Vows in Name Only
by Naima Simone
Series: Billionaires of Boston, #1
Series: Billionaires of Boston, #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 1, 2020
An arranged marriage neither wants, but both soon crave… from USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone!
Manipulated into a marriage of inconvenience,
until one sizzling kiss changes everything…
Devon Cole must marry Cain Farrell or lose everything. But she can never let her billionaire husband-to-be know why she agreed to her father’s dangerous machinations. Just as she’ll never know her father is blackmailing Cain to tie the knot, too. What kind of marriage can Devon even expect from a man with such cold eyes…and such hot kisses? She’s about to find out.
Naima Simone has not only crafted a wonderful arranged marriage/enemies-to-lovers story, but she has also set the stage for an intriguing family drama!
Cain and Devon did not have an easy go of things. After a serendipitous encounter in Cain’s gardens – which seemed like the perfect beginning to a fairy-tale love story, reality hits them both with an arranged marriage that is supported by not just a contract, but blackmail on both sides. There was no lack of chemistry and heat between these two, but knowing that they were “enemies” all that chemistry and heat did was fan the flames of their desire and make it harder for them to stay away from each other. These two had so much pain and hurt in their lives, so it was no wonder that it was hard for them to trust in each other and not believe in the lies and deceit that were being thrown at them. Devon really impressed me with her ability to stand up to Cain and not cower when he lashed out, but mostly for her ability to see the good in Cain and recognize that there was more to him.
Falling for the enemy might be a great romance trope, but this was real life. If she allowed Cain close, when he moved on, she wouldn’t be left unscathed. And he would move on. If there was anything she’d learned since her mother’s death is was that anyone could be ripped away at a whim.
In addition to Cain and Devon’s story, we are introduced to Cain’s two half-siblings – another surprise that he was made aware of upon his father’s death. I loved how these Achilles’ and Kenan’s characters were weaved into this story to give just a hint at what might be coming for both of them, as well as showing how the bonds of brotherhood start to develop between the three of them. For a main like Cain, an only-child who has suffered abuse, trusting others isn’t something that comes easy, and it was perfect watching these three interact and start to lay the groundwork for a real family relationship.
This was a short, quick read that still brought an emotional punch. The characters were well developed so it was easy to understand their actions and reactions – which made Cain bearable even though he could be such a jerk to Devon, and even more lovable when he finally lets himself see Devon for who she really is.
Naima Simone always delivers a story that has great characters, lots of heat and desire, and emotion that you can read off the page. Another great read that belongs on anyone’s shelf!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from the author.
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