In Their Hearts

Their Captive Bride #3

by Julia Sykes

The Bratva broke me, but my fierce husbands will do anything to put me back together again.

Luca loves me, and I love him. Dante’s obsession with me is darker, but he’s no less possessive.

He’ll even find it in his black heart to share me with Luca if that’s what brings me peace.

As my men help me heal, I find myself falling for both of them.

But the Russians aren’t done with us, and my brutal husbands will have to work together if they want to end the monsters who tormented me.

I can’t choose between my fierce protectors, but maybe I don’t have to.

With every possessive touch, they make it clear that they will give me anything I desire, even if that means loving them both…

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, M F M, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

Reviews

[Celia {Hiatus until August} · Rating 5 out of 5]

•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,5 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•

The third and last book of Their Captive Bride.
This series started so good!!!
But lost quality as the series continued.



Nora was kidnapped by the Russians, with the help of her father.
Dante and Luca went to rescuing her.
Luca tried to kill Dante.
I think Dante surrender too soon and too much.
Luca's character couldn't keep up the expectation.
I thought it was weak, didn't like him too much in this book.
Dante, on the other hand, evolved a lot as a character and I can understand why/how Nora fell in love with him.



Don't get me wrong, it's still sexy, it's still hot.
But in this one, the dialogues and the plot weren't that great.
A lot of things weren't explained, and it seemed everything a bit rushed.
I was expecting much more.

[Basak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhh! Dante, Luca and Nora! What a magnificent mess to be in. In Their Hearts was an intense and beautiful conclusion to the trilogy by talented Julia Sykes. All the pieces finally fell into place and a secret is finally revealed to ease the hurt and pain surrounding the two enemies who happened to love the same woman. A lucky, lucky woman😍 If you are fan of mafia romance with arranged/forced marriage trope along with captivity, some BDSM and two gorgeous alpha-holes, then definitely take a chance in this trilogy Their Captive Bride. I am sure you’ll love everything about it.

[Gabriëlla Croes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intense story. I was very happy to read how this trio would work out and how this dark story would go. I was not disappointed.

After Nora's horrible ordeal with the Russians, Nora needed Dante & Luca to heal. Each man had to give, in order to help Nora. They both speak to different parts of her. I really felt as if Dante grew the most throughout the series and in this book his flaws were dealt with.

𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡.

Julia made Dante a dark character but precisely that darkness is what drew Nora to him. Luca loves Nora and wants her to be happy. This story tied in all the unresolved issues and had a great ending for them.

If you like a dark, enemies to lovers with MFM, a possessive & jealous hero and another who is equally possessive & jealous but a dark enigma, this series is for you.

𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.

➛ Dark Mafia Romance
➛ Multiple 1st POV: Nora, Dante & Luca
➛ Tropes: Mafia, Kidnapping/Captive, MFM, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, BDSM
➛ Fast Paced/Spicy
➛ Series: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲, this is book #3

*This is a dark romance. There are topics that might be triggering.*

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Their Hearts by Julia Sykes is the third book in Their Captive Bride trilogy. This continues the story of Nora, Dante and Luca that started in 'In Their Hands' Then continued into the second book 'In Their Power'. So, you will need to have read them to full enjoy this one. This book wraps up all the loose ends and they start to piece together their lives moving forward. This was an exciting hot Trilogy! I hope to read more from this author.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m actually kinda annoyed with myself for being invested enough in the storyline to want to read this third and final book. I skimmed a lot to see how it all ends 🫠

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 3rd installment did not disappoint. You have to read the first 2 to get the full picture, but man is that picture good!! This book has the mafia reading you want with the 2 hot guys. This specific book can be hard to read at times but is so well written it doesn't give full trigger images of trauma that happens but gives the recovery of a brave woman with 2 guys willing to do anything for her even if they're on opposite sides. It's a can't put down book, that gives you all the feels and chills. Great book, awesome series.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In their hearts is the stunning conclusion to Luca,Nora and Dante’s story. Dante and Luca form an alliance to protect NorH from her father and the Russians, and Nora’s feelings grow for both men is their room for these sworn enemies in Nora’s life? Who will make sacrifices? I guarantee you that once you read this story, you will be very satisfied.
In their hearts is a terrific read and I highly recommend

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been one of my absolute favorites, and the conclusion to this series was fantastic. Dante, Luca, and Nora's story is such a mess, but it's a beautiful mess that you will get wrapped up in. We finally get answers to a couple of things, and all the pieces fall into place, making everything make sense. If you love mafia romance, lots of spice, and arranged/forced marriage tropes, this is a series you won't want to miss.

[Alex S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending to this series was absolutely perfect. The three has been on a dark and twisted roller coaster ride full of emotions and tiggers (yes, this book is triggering to some). But after all of the beautifully written dark and twisted turns, came the most beautiful trio I have read from Julia so far. If you’ve come this far in the series, you will not be disappointed.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Nickie Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't at all sure where the trio Dante, Lucas and Nora would end up. The conclusion to their journey was intense to say the least. My feelings about the trio from books one and two took a serious turn. Dante on particular really got to me and earned my respect with not only his determination to keep Nora safe but his honesty and acceptance of what Nora really needed. Luca on the other hand, was more like a bomb with a longgg fuse, a fuse that Dante lit but as much as Luca wanted that bomb to go off in Dante's face he knew he had to stop it exploding. Nora was a pawn in Dante and Luca's game, she loved Luca but Dante added another dimension to her life that she didn't know she needed. By the start of this book, Nora is broken in so many ways. The fractures started with her father promising her to Dante, got so much larger in Dante and Luca's "fight" for her and exploded with her fathers traitorous actions handing her to the Bratva.

For Nora coming back from the abuse, beatings, rape and a lot more she received whilst in Bratva's hands is not something that you could see anyone coming back from. Dante and Luca both swear to keep her safe and give her whatever she needs. But that doesn't mean that given a chance they wouldn't kill each other in a heartbeat and Nora knows this. But as Dante and Luca start to try and heal her, Nora has to acknowledge that she needs both Dante and Luca but in different ways and she finds a strength she never knew she possessed to try and ensure they don't kill each other.

Without doubt this finale is intense, heartbreaking at times, but full of both hope and dispair. The ending is something you might think you know but their is still some twists you won't see coming.

[Claire Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion to Their Captive Bride trilogy, with Dante, Luca and Nora still stuck in a three way relationship that needs resolving quickly!!

Nora ending up being captured by the Russians and abused, Dante and Luca managed to get her back, but she needed both men to help her heal. Luca is the warmth and the husband she loves, while she has grown to care for Dante even with his cold and merciless ways, he seems to know what Nora needs far more than Luca does.

Dante is definitely the one whose character grew in this last book, we find out the details of his brother's death that involved Luca and why the hatred grew to what it did. I was a little disappointed with Luca, he seems to just fall a bit short really, not really having much to offer to Nora.

Still this was a good read and wraps up the trilogy nicely, all the questions getting answered and the puzzle pieces slotting in. Both guys just ended up giving Nora exactly what she needed to heal, being able to look past their hatred of one another for the sake of the one woman they both loved. Well worth the read for any dark mafia / MFM lovers.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simply wonderful ride with great characters and plot you’ll enjoy
This is such a romantic and possessive dynamic with two men that are so very different from each other. There is Dante who has such dark and dangerous proclivities that just make her so hot and so turned on.

Luca is more open and has clearly shown that he is very much in love with her and that the two of them simply wanted to keep her safe and ensure that she was happy with everything and its a simply wonderful read.

The Russians unfortunately have not been able to catch up with them but now they have and they are determined that they will make the Russians pay for all that they have put their love through, they will ensure that they pay dearly for all they have put her through.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Ashley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful ending to this dark rollercoaster of a story!

From the beginning, I thought I was team Luca. The second book had me wavering a little but I still loathed Dante. Then the ending of book 2 left me with my jaw unhinged with that cliffhanger! I was starting to change my opinion of Dante.

Then this book. Wow. I had no words as I read the horrifying events that played out. (Not gonna spoil it!) Let’s just say, I fell in love with Dante and started to dislike Luca. Even with the history that is revealed, I just can’t describe all the feelings I experienced.

The spice level in this story was on point. Dante practically melted my kindle. 100% alpha. Someone turn on the AC.

Anyway, read this trilogy! It will bring you through the entire spectrum of emotions. As Dante told Nora, he would break her but always put her back together. I feel like this story did the same for me.

NOTE: I received and ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Tere Henriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly invested on how Luca, Dante and Nora would end and Julia Sykes has done it again. In Their Hearts had me clutching my phone, gasping at the rollercoaster of emotions that all 3 main characters were going through. The way they came together for each other was "chef's kiss" moments. The way Luca and Dante dominated Nora and her enjoyment at their domination, was the best I've read. Please give me more!!! LOL. Love Julia Sykes! Dark, dangerous and sexy, the best combo in my honest opinion, in books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "IN THEIR HEARTS". Great emotional Trilogy conclusion it hooks you right away secrets are revealed, danger, intrigue, angst, steam, twists that make for a beautiful addicting read.
Nora's two guts Dante & Luca even thought their on opposite sides who love this woman will have set aside their issues to work together to help TH S brave woman of theirs to heal from all the trauma from the hands of the BRATVA.
I definitely recommend to get this well written Trilogy that hooks you to the end to see how things turn out can't these three get a HEA together, it's a must fir sure to find out what happens you so won't be disappointed.
AWESOME CONCLUSION TO THIS MAFIA ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The finale of the Their Captive Bride trilogy finds Dante and Luca forming an uneasy truce to rescue Nora from the hands of her Bratva captors. After reading the two previous books I couldn’t see how Julia Sykes could satisfactorily bring this series to a fitting close. Nora needs something from each man that only they can give but how could two such strong alpha antiheroes come together to share the same woman especially considering they are mortal enemies but she has managed it beautifully with In Their Hearts. Their shared love for Nora and desire for her happiness ultimately brings them together. This trilogy is definitely my favourite read from this author.

[Nancy Mccleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best kinda happy ending

The story of Nora the mob bosses daughter. Dealt away by her father to another ruthless mob boss, Dante. Then Luka spirits her away and marries her. Shortly after Dante finds them and marries her. The 2nd wedding must be a buy one get one free deal muahaha.

There are trials of accepting, liking, and earning the kind of lifestyle Dante puts Luca through over a misguided revenge plot only to be thwarted by truth.
Who will win her heart?
Who will earn her trust?
Who will wear her ring?
Who will keep her wanting more?

Worth reading a time or two! Especially this last book 3. So many adventures and twists and turns.
Enjoy

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intense third installment into Nora, Dante, and Luca's story. This installment did not disappoint and it really dove into how much these three characters need each other. There may be trigger topics in this book but you do not get the full picture of what is happening. We get answers into questions I had at least and all the pieces finally fall into place. I did not know what I was signing up for when I agreed to read an ARC version of these books, and there are some dark points in this book but I am glad that I gave them a chance. This series is well written and I enjoyed it. I highly recommend this trilogy.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trilogy is complete and while I wasn’t sure how I felt after books 1 and 2 I can say things were better once the trilogy completed. So, before going to much further please make sure you have read In Their Hands and In Their Power before this one as they must be read in order. I still feel that parts of the trilogy were a bit frustrating overall I did like how things came together in the end. We get some information in book 3 that clears up some confusion between our two alpha males which is really what makes the story for me.
If you have been waiting to binge read the trilogy, now is the time!
#MSBB

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of the second book, Dante and Luca had to work together to find and recover Nora whose father sold her to the Russians...when they found her, barely alive and roughly abused, they killed most of the men involved...but could they get over their distrust and animosity to each other to help Nora recover from her nightmare??? Nora is making progress but needs both her love for Luca and her dark protector Dante to recover, but can she find a way to keep them both in her life??? I read this book through an Advance Reader Copy.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent conclusion!

Oh my gosh! I cannot believe it, but Julia Sykes did it. She actually convinced me that those three would actually be a thruple. I did not like either guy from book one and two. I just couldn't figure out how it would work or if I would ever appreciate them. I'll admit that Dante won me over most. This was intense and had me wondering to the end. An excellent conclusion. As each book was on the shorter side, I do think this would best best as one larger book. Eventually I will reread the books back to back.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the trilogy - I am rating this 3 star because I believe this trilogy could have been 1 large book or a duet, The books are short and I don't believe as readers we should have to part ways with our money for 3 books that could easily be less.

In saying this I am glad to see the conclusion of this story, This series has been a roller coaster of up and downs, The way all three came together and settled their differences and seeing how Luca and Dante came together and dominated Nora and her realising this is what she likes was a good ending.

[Hanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The turbulent conclusion to Dante, Luca and Nora’s story.
I hated the way Dante was treated by Nora.
I may be biased because I adored Dante.
#teamdante always.
He and Luca reluctantly join forces to take out the Russians. To avenge what was done to her.
As the story progresses secrets come out. Truths are uncovered. And there needs to be a coming to terms with what’s discovered.
Nora realizes that both Dante and Luca play a critical role in her life. Each brings something different.
And each is important to her.
I’m happy things were resolved and everyone got their HEA.

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Their Hearts is the third book of a rollercoaster trilogy in which a lot has happened. This concludes Nora, Dante, and Luca's gritty, dark, and heartbreaking story.

It's where Nora finally gets the chance to heal while Dante and Luca settle their differences. I had very high expectations because, after two books, I was incredibly invested. And here is where I struggle because I expected more. I needed details and questions to be answered. But it felt short and rushed as if some things had been brushed aside.

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

While running from Dante’s home, Nora is kidnapped and brutalized by the Russian Bratva. She is saved by the combined forces of Luca and Dante. Two men, both calling themselves her husband. One is rough, strong and a dark protector; the other is gentle, strong and more controlled. Both love her in different ways and both feel jealous and entitled to her love. Who will Nora choose? How will she make her decision? Will the two strong men who love her be able to protect her?

[Christine Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an epic conclusion to an amazing trilogy! I love Nora, Luca and Dante so much. This book picks up where the last one left off and it does not disappoint. Dante and Luca both love Nora but hate each other so it's a real tug of war to balance their love for her and their hatred of each other. The sex was hot, the relationship between the characters gets stronger and stronger throughout the book and the story keeps you reading to find out what's going to happen next. It's a great read.

[Teresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion. I have to say I didn't know who I was rooting for in this fabulous read. Dante and Luca have a lot of things to discuss and top of the agenda is Nora followed by who is going to kill the other first, but fate is fickle and the question is out of our hands. Brilliant this was a dark intense journey. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion! Breathtaking. How they come together to make it work. it was surmountable, but in the end, not really. It was like puzzle pieces finally fitting together, but it was a journey in giving of yourself for someone else. I was riveted throughout this whole trilogy. With darkness comes light.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Brina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing ending to a fantastic series! So many ups and downs, twists and turns, and action-packed goodness. The emotions run so high, you feel like you may never come down. Until one conversation is had and all the pieces start falling into place.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.