Reviews

Vows in Name Only by Naima Simone

andrea_author's review

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5.0

Cain Farrell thought his father's death had released him from the old man's manipulation once and for all. But the reading of the will shows his father can exert control even from beyond the grave. Worse, Cain is blackmailed into agreeing to a marriage of convenience to protect his mother's reputation.

Devon Cole will do anything to protect those she loves—even go along with her father's blackmail scheme. She vows she won't fall for devilishly handsome Cain, especially since he blames her for his situation as much as he does her father. But the attraction between them can't be denied. Is she destined to lose her heart despite her best efforts, only for Cain to smash it?

Naima Simone is a master storyteller. The pacing of this story is tight, with no words wasted. The plot is passion-driven, with the insta-lust between the characters gently evolving into love, as much as they both try to resist it. The level of emotion is high throughout, with some adorable and heartfelt moments, especially with the kids at the community center. I wish we'd seen more of Cain's brothers, but of course they'll each get their own book—so I guess we have to wait for that!

If you're a Harlequin Desire fan, you'll want to read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

colleen1011's review

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4.0

I enjoyed this new addition from Naima Simone. Devon and Cain were an enjoyable couple. I found the plot appealing and moved at a good pace. I will continue to read this author.

niniwags's review

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5.0

Where do I even start with this one. Such a great beginning to a new series.

Blackmail, lies and manipulation. This book has it all.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Naima Simone book without the chemistry and steam between the main characters.

lifeand100books's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was a gift. An absolute gift. Cain is such a well-developed character; there are so many layers to him! You think you understand what makes him so hard and angry but then more of his past comes to light and you realize you've only scratched the surface.

Cain and Devon are SO well paired for each other. Through all of the darkness and grief of her life, Devon is still a steadfast woman who stands by the people she loves (even if they're undeserving of that). And Cain has alienated himself from any type of emotion and closeness with another person, yet deep down inside craves someone's affection. And the fact that they're both people who feel DEEPLY speaks to the chemistry the two of them have.

I cannot wait to dive into more of Simone's books.

timitra's review

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4.0

Rated 4.5 Stars

Vows In Name Only was great. It’s steamy. There’s betrayal, secrets, lies, conniving and so much more. I loved the main characters Cole and Devon and their journey as well as the glimpses of secondary characters that have me so intrigued. This is a solid start to what I believe will be a great series. I loved it and highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

wilko's review

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5.0

Solid 4.5 star
Neither Devon nor Cain want to be entangled in the farce of an engagement but for entirely different reasons and this leads to a fiery and at times hurtful spar between both of them as well as Devon's father Gregory. I liked how both Devon and Cain have gone through a lot due to family some harsher than others and longer and due to this there were times oh lord I wanted to shake Cain and tell him to actually look and listen to Devon to see the real her. This one is definitely a ride of emotions and feelings which has you turning the page and leaving you wanting to know more about Cain's brothers!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

lanidacey's review

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3.0

3.5. Perfect vacation read. Short, sweet and to the point.

shannanh's review

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5.0

Cain get's the surprise of his life, when at his father's funeral, he finds out he has two half brothers. He also has to live in his father's house and work with his brothers for the next year in order to keep the business. Added to it is that he and Devon Cole are both being blackmailed by Devon's father and are forced to get married.

This was such a great read. Devon's father is such an evil man and his character shows throughout the entire story. I could not put this book down, and I loved the chemistry between Devon and Cain. And I am happy that one of the brother's book will be next. There hasn't been a book by this author that I didn't enjoy. Marvelous job

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

marilynward's review

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5.0

Loved this book! The fmc and mmc really worked through a tough situation together

naceprettub's review

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4.0

This was my first Naima Simone book, though I've owned it for a while. I love an arranged marriage and enemies to lovers romance! I think it's hard to create an arranged marriage that is believable in a contemporary romance but Naima Simone did it. There's also secrets, lies, betrayals. A lot of angst and I looooove angst. Especially when it's due to a misunderstanding between the characters. ESPECIALLY especially when they could resolve it all with one conversation but they are both too stubborn to do so.

Devon's father is TERRIBLE and I felt so bad for her. All he wants is more money and more power, no matter what damage he does to those around him. Cain has also been treated horribly by his own father and wants nothing more than to protect his mother. Their meet cute is lovely and you can feel the chemistry between the two but they have no idea what is looming. Their fathers make a deal for them to marry!! Cain blames Devon, and of course, she blames him. Again, NO COMMUNICATION. But I love that ache I get in my chest when the characters in a book are unnecessarily hurting one another. I know some readers dislike that but it works so well in this book. Add to that the fire between Cain and Devon, because as much as they hate each other they don't want to keep their hands to their selves. I'm a sucker for that one too because when everything comes to a head it's explosive. I can't recommend Vows in Name Only enough. I can't wait for more about Cain's brothers!! This series is going to be so fun.