Publication Date: November 3, 2025
She’d hoped marriage to a mafia prince would protect her.
She didn’t realize it would ruin her.
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.
Oath in Ashes by Liza Malloy is a standalone book, even though Angelo features prominently, and he and his family are also featured in the Mafiosa Princess series.
Angelo was always a problematic character for me to like, but he’s humanized here just by being loved and loving someone in return. It’s definitely a difficult concept for him to grasp.
The Conti family is of Italian descent and associated with the Mafia. The family businesses and family dynamics are discussed and explained to Catalina in a way she can understand, bringing readers up to speed who haven’t read the series. Their love story and marriage are arranged and explained to only those who need to know, since it’s all being done to lend her protection from her last boyfriend, who is currently stalking her. And what happens when she no longer needs Angelo’s or his cronies’ protection?
Several storylines are wrapped up in the main arc, and there’s a good flow to the story. The story focuses on Angelo and Lina, with some past storylines brought into play, which was nice to see. There is danger along with feelings revealed and analyzed. There are several emotions, loving and ultimately love. There are steamy moments that show us their true feelings even if they don’t recognize them, but is that enough for a happily ever after?
The descriptions of Italy were vivid and memorable. There is some closure, but the story ended abruptly. An epilogue would have rounded out the story nicely, giving us a glimpse into their future, especially if the series has reached its conclusion.
Oath in Ashes upends both Angelo and Lina’s lives in unexpected ways. Emotions are high as their fake relationship and marriage might turn out to be the best thing that could happen to them.
Liza Malloy writes contemporary romance, new adult romance, women’s fiction, and fantasy romance. She’s a sucker for alpha males, bad boys, dimples, and muscles, and she can’t resist a man in uniform. Liza loves creating worlds where the heroine discovers her own strength and finds her Happily Ever After. When Liza isn’t reading or writing torrid love stories, she’s a practicing attorney. Her other passions include gummy bears, jelly beans, and the occasional marathon. She lives in the Midwest with her four daughters and her own Prince Charming.
