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Luciano Mafia #1

Devious Vows

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We were volatile.
Made entirely of snide remarks, hatred, and a stolen kiss that stained my childhood like spilled ink.

Remy Luciano was everything I loved to hate until a single night changed it all.
One filled with light caresses and lust, his body made a promise it couldn’t keep.

Because Remy is betrothed and it's no longer to me.

Still he whispers a single confession.
One that rocks me to my core and grips me in the confines of heartbreak and doubt.


This is book one of the Luciano Mafia series and it ends on a cliffhanger.

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2023

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About the author

AJ Wolf

24 books321 followers
I am a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast who loves reverse harem books and is addicted to adopting animals. I dig crows, witchy things & anime. I live on a small hobby farm surrounded by my favorite people and growing animal family. I write under two pen names—AJ Wolf & Halle.

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5 stars
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49 (28%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,415 reviews85 followers
February 7, 2023
***4,5 "Cuore mio!!!" stars***



"You're mine."
A phrase he never let me forget...
And one that I hated for so long.
One that I hated, until I wasn't his."


This story destroyed me!!!! I can't stop thinking about it even two days after I finished reading it...
I need desperately the next book cause my heart can not bare this constant aching inside my chest...
Remy and Beverly had stolen my heart and when their love and future was stolen away, it wrecked me...
"Devious vows" started as an enemies to lovers and while we witnessed years that these two couldn't stand each other, they slowly became each other's worlds...
Until, everything changed and it left them (and us!) totally heartbroken!!!
I am in desperate need for redemption!!!

"Make no mistake, cuore mio. You are mine."
"Maybe you're right, Remy, maybe I'm yours. But you are not mine."


Beverly was betrothed to Remy Luciano since she was twelve and he was fifteen...
She couldn't stand him at all and she wished for a different fate than be married to the one she hated with passion...
He was arrogant and he never stopped reminding her that she was his in every opportunity... and she wish that she were never his, until the day she got her wish!!!
The thing is that when her heart had fallen for her enemy, others decided that she no longer fitted the Luciano's plans...
Now, she is broken beyond repair and the man that she loves belongs to another woman...

"We always want things we can't have and fuck do I want what she has."

I believe I've said much already...
I won't tell you much about Remy, other than this man was loving this woman with a passion since when they were kids... and he tried so hard to make her see that they belonged together...
Unfortunately, he is not the boss yet, and he needs to follow the rules, even though they have the ability to shatter his heart...
I loved fiercely Remy, but sometimes, I hated him for his choices... But honestly, I am wondering what he will do next and how he will manage to pull himself and his loved one out of the awful things that have shattered them...

"It's beautifully cruel what we have. A timeline already stamped with an ending we didn't choose, a love story destined to fail because we don't have control."

I can not express how much my heart was hurting in here...
I still can not accept what happened in the end...
I was invested to Bev and Remy's love story from the beginning and it was a complete shock when everything had fallen apart and with that ugly and untactful way that they happened...
My heart was breaking for Beverly and the way she was treated after... It was cruel what they did to her!!! Very cruel!!!
Honestly, I can not wait for the next book... I need something good after everything that AJ Wolf has put me through in here!!!

"You have never been and will never be mine."

This was a beautiful, but very hurtful, beginning to a very promising series!!!
Yes, 'Devious Vows' had been published before as 'MINE', but the author had changed many things into Beverly and Remy's story...
This was an enemies to lovers, mafia romance with an arranged marriage in the mix which around to 60% had me on the edge of my sit with the slaps that I was getting...
It was heartbreakingly beautiful and I need more of Remy and his girl!!!

"His heart thumps beneath my palm, strong and steady..
"Do you feel that?"
He waits for my slight nod, his fingers tightening around mine.
"As long as it's beating, II'll always come for you."


**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for mia.
554 reviews260 followers
January 27, 2023
(Thank you Peachy Keen and the author A.J. Wolf for the eARC in exchange for a spoiler free review)

This was my first book from AJ and I have to say it was a good start to the series! The cover is so pretty as well.

Although it is not as serious as other mafia books and there wasn't much world-building, it was still quite an enjoyable read. I liked the childhood friends trope that was explained more with the time lapses so that I got a better understanding of Remy and Beverly.

There was a plot twist I honestly didn't see coming considering how fast I read the book and it was refreshing. I liked that it gave some tension to the plotline.

I am indeed eager to see how it plays out in the next book!
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,514 reviews165 followers
February 13, 2023
Oh my heart! I love this couple so much !!! This story was everything the first time around and reading this new version was just so much more! Remy and Bev will always hold a special place in my heart! Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Tamarra Lynch.
607 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2023
I received an ARC for an honest review

This book comes with a tropes, smut and trigger warnings. See authors website for detailed list.

From the age of 12 Beverly’s family announced she is to be married to Remy Luciano on her 21st birthday. Neither one are happy with this arrangement but understand both must do their duty to their familigia.

As you read Beverly and Remy’s story, you get to witness their tumultuous relationship, be there for the moment she falls in love with him, but also see how fiercely he protects her. But in between, as they grew up, it wasn’t always sunshine and daisies, because they couldn’t stand to be with each other, but over time they grew closer together, there affection for each other undeniable.

Preparations are being made for their wedding, but one stormy night they give into their desires and he takes her innocence in a night of unbridled passion. Then everything comes crashing down around Beverly and new arrangements have been made for Remy to marry someone else.

Beverly is heartbroken, yet devastated. That what was supposed to her dream will now become someone else’s. Beverly makes every effort, but inside she is breaking. Remy and Beverly take stolen moments, but know they won’t be able to do this for long.

And Remy is put in a difficult position, to save Julian’s life, he has to make the ultimate sacrifice, by breaking Beverly’s heart. But those closest to Remy know his heart lies with her, but has to go through with the pre-tense, the charade for his familiga’s sake or suffer the consequences.

Remy goes through the wedding with Viva, but through it all his mind is only on one person, the one person he cannot have, he will not let this break him. Especially when he makes it clear to Viva that nothing will ever happen between them.

Gavino has always been jealous of his brother Remy, and makes his play to there father for Beverly’s hand in marriage, it’s only then does he disclose her indiscretion with Remy that it solidifies there arrangement. Because Beverly has no choice, for when it gets back to her mother, that she gave up her innocence, knowing her actions will bring shame to her family, she takes what dignity she has left and accepts her fate.

But Remy will not stand by as he watches her marry another man, because he saw what it did to her when he married Viva, he will fight for them, for there love, for there future, because Beverly will always belong to Remy.

This book has it all childhood enemies to enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, mafia vibes. Possessive dominant alpha male, a mafia princess you will love to hate and hate love, unlikely friendships, murder, madness, mayhem, revenge, vengeance, violence, deception, adrenaline seeking suspense, jealousy, love triangle/ cheating, twists, turns, truths and betrayal.

This story is told from dual POV, it will take you on a wild ride, having you turn page after page, this book had me from the beginning to the end. Reading this story, it enables the  readers to really connect with the characters. The author definitely knows how to write and I’ll be coming back for more.

And those s*x scenes, were steamy, yet sensual, dirty, hot, intense, physical, provocative, it had all the angry angst, hate, jealousy, pleasure and passion one would except when Remy gives Beverly the pain and pleasure she deserve, his possessive and obsessive need for control and dominance, it was off the charts and had all of the feels.

Now to anticipate what book two will bring Remy and Beverly!

Highly recommend both author and book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
991 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2023
Bitter Love & Tears

Beverly Esposito, raised alongside the Luciano brothers, sons of the Capo Familia, arranged to marry the eldest. His, from when she was 12 and he was 15... until she wasn't years and years later....

Remy Luciano, the eldest child of Capo Familia (Sicilian Mafia) and heir, betrothed to another in an emotional turn of events.

Futures together and hearts ripped apart, hopes and dreams drowning in bitter tears. Their love story is a story unfinished as two souls, loving as one, living as halves. The other truly roped me in and tugged on my emotions with this one. We shall see where this goes... Will they be forcefully drifted apart or through twists of fates, have a happily ever after?
Profile Image for Annasbook nook.
754 reviews65 followers
April 8, 2023
Remy and Beverly have been in an arranged marriage since they were children. Promised to each other for the sake of their families.
The sparks slowly ignite as they get older, and as the time gets closer for them to be betrothed, the unexpected happens, and Remy ends up marrying someone else.
This book was heartbreaking, and I felt so sorry for Bev.
Such heartbreak, angst, and sadness.
The way Beverly was treated was so bad, and I felt so sorry for her.
Now onto book 2. I need to know how this ends.
Profile Image for Carrie Ann.
71 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2023
Remy and Beverly seem like the most unlikely couple until they grow up. Their love takes years to grow and finally, when everything seems to be perfect, their future is stolen away. I could not put this book down. I think I went through every emotion as I read this story and the cliffhanger at the end just left me wanting more.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hawkins.
688 reviews17 followers
January 31, 2023
So this book was.... Interesting....

I liked where it was going, but then the book hit a snag in the road and made me realize.... The main character is just not my favorite. She actually is super annoying to be completely honest.

It’s like she has no personality... The only thing I know about her is that she is angry and doesn’t want to do anything anyone says. Ever... She is also so whiny and bratty.

I know we are supposed to feel sorry for her, but her choices are the reason she is in this mess and I don’t feel sorry for her at all.

Also REMY. He’s got dirty talk to an art and all, but he’s still kinda meh and also has no personality.

In addition, there was a twist that the author inserted 70% into the book that changed the whole premise of it and now I have to wait until the next one. I feel scammed.

This book was okay, but not completely my favorite.
124 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2023
Loved, loved, LOVED these books!

I didn’t realize going into this book that it was part of a duet, but thankfully, the second book is complete and available on KU.

I loved these characters and their love story so much. Remy’s possessiveness and passion for Bev is formidable, and Bev’s fearless and feisty personality is constantly crashing against him, challenging him. We get to see their relationship change and grow through the years, and it is so sweet and beautiful. Remy’s patience and persistence pays off, until…well, you’ll have to read to find out.

These books have been some of the best I’ve read recently. The author really draws the reader in. There is something beautiful in the way she writes and the story she weaves; her writing style feels a lot like Bella di Corte, who I am a big fan of.

Even though the author has TWs, I think some cautions may need mentioning: There is *technically* cheating in this story, but the main characters do remain faithful to each other. (Can’t say more than that to avoid spoilers.) Additionally, the (mafia) violence is cold and unmerciful and unapologetic. Fortunately (for me) no torture or especially drawn out scenes. The violence is very “matter of fact,” and what must be done - swift, efficient, and with little to no remorse. Some of the victims I had a lot of sympathy towards, but none was to be had by the famiglia. I read a lot of dark mafia romance, and so none of these elements detracted from my enjoyment of this story, but I also think they *could* be a no-go for some.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
773 reviews47 followers
January 23, 2023
Oh my heart! This might be a little spoiler ish, and I’ll try to leave out as many details as possible. Remy and Beverly are arranged to be married since they were young kids. We see their tidbits of their interactions and they grow up in the same circle, and slowly their relationship transforms from one where they seemingly dislike each other to one where they deeply feel for the other. I felt a little something in this development was missing, as we do get a point in time when feelings start to shift but it’s hard to tell exactly why the dislike turned to like especially when Bev shows how she doesn’t like Remy’s company early on. Yet once we get past this point, they are definitely a couple you care about and want them to have an HEA. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop though and when it does, I was a little confused as to the why behind the sudden change (not due to Remy or Bev by the way) when for several years it was expected these two would be together and to go back on it seems a bit inappropriate. We do get a reason but it doesn’t seem strong enough to renege on a prior expectation. Several of the side characters too seemed perturbed. It actually makes me want to knock some sense into a certain character (or two) for what they’re doing to our couple! You can definitely feel Remy and Bev’s emotions through the pages and I really hope they find a way in the next book. Like I need it now!
Profile Image for Renee.
4,188 reviews55 followers
January 31, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

We were volatile. Made entirely of snide remarks, hatred, and a stolen kiss that stained my childhood like spilled ink. Remy Luciano was everything I loved to hate until a single night changed it all. One filled with light caresses and lust, his body made a promise it couldn't keep. Because Remy is betrothed and it's no longer to me. Still he whispers a single confession. One that rocks me to my core and grips me in the confines of heartbreak and doubt.

This is the story of Beverly and Remy. These two have got to be, or seem like they would be the oddest couple of all time. However when they grew up that all changed. They have been in an agreement for an arranged marriage since they were young. It took years for them to fall in love and make their relationship really special. That is until one day it is all stolen away from them. I don't really want to go into the detail of the story because I don't want to give anything away about it. I went into it blind. Fell in love with these characters and was living every single moment with them. I couldn't put this book down. I loved Bevery and Remy
Profile Image for Tess  Fleur.
31 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
Fast to read, roughly frustrating. Like can the FL be the strong character from the start to the end ?! I loved her fierce personality but in the last 2 pages she seemed like another person. I hope the second book will have an upgrade both on story and ML and FL actions.
It's nothing new as from mafia romance. We all knew from the first pages about Gavino....aaaand what to expect. I hated the naive though of Bev about him, like seriously girl !!??
Cit.from the book: “You’re right. I am fortunate the situation turned out how it has.” My mother’s eyebrows rise at my admission, but she remains silent. The words are bitter in my mouth. Knowing this is the best option doesn’t make it one I’m happy with. “Gavino is a fine man and he will make a fine husband.”
Like what?! The f**k you just said?!?!
It could be better but it was okay.
P.s. for once the Italian dialogue are correct!!!! Meravigliosa l'autrice! Brava !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Morgan Leigh.
704 reviews21 followers
January 25, 2023
This is a fast paced childhood enemies to lovers romance - full of angst, strong characters, betrayal, steamy spice… and so much more!

I loved the time progression in this story. It starts when both Remy and Beverly are younger, we see their feelings grow from disdain to a form of love they could only have for one another.

My heart hurts & if I’m honest when that plot twist happened I got a little sick. I was not prepared.
I was ready for opposing families, kidnappings, anything but that. I need an explanation ASAP. Why the change?! And how dare they do that to Beverly.

Gavino who? …..

I can not wait for the next installment of the Luciano Mafia, Oath of Redemption, which is expected to hit kindles March 2023.
Profile Image for No Book Behind.
490 reviews18 followers
April 3, 2023
4★/5
2.5🌶/5

Remy and Beverly, betrothed enemies that through the years slowly became partners and passionate lovers, with strange chemistry and relationship. Until one evening everything changed, and their future together was no longer in plan for them.
Remy and Beverly were an odd and confusing couple for me. Seeing them through the years, their slow growth, how possessive of each other they became. When I thought nothing could surprise me, the least expected turn in the plot happened, and simply delivered massive heartbreak.
Mostly written from Beverly’s pov, getting all feelings, emotions, and reflections. I was slightly disappointed to get more of Remy’s pov basically closer to the end of the book - nonetheless pleased to be able to see how what happened affected him.
Profile Image for samreadsromance.
419 reviews65 followers
January 23, 2023
Honestly this just may be one of my fav mafia romances! I have never cried so much with how heartbreaking this story is!

Beverly and Remy have known each other their whole lives. They have had an arranged marriage set since Bev was twelve years old. She hated everything about it including Remy

We get to see Bev and Remy through the years leading up to the wedding that is meant to happen after Bevs twenty first birthday. Bev eventually starts to feel something other than hatred for Remy

I loved everything about Bev and Remys story! It was heartbreakingly beautiful and one I couldn’t put down!
Profile Image for Molly Insall.
167 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2023
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about this book.. the spice was very good but the plot wasn't actually very thick.

When beverly is promised to remy, the boy she despises, from a young age she thinks her whole life is going to fall apart. As she slowly becomes of age she starts to feel things she never thought she would.. then on her 21st birthday absolutely everything goes wrong.

I wish we had a but more behind the scenes with the mafia and reasons why certain things didn't happen but I guess that will come out in the second book! Definitely a good book to read for smut but not so much a plot line:)
Profile Image for Imani .
240 reviews
January 23, 2023
This book had me so mad at the ending. I just want them to be happy.
This is book 1 in the Luciano Mafia series.
I received an ARC and finished this in less than 5 hours.

Remy is the heir to the Capo Famiglia.
Beverly and Remy are arranged to be married until one day they weren't.
They are in love with each other and Remy is trying to find every way he can get his girl back. The cliffhanger in this book just came at the worst time. I need book 2 but it doesn't come out until March.
Gavino - I liked you but now just disappear. You made me want to physically hurt you.
3 reviews
March 31, 2023
Omg!!!!!!!!

I wish I could give 10 stars... this book is good from beginning to end. I love that you meet the characters when they were children and how their love progress through the years. I've cried and smile throughout the whole book and now devastated I have to wait another week for book 2 to come out. Remy is every girl's dream and I hope they have the HEA they deserve. I read this book in 5 hours and only taking a break to grab the tissue box. Love love love this story!!! ❤️❤️❤️
3,805 reviews
January 27, 2023
Luciano Mafia, oh YEAH! I was drawn in and so invested in Bev and Remy's story!

Betrothed as children, there is no love lost between these two until a tiny spark begins to grow into a flame!

This was an emotional read for me, and I was floored when I saw the end was near and I was totally not ready for it! So NOT!

When will March be here? Don't want to rush time, but Time, hurry up!
Profile Image for Martha.
405 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2023
This was my first read by AJ Wolf and I was not disappointed. This is book one in the Luciano Mafia series. This is a childhood enemies to lovers mafia romance. The FMC and MMC have been arranged to marry each other, until they no longer are. This book does end on a cliffhanger and will have you experiencing so many emotions for their story. I can't wait to read book two and dive deeper into their story. AJ did a wonderful job telling these characters stories.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,269 reviews27 followers
February 6, 2023
Being in the mafia work, Beverly knows what they say goes. At 12 her whole life is decided for her when she’s informed of her arranged marriage to Remy the future boss on her 21st birthday. This story follows from a young age all way through turning legal. The story is a full of emotions and struggles. I loved the flow and you can’t help but root for them. This isn’t your normal forced proximity romance so buckle up!. I am on pins and needles for book two.!
Profile Image for Camille (bookish.cami).
590 reviews35 followers
January 25, 2023
This was my first book by Aj and I was absolutely blown away! I seriously fell in love with the cover for the book so I just had to read it also mafia is a go to trope for me so I just knew that I would enjoy this and boy did I enjoy it!

Beverly has a hate hate relationship towards Remy because he’s so broody lol but the way he brings out her fiesta attitude and I enjoy that. Now now this book also got me angry and I was like what the…. But overall I’m here for it and I seriously enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Marsha.
133 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2023
Seeing Bev and Remy from children till adults and how their relationship changed over the years was a great way to show the back story between them. By the end I felt like Bev was becoming a strong FMC even while facing her problems. There is a slight cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
220 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2023
great

I so loved this book Remy and Bev’s love story is so beautiful but it is out of their hands who they married as it is all arranged by their families. I found this storyline so fresh and exciting and loved both Remy and Bev feeling so sorry for them. So looking forward to the next book
155 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2023
Man oh man this book is good. The way it’s written has you feeling everything that Beverly feels. Beverly and Remy are arranged to be married, until that changes. My heart broke for everything that Beverly has to deal with. I can’t wait to keep reading the series and find out what happens next with Beverly.
Profile Image for Harriet.
124 reviews
April 5, 2023
omg!

This was such a ride! Poor bev and remy I really hope they get their happy ending. The mafia takes away what it gives is clear in this book and just when your hooked thinking no the blurb lied that emotional roller coaster will dip and spin until you just close your eyes and hang on.
2,041 reviews17 followers
January 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a fabulous childhood enemies-to-lovers mafia arranged marriage read with some stunning twists. Filled with angst, emotions and steam, this read will leave you wanting more. Glad its release isn't too far away.
Profile Image for Carol-Ann.
197 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2023
This was such a good read, I couldn't put the book down. I loved Beverly and Remys dynamic so much,i didn’t see that twist coming. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2, I need to know what happens next.
1 review
March 2, 2023
love

This book is absolutely stunning 🤩 I could not put it down , this is my first book I’ve read from this author and it will not be my last, this story is beautifully written 🥰🥰 can not wait to read the second book..
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,508 reviews
March 10, 2023
Phew! My first time reading AJ Wolf and i about had a heart attack! Edgy and full of angst! The fights just beginning! Anxiously awaiting the next one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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