Title: Shameless Vows
Series: Shameless Love #2, Standalone
Author: Katherine L. Evans
Genres: Dark Royal Romance
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Second Chance
Release Date: 7 July 2020
SYNOPSIS
When we fell in love, he was royalty. When our wedding day arrived, he had become a nightmare. And I became his prisoner.
As children, he promised to protect me for as long as he lived. As teens, we fell in love and promised each other forever. He was the love of my life. Then he disappeared without a trace.
Ten years later, he shows up at my family’s estate, wielding his royal title and influence over my father like a weapon.
Malachi Sterling, the Duke of Corwick, transformed from a tender, sweet boy who held my heart in his loving hands, into a steely-eyed, sinister man who purchased my life and freedom with the sweep of a pen.
Ten years after promising to marry each other, Malachi and I stand before God and our power-hungry families as we exchange vows.
“I, Isla Sofía Reyes, take thee, Malachi Sterling, to be my wedded husband.
To have and to hold…”
To be ensnared and possessed.
“In sickness and health…”
In selfishness and torment.
“To love and to cherish…”
To defy, and despise, and make him rue the day we met.
“’Til death do us part.”
‘Til the day I can finally uncover the secret that changed him forever.
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MY REVIEW
ARC Source: Author via Enticing Journey Book Promotions
World without end, and beyond my last breath, I will love you, my sweet Isla.
This story was something else. It was way darker than the first book, as the author warned at the start. The book was as dark as I like them, and I devour it in one sitting!
Isla Reyes was arranged to be married to Malachi. They’ve been inseparable since they were little. However, the Malachi she sees today is nothing like the young man she lost 10 years ago. He’s cold, cruel and distant. There’s nothing but fury and hatred in his eyes. There marriage starts off badly. If you’ve read the previous book, then you know that Isla was against this marriage, but she doesn’t have a choice.
Malachi is furious with how things ended between him and Isla a decade ago. This marriage is more for a revenge and a way to torment her, than a way to love and cherish her. He’s determined to make her life hell. From day one he’s unkind and unnecessary cruel towards her. I had a hard time understanding him and bypassing his actions. What happened all those years ago, doesn’t excuse his present actions.
The book is very dark at times. You’ll find yourself frustrated and maybe uncomfortable with what’s happening. If dark themes are not in your comfort zone, then you should pass this book. However, if your preferences are “the darker the better”, then you just found a story that will grip you from the start and keep you going until the last page!!!
