Today, I’m reviewing author Liza Malloy’s latest release, Oath in Ashes, an arranged-marriage, mafia romance.
Title: Oath and Ashes
Series: N/A
Author: Liza Malloy
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Length: Blah
Release Date: Blah
She’d hoped marriage to a mafia prince would protect her.
She didn’t realize it would ruin her.
Blurb: To escape the clutches of her obsessive and ruthless ex, Catalina Alvarado is forced into the arms of the heir to the infamous Conti crime family. Angelo Conti is cold, calculated, and sinfully magnetic. But beneath the blood-stained suits and frosty gaze lies a man haunted by secrets, and he’s drawn to Catalina in ways neither of them can deny. Angelo’s used to taking what he wants, but he never asked for a bride, especially not a bold, fiery woman bringing only chaos to the life he’s spent controlling.
Their marriage should be nothing more than a contract— a shield of protection forged in blood and duty. But Catalina’s strength and innocence unsettle the darkness Angelo’s always embraced. With every heated gaze, every accidental touch, lines blur between duty and desire, between protection and passion.
In a world where love is a weapon and loyalty demands sacrifice, some vows are written in fire…and some hearts are destined to turn to ash.
Available at:
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****
I’m a huge fan of the Mafiosa Princess series, so when this standalone title was offered to me to review, of course, I said yes.
I always wondered about Angelo Conti after reading the Mafiosa Princess series. I could never quite put my finger on him. Especially the way he clashed with his little sister and her partner. Was Angelo good? Bad? Evil?
I found the answers to my questions in Angelo’s novel. He is dangerous and dark, the kind of romance hero any heroine will swoon over. So when the flighty Catalina finds herself in some deep man trouble, her parents remind her that she is always getting herself into messes thanks to her poor judgment and she should marry Angelo for protection against her obsessive ex.
I must admit I felt bad for Catalina. Sure, she doesn’t take the time to assess someone before accepting a date, but still, my heart went out to her for having to involve herself in an arranged marriage. I also liked that she was a librarian, which introduced another side to her I find readers will enjoy.
As always, the author gives us great character arcs, plenty of romance, and sizzling chemistry between the two leads.
The setting in Italy is also beautiful for two newlyweds and highly romantic. It’s a great place for them to get to know each other since they are perfect strangers. I also loved how Angela handled the “wedding night” because they didn’t know each other.
There is also action, something else I enjoy about the author’s novels, with a climactic ending.
This book is a standalone, but I highly recommend you read the series starring Angelo’s younger sister, Giada, and her partner Luca.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy.
Maggie Blackbird 