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Cruel Captors #1
Cruel Beginnings
Manhattan's sexiest billionaire has a horrifying secret...
With law school in front of me and my ugly past finally behind me, things were looking up. Until he took everything. Now I don't own my mind or my body. I’m the prisoner of the most beautiful serial killer the world has ever seen. My purpose in life is to please him. Only he’s allowed to hurt me. And he does. But there’s an evil worse than him. Can my jailor also be my savior?
This is a dark romance, containing scenes which some might find disturbing. It is part one of a two part duet. This book was previously published under the title Tamara, Taken.
With law school in front of me and my ugly past finally behind me, things were looking up. Until he took everything. Now I don't own my mind or my body. I’m the prisoner of the most beautiful serial killer the world has ever seen. My purpose in life is to please him. Only he’s allowed to hurt me. And he does. But there’s an evil worse than him. Can my jailor also be my savior?
This is a dark romance, containing scenes which some might find disturbing. It is part one of a two part duet. This book was previously published under the title Tamara, Taken.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
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239 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2024
Joshua and Tamara
I don’t consider this romance. It is more like horror. The H is a sadistic serial killer. He takes the h captive when she witnesses one of his kills. He wants to break her and turn hero to a submissive toy. He electrocutes her, slaps her, punches her, kicks her in the ribs, chains her in a dungeon, withholds water etc…. There’s really no coming back for this guy. So don’t read it if you’re looking for a redeemable dark H. It was well written though and kept me turning the pages even though it wasn’t my cup of tea for my current reading wishlist. If you’re in the mood for something really dark then give it a go if not steer clear. Ends on a cliffhanger…
I don’t consider this romance. It is more like horror. The H is a sadistic serial killer. He takes the h captive when she witnesses one of his kills. He wants to break her and turn hero to a submissive toy. He electrocutes her, slaps her, punches her, kicks her in the ribs, chains her in a dungeon, withholds water etc…. There’s really no coming back for this guy. So don’t read it if you’re looking for a redeemable dark H. It was well written though and kept me turning the pages even though it wasn’t my cup of tea for my current reading wishlist. If you’re in the mood for something really dark then give it a go if not steer clear. Ends on a cliffhanger…
8-tbr-nooit
March 12, 2023This book was previously published under the title Tamara, Taken.
January 25, 2024
At 74% and I hate Joshua so much I’ve cried for the last few chapters and don’t feel bad for him and his childhood. I only wish his dad would have been a little stronger and did to him what he did to the others. I hate him that much. There is not a single redemption arc for him. Idc I really don’t. I hate him. 5 stars tho bc the writer was able to create this intense hatred that has had me crying so hard, turning off my kindle and saying out loud that I hate him so much.
So the author deserves the stars bc to feel anything while reading is an art.
Update at 89%. IDGAFFFFF. I still hate Joshua and I love that Camille said exactly what I thought. “and don’t feel bad for him and his childhood. I only wish his dad would have been a little stronger and did to him what he did to the others. I hate him that much. “
Ugh, another way the author deserves 5 stars. She has made me utterly hate Joshua but adore Camille. Again, Joshua being truly a psychopath is actually refreshing.
A lot of dark romance authors try to write psychologically dark men but have them turn into something that is impossible based on their personality disorder. So keeping true to Joshua’s character while still managing to find a logical reason for him to adept to the situation and find a way to get what he wants, is such a great tactic. Still hate him tho
So the author deserves the stars bc to feel anything while reading is an art.
Update at 89%. IDGAFFFFF. I still hate Joshua and I love that Camille said exactly what I thought. “and don’t feel bad for him and his childhood. I only wish his dad would have been a little stronger and did to him what he did to the others. I hate him that much. “
Ugh, another way the author deserves 5 stars. She has made me utterly hate Joshua but adore Camille. Again, Joshua being truly a psychopath is actually refreshing.
A lot of dark romance authors try to write psychologically dark men but have them turn into something that is impossible based on their personality disorder. So keeping true to Joshua’s character while still managing to find a logical reason for him to adept to the situation and find a way to get what he wants, is such a great tactic. Still hate him tho
January 13, 2024
“You can. You will. You’re stronger than you know, Tamara. Fight for yourself. You’re worth it.”
I feel as if my mind is splitting in two. My vision swims, and I think I see two Joshuas standing in front of me, and then they merge again.
He’s telling me to fight to save myself from him.
He’s telling me I’m strong and worthwhile.
Nobody has ever told me that before. Ever”
this read like a dark humour dark romance and i honestly loved it?
this cracked me up more than it should have since we were in a kidnapping, heavily sadistic setting.
very charismatic characters, exceptional mind breaking techniques, hot as sin serial killer (for real joshua takes a medal in the serial killer competition).
the recipe to a successful dark romance.
yet there was something missing towards the end.
i did see the plot twist from a mile away and i'm not quite sure whether i'm going to enjoy the turn of events in book two.
nevertheless, this was an amazingly written book that was packed with that charisma that really hooks you up with reading disturbing shit like the ones joshua did.
also? i couldn't help but think of all the punishments, erotic encounters & dynamic like i was dealing more with a very well written BDSM book than an actual stockholm syndrome book.
I feel as if my mind is splitting in two. My vision swims, and I think I see two Joshuas standing in front of me, and then they merge again.
He’s telling me to fight to save myself from him.
He’s telling me I’m strong and worthwhile.
Nobody has ever told me that before. Ever”
this read like a dark humour dark romance and i honestly loved it?
this cracked me up more than it should have since we were in a kidnapping, heavily sadistic setting.
very charismatic characters, exceptional mind breaking techniques, hot as sin serial killer (for real joshua takes a medal in the serial killer competition).
the recipe to a successful dark romance.
yet there was something missing towards the end.
i did see the plot twist from a mile away and i'm not quite sure whether i'm going to enjoy the turn of events in book two.
nevertheless, this was an amazingly written book that was packed with that charisma that really hooks you up with reading disturbing shit like the ones joshua did.
also? i couldn't help but think of all the punishments, erotic encounters & dynamic like i was dealing more with a very well written BDSM book than an actual stockholm syndrome book.
September 1, 2024
Cruel Beginnings is the first book in the Cruel Captors Series. This is Tamara and Joshua's story. If you love your psychopathic men that are darker than morally gray, then this is for you! This book took me on a ride and I read it in one day.
Joshua is a psychopath, and he is well aware of this,in fact, he embraces it. He is a genius who knows exactly how to read and study people. He never gets attached to anyone, but when he sets his sights on Tamara, it confuses him just as it intrigues him. He is determined to break her and to mold her into exactly what he wants her to be.
As much as I knew I should've hated this man, I couldn't (which probably says some questionable things about me). He is horrible, cruel, and a person's worst nightmare. Yet, I was completely fascinated watching him progress throughout the story.
Tamara, oh does this poor girl get put through it!! I love her character. Just when you think she's done, she freaking finds the strength to keep going.
As soon as I was done with this book, I immediately purchased book 2! Highly recommend.
Joshua is a psychopath, and he is well aware of this,in fact, he embraces it. He is a genius who knows exactly how to read and study people. He never gets attached to anyone, but when he sets his sights on Tamara, it confuses him just as it intrigues him. He is determined to break her and to mold her into exactly what he wants her to be.
As much as I knew I should've hated this man, I couldn't (which probably says some questionable things about me). He is horrible, cruel, and a person's worst nightmare. Yet, I was completely fascinated watching him progress throughout the story.
Tamara, oh does this poor girl get put through it!! I love her character. Just when you think she's done, she freaking finds the strength to keep going.
As soon as I was done with this book, I immediately purchased book 2! Highly recommend.
November 30, 2025
This was really good for the first half - male lead kidnaps the female lead because he’s too obsessed. But after the first half, when the female lead breaks and she’s called “Toy”, the degradation became too much and their dynamics became boring. The male lead had lost control of the female lead and his world was falling apart around him. It felt like the male lead lost all of his charisma.
I probably should have DNF at this point but I figured I was more than half way through the book, may as well keep going but I ended up skimming from 75% because it wasn’t holding my interest and I didn’t care about either of the leads anymore. Elizabeth added nothing to the plot and was just unnecessary.
The book became more plot-focused as well and I hated the plot. Instead of being blown away by the plot twist, I felt it was cliche.
I probably should have DNF at this point but I figured I was more than half way through the book, may as well keep going but I ended up skimming from 75% because it wasn’t holding my interest and I didn’t care about either of the leads anymore. Elizabeth added nothing to the plot and was just unnecessary.
The book became more plot-focused as well and I hated the plot. Instead of being blown away by the plot twist, I felt it was cliche.
August 28, 2024
gripping read
I’ve read some captor books in my time but those characters have been pale in comparison to the psychotic nature that is Joshua. I love the way he is unapologetically himself which at times is so heartbreaking and other times cruel towards Tamara. She herself goes on a journey of development; from being meek and kind to a fierce survivor.
I really enjoyed the way the characters interacted during Tamara’s captivity; that the balance shifted back and forth and was given so much attention. The back story to Joshua’s life is horrific and it gives you some insight to his behaviour but like Tamara says it doesn’t excuse what he’s doing. The ending was great but what a cliffhanger…. Definitely need to see where this story goes.
I’ve read some captor books in my time but those characters have been pale in comparison to the psychotic nature that is Joshua. I love the way he is unapologetically himself which at times is so heartbreaking and other times cruel towards Tamara. She herself goes on a journey of development; from being meek and kind to a fierce survivor.
I really enjoyed the way the characters interacted during Tamara’s captivity; that the balance shifted back and forth and was given so much attention. The back story to Joshua’s life is horrific and it gives you some insight to his behaviour but like Tamara says it doesn’t excuse what he’s doing. The ending was great but what a cliffhanger…. Definitely need to see where this story goes.
July 1, 2024
I read this a long time ago as Tamara, Taken.
I feel that title is more fitting.
This is one of the original stories that I read as I was entering the realm of dark romance. In DR the "heroes" do tend to have more villainous traits than not. There are objections in DR and obstacles to get around that do not exist in fluffy/light romance stories. The HEA/HFN is harder to achieve and it takes work and development for an author to make it happen in a believable way.
G Talbot, I applaud you! I fondly return to these stories when I have a craving for this type of story. It's well written and the development and slice is top notch.
Thank you ma'am.
I feel that title is more fitting.
This is one of the original stories that I read as I was entering the realm of dark romance. In DR the "heroes" do tend to have more villainous traits than not. There are objections in DR and obstacles to get around that do not exist in fluffy/light romance stories. The HEA/HFN is harder to achieve and it takes work and development for an author to make it happen in a believable way.
G Talbot, I applaud you! I fondly return to these stories when I have a craving for this type of story. It's well written and the development and slice is top notch.
Thank you ma'am.
May 15, 2025
Torture and abuse
This whole book is nothing but the kidnapping torture and abuse of a 19-year-old girl. I don't understand how people give books like this a high rating. I started it and I was so upset and Disturbed I had to put it down I came back and tried to scroll through the abusive parts but that was the whole book. I don't enjoy reading about women being beaten and tortured on a daily basis it messes with my head. If you like reading about sickening abuse then this is your book. I would never recommend it to anyone!
This whole book is nothing but the kidnapping torture and abuse of a 19-year-old girl. I don't understand how people give books like this a high rating. I started it and I was so upset and Disturbed I had to put it down I came back and tried to scroll through the abusive parts but that was the whole book. I don't enjoy reading about women being beaten and tortured on a daily basis it messes with my head. If you like reading about sickening abuse then this is your book. I would never recommend it to anyone!
August 14, 2023
He is a psychopath - literally, he knows this, he is fine with this. He mirrors people, he studies them, and his childhood was ROUGH so when he became the adult he is now, makes total sense. When a cute summer intern becomes his obsession, what he wants to protect (for some reason), he takes it a step further and takes her.
When I say this man put her through the wringer - I mean it was his MISSION to break her down and mold her into what he wanted her to be. She would eat, breathe, and LIVE for this man and him alone.
This is the first book in a 3 part set and I devoured this in a weekend. I was not putting this down.
When I say this man put her through the wringer - I mean it was his MISSION to break her down and mold her into what he wanted her to be. She would eat, breathe, and LIVE for this man and him alone.
This is the first book in a 3 part set and I devoured this in a weekend. I was not putting this down.
May 29, 2025
Riveting
This is a really sick story but it also keeps your reading to see if he can break Toys will. He does at one point but she gathers herself and comes back full force because death is better than the life he has prepared for her. He also loses some of his hatred because he actually starts having emotional feelings. Read on for the twist in the story. More players become involved.
This is a really sick story but it also keeps your reading to see if he can break Toys will. He does at one point but she gathers herself and comes back full force because death is better than the life he has prepared for her. He also loses some of his hatred because he actually starts having emotional feelings. Read on for the twist in the story. More players become involved.
November 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book got better as I went on and the ending did surprise me a little bit however I do feel like a lot of this book was repetitive and both main characters annoyed the shit out of me.
I’m not sure if I’ll pick up book 2, I might give it a go but I’ve definitely read other books that I prefer from this kind of sub-genre.
This book got better as I went on and the ending did surprise me a little bit however I do feel like a lot of this book was repetitive and both main characters annoyed the shit out of me.
I’m not sure if I’ll pick up book 2, I might give it a go but I’ve definitely read other books that I prefer from this kind of sub-genre.
September 15, 2023
Hate to love it, but...
The depth of your depravity may be measured by the love and lust for these characters. I knew I was ...f'd up, but damn! I want my own hot serial killer who can't kill me.
The depth of your depravity may be measured by the love and lust for these characters. I knew I was ...f'd up, but damn! I want my own hot serial killer who can't kill me.
January 23, 2024
Why was this actually kind of … good?
I went into this not expecting much at all considering the other books of this genre that I’ve read but this one was pretty surprising.
Of course it no Shakespeare but for a dark, erotic romance it’s decently entertaining.
I went into this not expecting much at all considering the other books of this genre that I’ve read but this one was pretty surprising.
Of course it no Shakespeare but for a dark, erotic romance it’s decently entertaining.
April 29, 2025
This is a great listen for those that love pitch black! This isn't your normal dark romance This has triggers all over the place!
September 29, 2025
The darker, the better, and this is dark as hell. The MMC is beyond irredeemable and highly self aware. This isn’t “morally grey,” it’s absolutely pitch black.
March 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. This is a republishing of Tamara, Taken by the same author.
Tamara witnesses something she's not supposed to see, and is taken because of it. The life she knows is over.
Joshua is ready to make his new toy do whatever he wants.
This book is a part 1 and ends in a cliffhanger.
Tamara witnesses something she's not supposed to see, and is taken because of it. The life she knows is over.
Joshua is ready to make his new toy do whatever he wants.
This book is a part 1 and ends in a cliffhanger.
January 13, 2024
edit: changed to 4 stars. second half was better. funnier than expected 💀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews