Vow of Revenge by P. Rayne

It’s finally the release day of Vow of Revenge, the first book in the mafia academy series (written by Piper Rayne under the name P. Rayne). I’ve been so excited to get my hands on this book, and it just blew me away.

I don’t know what I thought ‘Mafia Academy’ meant. But, I was not expecting it to be a literal school for future mafia leaders. Between that realization and the note from the author to all ARC readers, I was hooked. (Though I have not found a mafia story that does not interest me… what is it about that trope???)

*I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes.*

The Story

Mirabella is a headstrong, independent girl who starts at Sicuro Academy with plans to move up in her world. She wants to prove to her father that she can be more than just a wife. She has her own unique skillset that would benefit the family business. But, her brother is next in line to lead the La Rosa family, and her father arranges for her to marry Marcelo Costa, the next leader of the Costa family.

After Marcelo and his father die in a car bombing, Mirabella seizes her chance and convinces her father to let her go to school. But surprise, Marcelo is alive and is now enrolling in the academy while he investigates the plot behind his father’s death. Oh, and the engagement is back on.

At first, Mirabella does everything possible to make Marcelo hate her, but when she realizes she has a skill set he can use, she convinces him to train her in exchange for her computer expertise. After all, only the boys go to weapons class. She’s been stuck learning how to plan parties.

My Verdict on Vow of Revenge

If you’re someone that’s enjoyed reading mafia romance stories in the past, then this book is a must-read! It has a great blend of mystery, spice, morally gray characters, and a world you (almost) want to live in.

Marcelo’s investigation goes in all different directions- after all, can he really trust those closest to him? And when they finally get answers, it’s not as black and white as you may think. But the one element of the story’s resolution that really stood out to me is what I’ll call the ‘reconciliation.’ Instead of debating right and wrong and what ifs, it was kept simple. Marcelo and Mirabella apologized to each other for their actions and reactions to events, and moved on. Which is all the story needed. Sometimes, less is really is more.

Throughout the book, we get to meet prominent members of all 4 families that operate in the United States, along with the ‘other groups’ (aka cartel members and members of the Irish and Russian mob) that are represented in the student body at Sicuro. The rules and security measures taken by the school to ensure ‘peace’ made this fictional world seem ‘real.’ Or as real as a school like that could be. The world itself is fun, and well-built, and I can’t wait for book 2, Corrupting the Innocent.

Will you be reading Vow of Revenge? What are your favorite mafia books? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!