Defiant Vows

Viviana Russo has always lived in her sister's shadow. She prefers it that way. While her sister, Elenora, blossomed into the perfect mafia princess, Viviana spent her days halfway across the world, where she couldn't embarrass her family or ruin Elenora's chances of striking a good match.

After years in exile, a tragic accident cuts Elenora's life short and thrusts Viviana back to New York for a funeral--and a wedding. The Russo family owes the future boss of the Cosa Nostra a wife, and, with Elenora gone, Viviana must fill her sister's shoes. For better or for worse.

Luciano Venturi wants a wife as much as he wants a bullet to the head, but a union with the Russo family is necessary for the success of the Cosa Nostra. He was prepared to wed Elenora Russo, the brilliant international relations student who spent her entire life training to become the wife of a mafia boss. Not her troublesome little sister.

Viviana sets his teeth on edge. She's a headache that he can't shake--at least until they fulfill their marital duties and produce an heir. And yet, somewhere between their scathing squabbles and mind-numbing banter, Luc begins to realize the lengths he'll go to keep her by his side.

But is love enough to save her from the same dark forces that wanted her sister dead?