Brutal Vows: Queens and Monsters Book 4Kindle
4.6
-
16,796 ratings
Dark, sexy mafia romance where the fast-paced tension of John Wick meets the high stakes love of Romeo and Juliet.
An Irish mobster with a brutal grudge.
An Italian mafia princess with a dark secret.
Two enemy empires joined in sacred marriage vows.
Let the hating games begin.
Reyna
If this arrogant Irish mobster my brother sold my niece to thinks I’m going to play nice over this arranged marriage BS, he should think again.
I don’t care if this match with the Mob will make my brother capo of the Five Families.
I don’t care how much money, territory, or power it will gain us.
I especially don’t care that the Irishman is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.
I won’t allow my innocent niece to suffer the same way I did.
Even if I have to kill him.
Spider
I’m supposed to marry sweet, beautiful Lili. So why can’t I stop thinking about her swamp witch of an aunt?
Reyna who hates me. Reyna who challenges me. Reyna with the guts of a Viking, the body of a fertility goddess, and the attitude of a feral cat.
Nothing good can come of what I’m feeling for a woman who’s not the one in the wedding contract I signed.
A woman I want so much, I’ll have to burn the whole world down to get.
If she doesn’t kill me first.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Kindle
$0.00
Available instantly
Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Ships from
Amazon.com
Payment
Secure transaction
Print length
400 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Bramble
Publication date
November 29, 2023
Frequently bought together
Popular Highlights in this book
Later on, I’ll look back and realize this is the exact moment I fell in love with her.
Highlighted by 414 Kindle readers
You’re a privilege I don’t deserve, but I’m going to spend the rest of both our lives trying to be worthy of you.
Highlighted by 409 Kindle readers
I think you’re a brilliant golden sun in a sky that’s only ever known the black and starless night.
Highlighted by 374 Kindle readers
Product details
ASIN :
B0CNNJXYZL
File size :
2619 KB
Text-to-speech :
Enabled
Screen reader :
Supported
Enhanced typesetting :
Enabled
X-Ray :
Enabled
Word wise :
Enabled
Editorial Reviews
"THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING." ~ Read Between the Wines
"Well, it happened. J.T. Geissinger has written my first ever 6 Star series." ~ The Book Refuge
"Hot, action packed, hot, gritty, hot, emotional, hot, hilarious and did I mention hot?!" ~ Reading Addict
"Lord. Spider and Reyna were outstanding! Their steaming sexual tension, chemistry and snappy banter were out of control." ~ Bookgasms Book Blog
"An enemies-to-lovers story with the best verbal sparring EVER and a wicked, hot chemistry that boils to an incendiary inferno!" ~ Kay Daniels Romance
"The sexual tension burns bright as their story slowly burns to a crescendo. And when they hit that peak....hot damn it's electric!" ~ Goodreads review
"The chemistry from their first meeting is scorching. Prepare to fan yourself repeatedly. The Irish Mob has my heart." ~ Goodreads review
"I love the way Spider is so protective of Rey, and Rey is a queen, she's so badass, such a brave heroine, their scenes together are pure fire, the sizzling banter and the chemistry between them is palpable through the pages." ~ When Vane Reads
"The banter, the insults, the fun between these two characters leapt off the page. And then the steam! Whoooo." ~ Goodreads review
Sample
1
REY
The weight of memory can sometimes be so heavy, it’s suffocating.
Take now, for instance. I’m standing across from my brother’s oak desk in his enormous wood-paneled study, staring at his face and struggling to breathe around the invisible hand squeezing my lungs. There’s also a rock in my throat and a vat of acid churning in my stomach.
All inevitable results whenever the word “marriage” is mentioned in my presence.
No four-letter curse word could ever be so vile.
Uncomfortable under my stare, Gianni glances down at the desktop. He fiddles with the edge of the blotter, then runs a finger under the collar of his white dress shirt.
“Don’t look at me like that. You knew this was coming. Lili’s of age now.”
“She’s been eighteen for all of two weeks, for fuck’s sake. And what about college? You promised you’d consider it.”
He lifts his gaze to meet mine. He has our father’s eyes, coal black and lifeless. Everyone else finds them—and him—terrifying.
But my father didn’t scare me, and neither does my older brother. For that matter, neither does anyone else.
After what I’ve been through, the devil himself could show up demanding my soul, and I’d tell him to kiss my sweet ass and fuck off back to hell.
Gianni says, “No, you insisted I consider it. And as usual, when you got an answer you didn’t like, you ignored it.”
When I only stand there glaring at him, he adds, “I vetted him. He’s not Enzo.”
At the sound of my late husband’s name, a shudder goes through me. The acid churning in my stomach sears a burning path up into my throat.
I stand still for several moments, struggling to regain my equilibrium. Then, so I don’t start breaking furniture, I start to pace.
Gianni watches me silently for several moments before trying a new approach.
“We’ll get territory. Trade routes. Important allies we desperately need. The match will make us a substantial amount of money. Tens of millions at least. Potentially hundreds.”
I mutter, “You sound like a pimp.”
He brushes that off. “Not to mention garner us influence over the other families. You know how desperate everyone is to make an alliance with the Mob. If we can pull this off, I’ll be named capo. The stakes are huge, Rey. We can secure the family’s position for generations.”
“You keep saying ‘we’ and ‘us.’ I don’t want anything to do with forcing my niece into slavery.”
With exaggerated patience, he says, “Lili was always going to be matched for the betterment of the family. You know it. She knows it. Everyone knows it. This is nothing new.”
I stop pacing and look at him. “She’s still a child.”
“At eighteen, she’s now an adult. And you were two years younger than she is when you were married.”
I say bitterly, “Yes. And look how well that turned out.”
His expression sours. “You inherited Enzo’s fortune. You gained your freedom. I’d say it turned out rather well for you in the end.”
“You conveniently skipped all the carnage in the middle between our engagement and his death.”
“Lili isn’t you, Rey.”
“No, she’s my niece. And my goddaughter. And one of the sweetest, brightest girls I’ve ever met. She doesn’t deserve to be married off to some horrible old Irishman!”
“I never said he was old.”
“Who probably stinks like cooked cabbage!”
“I promise you, he doesn’t smell like a vegetable.”
“And has a kiddie porn habit! Any man who wants to marry a teenager has to be a pervert!”
Careful not to raise his voice, though it’s obvious he’s annoyed with me and wants the conversation to be over, Gianni says, “I don’t believe he’s the type for child pornography, but you can judge for yourself. He’ll be here any minute.”
I recoil in disgust. “He’s coming here?”
“To meet Lili.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
I narrow my eyes in suspicion. “Why are you only telling me about this marriage contract seconds before the Irishman sets foot in the house?”
After a short pause, he says carefully, “Considering your temper, it seemed like a good idea to give you as little time to start smashing things as possible.”
That might be a reason, but I can tell it’s not the main one. I know my brother well.
“You son of a bitch. Lili doesn’t know yet, does she?”
Gianni rises from his desk. Smoothing a hand down the front of his bespoke navy-blue suit jacket, he walks toward me. He stops in front of me and gently grasps my upper arms.
“I was hoping you could tell her.”
I say flatly, “I will kill you where you stand.”
He examines my expression, then drops his hands to his sides and takes a step back.
Smart move.
“This is why I didn’t tell you sooner. I’m sorry this brings up bad memories for you, but it’s happening. The terms have already been negotiated. The only thing left is for the Irishman to meet Lili. If she pleases him, the contract will be signed and the date will be set.”
He doesn’t elaborate on what will happen if Lili fails to please, but I know it won’t be good.
For Gianni, failure on even the smallest scale is unforgivable.
He continues in a softer tone. “And her zia will explain to her how this is all for the best, and how family comes first, and how, if her new husband proves to be anything like her zia’s late husband Enzo, he’ll find himself the victim of an untimely death, too.”
He pauses. “A meticulously planned death with no witnesses or evidence of foul play. An ‘accidental’ death so well executed, it even fooled the police.”
Without missing a beat, I say, “I didn’t kill my husband.”
He smiles. “I’ve never met anyone who can lie as well as you do.”
“It’s a gift.”
His smile grows wider. “One of many.”
“Stop trying to flatter me so I’ll do your dirty work for you.”
“She won’t listen to me, Rey. You know how she is.”
“Yes, it’s very inconvenient for the men in this family when the women have minds of their own.”
I can tell he wants to sigh, but he doesn’t. He simply stands and looks at me beseechingly until I give in.
It’s not like I have a choice, anyway. As the head of the Caruso family, Gianni calls all the shots. Someday, there will be a female head of one of the five Italian crime families in New York. It’s a dream of mine that I’ll live long enough to see it. Until then, all I can do is exert as much influence as possible.
It helps that my brother’s afraid of me.
“I want final approval about this Irishman. I’ll tell Lili for you, but if I don’t like him, the deal is off.”
Gianni runs his tongue over his teeth. He’s probably counting silently to ten in his head or cursing, wishing he had a sister more like his best friend Leo’s. A docile, dim bulb of a girl with no opinions about anything except what her father and brother tell her to have.
Instead, he’s got me.
A woman with a bad reputation, a chip on her shoulder, and a sword for a tongue.
“Agreed?” I prod.
“You won’t think anyone is good enough for her,” he counters. “We’ll be having this same conversation over and over again for the next twenty years.”
“Untrue. I can be reasonable.”
He lifts a brow.
“Don’t make that face. I simply want to make sure he’s not a monster.”
“I assure you, he’s not a monster.”
“This would be a good time to point out that you liked Enzo, too.”
Gianni winces. “Enzo was a sociopath. They’re very good at pretending to be charming.”
“Exactly. Which is why I need to have the final word. If anyone can spot a psycho a mile away, it’s me.”
He doesn’t have an argument for that. How could he? It’s the truth.
I earned my monster radar the hard way.
Gianni gazes at me with an unreadable expression for so long, I think I’ve lost. But then he surprises me by saying, “Fine. If you don’t like the Irishman, the marriage is off.”
Relief floods my body. I exhale, nodding.
“But you still have to tell Lili.”
At the sound of car tires crunching over the gravel of the circular driveway outside, Gianni and I turn to the windows. Sounding amused, he says, “And I think you better do it quick.”
My ears burn with anger. “You’re a shitty father, Gi.”
He shrugs. “It runs in the family.”
I turn and walk out before I grab the letter opener off his desk and do something I’ll regret.
Read more
About the authors
J.T. Geissinger
J.T. Geissinger is USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty-two novels. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over fifteen million copies worldwide and been translated into more than twenty languages.
She is a three-time finalist in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.
Read more
Reviews
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5
16,796 global ratings
Jeeves Reads Romance
5
Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
"I’ve felt desire before, many times. But this is something different. This is the strike of the match that lit the raging forest fire. This is dark, intense, and dangerous. This is need, not want…and I don’t like it at all."
I was HOOKED from the very first page, and I devoured the whole book at an alarming rate - I loved it! There are times when you can tell that an author is having FUN with a story, and this is one of those instances. This couple is drawn together like magnets, and their chemistry lit up the pages. I loved the intensity of this sweetheart of a hero - he's a jealous, possessive killer, but he's also kind of a cinnamon roll who is starved for praise and affection. His fierce protectiveness and unwavering care easily melted my heart, and the steamy scenes had such great intimacy to them. The storyline is NOTHING like I expected, and I absolutely adored the unpredictable nature of it. This might be the most over the top installment of the series, but it was also the most addictive, and it had zero trouble holding my attention the whole way through. In fact, in trying to come up with one criticism for my review, I was going to say that it was too short... but it's 400 pages, so I guess that's just me being greedy.
If you want to go in blind, then stop here. Just know that it was excellent! This can be read as a standalone, but the series is definitely better together. Essentially, the story follows Spider, the sweet killer that we've come to know and love throughout the series. Still reeling from an ill-fated crush gone terribly wrong, Spider has closed off his heart. He agrees to an arranged marriage that will benefit his boss, knowing there's no chance that he'll fall for his 18-year-old bride. Except... Spider never factored in her stunning, viper of an aunt. What's supposed to be an uncomplicated, unemotional transaction quickly turns into anything but, as Spider struggles with his attraction to a woman who is completely off-limits. Not only does Reyna have a reputation as a terrifying black widow, but Spider has also just agreed to a lifetime commitment to her niece.
I'm not sure how Geissinger manages to make such dark subject matter feel so light and playful, but she has mastered that skill throughout this series. There is an insane amount of chemistry sparking between Spider and Reyna, and that electric connection is the foundation of the book. I loved their forbidden interactions, I loved their intimate moments, and I loved the steam as well. It's another HOT installment to the series, though each book has had its own vibe. Spider brings a softness that contrasts to Reyna's rough edges, and the combination was perfection. I knew Spider was a softie, but I never expected the sweetness that he'd bring to this dark romance. He's also super INTENSE, with an overwhelming presence that adds a special something to the story. I loved that Reyna is so resilient, strong, and such a great complement to Spider. Their instant connection turned into something deeper, and the journey was a very fun ride. I couldn't get enough of these characters - it was deliciously addictive. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this mafia romance.
Read more
16 people found this helpful
Selina
5
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2022
Verified Purchase
Its the way I just finished this book less than an hour ago and I’m so sad!!! I absolutely loved this book and I want more! This is the 4th and sobs FINAL book in the Queens & Monsters series and it follows Spider, second in command to the Irish mob and Reyna Caruso, sister of the head of one of the Italian mafia families.
Reyna and Spider both have dark and difficult pasts. Reyna, 33, is a widowed mafia wife. She was married to a terrible and abusive man and after his death, she lived with her brother (Gianni), mother (who is hilarious), and her niece Lili. Spider, who we know from Savage Hearts (book #3), has lost all faith in finding a love match agrees to an arranged marriage that will benefit the Irish mob. He is to marry Lili (18), Reyna’s niece. Reyna is immediately against this marriage because she fears her niece will fall into the same terrible situation as she did, with an abusive and power hungry husband. When Spider first comes to the Caruso home, Rey is immediately repulsed by him. Spider feels the same way but he can’t quite understand why Rey gets under his skin so much. Right from the start, their flirtation and the chemistry between them is so fiery!!! Like they “hate” each other but we knowwww they don’t hate each other. The whole plan for Lili and Spider to marry becomes completely unraveled when a big secret is revealed on the wedding day. Rey, someone who promised she would never marry again, steps in to marry Spider to uphold the marriage agreement for her family.
Ok so my thoughts— Rey and Spider are so f****** hot I mean— the banter!!!!!!! TOP TIER. You can just tell there’s this fire between them. They wanted each other from the start but knew they couldn’t. There’s nothing I love more than seeing 2 people trying to resist each other but fail terribly. The way they start to open up and break down their walls was beautiful. Especially when it’s 2 very strong willed and stubborn individuals. Rey and Spider have both been through so much and you’d expect them to be extremely closed off emotionally. Through a few high stakes situations, they slowly begin to trust each other more and find a home in one another. I feel like they are exactly what the other needed.
Now let me tell you, Rey is a BOSS. Idk if I want to be her or marry her. She is an erotic romance loving bad ass individual. Literally all the Italian mafia men are scared of her, as they should be!!!! I love how she’s so real with Spider and never scared or intimidated by him. She challenges him and I think her fiery attitude is one of the things he loves most about her. And Homer “Spider” mf QUINN!!!!! This man! I was p mad at him bc of what went down in Savage Hearts but let me tell you, I got over that REAL QUICK. I need this man in my bedroom yesterday. He’s hot, funny, protective, caring, has the sexiest dirty talk sweats, and is able to make Reyna feel safe when she’s been wronged by men so many times in the past. He also has a nose ring, tattoos, and nipple piercings— I mean 😫 Anyways, I love them together bc they’re so stubborn and dominant but also passionate. Which makes for some amazing amazing spice. Miss Geissinger, you did not disappoint in the spice dept!!! It was honestly just so beautiful bc Spider was the exact man Reyna needed esp bc he let her be the bo$$ b**** that she is!
All in all, I loved this book. It was perfect. I loved seeing all the characters from the rest of the series, especially the girly moments. I’m so sad to see this series come to an end but it was the PERFECT ending.
Read more
24 people found this helpful
503romcomreads
5
This is hands down one of the best series ever!
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Spider, second in Command in the Irish mafia, is entering into an arranged marriage with the Italian mafia princess, Lili (Gianni's 18 year old daughter), to build alliances between the two families. He's a total bad*$$ with a heart of gold, which we already learned earlier in the series. He's freaking hilarious, protective and possessive.
Reyna, Lili's aunt, has already been through her own arranged marriage and has no plans to ever marry again. I love a fierce, bad*$$ female character and Reyna is an absolute queen. Mafia men fear her, they won't even meet her eyes (including her brother).
Spider & Reyna's story is full of super witty, sarcastic banter. Their chemistry is off the freaking charts! The character development is amazing. They've both been through hell, I love that they're only vulnerable with each other, that they communicate so well (both in and out of the bedroom).
I loved that we got more of Declan, Sloane (and a little bit of Kage, Nat, Malek, Riley...and Killian) I'm so sad that this is the end of series...I sure hope we see all of these amazing characters is future books!
Favorite Quotes (that don't spoil anything): I don’t take orders, Mr. Quinn. I also don’t address grown men by ridiculous nicknames, nor do I appreciate being given one. Though I have to admit the ‘viper’ is accurate, but the ‘wee’ is completely off mark. I’m as big as they come.” “You should also keep in mind that vipers are venomous…and they eat spiders for lunch.”
“Now take a breath and calm yourself. You’re my daughter. You’re made of iron, like me. Forged in fire. Unbreakably hard. You can withstand anything.”
“Goddammit, woman. Just when I think I’ve got you figured out, you grow another Hydra head and knock me on my arse again.”
I can’t look away from him. I want to, but I can’t. Somehow, he’s got me trapped in the weight of his powerful gaze. A fly caught in amber. A desperate little insect snared in a hungry spider’s web.
Knowing that Quinn will do only what I allow, and do it all only to please me, gives me a feeling of power so absolute, I burn with it.
Read more
2 people found this helpful
Kristi
5
wow!
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love how I lose myself in these books. I am not able to put the book down! Thank you for such a great read!!
Sonia
5
Dark Mafia Romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Reyna (Ray) Caruso (33) is The sister of Gianni and one of the heads of the ‘ Cosa Nostra ‘ Italian mob syndicate which he arranged a marriage between his 18 year daughter Liliana to the Irish mafia’s second in command.….. which is she is against from the get-go due to her own previous marriage…. which she doesn’t want her niece to suffer the same fate as she did….. a loveless marriage with painful memories….She only agrees with the courtship due to the fact her brother promise her the last say in the matter…. Rey is smart, sassy, quick witted , coolheaded as well as beautiful with a Siren🧜♀️/Viper🐍 stare that can pierces your SOUL and ☠️ you if you disrespect/harm her Or her family 😏 Her IRON 🖤 gets turned upside down when she meets and gets challenged and surprised all @the same time by the man that her Nice is marrying 😏
Spider (Homer) Quinne (38) is the second in command in the Irish ☘️ Mafia which he agrees to an arrange marriage to girl in the Italian mob BUT he only agrees to the agreement because he doesn’t believe he deserves true love 🥺 his mind body and mending 🖤 gets turned upside down buy a bewitching and beautiful siren🧜♀️/viper🐍 woman, that he just can’t keep out of his mind 😏
Reyna and spider’s. Relationship is like: I dislike you … I don’t trust you …. I desire you …. You infuriate me…. I desire you …. You intrigue me …. I want you …..
Their love is like Meleficient / siren🧜♀️ and the Princess bride vibes 🤭
Brutal Vows book 4 of Queens and Monsters is a dark mafia romance that will take you on a world, wind of hatred want and desire for peace love and belonging to that one special person that vows to protect you above all else. The 🌶️ lvl for me being 4/5 🌶️ due to role playing/praise/BDSM kinks .
P.S. What does killian have planned? 🤭 Will the boys ever get along? 😅 Will we get updates on all the baby drama ? 🥰 Will we Spider🕷️ever get to brag about his wife’s cooking? 🤪
Read more
Top J.T. Geissinger titles
View all
Best Sellers
View all
The Tuscan Child
4.2
-
100,022
$8.39
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery)
4.3
-
155,575
$6.33
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
4.6
-
140,302
$13.49
The Butterfly Garden (The Collector, 1)
4.3
-
88,556
$9.59
Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Series, 2)
4.4
-
94,890
$11.66
The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel
4.3
-
154,085
$2.99
The Perfect Marriage: A Completely Gripping Psychological Suspense
4.3
-
143,196
$9.47
The Coworker
4.1
-
80,003
$13.48
First Lie Wins: A Novel (Random House Large Print)
4.3
-
54,062
$14.99
Mile High (Windy City Series Book 1)
4.4
-
59,745
$16.19
Layla
4.2
-
107,613
$8.99
The Locked Door
4.4
-
94,673
$8.53