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Trapped
As teenagers, Maggie Donaldson and Johnny Taylor fell hard and fast in love. But they didn′t know they were from rival gangland families in London′s criminal underworld. Going public with their relationship would have brought them more trouble than they could handle, so for years they concealed the truth. But their house of cards won′t be safe for much longer.
Maggie′s violent father Max has always been out for the Taylors′ blood and treats his own family with barely more sympathy. There′s a long-buried reason for the vendetta that no one talks about, a secret so shocking it could tear each family - and Maggie and Johnny - apart...
A gritty story of bitter feuds and unbreakable bonds, Trapped is the perfect read for fans of Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole.
Maggie′s violent father Max has always been out for the Taylors′ blood and treats his own family with barely more sympathy. There′s a long-buried reason for the vendetta that no one talks about, a secret so shocking it could tear each family - and Maggie and Johnny - apart...
A gritty story of bitter feuds and unbreakable bonds, Trapped is the perfect read for fans of Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole.
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
109 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Mary Linn Roby
42 books8 followersaka Elisabeth Welles, Georgina Grey, Mary Wilson, Pamela D'Arcy, Pauline Pryor, Valerie Bradstreet.
Mary is the author of fifty-two Gothic, romances, regencies, and mystery novels. Mary also teaches English literature, creative writing, and rhetoric. Her husband is an English professor, a biographer, editor, and mystery writer.
Mary loves tennis, reading, and traveling, and her special editing interests lie in the field of fiction and memoirs. She enhances the creative talents of clients by giving their manuscripts a sympathetic reading, an in-depth critique, and meticulous editing.
Mary is the author of fifty-two Gothic, romances, regencies, and mystery novels. Mary also teaches English literature, creative writing, and rhetoric. Her husband is an English professor, a biographer, editor, and mystery writer.
Mary loves tennis, reading, and traveling, and her special editing interests lie in the field of fiction and memoirs. She enhances the creative talents of clients by giving their manuscripts a sympathetic reading, an in-depth critique, and meticulous editing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 26, 2013
Jacqui Rose came to my attention last year in 2012 with the release of her debut novel Taken. It was a brilliant debut and I have been looking forward to and hoping that this new release is just as good. Maggie Donaldson is a young girl who has just come back to her hometown. Growing up with her father Max certainly wasn't easy. Max is a face and he and the family the Taylor's have a bit of rivalry going on that show no sign of letting up. When Maggie returns home, she realises that her time away has changed nothing. Her Dad Max seems even more violent than before, but Maggie is determined to get on with her life.
Jacqui has that knack that certain writers such as Cole, Heller and Chambers have. She creates a character that is believable and Maggie is no exception. Brazen and with a filthy temper, you can almost imagine what her reputation is like. Having said that she is a really likeable character, if only I could say the same about Max! On the opposite side to the Donaldson's is the Taylor's. Frankie and Gypsy Taylor have been married for years and their grown up son Tommy is part of Frankie's firm. The Taylor's are a much more likeable family but with the sheer violence the Donaldson children see every day it was no surprise that the family members are all slightly deranged in their own way.
With the feud between the two families getting worse, Maggie fears that her secret will be exposed and there will be no turning back from the repercussions that will take place if people found out. It's clear to the reader what the big secret is from the early days (but I dislike spoilers so will refrain from mentioning what that is!). As the story continues there are quite a few plot twists that involve extended family members from both sides making the suspense raise another notch. By the halfway mark I found myself constantly getting twitch when you just know something is going to happen, but not quite sure when. BY the last quarter I was practically sitting on the edge of my seat and got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I must say by the time I had finished (it took me just a day and a half!) I was so pleased that Jacqui Rose has proven she can write just as well as some of the others. The violence in this book was worse than in the previous one, or maybe she has just done a stellar job in creating a monster with Max Donaldson (what a vile man!). I truly loved this book and would recommend it to anybody who favours the likes of Mandasue Heller, Kim Chambers and Jessie Keane. A class book that kept me reading and I can't wait for the next one!
Jacqui has that knack that certain writers such as Cole, Heller and Chambers have. She creates a character that is believable and Maggie is no exception. Brazen and with a filthy temper, you can almost imagine what her reputation is like. Having said that she is a really likeable character, if only I could say the same about Max! On the opposite side to the Donaldson's is the Taylor's. Frankie and Gypsy Taylor have been married for years and their grown up son Tommy is part of Frankie's firm. The Taylor's are a much more likeable family but with the sheer violence the Donaldson children see every day it was no surprise that the family members are all slightly deranged in their own way.
With the feud between the two families getting worse, Maggie fears that her secret will be exposed and there will be no turning back from the repercussions that will take place if people found out. It's clear to the reader what the big secret is from the early days (but I dislike spoilers so will refrain from mentioning what that is!). As the story continues there are quite a few plot twists that involve extended family members from both sides making the suspense raise another notch. By the halfway mark I found myself constantly getting twitch when you just know something is going to happen, but not quite sure when. BY the last quarter I was practically sitting on the edge of my seat and got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I must say by the time I had finished (it took me just a day and a half!) I was so pleased that Jacqui Rose has proven she can write just as well as some of the others. The violence in this book was worse than in the previous one, or maybe she has just done a stellar job in creating a monster with Max Donaldson (what a vile man!). I truly loved this book and would recommend it to anybody who favours the likes of Mandasue Heller, Kim Chambers and Jessie Keane. A class book that kept me reading and I can't wait for the next one!
August 14, 2025
Not for the feint hearted as this book depicted the violent, ruthless gangland world of Soho vividly. Revolving around the feuding Taylor and Donaldson families. It had me tensed up, reading in horror, but I could not stop reading. My first read by the author, but now I understand why her co writing with Martina Cole worked seemless.
March 12, 2013
Trapped revolves around two rival gangs living in London. Max Donaldson is a controlling, powerful man who likes to have his own way, even controlling the lives of his wife and children, including his daughter Maggie, who longs to have an easier life. Max’s biggest enemy is Frankie Taylor, though the reason for such hatred is unknown to many. When Maggie meets Johnny and falls in love, she has happiness amongst her chaotic life, but Johnny is the son of Frankie Taylor, and the vendetta between Max and Frankie is about to get a lot worse…
I raced through this book! I read it in two sittings, only stopping to make the dinner, and I couldn’t put it down.It was fast-paced, thrilling and I was always desperate to reach the next chapter!
The characters were very-well written. The rivalry in particular between Max and Frankie was portrayed brilliantly. When I was reading these scenes I actually felt nervous about what was going to happen, my heart raced and I was gripped to the pages. The violence, the clashes and disputes between them, sometimes even bringing other people into the mix, was very compelling to read.
There is a lot of tension throughout. For me, I had no idea which way the story was going to go and so at times I was catching my breath from the fast pace at which I was speeding through the pages.
The romance and relationship between Maggie and Johnny was another thing that has me hooked to the book. As a fan of love and romance, I wanted them to be in love and be allowed to have their relationship with no problems, but obviously with two rival fathers, it is going to be a rocky road, it is going to be dangerous and it is not going to go smoothly.
Trapped is a captivating, thrilling story full of suspense, tension and a brilliant plot line. Before Trapped, I had never read anything by Jacqui Rose but I will now be eagerly awaiting her future releases!
I raced through this book! I read it in two sittings, only stopping to make the dinner, and I couldn’t put it down.It was fast-paced, thrilling and I was always desperate to reach the next chapter!
The characters were very-well written. The rivalry in particular between Max and Frankie was portrayed brilliantly. When I was reading these scenes I actually felt nervous about what was going to happen, my heart raced and I was gripped to the pages. The violence, the clashes and disputes between them, sometimes even bringing other people into the mix, was very compelling to read.
There is a lot of tension throughout. For me, I had no idea which way the story was going to go and so at times I was catching my breath from the fast pace at which I was speeding through the pages.
The romance and relationship between Maggie and Johnny was another thing that has me hooked to the book. As a fan of love and romance, I wanted them to be in love and be allowed to have their relationship with no problems, but obviously with two rival fathers, it is going to be a rocky road, it is going to be dangerous and it is not going to go smoothly.
Trapped is a captivating, thrilling story full of suspense, tension and a brilliant plot line. Before Trapped, I had never read anything by Jacqui Rose but I will now be eagerly awaiting her future releases!
May 14, 2013
I won a copy of Trapped in a Goodreads giveaway and I was not disappointed!
It has everything you could possibly want for a thrilling read.
I was hooked from the very first chapter right up until the very end.
The characters are extremely interesting and the storyline is just explosive!
If you like a tad of romance, some violence and A LOT of action then I highly recommend you read this book NOW!
It has everything you could possibly want for a thrilling read.
I was hooked from the very first chapter right up until the very end.
The characters are extremely interesting and the storyline is just explosive!
If you like a tad of romance, some violence and A LOT of action then I highly recommend you read this book NOW!
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May 5, 2013This was my first time reading a jacqui rose novel and i wasnt overly impressed.
I liked the characters in the novel and the grittiness of there lives were portrayed very well. The main character, maggie, isn't your typical heroine. Shes sassy, hard and doesn't take any crap! These women characters, i feel are hard to come by. The plot was a bit rushed and the ending wasn't brilliant. Its a "happily ever after" ending which didn't really suit the genre of the book.
The good thing though, is hasn't put me off reading anymore jacqui rose novels. Fingers crossed the next one will blow me away!
I liked the characters in the novel and the grittiness of there lives were portrayed very well. The main character, maggie, isn't your typical heroine. Shes sassy, hard and doesn't take any crap! These women characters, i feel are hard to come by. The plot was a bit rushed and the ending wasn't brilliant. Its a "happily ever after" ending which didn't really suit the genre of the book.
The good thing though, is hasn't put me off reading anymore jacqui rose novels. Fingers crossed the next one will blow me away!
March 17, 2013
Loved it from start to finish. A tale of two rival gang families who hate each other with a passion and in the middle of it are Maggie and her daughter Harvey.
Twist and turns in the plot, proper east end style gangster violence and great plot.
Twist and turns in the plot, proper east end style gangster violence and great plot.
July 6, 2015
Brilliant book! I was hooked from the beginning, the pace increasing as the pages turned, and I grabbed hold of the book at every opportunity. I will be reading more from Jacqui Rose.
May 12, 2018
Fantastic book
March 27, 2025
After reading Halloween type books for a month I needed to read something different. So I decided to take a trip to the East End of London with Trapped by Jacqui Rose.
The book is quite obviously a East End, gritty read in the vain of Martina Cole. This is the first book by Ms Rose that I have read. It revolves around two rivalry families, the Donaldson and the Taylors. Maggie Donaldson hasn't had it easy with her tyrant of a father . Shes got a secret that she doesn't want to share. Johnny Taylor shouldn't be having anything to do with the Donaldson family but he too has a secret.
This book I was really enjoying for the biggest part. The story was gritty and full of the rival East End tension. It had a reasonable story of two rival families and a love that is forbidden. Then as the book progressed especially towards the end I felt it went very flawed and dare I say quite silly. What went wrong for me there was just too much going on. The story for me would have worked better if it focused on Maggie and Johnny more.
Overall an ok read but it badly lost its way. I won't give up on Ms Rose and would read another book by her.
The book is quite obviously a East End, gritty read in the vain of Martina Cole. This is the first book by Ms Rose that I have read. It revolves around two rivalry families, the Donaldson and the Taylors. Maggie Donaldson hasn't had it easy with her tyrant of a father . Shes got a secret that she doesn't want to share. Johnny Taylor shouldn't be having anything to do with the Donaldson family but he too has a secret.
This book I was really enjoying for the biggest part. The story was gritty and full of the rival East End tension. It had a reasonable story of two rival families and a love that is forbidden. Then as the book progressed especially towards the end I felt it went very flawed and dare I say quite silly. What went wrong for me there was just too much going on. The story for me would have worked better if it focused on Maggie and Johnny more.
Overall an ok read but it badly lost its way. I won't give up on Ms Rose and would read another book by her.
October 15, 2022
I struggled with this book and was sure I would end up giving it a two star. It started pretty slow and I felt there was far too many characters introduced causing a little confusion. I was spending too much time trying to place everyone. Once I reached around the 150 page mark it started to fall into place and the more I continued the more gripping it became. Then it felt like a rollercoaster of unexpected twists and built up to a fantastic finale. Now I know what I know, this is one of those books I want to read again, just so I can un-confuse myself with the beginnings.
April 8, 2018
Another excellent read, London's gangster land, 2nd book I have read by this author,and i am on to the next one, both 5stars, if you enjoy gritty fast paced story, this is for you, would recommend.
July 24, 2018
Read this book in 2 days could not put it down . Readers who like Jessie Keane and Kimberly chambers would like this book.
July 29, 2018
Breathtakingly brilliant
So many twists and a great ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book x
Thank you Jacqui Rose for allowing me to forget my problems and lose myself
So many twists and a great ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book x
Thank you Jacqui Rose for allowing me to forget my problems and lose myself
October 25, 2019
Trapped
I was trapped reading this book i couldn't put it down really good read cannot wait to read my next book by Jacqui rose thank you x
I was trapped reading this book i couldn't put it down really good read cannot wait to read my next book by Jacqui rose thank you x
January 16, 2021
Amanda
Another good book kept on edge good page turner and twists worth a read would recommend this book couldn't put it down
Another good book kept on edge good page turner and twists worth a read would recommend this book couldn't put it down
December 11, 2024
Trapoed
A truly gripping & excitement book to read with a lot of strong characters. Had me up all hours reading. Looking forward to more books by JR.
A truly gripping & excitement book to read with a lot of strong characters. Had me up all hours reading. Looking forward to more books by JR.
April 24, 2013
This is a book I received for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
It’s a story about two families in a ‘London gangster’ setting and I would expect fans of Martina Cole to also enjoy it as the writing style and subject matter is quite similar.
The main character is Maggie Donaldson, daughter of a well know ‘face’ in Soho – Max Donaldson. She became involved with a guy called Johnny Taylor who turns out to be the son of the Donaldson’s biggest rivals. Without giving anything away the story unfolds to explain how they met, and what happened to cause such a rift between the two families.
It took me about a third of the way into the book before I started to warm to the characters. Before that it felt a little onerous just trying to keep up with the number of characters and to work out which ones were connected to which family. However, once I had got that sorted out and the plot began to pick up pace, I did enjoy the latter stages of the book. There are some interesting plot twists – some I saw coming and one or two I did not.
It’s not normally the type of book I would choose to read as I find the whole ‘violent London underworld’ setting can be a little repetitive. However, overall I enjoyed this book and I would read another by this author.
It’s a story about two families in a ‘London gangster’ setting and I would expect fans of Martina Cole to also enjoy it as the writing style and subject matter is quite similar.
The main character is Maggie Donaldson, daughter of a well know ‘face’ in Soho – Max Donaldson. She became involved with a guy called Johnny Taylor who turns out to be the son of the Donaldson’s biggest rivals. Without giving anything away the story unfolds to explain how they met, and what happened to cause such a rift between the two families.
It took me about a third of the way into the book before I started to warm to the characters. Before that it felt a little onerous just trying to keep up with the number of characters and to work out which ones were connected to which family. However, once I had got that sorted out and the plot began to pick up pace, I did enjoy the latter stages of the book. There are some interesting plot twists – some I saw coming and one or two I did not.
It’s not normally the type of book I would choose to read as I find the whole ‘violent London underworld’ setting can be a little repetitive. However, overall I enjoyed this book and I would read another by this author.
September 27, 2015
Lauren Wilding applied for a job as companion to a supposedly insane woman at a facility called Montpelier, which was a luxurious asylum for the wealthy. Mr. Hilyard, the woman's husband, immediately hired Lauren on the spot.
Lauren arrived at Montpelier ready to make a fresh start of things after her boyfriend of two years sent her packing. Very quickly, Lauren was pulled into a bunch of drama that proved to be entertaining for a while. She had to figure out if Janice Hilyard was really insane, or if her husband wanted control of her money and would do anything to keep her locked away.
I was a bit disappointed even though I liked the book. All the action takes place over two days so everything felt rushed but the story still managed to drag here and there. Lauren's romance flopped over big time, I am simply not going to believe that strangers can feel love for each other in ten seconds and then become a couple after less than a 1-hour conversation.
Lauren arrived at Montpelier ready to make a fresh start of things after her boyfriend of two years sent her packing. Very quickly, Lauren was pulled into a bunch of drama that proved to be entertaining for a while. She had to figure out if Janice Hilyard was really insane, or if her husband wanted control of her money and would do anything to keep her locked away.
I was a bit disappointed even though I liked the book. All the action takes place over two days so everything felt rushed but the story still managed to drag here and there. Lauren's romance flopped over big time, I am simply not going to believe that strangers can feel love for each other in ten seconds and then become a couple after less than a 1-hour conversation.
October 1, 2013
With the two rival gangs the story alludes to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but this novel is of course as contemporary as it could be and the extreme violence and crime adds to the contemporary, 'gritty' feel. It is a fast-paced thriller and extremely captive all the way through. I agree with other reviewers that it could perhaps have been longer, but it was a quick read and the fast pace means that the reader never gets bored and always wants to keep reading. It is written very skilfully, with great descriptions of setting and a fantastic atmosphere created. Although the ending could have been slightly more satisfying, unexpected twists throughout the novel made it for me.
An excellent thriller that captivates the reader immediately and never lets go.
An excellent thriller that captivates the reader immediately and never lets go.
September 12, 2013
I give this book a 10/5 I know it took awhile but goodreads has kept me back on my writing. This book was highly recommended by a friend of mine, after reading my portfolio I would have to go back and see who it was... Best buy in my life!.
Imagine Maggie Donaldson has a father whom is violent and when he does not get his way he beats up on the family. Maggie went away for a year to see that things have not changed upon her arrival. One day a young man her age is nice and caring, and it blew Maggie away that someone cared, other than her mom and brother, who too got beaten up.
their feud is with the Taylor's whom she is close to esp. the son. What would you do if the love of your life is supposed to be your worst enemy?
Imagine Maggie Donaldson has a father whom is violent and when he does not get his way he beats up on the family. Maggie went away for a year to see that things have not changed upon her arrival. One day a young man her age is nice and caring, and it blew Maggie away that someone cared, other than her mom and brother, who too got beaten up.
their feud is with the Taylor's whom she is close to esp. the son. What would you do if the love of your life is supposed to be your worst enemy?
May 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It is the second book by Jacqui Rose I have read (Taken being the first!). The story grips you from the start--arch enemies, love, murder, gangster lifestyle--all the things I love really! And there are some unexpected twists which leave you screaming out loud hoping nobody pays attention to the crazy woman on the train...or maybe that is just me!
Anyone looking for a great story which will leave you wanting more...grab this book quick!
Anyone looking for a great story which will leave you wanting more...grab this book quick!
December 20, 2013
I won this book in a goodreads first reads competition. Overall it was an enjoyable read. It really grabbed me in the last third when most of the mysteries weaved were solved and most of the action occurred. I really found the end touching, as two families who hate each other came together against evil and became a real family. The only reason I didn't give this a 4 star is that I found some of the language used to be very inappropriate and offensive- but maybe that's just me.
May 23, 2015
London's Soho is ruled by two rival families - the Donaldsons' and the Taylors' but their youngest children made the mistake of falling in love as teenagers and the potential fallout has them hiding their love & their child from their own families. But their web of deceit is beginning to spiral out of control & a vicious vendetta will hit the streets of Soho.
Gritty, engaging, unputdownable ... everything you'd want in a great thriller!
Gritty, engaging, unputdownable ... everything you'd want in a great thriller!
March 12, 2013
I love Jacqui Rose, trapped is her second book and after waiting a year from reading her first book Taken I wasn't disappointed, her characters are likable and the plot believable, you just disappear into her world only to turn around and realise 'oh bugger iv'e finished it'.
I would definatly recommend this Author, she's my fav!
I would definatly recommend this Author, she's my fav!
March 29, 2024
Interesting concept, but I found the novel somewhat uneven. The heroine, especially, seemed to be all over the place: first drawn to one man and then another. More than one "special connection" is apt to be confusing, not to mention make the character seem a bit needy. The rather silly fog-bound ending did not leave me with a good impression, but overall it was a fairly entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2013
Loved it - felt it could easily have been a longer and gone into more depth - some of the information was too brief but kept me up to finish it and that deserves 5*!
Looking forward to reading more from this new author who can only get better!
Looking forward to reading more from this new author who can only get better!
October 9, 2013
Wow, what a great book, this is the first book i have read of jacqui
rose and really enjoyed it. I loved the style of writing,
The charachters were brilliant heart wrenching at times
but the ending was brilliant.
rose and really enjoyed it. I loved the style of writing,
The charachters were brilliant heart wrenching at times
but the ending was brilliant.
May 14, 2015
This was another of my firstreads books. This was also my first book by Jacqui Rose.
It did have a very predictable ending, which seems very farfetched for a story about two gangster families. It was a nice story, but did waffle on a bit in parts.
It did have a very predictable ending, which seems very farfetched for a story about two gangster families. It was a nice story, but did waffle on a bit in parts.
May 30, 2013
Straight out of the Martina Cole school of plot lines and characters. I really loved this book. It was fast paced, gritty and full of flawed characters. her style is lively and highly readable. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews