Mine

by Anna Edwards

USA Today Bestselling Author Anna Edwards returns to her dark side with Mine.
Eaton and Shelby must navigate the sins of their parents and hope at least one of them survives.

Our parents decided our future long before we were born.
We've no say in what happens now.
Well, she doesn't, because she's mine.
I will make her pay for what was taken from me.
All her dreams of a normal life are about to vanish.
Replaced by a hellish nightmare.
Death might be her better option.
But I won't let that happen.
I will get my pound of flesh.
I will make her suffer.
I'm the devil she thinks I am.

So why do I find myself starting to care about her.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark

ebook

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Nestled in the tranquil rural landscape near London, I'm a British author whose journey from the world of accounting to the realm of writing has been nothing short of transformative. While I occasionally revisit my numbers-oriented past, my days are predominantly filled with the harmonious dance between crafting compelling narratives and tending to my cherished family—my husband, two children, and a lively household of four cats and one dog
.
In those rare leisure moments, you'll find me lost in the enchanting world of poetry, delighting in the creation (and indulgence) of decadent cakes or fervently capturing moments through the lens of my camera.

Writing emerged as my beacon of hope in navigating the labyrinth of depression and anxiety. My insatiable love for literature and the boundless horizon of travel infuses my tales with the rich tapestry of my adventures. I strive to breathe life into my stories with an air of authenticity that resonates with readers.

Within the pages of my books, you'll encounter heroes exuding charisma and rugged allure, heroines embodying both grace and tenacity, all enveloped in the cloak of dramatic suspense.


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Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine was exactly what I thought it was. I enjoyed the journey, loved the battle, and bought tickets for the happy ending.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this family
Love this new series
Shelby and Eatons broken intense emotional heartstopping twisted dark insta love story
All the feels
Ready for more

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine was my first Anna Edwards book and it won't be the last. Especially if they are from that new series connected with Mine . I would love some Shelby and Eaton cameos. I loved Eaton and Shelby's story. Mine is dark mafia romance, full of suspense and action, secrets and plot twists. Eaton grow up with the knowledge that he is part of the Las Vegas elite and Shelby is his, that she belongs to him. And Eaton is known for one thing that he keeps what's his and takes care of it . But what Eaton knows and believe is not the truth. And there are secrets in his past. Shelby's reality and life are not so glamorous as Eaton's. Every day of her life is a struggle. And what Shelby knows is also not the truth. Her life and reality were shaped and manipulated by the same person who is manipulating Eaton. But there is a catch. Eaton doesn't want to follow what he's been told all those years. So when the time comes for him to have Shelby by his side he has a very different idea in mind. Also all the secrets and manipulation from the past come to light . Eaton has a dark side to his personality but Shelby is not afraid of him and his darkness. Also Shelby is intelligent and smart. Street smart and that gave her advantage to all those who underestimate her . She's a perfect match for Eaton and fits in his world. At the end they are more connected with each other than they both thought in the beginning. Their attraction is undeniable and they have great chemistry and you'll love them . I loved seeing karma at work and justice been served the right way. And that epilogue was so sweet and hopeful .

Side note: Mine is the right read to start this year's spooky season.

I received an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

was hooked from the first page !!

i wish it was longer and more character development but i still enjoyed tf out of this 😍

this is a dark mafia romance, stalker, innocent fmc x billionaire mmc, slight bdsm, dark secrets, fast paced, captor x captive, and duo pov 🖤

🌶️

[Audra PC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted dark,
Age gap, mafia story in Vegas setting. Two children raised very differently. deep seated generational trauma shapes the course of their lives.

Some parts were uncomfortable to read, but understood story wise. The story kept me guessing and reading “just a few more chapters”

Possible TW-
Dom/sub
Pregnancy
Consensual/non-con
Grooming

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine By Anna Edwards is a dark and twisted mafia story about Shelby Jones and Eaton Armstrong. It is an intense and gripping tale of two people whose lives have been shaped by the actions of their parents. Neither have had a choice over what happens to them and it looks like their futures will be decided for them as well. This is a fabulous tale full of revenge, betrayal, lies and a love that develops unexpectedly as they are both trapped in a life that don’t want. I absolutely loved this and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Eaton might be a monster but Shelby handles him brilliantly and although a dark romance there is light at the end.

Shelby has grown up in a trailer with a mum addicted to heroine after her dad died when she was two. She has struggled to survive and given up on her dreams of being a vet but is determined not to end up like her mother. One night her life changes forever when a man in a designer suit shows up to collect what is his....and it’s her !! He is offering her a better life than the one she’s used to so she agrees to leave with him, however, there is more going on than she realises.

When Eaton was twelve years old, he was told she was his and after waiting eighteen years he has come for her. He doesn’t want her but she belongs to him so he is not letting her go. He is a mafia boss who runs the Myriad casino, the only legal side of his family business. He is a controlling and demanding man but knows he must do his duty to his family with regard to Shelby.

Their interactions at the start are quite funny because she is defiant and swears a lot which annoys him. She also tests him and doesn’t do what tells her. Can she forget her past and embrace her new life and what she is to become, especially when he shows he who he really is.
She learns more about her father and what he used to do. Then is shocked when told the real reason why Eaton came for her. Why is she paying for what her father did?

Eaton's father is a nasty piece of work and driven by money and power. His plans are ruthless and horrific so will Eaton bow down to his demands or will he stand up to him for the first time? I really liked his best friend and bodyguard Max and his wife Lena. They know there is more going on due to Eaton’s behaviour and it was lovely how understanding and supportive Lena was to Shelby.  

The lines between Eaton and Shelby become blurred when the hate he has for her goes so will he give into his feelings? I liked how his compassionate and caring side emerges as he deals with her. Shelby shows such an inner strength and I was impressed how she dealt with her situation. I did guess some of the twists but it didn’t spoil the story as I still wanted to know what happens once the truth is revealed. I loved that out of so much evil, there is finally some good for this couple and I cheered at the ending. Shelby definitely shows how smart she is and a perfect match for Eaton. I hope we get more them as the last chapter definitely left the door open on their story.

[Susan Freestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! l absolutely loved the darkness in this story, it reached out to me and my love of dark books.. 
Brilliantly written, great characters! 
It's written from Shelby and Eaton's perspective, which I like. 
There is a great twist!! I never saw it  coming... LOVED IT!!


I have been waiting to read this book and the wait was definitely worth it!! 
I was so glad when Anna Edwards said she was returning to her darker side, I knew I would LOVE IT... 
I couldn't put it down, I was sad when the words THE END appeared I was so gripped and fully into this story. 
I am hoping she will write more of her darker side, she really is amazing when she does. 


I can highly recommend this book and this amazing author. 

 

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic story. I knew when Anna said this book was going to be dark that I had to get my hands on this book, and book friend's this book did not disappoint. This is a dark mafia story with twist and turns and one helluva plot twist I sorta knew part of it, but definitely not all. Mercy that Richard Armstrong is evil incarnate. That's all I'm saying you'll just have to read it and find out what happens in here. There's just so many thing's that take place this book literally sucked me in.

[Suzanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex characters, vivid descriptions, and an intriguing plot make this a must read! I immediately empathized with the main character, Shelby. Desperate to live a better life than the one she has with her drug addicted mother in a run-down mobile home, she makes the decision to put her trust in the hands of a complete stranger, Eaton. Eaton is handsome and rich, and can offer Shelby whatever material riches her heart desires. But, he is definitely no Prince Charming. He’s a violent man (we see the extent of that violence when he confronts an unfortunate thief named Belfield), who feels a deep-seated hatred towards Shelby. As the story unfolds, Shelby gets pulled deeper and deeper into Eaton’s posh, but cold world, and the reader learns more and more about the reason for that hatred. Many times, I was on the edge of my seat wondering if Eaton’s attraction to Shelby was powerful enough to override his unrelenting need to punish her. Added to the strong psychological tension created throughout this story was a superb twist at the end that blew my mind. If you like your romance dark and gritty, with plenty of suspense and action, Mine is the book for you. Well done Anna Edwards.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a lot of very interesting and intense moments and twists. Just when I thought I knew what was happening Anna Edwards threw a curveball and had me gasping. I enjoyed this book very much and I was totally caught up in the story and characters of Shelby and Eaton and this is only just the beginning. Looking forward to reading much more. Most definitely recommend this book.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. I found myself hating him at 1st but then I kinda softened up to him. The story had me mad, sad and happy.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby and Eaton's story is dark, intense and twisty. This story grabbed my attention and simply did not let go. From the sizzling sparks, to the make you gasp shockers, this book had me right in the palm of its hand and I was happy to be there.

[Anna Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to bring you this book. I've loved embracing my dark side again. The relationship between Eaton and Shelby is complicated and a fantastic read!

𝑈𝑆𝐴 𝑇𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 Bestselling Author Anna Edwards returns to her darker side with 𝑀𝐼𝑁𝐸

𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄
𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐊
• https://amzn.to/3oA2Q3T
𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐒
• https://amzn.to/3LnfNqJ
𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬
• https://books2read.com/u/bwynzY
𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽
• https://forms.gle/T2ZmVwM8qpF4oCte9
𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗕𝗥
• https://bit.ly/40tLUJx

Cover created by Dani René at Raven Designs

𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Eaton and Shelby must navigate the sins of their parents and hope one of them survives.
Our parents decided our future before we were even born.
We've no say in what happens now.
Well, she doesn't, because she's mine
I will make her pay for what was taken from me.
All her dreams of a normal life are about to vanish.
Replaced by a hellish nightmare.
Death might be the better option.
But I won't let that happen.
I will get my pound of flesh.
I will make her suffer.
I'm the devil she thinks I am.
𝑺𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒂𝒎 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓.

Excerpt:

Chapter One - Shelby

I put the the plate of biscuits and gravy down in front of the customer and can’t help but look up and notice him standing on the sidewalk again. He's been there, in the exact same spot outside the supermarket, every lunchtime for the last week.
With his crisp suit and tie, he looks out of place among the poverty-stricken, local inhabitants. The area of Pharr where I live has a rundown, small-town vibe; its struggling residents occupy the most mobile homes per capita in all of Texas.
I shrug his presence off. Whatever he wants, it’ll have nothing to do with me. A handsome, rich man, rescuing a poor, city girl from a living hell only happens in fairy tales.
This is real life, and I've got customers to serve.
“What can I get y'all?” I ask a man and woman who appear to be a couple.
They are obviously tourists; the maps spread over the table and the fanny pack are a dead giveaway. I don’t know why they’ve chosen to eat at the run-down diner I work in. The red leather chairs are tatty and in desperate need of re-covering, and although the white plastic tables are clean, they’ve seen better days.
Why the fuck anyone would want to visit Pharr is beyond me.
“Could you recommend a local delicacy?” the man responds, his strong British accent sounding cute. “My wife and I want to try as many new dishes as possible on this holiday.”
“Wow. You're from England!” I exclaim. Like it's the first time I've ever met anyone from there.
“We are. We're from Kent. Just outside London,” the man replies with a smile.
I'm glad he added the last bit. I wouldn't have a clue where Kent is, but I've heard of London. Having never left Pharr, I don't know much about the rest of the world.
“What y’all doing after this?” I question.
“We're driving from here to Los Angeles, hoping to take in as much of the country as possible along the way. It's just so vast, and there’s so much to see,” the man replies.
“Well, you've just got to have biscuits and gravy,” I recommend. “It’s a favorite around here.”
In truth, it’s pretty much the only food on the menu that’s edible. We’re not exactly five-star dining here, but in a city where most residents live below the poverty line, we provide food at cheap prices, along with a generous helping of grease. Let’s face it, when you’re hungry, you’ll eat anything.
“That sounds perfect. Bring us two plates, please,” the woman requests, and I scribble the order down on my pad. “We’ll have two cokes as well.”
“What type?” I ask. “Coke, to a Texan, is any carbonated beverage.”
“Coca Cola, please,” she confirms.
“I'll get that out for you straight away,” I say with a nod.
As I walk away, I pass by the diner window and notice the man has disappeared. He’s probably returned to his wealthy, privileged life.
The rest of my shift passes without any drama. The friendly tourists leave me a big tip, which I'm very grateful for. It means, Mom and I won't have to rely solely on the scraps from the diner kitchen for the next few days, not that Mom eats very much anyway. I might be able to afford some fruit or maybe some vegetables that haven't been deep fried. Even a fresh apple would be nice.
“See you later, Fred.” I grab the bag of leftovers I’ve collected over the course of the day and wave goodbye to my boss.
It's past ten pm, and when I step outside, the cool air of the late evening hits me even though I’m still wearing my diner uniform, which consists of black leggings and a long-sleeved red shirt. It’s cold for this time of year. I inhale deeply, clearing away the stench of fries and burgers. The polluted town air fills my nose instead, but it's still smells fresher than the odor of grease I’ve been breathing in for the last eight hours.
Clutching my bag of scraps in one hand, I make my way through the busy streets toward my mobile home that sits on the outskirts of the city. The home I share with my mom is rundown and hasn't been decorated since the seventies, but with my mom's issues after my dad died, it's all we've got to live in.
The one-bedroom, mobile home is in darkness when I arrive, which suggests my mom is out. I'm kind of grateful for that as I don't want to have to handle the shit that comes with her, tonight.
After opening the door, I step inside and flick the switch to turn on the lights.
Nothing happens.
“Fuck’s sake.” I grumble, running my free hand over the top of my head in frustration.
This is just what I need!
I place the bag of food on the kitchen counter and go back outside to check the generator; it’s out of fuel. I drop my head into my hands. There goes my big tip, and with it the happiness I was feeling at the prospect of a meal that didn’t comprise solely of leftovers. I’ll have to use the extra money to buy fuel tomorrow, instead.
I make my way into the kitchen area and grab a couple of candles and the bag of scraps before heading back outside. Tonight, there’ll be a candlelit dinner for one.
I've got a little seating area out front with a log of wood I use for a seat and a small planter containing a few herbs I've cultivated from stolen cuttings. I place both candles on the ground and light them. It's all very peaceful out here and a little bit zen.
Opening the food package, I see it looks quite appetizing for once. One of the customers left their salad untouched. The leaves are a little wilted, but as I shovel them into my mouth, I savor every bite. There’s also some chicken wrapped in cheese and bacon and a few fries. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was after my shift, until now, so I gulp everything down quickly.
“Meow.” Betty, my little cat friend appears by my side, obviously attracted to the smell of food.
“Evening, Betty,” I greet her as I break off a small piece of chicken and throw it toward her.
Betty's not my cat. She's a stray that I look after and feed. I throw her another piece of chicken, and she rolls over onto her back for me to stroke her stomach and purrs when I tickle her tummy.
“Have you had a busy day sleeping, Betty?” I ask.
“Meow,” she answers, as though she understands everything I'm saying.
I guess you could say Betty is my only friend in the world. I didn't make any friends at school. In my last few years of high school, I wasn’t there a lot. I grew up early; I had to with a mother addicted to heroin and a father who died far too young. I wish I could say I remember him. But I was only two when he was shot and killed.
My mom doesn't talk about his death. I think it broke her, and that’s the reason she lost herself to her addiction. I can’t count how many times I’ve tried to help her quit. Now, I guess, I'm just waiting for the day I wake up and she's overdosed. It’s a tragic waste of a life.
Headlights flash as a car pulls up in front of me. My heart deflates. I know instantly who it is. My mom’s home, and my worst fears are realized when she stumbles out of the passenger side of the car.
Betty, as if sensing trouble has arrived, scampers away in a hurry, growling as she goes because she wasn’t able to finish the chicken.
“Shelby.” My mom waves at me.
The driver of the car gets out. He's one of Mom’s regulars. He makes my skin crawl.
“Hi, Shelby.” He nods my way. “Is tonight going to be the night you join us? You know you want a piece of me.”
My stomach turns, and I hope I'm not about to bring up the contents of my second-hand salad and chicken.
“Leave her alone,” my mom quips and pats at her client’s fat stomach playfully. “I'm woman enough for you.”
“And I'm man enough to handle both of you. One day, you'll be desperate enough to spread your legs for me, Shelby. Like mother, like daughter. Your mom is a whore for her heroin, and no doubt, you’ll follow her down that path eventually. After all, you've known nothing different.”
The man’s smirk is cruel and twisted, just like his words. He's right, though. I may still be a virgin and determined to stay that way for as long as possible, but prostitution is one way to make money. And it’s the destiny of many women, and even some men, in this city.
I turn my back to the two of them and respond, “But today won't be that day. By the way, we've got no power indoors, so you might want to go elsewhere. With or without my mom.”
He laughs. “I only need your mom’s pussy to get my dick wet. I never want to see her drugged up face while fucking her. I won't have to do her from behind if it’s dark. It’ll be a welcome change.”
His words sting. This is my mother he's talking about. I've tried to do everything to help her, but her addiction is too far gone.
A lone tear tumbles down my cheek as I watch them go into my home, and not long after, the rhythmic sound of fucking starts. I don't want to be here. I don't want this life. But it was the one that was chosen for me. So, I guess I must suffer through it. I’m only nineteen, and I keep hoping I can save enough money to escape. Who am I kidding? My life’s a mess. And it’s always going to be this way.
“He's got it all wrong.” A deep masculine voice comes from behind me.
Startled, I spin around on the log before getting to my feet, and I'm stunned at what I see. The man in the designer suit stands before me, the one who’s been lurking outside the diner every day this week.
“Who’s got what wrong?” I mumble.
Illuminated by the candlelight, he looks even more handsome up close. His jawline is square, his eyes a bright blue, and his dark hair is neatly combed back from his face.
What is he doing here?
“That man with your mother. You don't just start banging a pussy straightaway. You must warm it up first. It makes the experience so much more pleasurable for both participants,” he answers and then winks at me.
I open my mouth to say something but can't find the words. He’s shocked me into silence. That wasn’t the response I was expecting to hear from him. Then again, I wasn't expecting him to be here in the first place.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” I finally manage to ask.
“My name is Eaton Armstrong. And I've come to collect what’s mine.”

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an author that I have loved reading from the first book I picked up by her. Her writing style are such that she brings life to her stories and her characters. Her characters are steamy and pop off the pages. This book is no different. This is a well written story that is a dark romance between two people who pay for their parents sins. This is a great story that I loved reading. It is fast paced, engaging and hard to put down. A story where the characters pull you into their world with ease and keep you there until the end. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their steamy chemistry throughout. This is a must read story that is easy and entertaining to read. I highly recommend this book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days what a book. I loved this story.
Shelby has nothing and lives day today, with her drug and alcoholic mother.
Eaton is mighty and rich owning along with his father all of Vegas. But all is not as it seems. Eaton is told from a young age that Shelby is his. So when the time is right he takes her away from everything she knows, even her mother. This story has twists that you don't see coming. Eaton is a monster thinking nothing of killing you in a painful manor. I'd say it's a must to read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an immense pleasure to get back to this author with this all-encompassing read. From the beginning, I wanted to go down the rabbit hole with these complex characters. Shelby has the weight of the world on her shoulders and all she wants is a better life. She is no stranger to hard work. Eaton is a hard, gruff man who has it all and the means to give Shelby anything and everything she could want. However, there is one major issue that stands between them. This is one well written storyline where the author’s dark side is shining through from beginning to end and I am not spoiling anything. You just have to read it for yourself asap!

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fed my little dark heart, I love the Authors dark side, I was on the edge of my seat consumed with Shelby and Eaton's journey.
She is in a bad way and Eaton a stranger is dangerous and very wealthy and when he shows his true side what's a girl to do. I didn't like him at first but he grew on me and that twisted ending with shocked surprises heck yessss!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine is an intense, dark, and twisted billionaire romance. I absolutely love Anna Edwards's writing so when I heard she was writing a dark romance I jumped at the chance to read it and this book did not disappoint. From the well written and captivating storyline to the well developed characters and unexpected twists, this is a page turning read.

[Maria Varley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a start to a brand new dark romance series. I'm just at a loss for words to describe this book. It gripped me from the very beginning and I found it hard to put it down. Buy this book I promise if you enjoyed the legacy series you'll love this one

[Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly edited

I previously read a book by Anna Edwards. It was riddled with errors. I decided to try again; clean slate and all. I really dislike paying for a book that has so many errors. It could be a good story, but the mistakes are beyond distracting.

[horizon · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf’d at 10%. should have listened to my gut at how bad the blurb is. throwing seemingly random samplings of misogyny, classism, and ableism at my face all in a row isn’t the best way to endear me to an author, strangely enough.

[Sarah Van acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story was dark and gritty but I loved it. It was so intense and I kind of didn't like Eaton in the begining but he grew on me. Great.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable story. Poor editing. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t hate the story but I also wasn’t a fan of it. I really didn’t like either of the main characters.