maddiesbooksta's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Trafficking, Gun violence, Death, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping
lostinfictionaluniverse's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
* ARC received for an honest review *
Sinful Vows is the first book in the Messina Crime Family series. I was excited to read this every since we got some crumbs of them in Lilian's previous series. And it really didn't disappoint. I really liked this book so much.
I'm so hooked to Lilian's work since the first book I read of hers. And she just keeps getting better and better with every book. And I love them.
This book was a bit darker than I had expected. But I enjoyed it anyways. Elise was such an amazing character. She went through so much but her will and strength made her not give up and stay strong until the end. Michael was really a dark and dangerous mafia man. He was cold and heartless in general. But has a soft side which comes out for his daughter, Sophie. The way he cares for people close to him would make anyone melt. Sophie was so cute. The way she has Michael wrapped around his fingers. And accepted Elise as her family from the minute she met her. She is so special.
Both Elise and Michael were closed off and weren't easily trustful because of the traumas in their life. But they learned to trust each other, healed and helped eo to overcome their traumas. Michael gave so much to Elise that she had lost in the years she had been a captive. And Elise gave him a feeling of home and helped him love and share his life with another person who isn't just his family. They both are just everything. All their moments as a couple and with Sophie were just so amazing.
Also for people who want to read this book, it has a lot of dark themes. Make sure to check the tws before you read them.
Overall this was a good read. I can't wait to read the next book. The crumbs we got sounds so interesting.
Thank you, Lilian Harris for giving me the arc.
Sinful Vows is the first book in the Messina Crime Family series. I was excited to read this every since we got some crumbs of them in Lilian's previous series. And it really didn't disappoint. I really liked this book so much.
I'm so hooked to Lilian's work since the first book I read of hers. And she just keeps getting better and better with every book. And I love them.
This book was a bit darker than I had expected. But I enjoyed it anyways. Elise was such an amazing character. She went through so much but her will and strength made her not give up and stay strong until the end. Michael was really a dark and dangerous mafia man. He was cold and heartless in general. But has a soft side which comes out for his daughter, Sophie. The way he cares for people close to him would make anyone melt. Sophie was so cute. The way she has Michael wrapped around his fingers. And accepted Elise as her family from the minute she met her. She is so special.
Both Elise and Michael were closed off and weren't easily trustful because of the traumas in their life. But they learned to trust each other, healed and helped eo to overcome their traumas. Michael gave so much to Elise that she had lost in the years she had been a captive. And Elise gave him a feeling of home and helped him love and share his life with another person who isn't just his family. They both are just everything. All their moments as a couple and with Sophie were just so amazing.
Also for people who want to read this book, it has a lot of dark themes. Make sure to check the tws before you read them.
Overall this was a good read. I can't wait to read the next book. The crumbs we got sounds so interesting.
Thank you, Lilian Harris for giving me the arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Rape, Trafficking, and Violence
what_karla_reads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
4.5/5 stars
5/5 spice
This had me on tenterhooks from the beginning. It's dark. Like, very dark and emotional. It can be draining if you aren't prepared for it.
What Elsie goes through is nothing sort of traumatic with a capital T...and that she was able to rise above and find happiness is testimony to her strength.
Michael is a cinnamon roll for his little girl but is a fierce protector for his family and ruthless man to anyone who crosses him. Afraid to love because of the life he lives, he only wanted to have a marriage of convenience...but Elsie rattled his walls and ignited a protectiveness he had only reserved for his daughter.
This story hurt...not gonna lie it was almost too much with the triggers but I am glad I finished it. The HEA was just that much more emotional because of all the things these two went through. Plus the next books in the series were set up nicely and I can't wait for the other stories. Also, if you read the Cavaleri brother's series this one intersects with that series. So obviously I'm going to read that series too...
Also, super spicy...like off the charts. So that's an added plus.
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please check the trigger warnings below before reading. Stay safe!
5/5 spice
This had me on tenterhooks from the beginning. It's dark. Like, very dark and emotional. It can be draining if you aren't prepared for it.
What Elsie goes through is nothing sort of traumatic with a capital T...and that she was able to rise above and find happiness is testimony to her strength.
Michael is a cinnamon roll for his little girl but is a fierce protector for his family and ruthless man to anyone who crosses him. Afraid to love because of the life he lives, he only wanted to have a marriage of convenience...but Elsie rattled his walls and ignited a protectiveness he had only reserved for his daughter.
This story hurt...not gonna lie it was almost too much with the triggers but I am glad I finished it. The HEA was just that much more emotional because of all the things these two went through. Plus the next books in the series were set up nicely and I can't wait for the other stories. Also, if you read the Cavaleri brother's series this one intersects with that series. So obviously I'm going to read that series too...
Also, super spicy...like off the charts. So that's an added plus.
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please check the trigger warnings below before reading. Stay safe!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Trafficking, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Infidelity and Suicidal thoughts
More...