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Lethal Vows

Lethal Vows

by T.L. Smith 2023 301 pages
3.74
15k+ ratings
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Plot Summary

Escape to New York

Rya flees her controlling life

Rya Ricci, a young woman from a powerful family in Rome, is suffocated by her father's control and the looming threat of an arranged marriage to Crue Monti, a man she barely knows. Desperate for freedom, she escapes to New York, seeking anonymity and independence. In the bustling city, she builds a successful career as a criminal lawyer, relishing her newfound autonomy. However, the shadow of her past lingers, as she remains wary of the life she left behind and the man she was promised to.

Unwanted Arrangements

Crue's relentless pursuit

Crue Monti, a powerful and dangerous man, is determined to claim Rya as his bride, honoring a contract made between their families. Despite Rya's attempts to evade him, Crue tracks her down in New York, asserting his claim with a mix of charm and menace. Rya is torn between her desire for freedom and the undeniable attraction she feels towards Crue. As he infiltrates her life, she struggles to maintain her independence while confronting the reality of their arranged future.

Dangerous Encounters

A deadly game unfolds

Rya's life becomes increasingly entangled with Crue's as he draws her into his world of power and danger. Their encounters are charged with tension and passion, each meeting a battle of wills. Crue's presence is both intoxicating and terrifying, as he demonstrates the lengths he will go to secure her as his wife. Rya is forced to navigate the treacherous waters of their relationship, balancing her professional life with the chaos Crue brings.

The Unexpected Proposal

A forced engagement

Crue's determination reaches a peak when he orchestrates a surprise proposal, dragging Rya to a chapel in a bid to marry her against her will. Rya, feeling cornered and betrayed, shoots Crue in the leg to escape, leaving him wounded and furious. This act of defiance marks a turning point in their relationship, as Rya realizes the depth of her feelings for Crue, despite her resistance to the idea of marriage.

A Game of Power

Rya's internal conflict

As Rya grapples with her emotions, she is drawn deeper into Crue's world. The power dynamics between them shift as Rya begins to assert her own influence, challenging Crue's control. Their relationship becomes a complex dance of attraction and defiance, with both parties unwilling to fully surrender to the other. Rya's professional success is overshadowed by the personal turmoil she faces, as she questions her future and the role Crue will play in it.

The Reluctant Bride

A sister's engagement

In a shocking twist, Crue announces his engagement to Rya's sister, Honey, as a means to fulfill the family contract. Rya is devastated, realizing too late the depth of her feelings for Crue. The engagement forces Rya to confront her own desires and the reality of losing Crue to her sister. As the wedding approaches, Rya must decide whether to fight for the man she loves or let him go.

A Sister's Dilemma

Rya's decision

Torn between loyalty to her sister and her own heart, Rya faces an impossible choice. Honey, aware of the tension between Rya and Crue, questions her own role in the engagement. The sisters' relationship is tested as they navigate the complexities of love, duty, and family expectations. Rya's internal struggle reaches a climax as she contemplates the consequences of her actions and the future she truly desires.

The Final Confrontation

A showdown with Crue

Rya confronts Crue, demanding answers and clarity about their relationship. In a heated exchange, they both lay bare their emotions, revealing the depth of their connection. Crue admits his love for Rya, acknowledging the lengths he has gone to win her over. Rya, in turn, confesses her own feelings, realizing that despite the chaos, Crue is the only man who truly understands her.

Lethal Vows

A new beginning

With the truth out in the open, Rya and Crue decide to forge a new path together. They agree to marry on their own terms, creating a partnership built on mutual respect and understanding. Rya embraces her role as Crue's wife, finding strength in their union and the power they wield together. The couple's journey is just beginning, as they navigate the challenges of their new life with determination and love.

A New Beginning

Embracing the future

Rya and Crue's marriage marks the start of a new chapter, one filled with promise and potential. Together, they face the world as a formidable team, ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. Rya's journey from a runaway bride to a powerful partner is complete, as she finds her place beside Crue, united by their lethal vows and an unbreakable bond.

Characters

Rya Ricci

Fiercely independent lawyer

Rya is a strong-willed and determined woman who values her freedom above all else. Raised in a powerful family, she escapes to New York to build a life on her own terms. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of love, duty, and personal ambition. Rya's relationship with Crue challenges her beliefs and forces her to confront her deepest desires.

Crue Monti

Dominant and dangerous suitor

Crue is a powerful and enigmatic figure, determined to claim Rya as his bride. His relentless pursuit is driven by both familial duty and genuine affection. Crue's character is a blend of charm and menace, as he navigates the fine line between love and control. His relationship with Rya is a tumultuous dance of power and passion, revealing the depths of his devotion.

Honey Ricci

Innocent sister caught in the middle

Honey is Rya's younger sister, who becomes unwittingly entangled in the drama between Rya and Crue. Her engagement to Crue is a catalyst for Rya's self-reflection and decision-making. Honey's character highlights the contrast between the sisters, as she represents the traditional path Rya has always resisted.

Mr. Ricci

Powerful patriarch

Rya and Honey's father is a formidable figure, whose influence looms large over their lives. His desire to uphold family traditions and secure advantageous alliances drives the narrative, as he orchestrates the marriage contract with Crue. Mr. Ricci's character embodies the tension between familial duty and personal freedom.

Mrs. Monti

Crue's calculating mother

As a matriarch of the Monti family, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her expectations for Crue's marriage add pressure to the already complex situation. Mrs. Monti's character serves as a reminder of the traditional values and expectations that Rya and Crue must navigate in their relationship.

Dawson

Charming confidant

Dawson is Crue's friend and ally, providing a sounding board for Crue's thoughts and actions. His presence offers a glimpse into Crue's world and the dynamics of power and loyalty that define it. Dawson's character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of friendship and allegiance.

Angel

Supportive best friend

Angel is Rya's confidante and a voice of reason throughout the story. Her perspective offers insight into Rya's internal struggles and the choices she faces. Angel's character underscores the importance of friendship and support in navigating life's challenges.

Dominic

Loyal brother

Dominic is Crue's brother, who provides a familial connection and support system for Crue. His character adds depth to the Monti family dynamic, highlighting the bonds of loyalty and the weight of familial expectations.

Andreas Torrisi

Ruthless adversary

As a rival to the Monti family, Andreas represents the external threats and challenges that Rya and Crue must face. His character adds tension and conflict to the narrative, serving as a catalyst for key plot developments.

Mr. Luca

Concerned colleague

Mr. Luca is a figure from Rya's professional life, representing the intersection of her personal and professional worlds. His character highlights the challenges Rya faces in balancing her career with the complexities of her personal life.

Plot Devices

Arranged Marriage

A binding contract of power

The central plot device is the arranged marriage between Rya and Crue, a contract made between their families to secure power and alliances. This device drives the narrative, creating tension and conflict as Rya resists the arrangement and Crue pursues her relentlessly. The marriage contract symbolizes the clash between tradition and personal freedom, forcing the characters to confront their desires and obligations.

Power Dynamics

A battle of wills

The story is defined by the shifting power dynamics between Rya and Crue. Their relationship is a constant push and pull, as both characters assert their independence and control. This device adds depth to their interactions, highlighting the complexities of love, desire, and dominance. The power struggle between them is a central theme, driving the narrative and character development.

Family Expectations

The weight of tradition

The expectations of their families loom large over Rya and Crue, influencing their decisions and actions. This device underscores the tension between personal desires and familial duty, as both characters navigate the pressures of their respective families. The weight of tradition is a constant presence, shaping the narrative and the choices the characters make.

Forbidden Love

A dangerous attraction

The forbidden nature of Rya and Crue's relationship adds an element of danger and excitement to the story. Their attraction is both intoxicating and perilous, as they navigate the boundaries of their arranged marriage and personal desires. This device heightens the stakes, creating tension and conflict as they grapple with their feelings for each other.

Analysis

A modern exploration of love and power

"Lethal Vows" delves into the complexities of love, power, and personal freedom in a modern context. The story challenges traditional notions of marriage and duty, presenting a nuanced exploration of the characters' desires and motivations. Rya's journey from a runaway bride to a powerful partner highlights the tension between independence and connection, as she navigates the challenges of her relationship with Crue. The narrative raises questions about the nature of love and the sacrifices one must make to achieve true freedom. Through its dynamic characters and intricate plot, "Lethal Vows" offers a compelling examination of the interplay between love, power dynamics, and personal agency.

Last updated:

Review Summary

3.74 out of 5
Average of 15k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Lethal Vows receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.74 out of 5. Some readers praise the dark romance and chemistry between the main characters, Crue and Rya. Others criticize the writing style, character development, and perceived sexist themes. Many find Crue's obsessive behavior and misogynistic attitudes problematic. Some readers enjoy the mafia romance tropes, while others find the plot cliché and lacking depth. The book's spicy scenes are generally well-received, but the overall story and character interactions garner divided opinions.

About the Author

T.L. Smith is a USA Today Best Selling Author known for creating flawed characters with dark and beautiful qualities. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a global audience. Smith hails from Queensland, Australia, but frequently travels the world for inspiration. She has been spotted in various locations, from Bali's beaches to San Francisco's Alcatraz and the streets of New York. Smith actively engages with her readers through social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Her writing style and international experiences contribute to her unique storytelling approach in the romance genre.

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