thebritishbibliophile_'s review against another edition
5.0
'One of the best mafia romance novels I've read in a very long time! Lilian Harris is on fire, giving us every single drop of sinful goodness.' - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook ARC for me to read and leave an honest review
Sinful Vows (Messina Crime Family #1) is the first novel in this sinfully promising new mafia romance series from Lilian Harris. As a fan of mafia romance, I knew I had to request a copy to read this the moment I spotted it on the new list of sign-ups at the time. Time to meet the mafia mobster!
Not wanting a wife, Michael Marino promises not a safe environment for any woman who so happens to come his way. The only exception? His six-year-old daughter. She is the apple of his eye and perhaps the only girl to have ever wormed her way into his closed-off heart. But for how long? One woman unknowingly might change that, and Michael is powerless--not something he is used to being-- to stop it.
Time is not on Michael's side. Two weeks is all he has to find not only a bride, but place for one in his life. Resisting something he's never wanted to have, or even thought he would have, is thrust upon him when the right woman hijacks his life and breaks into his house. Who better to fit into the lifestyle he leads, than a woman who got in under his nose? Cue Elsie.
Elsie is the opportunity that skips knocking on the door, instead letting herself right on in. Michael needs a wife, Elsie needs a life. Two birds are being killed with the same stone that is the impending marriage that benefits them both. Although it begins as a marriage of convince, will it end that way? Will it end at all? There's only one way for you to find out.
A year is what Michael contracts Elsie to. A year of being his wife then he's free to run his empire as she goes about living a life she's been withheld from doing--not at Michael's doing--for almost a decade. A lot can happen in a year, but in the corrupt world Michael lives, breathes and was born into, a lot can happen in only a day. The days Elsie and Michael spend together will be far from dull, that's a promise. A war is brewing, and Michael is on the front line. And so is his family.
Elsie manages to win one person over immediately, and it's not her soon-to-be husband. It's his daughter. The girl has a big heart and loves fiercely without question, including a stranger suddenly in her life which Elsie very much is. She takes Michael's daughter into her arms and her heart without question and the more she is seen with her, the more Michael wonders if she's really meant to be his instead of a pawn in the game he's playing. She touches him like she's not afraid to be bitten by the hand that feeds her, and she sees the man behind the metaphorical mask that everyone else sees.
But is Elsie enough to make everything better, tick all the boxes and be the magical cure to cure all the ills plaguing Michael? She's put to the test, as is everyone around her, when the impending war lands right on their doorstep and she's plunged once more into the world she has so bravely escaped. Her life is once more thrown into jeopardy and as a consequence, so is Michael and his daughter's. It's a dangerous an sinful domino effect.
Was Michael right all along? Is no woman safe in his world, even the woman who--as his now wife--should be the safest kept woman of them all?
Sinful Vows is as it says on the tin, sinful in every sense of the word. Lilian Harris delivers a story that is both gripping, sexy, sinful and suspenseful. Everything that I know and love about mafia romance books has been done to the highest level of perfection, producing something that blew my literary socks off. It's been a hot minute since I've enjoyed such a book like this, one that possesses deep, dark undertones and a storyline, and I'm glad that her efforts paid off because I have been coloured most impressed.
Though this is the end of Michael & Elsie's story, this is not the end of the series. I'm in it for the long haul and am buckled in for the next ride we will put through when we dive back in, sometime in the near future.
Thank you, Lilian, for creating something I'm very proud to put as a top read. A must read for all.
Five stars.
---------------------
ALC Review - October 7th 2023
Sinful Vows by, book one in Lilian Harris’ Messina Crime Family series, narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton.
This was the read that first introduced me head-first into the amazing world of Lilian Harris and her writing. As a massive dark romance/mafia romance reader, I knew the second I saw this book sign-up, I had to read it. There was just something about it that drew me in and by the time I had finished the last page, I knew I had found a new favourite author who I’d be sticking with for a while yet.
When I saw from Lilian herself that this series would be adapted into audiobook, I couldn’t contain my joy and excitement. I’ve been getting more and more into audiobooks since 2019—having discovered a few favourite narrators along the way—, and since I’m only on one ALC team, I had the time and the means to listen to who Lilian would chose to lead us on this audio adventure.
Cue Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Teddy in numerous audiobooks in the past, but Callie would be new to me so I was looking forward to hearing her voice for the first time, and how she would bring the FMC to life through our ears.
The beauty of books allows for each reader to individually picture a scene, a character, a moment, but there’s only one shot at hitting the mark when it comes to the narration. One voice—or more—to bring out the essence of the character from the pages and Teddy and Callie both hit that mark. Michael’s sinister, dominating and soul-shaking self was perfected by Teddy in how he portrayed him through his voice. He was so unnervingly good at channeling Michael and all that came with him, that I had to pause the audiobook for some recovery time. What. A. Performance. He was equally matched and complimented by Callie as our FMC, Elsie. Callie brought the determination, bravery and backbone of the character to life brilliantly, and she was a delight to listen to. Such a lovely voice and a perfect match to Teddy’s titillating tones.
Even though I knew the story from having previously read the book, this audiobook was in a whole new league of its own and I cannot even begin to describe just how much steam, suspense, smut and oh so much more was turned up ten notches thanks to the out-of-this world narration. You’ll just have to take my word for it and find out for yourselves because trust me, it’s worth what you’ll experience listening to this audiobook by the end.
I was a fan of this book before listening to the audiobook, but I’m even more of a fan now thanks to it. It’s got me ramped up and excited for the future audiobooks to come for this series, without a shadow of a doubt. Teddy and Callie have hyped me up for what the rest of the audiobook series has to offer.
Brilliant job all round both to the narrators, and to Lilian for choosing them as our main characters. I’m thoroughly satisfied.
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook ARC for me to read and leave an honest review
Sinful Vows (Messina Crime Family #1) is the first novel in this sinfully promising new mafia romance series from Lilian Harris. As a fan of mafia romance, I knew I had to request a copy to read this the moment I spotted it on the new list of sign-ups at the time. Time to meet the mafia mobster!
Not wanting a wife, Michael Marino promises not a safe environment for any woman who so happens to come his way. The only exception? His six-year-old daughter. She is the apple of his eye and perhaps the only girl to have ever wormed her way into his closed-off heart. But for how long? One woman unknowingly might change that, and Michael is powerless--not something he is used to being-- to stop it.
Time is not on Michael's side. Two weeks is all he has to find not only a bride, but place for one in his life. Resisting something he's never wanted to have, or even thought he would have, is thrust upon him when the right woman hijacks his life and breaks into his house. Who better to fit into the lifestyle he leads, than a woman who got in under his nose? Cue Elsie.
Elsie is the opportunity that skips knocking on the door, instead letting herself right on in. Michael needs a wife, Elsie needs a life. Two birds are being killed with the same stone that is the impending marriage that benefits them both. Although it begins as a marriage of convince, will it end that way? Will it end at all? There's only one way for you to find out.
A year is what Michael contracts Elsie to. A year of being his wife then he's free to run his empire as she goes about living a life she's been withheld from doing--not at Michael's doing--for almost a decade. A lot can happen in a year, but in the corrupt world Michael lives, breathes and was born into, a lot can happen in only a day. The days Elsie and Michael spend together will be far from dull, that's a promise. A war is brewing, and Michael is on the front line. And so is his family.
Elsie manages to win one person over immediately, and it's not her soon-to-be husband. It's his daughter. The girl has a big heart and loves fiercely without question, including a stranger suddenly in her life which Elsie very much is. She takes Michael's daughter into her arms and her heart without question and the more she is seen with her, the more Michael wonders if she's really meant to be his instead of a pawn in the game he's playing. She touches him like she's not afraid to be bitten by the hand that feeds her, and she sees the man behind the metaphorical mask that everyone else sees.
But is Elsie enough to make everything better, tick all the boxes and be the magical cure to cure all the ills plaguing Michael? She's put to the test, as is everyone around her, when the impending war lands right on their doorstep and she's plunged once more into the world she has so bravely escaped. Her life is once more thrown into jeopardy and as a consequence, so is Michael and his daughter's. It's a dangerous an sinful domino effect.
Was Michael right all along? Is no woman safe in his world, even the woman who--as his now wife--should be the safest kept woman of them all?
Sinful Vows is as it says on the tin, sinful in every sense of the word. Lilian Harris delivers a story that is both gripping, sexy, sinful and suspenseful. Everything that I know and love about mafia romance books has been done to the highest level of perfection, producing something that blew my literary socks off. It's been a hot minute since I've enjoyed such a book like this, one that possesses deep, dark undertones and a storyline, and I'm glad that her efforts paid off because I have been coloured most impressed.
Though this is the end of Michael & Elsie's story, this is not the end of the series. I'm in it for the long haul and am buckled in for the next ride we will put through when we dive back in, sometime in the near future.
Thank you, Lilian, for creating something I'm very proud to put as a top read. A must read for all.
Five stars.
---------------------
ALC Review - October 7th 2023
Sinful Vows by, book one in Lilian Harris’ Messina Crime Family series, narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton.
This was the read that first introduced me head-first into the amazing world of Lilian Harris and her writing. As a massive dark romance/mafia romance reader, I knew the second I saw this book sign-up, I had to read it. There was just something about it that drew me in and by the time I had finished the last page, I knew I had found a new favourite author who I’d be sticking with for a while yet.
When I saw from Lilian herself that this series would be adapted into audiobook, I couldn’t contain my joy and excitement. I’ve been getting more and more into audiobooks since 2019—having discovered a few favourite narrators along the way—, and since I’m only on one ALC team, I had the time and the means to listen to who Lilian would chose to lead us on this audio adventure.
Cue Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Teddy in numerous audiobooks in the past, but Callie would be new to me so I was looking forward to hearing her voice for the first time, and how she would bring the FMC to life through our ears.
The beauty of books allows for each reader to individually picture a scene, a character, a moment, but there’s only one shot at hitting the mark when it comes to the narration. One voice—or more—to bring out the essence of the character from the pages and Teddy and Callie both hit that mark. Michael’s sinister, dominating and soul-shaking self was perfected by Teddy in how he portrayed him through his voice. He was so unnervingly good at channeling Michael and all that came with him, that I had to pause the audiobook for some recovery time. What. A. Performance. He was equally matched and complimented by Callie as our FMC, Elsie. Callie brought the determination, bravery and backbone of the character to life brilliantly, and she was a delight to listen to. Such a lovely voice and a perfect match to Teddy’s titillating tones.
Even though I knew the story from having previously read the book, this audiobook was in a whole new league of its own and I cannot even begin to describe just how much steam, suspense, smut and oh so much more was turned up ten notches thanks to the out-of-this world narration. You’ll just have to take my word for it and find out for yourselves because trust me, it’s worth what you’ll experience listening to this audiobook by the end.
I was a fan of this book before listening to the audiobook, but I’m even more of a fan now thanks to it. It’s got me ramped up and excited for the future audiobooks to come for this series, without a shadow of a doubt. Teddy and Callie have hyped me up for what the rest of the audiobook series has to offer.
Brilliant job all round both to the narrators, and to Lilian for choosing them as our main characters. I’m thoroughly satisfied.
readwithcat22's review against another edition
5.0
THIS BOOK was very good! I’m a dark romance lover and it was just that. If you have tiggers it’s probably not a book for you! But if you don’t have TW this is such a good mafia romance. I loved Michael and Elsie. Poor poor Elsie but Michael loved and cherished it was just soooo good. Also a touch her and you die books are by far my favorite. I devoured it quickly!
caitlincecelia's review against another edition
3.0
I received an advanced listener copy of Sinful Vows. The only reason I gave it three stars is because the first third is kind of choppy, but once you get past that it’s really good. Sofia (the daughter) is my favorite character. She’s so sassy. Michael is supposed to be this hardened mafia man but he’s mush when it comes to his daughter and then again when Elsie snuck into their lives. Teddy’s gruff voice makes him the perfect narrator and Callie Dalton did a great job voicing the frailty of a girl held captive since young adulthood.
tdlove's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Stolen into a dark life of sex trafficking for the last nine years with her three friends, Elsie is not giving up on saving herself and her friends. When she sees an opportunity to hide away in Michael's car she seizes it. Little did she know that she'd be trapped in another life.
Michael is a single father and soon to be leader of his family. As long as he gets married. Lucky for him he found the perfect little stow away... I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine. But he better watch out, he may think he's in control but life has other plans.
Michael is a single father and soon to be leader of his family. As long as he gets married. Lucky for him he found the perfect little stow away... I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine. But he better watch out, he may think he's in control but life has other plans.
shedevilreads's review
4.0
Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris is a dark single dad enemies-to-lovers mafia romance. This is the first book in the Messina Crime Family series.
I was so excited when Lilian announced this spin-off series from the Cavaleri Brothers series, and she did not disappoint. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Elsie and Michael. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the book in the series Cruel Lies to be released on March 13, 2023, so I can get Raph and Nicolette's story.
I would recommend the book if you like dark romances, single dad romances, mafia romances, captive romances, or romantic suspense.
I was so excited when Lilian announced this spin-off series from the Cavaleri Brothers series, and she did not disappoint. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Elsie and Michael. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the book in the series Cruel Lies to be released on March 13, 2023, so I can get Raph and Nicolette's story.
I would recommend the book if you like dark romances, single dad romances, mafia romances, captive romances, or romantic suspense.
shedevilreads's review against another edition
4.0
Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris is a dark single dad enemies-to-lovers mafia romance. This is the first book in the Messina Crime Family series.
I was so excited when Lilian announced this spin-off series from the Cavaleri Brothers series, and she did not disappoint. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Elsie and Michael. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the book in the series Cruel Lies to be released on March 13, 2023, so I can get Raph and Nicolette's story.
I would recommend the book if you like dark romances, single dad romances, mafia romances, captive romances, or romantic suspense.
I was so excited when Lilian announced this spin-off series from the Cavaleri Brothers series, and she did not disappoint. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Elsie and Michael. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the book in the series Cruel Lies to be released on March 13, 2023, so I can get Raph and Nicolette's story.
I would recommend the book if you like dark romances, single dad romances, mafia romances, captive romances, or romantic suspense.
madison__white25's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
britneysromancelibrary's review
5.0
Gahhhh Lilian has done it again!
This was one of the best mafia reads I have read in awhile.
My heart broke for Elsie right away but her strength stood out from the beginning. Her love for her friends and how she knew she had to get out of their situation. So when she saw her chance, she ran for it. Not knowing what that chance was going to lead to.
Now I love me some single fathers, throw in the mafia bad boy and a hero on top of that, and you got me loving Michael. The scenes with his daughter are just the sweetest ones ever.
When Michael finds Elsie, I just had a feeling right then that his feelings ran deeper than he thought. These two are just steam, steamy! My goodness I just loved them together and never wanted their story to end!
I now will be not so patiently waiting for the next book!!
This was one of the best mafia reads I have read in awhile.
My heart broke for Elsie right away but her strength stood out from the beginning. Her love for her friends and how she knew she had to get out of their situation. So when she saw her chance, she ran for it. Not knowing what that chance was going to lead to.
Now I love me some single fathers, throw in the mafia bad boy and a hero on top of that, and you got me loving Michael. The scenes with his daughter are just the sweetest ones ever.
When Michael finds Elsie, I just had a feeling right then that his feelings ran deeper than he thought. These two are just steam, steamy! My goodness I just loved them together and never wanted their story to end!
I now will be not so patiently waiting for the next book!!
emikynd's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mooncricketjp's review
3.0
I liked the story but did feel that a lot of the situations just weren’t realistic - and when I say that I mean natural…I don’t know. Some of it was great, other parts were not.