Brutal Vows: Queens and Monsters Book 4

"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.

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.

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.

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? 🤪

JT Geissinger does not disappoint with this fourth and final installment of the Queens & Monsters series. She once again delivers a great storyline, fun characters with depth, witty banter and lots of heat! This is an enemies-to-lovers story and maybe it’s because I just watched season 2 of Bridgerton but this felt like it could be a modern-day darker mafia retelling of The Viscount Who Loved Me. However, it feels closer to the book version of that story and not necessarily the show.

I’ve liked Spider since getting to know a little about him in Carnal Urges and I’m so glad we finally got his story. He’s still angry, hurt and guilt-ridden over what happened with Riley in Savage Hearts so he’s agreed to an arranged marriage where he thinks there will be no chance of developing complicated and potentially painful feelings for his wife. He goes to meet his mafia princess fiancée and while there falls in hate-at-first-sight with her prickly and angry aunt Reyna. Reyna survived 14 years of marriage to a complete monster and is rumored to have killed him. She’s vowed never to marry again and wants to protect her young niece. She hates Spider on sight.

The sparks fly as Reyna and Spider trade insults and witty banter and fight their mutual attraction. Gradually, they grow to respect each other and Reyna starts to become accepting of the approaching marriage. But then she discovers that her niece has been getting busy with the gardener’s son in secret. She tells them to end it because there’s no way the wedding can be stopped. She tries to help her niece accept it right up until the wedding day when there’s a not entirely unexpected twist.

I loved how the wedding wrapped up and how the entire series ended. Reyna really was a fitting name for someone who survived hell for 14 years and managed to truly rise to the top! It was also really nice to get cameos from Natalie & Kage, Sloan & Declan and even Killian!!

When fire and ice collide. I could not wait for Spider to finally get his HEA. This story delivered heat and passion in spades! Spider has met his match!!!

This man’s heart had been broken one to many times. He was ready to take the safe route. A stable, safe, arranged marriage with a woman he didn’t have to worry about falling for. The plan was fool-proof until he met her. The black widow.

Reyna was a formidable woman. Born into the mafia, her life was never her own until the day she took it back. She is not only gorgeous, but she is intelligent, cunning, and usually the smartest person in the room.

She is the wrench in Spider’s plan. These enemies sizzle whenever they share space. The attraction is fierce, but their devotion to hating one another keeps them apart until a split second decision changes their fate.

I love every character in this series and this couple was a great addition. The author created a strong character in Reyna. She knows what she wants and was fearless. Her resilience and love for her niece make her easy to love. Spider is a romantic at heart, but he is drawn to all Reyna’s prickly barbs. The banter between her and Spider was sexy foreplay. Their relationship transformed from enemies to lovers and it was smokin’ hot.

A great series with totally alpha, powerful men that will stop at nothing to protect and cherish their women. Also, women who are incredibly fierce and can hold their own against any man. The perfect combo of power couples who will rule in the darkness.

I was curious how the author would develop Spider’s character and I wasn’t sure he would be a strong enough male lead. I was pleasantly surprised with how he showed his ability to not only be brutally cunning, but also smart enough to realize when he’d met his match. The women in this series have all been strong and resourceful but Reyna takes that role to new heights!

I adored the first three books in series. Before I discovered Ruthless Creatures, I'd always struggled with these intense Alpha male cavemen, but Geissinger showed me there was definitely a right way to write them that I'd missed out on before. I binged my way through the first three books, and was really looking forward to Spider's story. For the most part it was a lot of fun, and had some tender moments, too. I loved that Spider was a romantic at heart, and I liked that Reyna was so tough yet vulnerable, and that her position within her family is finally realized! That said, I was really hoping for this series to go out on a bang. I wanted to discover Spider at the heart of underground world leadership that put him on level ground with Declan, Kage, and Malek. I wanted to see the seeds planted for a new spin-off series, perhaps revolving around Kieran or Juan Pablo. I wanted Spider and Reyna to get together as a couple sooner on the page instead of at forty percent, and see the conflict pushing them apart to be more blistering and intense. I felt that these secretive and subversive men were too comically dense at times to be believable for the world that had been woven to this point. It would have been amazing if Spider had been the one to discover the plot against Reyna and her sister, and he'd been the one in an epic showdown to intervene in the end, where she and he then fight back together, solidifying their bond forever whether or not they ever married, rather than Declan showing her some footage. I wanted Spider to somehow save this woman who had always had to rescue herself before and desperately needed a hero to finally be there for her. And I wanted the epilogue to bring us to the future, when Reyna is waking the kids up for school and see the pride on Spider's face, showing that he indeed followed through on giving her her perfect day. I would have loved for him to defend her honor is some epic way. I still loved the book. The main characters' banter was laugh worthy much of the time. And I'll always be glad I discovered this series. Thanks for the great book series journey!

3.5 Stars Spider’s book has been very anticipated especially after what happened in the previous book. Wanting nothing to do with emotional attachments so he volunteers to marry the young Italian Lili. It doesn’t go as smoothly as he expects when he meets Lili’s aunt Reyna. The chemistry between Spider and Reyna is explosive as is the tension. They but heads and push each other’s buttons every chance they get. It was such a fabulous tease and build up cause I felt their attraction and want for one another immediately. Top notch.

The second half wasn’t as good as the first. After Spider and Reyna got together the tension slowly fizzled out. Yes, their chemistry was still there but I needed more tension, more excitement. It became boring and predictable. It’s not dark mafia or 100% mafia driven. It’s about the characters and I liked Spider and Reyna. Both fierce, strong and protective. Sadly I needed more plot and story development. The other characters from the series beside Declan appear so they could put a nice bow on the story and series.

Overall a great story and ending but I expected more. The stars go to Spider and Reyna cause they kicked a$$.

3.5 Stars