What do you think?
Rate this book
Fatal Vow
Natalia
I never thought the fate of the Belov Empire would be on my shoulders. I never expected my brother to be murdered, either. At least Declan has made it clear I have his support. But I can’t let his quest for revenge deter me from the promise I made to my brother. I will not turn into my father.
As if that wasn’t enough, I must find a suitor who can run with the mafia. Time is running out as my twenty-third birthday quickly approaches. Will Declan stand by his word?
Declan
Marriage and revenge. That was my promise to Natalia four years ago. I’ve spent countless hours trying to find Dmitri’s murderer, and even more time chasing away the riffraff trying to worm its way into Natalia’s heart. I can’t let anyone, or anything, get in my way to claim her.
In the midst of everything else, I must also keep the O’Connor Empire running smoothly. With the presence of my father looming in every doorway, just waiting on me to screw up, I’m constantly on edge. With the future of the two Empires hanging in the balance, will Natalia and Declan be able to overcome the obstacles thrown their way? Or will the ultimate betrayal send both crumbling to the ground?
Fatal Vow is Book One in the Crumbling Empire universe that ends on a cliffhanger with Book Two releasing later this year. FV contains mature themes that may be disturbing to some readers. Please refer to the trigger warnings located in the front of the book.
I never thought the fate of the Belov Empire would be on my shoulders. I never expected my brother to be murdered, either. At least Declan has made it clear I have his support. But I can’t let his quest for revenge deter me from the promise I made to my brother. I will not turn into my father.
As if that wasn’t enough, I must find a suitor who can run with the mafia. Time is running out as my twenty-third birthday quickly approaches. Will Declan stand by his word?
Declan
Marriage and revenge. That was my promise to Natalia four years ago. I’ve spent countless hours trying to find Dmitri’s murderer, and even more time chasing away the riffraff trying to worm its way into Natalia’s heart. I can’t let anyone, or anything, get in my way to claim her.
In the midst of everything else, I must also keep the O’Connor Empire running smoothly. With the presence of my father looming in every doorway, just waiting on me to screw up, I’m constantly on edge. With the future of the two Empires hanging in the balance, will Natalia and Declan be able to overcome the obstacles thrown their way? Or will the ultimate betrayal send both crumbling to the ground?
Fatal Vow is Book One in the Crumbling Empire universe that ends on a cliffhanger with Book Two releasing later this year. FV contains mature themes that may be disturbing to some readers. Please refer to the trigger warnings located in the front of the book.
- GenresRomanceContemporaryDark
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
About the author
Maia Terry
10 books50 followersMaia Terry is a small town author from Kentucky where she lives with her husband and two amazing kids. Picking up writing at a young age, Maia loved creating a world that she could control, one where she could escape. Now, after a fourteen year hiatus, she builds on that love as she continues to use writing as an outlet. The real life aspects in her works hit home for so many, allowing them to connect on a deeper level with each character. Writing not only allowed herself to escape, but she wanted to create a world where she could give that reprieve to others as well.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 6, 2023
Part 1
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
I was thinking to stop reading up to 56%, the pace was very slow and the romance was nowhere to be found, yet I didn’t. I was hoping it would become better.
🤔 Who was Maxine?
🤔 It wasn’t mentioned that Natalia had former lovers, so I perceived she was still a virgin on her first sexual encounter with Declan. Well, she wasn’t.
🤔 They got engaged, Declan’s father had no idea of the matter 😳, and they had unprotected sex without discussing it before.
🤔 «“Natalia Raisa Belov. Turn your stubborn ass around. Now.” He has never called me by my full name before.» Oops! He had, previously! (chapter 19)
Any deep feelings between the mcs were not convincing or adequately developed.
I will not continue with the next part.
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
I was thinking to stop reading up to 56%, the pace was very slow and the romance was nowhere to be found, yet I didn’t. I was hoping it would become better.
🤔 Who was Maxine?
🤔 It wasn’t mentioned that Natalia had former lovers, so I perceived she was still a virgin on her first sexual encounter with Declan. Well, she wasn’t.
🤔 They got engaged, Declan’s father had no idea of the matter 😳, and they had unprotected sex without discussing it before.
🤔 «“Natalia Raisa Belov. Turn your stubborn ass around. Now.” He has never called me by my full name before.» Oops! He had, previously! (chapter 19)
Any deep feelings between the mcs were not convincing or adequately developed.
I will not continue with the next part.
April 13, 2023
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Two words: Holy Crap!
This book will suck you in from the very beginning and take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I went from laughing to crying to being angry back to crying and finally swooning. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you’ve seen these charters grow up into who they are now and just makes you fall for them immediately. Natalia and Declan go through so much in such a short amount of time and are forced to grow up in a corrupted family lifestyle that is so unpredictable. If you love a protective MMC who is swoon worthy and a badass FMC then you need to read this book!! Fatal Vow does end in a cliffhanger.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
FV does contain triggers so please read all trigger warnings located in the front of the book.
Two words: Holy Crap!
This book will suck you in from the very beginning and take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I went from laughing to crying to being angry back to crying and finally swooning. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you’ve seen these charters grow up into who they are now and just makes you fall for them immediately. Natalia and Declan go through so much in such a short amount of time and are forced to grow up in a corrupted family lifestyle that is so unpredictable. If you love a protective MMC who is swoon worthy and a badass FMC then you need to read this book!! Fatal Vow does end in a cliffhanger.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
FV does contain triggers so please read all trigger warnings located in the front of the book.
April 14, 2023
My very first ARC read and lets just say wow!
I am not normally a huge fan of slow burn reads but with the plot, the action, the drama, and the feelings I kind of forgot that they hadn’t hit the sheets or the counter 😉 yet.
The MMC I call him Mr. Swoony pants, that man is just smooth as butter! Declan can swoon me any day!
The MFC wow she has a really rough go, but she never lets anything stop her, she is just a straight up badass! Natalia can hold her freakin own when she needs too.
This is book 1 of 2 and it does end with a cliffhanger unfortunately. I immediately wanted to grab book 2 but sadly it must wait.
Thank you for honor of being able to read this book, I am 100% going to need you to hurry it up with book 2 please and so very much thank you. I NEED TO KNOW!
This book does have some graphic moments so please check your triggers and take them seriously.
I am not normally a huge fan of slow burn reads but with the plot, the action, the drama, and the feelings I kind of forgot that they hadn’t hit the sheets or the counter 😉 yet.
The MMC I call him Mr. Swoony pants, that man is just smooth as butter! Declan can swoon me any day!
The MFC wow she has a really rough go, but she never lets anything stop her, she is just a straight up badass! Natalia can hold her freakin own when she needs too.
This is book 1 of 2 and it does end with a cliffhanger unfortunately. I immediately wanted to grab book 2 but sadly it must wait.
Thank you for honor of being able to read this book, I am 100% going to need you to hurry it up with book 2 please and so very much thank you. I NEED TO KNOW!
This book does have some graphic moments so please check your triggers and take them seriously.
April 16, 2023
ARC REVIEW✨
Fatal vows takes you on an emotional rollacoaster. I love the FMC she is badass, fiesty and strong. Both characters grew up in a screwed up household but survived. Nat and Declan went through a lot in short amout of time. I love how protective Declan is of Nat even during the war between both their familes he protected her. A must read. Read trigger warning before reading .
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Fatal vows takes you on an emotional rollacoaster. I love the FMC she is badass, fiesty and strong. Both characters grew up in a screwed up household but survived. Nat and Declan went through a lot in short amout of time. I love how protective Declan is of Nat even during the war between both their familes he protected her. A must read. Read trigger warning before reading .
🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 20, 2023
Okay, so I have just finished reading this as part of an ARC read and I can only form 1 word… Amazing.
This book had me so hooked I couldn’t resist. It was all I thought about over the last few days. The storyline is superb, the romance being a slow burn also but damn… when it started going… it started going if you know what I mean 🫣
This had me feeling all kinda ways, it had my adrenaline pumping at times, it had me melting in a puddle, it had me crying, it just had me and I was flicking through the pages desperately trying to find out what was next.
Fatal Vow however, did end on a cliff hanger and now my impatient ass has to wait for the sequel and this is going to be torture. But, I feel that just shows how good this book truly is.
So I will leave a message for you, a reader who is trying to see a sign to read this, this is your sign, read this, thank me later. And finally, this is a message for you Maia Terry, thank you so much for gracing me with this beautiful story, but in order for me to keep living, I need the sequel.. like now… So I beg you to tap as fast as those fingers can go. 🥹
This book had me so hooked I couldn’t resist. It was all I thought about over the last few days. The storyline is superb, the romance being a slow burn also but damn… when it started going… it started going if you know what I mean 🫣
This had me feeling all kinda ways, it had my adrenaline pumping at times, it had me melting in a puddle, it had me crying, it just had me and I was flicking through the pages desperately trying to find out what was next.
Fatal Vow however, did end on a cliff hanger and now my impatient ass has to wait for the sequel and this is going to be torture. But, I feel that just shows how good this book truly is.
So I will leave a message for you, a reader who is trying to see a sign to read this, this is your sign, read this, thank me later. And finally, this is a message for you Maia Terry, thank you so much for gracing me with this beautiful story, but in order for me to keep living, I need the sequel.. like now… So I beg you to tap as fast as those fingers can go. 🥹
April 21, 2023
This is a story of friendship, heartbreak, love, tragedy and a bit of betrayal.
Natalia and Declan are childhood friends both born in the world of mafia. Due to some difficult circumstances the two are to go their separate ways. A tragedy takes place and brings the two back together but both are now adults and have the responsibilities to their families which causes a bit of a rift between the two.
Natalia is a very strong female character she doesn’t shy away from the mafia work and if she need to get her hands dirty she well. She was so brave in one particular scene.
Declan just mostly goes along with his father’s wishes I wish he stood up more to him.
Finn is a great character I hope we get his book.
Natalia and Declan are childhood friends both born in the world of mafia. Due to some difficult circumstances the two are to go their separate ways. A tragedy takes place and brings the two back together but both are now adults and have the responsibilities to their families which causes a bit of a rift between the two.
Natalia is a very strong female character she doesn’t shy away from the mafia work and if she need to get her hands dirty she well. She was so brave in one particular scene.
Declan just mostly goes along with his father’s wishes I wish he stood up more to him.
Finn is a great character I hope we get his book.
April 19, 2023
I just finished reading Fatal Vow by Maia Terry and holy crap!
This is a slow-burn yet very spicy mafia romance book with graphic violence. I'm not one who typically enjoys violence but I am so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone on this one. It features Natalia Raisa Belov and Declan Troi O'Connor. Natalia is the daughter of Ivan Belov; his empire controls the weapons trade coming in and out of Philly. Declan is the son of Rian O'Connor; his empire controls the drug trade. Ivan and Rian are long-time business partners and friends so Natalia and Declan grew up together and are best friends... until there is a betrayal forcing the two families to forcibly part ways, much to the dismay of Nat and Dec.
The book starts when both Natalia and Declan are 16 years old and gives us a view into their lives pre-rift. It repeatedly jumps ahead a couple of years and we see how their lives change, up until the age of 23 at which age the respective empires are expected to change hands from father to son. As can be expected in any mafia related story there are power struggles and violence, but it isn't gratuitous. What we read is integral to the development of the story and its characters, and it is completely captivating. I picked up this book and could not put it down. It kept me up late into the night until I crashed, whereupon I promptly picked it up again.
Both our main characters are deliciously flawed. They are strong and independent, but are also somehow maintain their hearts when growing up amidst so much brutality. Both are highly protective of their families and prepared to bend to their will when appropriate. I love Declan's protectiveness and Natalia's self-sufficiency. She is fully able to take care of herself and is not weak in any way. #badass I love strong female characters!
Be forewarned, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Book 2 of the Crumbling Empires series is expected later in 2023. Trust me when I tell you I'm counting the days! Fatal Vow was a fantastic fast-paced book filled with friendship, love, betrayal, action, and more. At times I laughed while at others I cried. I am eager to continue reading about these two gripping characters and what comes next for them.
This is a slow-burn yet very spicy mafia romance book with graphic violence. I'm not one who typically enjoys violence but I am so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone on this one. It features Natalia Raisa Belov and Declan Troi O'Connor. Natalia is the daughter of Ivan Belov; his empire controls the weapons trade coming in and out of Philly. Declan is the son of Rian O'Connor; his empire controls the drug trade. Ivan and Rian are long-time business partners and friends so Natalia and Declan grew up together and are best friends... until there is a betrayal forcing the two families to forcibly part ways, much to the dismay of Nat and Dec.
The book starts when both Natalia and Declan are 16 years old and gives us a view into their lives pre-rift. It repeatedly jumps ahead a couple of years and we see how their lives change, up until the age of 23 at which age the respective empires are expected to change hands from father to son. As can be expected in any mafia related story there are power struggles and violence, but it isn't gratuitous. What we read is integral to the development of the story and its characters, and it is completely captivating. I picked up this book and could not put it down. It kept me up late into the night until I crashed, whereupon I promptly picked it up again.
Both our main characters are deliciously flawed. They are strong and independent, but are also somehow maintain their hearts when growing up amidst so much brutality. Both are highly protective of their families and prepared to bend to their will when appropriate. I love Declan's protectiveness and Natalia's self-sufficiency. She is fully able to take care of herself and is not weak in any way. #badass I love strong female characters!
Be forewarned, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Book 2 of the Crumbling Empires series is expected later in 2023. Trust me when I tell you I'm counting the days! Fatal Vow was a fantastic fast-paced book filled with friendship, love, betrayal, action, and more. At times I laughed while at others I cried. I am eager to continue reading about these two gripping characters and what comes next for them.
April 21, 2023
ARC REVIEW
Rollercoaster!!!!
Badass FMC!
I full on cried out load during some of this book, but it was sooo worth it !
Nothing I love more than a strong 💪 badass FMC, that don’t take crap from no man , not even the one she loves !
This book is going straight on my read and loved shelf.
Rollercoaster!!!!
Badass FMC!
I full on cried out load during some of this book, but it was sooo worth it !
Nothing I love more than a strong 💪 badass FMC, that don’t take crap from no man , not even the one she loves !
This book is going straight on my read and loved shelf.
April 21, 2023
This was such a good book to start his series. I cannot wait until the next book comes out. Im at a loss for words for this ending… talk about a cliff hanger. Declan and Natalia’s story is going to be a beautiful one.
April 18, 2023
This was my first time receiving an ARC. I will admit I was a little skeptical and let's just say that for the first time in my life, I pit another book aside to devour this one. I even gave my lunch break over to Declan and Natalia's story.
Declan is everything we want in a protector and Natalia is the perfect FMC.
My only complaint is that book 2 is not ready yet.
Declan is everything we want in a protector and Natalia is the perfect FMC.
My only complaint is that book 2 is not ready yet.
April 19, 2023
I liked it. And I’d like to know what happens between Natalia and Declan.
December 5, 2023
Declan O'Connor and Natalia and Demetri Belov have been friends since forever. Demetri is a little older but he treated both Declan and Natalia as equals. All knew of their place and knew what their family did. Upon the age of 23, Demetri is poised to take over the family business, weapons trade. Declan and Natalia have started to participate but at only 16, they have a ways to go. Before things can proceed, there is a disconnect with the families. The O'Connor and Belov families sever all ties which means Natalia and Demetri can have no contact with Declan. Of course, they find a way around this gag order. They have a secret house that they can meet at and still spend time together. Everything goes from bad to worse when tragedy strikes the Belov family thrusting Natalia into the number one position.
Natalia needs to get married. There is only one man for her. The one man she cannot have. He abandoned her when she needed him the most. Declan refuses to let Natalia get away. The love he has for her will stand the test of time. Declan makes a deal with Natalia that they will marry if she doesn't get married by the time they are both 23. Declan does what he does best and makes sure every suitor is dismissed. Unfortunately one makes it through, Natalia is strong and knows that Declan will save her.
Readers will see and feel how much Declan loves Natalia. He does not play about his woman. He saves her and goes to her father like a man. He knows his father will not be happy with the merging of the families but this is not business. This is love. What will happen when they find out who set this all in motion? That crazy person uses Natalia's love for Declan against her and forces her to walk away from the only love she knows is true. I need a second book now. It broke my heart. These two were meant to be together. I can't wait to see Natalia come back from this stronger and more powerful than ever. This is not the end.
Natalia needs to get married. There is only one man for her. The one man she cannot have. He abandoned her when she needed him the most. Declan refuses to let Natalia get away. The love he has for her will stand the test of time. Declan makes a deal with Natalia that they will marry if she doesn't get married by the time they are both 23. Declan does what he does best and makes sure every suitor is dismissed. Unfortunately one makes it through, Natalia is strong and knows that Declan will save her.
Readers will see and feel how much Declan loves Natalia. He does not play about his woman. He saves her and goes to her father like a man. He knows his father will not be happy with the merging of the families but this is not business. This is love. What will happen when they find out who set this all in motion? That crazy person uses Natalia's love for Declan against her and forces her to walk away from the only love she knows is true. I need a second book now. It broke my heart. These two were meant to be together. I can't wait to see Natalia come back from this stronger and more powerful than ever. This is not the end.
December 15, 2023
Such a great Read! I won't be able to get over that cliffhanger!
August 25, 2023
I would give it two stars but when the brother died I was actually in tears so I'm giving that scene/plot it's own star. I really loved the set up and skeleton of the plot, but it all just happened SO fast. It felt very bite sized, even though it isn't "complete" and ends on a cliffhanger. And, it's a great cliffhanger! But I felt like the plot and dynamics had the potential to be more substantial in material. Like I said, I loved the beginning and I feel like the pacing at the beginning was slow enough to get to know the characters a bit (which is how I attached to them, including the brother) but after we hit the present day it was just SO fast that it was hard to feel the emotions WITH the characters because they'd flicker through emotions so fast. I also felt like she caved SO quickly to Rian at the end, and I can imagine why but on paper we don't get any of the emotion or much thought behind her decision and it was just wild.
The writing quality is great, though! The smut was explicit but also extremely fast. I won't continue the series unless I get a random 3AM hankering at some point to know what happens next. I'm really curious about Finn's story, but worried it'll be just as fast paced :(
The writing quality is great, though! The smut was explicit but also extremely fast. I won't continue the series unless I get a random 3AM hankering at some point to know what happens next. I'm really curious about Finn's story, but worried it'll be just as fast paced :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
This is the story of Natalia and Declan. Star crossed lovers from two warring mafia families. This was such a wonderful read. You meet Natalia and Declan when they were kids and can see how their friendship turns into love.
As kids they were forbidden to see each other when their fathers stop doing business together. They, with the help of her older brother, sneak off to meet and watch movies together. They promise if they are both single when they reach age 23 they will marry each other. Flash forward to their twenties, Natalia’s brother has been unalived and Declan is set to take over his family. They stick to their promise and get married. Then Natalia learns something that destroys her world.
I loved the relationship between them. Natalia is a strong FMC and has been taught the more vici0us side of their world and Declan is just as tough. Ms. Terry has built a world a reader can get lost in. The characters have depth, and the storyline is excellent. Her writing is easy to understand and the story flows smoothly.
This book does end in a cliffhanger. I would recommend this book for those who love a good mafia romance. Be aware of your triggers before reading.
As kids they were forbidden to see each other when their fathers stop doing business together. They, with the help of her older brother, sneak off to meet and watch movies together. They promise if they are both single when they reach age 23 they will marry each other. Flash forward to their twenties, Natalia’s brother has been unalived and Declan is set to take over his family. They stick to their promise and get married. Then Natalia learns something that destroys her world.
I loved the relationship between them. Natalia is a strong FMC and has been taught the more vici0us side of their world and Declan is just as tough. Ms. Terry has built a world a reader can get lost in. The characters have depth, and the storyline is excellent. Her writing is easy to understand and the story flows smoothly.
This book does end in a cliffhanger. I would recommend this book for those who love a good mafia romance. Be aware of your triggers before reading.
July 3, 2024
This book was SO good. It was a bit of a slow-burn in the beginning. Although, once the story got going, it REALLY got going! It is a spicy mafia book that has very well written characters and lots of action, spice, and a rollercoaster of emotions. The book is filled with action, many obstacles to overcome, and so many emotions to take in. The story focuses on Declan and Natalia, their family fallout, a tragedy, and a "forbidden" love. Natalia is a very strong-willed woman with an attitude that'll definitely show you she can hold her own. Declan is a teddy bear when it comes to Natalia. He is also next in line to take over the family business. Natalia, her brother, and Declan have been best friends since they were kids. Now that they are adults will they allow themselves to finally give in to that spark that's always been there? Will their families get in the way of their love for one another? Be prepared to buy this whole series, because you will fly through it and there is a CLIFFHANGER at the end of Fatal Vow. Amazing story starting off an amazing series. Maia wrote one he** of a story, as always, and I can't wait to read whatever she throws our way next!
June 30, 2023
great read
Fatal Vow
Crumbling Empire Book 1
Maia Terry
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Burn level:🔥🔥🔥
Time to read: 5 hours
Cliffhanger
My review may contain spoilers
Read Trigger Warnings
Tropes:
Mafia
Told in dual POVs, Fatal Vow starts off with a 16 year old Natalia Belov, youngest child of the Belov empire. Her family runs the gun trade in Philadelphia. They work closely with the O’Conners who run the drugs in the city. When one day Ivan Belov and Rian O’Conner have a falling out, they decide their children, 21 year old Dmitri and 16 year old Natalia Belov along with 16 year old Declan O’Conner were no longer allowed to be in any contact.
With the death of Dmitri when she was 18 Declan and Natalia talk again and made a deal, if I’m four years neither of them were married, they would marry each other. Thing is, Dec never planned on allowing her to marry anyone else. He sabotaged every date she went on to make sure she ended up in his arms in the end.
Fatal Vow ends in a pretty big cliffhanger, but book two is out now! Super great read.
Fatal Vow
Crumbling Empire Book 1
Maia Terry
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Burn level:🔥🔥🔥
Time to read: 5 hours
Cliffhanger
My review may contain spoilers
Read Trigger Warnings
Tropes:
Mafia
Told in dual POVs, Fatal Vow starts off with a 16 year old Natalia Belov, youngest child of the Belov empire. Her family runs the gun trade in Philadelphia. They work closely with the O’Conners who run the drugs in the city. When one day Ivan Belov and Rian O’Conner have a falling out, they decide their children, 21 year old Dmitri and 16 year old Natalia Belov along with 16 year old Declan O’Conner were no longer allowed to be in any contact.
With the death of Dmitri when she was 18 Declan and Natalia talk again and made a deal, if I’m four years neither of them were married, they would marry each other. Thing is, Dec never planned on allowing her to marry anyone else. He sabotaged every date she went on to make sure she ended up in his arms in the end.
Fatal Vow ends in a pretty big cliffhanger, but book two is out now! Super great read.
February 18, 2024
Natalia and Dimitri were siblings of a mafia family. They had a lot to live up to especially Dimitri. He was the first born son to the family and he would take over. They were friends with Declan. Declan and Natalia were in love with each other but they never admitted it to each other. They were together all the time. They were 5 years younger than Dimitri but they were all inseparable. Their fathers were in business together until one day that all changed and the three were told they couldn’t see each other anymore. Natalia was the one that was heartbroken the most. One day they ended up seeing each other and they never stopped. Natalia went on a date and had a bad feeling about it so she texted Declan if she didn’t make it home to look for her. Declan ended up checking with Finn and she never made it home so Declan immediately went to her father and he told her everything. After that they searched everywhere for her. They found her. She was shocked because her dad was with Declan. This is a great book. Everything that happened after was a lot but oh so good.
April 27, 2023
Well, okay!
I'm not 100% sure how to approach my feelings after this book. I'm not sure if I loved it also much. It's not processing correctly, or did I not like it. My feelings are seriously wrecked, and I'm not sure which way is up anymore.
So, let's start at the beginning of the rollercoaster. With that nice slow pace where you get to feel alive with anticipation with the slow incline in drama and you get higher and higher. Then the big drop, BAM, your stomach is in your chest, it's hard to breathe, and you think you might cry. But you know there is more to come, and the adrenaline is just starting to make its home. As you approach the bottom, you start to feel like you can make it through. The power punches you through turn after turn, then up another hill and decent. Then the ride slows, the adrenaline drops away, and the ride ends. Now, you have to access yourself. Did you make it out the same person you were when the ride started? or are you changed forever? Do you cry? Or laugh? Fall apart?
In full disclosure, this is exactly how I felt after this book. I'm not sure I'm the same person I was at the beginning.
I'm not 100% sure how to approach my feelings after this book. I'm not sure if I loved it also much. It's not processing correctly, or did I not like it. My feelings are seriously wrecked, and I'm not sure which way is up anymore.
So, let's start at the beginning of the rollercoaster. With that nice slow pace where you get to feel alive with anticipation with the slow incline in drama and you get higher and higher. Then the big drop, BAM, your stomach is in your chest, it's hard to breathe, and you think you might cry. But you know there is more to come, and the adrenaline is just starting to make its home. As you approach the bottom, you start to feel like you can make it through. The power punches you through turn after turn, then up another hill and decent. Then the ride slows, the adrenaline drops away, and the ride ends. Now, you have to access yourself. Did you make it out the same person you were when the ride started? or are you changed forever? Do you cry? Or laugh? Fall apart?
In full disclosure, this is exactly how I felt after this book. I'm not sure I'm the same person I was at the beginning.
June 18, 2024
Disclaimer: I got this book for free on Kindle. I participated in stuff your kindle day where I got a bunch of romance books for free, roughly 2,000 books. I normally do not read romance books but I wanted to try the genre. I typically read fantasy, science fiction, biographies, and classics so this is way out of my comfort zone. My plan is to draw a book at random without reading the summary, title, and avoiding looking at the cover. As long as the book is not too graphic for me or leads into something uncomfortable, I will be attempting to finish as many of these books as I can in 2024. I understand that many of these books will likely not be top tier but I am hoping that I can learn something about the romance genre as a whole and figure out if any types of books in this genre are for me.
My Review: This one felt like it had potential. It never really got there for me but I feel like it could be great. Next book in the series might be worth reading? Maybe?
My Review: This one felt like it had potential. It never really got there for me but I feel like it could be great. Next book in the series might be worth reading? Maybe?
November 3, 2023
Fatal Vow
Maia Terry
Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the first book in the Crumbling Empire series and is quite an emotional rollercoaster. It's a slow burn story that ends in a cliffhanger.
This book will suck you in from the very beginning. I went from laughing to crying to being angry back to crying and finally swooning. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you’ve seen these charters grow up into who they are now and just makes you fall for them immediately.
Natalia and Declan go through so much in such a short amount of time and are forced to grow up in a corrupted family lifestyle that is so unpredictable. If you love a protective MMC who is swoon worthy and a badass FMC then you need to read this book!!
As always please read all trigger warnings.
Maia Terry
Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the first book in the Crumbling Empire series and is quite an emotional rollercoaster. It's a slow burn story that ends in a cliffhanger.
This book will suck you in from the very beginning. I went from laughing to crying to being angry back to crying and finally swooning. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you’ve seen these charters grow up into who they are now and just makes you fall for them immediately.
Natalia and Declan go through so much in such a short amount of time and are forced to grow up in a corrupted family lifestyle that is so unpredictable. If you love a protective MMC who is swoon worthy and a badass FMC then you need to read this book!!
As always please read all trigger warnings.
April 22, 2023
♡Book Review♡
📖Fatal Vow By Maia Terry📖
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy 🌶🌶🌶
My thoughts ~ oh my goshhh did I live for Natalia and Declan yes there story had me all in my feels. This is such a great read I loved how the author wrote the book with so much passion you could feel it. Both the main characters had me in awh i just love them, how they were wrote and made to be like it was realistic almost ya know? Sometimes with mafia I find it hard to get the realism but I definitely got it here. I lovedd loved the sweet and tenderness from Declan and the way he just adored Natalia this read was just action packed with love,hate betrayal a plot twist I DID NOT see coming and a cliffhanger that left me P*SSEDDDD in the best way if that makes sense meaning I NEED book 2 lol. The spice was spicing 🌶🤌
📖Fatal Vow By Maia Terry📖
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy 🌶🌶🌶
My thoughts ~ oh my goshhh did I live for Natalia and Declan yes there story had me all in my feels. This is such a great read I loved how the author wrote the book with so much passion you could feel it. Both the main characters had me in awh i just love them, how they were wrote and made to be like it was realistic almost ya know? Sometimes with mafia I find it hard to get the realism but I definitely got it here. I lovedd loved the sweet and tenderness from Declan and the way he just adored Natalia this read was just action packed with love,hate betrayal a plot twist I DID NOT see coming and a cliffhanger that left me P*SSEDDDD in the best way if that makes sense meaning I NEED book 2 lol. The spice was spicing 🌶🤌
November 4, 2023
Fatal Vow
Fatal Vow is book one in the Crumbling Empire universe. 🤩
Natalia is part of a mafia family. She wants to be more involved in the business part but her father and brother refuse to include her.
Declan is her brother’s friend and is completely in love with her. When a feud starts between the two families and they can no longer see each other, both of them are heartbroken.
Two years later when Natalia’s brother is killed, they meet up again at their safe house and come up with a plan to join the two families by finding out who killed her brother.
This book was sooo good I read it on one sitting!!! I can’t wait for the other books in the universe!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤
Fatal Vow is book one in the Crumbling Empire universe. 🤩
Natalia is part of a mafia family. She wants to be more involved in the business part but her father and brother refuse to include her.
Declan is her brother’s friend and is completely in love with her. When a feud starts between the two families and they can no longer see each other, both of them are heartbroken.
Two years later when Natalia’s brother is killed, they meet up again at their safe house and come up with a plan to join the two families by finding out who killed her brother.
This book was sooo good I read it on one sitting!!! I can’t wait for the other books in the universe!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤
April 18, 2023
💕 ARC Review 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
There are some trigger warnings with this book, so be sure to check those ahead of time!
Slow burn to start, which normally I'm not a huge fan of, but let me tell you, the build up was INCREDIBLE! The story, the drama and action, and everything in between was perfect!
Natalia has had one heck of an upbringing and has gone through the ringer in life, but when I say she is a total BADASS, I mean it! (I want to be her when I grow up!) 😉
Declan....woah....just trust me!!!! 🥵 He is just perfect, even in his line of business!
This book does leave you on a cliffhanger, a pretty intense one - one where you want book 2 RIGHT NOW! But alas, we must wait 🫣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
There are some trigger warnings with this book, so be sure to check those ahead of time!
Slow burn to start, which normally I'm not a huge fan of, but let me tell you, the build up was INCREDIBLE! The story, the drama and action, and everything in between was perfect!
Natalia has had one heck of an upbringing and has gone through the ringer in life, but when I say she is a total BADASS, I mean it! (I want to be her when I grow up!) 😉
Declan....woah....just trust me!!!! 🥵 He is just perfect, even in his line of business!
This book does leave you on a cliffhanger, a pretty intense one - one where you want book 2 RIGHT NOW! But alas, we must wait 🫣
January 9, 2024
My Rating: 4/5
My Thoughts: This story begins with Natalia and Declan as young teens, whose friendship blossoms into teen crushes. They are quickly forbidden to see one another after their fathers become business enemies. They take risks in seeing one another secretly throughout the years.
Devastating circumstances lead to Natalia losing someone close to her. Declan and her reconnect and get married. This book is filled with betrayal, drama, and a dash of spice. I felt for Natalia and the struggles she goes through throughout this book. This book can be read quickly and ends on a cliffhanger.
I look forward to seeing how Declan and Natalia's relationship continues.
My Thoughts: This story begins with Natalia and Declan as young teens, whose friendship blossoms into teen crushes. They are quickly forbidden to see one another after their fathers become business enemies. They take risks in seeing one another secretly throughout the years.
Devastating circumstances lead to Natalia losing someone close to her. Declan and her reconnect and get married. This book is filled with betrayal, drama, and a dash of spice. I felt for Natalia and the struggles she goes through throughout this book. This book can be read quickly and ends on a cliffhanger.
I look forward to seeing how Declan and Natalia's relationship continues.
May 13, 2024
such an amazing start to the Crumbling Empire
This is not the first Maia Terry Book that I have read, and it will not be the last. I started with book three of this series as you can read as stand alone. And I’d definitely recommend to start from the beginning so you don’t get your heart torn out at first.
This was Ana amazing story between Declan and Natalia and it gives peeks of Finn from book three. It doesn’t end with a HEA and I’m not sure any of her books do but her writing is absolutely amazing and makes you fall in love with everything she writes. I’d say a perk of this book is I wasn’t ugly crying at the end of it and I can’t wait to read book two.
This is not the first Maia Terry Book that I have read, and it will not be the last. I started with book three of this series as you can read as stand alone. And I’d definitely recommend to start from the beginning so you don’t get your heart torn out at first.
This was Ana amazing story between Declan and Natalia and it gives peeks of Finn from book three. It doesn’t end with a HEA and I’m not sure any of her books do but her writing is absolutely amazing and makes you fall in love with everything she writes. I’d say a perk of this book is I wasn’t ugly crying at the end of it and I can’t wait to read book two.
October 26, 2023
my first read from this Author and so enjoyed. Natalia and her brother are ruled. Buy. Their father he is high up in the mafia chain. they have a hide out where her and her brother meet their best friend. Declan whose father is another mafia boss, but Declan dad is not a nice man.and then the fathers fall out. and Natalia s brother is murdered so she has to take over the business. Declan is in love with Natalia, and he will do anything to stop any man getting near her it is so good will they have a happy ever after Iso recommend this series.
December 3, 2023
All I can say is Wow!!! That cliffhanger left us with more questions than answers!!!
*Read the trigger warnings and take them seriously!!*
I absolutely fell in love with Declan from the beginning. He is in a tough situation and his father is awful. The brightest part of his life is Natalia....but his father takes that away from him and he is on for the fight of his life to get her back, which he is determined to do...but at what cost and is Natalia's revenge going to cost them both everything??
*Read the trigger warnings and take them seriously!!*
I absolutely fell in love with Declan from the beginning. He is in a tough situation and his father is awful. The brightest part of his life is Natalia....but his father takes that away from him and he is on for the fight of his life to get her back, which he is determined to do...but at what cost and is Natalia's revenge going to cost them both everything??
January 2, 2024
Fatal Vow is Book 1 of the Crumbling Empire Series. I enjoyed reading this book. I felt it was well written. This is Declan and Natalia’s story. Natalia is a badass MFC with a fiery spirit. She can definitely hold her own. Declan is next in line for boss of his family. He is strong and has loved Natalia since they were kids. There is mystery, action, and more. I really enjoyed the storyline of this slow-burn mafia romance. I can’t wait to read more!
As always pay attention to trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
As always pay attention to trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
June 8, 2023
If you love a good Mafia romance go and read Fatal Vow! I flew through this book. It hooks you from the very beginning and has a new plot twist at every corner! Natalia is a strong and independent FMC and I absolutely love her character! Declan is the broody handsome MMC who will do anything for Natalia. Their relationship from friends to lovers was full of so much chemistry! I can’t wait for book 2 and to see some serious revenge!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews