kindle/ Savage Lies: A Bratva Enemies to Lovers Romance (The Empire of Vows #1) by Clara Dunn

  amazon

 Book 1 of 4: The Empire of Vows 

 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FRYLMW89

391 Pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 4, 2025

I’m falling for the Bratva king I was trained to destroy.

I wake up in a penthouse with no memory, a stranger in my bed, and a husband I don’t remember marrying.

Dmitri Kozlov says I’m his wife. That I was in a terrible accident. That he’s here to protect me.

But the man calling himself my husband is nothing like the gentle partner he pretends to be.

He’s cold. Controlling. Deadly.

And every instinct I have screams run.

But my body doesn’t listen.

It obeys him.

Hungers for him.

Even when I catch glimpses of the truth—the weapons, the violence, the lies—I can’t stop wanting him.

Because underneath the possessive alpha who watches me like I’m his next breath… is a man who’s already mine.

Only I don’t remember why.

Every day brings me closer to the truth.

And when my memories return, I’ll have to decide:

Do I destroy the man who stole my life?

Or stay with the one who might be the only person who ever truly loved me?

Savage Lies is a dark mafia/amnesia romance with a possessive husband, forced proximity, and a heroine torn between revenge and the only man who has ever truly loved her.

Book One in The Empire of Vows series of interconnected mafia romances. Each one follows a new couple and delivers its own HEA, with recurring characters and ongoing world drama that’s best enjoyed in order.

MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Revenge or Love?

For one year FSB Agent Katya "Kotyonok" Sidorov  is undercover as Andrea.   She's an art appraiser and her handler Viktor warns her that her target is getting too close to knowing who she is.  It's aleady too late because 6'3' Dmitri Kozlov already knows. He kidnaps her and intends to make her pay. It starts out as revenge but will it stay that way? It does make for a thrilling start and continues to be thrilling and intense.His personal doctor Mikhail Orlov is a former military medic who sure comes in handy for Dmitri and Katya.  

I kept thinking shouldn't they be suspicious of Pavel? I sure was.  He just kept pushing his way in more than he needed to. And Dr. Vikto Petrov? I kept shaking my head at Dmitiri because for a smart Bratva  boss man he sure was careless at times.  But I also know that he cares about Katya even though he doesn't want to.  And what about the memory Dr. Anya ?  Some surprises lay in wait especially about her. 

Katya does some dumb emotional stuff  which irked me but hey she's trying to figure things out !   I get it. .

I liked how everything played out because it really kept my interest all the way ! Dual Points of View get me every time. 

 

 

Review by Feb 07, 2026/Arc Bksprout/ Bound by the Mafia’s Code by Nina Costa

  Booksprout    Amazon

 Hosted by Nina Costa

 Elena Rossi, fiercely loyal daughter of Sicily’s most feared Mafia Don, protects her family’s legacy with more than tradition—she’s the secret hacker known as “the ghost,” locking down their operations from digital threats. In her father’s opulent mansion, Elena’s intelligence and confidence are matched only by her devotion to family. But a new threat is closing in, and this one is far closer than she dares imagine.

Enzo DeLuca, the ambitious Don of New York’s most powerful syndicate, has been on the receiving end of the ghost’s cyber warfare for months. 

Determined to put an end to the attacks, Enzo uncovers her identity and orchestrates a bold extraction. Under the pretense of interfamily business, he infiltrates the Rossi estate just as Elena slips from the opulent meeting room to her hidden tech sanctum. 

With lethal efficiency, Enzo and his men seize her, spiriting her away through concealed corridors to a waiting car. The Rossi family’s security is no match for Enzo’s planning—within hours, Elena is aboard his private jet, drugged for safety, and flown into the glittering unknown of New York City.

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My 5 Star Review TITLED: Caught me off guard

Elena Rossi (The Ghost) is playing the role of the Don's sweet, compliant daughter at the event.  Enzo DeLuca from New York enters the ballroom not impressed with the Sicilian party. But people see him and make way instantly for him; most without realizing they recognize his authority. But Enzo doesn't care because he's on a carefully planned mission to snatch Elena.  He and his team work smoothly and get her out of there and back to his place in New York. She's not happy when she waked from being drugged but she's already plotting ! She's dangerous too. And she's tired of being underestimated, controlled, contained and of people trying to make her smaller. She's not. She's dangerous too !  

Enzo is a man of few words. He isn't aftaid of silence; he know that it holds power of it's own. And he's holding a lot of secrets from Elena and she just won't stand for that for long. . He can already see her mapping the room, the house, exits, cameras.  I really liked Enzo he was a different kind of Mafia Don. A lot different that her father the Don.  It still takes a LONG time for any trust to develop between them. But they need to hurry up about that because they have a clever enemy inside the works. I don't trust her cousin Marco, who is close to her father. He's almost like the son he doesn't have and influencing him more than he should be able to. 
What caught me off balance for a while was all the computer speak. It made me  uncomfortable at first because I didn't understand what was going on. Well at least at first !

But the story was really good and I got used to the writing style of this author and things began to get really intense with betrayals, the precision and alignments.  

I really enjoyed the dual points of view and how the story worked out in the end. 

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

free kindle/ The Wanderer and the Boy: A Classic Western Adventure by Joel Chase

 

joel@joelchase.com And if your trail’s feelin’ rough, or wanna say howdy, my inbox is always open!

Stay sharp, Joel Chase Rancher, Veteran, Husband, Storyteller

 amazon 

 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GD8W7PKK Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rubedia

363 Pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 30, 2025

 Philip felt the weight of the Colt at his belt, the road beneath his boots, and the boy pressed against his side.
Philip Corey thought often of where his best friend lay buried.They had talked together of heading West, where there was room for every man and gold in every stream. Perhaps leaving the orphanage and taking the California Trail was God’s hand at work.

What he had not expected was little Thomas, a mute orphan of nine, following him. How was he to keep a boy so small alive on the road when he barely knew how to keep himself alive?

MY 5 STAR REVIEW- TITLED:  Troubles on the trail to California

Philip. I just adored that boy/man.  The orphanage has been his home for YEARS and he had contributed so much over the years.  The headmaster had been his father figure and his friend. NOW, suddenly he is turned out with no place to go. He loves the children there and whittles toys for them, especially the little boy who doesn't speak, Tommy.   He loves that little boy and Tommy loves him and depends on him.  But beds and food is scarce and more kids are coming in so he HAS to go.  So sad.  But oh, the things that happened when Tommy chases after Philip Corey !  Intense!

Nora has problems of her own living on her mother and father's place. They are dead and her uncle is now working her to the bones as he drinks and lazies around. She gets to the point where she's had enough, puts her stuff in  a knapsack,, dresses like a boy and tells him she's outta there. He taunts her with words of you'll fail ! She travels by foot for miles before trouble finds her.  Philip happens upon her riding a horse named Mercy that he managed to get; he just seems to find friends everywhere he goes. As well as knowledge on how to survive his trip. He helps sarcastic Nora, killing one man and making a dangerous enemy along the way. Tommy continues on with Philip and Philip dreams of his friend Thomas who left the orphanage before him. He left and joined the fight between the North and the South.  Philip is so sure that he is still alive and wants to find him again.  He feels like Thomas has been guiding him in which ways to go and it often seems like he is.  

I loved the fights between Philip and Nora as they fight themselves and their attraction. Troubles with Indians, and Henry Callaghan (a traveling Medicine man hawking fake remedies) is CONSTANTLY stirring up trouble with his smooth ways. And Sheila, a gussied up  tart who had been traveling with Henry has set her sights on Philip.  But she wants him and stirs up trouble for him and Nora. 

Nora and Philip pick up friends and lose some as the wagon train moves on.  More sadness along with some joys too ! This is a really strong emotional story with great depth. Surprises towards the end and a HEA ending. 

bkfunnel/ Provoking HIM by Emily Hart

 emilyhartpublishing.gmail.com@send.mailerlite.eu

An Ashford County Firefighters Romance

HIM…

I live for the fire. The sirens. The control. The rules that keep my heart locked down.

I don’t fall in love. I save lives. I stay untouched.

Then She walks into my firehouse.

A fearless reporter with too many questions and eyes that see right through me. She challenges my authority, rattles my discipline, and makes me want things I’ve sworn off forever.

I shouldn’t touch her. I shouldn’t want her.

But I do.

And once she’s under my skin, there’s no putting the fire out.

 

HER…

I chase truth like it’s oxygen. Headstrong. Reckless. Unstoppable.

I came to Ashford County chasing a story — I never expected to collide with Him.

The brooding firefighter captain who commands every room he enters… and looks at me like I’m both trouble and temptation.

We argue. We clash. Every stare burns hotter than the last.

Then the storm tears through town.

I step into a collapsing barn — and suddenly my world goes dark.

Beams crash. The roof gives way.

And the man I was supposed to hate charges into the flames to save me.

 My 4 STARS Review TITLED: Funny MC- Harper

I loved the title of this eBook.  And Harper James was one funny, sassy, sharp get into things reporter. She gets off on the wrong foot with the Evan, a Fire Captain ! In fact the whole squad hates her slanted report. It made them look bad and it isn't the whole story.  But everywhere Evan looks, there Harper is, causing trouble or being in the middle of it to his way of thinking.  And he's not wrong about her getting caught in the middle of trouble !!! But as she continues to shadow the squad she begins to se things with new eyes !The tension between Harper and Evan is great ! She was hilarious with her mix of sarcasm and honesty ! 

A barn collapse really changes things between them and a sweet romance for now ends this book.  There's hope for their future. 

 

Bksprout arc Feb5/ Mafia Don's Wicked Union by Piper Raven

  Booksprout  

I was just the bridesmaid. Until they placed a baby in my arms. Until my best friend bled out in front of me. Until I was shoved into her dress and forced to marry a man who claimed I was his from the beginning. Dino Moretti is fourteen years older. Cold. Dangerous. Unforgiving. The kind of man who seals your fate with a single look. Now I’m trapped in his world—his estate, his bed, his rules. He doesn’t trust me, but the chemistry between us is electric. And when he touches me, it’s possession—as hot as sin. But the longer I stay, the more the truth unravels. The baby isn’t who I was told he was. My best friend loved my father—a man I never knew existed. And the enemies circling us now? They share my blood. Then my body betrays me. I’m pregnant with Dino Moretti’s child. Now I’m bound to the most dangerous man in Philadelphia—and the only one savage enough to keep me alive. Because in this world, innocence doesn’t matter. Only power does. And Dino? He doesn’t just rule the city. He owns me—body, blood, and soul. Explicit Novel Romance arranged marriage age gap surprise pregnancy forced proximity alpha male bad boy with a good heart protector kidnapping enemies to lovers doorstep baby Hosted by Piper Raven Note from the Author Sizzling Age Gap Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance that's bound to take your breath away. Reader discreation is advised! Note: Your copy may contain unedited sections. Must review on: Amazon File(s) available: EPUB (Send via email & download)

CLAIM ON BOOKSPROUT NOW CLAIM ON BOOKFUNNEL NOW P.S. Don't forget that the book goes live on Amazon, Thursday 5th of February 2026 when you'll leave your review.  MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Who is Giancarlo?  I kept wondering that for quite a while in the story. Who is he and why is he important? So many secrets. I loved the dual points of view and the very unusual way that the story started.  I loved the name Lia ! Lia is shocked when her friend Sienna sticks her in her wedding clothes at her Italian wedding instead of wearing them herself.  What is going on? My thoughts exactly ! The groom Dino Moretti, who is 14 years older than her,  doesn't seem surprised at all ! The baby that is thrust into Lia's life is a charming baby boy.  I liked Dino's family which consisted of his older brother Toni, his younger brother Vince and Dino's steadfast sister Sophia. The guys are tough but don't count out Sophia, she's learned to be tougher in a quieter long lasting way . She gives Lia some great advice more than once ! Yes there will be violence although not super graphic and quite a bit of martial sex that happens quite a lot and that gets very detailed.  Frankly, I was surprised by Dino's stamina.  Things start out dramatic, quiet for a bit and then things go  from tense to really TENSE !  I have to admit there were a couple of times that two situations made me sad and brought tears to my eyes. Great emotional writing.  The ending and Epilogue was really good and made up for the sadness.   I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

jan29Bksprout/"The Don's Secret Obsession" by Broxy Hart

  Booksprout

My mafia boss is my forgotten first love.
And he’s been watching me like I already belong to him.

Eight years ago, a boy got too close.
Then my memories vanished. He didn’t.

Kael D’Amico owns the room every time he enters it.
Billionaire. Mafia king. All cold control and lethal restraint.

I don’t remember him—but my body reacts to him like a dangerous secret it never forgot.  Forced proximity doesn’t just spark tension—it breaks it.
We end up tangled in sheets, breathless and undone, doing exactly what we swore we wouldn’t.

He says it shouldn’t have happened.
Yet he stays too close.
Guards me like something he owns.
And looks at me like regret was never an option.

When I finally get my memories back I realize he isn’t just my boss. 

He’s the boy I loved before the accident.

The one who destroyed me and still let him into my bed and my life without the truth. 

And now I’m carrying his baby.

Mafia Romance 😈

Forced Proximity😏

Secret Identity Heat 🔥

Second Chance to Lovers ⚔️

Explicit

Novel

Romance pregnancy mafia secret identitiy billionaire forced proximity second chance sassy dominate male secret baby

Hosted by Broxy Hart Romance

Note from the Author

Please enjoy and leave your honest review when the book goes live.

Must review on:

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File(s) available:

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---My 5 STAR Review TITLED: Hidden Secrets Hurt

 

Serena Vega is friends with Darian and she is a smart woman with a lot of lost memories. She is introduced to  Kael D’Amico the friend and business partner to Darian. 

He's shocked when Serena looks at him like a stranger.. She's intrigued but cool.  Kael is shaken and stunned. How could she NOT know him? It's been 10 years but still; no memories of him at all? Is that a good thing or not?  He vacillates back and forth about that !  He's afraid of her remembering too much and ending up hating him.  He's so nasty to her, trying to keep distance between them even though he still loves her.  I loved that he had the nickname, Ren for her ! And I wondered if or when that nickname might trigger more memories. She is hilarious when it comes to her frustration with him. She just wants to pull her hair out most of the time when she's around him That is when she's not fighting her unexplained attraction to him.  She says some pretty funny things during those times.  ! Darian can't figure out what the problem is because he thought that she would be perfect for the business and maybe even Kael. 

The story is intense and explicit and kept me totally involved in seeing them fight for love. I wanted to see if she would regain more of her memories or even if they could start all over again.

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

BKFUNNEL/ DEADLY DON'S SURPRISE BABY BY PIPER RAVEN

  amazon

 Related to: The Deadly Don Series

I cashed my v-card in for a sizzling one-night stand that’s left me with a baby bump.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Being captive to my crime family, the only value I possess is my v-card.

On my first night of freedom, beyond my family's protection,
I’m thrust into ecstasy by a nightclub owner.

Dante’s an older, dark haired stallion that’s cocky and confident.
Needless to say, it was the best night of sin I’ve ever had.

Now, a year later, my heartless father sells me to a rival crime family…the Vietti’s.
To him it’s business as usual.

The Vietti men are brutal alpha males I've been raised to hate.
Now I’m their hostage.

What’s worse, they think I’m still chaste.
And with a baby growing inside me and no v-card, I’m worthless.

I’ve traded one hell for an even greater one…
And my fate hangs on a knife’s edge.

--------------- 

 TITLED: Dante & Sofia, Pure Blood?   ---My 3 Star Review 

 Sofia Capello and her cousin Marie have one free night out to celebrate. She encounters Dante, who is HOT and apparently older and experienced. He flusters her and she ducks out on him ; running to the bathroom.  But that isn't the last of it. And her cousin suspects.

Dante Vietti tries to find her but can't UNTIL....

While I liked this story, it was too short and was pretty predictable. Not my favorite. I have read better books by this author.