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From Manhattan, With Love #1
Possessive Captor
The police chief calls me a thug, but soon he’s going to be calling me his son-in-law.
Chief Jackson knows not to mess with the Valenti family.
When he tries to frame me for murder, I start plotting my revenge.
The only person that hates the police chief more than me is his daughter.
But she makes the perfect collateral .
I’m going to take everything from the Chief, even his family line.
When she’s pregnant with my baby , he’ll stop his useless investigations.
Family means everything to me.
And Calliope Jackson is my family from now on.
Possessive Captor is the first book in The Valenti Crime Family series, featuring a morally grey anti-hero and the younger, untouched heroine he keeps locked up in his mansion. Each book is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.
This is a dark mafia romance containing themes some readers may find unsettling. Caution is advised; unless you’re throwing it to the wind. ;)
Chief Jackson knows not to mess with the Valenti family.
When he tries to frame me for murder, I start plotting my revenge.
The only person that hates the police chief more than me is his daughter.
But she makes the perfect collateral .
I’m going to take everything from the Chief, even his family line.
When she’s pregnant with my baby , he’ll stop his useless investigations.
Family means everything to me.
And Calliope Jackson is my family from now on.
Possessive Captor is the first book in The Valenti Crime Family series, featuring a morally grey anti-hero and the younger, untouched heroine he keeps locked up in his mansion. Each book is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.
This is a dark mafia romance containing themes some readers may find unsettling. Caution is advised; unless you’re throwing it to the wind. ;)
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2023
220 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 17, 2023
3⭐ out of 5⭐
A good smutty read with breeding kink.
A MMC who is obsessed with getting the FMC pregnant.
~ forced proximity
~ captive FMC
~ dominating possessive captor
~ revenge arc ( a small part)
~ breeding kink ( it's in a larger picture)
What more need! If you need some spicy read, read it 😉
A good smutty read with breeding kink.
A MMC who is obsessed with getting the FMC pregnant.
~ forced proximity
~ captive FMC
~ dominating possessive captor
~ revenge arc ( a small part)
~ breeding kink ( it's in a larger picture)
What more need! If you need some spicy read, read it 😉
February 23, 2023
I wasn’t really sure what to expect because I ha I read many dark romance books, but I LOVE Kelsey Calloway so I tried it. Boy, am I glad that I did! Raniero is the head of a mafia family. The chief of police has a grudge against him so much so that the chief threatens his family. The chief has a daughter, Calliope. The chief is not a nice man and made her life particularly difficult. Raniero decides to extract revenge on the chief for his threats that he is going to marry his daughter.
Calliope and Raniero have a somewhat complicated relationship. At first, Raniero treats her terribly. Calliope is strong throughout ugh so she perseveres. Though their relationship started as an act of revenge, it is not long before they both develop feelings for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Kelsey did not disappoint!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Calliope and Raniero have a somewhat complicated relationship. At first, Raniero treats her terribly. Calliope is strong throughout ugh so she perseveres. Though their relationship started as an act of revenge, it is not long before they both develop feelings for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Kelsey did not disappoint!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
3.5 Stars
I loved the darkness level of this one (mildly gray, on my personal scale) and the stockholm syndrome trope hit just right for me. What I didn't enjoy were the humiliation that our heroine had to go through at the beginning. If that's a kink you enjoy, it won't phase you in the least. It wasn't overly much, just 2 short scenes, but it's just not something I enjoy. Didn't ruin the book, but did take away for me. I wish we could have had a longer book, so that we could have seen more of the pregnancy, wedding, and resolution with Daddy Dearest, as that was basically the basis of the whole kidnapping, but all we got were a few paragraphs at the end. I needed more.
I loved the darkness level of this one (mildly gray, on my personal scale) and the stockholm syndrome trope hit just right for me. What I didn't enjoy were the humiliation that our heroine had to go through at the beginning. If that's a kink you enjoy, it won't phase you in the least. It wasn't overly much, just 2 short scenes, but it's just not something I enjoy. Didn't ruin the book, but did take away for me. I wish we could have had a longer book, so that we could have seen more of the pregnancy, wedding, and resolution with Daddy Dearest, as that was basically the basis of the whole kidnapping, but all we got were a few paragraphs at the end. I needed more.
May 12, 2023
Nah not into humiliation or degradation. He wants to treat her like a dog. Nope I'm out. Plus she puts up no fight where are these woman's backbones gone
April 4, 2023
Great new series that I am looking forward to reading. Full of action, suspense, twists and turns, this book will definitely keep you turning the pages. I have to be honest and say I didn’t enjoy the way the heroine was treated in the beginning. I almost stopped reading, but glad that I didn’t.
October 1, 2023
Tipo que no se, amo amo AMO MUCHO todos los libros de mafia pero a este le encontré muchos wey WTF??!! La idea en general era buena la ejecución es la que no me convenció, le daré la oportunidad al 2do si de plano siento lo mismo que con este creo que abandonare leer la serie 😅
July 2, 2023
Didn’t think I’d like it much, but it was decent. And Raniero’s daddy af 😛
February 25, 2023
Dark Captive Romance
Raniero is tired of the chief of police constantly investigating him and his business in the mafia. In order to get revenge and control, he kidnaps the chief’s daughter, Calliope. Raniero plans to marry her and get her pregnant with his child.
Calliope escaped her abusive father only to get kidnapped by a dangerous mafia boss. He holds her captive and won’t let her go, not until she’s his completely.
This was a dark short story with an enemies to lovers trope and dark romance theme. This is not a happy fairytale romance. It’s dark, dangerous and twisted. First in the series it can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raniero is tired of the chief of police constantly investigating him and his business in the mafia. In order to get revenge and control, he kidnaps the chief’s daughter, Calliope. Raniero plans to marry her and get her pregnant with his child.
Calliope escaped her abusive father only to get kidnapped by a dangerous mafia boss. He holds her captive and won’t let her go, not until she’s his completely.
This was a dark short story with an enemies to lovers trope and dark romance theme. This is not a happy fairytale romance. It’s dark, dangerous and twisted. First in the series it can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2023
3.5 stars-POSSESSIVE CAPTOR is the first instalment in Kelsie Calloway’s contemporary adult THE VALENTI CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Raniero ‘Nero’ Valenti, and realtor Calliope Jackson’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Raniero and Calliope) POSSESSIVE CAPTOR follows in the wake of the abduction of Calliope Jackson. Calliope Jackson is the estranged and only daughter of police chief Grant Jackson, the man who has been terrorizing the Valenti family in the hopes of taking them down. Raniero Valenti is tired of the harassment, and plans to destroy Grant Jackson by abducting and claiming Calliope as his own. A prisoner in a gilded cage, Calliope finds herself quickly submitting to a man who could make or break our story line heroine but discovers cooperating with Raniero makes her own life a little easier. Desperate to make Calliope his wife, Raniero believes he must first break the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous but building relationship between Raniero and Calliope, as our couple make plans for their future.
The relationship between Calliope and Raniero begins as prisoner and captor but a gilded cage is still a cage from which Calliope cannot escape. Having lived most of her adult life on the street, escaping the abuse and torture at home, Calliope exchanges one jailer for another for the security and safety net of the man with whom she will fall in love. Raniero is determined to destroy Chief Grant Jackson but never thought he would fall in love with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
We are introduced to Raniero’s brothers: Mateo, Luca and Cesare: housekeeper Grace; bodyguard Sampson, and Calliope’s father Chief Grant Jackson.
POSSESSIVE CAPTOR is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession, love and acceptance. The fast paced premise is inviting but there is no resolution to the acrimonious relationship between the Chief, Raniero and Calliope-the Chief becomes more of an afterthought who is apparently unfazed by the entire situation; the characters are dynamic; the romance is provocative but there is something missing -no spark, no palpable attraction but more of a forced proximity necessity.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Raniero and Calliope) POSSESSIVE CAPTOR follows in the wake of the abduction of Calliope Jackson. Calliope Jackson is the estranged and only daughter of police chief Grant Jackson, the man who has been terrorizing the Valenti family in the hopes of taking them down. Raniero Valenti is tired of the harassment, and plans to destroy Grant Jackson by abducting and claiming Calliope as his own. A prisoner in a gilded cage, Calliope finds herself quickly submitting to a man who could make or break our story line heroine but discovers cooperating with Raniero makes her own life a little easier. Desperate to make Calliope his wife, Raniero believes he must first break the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous but building relationship between Raniero and Calliope, as our couple make plans for their future.
The relationship between Calliope and Raniero begins as prisoner and captor but a gilded cage is still a cage from which Calliope cannot escape. Having lived most of her adult life on the street, escaping the abuse and torture at home, Calliope exchanges one jailer for another for the security and safety net of the man with whom she will fall in love. Raniero is determined to destroy Chief Grant Jackson but never thought he would fall in love with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
We are introduced to Raniero’s brothers: Mateo, Luca and Cesare: housekeeper Grace; bodyguard Sampson, and Calliope’s father Chief Grant Jackson.
POSSESSIVE CAPTOR is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession, love and acceptance. The fast paced premise is inviting but there is no resolution to the acrimonious relationship between the Chief, Raniero and Calliope-the Chief becomes more of an afterthought who is apparently unfazed by the entire situation; the characters are dynamic; the romance is provocative but there is something missing -no spark, no palpable attraction but more of a forced proximity necessity.
April 18, 2023
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
Calliope had escaped her abusive father’s control, after her mother left her and her two brothers behind things had gone from bad to worse when her brothers left to build their own lives away from their father none other than the chief of police, but she had escaped and was now building a life that she could be proud of. She was nearly a fully qualified real estate agent and although this wasn’t her childhood dream, she was finally on her way to being happy. It had been a successful day at the open house she had been hosting and just when she thought that the day was over, he arrived. Suddenly she is trust into a revenge plot where she is to be used against her father by a man ruthless enough to have planned everything to the last detail including making her his wife and mother of his children. She has always known that her father would be her downfall, but she hadn’t planned on falling in love with Raniero the man who could destroy her. But what will happen when Raniero gets what he wants will she be cast aside with a broken heart, or could the future be looking up?
Raniero Valenti is a name that to a normal man would have him cowering in fear but not to the Chief of Police Grant Jackson, he has been trying to pin crimes on him for years and so far has always failed but the man seems to be getting desperate, especially when he threatens his family all of the rules are out of the window and he is determined to show this man who he really is and what he can do. It has been months of meticulous planning to get to this point but now he has his daughter exactly where he wants her and she now belongs to him whether she wants to or not. His plan is to infiltrate his family in the worst way ever by making her his wife and the mother to his children. But the unthinkable happens when what he and Calliope are sharing is real in every sense of the word and for a man who never believed in love feels it for the pawn in his game. Can Raniero show Calliope that what started as revenge is now love or has, he lost her to the game he had been playing?
I wasn’t sure about this book when I first started reading and found it quite hard to get into, but I am pleased that I persevered past the first few chapters. Grant Jackson is truly a hateful person, and Raniero isn’t much better, and he is most certainly the hero and the villain. Definitely worth a read. 4*
Calliope had escaped her abusive father’s control, after her mother left her and her two brothers behind things had gone from bad to worse when her brothers left to build their own lives away from their father none other than the chief of police, but she had escaped and was now building a life that she could be proud of. She was nearly a fully qualified real estate agent and although this wasn’t her childhood dream, she was finally on her way to being happy. It had been a successful day at the open house she had been hosting and just when she thought that the day was over, he arrived. Suddenly she is trust into a revenge plot where she is to be used against her father by a man ruthless enough to have planned everything to the last detail including making her his wife and mother of his children. She has always known that her father would be her downfall, but she hadn’t planned on falling in love with Raniero the man who could destroy her. But what will happen when Raniero gets what he wants will she be cast aside with a broken heart, or could the future be looking up?
Raniero Valenti is a name that to a normal man would have him cowering in fear but not to the Chief of Police Grant Jackson, he has been trying to pin crimes on him for years and so far has always failed but the man seems to be getting desperate, especially when he threatens his family all of the rules are out of the window and he is determined to show this man who he really is and what he can do. It has been months of meticulous planning to get to this point but now he has his daughter exactly where he wants her and she now belongs to him whether she wants to or not. His plan is to infiltrate his family in the worst way ever by making her his wife and the mother to his children. But the unthinkable happens when what he and Calliope are sharing is real in every sense of the word and for a man who never believed in love feels it for the pawn in his game. Can Raniero show Calliope that what started as revenge is now love or has, he lost her to the game he had been playing?
I wasn’t sure about this book when I first started reading and found it quite hard to get into, but I am pleased that I persevered past the first few chapters. Grant Jackson is truly a hateful person, and Raniero isn’t much better, and he is most certainly the hero and the villain. Definitely worth a read. 4*
March 17, 2023
Raniero Valenti is really sick and tired of Chief Jackson making every attempt to put him behind bars. The latest: security footage of what looks like him beating a man with a bat, but Chief Jackson refuses to believe that Raniero has an alibi for that night. He needs to come up with a plan fast to make sure that the Chief gets off his back and the backs of his family and friends for good. The solution- force his way into his family permanently.
Calliope Jackson has been estranged from her father since she ran away from home near the end of high school. Couch surfing from and living on the streets has led her to a steady job as a real estate agent. Despite the fact that she is just starting out, she is hoping that her measly commissions can help her start to save for a better future so she doesn't have to experience poverty again- including this one that she happens to be at this particular Sunday. Unbeknownst to her, this was all a set up and she will soon find herself in a bigger mess that she could possibly imagine.
Calliope and Raniero have a rough start, but do eventually come to a happily ever after which was nice to see. The chemistry between these two is there right from the beginning, despite the fact that Calliope is very confused about all of the feelings that she has towards this man who has now made her a pawn in his end game. Despite all of that, I do think they come out stronger and in love in the end, regardless of how their initial interactions look like to society.
The only downside to this story is that when really opens up to Raniero, it seems rushed and resolved faster than I would have liked to have seen. This is a girl who has experience a lot of trauma and dark times at the hands of a parent due to the other parent's actions and it just seemed to me like her revelation to Raniero could have been drawn out more and there could have been a longer period of time where he comes to the realization that his actions may have only made things worse in their relationship, which could have enhanced the story and added a greater richness to it. Other than that I think they both work really well together as a couple and really loved reading their story. I can't wait to see what comes next for this family!
Calliope Jackson has been estranged from her father since she ran away from home near the end of high school. Couch surfing from and living on the streets has led her to a steady job as a real estate agent. Despite the fact that she is just starting out, she is hoping that her measly commissions can help her start to save for a better future so she doesn't have to experience poverty again- including this one that she happens to be at this particular Sunday. Unbeknownst to her, this was all a set up and she will soon find herself in a bigger mess that she could possibly imagine.
Calliope and Raniero have a rough start, but do eventually come to a happily ever after which was nice to see. The chemistry between these two is there right from the beginning, despite the fact that Calliope is very confused about all of the feelings that she has towards this man who has now made her a pawn in his end game. Despite all of that, I do think they come out stronger and in love in the end, regardless of how their initial interactions look like to society.
The only downside to this story is that when really opens up to Raniero, it seems rushed and resolved faster than I would have liked to have seen. This is a girl who has experience a lot of trauma and dark times at the hands of a parent due to the other parent's actions and it just seemed to me like her revelation to Raniero could have been drawn out more and there could have been a longer period of time where he comes to the realization that his actions may have only made things worse in their relationship, which could have enhanced the story and added a greater richness to it. Other than that I think they both work really well together as a couple and really loved reading their story. I can't wait to see what comes next for this family!
September 6, 2023
4/5✨
Recomendación de libro con Mafia
El jefe de la policía está en contra de Raniero porque según las pistas que el deja Raniero es un criminal por ser de la familia reconocida Valenti, Raniero no es un ángel pero el Jefe Jackson nunca tuvo que meterse con su familia, Ahora Raniero está buscando venganza y alguien que odia al Jefe Jackson es su hija Calliope Jackson pero la forma en que se conocen Raniero y ella no es tan ortodoncia pero el solo quiere buscar venganza y dejar embarazada a ella pero las cosas se complican un tanto...
Regrese con otra recomendación de mafia porque soy adicta a los mafiosos y este libro máximo tiene como 130 páginas o sea que es un libro corto pero con mucho salseo, los capítulos narrados en cada perspectiva me gusta pero siento que choco un poco el hecho de que lo mismo que narraba ella a veces lo narraba el pero desde la misma perspectiva me gusta pero a veces es muy repetitivo, necesite una venganza verdadera 100% a Jackson porque el hecho de que le pegará a Calliope desde muy chica me dió ganas de golpearlo a el y me pareció muy raro el punto de que nuestro mafioso posesivo no hiciera justifica pero veremos si hay algún avance en los demás libros de sus hermanos. Calliope amiga con alguien como Raniero yo te entendería tu conflicto pero el hecho de que cambiará para que ella sintiera que iban a formar una buena familia fue hermoso, es decir sigue siendo posesivo y mafioso pero tiene su lado esposo y padre también, necesite más conocimiento de los hermanos Valenti pero se sabe que hay más libros😘. Raniero es posesivo loco y mafioso pero quería mucho más detalle de la mafia o sea quiero sangre como manejas tu imperio MASSSS necesito MASSS, Las escenas spicy estuvieron buenas más no nada del otro mundo sentí que necesitaba más desarrollo en las escenas eran tan rápidas que no podía procesar todo😭. Casi se me olvidaba a pesar de que ella fuera secuestrada por el nunca la trato feo y la escena del comedor😏🔥.
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Recomendación de Mafioso posesivo/secuestrador.
Recomendación de libro con Mafia
El jefe de la policía está en contra de Raniero porque según las pistas que el deja Raniero es un criminal por ser de la familia reconocida Valenti, Raniero no es un ángel pero el Jefe Jackson nunca tuvo que meterse con su familia, Ahora Raniero está buscando venganza y alguien que odia al Jefe Jackson es su hija Calliope Jackson pero la forma en que se conocen Raniero y ella no es tan ortodoncia pero el solo quiere buscar venganza y dejar embarazada a ella pero las cosas se complican un tanto...
Regrese con otra recomendación de mafia porque soy adicta a los mafiosos y este libro máximo tiene como 130 páginas o sea que es un libro corto pero con mucho salseo, los capítulos narrados en cada perspectiva me gusta pero siento que choco un poco el hecho de que lo mismo que narraba ella a veces lo narraba el pero desde la misma perspectiva me gusta pero a veces es muy repetitivo, necesite una venganza verdadera 100% a Jackson porque el hecho de que le pegará a Calliope desde muy chica me dió ganas de golpearlo a el y me pareció muy raro el punto de que nuestro mafioso posesivo no hiciera justifica pero veremos si hay algún avance en los demás libros de sus hermanos. Calliope amiga con alguien como Raniero yo te entendería tu conflicto pero el hecho de que cambiará para que ella sintiera que iban a formar una buena familia fue hermoso, es decir sigue siendo posesivo y mafioso pero tiene su lado esposo y padre también, necesite más conocimiento de los hermanos Valenti pero se sabe que hay más libros😘. Raniero es posesivo loco y mafioso pero quería mucho más detalle de la mafia o sea quiero sangre como manejas tu imperio MASSSS necesito MASSS, Las escenas spicy estuvieron buenas más no nada del otro mundo sentí que necesitaba más desarrollo en las escenas eran tan rápidas que no podía procesar todo😭. Casi se me olvidaba a pesar de que ella fuera secuestrada por el nunca la trato feo y la escena del comedor😏🔥.
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Recomendación de Mafioso posesivo/secuestrador.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
Raniero Valenti is a lethal mafia boss that plots his revenge against the chief of police by capturing his sweet innocent daughter as leverage. Calliope Jackson has had a tough life — physical and emotional abuse, neglect, homelessness, and so much more. Her father may be the chief of police, but he’s an uncaring bastard with no remorse. Sadly, Calliope is paying for the sins of her father yet again when Raniero holds her captive in his house. He plans to put a ring on her finger and a baby in her belly as soon possible.
Raniero was an unlikable morally gray anti-hero. His treatment toward Calliope made me cringe (specifically when he treated her like a dog). He knew she was utterly broken and took advantage of her in every way. Calliope had a fighting spirit, but even life in captivity treated as a dog was better than being homeless and hungry. My heart really broke for her. I know that Raniero did redeem himself (somewhat) later on in the book, but I do wish he had done more.
The steam was impeccable as always by this author. This was a short story but could have easily been a full-length novel with a great storyline.
Tropes: Contemporary romance, mafia romance, age gap, dub con, virgin heroine, breeding, pregnancy, forced proximity, captivity, revenge, happily-ever-after
Heat: 4/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raniero was an unlikable morally gray anti-hero. His treatment toward Calliope made me cringe (specifically when he treated her like a dog). He knew she was utterly broken and took advantage of her in every way. Calliope had a fighting spirit, but even life in captivity treated as a dog was better than being homeless and hungry. My heart really broke for her. I know that Raniero did redeem himself (somewhat) later on in the book, but I do wish he had done more.
The steam was impeccable as always by this author. This was a short story but could have easily been a full-length novel with a great storyline.
Tropes: Contemporary romance, mafia romance, age gap, dub con, virgin heroine, breeding, pregnancy, forced proximity, captivity, revenge, happily-ever-after
Heat: 4/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2023
Raniero Valenti is being questioned about a murder that he didn’t commit. He didn’t even know the guy despite a folder of supposed communication with the deceased. Rainiero thinks they are trying to frame him. Chief of Police Grant Jackson wants to take down the Valenti family.
Calliope is a realtor in Manhattan Kansas. She ran away from home at 17 to escape her abusive father and has spent the last 8 years living in poverty or just above it. A friend fronted her the money for real estate classes and exams as long as Calliope paid her back with future commissions.
Rainiero poses as a potential buyer with a wife at one of Calliope’s open houses. As she is showing him a feature in the Master Bedroom’s closet, Rainiero pulls a gun on her and kidnaps her. Turns out Calliope’s last name is Jackson and she is Chief Grant Jackson’s estranged daughter. Rainiero wants revenge on Chief Jackson. He paid off Calliope’s debt to her friend so that she has a clean slate and less people looking for her.
What is Rainiero’s plan? Can he keep his true feelings for Calliope in check to get his revenge on Grant? Will Calliope go along with Rainiero’s plan willingly or will Rainiero have to force her to obey?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Calliope is a realtor in Manhattan Kansas. She ran away from home at 17 to escape her abusive father and has spent the last 8 years living in poverty or just above it. A friend fronted her the money for real estate classes and exams as long as Calliope paid her back with future commissions.
Rainiero poses as a potential buyer with a wife at one of Calliope’s open houses. As she is showing him a feature in the Master Bedroom’s closet, Rainiero pulls a gun on her and kidnaps her. Turns out Calliope’s last name is Jackson and she is Chief Grant Jackson’s estranged daughter. Rainiero wants revenge on Chief Jackson. He paid off Calliope’s debt to her friend so that she has a clean slate and less people looking for her.
What is Rainiero’s plan? Can he keep his true feelings for Calliope in check to get his revenge on Grant? Will Calliope go along with Rainiero’s plan willingly or will Rainiero have to force her to obey?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2023
3.5
The couple: Raniero and Calliope
Romance trope: abduction/revenge
Series: The Valenti Crime Family
Length: 116 pages
Plot: Raniero is part of a crime family and is tired of the local police harassing him. He vows to make the officer involved pay and does so by kidnapping his daughter with the intent of marrying and knocking her up. He figures that becoming part of his family will bother the officer so much that it's a fitting revenge. Calliope isn't that important to her father though; he's abusive and awful and she's been making her way in life by herself for a long time. Raniero is the first person who's really taken care of her and she both loves and hates him for it. Is there a chance they could fall in love for real?
Commentary: I loved the way Raniero fell for Calliope but I do wish he hadn't gone for humiliation as his first technique to make her stay. I felt like she had already suffered so much in her life that she didn't need that piled on top of it all. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story.
Next book in the series: Deviant Desires
The couple: Raniero and Calliope
Romance trope: abduction/revenge
Series: The Valenti Crime Family
Length: 116 pages
Plot: Raniero is part of a crime family and is tired of the local police harassing him. He vows to make the officer involved pay and does so by kidnapping his daughter with the intent of marrying and knocking her up. He figures that becoming part of his family will bother the officer so much that it's a fitting revenge. Calliope isn't that important to her father though; he's abusive and awful and she's been making her way in life by herself for a long time. Raniero is the first person who's really taken care of her and she both loves and hates him for it. Is there a chance they could fall in love for real?
Commentary: I loved the way Raniero fell for Calliope but I do wish he hadn't gone for humiliation as his first technique to make her stay. I felt like she had already suffered so much in her life that she didn't need that piled on top of it all. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story.
Next book in the series: Deviant Desires
March 3, 2023
This is the first in a new mafia story, and this is Raniero and Calliope’s story. Raniero is a lethal mafia boss, who has the police chief on his back, and he is once again being questioned for a murder he did not commit, despite the facts against him, and knowing he is being framed he plots his vengeance. Calliope is the estranged daughter of the police chief, who left home at 17-years-old to escape from her abusive father. Now Calliope is kidnapped by the mafia as revenge, and to put an end to her fathers investigations. This is a well written fast paced story which is dark, raw, gritty, intense, and intriguing, with forced proximity, action, angst. Drama, violence, danger, suspense, passion, deception, revenge, challenges, emotions, family, friendships, and love, which leads to a thrilling and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2023
I loved how dark this story was but still had currents of sweetness running through it. This is a Stockholm syndrome tale at its finest. What starts out as revenge turns into a love of a lifetime.
I hesitantly went into this story. The last several stories from Kelsie had me questioning her ability to end a story as they seemed to leave you unfulfilled and wanting more from her short stories. This one has redeemed her in my eyes. This is a full length story, and it's storyline is complete, not leaving any cliffhangers and it wrapped up with a beautiful ending. I'm glad I stuck by this author as I do love her writing.
Now I'm looking forward to the next brother in this series and seeing what devilish deeds he gets into.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I hesitantly went into this story. The last several stories from Kelsie had me questioning her ability to end a story as they seemed to leave you unfulfilled and wanting more from her short stories. This one has redeemed her in my eyes. This is a full length story, and it's storyline is complete, not leaving any cliffhangers and it wrapped up with a beautiful ending. I'm glad I stuck by this author as I do love her writing.
Now I'm looking forward to the next brother in this series and seeing what devilish deeds he gets into.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
In this steamy, dark, mafia romance the MMC truly is the hero and the villain. Raniero is the head of the Valenti family. His biggest enemy of late is the chief of police. Out of revenge he takes the chief’s daughter. The things he makes her do and the things he does to her definitely make him the villain. However as you experience his feelings grow and begin to understand him and Calliope’s situation better, you will fall for him. Starting out I wasn't sure if he was a character I would be able to love, but he will draw you in and cause you to fall for him, just like he does with Calliope. Being with her makes him a better man and prepares him to be the best father. Far better than her father was to her that’s for sure! Raniero is all about family and Calliope is about to be top of that list!.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2023
Calliope & Raniero
Raniero es parte de una de las familias más importantes de Manhattan, siendo no tan legal el negocio de su familia. Lo que tiene al jefe de policías detrás de él y su familia.
Lo que lo lleva a idear un plan. Casarse (y embarazar) a su hija, para que sea su familia. Lo que lo hará reconsiderar su obsesión de destruir a su familia.
Calliope ha tenido una vida difícil desde que su mamá se fue, porque su esposo (el padre de Calliope) la maltrataba. Por lo que a los 16 años huyó de su casa.
Por lo que después de vivir en la calle, y en un refugio. Su amiga la ayuda a pagar la universidad, para poder dedicarse a el negocio inmobiliario.
Por lo que un día, vendiendo una casa, y cuando iba a acabar de enseñarla, llega un posible comprador que le apunta con un arma, y la secuestra.
Para casarse con ella.
Raniero es parte de una de las familias más importantes de Manhattan, siendo no tan legal el negocio de su familia. Lo que tiene al jefe de policías detrás de él y su familia.
Lo que lo lleva a idear un plan. Casarse (y embarazar) a su hija, para que sea su familia. Lo que lo hará reconsiderar su obsesión de destruir a su familia.
Calliope ha tenido una vida difícil desde que su mamá se fue, porque su esposo (el padre de Calliope) la maltrataba. Por lo que a los 16 años huyó de su casa.
Por lo que después de vivir en la calle, y en un refugio. Su amiga la ayuda a pagar la universidad, para poder dedicarse a el negocio inmobiliario.
Por lo que un día, vendiendo una casa, y cuando iba a acabar de enseñarla, llega un posible comprador que le apunta con un arma, y la secuestra.
Para casarse con ella.
March 19, 2023
This book is so good I couldn’t put it down I read it all in a day I love these types of books and it doesn’t disappoint! When the police chief threats a very powerful men lives will change for good. It’s got a independent strong female character who has been through so much trauma but doesn’t let that get her down. A hot mafia man who doesn’t expect what he finds in this woman and has a enemies to lovers theme in this book. With steamy scenes and page turner excitement in my opinion it’s one that’s a keeper for good and easy to read! I love the ending and wait for more in this excellent series there is so much to enjoy if you ask me!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2024
Me ha gustado este libro, ha sido una lectura corta, de 116 páginas y que a pesar de ser express no me ha aburrido ni ha sido floja.
Nuestro protagonista es demasiado seguro de si mismo, así que me tenía enamorada desde el primer diálogo. Me ha gustado toda la historia de él tratando de vengarse del padre de ella, pero enamorándose en el proceso.
Lo que me pareció un poco raro en su momento fue que Calliope aceptó demasiado feliz su secuestro y los planes que Raniero tenía para ella fue una red flag, pero same girl, same.
Los kink de este libro estaban medio raros, no lo voy a negar, me dejaron muda.
La forma en la que comenzaron a amarse no fue la más orgánica del mundo, pero entiendo que es porque eran pocas paginas.
Un libro de mafia que cumple su propósito, me ha gustado.
Nuestro protagonista es demasiado seguro de si mismo, así que me tenía enamorada desde el primer diálogo. Me ha gustado toda la historia de él tratando de vengarse del padre de ella, pero enamorándose en el proceso.
Lo que me pareció un poco raro en su momento fue que Calliope aceptó demasiado feliz su secuestro y los planes que Raniero tenía para ella fue una red flag, pero same girl, same.
Los kink de este libro estaban medio raros, no lo voy a negar, me dejaron muda.
La forma en la que comenzaron a amarse no fue la más orgánica del mundo, pero entiendo que es porque eran pocas paginas.
Un libro de mafia que cumple su propósito, me ha gustado.
March 2, 2025
Reniero Valenti is part of the Valenti crime family and gets kind of harassed and threatened by the chief of police. So he vows revenge and that is to make the chief his brand new father in law. He kidnaps the daughter Calliope and brings her to his mansion where he keeps her and breeds her. What started out as revenge quickly turned into love for Reniero, but now he has to convince his woman to give him a real chance. A real good mafia romance, with a morally grey MMC that is obsessed with his woman.😍😍 The only thing that made me a bit angry was the degrading behavior of Reniero. Maybe it's a kink, but a kink between two lovers should always be for both of their pleasure.... Hasn't felt like that to be honest.
February 27, 2023
What a delicious read. Just the right amount of danger and intensity along with chemistry and passion. Raniero is the head of a family that some might label as being on the side of criminals. Calliope is the daughter of the chief of police and does not have a good relationship with him, especially after her mother leaves. Chief Jackson is not a good man. This story has you wondering who is really the bad man here. Raniero or Chief Jackson. This is a very well written story with twists and turns along the way, as well as a wonderful love story. Great HEA. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the storyline, it was well written and totally got why the story went in the direction it did. The characters were from different backgrounds, but had similar experiences in life. Raniero Was out for revenge and only he did expect to feel the way he did. Calliope Was part of the revenge plot but they both didn’t expect each other. I think Calliope Dad should of been more involved in the story more than he was, after he knew what was going on, would of caused more drama. Great plot and recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2023
Fast-paced
If you're looking for a very quick captor/captive read then you might enjoy this. It wasn't what I was expecting to read but it was good enough. The MMC is very gentle with her at the end even though he was very dominant at the beginning. I didn't like that the FMC personality from the beginning of the book did not match how she was after being kidnapped. Also, the timelines of her pregancy didn't align with the amount of time she spent captive, it was very confusing to keep track of that. Overall, it was not my cup of tea but I would recommend for those that like very fast-paced love stories with little context.
If you're looking for a very quick captor/captive read then you might enjoy this. It wasn't what I was expecting to read but it was good enough. The MMC is very gentle with her at the end even though he was very dominant at the beginning. I didn't like that the FMC personality from the beginning of the book did not match how she was after being kidnapped. Also, the timelines of her pregancy didn't align with the amount of time she spent captive, it was very confusing to keep track of that. Overall, it was not my cup of tea but I would recommend for those that like very fast-paced love stories with little context.
June 21, 2025
RATING: 3 out of 5 Enchanted Roses
REVIEW:
I enjoyed POSSESSIVE CAPTOR. It had a lot of elements I enjoy in my Dark Romance reads (see tropes below).
The FMC was down on her luck but full of hope. The MMC was deliciously obsessed. And though their love story started out as a plan for the MMC to get revenge against the FMC’s father, it turned into more.
My main issue with the audiobook is that it was narrated with a virtual voice…
Some of my favorite tropes included: stalking, breeding, forced pregnancy, OTP MMC, forced marriage, forced proximity.
Final verdict: Would recommend.
Happy Reading!
Ashley
REVIEW:
I enjoyed POSSESSIVE CAPTOR. It had a lot of elements I enjoy in my Dark Romance reads (see tropes below).
The FMC was down on her luck but full of hope. The MMC was deliciously obsessed. And though their love story started out as a plan for the MMC to get revenge against the FMC’s father, it turned into more.
My main issue with the audiobook is that it was narrated with a virtual voice…
Some of my favorite tropes included: stalking, breeding, forced pregnancy, OTP MMC, forced marriage, forced proximity.
Final verdict: Would recommend.
Happy Reading!
Ashley
February 25, 2023
Raniero (H41), head of the Valenti crime family, is being harasses by the chief of police and plans his vengeance by going after the chief’s estranged daughter, Calliope (h25). He plans to hold her captive and make her his, regardless of her desires. Raniero’s initial treatment of Calliope is humiliating and degrading, as he tries to break her. Calliope is as strong as she be in the environment she finds herself in and gradually her relationship with Raniero becomes more than just captor and prisoner. Hot and steamy mafia revenge quickie with a bit of drama and a little dub con.
March 3, 2023
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a short mafia love story that begins with revenge. Calliope and Raniero are pulled towards each other even when they don't want to be. Things might have started off with a kidnapping but soon everything flips for them emotionally. This is a fast paced, tension and drama filled romance. I ended up with mixed feelings about the book. The characters and storyline were good but it wasn't one of my favorites from Kelsie. 3.5
March 11, 2023
Raniero had been the target of the cheif of Police and was now looking at false murder charges, but he has the perfect plan to get the cheif to back off. Calliope is estranged from her abusive cop father, but when Raniero comes and takes her, his plans soon take shape, but cpuld Calliope ever fall for a man whose forced himself into her life in the name of revenge? Well written steamy, captive, revenge romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2023
Stockholm Syndrome, not Romance
I don't understand all the amazing reviews. Was it a decent book? Yes. A great book? No. Raniero was a jerk right up until he knocked Calliope up and basically got what he wanted. Then he was all "oh, I love you so much." I'm all about a little dubcon, but this pushed it past that. I didn't feel like Calliope wanted anything that happened to her, she just finally realized she'd have a better life with Raniero than on her own and quit fighting him. That's not romance, that's Stockholm Syndrome.
I don't understand all the amazing reviews. Was it a decent book? Yes. A great book? No. Raniero was a jerk right up until he knocked Calliope up and basically got what he wanted. Then he was all "oh, I love you so much." I'm all about a little dubcon, but this pushed it past that. I didn't feel like Calliope wanted anything that happened to her, she just finally realized she'd have a better life with Raniero than on her own and quit fighting him. That's not romance, that's Stockholm Syndrome.
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