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Vincenzo's Promise
Vincenzo De Maio, Capo of the De Maio clan, goes to Cyrus Lombardo, Don of the Scuderi family with a business proposition after Lombardo’s youngest son encroaches on De Maio territory--give his daughter’s hand in marriage to save his life, as well as the lives of his three sons.
Cyrus agrees.
However, when Vincenzo meets Isabella Lombardo, he realizes there’s something intriguing about her. And although he insists that their union is nothing more than a business transaction, his feelings for Isabella soon begin to change.
Cyrus agrees.
However, when Vincenzo meets Isabella Lombardo, he realizes there’s something intriguing about her. And although he insists that their union is nothing more than a business transaction, his feelings for Isabella soon begin to change.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2021
88 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 16, 2021
It was just okay. A mafia story like many others, it doesn't chart new territory and there were no surprises. If you're looking for a good mafia story read the ones by Brooklyn Knight.
I like this author's writing style and will continue to read her books. Still, read this one for yourself, your opinion may differ. Recommended.
I like this author's writing style and will continue to read her books. Still, read this one for yourself, your opinion may differ. Recommended.
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June 14, 2021Why they always doing this huh?!..
chapter 1 hero already blowjob to someone woman that i dont care her name! even the hero. i dont care his name too!!!.
They always doing this blowjob to ow slut or sex scene this to h and he F*cking enjoying it. *(well guess what?. its fu*king disgusting!)
i regret to buy this to my kindle book list.. if i can refund this?. I F already done that!.
chapter 1 hero already blowjob to someone woman that i dont care her name! even the hero. i dont care his name too!!!.
They always doing this blowjob to ow slut or sex scene this to h and he F*cking enjoying it. *(well guess what?. its fu*king disgusting!)
i regret to buy this to my kindle book list.. if i can refund this?. I F already done that!.
October 14, 2021
This overwhelmingly more romance than mafia.
I loved Bella’s character. She was all alpha female. She was put in a bad position by her brother, but she accepted it with dignity and poise.
Vincenzo was a Don I could respect. Always in control of his surroundings and emotions…until he met Bella.
There was some excitement and suspense but not enough danger. Sooooooooooo much untapped potential in this story but I’m a sucker for a bad boy with a heart. It’s my kryptonite.
I loved Bella’s character. She was all alpha female. She was put in a bad position by her brother, but she accepted it with dignity and poise.
Vincenzo was a Don I could respect. Always in control of his surroundings and emotions…until he met Bella.
There was some excitement and suspense but not enough danger. Sooooooooooo much untapped potential in this story but I’m a sucker for a bad boy with a heart. It’s my kryptonite.
June 25, 2021
Disappointing.
I liked the authors writing style so I wouldn't rule out reading more of her work but unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me.
My main issues were:
1. Sex scene between H and OW in first chapter. I've said it before and sadly I'm sure I'll say it again - I HATE it when authors do this. It adds nothing, if anything it dilutes the romance between H and h.
2. Isabella was very bland.
3. Too much obviousness - based on previous interactions between her and zo, Danielle was clearly going to be a problem. Isabella's stalker was blindingly obvious from the get go. And shocker Cheryl and lo appear to be hooking up.
Nothing inherently wrong with any of this, it's just it's all been done before and done better.
I liked the authors writing style so I wouldn't rule out reading more of her work but unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me.
My main issues were:
1. Sex scene between H and OW in first chapter. I've said it before and sadly I'm sure I'll say it again - I HATE it when authors do this. It adds nothing, if anything it dilutes the romance between H and h.
2. Isabella was very bland.
3. Too much obviousness - based on previous interactions between her and zo, Danielle was clearly going to be a problem. Isabella's stalker was blindingly obvious from the get go. And shocker Cheryl and lo appear to be hooking up.
Nothing inherently wrong with any of this, it's just it's all been done before and done better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2021
Loved it
I've never read any books by this author and was hoping to not be disappointed. Well, I can readily say that I am not disappointed! Not in the lease! I wanted more from the story but was left with no questions outside of Bella needing to spend more time with her dad. This book had me ready to read another book written by her. Love in the face of ignorance.
I've never read any books by this author and was hoping to not be disappointed. Well, I can readily say that I am not disappointed! Not in the lease! I wanted more from the story but was left with no questions outside of Bella needing to spend more time with her dad. This book had me ready to read another book written by her. Love in the face of ignorance.
July 6, 2021
A promise kept
Great storyline, great characters!!
Vinzenzo and Bella were destined to be together, no wonder Vinzenzo thought he was incapable of loving someone else, because his heart already belongs to Bella since they were kids. I wished at least To could remember, after all he was 10years old.
What's wrong with Cyrus??? I am hoping he will make it.
Great storyline, great characters!!
Vinzenzo and Bella were destined to be together, no wonder Vinzenzo thought he was incapable of loving someone else, because his heart already belongs to Bella since they were kids. I wished at least To could remember, after all he was 10years old.
What's wrong with Cyrus??? I am hoping he will make it.
July 4, 2021
Beautiful
Can I say I loved this book? I was not expecting to love these two characters as much as I do. A very well written love story.
Can I say I loved this book? I was not expecting to love these two characters as much as I do. A very well written love story.
June 18, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a short enjoyable read. Although the end felt a bit rushed to uncover the truth it was still fun to read how the man who said he wouldn’t love anyone, fell in love. I would like to read Cheryl and Angelo’s story
This was a short enjoyable read. Although the end felt a bit rushed to uncover the truth it was still fun to read how the man who said he wouldn’t love anyone, fell in love. I would like to read Cheryl and Angelo’s story
October 30, 2021
They had more of a connection than they knew
Alessio Lombardo did the unthinkable. He crossed into the forbidden territory of the Commora, headed by Vincenzo DeMaio. He wanted restitution and more power and the only way was to do what had not been done before, marry the daughter of the head Cosa Nostra family, Isabella Lombardo. Cyrus Lombardo had no choice but to acquiesce to Bob's request. Von was unprepared to see who the daughter was but felt an immediate connection.
Dr. Isabella Lombardo lived a very protected and quiet life and was much loved by her father. She would do whatever it would take to save her family from what her brother did. She did not understand her connection with Zo but their hearts knew each other. Vin would do anything to protect his Bella and he did.
This story was full of drama and action. The villain in the story had me fooled. I kept trying the think about it but came up empty. This was an interesting read.
Alessio Lombardo did the unthinkable. He crossed into the forbidden territory of the Commora, headed by Vincenzo DeMaio. He wanted restitution and more power and the only way was to do what had not been done before, marry the daughter of the head Cosa Nostra family, Isabella Lombardo. Cyrus Lombardo had no choice but to acquiesce to Bob's request. Von was unprepared to see who the daughter was but felt an immediate connection.
Dr. Isabella Lombardo lived a very protected and quiet life and was much loved by her father. She would do whatever it would take to save her family from what her brother did. She did not understand her connection with Zo but their hearts knew each other. Vin would do anything to protect his Bella and he did.
This story was full of drama and action. The villain in the story had me fooled. I kept trying the think about it but came up empty. This was an interesting read.
December 15, 2021
Cute
*****Spoilers*****
This is a very mature book and I liked that. Isabella is a mob boss's only daughter and to solidify territory, Vincenzo wants to marry her sight unseen, a business arrangement that's the norm with the mafia families. Zo, as Isabella calls him, has her father backed into a corner with the threat of his death and that of his sons due to some slight by one of the sons. Though she's not lived in the life, Isabella is ready and willing to marry Zo to protect her family. Even though she realizes the necessity, she makes it clear what she wants from the relationship and challenges Zo to meet her where she is. And he does, both of them turning a marriage of convenience into something more.
I didn't quite buy into certain aspects of the story. Her brother setting up a plot to kill Isabelle, her father's sudden decline in health, the way Isabella and Zo grew up together as young children and she his first love though neither of them remember. There were some other minor issues with the writing but overall I liked it.
*****Spoilers*****
This is a very mature book and I liked that. Isabella is a mob boss's only daughter and to solidify territory, Vincenzo wants to marry her sight unseen, a business arrangement that's the norm with the mafia families. Zo, as Isabella calls him, has her father backed into a corner with the threat of his death and that of his sons due to some slight by one of the sons. Though she's not lived in the life, Isabella is ready and willing to marry Zo to protect her family. Even though she realizes the necessity, she makes it clear what she wants from the relationship and challenges Zo to meet her where she is. And he does, both of them turning a marriage of convenience into something more.
I didn't quite buy into certain aspects of the story. Her brother setting up a plot to kill Isabelle, her father's sudden decline in health, the way Isabella and Zo grew up together as young children and she his first love though neither of them remember. There were some other minor issues with the writing but overall I liked it.
September 12, 2022
Good
I enjoyed this & her other books, there's tenderness, humor, passion, violence & love. It's a great balance. I will say I hope all her books that deal with the underworld won't always have the women as damsels. That gets boring & predictable real quick. Same way the men are allowed to be tough guys but also love fiercely, women deserve that same nuance. She can be loyal, loving & still put hands on folks who need it. I'm not sure if it's respectability politics at play but making grown BLACK women naive & always needing rescue feels inauthentic. Most black women have a degree of street smarts out of necessity, no matter how smart, rich or beautiful. It would be nice to see a Vincenzo type character meet his match & fall in love. As a reader you're letting only the men have fun while all the women do is obsess over the men. Its giving patriarchy. Takes the suspense out of the women scenes because you know they aren't capable of defending themselves. You're leaving too much fun on the table only letting the men be spicy. The women are reduced to sass & tears.
I enjoyed this & her other books, there's tenderness, humor, passion, violence & love. It's a great balance. I will say I hope all her books that deal with the underworld won't always have the women as damsels. That gets boring & predictable real quick. Same way the men are allowed to be tough guys but also love fiercely, women deserve that same nuance. She can be loyal, loving & still put hands on folks who need it. I'm not sure if it's respectability politics at play but making grown BLACK women naive & always needing rescue feels inauthentic. Most black women have a degree of street smarts out of necessity, no matter how smart, rich or beautiful. It would be nice to see a Vincenzo type character meet his match & fall in love. As a reader you're letting only the men have fun while all the women do is obsess over the men. Its giving patriarchy. Takes the suspense out of the women scenes because you know they aren't capable of defending themselves. You're leaving too much fun on the table only letting the men be spicy. The women are reduced to sass & tears.
June 14, 2021
Fun, quick read.
Vincenzo decides that the only way for the Lombardo family to rectify a wrong one of their committed against him and keep their lives is for him to marry daughter of the family, Isabella. While it starts out as a business transaction, it quickly evolves into more. They will have to navigate the drama that comes with mafia life, especially when your a different race.
This was a fun, quick read. I like both of the MCs. They didn’t beat around the bush or act over the top about things. I would’ve liked to spend more time with them.
This wasn’t a very long book, so things happen pretty quickly. I would’ve liked to see more time for things to play out before we found out and dealt with all the people plotting against the couple.
Overall, an enjoyable quick read!
Vincenzo decides that the only way for the Lombardo family to rectify a wrong one of their committed against him and keep their lives is for him to marry daughter of the family, Isabella. While it starts out as a business transaction, it quickly evolves into more. They will have to navigate the drama that comes with mafia life, especially when your a different race.
This was a fun, quick read. I like both of the MCs. They didn’t beat around the bush or act over the top about things. I would’ve liked to spend more time with them.
This wasn’t a very long book, so things happen pretty quickly. I would’ve liked to see more time for things to play out before we found out and dealt with all the people plotting against the couple.
Overall, an enjoyable quick read!
November 5, 2021
A wonderful short story
I really enjoyed the relationship between Bells and Lo. After the first time they met, everything changed for Zo (Vincenzo) . Loved the story and yes it could have been extended but the author, Courtney Dean made no pretence, this is A short story so take it or leave it. I really enjoyed it and though I like my books much longer, and we could have seen more of Bella's role as Donna, her desire to see vengeance was sufficient to see she would step up fully to the role. Great short read and yes would love to see a relationship develop between Cheryl and Angelo.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Bells and Lo. After the first time they met, everything changed for Zo (Vincenzo) . Loved the story and yes it could have been extended but the author, Courtney Dean made no pretence, this is A short story so take it or leave it. I really enjoyed it and though I like my books much longer, and we could have seen more of Bella's role as Donna, her desire to see vengeance was sufficient to see she would step up fully to the role. Great short read and yes would love to see a relationship develop between Cheryl and Angelo.
June 30, 2021
Even a Don can have love!
This was a great read, Mrs. Dean is always putting out amazing books!
I really enjoy reading about Vincenzo and Isabella quest to love that has always been their but was lost with time. I loved Angelo and everyone woman should have a friend like Cheryl lol…That brother, Dr. David and Daniella deserved everything that came to them. Their is loyalty that should always be followed and if you can’t follow then you pay the price.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and will recommend it for sure!
This was a great read, Mrs. Dean is always putting out amazing books!
I really enjoy reading about Vincenzo and Isabella quest to love that has always been their but was lost with time. I loved Angelo and everyone woman should have a friend like Cheryl lol…That brother, Dr. David and Daniella deserved everything that came to them. Their is loyalty that should always be followed and if you can’t follow then you pay the price.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and will recommend it for sure!
October 16, 2024
An Arranged Marriage
This is such a good story. I thought this would be the typical arranged marriage story. Where the bride would enter the marriage kicking and fighting, and the groom would be nonchalant about it.
I liked how Zo and Bella got to really know each other first before they confessed their love for each other.
I was really surprised to find out who was really behind all the problems they were facing. That was a good twist. I never would have guessed that person.
Another excellent book by Courtney Dean, thank you!
This is such a good story. I thought this would be the typical arranged marriage story. Where the bride would enter the marriage kicking and fighting, and the groom would be nonchalant about it.
I liked how Zo and Bella got to really know each other first before they confessed their love for each other.
I was really surprised to find out who was really behind all the problems they were facing. That was a good twist. I never would have guessed that person.
Another excellent book by Courtney Dean, thank you!
July 4, 2021
Promises kept
A quick read not because the book is short but because it is that good. Albeit the first few paragraphs I was second guessing my choice of reading this book I was all in when Isabella appeared. Meeting Isabella began the change in Vincenzo. Isabella is the catalyst for much of what happened in the story. I hope there's a book two. The story is complete on it's own but a second look into their lives would be nice.
A quick read not because the book is short but because it is that good. Albeit the first few paragraphs I was second guessing my choice of reading this book I was all in when Isabella appeared. Meeting Isabella began the change in Vincenzo. Isabella is the catalyst for much of what happened in the story. I hope there's a book two. The story is complete on it's own but a second look into their lives would be nice.
August 17, 2021
Loving Zo and Bella
I love Vincenzo and how he loved his Bella. Bella was smart and eventhough she was sheltered from that life she knew how to exist in it. Vincenzo and Bella had a sweet love story as kids who grew up and forgot each other, but protect Bella and show her his love. It was kind of sad that Cyrus wasn't able to live with the love of his life ( Bella's mother). Overall, I really liked this love story
I love Vincenzo and how he loved his Bella. Bella was smart and eventhough she was sheltered from that life she knew how to exist in it. Vincenzo and Bella had a sweet love story as kids who grew up and forgot each other, but protect Bella and show her his love. It was kind of sad that Cyrus wasn't able to live with the love of his life ( Bella's mother). Overall, I really liked this love story
November 13, 2021
Could not stop reading!
Zo and Bella had great chemistry! This book was more than a romance novel. It was suspenseful and exciting. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, because the author, seemed to have rushed thru some of the issues. Other than the quick plot issues the book was great! Oh yeah also she didn't leave her readers hanging, even with the quick plot issues every issue was explained. Courtney Dean tells a good story!
Zo and Bella had great chemistry! This book was more than a romance novel. It was suspenseful and exciting. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, because the author, seemed to have rushed thru some of the issues. Other than the quick plot issues the book was great! Oh yeah also she didn't leave her readers hanging, even with the quick plot issues every issue was explained. Courtney Dean tells a good story!
January 8, 2022
This Is My Promise To You...
Bad boy Vincenzo DeMaio, Capo of the DeMaio clan, had decided that in restitution for a slight to his family, he would take the elusive Isabella Lombardo, princess of the Scuderi crime family as his bride. This would be the ultimate power play, merging the two powerful families and he would accept no substitute! No love match here, this was strictly business! Then he laid eyes on his intended ...
Bad boy Vincenzo DeMaio, Capo of the DeMaio clan, had decided that in restitution for a slight to his family, he would take the elusive Isabella Lombardo, princess of the Scuderi crime family as his bride. This would be the ultimate power play, merging the two powerful families and he would accept no substitute! No love match here, this was strictly business! Then he laid eyes on his intended ...
March 1, 2023
Vincenzo's Promise
A page turner that I hated o see end! It grow you and was had o put dwn! Zo and Bella perfect couple together from the beginning! A life of crime both introduced into their lives from their very young lives! Not until adulthood did the become a couple, meant to be! This story can be a love story, minus the mafia life! You will not be disappointed! I love those author's books! 5+
A page turner that I hated o see end! It grow you and was had o put dwn! Zo and Bella perfect couple together from the beginning! A life of crime both introduced into their lives from their very young lives! Not until adulthood did the become a couple, meant to be! This story can be a love story, minus the mafia life! You will not be disappointed! I love those author's books! 5+
November 15, 2025
Soul Mates!
I enjoyed this dive into the underworld where the sinister lives and plays out in the lives of those that love passionately and may seem to live like regular people! But, they have a code of honor that must be respected to live and play in their world! Vincenzo and his Bella are just two of those that choose to love and lead their clan in the old ways that includes the joys, sorrow and pain of ruling in the underworld!
I enjoyed this dive into the underworld where the sinister lives and plays out in the lives of those that love passionately and may seem to live like regular people! But, they have a code of honor that must be respected to live and play in their world! Vincenzo and his Bella are just two of those that choose to love and lead their clan in the old ways that includes the joys, sorrow and pain of ruling in the underworld!
June 17, 2021
Fate takes control
Given to a Mafia Don so your family can save face & not be executed for code violation. Facing prejudice head on. Dealing with the stranger you're going to marry & his ex-bimbo. Isabella is a strong woman & after getting to know her & spend time with her, Vincenzo makes his promise from the heart. It's no longer about a business transaction... It's about love.
Given to a Mafia Don so your family can save face & not be executed for code violation. Facing prejudice head on. Dealing with the stranger you're going to marry & his ex-bimbo. Isabella is a strong woman & after getting to know her & spend time with her, Vincenzo makes his promise from the heart. It's no longer about a business transaction... It's about love.
June 20, 2021
A lot of movement
This hooked packed so much information in a short book. However, nothing was left unanswered/unsatisfied. Bella and Zo had an unconventional start to their relationship, but soon tell I love. There were multiple hurdles they had to jumped, but found satisfaction in the end.
This hooked packed so much information in a short book. However, nothing was left unanswered/unsatisfied. Bella and Zo had an unconventional start to their relationship, but soon tell I love. There were multiple hurdles they had to jumped, but found satisfaction in the end.
June 21, 2021
Lo’s promise !!
This was a nice short read , I was surprised to see that it didn’t have as much steamy sex as most of Courtney’s book usually does but it was a good book nonetheless. I would have loved for it to dwell on Zo and Bella pass together as well as what is to come in the future. As always another great book by an amazing author
This was a nice short read , I was surprised to see that it didn’t have as much steamy sex as most of Courtney’s book usually does but it was a good book nonetheless. I would have loved for it to dwell on Zo and Bella pass together as well as what is to come in the future. As always another great book by an amazing author
July 4, 2021
Reading Two???
This was a pretty good story except for the many repeat phrases. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Zo and Bella lived in entirely different areas? So how did they leave the hospital and drive straight to his house??? Last but not least, for cold blooded killers they weren't that ruthless
This was a pretty good story except for the many repeat phrases. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Zo and Bella lived in entirely different areas? So how did they leave the hospital and drive straight to his house??? Last but not least, for cold blooded killers they weren't that ruthless
July 4, 2021
Interesting take!
This book gave an interesting and probably the most realistic perspective on the IR romance and marriage between Isabella (the dark skinned bi racial child of an Italian Don) and Vincenzo, the head of the De Maio clan. The didn't didn't gloss over the racial issues. Very good read.
This book gave an interesting and probably the most realistic perspective on the IR romance and marriage between Isabella (the dark skinned bi racial child of an Italian Don) and Vincenzo, the head of the De Maio clan. The didn't didn't gloss over the racial issues. Very good read.
July 9, 2021
Promises
This book is well written with interesting characters. When the son of a rival clan encroaches on his territory, Vincenzo decides to merge the families through marriage. What starts out as a marriage of convenience soon morphs into love. Isabella and Vincenzo have a connection from childhood that was hidden by time……Lovely story!
This book is well written with interesting characters. When the son of a rival clan encroaches on his territory, Vincenzo decides to merge the families through marriage. What starts out as a marriage of convenience soon morphs into love. Isabella and Vincenzo have a connection from childhood that was hidden by time……Lovely story!
August 11, 2021
Love Returned ❤️
Vincenzo , the boss of the Del Maico family, didn’t think was capable of love until he me Isabella Lombard! She became his world and he’d do anything to protect her. He’d promised her and her father that he would protect her and die for her and taking a bullet for her proved he’d keep his word even if the enemy was her own brother!🦋
Vincenzo , the boss of the Del Maico family, didn’t think was capable of love until he me Isabella Lombard! She became his world and he’d do anything to protect her. He’d promised her and her father that he would protect her and die for her and taking a bullet for her proved he’d keep his word even if the enemy was her own brother!🦋
June 15, 2021
Wow
Loved the story, Bella was a wonderful heroine for Zo. She had intelligence, beauty and strength, a well rounded character. The alpha male Zo was strong, dark and handsome. I need the story on Cheryl and Angelo!!!!!
Loved the story, Bella was a wonderful heroine for Zo. She had intelligence, beauty and strength, a well rounded character. The alpha male Zo was strong, dark and handsome. I need the story on Cheryl and Angelo!!!!!
June 15, 2021
❤️
I loved Vincenzo and Isabella. Fate and determination brought them together and their story unfolds beautifully. Isabella is a beautiful soul hidden from the world not only to keep her safe but to protect her from ol
I loved Vincenzo and Isabella. Fate and determination brought them together and their story unfolds beautifully. Isabella is a beautiful soul hidden from the world not only to keep her safe but to protect her from ol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews