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Deadly Oath
The sheriff standing on my doorstep should make me feel safe. So why does he feel like another threat I need to escape?
Six weeks ago, I was a Bratva princess—the only daughter of one of Chicago’s most powerful pakhans. Then my father’s rival tried to steal me, and that’s when everything changed.
Now, with a new last name, a strange new home, and an uncertain future, I'm lost. That is, until Sheriff Kian Brady shows up on my front step, telling me he’s here if I need anything.
Gorgeous, chivalrous, and with a dangerous edge he tries to keep hidden, Kian is everything I never thought I could have in my life. And soon enough, my initial attempts to resist his charms end with me swept off of my feet.
He wants me safe. He wants me as his wife. Whether it’s real for him or just for my protection, I can’t tell, but with every passing day, it feels more real to me—until I discover that the vows he swore hide secrets I never saw coming.
My new husband made an oath. But it’s not the one he said at the altar.
Six weeks ago, I was a Bratva princess—the only daughter of one of Chicago’s most powerful pakhans. Then my father’s rival tried to steal me, and that’s when everything changed.
Now, with a new last name, a strange new home, and an uncertain future, I'm lost. That is, until Sheriff Kian Brady shows up on my front step, telling me he’s here if I need anything.
Gorgeous, chivalrous, and with a dangerous edge he tries to keep hidden, Kian is everything I never thought I could have in my life. And soon enough, my initial attempts to resist his charms end with me swept off of my feet.
He wants me safe. He wants me as his wife. Whether it’s real for him or just for my protection, I can’t tell, but with every passing day, it feels more real to me—until I discover that the vows he swore hide secrets I never saw coming.
My new husband made an oath. But it’s not the one he said at the altar.
- GenresDark Romance
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2024
84 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
M. James
57 books394 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 20, 2024
This used to be one of my hardcore genres, one I loved above all others, but then they all became same same with nothing standing out above the rest.
I grabbed this one due to the cover, the title and that glaringly obvious word dark.
In the darkness department this fell flat for me, and knowing my dark lovers on here I wouldn’t even peg this as semi dark, but I kept reading because without a doubt it did pull me in, I enjoyed the storyline, her navigating a new town whilst under the witness protection program, so it had many layers like our characters.
She was a city girl princess totally out of her element when it came to living by herself, learning to be domesticated without chefs and the likes, from living a pampered life which then had been taken away from her and plunged into a small unknown town, where everyone knew each other.
He was like an onion when it came to the layers of his personality and the secrets he was harbouring. A few twists and turns when it comes to our hero and his need for vengeance for a loved one had me glued to the pages as the last chapter or so in this book things started to pick up..
This definitely won't be the last book I read by this author.
I grabbed this one due to the cover, the title and that glaringly obvious word dark.
In the darkness department this fell flat for me, and knowing my dark lovers on here I wouldn’t even peg this as semi dark, but I kept reading because without a doubt it did pull me in, I enjoyed the storyline, her navigating a new town whilst under the witness protection program, so it had many layers like our characters.
She was a city girl princess totally out of her element when it came to living by herself, learning to be domesticated without chefs and the likes, from living a pampered life which then had been taken away from her and plunged into a small unknown town, where everyone knew each other.
He was like an onion when it came to the layers of his personality and the secrets he was harbouring. A few twists and turns when it comes to our hero and his need for vengeance for a loved one had me glued to the pages as the last chapter or so in this book things started to pick up..
This definitely won't be the last book I read by this author.
January 31, 2025
3.5/5 🌟🖤
* bro what..
* bro what..
November 22, 2024
A dark mafia romance …
With lots of spice, secrets & unexpected turns.
Sabrina is in an FBI witness protection program. She is a mafia princess, her father a Pakan of the Bratva. She is hiding in a small town in the middle of nowhere with a new identity. She knows no one & is completely alone.
When she becomes in danger, the town Sheriff, Kian Brady looks out for her & sparks ignite between them.
I couldn’t put this down & I am a big fan for an M.James book.
With lots of spice, secrets & unexpected turns.
Sabrina is in an FBI witness protection program. She is a mafia princess, her father a Pakan of the Bratva. She is hiding in a small town in the middle of nowhere with a new identity. She knows no one & is completely alone.
When she becomes in danger, the town Sheriff, Kian Brady looks out for her & sparks ignite between them.
I couldn’t put this down & I am a big fan for an M.James book.
November 29, 2024
I began this story because it has a different plot compared to many of this author's previous books and wanted to see what she did with it. I am sorry to say that I was disappointed in how it was laid out and I didn't like Kian's character.
The pace is painfully slow as Kian sets up to destroy Sabrina for a reason that isn't disclosed until almost the end of the book. He takes her virginity in a rough and thoughtless way and amps of his degradation of her feminine psyche, uses harsh sex to "punish her" numerous times while calling her a whore and a slut. He refuses to use protection and purposely puts a placebo in place of her birth control pills and of course, she gets pregnant. She is talked into becoming his wife "so he can protect her" and then he drops the real bomb after moving her to New York where his real identity and revenge is revealed.
The story itself lacks a basic backstory and adequate development of the timeline of events to understand how these characters end up in "no town America". She is put in a small town by the FBI/Witness protection program without a basic concept of knowing how to drive, cook or fend for herself with little money or resources. The characters have many secrets and demons from their prior lives that meet head on with little explanation until the very end of the book. It's obvious that Kian is not the man he claims to be. The whole new sheriff thing in the middle of nowhere right after Sabrina is dropped off by witness protection....hum.. The visit/meet cute with Sabrina was definitely staged.
Suspense, mystery and dark. It's a misguided revenge trope by a man who refuses to go after the actual person who damaged his sister and instead goes after Sabrina who had nothing to do with what happened or even knew it happened to his sister. I guess I am tired of men in these books who aren't strong enough or brave enough to go after the real person behind their revenge instead of an innocent party.
I read this book because of Sabrina's character. She was the only character in this book that developed and came into her own by books' end. When she first came to town she was skittish, scarred and incapable of surviving on her own. I loved how she flipped the script on Kian at the end of the book and called his threat by going to the FBI with the information he has previously withheld from her.
Kian's character was a barrage of red flags that Sabrina sensed but ignored because he also provided a false since of security. He attempts to groom her throughout the book is successful to a degree until the end of the book where she says "enough". I never felt a love connection between our characters, but more of a perverted sexual connection.
I know everyone wants to see the main characters forgive and forget by the end of the book, but in the real world, some things can't be forgotten. Perhaps a longer period of time where Kian had to grovel would have satisfied me, but four months wasn't long enough.
The pace is painfully slow as Kian sets up to destroy Sabrina for a reason that isn't disclosed until almost the end of the book. He takes her virginity in a rough and thoughtless way and amps of his degradation of her feminine psyche, uses harsh sex to "punish her" numerous times while calling her a whore and a slut. He refuses to use protection and purposely puts a placebo in place of her birth control pills and of course, she gets pregnant. She is talked into becoming his wife "so he can protect her" and then he drops the real bomb after moving her to New York where his real identity and revenge is revealed.
The story itself lacks a basic backstory and adequate development of the timeline of events to understand how these characters end up in "no town America". She is put in a small town by the FBI/Witness protection program without a basic concept of knowing how to drive, cook or fend for herself with little money or resources. The characters have many secrets and demons from their prior lives that meet head on with little explanation until the very end of the book. It's obvious that Kian is not the man he claims to be. The whole new sheriff thing in the middle of nowhere right after Sabrina is dropped off by witness protection....hum.. The visit/meet cute with Sabrina was definitely staged.
Suspense, mystery and dark. It's a misguided revenge trope by a man who refuses to go after the actual person who damaged his sister and instead goes after Sabrina who had nothing to do with what happened or even knew it happened to his sister. I guess I am tired of men in these books who aren't strong enough or brave enough to go after the real person behind their revenge instead of an innocent party.
I read this book because of Sabrina's character. She was the only character in this book that developed and came into her own by books' end. When she first came to town she was skittish, scarred and incapable of surviving on her own. I loved how she flipped the script on Kian at the end of the book and called his threat by going to the FBI with the information he has previously withheld from her.
Kian's character was a barrage of red flags that Sabrina sensed but ignored because he also provided a false since of security. He attempts to groom her throughout the book is successful to a degree until the end of the book where she says "enough". I never felt a love connection between our characters, but more of a perverted sexual connection.
I know everyone wants to see the main characters forgive and forget by the end of the book, but in the real world, some things can't be forgotten. Perhaps a longer period of time where Kian had to grovel would have satisfied me, but four months wasn't long enough.
November 16, 2024
Excellent! This book had me on my toes the entire time! Sabrina is shoved into this world pretty abruptly and has to learn and integrate quickly. I could tell something was off about Kian at the very first but had to wait until the very end to see what it was. The book was very well written and I didn’t want to put it down! I laughed a couple times and cried a couple more. I will forever love M. James work, and this definitely did not disappoint.
February 1, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
Damn, I don't know what to think of this book.
Everything was going very well and towards the end, everything was falling.
The plot caught my attention too much, and the whole construction of it was excellent; how Sabrina explained the way she got there, because we didn't have to witness it; how the protagonists met; even Sabrina's routines made sense that they were part of the narrative.
But suddenly, towards the end everything was very rushed. There was no time for the protagonist, nor I, to assimilate the impact of the truth, nor of the feeling of betrayal.
For what the blurb proposed, it was obvious to assume that Kian was hiding something, and that there was a plan behind it all. For me it would have been logical that Kian did not have POV to maintain that aura of mystery a little longer, but with how abrupt the ending was, you can see that without Kian's POV, the resolution of everything would have been more illogical and the change in Kian's feelings would be even less credible.
Although I loved the story, my main problem is its narrative. It loses strength with the way things end. I think that for the first time I can say that it would have been better if there were two books, or to make the book very long. I think it would have been very interesting to see a dynamic between Sabrina and Kian where their feelings were gradually resolved since they arrived in New York.
It's a shame, this book painted for 4 stars or more. I'm a little disappointed.
Damn, I don't know what to think of this book.
Everything was going very well and towards the end, everything was falling.
The plot caught my attention too much, and the whole construction of it was excellent; how Sabrina explained the way she got there, because we didn't have to witness it; how the protagonists met; even Sabrina's routines made sense that they were part of the narrative.
But suddenly, towards the end everything was very rushed. There was no time for the protagonist, nor I, to assimilate the impact of the truth, nor of the feeling of betrayal.
For what the blurb proposed, it was obvious to assume that Kian was hiding something, and that there was a plan behind it all. For me it would have been logical that Kian did not have POV to maintain that aura of mystery a little longer, but with how abrupt the ending was, you can see that without Kian's POV, the resolution of everything would have been more illogical and the change in Kian's feelings would be even less credible.
Although I loved the story, my main problem is its narrative. It loses strength with the way things end. I think that for the first time I can say that it would have been better if there were two books, or to make the book very long. I think it would have been very interesting to see a dynamic between Sabrina and Kian where their feelings were gradually resolved since they arrived in New York.
It's a shame, this book painted for 4 stars or more. I'm a little disappointed.
December 2, 2024
A great story. I was hoping to have Sabrina's story after she was rescued.
A story of deceit, hidden agendas, and a change of heart. Sabrina was saved from a fate that would have broken her and destroyed the young woman she was, but a man with a conscience stepped up and helped her. Now she's living her life in a small town away from her family, with a new name, and identity, and not really happy, but she's safe, or is she?
A new sheriff has taken over in the small town and he has stopped by to introduce himself and check in on Sabrina, but she finds that he is also inserting himself into her life more and more. When she finds herself in danger, the sheriff steps in to save her and in order to protect her he's convinced her to marry him. Little does she know that danger lurks closer to her than she's expecting.
I enjoyed this story and the characters were great. The story kept my mind jumping around due to the little crumbs and the knowledge that something was not right in Sabrina's world. I loved it and I look forward to more in M. James' world of Dark Mafia Romance.
A story of deceit, hidden agendas, and a change of heart. Sabrina was saved from a fate that would have broken her and destroyed the young woman she was, but a man with a conscience stepped up and helped her. Now she's living her life in a small town away from her family, with a new name, and identity, and not really happy, but she's safe, or is she?
A new sheriff has taken over in the small town and he has stopped by to introduce himself and check in on Sabrina, but she finds that he is also inserting himself into her life more and more. When she finds herself in danger, the sheriff steps in to save her and in order to protect her he's convinced her to marry him. Little does she know that danger lurks closer to her than she's expecting.
I enjoyed this story and the characters were great. The story kept my mind jumping around due to the little crumbs and the knowledge that something was not right in Sabrina's world. I loved it and I look forward to more in M. James' world of Dark Mafia Romance.
November 8, 2024
Oh my so good!! Takes my breath away. So much action and very much a Mafia themed book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
When Mafia princess Sabrina is at risk, sherrif Kian Brady is watching over her but he more than wants her.
Danger, drama and loads of action in this suspenseful romance about two people who aren't right for each other but do fit.
The connection between Sabrina and Kian starts off on very shaky ground. She isn't sure he is a good man but she doesn't have much else going for her though. Being sheltered she is somewhat naive to the ways of normal life. So Kian becomes her safe haven.
Very well done. Oh how I loved the book. The plot was fast paced and gripping and this author's characters were put through their paces and I enjoyed the ride along with them. Great work!!
When Mafia princess Sabrina is at risk, sherrif Kian Brady is watching over her but he more than wants her.
Danger, drama and loads of action in this suspenseful romance about two people who aren't right for each other but do fit.
The connection between Sabrina and Kian starts off on very shaky ground. She isn't sure he is a good man but she doesn't have much else going for her though. Being sheltered she is somewhat naive to the ways of normal life. So Kian becomes her safe haven.
Very well done. Oh how I loved the book. The plot was fast paced and gripping and this author's characters were put through their paces and I enjoyed the ride along with them. Great work!!
November 10, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. The story is well written and it keeps you hook to keep reading more chapters. I love the story of Kian and Sabrina and the happy ending. I think the story develops well and the more you read the more you find about Kian as he is not what he let us think at the beginning of the story. As well M James didn’t dissapoint and I am already looking forward to read the next book. If you like romance with mafia twist I. Recommend you to read this book as you won’t be disappointed.
December 21, 2024
Things are not always as they seem.
Sabrina has been hidden away from everyone she knows in order to keep her safe. When the new Sheriff shows up at her door to introduce himself she is of course suspicious but Kian seems to keep coming to her rescue and she finally gives in and goes on a date with him. Everything seems to happen in a flash and then Kian proposes they get married in order to keep her safe, but who will keep her safe from him?
Sabrina has been hidden away from everyone she knows in order to keep her safe. When the new Sheriff shows up at her door to introduce himself she is of course suspicious but Kian seems to keep coming to her rescue and she finally gives in and goes on a date with him. Everything seems to happen in a flash and then Kian proposes they get married in order to keep her safe, but who will keep her safe from him?
November 8, 2024
OMG…..this book was So good. The mystery and suspense kept me on pins and needle. It was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. The passion and spice was perfection. The plot was so exciting and so well written. It was so emotional toward the end, I was sobbing. Kian just broke my heart. This is a wonderful, not to be missed, page turner.
November 2, 2024
Oh my goodness stood up reading all night got advanced copy...so many times I was upset with Kian and what he was up to but I was so impatient to uncover his secrets I couldn't put the book down. His secret broke my heart .....can't wait for next book by this author.
November 14, 2024
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Sabrina was a naive FMC with no real world experience and Kian wanted her. Couldn't tell if Kian was a good guy or not. The twist and turns kept me turning the page to find out what was going to happen next.
January 26, 2025
Revenge is not always best
Kaine and Sabrina
Sabrina has moved to a very small town under witnesses protection and is struggling to fit in, only she must do not to raise any suspicion. Kaine is the new Sheriff with a plan which kind of back fires. Enjoyable
Kaine and Sabrina
Sabrina has moved to a very small town under witnesses protection and is struggling to fit in, only she must do not to raise any suspicion. Kaine is the new Sheriff with a plan which kind of back fires. Enjoyable
November 10, 2024
This is a fantastic read that I absolutely loved reading. This is a dark fast paced intense read that I devoured in one sitting.
November 19, 2024
enjoyed the book but sabrina deserved better 💔💔
November 19, 2024
Awesome book.. Fantastic series... Awesome author..
February 12, 2025
The level of deception in this book is unmatched…
August 20, 2025
What a rollercoaster of a book , the way she was string when her live was all over the place
May 19, 2025
Me gusto esta novela. La relación de Sabrina y Kian es toxica. Kian es arrogante y tiene una sed de venganza con la familia de la protagonista (todo planeado desde un principio. Desde que llega Sabrina al pueblo como protegida de la FBI). Sabrina es inocente ante los planes de Kian, pero independiente para ocuparse de ella misma.
April 30, 2025
Cero sorpresa con el plot twist, ¡se veía venir desde el principio! Realmente esperaba mucho más de esta historia.
El giro fue que el protagonista resulta ser otro mafioso, algo que la autora deja caer de manera tan evidente desde el inicio que ni siquiera me sorprendió cuando finalmente lo revela. 🙄
Y lo que más me indignó fue el comportamiento del personaje masculino. Una vez más, nos presentan al "vengativo" que decide actuar como si la protagonista tuviera la culpa de lo que le ocurrió a su hermana. Pero lo peor de todo fue lo de las pastillas anticonceptivas. ¡Eso es una vi*lación a su cuerpo! Cambiarle las pastillas sin su consentimiento me pareció completamente inaceptable y simplemente horrible. Es un abuso que ni siquiera merece ser excusado dentro de la trama. 🤢
El giro fue que el protagonista resulta ser otro mafioso, algo que la autora deja caer de manera tan evidente desde el inicio que ni siquiera me sorprendió cuando finalmente lo revela. 🙄
Y lo que más me indignó fue el comportamiento del personaje masculino. Una vez más, nos presentan al "vengativo" que decide actuar como si la protagonista tuviera la culpa de lo que le ocurrió a su hermana. Pero lo peor de todo fue lo de las pastillas anticonceptivas. ¡Eso es una vi*lación a su cuerpo! Cambiarle las pastillas sin su consentimiento me pareció completamente inaceptable y simplemente horrible. Es un abuso que ni siquiera merece ser excusado dentro de la trama. 🤢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews