were both strong willed and fierce which made for an interesting romance as the outer layers were chipped away.
Anya is a very strong, determined and independent woman. She rarely trusts anyone so when River appears in her life she of course does not trust him. He senses the challenge and is determined to gain her trust and to claim her as his.
This book was an excellent read. I can not wait for the next book.
The characters were both strong willed and fierce which made for an interesting romance as the outer layers were chipped away.
Anya is a very strong, determined and independent woman. She rarely trusts anyone so when River appears in her life she of course does not trust him. He senses the challenge and is determined to gain her trust and to claim her as his.
This book was an excellent read. I can not wait for the next book.
July 4, 2024
KU*
This is Anya and River’s story.
We briefly meet Anya in Virtuous Vows as a business acquaintance of Dawson, who controls the Ivanov Auctions with her twin brother, Aleksandr.
As Dawson stated in his book the Ivanov siblings are not to be messed with and Anya proved that point; she is a strong woman in a cutthroat world that is usually run by men, but she doesn’t let that stop her. It was interesting to see how Anya thrives in her world especially when Alek disappears but also how she handled her feelings for River because she wouldn’t submit to him and he wouldn’t give up on her.
River on the other hand came to handle unfinished business with Alek and found Anya instead which to be honest he was a goner from that first moment.
I enjoyed the entire book especially the pace and flow, but I really loved the connection between Anya and River, the push and pull was great.
The whole Meredith reveal was not too shocking, but it was still quite a revelation and I was proud of Anya.
I believe the next book features Anya’s twin brother, Alek, I can’t wait to see what happens next with Alek and his mystery dancer.
This is Anya and River’s story.
We briefly meet Anya in Virtuous Vows as a business acquaintance of Dawson, who controls the Ivanov Auctions with her twin brother, Aleksandr.
As Dawson stated in his book the Ivanov siblings are not to be messed with and Anya proved that point; she is a strong woman in a cutthroat world that is usually run by men, but she doesn’t let that stop her. It was interesting to see how Anya thrives in her world especially when Alek disappears but also how she handled her feelings for River because she wouldn’t submit to him and he wouldn’t give up on her.
River on the other hand came to handle unfinished business with Alek and found Anya instead which to be honest he was a goner from that first moment.
I enjoyed the entire book especially the pace and flow, but I really loved the connection between Anya and River, the push and pull was great.
The whole Meredith reveal was not too shocking, but it was still quite a revelation and I was proud of Anya.
I believe the next book features Anya’s twin brother, Alek, I can’t wait to see what happens next with Alek and his mystery dancer.
July 26, 2024
Oookay, definitely my favourite so far! Let me tell you something about Anya Ivanov. Bitch. Is. Legit. Crazy. And I loved her for it so hard, total girl crush. And the power struggle between alphahole River and she-wolf Anya was absolutely glorious.
Anya is used to depending on noone but her twin brother, Alek. She's tough, stubborn, unafraid, and as powerful as any man in this industry. But when Alek disappears without a word for months, all responsibility falls on her shoulders and things are not as easy for her as she makes it seem like.
Add River Bentley to the equation and she feels like she's going crazy. She doesn't know what to do with a man as headstrong as her, is he after her business or is she really all he wants?
Sex she understands, knows how to use to her advantage, and sometimes even enjoys. But feelings? Oh hell no. But if anyone, River can tame the psycho in her. So she may still shoot at him or set his car on fire, but you know what I mean.
Loved Anya and River to crazy pieces, the authors' best work to date if you ask me!
Anya is used to depending on noone but her twin brother, Alek. She's tough, stubborn, unafraid, and as powerful as any man in this industry. But when Alek disappears without a word for months, all responsibility falls on her shoulders and things are not as easy for her as she makes it seem like.
Add River Bentley to the equation and she feels like she's going crazy. She doesn't know what to do with a man as headstrong as her, is he after her business or is she really all he wants?
Sex she understands, knows how to use to her advantage, and sometimes even enjoys. But feelings? Oh hell no. But if anyone, River can tame the psycho in her. So she may still shoot at him or set his car on fire, but you know what I mean.
Loved Anya and River to crazy pieces, the authors' best work to date if you ask me!
June 28, 2024
As usual just perfect!
I absolutely love Anya. Shes a bada5s who knows what she wants and what she doesnt want!
That is until River comes along and that man will not take no for an answer
Lovee them! But honestly for a while i was just hoping she would k!ll River i know im awful and im mean but i really didnt want Anya to in a way become weak for any man!
I mean she defo didnt did she! She will forever give River a run for his money and put him on his ar5e while doing it!
We all know im a huge T.l smith fan but These 2 authors writing together is just perfect
Cant wait to see what comes next
I need more of Alek!!
I absolutely love Anya. Shes a bada5s who knows what she wants and what she doesnt want!
That is until River comes along and that man will not take no for an answer
Lovee them! But honestly for a while i was just hoping she would k!ll River i know im awful and im mean but i really didnt want Anya to in a way become weak for any man!
I mean she defo didnt did she! She will forever give River a run for his money and put him on his ar5e while doing it!
We all know im a huge T.l smith fan but These 2 authors writing together is just perfect
Cant wait to see what comes next
I need more of Alek!!
June 28, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Anya Ivanov is a head of questionable auctions. She is cunning and lethal. River Bentley, is a ruthless billionaire who got his eye on her. The moment he saw her he knew he had to make her his. He steps on her territory and he’s not leaving. Not until she realises that she will be his eventually. She is famous for resilience, but she is powerless against him. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, dark romance then you’re going to love it.
Anya Ivanov is a head of questionable auctions. She is cunning and lethal. River Bentley, is a ruthless billionaire who got his eye on her. The moment he saw her he knew he had to make her his. He steps on her territory and he’s not leaving. Not until she realises that she will be his eventually. She is famous for resilience, but she is powerless against him. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, dark romance then you’re going to love it.
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