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Deviant Doms #1
Oath of Silence
I'll give her my ring to claim my crown.
Vittoria DeSanto leaves me no choice.
What she knows could destroy me.
Destroy my family.
And I won't allow that.
She's homeless, penniless, powerless.
I’ll give her the life of a mafia princess.
Anything she desires will be hers…
Except her freedom.
Because our marriage will make me The Boss of the Rossi crime family.
My word is law.
All must respect my authority,
Especially Vittoria.
The stubborn woman will learn.
Her place is by my side.
In my bed.
Over. My. Knee.
Vittoria DeSanto leaves me no choice.
What she knows could destroy me.
Destroy my family.
And I won't allow that.
She's homeless, penniless, powerless.
I’ll give her the life of a mafia princess.
Anything she desires will be hers…
Except her freedom.
Because our marriage will make me The Boss of the Rossi crime family.
My word is law.
All must respect my authority,
Especially Vittoria.
The stubborn woman will learn.
Her place is by my side.
In my bed.
Over. My. Knee.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2021
1160 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
Jane Henry
114 books2,705 followersFueled by dark chocolate and even darker coffee, USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry writes what she loves to read – character-driven, unputdownable romance featuring dominant alpha males and the powerful heroines who bring them to their knees. She’s believed in the power of love and romance since Belle won over the beast, and finally decided to write love stories of her own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
September 19, 2023
This is Ms. Henry's fourth series in her mafia world-tour. We're now in Boston (where, ironically, this author set her first books before she went over to the "dark" side). Other than location, however, nothing here is remotely new. Indeed all the elements of the previous two mafia series are present: bad-boy MMC as newly-appointed head of a rich and powerful crime family; innocent good-girl MFC who unknowingly stumbles upon them; insane father; long-suffering mother; tons of indistinguishable brothers who will get their own books; far more interesting sisters who won't; etc.
Anyway, sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't -- here it doesn't, in spades. In the interest of time and space (my reviews always seem too long), I'll keep my complaints to three:
1) Pace: So, I love desserts as much as anyone, but, seriously, is it far more important that we learn what the cookies look like than why Romeo -- on absolutely no evidence -- decides that Vittoria must be submissive? Or that Vittoria -- on absolutely no evidence -- decides, well, that gosh and golly, she is and how could she have missed it? Far too much of this book focuses on unimportant details, forcing the MC to go from 0 to 60 on the BDSM-O-Meter. I feel that I missed whole passages of their relationship development, which brings me to...
2) Character: In order to achieve this insta-D/s relationship, the author is forced to create two people who veer so wildly between different emotions that I came away thinking that what binds them together is their instability. Romeo is cold & cruel, then he's warm & loving, then he...; he wants a woman who can think for herself, then he wants one who obeys him completely, then he -- well, you get the picture. Vittoria is similar -- and far more interesting , which brings me to...
3) Plot Holes/Weak Narrative/Unanswered Questions: Are de rigueur in this author's work, but more serious in some books than others. Here, they were off the charts. While the reason for Vittoria's Forced Proximity to Romeo was initially interesting, it . We're never told what Vittoria did for a living or why she no longer has her job. Rosa and . Given the terms of the will, . There's no . And several characters' fates and lines of action are left open (though they may be resolved in subsequent books).
Finally, I don't understand all the Romeo & Juliet allusions (each book starts off with a quote from that play): other than the insta-love and the MMC's name, there's nothing remotely similar about the texts. Perhaps Ms. Henry hasn't read the play? I mean, it's two major themes are the foolishness of young love and the absurdity of destabilizing conflict and revenge -- neither of which appear here or in the way the author thinks they do. In addition, it's Juliet who's the wiser of the two. But god forbid that any of these generic books depict that dynamic.
2 1/2 stars. I realize that the first book of any series will contain a certain amount of info-dump and loose ends, but grading has made me cranky and I just didn't have the patience for this. At least two other books are planned; at this point, I'm not sure I want to read yet another retread. If the author ever writes a book about Rosa, though, then I'm there. Side Note: Ms. Henry has a breath obsession (and I'm not talking about breath play).
Anyway, sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't -- here it doesn't, in spades. In the interest of time and space (my reviews always seem too long), I'll keep my complaints to three:
1) Pace: So, I love desserts as much as anyone, but, seriously, is it far more important that we learn what the cookies look like than why Romeo -- on absolutely no evidence -- decides that Vittoria must be submissive? Or that Vittoria -- on absolutely no evidence -- decides, well, that gosh and golly, she is and how could she have missed it? Far too much of this book focuses on unimportant details, forcing the MC to go from 0 to 60 on the BDSM-O-Meter. I feel that I missed whole passages of their relationship development, which brings me to...
2) Character: In order to achieve this insta-D/s relationship, the author is forced to create two people who veer so wildly between different emotions that I came away thinking that what binds them together is their instability. Romeo is cold & cruel, then he's warm & loving, then he...; he wants a woman who can think for herself, then he wants one who obeys him completely, then he -- well, you get the picture. Vittoria is similar -- and far more interesting , which brings me to...
3) Plot Holes/Weak Narrative/Unanswered Questions: Are de rigueur in this author's work, but more serious in some books than others. Here, they were off the charts. While the reason for Vittoria's Forced Proximity to Romeo was initially interesting, it . We're never told what Vittoria did for a living or why she no longer has her job. Rosa and . Given the terms of the will, . There's no . And several characters' fates and lines of action are left open (though they may be resolved in subsequent books).
Finally, I don't understand all the Romeo & Juliet allusions (each book starts off with a quote from that play): other than the insta-love and the MMC's name, there's nothing remotely similar about the texts. Perhaps Ms. Henry hasn't read the play? I mean, it's two major themes are the foolishness of young love and the absurdity of destabilizing conflict and revenge -- neither of which appear here or in the way the author thinks they do. In addition, it's Juliet who's the wiser of the two. But god forbid that any of these generic books depict that dynamic.
2 1/2 stars. I realize that the first book of any series will contain a certain amount of info-dump and loose ends, but grading has made me cranky and I just didn't have the patience for this. At least two other books are planned; at this point, I'm not sure I want to read yet another retread. If the author ever writes a book about Rosa, though, then I'm there. Side Note: Ms. Henry has a breath obsession (and I'm not talking about breath play).
November 29, 2021
I'm giving this 3 1/2 stars.
I normally give 5 for Jane's books.
Dont get me wrong the book was excellent. Great storyline. Wonderful introduction to this new series. I can wait to see all the other siblings get their HEA. I love the characters. Very likable.
The one this book lacked was the sex. I know that might sound shallow of me. I like what I like though.
I like the sex to not just be in the last 5%. I like it no later than 60 or 70% in.
That's the only thing lacking in this book. My only complaint.
I'm looking forward to the others books.
I normally give 5 for Jane's books.
Dont get me wrong the book was excellent. Great storyline. Wonderful introduction to this new series. I can wait to see all the other siblings get their HEA. I love the characters. Very likable.
The one this book lacked was the sex. I know that might sound shallow of me. I like what I like though.
I like the sex to not just be in the last 5%. I like it no later than 60 or 70% in.
That's the only thing lacking in this book. My only complaint.
I'm looking forward to the others books.
January 12, 2022
3.5 overall rating that should have been a 5.
This book should have been a five rating due to story content, character development and the descriptive way the author defined her characters. The writing was well done and the story had it's moments.
Reasons for reduction:
What reduced the rating for me was how the author took a strong, intelligent, independent female character and reduced her to a submissive Barbie doll/Stepford wife for an overly dominant anti-hero. It was no Romeo and Juliet saga, nor was it a love story. Love and lust are two different themes. Romeo twisted and slowly redefined the woman he was attracted to and wanted to marry to secure his future as Don. He wanted a character that could be molded into what he wanted her to be. He wanted a woman who no longer picked her own clothing; followed every rule he put forth, never questioned him or disagreed with him, was at his constant beck and call and submitted to his sexual kinks and his too frequent "punishments". Why do authors reduce the women in these books to idiots who are coerced into leaving a life that gave them choices and possibilities to only agree to a lifetime of a different kind of imprisonment. How many women in real-time would agree to give up free will in order to remake themselves into the perfect Mafia wife who willingly sacrifices her children to a life that dictates what they do from birth? All of this under the guise of financial security (which is a house of cards) and a false sense of protection. The character's hopes, dreams, accomplishments are reduced to rubble due to the men they are forced to marry or who they choose to marry in this life. Sacrifices/common ground are something that must be fulfilled by both parties to sustain any relationship; otherwise these stories turn into nothing more than a bad fairy tale.
Viktoria was strong until she wasn't and Rome had a mixture of endearing qualities/control freak that is common in some of these novels. The amount of times he tried to convince Viktoria that she had to obey him in order for him to protect her got old, quickly. The authors can carve out a fairy tale ending to these novels to satisfy the reader or they can carve out an ending that supports a theme that is more reminiscent of a story that takes place in 2021.
This book should have been a five rating due to story content, character development and the descriptive way the author defined her characters. The writing was well done and the story had it's moments.
Reasons for reduction:
What reduced the rating for me was how the author took a strong, intelligent, independent female character and reduced her to a submissive Barbie doll/Stepford wife for an overly dominant anti-hero. It was no Romeo and Juliet saga, nor was it a love story. Love and lust are two different themes. Romeo twisted and slowly redefined the woman he was attracted to and wanted to marry to secure his future as Don. He wanted a character that could be molded into what he wanted her to be. He wanted a woman who no longer picked her own clothing; followed every rule he put forth, never questioned him or disagreed with him, was at his constant beck and call and submitted to his sexual kinks and his too frequent "punishments". Why do authors reduce the women in these books to idiots who are coerced into leaving a life that gave them choices and possibilities to only agree to a lifetime of a different kind of imprisonment. How many women in real-time would agree to give up free will in order to remake themselves into the perfect Mafia wife who willingly sacrifices her children to a life that dictates what they do from birth? All of this under the guise of financial security (which is a house of cards) and a false sense of protection. The character's hopes, dreams, accomplishments are reduced to rubble due to the men they are forced to marry or who they choose to marry in this life. Sacrifices/common ground are something that must be fulfilled by both parties to sustain any relationship; otherwise these stories turn into nothing more than a bad fairy tale.
Viktoria was strong until she wasn't and Rome had a mixture of endearing qualities/control freak that is common in some of these novels. The amount of times he tried to convince Viktoria that she had to obey him in order for him to protect her got old, quickly. The authors can carve out a fairy tale ending to these novels to satisfy the reader or they can carve out an ending that supports a theme that is more reminiscent of a story that takes place in 2021.
January 13, 2022
Didn't work for me..
Not bad per say.. I just was waiting for *something* the whole book, you know?
The timeline was too short for their relationship development and I just didn't feel the chemistry and love..
Full s€x not till 90% too, before that there is spanking and sexual punishment (which again..she enjoyed straight away, whilst never having done that before🤓)
That felt like the only bits of interaction.. him telling her what to do, her defying it cause she wanted to be punished.. I don't know if they even had a conversation about anything else other that his dominance and mafia things..
Everything felt very superficial..
Not bad per say.. I just was waiting for *something* the whole book, you know?
The timeline was too short for their relationship development and I just didn't feel the chemistry and love..
Full s€x not till 90% too, before that there is spanking and sexual punishment (which again..she enjoyed straight away, whilst never having done that before🤓)
That felt like the only bits of interaction.. him telling her what to do, her defying it cause she wanted to be punished.. I don't know if they even had a conversation about anything else other that his dominance and mafia things..
Everything felt very superficial..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2022
I love a mafia book but this just didn’t do it for me.
I initially liked Vittoria, she had a back bone, fought back then by 50% that disappeared and she became a ‘yes’ women.
Romeo yea didn’t like him. He couldn’t decide if he wanted her to fight back or obey him. He literally gave me whiplash with it. The punishments I didn’t find hot at all.
As for the storyline there are way to many unanswered questions for me. And I have no interest in reading the whole family’s books after this one.
I initially liked Vittoria, she had a back bone, fought back then by 50% that disappeared and she became a ‘yes’ women.
Romeo yea didn’t like him. He couldn’t decide if he wanted her to fight back or obey him. He literally gave me whiplash with it. The punishments I didn’t find hot at all.
As for the storyline there are way to many unanswered questions for me. And I have no interest in reading the whole family’s books after this one.
January 21, 2022
Very Repetitive. Characters immature. Insta love. Just not good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
Beginning of a series that keeps getting better. Love Jane Henry
This is the first book in the Dark Mafia Romance - Deviant Dom Series, but this is not the first one I've read. (Read the second one first.) This first one deals with the oldest brother Romeo and his rise to becoming the Don. It lays the ground work for the Rossi famiglia and introduces all the players/family members.
This was a good story with lots of action. It will definitely hold your interest with lots of intrigue, mysteries and a psycho father to top it all off.
I loved the h, Vitorria. She's down on her luck, but not down for the count. She's strong and fiesty and up to the challenges she's faced with as well as the challenge of Romeo. She begins to understand him and is willing to give him what he needs. Romeo, the H, is a strong, dominant man, but has many responsibilies that often weigh on him. He has to be in control and demands obedience and respect, but likes that Vitorria questions or disobeys him because the results (some bdsm action) allow him release.
While I did thorougly enjoy this one (book #1), I loved the second book, Oath of Obedience, so much more. You'd think by the titles that the second book would be heavier into the bdsm scene, but it's the complete opposite. (Not that book #2 is lacking in that regard, just that it seemed to be handled a little differently). I found Orlando much more willing to listen and explain the reasons for his commands/demands than Romeo was. That may have to do with the fact that although Orlando is the enforcer, he has always hated violence, so he's willing to be more tender. I also found his and Angelina's relationship/story much more tender and caring ... certainly more emotional. (Check out my review of Oath of Obedience below for more details.)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Yes, I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! Love Jane Henry. She has a way of making her Doms human (even the dark mafia ones) and endearing.
This is the first book in the Dark Mafia Romance - Deviant Dom Series, but this is not the first one I've read. (Read the second one first.) This first one deals with the oldest brother Romeo and his rise to becoming the Don. It lays the ground work for the Rossi famiglia and introduces all the players/family members.
This was a good story with lots of action. It will definitely hold your interest with lots of intrigue, mysteries and a psycho father to top it all off.
I loved the h, Vitorria. She's down on her luck, but not down for the count. She's strong and fiesty and up to the challenges she's faced with as well as the challenge of Romeo. She begins to understand him and is willing to give him what he needs. Romeo, the H, is a strong, dominant man, but has many responsibilies that often weigh on him. He has to be in control and demands obedience and respect, but likes that Vitorria questions or disobeys him because the results (some bdsm action) allow him release.
While I did thorougly enjoy this one (book #1), I loved the second book, Oath of Obedience, so much more. You'd think by the titles that the second book would be heavier into the bdsm scene, but it's the complete opposite. (Not that book #2 is lacking in that regard, just that it seemed to be handled a little differently). I found Orlando much more willing to listen and explain the reasons for his commands/demands than Romeo was. That may have to do with the fact that although Orlando is the enforcer, he has always hated violence, so he's willing to be more tender. I also found his and Angelina's relationship/story much more tender and caring ... certainly more emotional. (Check out my review of Oath of Obedience below for more details.)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Yes, I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! Love Jane Henry. She has a way of making her Doms human (even the dark mafia ones) and endearing.
January 22, 2022
I simply had to force myself to finish this. I was so looking forward to it and I was really enjoying it at first, but it was so rushed? Also, their personalities were so all over the place.
December 18, 2021
Stilted and forced
Quite a nice premise. I read the preview and was intrigued and that was as far as my interest went. The book seemed forced and the characters action seemed forced and not genuine. It doesn’t even flow. The chemistry was weird and awkward. Not my cup of tea. I skipped a lot of parts and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. By tomorrow I won’t even remember what this book is about.
Quite a nice premise. I read the preview and was intrigued and that was as far as my interest went. The book seemed forced and the characters action seemed forced and not genuine. It doesn’t even flow. The chemistry was weird and awkward. Not my cup of tea. I skipped a lot of parts and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. By tomorrow I won’t even remember what this book is about.
January 20, 2022
It’s boring.
The whole story is strange.
The beginning was good, until it’s just an overwhelming amount of ideas that are not intreating to read.
I have an obsession for this genre, but this book does the job in such a bad way I don’t even know why I read it till the end.
Not my cup of tea
The whole story is strange.
The beginning was good, until it’s just an overwhelming amount of ideas that are not intreating to read.
I have an obsession for this genre, but this book does the job in such a bad way I don’t even know why I read it till the end.
Not my cup of tea
January 2, 2022
Eh...
I gave this a 3 star because the redeeming quality is the premise.
Spoilers Below:
But even that changed through out the book. I grew exhausted over the ever evolving reasons why they had to get married( her being poor, him killing someone in front of her, her inheritance, his father trying to kill her....) What would have worked better is if she had to take an oath of silence by marrying him to keep silent on the murder she witnessed. But the oath thing was forgotten and all we got was him grooming her for his abuse.
Equally exhausting were the pages and pages of irrelevant information like how his mother wore high heels and how many times her stomach "curled" when Romeo grabbed her arm.
I know the mafia trend is all fantasy but you got make fantasies a little believable. Her reasons for resistance of marriage became silly and without reason. His reasons for marrying her were all over the place. His decision finally landed on family rank and position which made no sense at all, since he was always supposed to be the underboss. I'm no mafia expert but I don't think that suddenly marrying a stranger will all you to take over the family business.
Anyhow, it was hard to finish and a little tiring. The only thing that kept me going was the mystery behind her inheritance.
I gave this a 3 star because the redeeming quality is the premise.
Spoilers Below:
But even that changed through out the book. I grew exhausted over the ever evolving reasons why they had to get married( her being poor, him killing someone in front of her, her inheritance, his father trying to kill her....) What would have worked better is if she had to take an oath of silence by marrying him to keep silent on the murder she witnessed. But the oath thing was forgotten and all we got was him grooming her for his abuse.
Equally exhausting were the pages and pages of irrelevant information like how his mother wore high heels and how many times her stomach "curled" when Romeo grabbed her arm.
I know the mafia trend is all fantasy but you got make fantasies a little believable. Her reasons for resistance of marriage became silly and without reason. His reasons for marrying her were all over the place. His decision finally landed on family rank and position which made no sense at all, since he was always supposed to be the underboss. I'm no mafia expert but I don't think that suddenly marrying a stranger will all you to take over the family business.
Anyhow, it was hard to finish and a little tiring. The only thing that kept me going was the mystery behind her inheritance.
March 7, 2022
Oath of Silence is the first book in Jane's newest series. We jump right into the mafia life with Vittoria and Romeo. Romeo killing someone Vittoria should never have seen him kill; these two meet under the worse condition. So when these two are forced into the same proximity, things can get hot and heavy.
Oath of Silence is a beautiful start to this series. The characters are strong, and the story is built beautifully. I am excited about future stories.
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Oath of Silence is a beautiful start to this series. The characters are strong, and the story is built beautifully. I am excited about future stories.
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December 16, 2021
Ok read.
Overall, a good read. I really felt like like you rushed their relationship. And Romeo came across as more mean than a Dominant. And Vitoria went from being an independent, hard working woman, to a submissive with no spine.
Overall, a good read. I really felt like like you rushed their relationship. And Romeo came across as more mean than a Dominant. And Vitoria went from being an independent, hard working woman, to a submissive with no spine.
December 6, 2021
2,5 stars
To much explaining, details about everything and more left the real story lacking.
Didn't really connect with the MC and skimmed the last 40% of a very predictable plot.
To much explaining, details about everything and more left the real story lacking.
Didn't really connect with the MC and skimmed the last 40% of a very predictable plot.
February 7, 2022
Ooh so close to being a really good read.
I very nearly gave up on this book a few times, as it’s so frustrating. Vittoria does some crazy things, and so many unanswered questions. How was Vittoria so rich, before her boyfriend swindled her out of her money? How did her boyfriend manage to swindle all her money without her knowing? Who was her mum and dad? I know they died but what did they do? Why the hell would she accept an invitation to New York to a house without knowing what it was about?
So Vittoria has supposedly been swindled out of all her money, by her ex boyfriend. She’s been living in her car, when she receives an invitation to a house. It doesn’t say what for or what it’s about. When it turns out to be a will reading, that stipulates she marries one of the mafia brothers in return for 12 million, instead of running for the hills, she stays. Romeo is the underboss to a crime family. When he meets Vittoria, he instantly wants her.
This is where it really annoyed me. Why does Romeo have to control everything about Vittoria? Because he’s going to be the next don? He tells her what to wear, when they have sex for the first time, he demands that she doesn’t clean herself!!! That part is extremely gross by the way!!!
The first time he punishes her, I’m still confused over why he did!!!
So Vittoria wants to get to know Romeo before she marries him. Fair enough. But she isn’t safe from his lunatic father until she does marry him.
There are parts of this book, that are really funny. And it has a charm about it. I just wish that it had fulfilled its earlier promise. After some really hot sex scenes throughout the book, their wedding night was him kissing her while shoving it in!!! Ouch!!! What a letdown!!!
many unexplained parts of the book.
I very nearly gave up on this book a few times, as it’s so frustrating. Vittoria does some crazy things, and so many unanswered questions. How was Vittoria so rich, before her boyfriend swindled her out of her money? How did her boyfriend manage to swindle all her money without her knowing? Who was her mum and dad? I know they died but what did they do? Why the hell would she accept an invitation to New York to a house without knowing what it was about?
So Vittoria has supposedly been swindled out of all her money, by her ex boyfriend. She’s been living in her car, when she receives an invitation to a house. It doesn’t say what for or what it’s about. When it turns out to be a will reading, that stipulates she marries one of the mafia brothers in return for 12 million, instead of running for the hills, she stays. Romeo is the underboss to a crime family. When he meets Vittoria, he instantly wants her.
This is where it really annoyed me. Why does Romeo have to control everything about Vittoria? Because he’s going to be the next don? He tells her what to wear, when they have sex for the first time, he demands that she doesn’t clean herself!!! That part is extremely gross by the way!!!
The first time he punishes her, I’m still confused over why he did!!!
So Vittoria wants to get to know Romeo before she marries him. Fair enough. But she isn’t safe from his lunatic father until she does marry him.
There are parts of this book, that are really funny. And it has a charm about it. I just wish that it had fulfilled its earlier promise. After some really hot sex scenes throughout the book, their wedding night was him kissing her while shoving it in!!! Ouch!!! What a letdown!!!
many unexplained parts of the book.
April 10, 2022
This started out pretty good. Vittoria and Romeo never expected to see one another again. I understood that her desperation drove her to the Castle. Then the situation got kind of confusing.
Romeo's father was dangerous, hateful, and didn't seem to have all of his mental factors intact. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was mental issues, or the man was an uncontrollable rabid dog.
I thought Romeo and Vittoria had chemistry, but the relationship got no chance to develop. It felt like the entire book covered the space of 3, maybe 4 days. If I want to be generous, I would say a week. When Vittoria showed up at the Castle, she and Romeo had just crossed paths the night before. He hadn't been home for 24 hours yet after being away for quite a while.
It felt like there was a lot going on at the same time. The sister Rosa and her issues, the father, Romeo just coming home, the mother Tosca, Nonna, Santos, the attacks, etc. All of this was going on including Victoria's initial issue, the threats, and the marriage. How some of these things tied in together didn't make sense to me.
There was plenty of violence, some mystery, romance???, and some steam. It was an ok read, At times confusing, as well as feeling like it was all over the place. I have to say that I read it to the very end because I wanted to unravel the confusion. I did with some things and not so much with others. But, Rome and Vittoria got their HEA.
Romeo's father was dangerous, hateful, and didn't seem to have all of his mental factors intact. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was mental issues, or the man was an uncontrollable rabid dog.
I thought Romeo and Vittoria had chemistry, but the relationship got no chance to develop. It felt like the entire book covered the space of 3, maybe 4 days. If I want to be generous, I would say a week. When Vittoria showed up at the Castle, she and Romeo had just crossed paths the night before. He hadn't been home for 24 hours yet after being away for quite a while.
It felt like there was a lot going on at the same time. The sister Rosa and her issues, the father, Romeo just coming home, the mother Tosca, Nonna, Santos, the attacks, etc. All of this was going on including Victoria's initial issue, the threats, and the marriage. How some of these things tied in together didn't make sense to me.
There was plenty of violence, some mystery, romance???, and some steam. It was an ok read, At times confusing, as well as feeling like it was all over the place. I have to say that I read it to the very end because I wanted to unravel the confusion. I did with some things and not so much with others. But, Rome and Vittoria got their HEA.
December 3, 2021
I’m a sucker for a good mafia romance, and the way the author built the Rossi world was on point. The author explained who was who, and the structure of how this particular mafia family works. I will say I wish the author spent more time showing us how the Rossi family worked in Boston and less time telling us. The whole story took place at the Castle, with the exception of the first 2-3 chapters where Vittoria (Tori) and Romeo met. In mafia, I’m used to seeing the inner workings of the business and the family being in action, but we absolutely did not get that here.
I thought the Romeo/Juliet quotes at the beginning of each chapter for fitting and corresponded well to what the chapter was about. However, I’m not sure if Romeo and Juliet was used because the guy’s name is Romeo because I didn’t see that many parallels between Tori/Romeo’s love story and Romeo and Juliet’s story. There was no star-crossed lovers element to it, just run of the mill enemies-to-lovers.
As for Vittoria and Romeo…the chemistry was there, 100%. However, I think the relationship between Tori and Romeo could’ve been fleshed out some more. I didn’t connect much with Tori because her mind was all over the place and I’m not sure I believe she just was ok going from being independent to submitting to her submissive urges. Likewise, Romeo was always a softie at heart, but I didn’t follow how he made the leap from always needing control to just falling in love with Tori. The few sex scenes were decent and I felt like after they had their foreplay scenes and the scene where they had sex initially, the rest of them were rushed, almost in a fade to black manner.
I was a bit underwhelmed with the the secret behind Tori being in the will. It just seemed like a piece of the back story that seemed important but that wasn’t fleshed out. For example, we don’t get to see Romeo deal with Ashton but I think we should have because we need more info on which enemies Ashton was working with to take money from the Rossi family.
I’m not sure what to say about the epilogue. It just left us with more questions (see below) and the way she just laid across his lap and said “this is my life now cause he needs me to be a sub” just left a bad taste in my mouth. I think more character development for both characters would’ve made this whole story sit better with me.
The lingering questions:
- What’s going to happen with Santo? How did Romeo deal with him?
- Why was Orlando arrested?
- Did Romeo’s mom ever come back after she ran off with her new lover?
I have a feeling these questions will be answered in future books but it’s a pet peeve of mine when we are left with huge questions that to me are considered plot holes. I can see two possible couplings that will have books soon. I hope we see stronger character development in the future and that the whole story doesn’t just take place within the Castle.
I will probably continue reading the series so that I can get some of the lingering questions answered.
Merged review:
I’m a sucker for a good mafia romance, and the way the author built the Rossi world was on point. The author explained who was who, and the structure of how this particular mafia family works. I will say I wish the author spent more time showing us how the Rossi family worked in Boston and less time telling us. The whole story took place at the Castle, with the exception of the first 2-3 chapters where Vittoria (Tori) and Romeo met. In mafia, I’m used to seeing the inner workings of the business and the family being in action, but we absolutely did not get that here.
I thought the Romeo/Juliet quotes at the beginning of each chapter for fitting and corresponded well to what the chapter was about. However, I’m not sure if Romeo and Juliet was used because the guy’s name is Romeo because I didn’t see that many parallels between Tori/Romeo’s love story and Romeo and Juliet’s story. There was no star-crossed lovers element to it, just run of the mill enemies-to-lovers.
As for Vittoria and Romeo…the chemistry was there, 100%. However, I think the relationship between Tori and Romeo could’ve been fleshed out some more. I didn’t connect much with Tori because her mind was all over the place and I’m not sure I believe she just was ok going from being independent to submitting to her submissive urges. Likewise, Romeo was always a softie at heart, but I didn’t follow how he made the leap from always needing control to just falling in love with Tori. The few sex scenes were decent and I felt like after they had their foreplay scenes and the scene where they had sex initially, the rest of them were rushed, almost in a fade to black manner.
I was a bit underwhelmed with the the secret behind Tori being in the will. It just seemed like a piece of the back story that seemed important but that wasn’t fleshed out. For example, we don’t get to see Romeo deal with Ashton but I think we should have because we need more info on which enemies Ashton was working with to take money from the Rossi family.
I’m not sure what to say about the epilogue. It just left us with more questions (see below) and the way she just laid across his lap and said “this is my life now cause he needs me to be a sub” just left a bad taste in my mouth. I think more character development for both characters would’ve made this whole story sit better with me.
The lingering questions:
- What’s going to happen with Santo? How did Romeo deal with him?
- Why was Orlando arrested?
- Did Romeo’s mom ever come back after she ran off with her new lover?
I have a feeling these questions will be answered in future books but it’s a pet peeve of mine when we are left with huge questions that to me are considered plot holes. I can see two possible couplings that will have books soon. I hope we see stronger character development in the future and that the whole story doesn’t just take place within the Castle.
I will probably continue reading the series so that I can get some of the lingering questions answered.
I thought the Romeo/Juliet quotes at the beginning of each chapter for fitting and corresponded well to what the chapter was about. However, I’m not sure if Romeo and Juliet was used because the guy’s name is Romeo because I didn’t see that many parallels between Tori/Romeo’s love story and Romeo and Juliet’s story. There was no star-crossed lovers element to it, just run of the mill enemies-to-lovers.
As for Vittoria and Romeo…the chemistry was there, 100%. However, I think the relationship between Tori and Romeo could’ve been fleshed out some more. I didn’t connect much with Tori because her mind was all over the place and I’m not sure I believe she just was ok going from being independent to submitting to her submissive urges. Likewise, Romeo was always a softie at heart, but I didn’t follow how he made the leap from always needing control to just falling in love with Tori. The few sex scenes were decent and I felt like after they had their foreplay scenes and the scene where they had sex initially, the rest of them were rushed, almost in a fade to black manner.
I was a bit underwhelmed with the the secret behind Tori being in the will. It just seemed like a piece of the back story that seemed important but that wasn’t fleshed out. For example, we don’t get to see Romeo deal with Ashton but I think we should have because we need more info on which enemies Ashton was working with to take money from the Rossi family.
I’m not sure what to say about the epilogue. It just left us with more questions (see below) and the way she just laid across his lap and said “this is my life now cause he needs me to be a sub” just left a bad taste in my mouth. I think more character development for both characters would’ve made this whole story sit better with me.
The lingering questions:
- What’s going to happen with Santo? How did Romeo deal with him?
- Why was Orlando arrested?
- Did Romeo’s mom ever come back after she ran off with her new lover?
I have a feeling these questions will be answered in future books but it’s a pet peeve of mine when we are left with huge questions that to me are considered plot holes. I can see two possible couplings that will have books soon. I hope we see stronger character development in the future and that the whole story doesn’t just take place within the Castle.
I will probably continue reading the series so that I can get some of the lingering questions answered.
Merged review:
I’m a sucker for a good mafia romance, and the way the author built the Rossi world was on point. The author explained who was who, and the structure of how this particular mafia family works. I will say I wish the author spent more time showing us how the Rossi family worked in Boston and less time telling us. The whole story took place at the Castle, with the exception of the first 2-3 chapters where Vittoria (Tori) and Romeo met. In mafia, I’m used to seeing the inner workings of the business and the family being in action, but we absolutely did not get that here.
I thought the Romeo/Juliet quotes at the beginning of each chapter for fitting and corresponded well to what the chapter was about. However, I’m not sure if Romeo and Juliet was used because the guy’s name is Romeo because I didn’t see that many parallels between Tori/Romeo’s love story and Romeo and Juliet’s story. There was no star-crossed lovers element to it, just run of the mill enemies-to-lovers.
As for Vittoria and Romeo…the chemistry was there, 100%. However, I think the relationship between Tori and Romeo could’ve been fleshed out some more. I didn’t connect much with Tori because her mind was all over the place and I’m not sure I believe she just was ok going from being independent to submitting to her submissive urges. Likewise, Romeo was always a softie at heart, but I didn’t follow how he made the leap from always needing control to just falling in love with Tori. The few sex scenes were decent and I felt like after they had their foreplay scenes and the scene where they had sex initially, the rest of them were rushed, almost in a fade to black manner.
I was a bit underwhelmed with the the secret behind Tori being in the will. It just seemed like a piece of the back story that seemed important but that wasn’t fleshed out. For example, we don’t get to see Romeo deal with Ashton but I think we should have because we need more info on which enemies Ashton was working with to take money from the Rossi family.
I’m not sure what to say about the epilogue. It just left us with more questions (see below) and the way she just laid across his lap and said “this is my life now cause he needs me to be a sub” just left a bad taste in my mouth. I think more character development for both characters would’ve made this whole story sit better with me.
The lingering questions:
- What’s going to happen with Santo? How did Romeo deal with him?
- Why was Orlando arrested?
- Did Romeo’s mom ever come back after she ran off with her new lover?
I have a feeling these questions will be answered in future books but it’s a pet peeve of mine when we are left with huge questions that to me are considered plot holes. I can see two possible couplings that will have books soon. I hope we see stronger character development in the future and that the whole story doesn’t just take place within the Castle.
I will probably continue reading the series so that I can get some of the lingering questions answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
Wow… Oath of Silence is a great read, it’s addicting and fast paced right from the start. I’ve read a couple other books in this series and I’m finally going back to the ones I missed. This series and these brothers are OTT crazy and sexy as hell. I love the banter and the relationship they all have. I was laughing at how these guys fight over food like boys. And freaking Nonna! She was something.
The chemistry between Vittoria and Romeo was intense. These two were absolutely perfect together, and I especially enjoyed watching her push his buttons. She wasn’t a doormat and refused to just be told what to do. I loved that. It was also nice to see how welcoming Romeo’s family was with her, except for his dad. He was a tyrant, cruel, and got what he deserved in the end.
I absolutely love Jane’s writing and how she portrays her female characters. It’s always a joy to read her books and I’m already diving into the next book I missed!
The chemistry between Vittoria and Romeo was intense. These two were absolutely perfect together, and I especially enjoyed watching her push his buttons. She wasn’t a doormat and refused to just be told what to do. I loved that. It was also nice to see how welcoming Romeo’s family was with her, except for his dad. He was a tyrant, cruel, and got what he deserved in the end.
I absolutely love Jane’s writing and how she portrays her female characters. It’s always a joy to read her books and I’m already diving into the next book I missed!
December 5, 2021
great mafia read
I seriously could not put this down. Vittoria and Romeo were such an interesting couple. Romeo was very pushy but Vittoria definitely didn't take it. She was a strong heroine and I loved it.
There was a lot to unravel in this story and I loved all the twists and turns. There was tons of steam but a good storyline to keep me captivated the whole time!
I can't wait to read more of this series!
While I received an advanced copy, all thoughts are my own.
I seriously could not put this down. Vittoria and Romeo were such an interesting couple. Romeo was very pushy but Vittoria definitely didn't take it. She was a strong heroine and I loved it.
There was a lot to unravel in this story and I loved all the twists and turns. There was tons of steam but a good storyline to keep me captivated the whole time!
I can't wait to read more of this series!
While I received an advanced copy, all thoughts are my own.
March 2, 2023
The secrets we don’t tell
What a fascinating story! I love how the author took us into the heart of the family through the shadows. The characters were fantastic! I felt like they and their struggles were so realistic. They were things that most families struggle with in real life, well except for the blood and carnage, I hope, but other than that it could have been the typical family reunion. This book is high on action, danger, kink, and romance, although some of the heated scenes started out strong and finished with a fizzle. But that is not going to stop me from searching out the next installment to find out which one of this wild brood finds their HEA next.
What a fascinating story! I love how the author took us into the heart of the family through the shadows. The characters were fantastic! I felt like they and their struggles were so realistic. They were things that most families struggle with in real life, well except for the blood and carnage, I hope, but other than that it could have been the typical family reunion. This book is high on action, danger, kink, and romance, although some of the heated scenes started out strong and finished with a fizzle. But that is not going to stop me from searching out the next installment to find out which one of this wild brood finds their HEA next.
August 3, 2022
Mafia Romance with Spanking
Yeah I really love Mafia Romances and this is a really great one. I really loved the characters and there is so much chemistry between the H and the h, there is a lot of 🔥 🔥 🔥 and I am sure you will love it 🥰
Yeah I really love Mafia Romances and this is a really great one. I really loved the characters and there is so much chemistry between the H and the h, there is a lot of 🔥 🔥 🔥 and I am sure you will love it 🥰
February 24, 2025
Vittoria ❤︎ Romeo! I had a little trouble diving into their story but after the first chapter, I ended up enjoying the rest of the book. A kinda sweet story, I found it softer compared to previous books I've read by Jane Henry which I liked this period of time.
March 12, 2022
okay
3.8⭐️ I liked this book but the characters were flip-floppy. Romeo is one minute cold and cruel and the next he’s almost sweet and kind and then he’s angry and upset. There were also some I guess plot holes, regarding a few things. Like I wished Jane flushed out Vittoria's character a bit more, like we now she got swindled and was used by the Rossi family’s enemies in some elaborate scheme but is that all she is? What was her job, did she suddenly get fired, I wish there was more depth to her character. Also we never learn what Santo was being blackmailed by, what his father had on him. Overall, i just wished she flushed out the story and characters more.
3.8⭐️ I liked this book but the characters were flip-floppy. Romeo is one minute cold and cruel and the next he’s almost sweet and kind and then he’s angry and upset. There were also some I guess plot holes, regarding a few things. Like I wished Jane flushed out Vittoria's character a bit more, like we now she got swindled and was used by the Rossi family’s enemies in some elaborate scheme but is that all she is? What was her job, did she suddenly get fired, I wish there was more depth to her character. Also we never learn what Santo was being blackmailed by, what his father had on him. Overall, i just wished she flushed out the story and characters more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
Roméo Rossi et Vittoria DeSanto
Chef de famille
Mafia écossaise
Rosa ( sœur aînée)
Ottavio Rossi (frère cadet de Roméo, deuxième fils de la famille)
Orlando (le troisième fils)
Mario (l'avant dernier fils)
Marialena (la toute dernière des enfants de la famille Rossi)
Narciso Rossi (chef de notre famille et père)
Tosca Rossi (mère de la famille Rossi et femme de Narciso)
Santo (meilleur ami de Roméo et frère adoptif de la famille)
__________
Intéressante. Personne adorable. Belle plume.
Mais sans plus. Pas envie de continuer la serie
📖
Je lui donnerai ma bague pour réclamer ma couronne.
Vittoria DeSanto ne me laisse pas le choix.
Ce qu'elle sait pourrait me détruire.
Détruire ma famille.
Et je ne permettrai pas cela.
Elle est sans abri, sans le sou, impuissante.
Je lui donnerai la vie d'une princesse de la mafia.
Tout ce qu'elle désire sera à elle...
Sauf sa liberté.
Parce que notre mariage fera de moi le chef de la famille criminelle Rossi.
Ma parole fait loi.
Tous doivent respecter mon autorité, surtout Vittoria.
La femme têtue apprendra.
Sa place est à mes côtés.
Dans mon lit.
Sur. Mon. Genou.
📚
🖋
Appuyé contre un arbre, Roméo fouilla dans sa poche et en sortit le paquet de cigarettes. Il en mit une entre ses lèvres et rendit le paquet au moment même où le bruit des feuilles et des brindilles qui craquaient lui indiqua qu'il avait été suivi. Sa colonne vertébrale se raidit, sa main toujours sur sa poche arrière. La seule cigarette non allumée pendait toujours à ses lèvres.
Il a fait un inventaire mental des armes qu'il avait sur lui. Les garçons de la famille Rossi ne quittaient jamais la maison sans une arme, même pour aller à l'école, à l'église ou à un rendez-vous. Surtout un rendez-vous.
Un couteau à cran d'arrêt dans sa poche, une fine lame de rasoir dans son portefeuille, un poing américain tout neuf niché dans la poche cachée de son jean. Rien de trop voyant, mais ils seraient utiles en cas de besoin.
Et le briquet. Le briquet pourrait également être utilisé si nécessaire.
Roméo n'était pas du genre à se recroqueviller et à attendre, mais son humeur s'enflamma. « Qui est là ? »
Pas de réponse.
Il ouvrit la lame d'un coup sec, savourant le poids rassurant de celle-ci dans sa paume et stimula ses sens, mais avant qu'il ne puisse détecter un autre bruit, un grand bruit retentit derrière lui. Il balança, la lame instinctivement rangée à ses côtés pour la cacher au cas où il s'agirait d'un policier.
« Putain, Tavi. » Ottavio Rossi, le frère cadet de Roméo et le deuxième aîné de la famille Rossi, lança à Roméo un sourire penaud. Presque aussi grand que Roméo, Ottavio avait hérité de la taille de la famille Rossi mais, contrairement à Roméo, il avait la silhouette élancée de sa mère. Avec une tignasse châtain plus courte que les autres, combinée à une fine paire de lunettes à monture métallique, il paraissait presque aussi vieux que Roméo, bien qu'il ait trois ans de moins.
« Désolé, Rome, dit-il avec un haussement d’épaules penaud. J’ai suivi les petits morveux jusqu’ici. » Il tendit la main derrière lui et tira devant lui la petite Marialena, âgée de trois ans, et Mario, âgé de cinq ans.
« Je ne suis pas une gamine ! » dit Marialena, ses jolis yeux brillants vers eux deux.
Mario frappa du pied. « Arrête de m'appeler comme ça ou je dirai à maman que tu fumes encore. »
Ottavio leva les yeux au ciel et Roméo lui lança un regard noir.
"Toi aussi-"
« Trois », dit une voix amusée à la droite d’Ottavio, et Orlando s’avança dans la lumière. « Désolé. Je ne savais pas que vous étiez là. »
« Jésus, gémit Roméo. Je suis venu ici pour être seul, pas avec toute cette foutue famille. »
« Pas toute la famille », corrigea Orlando. « Et je pourrais en dire autant. Je suis venu ici pour lire, pas pour faire du babysitting. » Il leva les yeux au ciel en direction de Marialena et rangea son livre de poche usé dans sa poche arrière.
.
Quand ils furent suffisamment loin, Roméo se tourna vers Santo. « Écarte-toi, mon gars. Laisse-moi voir. »
Santo obéit et observa. Roméo n'ignora pas que c'était Santo qui avait trouvé le corps. Lui-même âgé de seulement dix ans, il était bien plus sage que son âge et était arrivé dans la Famille en tant qu'escroc résident. Il était doué pour escroquer et disait rarement la vérité.
Il était le favori de Narciso Rossi. Le seul enfant sans lien de sang, le seul que la mère de Roméo, Tosca, lui laissait corrompre à sa guise.
Ottavio s'approcha de Roméo et les deux garçons regardèrent le corps. Roméo tomba à genoux tandis qu'Ottavio se retournait et avait des haut-le-cœur à côté de lui.
« Depuis quelques jours », dit Roméo d’une voix froide et détachée qui trahissait le feu qui brûlait dans son ventre. « Peut-être depuis une semaine. »
Il regarda les jambes, de travers et visiblement cassées, et se demanda quelle torture avait fait le plus mal. Il regarda les doigts, froids et raides de rigidité cadavérique, et fléchit les siens comme pour défier l'idée que la mort puisse geler ses propres membres. Il regarda les feuilles qui lui servaient de cercueil de fortune avant leur propre décomposition.
Santo hocha la tête. « Ça sent le cul. »
« Tu ne devrais pas jurer comme ça », protesta distraitement Roméo. Il jurait lui-même comme un marin, mais estimait que toute personne de moins de treize ans devrait être soumise à des normes de pureté plus élevées.
« Va te faire foutre », murmura Santo. Roméo ne l'entendit pas.
Il était trop fixé sur le corps ensanglanté devant lui.
« Un couteau dans la nuque », nota Ottavio, exprimant la brutalité qui s'étalait devant eux sur le lit de feuilles. Il ne prononça pas d'autres mots.
Ottavio et Roméo savaient tous les deux que c'était le mouvement emblématique de leur père, celui qui lui a valu le surnom de « Crâne ». Roméo avait six ans lorsqu'il a surpris son père en train de s'entraîner à son mouvement dans un hangar à bois sur leur propriété.
Vas-y, mon fils. De cette façon, tu laisses ta marque. De cette façon, ils te connaissent et te respectent.
Mais Roméo ne jouait pas à des jeux.
Il n’avait jamais tué un homme et n’avait jamais prévu de le faire.
Le patron n’avait pas besoin de se salir les mains.
Roméo s'agenouilla à côté du corps et tapota le jean sale et affaissé pour l'identifier, mais tout avait été pris. Il ne restait que le corps et l'odeur putride de chair en décomposition.
Pourquoi ? Pourquoi ici ? La famille Rossi n'a jamais été négligente dans ses coups. Jamais.
« Nous ne pouvons appeler personne », dit-il à Ottavio. La seule personne en qui il aurait confiance serait son père, qui se trouvait en Toscane depuis une semaine.
« Tu sais qui c’est ? »
Santo secoua la tête. Roméo se tourna vers lui d’un air sévère. « Pourquoi étais-tu ici ? »
Santo haussa les épaules. « J'ai entendu les garçons descendre, j'ai pensé que je pourrais me cacher et vous faire peur à tous. »
Roméo fronça les sourcils, puis se tourna vers le corps.
« Que faisons-nous, Rome ? » demanda Ottavio.
« On laisse tomber, putain », marmonna Santo. Cette fois, Roméo ne lui dit pas de surveiller son langage.
Il croisa le regard d'Ottavio, et la mâchoire de ce dernier se crispa. Il savait aussi bien que Roméo que si leur père avait tué cet homme – et tous les signes indiquaient sa culpabilité – il irait en prison, et cette fois, ils jetteraient la clé.
« Non, dit Ottavio avec décision. On se débarrasse du corps. »
« Tavi », dit Santo en donnant un coup de pied dans une souche d’arbre. « Comment diable pouvons-nous… »
« Pas nous, » interrompit Roméo. « Nous. Retourne à la maison et assure-toi qu'Orlando a les petits sous contrôle. Putain, si je veux qu'ils reviennent et voient ça… »
« Pas question. » Santo posa fermement ses pieds sur le sol devant lui. « Vous êtes peut-être plus grands que moi, mais vous n'êtes pas assez grands pour vous débarrasser du corps d'un homme vous-même. »
Il avait raison.
Il lui a fallu deux heures, six mains et cinq mensonges à sa mère, mais quand il est allé se coucher ce soir-là, le coup était fait et le camion de son père était garé là où il l'avait laissé.
Il ne pouvait pas le dire à son père, même si son instinct lui disait que son père le savait très bien.
Mais pourquoi a-t-il laissé le corps comme ça ?
Il ne pouvait pas le dire à sa mère. Elle les enverrait tous en Italie dans un pensionnat, comme elle le menaçait depuis des années.
Il ne pouvait en parler à aucun des soldats ou des hommes avec qui il avait grandi et qu'il appelait oncle ou cousin, car à qui pouvait-on faire confiance ? Et si c'était son père qui avait commis le meurtre ?
Et avant d'aller se coucher ce soir-là, Roméo fit prêter à Santo et Ottavio un serment juré dans le sang, son fidèle couteau à cran d'arrêt scellant la promesse.
Rien ne s'est jamais produit.
Personne n'a vu le corps.
Ils fumaient près de la carrière et sortaient en voiture, et ils acceptaient toutes les punitions qu'ils recevaient sans se plaindre.
« Nous avons fait des serments », leur dit Roméo, et il sentit le poids de ses mots en les prononçant. Des serments qui lient. Des serments qui réduisent au silence. « Nous prêterons serment ce soir. »
Des serments qui les sépareraient un jour.
🖋
Chef de famille
Mafia écossaise
Rosa ( sœur aînée)
Ottavio Rossi (frère cadet de Roméo, deuxième fils de la famille)
Orlando (le troisième fils)
Mario (l'avant dernier fils)
Marialena (la toute dernière des enfants de la famille Rossi)
Narciso Rossi (chef de notre famille et père)
Tosca Rossi (mère de la famille Rossi et femme de Narciso)
Santo (meilleur ami de Roméo et frère adoptif de la famille)
__________
Intéressante. Personne adorable. Belle plume.
Mais sans plus. Pas envie de continuer la serie
📖
Je lui donnerai ma bague pour réclamer ma couronne.
Vittoria DeSanto ne me laisse pas le choix.
Ce qu'elle sait pourrait me détruire.
Détruire ma famille.
Et je ne permettrai pas cela.
Elle est sans abri, sans le sou, impuissante.
Je lui donnerai la vie d'une princesse de la mafia.
Tout ce qu'elle désire sera à elle...
Sauf sa liberté.
Parce que notre mariage fera de moi le chef de la famille criminelle Rossi.
Ma parole fait loi.
Tous doivent respecter mon autorité, surtout Vittoria.
La femme têtue apprendra.
Sa place est à mes côtés.
Dans mon lit.
Sur. Mon. Genou.
📚
🖋
Appuyé contre un arbre, Roméo fouilla dans sa poche et en sortit le paquet de cigarettes. Il en mit une entre ses lèvres et rendit le paquet au moment même où le bruit des feuilles et des brindilles qui craquaient lui indiqua qu'il avait été suivi. Sa colonne vertébrale se raidit, sa main toujours sur sa poche arrière. La seule cigarette non allumée pendait toujours à ses lèvres.
Il a fait un inventaire mental des armes qu'il avait sur lui. Les garçons de la famille Rossi ne quittaient jamais la maison sans une arme, même pour aller à l'école, à l'église ou à un rendez-vous. Surtout un rendez-vous.
Un couteau à cran d'arrêt dans sa poche, une fine lame de rasoir dans son portefeuille, un poing américain tout neuf niché dans la poche cachée de son jean. Rien de trop voyant, mais ils seraient utiles en cas de besoin.
Et le briquet. Le briquet pourrait également être utilisé si nécessaire.
Roméo n'était pas du genre à se recroqueviller et à attendre, mais son humeur s'enflamma. « Qui est là ? »
Pas de réponse.
Il ouvrit la lame d'un coup sec, savourant le poids rassurant de celle-ci dans sa paume et stimula ses sens, mais avant qu'il ne puisse détecter un autre bruit, un grand bruit retentit derrière lui. Il balança, la lame instinctivement rangée à ses côtés pour la cacher au cas où il s'agirait d'un policier.
« Putain, Tavi. » Ottavio Rossi, le frère cadet de Roméo et le deuxième aîné de la famille Rossi, lança à Roméo un sourire penaud. Presque aussi grand que Roméo, Ottavio avait hérité de la taille de la famille Rossi mais, contrairement à Roméo, il avait la silhouette élancée de sa mère. Avec une tignasse châtain plus courte que les autres, combinée à une fine paire de lunettes à monture métallique, il paraissait presque aussi vieux que Roméo, bien qu'il ait trois ans de moins.
« Désolé, Rome, dit-il avec un haussement d’épaules penaud. J’ai suivi les petits morveux jusqu’ici. » Il tendit la main derrière lui et tira devant lui la petite Marialena, âgée de trois ans, et Mario, âgé de cinq ans.
« Je ne suis pas une gamine ! » dit Marialena, ses jolis yeux brillants vers eux deux.
Mario frappa du pied. « Arrête de m'appeler comme ça ou je dirai à maman que tu fumes encore. »
Ottavio leva les yeux au ciel et Roméo lui lança un regard noir.
"Toi aussi-"
« Trois », dit une voix amusée à la droite d’Ottavio, et Orlando s’avança dans la lumière. « Désolé. Je ne savais pas que vous étiez là. »
« Jésus, gémit Roméo. Je suis venu ici pour être seul, pas avec toute cette foutue famille. »
« Pas toute la famille », corrigea Orlando. « Et je pourrais en dire autant. Je suis venu ici pour lire, pas pour faire du babysitting. » Il leva les yeux au ciel en direction de Marialena et rangea son livre de poche usé dans sa poche arrière.
.
Quand ils furent suffisamment loin, Roméo se tourna vers Santo. « Écarte-toi, mon gars. Laisse-moi voir. »
Santo obéit et observa. Roméo n'ignora pas que c'était Santo qui avait trouvé le corps. Lui-même âgé de seulement dix ans, il était bien plus sage que son âge et était arrivé dans la Famille en tant qu'escroc résident. Il était doué pour escroquer et disait rarement la vérité.
Il était le favori de Narciso Rossi. Le seul enfant sans lien de sang, le seul que la mère de Roméo, Tosca, lui laissait corrompre à sa guise.
Ottavio s'approcha de Roméo et les deux garçons regardèrent le corps. Roméo tomba à genoux tandis qu'Ottavio se retournait et avait des haut-le-cœur à côté de lui.
« Depuis quelques jours », dit Roméo d’une voix froide et détachée qui trahissait le feu qui brûlait dans son ventre. « Peut-être depuis une semaine. »
Il regarda les jambes, de travers et visiblement cassées, et se demanda quelle torture avait fait le plus mal. Il regarda les doigts, froids et raides de rigidité cadavérique, et fléchit les siens comme pour défier l'idée que la mort puisse geler ses propres membres. Il regarda les feuilles qui lui servaient de cercueil de fortune avant leur propre décomposition.
Santo hocha la tête. « Ça sent le cul. »
« Tu ne devrais pas jurer comme ça », protesta distraitement Roméo. Il jurait lui-même comme un marin, mais estimait que toute personne de moins de treize ans devrait être soumise à des normes de pureté plus élevées.
« Va te faire foutre », murmura Santo. Roméo ne l'entendit pas.
Il était trop fixé sur le corps ensanglanté devant lui.
« Un couteau dans la nuque », nota Ottavio, exprimant la brutalité qui s'étalait devant eux sur le lit de feuilles. Il ne prononça pas d'autres mots.
Ottavio et Roméo savaient tous les deux que c'était le mouvement emblématique de leur père, celui qui lui a valu le surnom de « Crâne ». Roméo avait six ans lorsqu'il a surpris son père en train de s'entraîner à son mouvement dans un hangar à bois sur leur propriété.
Vas-y, mon fils. De cette façon, tu laisses ta marque. De cette façon, ils te connaissent et te respectent.
Mais Roméo ne jouait pas à des jeux.
Il n’avait jamais tué un homme et n’avait jamais prévu de le faire.
Le patron n’avait pas besoin de se salir les mains.
Roméo s'agenouilla à côté du corps et tapota le jean sale et affaissé pour l'identifier, mais tout avait été pris. Il ne restait que le corps et l'odeur putride de chair en décomposition.
Pourquoi ? Pourquoi ici ? La famille Rossi n'a jamais été négligente dans ses coups. Jamais.
« Nous ne pouvons appeler personne », dit-il à Ottavio. La seule personne en qui il aurait confiance serait son père, qui se trouvait en Toscane depuis une semaine.
« Tu sais qui c’est ? »
Santo secoua la tête. Roméo se tourna vers lui d’un air sévère. « Pourquoi étais-tu ici ? »
Santo haussa les épaules. « J'ai entendu les garçons descendre, j'ai pensé que je pourrais me cacher et vous faire peur à tous. »
Roméo fronça les sourcils, puis se tourna vers le corps.
« Que faisons-nous, Rome ? » demanda Ottavio.
« On laisse tomber, putain », marmonna Santo. Cette fois, Roméo ne lui dit pas de surveiller son langage.
Il croisa le regard d'Ottavio, et la mâchoire de ce dernier se crispa. Il savait aussi bien que Roméo que si leur père avait tué cet homme – et tous les signes indiquaient sa culpabilité – il irait en prison, et cette fois, ils jetteraient la clé.
« Non, dit Ottavio avec décision. On se débarrasse du corps. »
« Tavi », dit Santo en donnant un coup de pied dans une souche d’arbre. « Comment diable pouvons-nous… »
« Pas nous, » interrompit Roméo. « Nous. Retourne à la maison et assure-toi qu'Orlando a les petits sous contrôle. Putain, si je veux qu'ils reviennent et voient ça… »
« Pas question. » Santo posa fermement ses pieds sur le sol devant lui. « Vous êtes peut-être plus grands que moi, mais vous n'êtes pas assez grands pour vous débarrasser du corps d'un homme vous-même. »
Il avait raison.
Il lui a fallu deux heures, six mains et cinq mensonges à sa mère, mais quand il est allé se coucher ce soir-là, le coup était fait et le camion de son père était garé là où il l'avait laissé.
Il ne pouvait pas le dire à son père, même si son instinct lui disait que son père le savait très bien.
Mais pourquoi a-t-il laissé le corps comme ça ?
Il ne pouvait pas le dire à sa mère. Elle les enverrait tous en Italie dans un pensionnat, comme elle le menaçait depuis des années.
Il ne pouvait en parler à aucun des soldats ou des hommes avec qui il avait grandi et qu'il appelait oncle ou cousin, car à qui pouvait-on faire confiance ? Et si c'était son père qui avait commis le meurtre ?
Et avant d'aller se coucher ce soir-là, Roméo fit prêter à Santo et Ottavio un serment juré dans le sang, son fidèle couteau à cran d'arrêt scellant la promesse.
Rien ne s'est jamais produit.
Personne n'a vu le corps.
Ils fumaient près de la carrière et sortaient en voiture, et ils acceptaient toutes les punitions qu'ils recevaient sans se plaindre.
« Nous avons fait des serments », leur dit Roméo, et il sentit le poids de ses mots en les prononçant. Des serments qui lient. Des serments qui réduisent au silence. « Nous prêterons serment ce soir. »
Des serments qui les sépareraient un jour.
🖋
December 2, 2021
ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, SWEETHEART.
The beginning of a new series, Deviant Doms, had engrossed in the tale and kept the pages turning as the story unfolds. It is a mixture of family, loyalty, secrets, lies, betrayal, mystery, suspense, life and death, danger, and an action romance.
Vittoria DeSanto finds herself living out of her car after the man she was with swindled her out of everything, including paying the rent. Her mail goes to a post office box, and she receives an official letter summoning her to Boston. The night before she is to appear, she stops at a bar, is hit on by a man who feels she owes him; he hits her and is ready to rape her until another brute-sized man from the bar steps in to protect her and ends a life.
“This never happened. If I hear even a whisper on the breeze about this unfortunate turn of events, I promise that whatever this man was going to do to you will seem pleasant compared to what I’ll do. Do you understand? Now get out of here.”
The Rossi family is all gathered at The Castle, waiting for the reading of the will. What a shock when a stranger, Vittoria DeSanto, is included and some family members shunned. The reading has Don Narciso Rossi furious, and anger is directed at Vittoria. As part of the stipulations, she must remain at The Castle for thirty days to inherit a tiny portion or fifty percent of the amount if she marries a Rossi. This is not a world she wants to be part of, and she would rather walk away, but Narciso would kill her first. What is this nightmare she is in?
“Come, little Vittoria. Let’s get you in your room. Then, we’ll go over your rules.”
“When I’m with him, I’m safe—from anything and everything but him.”
“Vittoria, you will find one thing that we’ve all found much earlier than you. In our world, the option of choice is only an illusion. You have no choice in this. My husband will kill you, literally kill, before he sees a penny of my father’s money go to charity, and my father knew this.”
“I don’t know what world this is, but in this world, his word is law. I don’t agree with that, but I also don’t know if now’s the time to start questioning things when I’m at a decided disadvantage.”
Vittoria: I don’t even know you, and yet you take liberties.
Romeo: All that matters is you’ll be my wife, and the sooner you learn your place, the better.
Vittoria: Tell me, then. What does it mean to be your wife?
Romeo: If you were my wife, I’d take care of you. Every need would be met.
“I have almost everything I want, Vittoria. Almost. Wealth. Fame. Respect. Power. All I need is you.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly, and slowly Vittoria witnesses it all. Romeo is a dominant, powerful man but honestly develops feelings for her, and he plans to stay loyal to her, unlike most men. His father is a problem, a loose cannon that has steadily become more unreliable and dangerous—and his hatred of Vittoria concerns Romeo. With multiple attacks on the Castle, all the Rossi men are involved, but something else is happening, and they have to get this under control. Will they be able to solve the mystery of why Vittoria was named in a will for a man she had never known? Will Romeo be able to convince her to marry him, securing the estate, so it doesn’t go to a charity of his father’s enemy? Will Romeo and Vittoria decide that they can make a go at a marriage—especially knowing that it will be for life?
“I’ve married him. I’ve stepped foot into the lion’s lair, and now he very well eat me alive, but I’ve realized something along this journey. I’d rather die his victim than live a colorless life. He likes control. I’m learning that I like giving him that.”
The beginning of a new series, Deviant Doms, had engrossed in the tale and kept the pages turning as the story unfolds. It is a mixture of family, loyalty, secrets, lies, betrayal, mystery, suspense, life and death, danger, and an action romance.
Vittoria DeSanto finds herself living out of her car after the man she was with swindled her out of everything, including paying the rent. Her mail goes to a post office box, and she receives an official letter summoning her to Boston. The night before she is to appear, she stops at a bar, is hit on by a man who feels she owes him; he hits her and is ready to rape her until another brute-sized man from the bar steps in to protect her and ends a life.
“This never happened. If I hear even a whisper on the breeze about this unfortunate turn of events, I promise that whatever this man was going to do to you will seem pleasant compared to what I’ll do. Do you understand? Now get out of here.”
The Rossi family is all gathered at The Castle, waiting for the reading of the will. What a shock when a stranger, Vittoria DeSanto, is included and some family members shunned. The reading has Don Narciso Rossi furious, and anger is directed at Vittoria. As part of the stipulations, she must remain at The Castle for thirty days to inherit a tiny portion or fifty percent of the amount if she marries a Rossi. This is not a world she wants to be part of, and she would rather walk away, but Narciso would kill her first. What is this nightmare she is in?
“Come, little Vittoria. Let’s get you in your room. Then, we’ll go over your rules.”
“When I’m with him, I’m safe—from anything and everything but him.”
“Vittoria, you will find one thing that we’ve all found much earlier than you. In our world, the option of choice is only an illusion. You have no choice in this. My husband will kill you, literally kill, before he sees a penny of my father’s money go to charity, and my father knew this.”
“I don’t know what world this is, but in this world, his word is law. I don’t agree with that, but I also don’t know if now’s the time to start questioning things when I’m at a decided disadvantage.”
Vittoria: I don’t even know you, and yet you take liberties.
Romeo: All that matters is you’ll be my wife, and the sooner you learn your place, the better.
Vittoria: Tell me, then. What does it mean to be your wife?
Romeo: If you were my wife, I’d take care of you. Every need would be met.
“I have almost everything I want, Vittoria. Almost. Wealth. Fame. Respect. Power. All I need is you.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly, and slowly Vittoria witnesses it all. Romeo is a dominant, powerful man but honestly develops feelings for her, and he plans to stay loyal to her, unlike most men. His father is a problem, a loose cannon that has steadily become more unreliable and dangerous—and his hatred of Vittoria concerns Romeo. With multiple attacks on the Castle, all the Rossi men are involved, but something else is happening, and they have to get this under control. Will they be able to solve the mystery of why Vittoria was named in a will for a man she had never known? Will Romeo be able to convince her to marry him, securing the estate, so it doesn’t go to a charity of his father’s enemy? Will Romeo and Vittoria decide that they can make a go at a marriage—especially knowing that it will be for life?
“I’ve married him. I’ve stepped foot into the lion’s lair, and now he very well eat me alive, but I’ve realized something along this journey. I’d rather die his victim than live a colorless life. He likes control. I’m learning that I like giving him that.”
February 22, 2022
Just found this to be okay. I found Romeo to be too controlling. Vittoria was strong in the beginning then became so submissive. The whole punishment thing just got to be too much and I found myself skimming a lot.
June 17, 2023
2 STARS
First, I’m tired of authors calling the head of a Russian BRATVA a DON! They are PAKHANS! Seriously, if you don’t know about a particular subject I suggest either not writing about it or RESEARCH what you don’t know. I dare you to call a Pakhan a Don…that would be fun to watch.
Aside from that major faux pas, Jane Henry’s “Oath of Silence” had other issues and after reading other reviews, many other people agree.
DESCRIPTIONS: An over abundance of rambling regarding unimportant things (such as the cookies) overshadowed excellent ones such as, “It smells like the recesses of an ancient confessional in here, faintly lingering odors of incense, whiskey and sin” offered a vivid, relevant visual.
CHARACTERS: I’m still recovering from the whiplash caused by Romeo’s going from hot to cold in 2.7 seconds almost as if the author wasn’t sure how to create a strong alpha dom (NOT Don, lol) yet still reflect he is human and can care and love. The two can be tied together by developing a more complex character. Perhaps, rather than going on about food, spend those words doing that.
Speaking of characters, there are far to many to keep track of. Knowing this is a series, Henry included so many people without creating a unique connection with them to the plot and other characters. And it wasn’t just the brothers, Vors and bodyguards, but who in the hell could follow the deceased grandfather’s connections? It was too much.
LOGIC: In addition to the Pakhan issue, I’m fairly certain Romeo isn’t going to take over leadership from his father just because he gets married. That isn’t how it happens, and felt like an afterthought to even include this ridiculous concept.
Both times the castle was attacked was chaotically written and couldn’t be followed (and never made sense). There is no way in hell random people are going to breach security in the middle of the damn day. PLUS (this is my favorite) consider this. They are attacked for unknown reasons, so here’s an idea…let’s send the women to go on a shopping spree immediately afterwards. SMH
PLOT: The convoluted mess written as a storyline was totally implausible, impossible to follow and didn’t make a damn bit of sense. With so many lose ends, it’s no wonder the story frayed (see what I did there?). What was up with Rose and Santo? Who the hell is Santo? Why did the author have a Santo and Vittoria’s last name DeSanto? What was the deal with the mom staging her own kidnapping to go screw another man? Who is this mystery man that Romeo’s dad hates?
What began as a story that had great potential (homeless, poor girl’s luck changing by falling in love with a rich, almost Pakhan) turned to utter chaos. Needless to say, I won’t be spending anymore time with the Rossi’s.
First, I’m tired of authors calling the head of a Russian BRATVA a DON! They are PAKHANS! Seriously, if you don’t know about a particular subject I suggest either not writing about it or RESEARCH what you don’t know. I dare you to call a Pakhan a Don…that would be fun to watch.
Aside from that major faux pas, Jane Henry’s “Oath of Silence” had other issues and after reading other reviews, many other people agree.
DESCRIPTIONS: An over abundance of rambling regarding unimportant things (such as the cookies) overshadowed excellent ones such as, “It smells like the recesses of an ancient confessional in here, faintly lingering odors of incense, whiskey and sin” offered a vivid, relevant visual.
CHARACTERS: I’m still recovering from the whiplash caused by Romeo’s going from hot to cold in 2.7 seconds almost as if the author wasn’t sure how to create a strong alpha dom (NOT Don, lol) yet still reflect he is human and can care and love. The two can be tied together by developing a more complex character. Perhaps, rather than going on about food, spend those words doing that.
Speaking of characters, there are far to many to keep track of. Knowing this is a series, Henry included so many people without creating a unique connection with them to the plot and other characters. And it wasn’t just the brothers, Vors and bodyguards, but who in the hell could follow the deceased grandfather’s connections? It was too much.
LOGIC: In addition to the Pakhan issue, I’m fairly certain Romeo isn’t going to take over leadership from his father just because he gets married. That isn’t how it happens, and felt like an afterthought to even include this ridiculous concept.
Both times the castle was attacked was chaotically written and couldn’t be followed (and never made sense). There is no way in hell random people are going to breach security in the middle of the damn day. PLUS (this is my favorite) consider this. They are attacked for unknown reasons, so here’s an idea…let’s send the women to go on a shopping spree immediately afterwards. SMH
PLOT: The convoluted mess written as a storyline was totally implausible, impossible to follow and didn’t make a damn bit of sense. With so many lose ends, it’s no wonder the story frayed (see what I did there?). What was up with Rose and Santo? Who the hell is Santo? Why did the author have a Santo and Vittoria’s last name DeSanto? What was the deal with the mom staging her own kidnapping to go screw another man? Who is this mystery man that Romeo’s dad hates?
What began as a story that had great potential (homeless, poor girl’s luck changing by falling in love with a rich, almost Pakhan) turned to utter chaos. Needless to say, I won’t be spending anymore time with the Rossi’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
"Great minds think alike," I say with a wry smile. "Though fools seldom differ," she finishes. "The entirety of that proverb will keep you humble, sir."
***Minor Spoilers***
I am going to be brutally honest. I am surprised I finished this book. So many times I put it down and just shook my head. The BDSM aspect just seemed so forced. And the dynamics between not only the love interests but also those surrounding them was just weird to me. I've read a lot of books, and a lot of what you read is just that, a story. But in this case, the girl should have ran. I mean, she saw the guy kill someone, which like no big deal when it comes to morally grey men. But like... then she saw the way his father was acting and still was like "okay yeah I guess I'll just give in and stay." Until she knows for certain that they are part of the mafia, THEN she tries to leave? Like... girl please. You saw him kill someone like it was nothing... And their entire relationship just gave me the ick. I'm sorry. I might try to read another one of Jane's books to see if this is a one off but it won't be until I recover from this one.
***Minor Spoilers***
I am going to be brutally honest. I am surprised I finished this book. So many times I put it down and just shook my head. The BDSM aspect just seemed so forced. And the dynamics between not only the love interests but also those surrounding them was just weird to me. I've read a lot of books, and a lot of what you read is just that, a story. But in this case, the girl should have ran. I mean, she saw the guy kill someone, which like no big deal when it comes to morally grey men. But like... then she saw the way his father was acting and still was like "okay yeah I guess I'll just give in and stay." Until she knows for certain that they are part of the mafia, THEN she tries to leave? Like... girl please. You saw him kill someone like it was nothing... And their entire relationship just gave me the ick. I'm sorry. I might try to read another one of Jane's books to see if this is a one off but it won't be until I recover from this one.
March 9, 2022
Silence will not be obeyed
Vittoria has been swindled out of all her life savings, with not much left to her name, she follows the instructions from a letter she received to attend a will reading, but before that, she becomes an unwitting witness to a murder and was given a word of warning.
When she shows up for the will reading she can’t believe she comes face to face with her mystery man, and when he finds out that she is there well let’s just say it’s not all sunshine and daisies for Romeo keeps his promises and his family is not all too happy that she is even there.
Unfortunately Vittoria is left with a set of stipulations that have her thinking how on earth she got herself into a situation like this. For her it’s not about the money, it’s about her morals and getting her life back on track.
A series of threats puts her life at risk, and Romeo is determined to wed Vittoria, but his sisters reason with him to take it easy and he is not a patient man.
Vittoria tests Romeo like no other, pushes his buttons, presses on his limits, but most of all challenges him at every turn, and he likes it, because it’s his brand of foreplay that gives him the upper hand, asserting his control and dominance over Vittoria seeking and claiming her pleasure for himself but to also keep her in line with his brand of punishment should she disobey him.
But there are those in his family that want Vittoria out, and due to archaic laws and stipulations that cannot happen, and when family betrayals are exposed, retribution is swift.
This book has it all romance, murder, madness, mayhem, revenge, vengeance, violence and adrenaline seeking suspense, twists, truths and betrayal.
There story in told from dual POV’s. I enjoyed this story, this author definitely knows how to write.
And those s*x scenes were tolerable, the BDSM elements including D/s themes were mildly enjoyable.
Vittoria has been swindled out of all her life savings, with not much left to her name, she follows the instructions from a letter she received to attend a will reading, but before that, she becomes an unwitting witness to a murder and was given a word of warning.
When she shows up for the will reading she can’t believe she comes face to face with her mystery man, and when he finds out that she is there well let’s just say it’s not all sunshine and daisies for Romeo keeps his promises and his family is not all too happy that she is even there.
Unfortunately Vittoria is left with a set of stipulations that have her thinking how on earth she got herself into a situation like this. For her it’s not about the money, it’s about her morals and getting her life back on track.
A series of threats puts her life at risk, and Romeo is determined to wed Vittoria, but his sisters reason with him to take it easy and he is not a patient man.
Vittoria tests Romeo like no other, pushes his buttons, presses on his limits, but most of all challenges him at every turn, and he likes it, because it’s his brand of foreplay that gives him the upper hand, asserting his control and dominance over Vittoria seeking and claiming her pleasure for himself but to also keep her in line with his brand of punishment should she disobey him.
But there are those in his family that want Vittoria out, and due to archaic laws and stipulations that cannot happen, and when family betrayals are exposed, retribution is swift.
This book has it all romance, murder, madness, mayhem, revenge, vengeance, violence and adrenaline seeking suspense, twists, truths and betrayal.
There story in told from dual POV’s. I enjoyed this story, this author definitely knows how to write.
And those s*x scenes were tolerable, the BDSM elements including D/s themes were mildly enjoyable.
April 29, 2023
3 peppers
b>T R O P E S
- Mafia
- D/s relationship
- Bratty sub
- Arranged Mariage
- Forced Proximity
- Touch her & die
- She's Mine
- He saves her
- K!nks: edging, spanking, belting, liquid play, praises, bondage, dirty talk
b>t h o u g h t s
Alright, I liked this book. I thought the pace and writing was good. HOWEVER, I feel like when authors add a d/s relationship into the book, b>there has to be a SAFE WORD. Even if it is consensual, even if the MCs are into, EVEN if there will be NO NEED for a safe word.
It's a very important part of the BDSM culture and it makes authors looks like they haven't done their research and they don't know what they're talking about. It doesn't make it safe at all. In this book, the FMC didn't even realized she was a sub ( a bratty one at that) and he spanked her so much, even she "enjoyed" it and never asked him to stop. It didn't make me feel safe for her. At one point, she was crying when he spanked her and it was to teach her a lesson, without sexual intentions. THAT IS NOT SAFE. It did make me feel like it was DV. Like instead of hitting her in the face, he hit her ass until she cried.
That. was. not. hot.
In that scene, it felt like the author used DV disguised as spanking to teach her a lesson.
Anyway, I would still recommend this book, even thought it lacks communication and safety. I do not believe it represents adequately the BDSM community.
b>T R O P E S
- Mafia
- D/s relationship
- Bratty sub
- Arranged Mariage
- Forced Proximity
- Touch her & die
- She's Mine
- He saves her
- K!nks: edging, spanking, belting, liquid play, praises, bondage, dirty talk
b>t h o u g h t s
Alright, I liked this book. I thought the pace and writing was good. HOWEVER, I feel like when authors add a d/s relationship into the book, b>there has to be a SAFE WORD. Even if it is consensual, even if the MCs are into, EVEN if there will be NO NEED for a safe word.
It's a very important part of the BDSM culture and it makes authors looks like they haven't done their research and they don't know what they're talking about. It doesn't make it safe at all. In this book, the FMC didn't even realized she was a sub ( a bratty one at that) and he spanked her so much, even she "enjoyed" it and never asked him to stop. It didn't make me feel safe for her. At one point, she was crying when he spanked her and it was to teach her a lesson, without sexual intentions. THAT IS NOT SAFE. It did make me feel like it was DV. Like instead of hitting her in the face, he hit her ass until she cried.
That. was. not. hot.
In that scene, it felt like the author used DV disguised as spanking to teach her a lesson.
Anyway, I would still recommend this book, even thought it lacks communication and safety. I do not believe it represents adequately the BDSM community.
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