Keeping My Captive

Keeping What's Mine #3

by Angela Snyder

When I first saw Aria at the auction, it was like some twist of cruel fate bringing us together. There’s just something about her that I could not resist. I had to make her mine.

But now that she’s under my power, I quickly realize I’ve gotten more than I bargained for.

Aria isn’t just a pretty doll to play with. No, she’s so much more than that.

And no matter how many times I try to bend her, she just won’t fully break.

When I find out the truth about Aria’s family and where she came from, I know my feelings for her will bring an all-out war against me and my empire.

But I’ll do anything to protect and keep my little captive. She’s mine now, and I’m never giving her up.

Author's Keeping My Captive is Aria Vitale’s story; and although it is a standalone, it would be better enjoyed after reading Keeping My Bride and Keeping My Girl.

This is a dark romance with adult themes, language and situations. For CWs, please check the author's website.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Romance, Forced Proximity, Smut

366 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

Angela Snyder is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Angela grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania with a passion for reading and writing stories since she was a child. Angela currently lives in an even smaller town in Pennsylvania with her husband and her very spoiled Golden Retriever.
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Find Angela's books on Amazon: http://Author.to/AngelaSnyder

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Reviews

[Sana Fathima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC!
I have waited to read this book eagerly for four months now.
I had high expectations from the book as I love reading captive romances, and the author met each and every expectation of mine.
OMG, THE CHEMISTRY WAS SOO HOTTT!!!!
Aria and Mateo are everything!!
The way Mateo was soft only for her and the way Aria could not deny the pull between them.
The story is written beautifully with the best toe-curling smut!!!
My favorite was when they were in pain and still asked about the other.
Love this amazing mafia dark romance book!!🔥❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Traceys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Human Trafficing, forced proximity, Mafia, and sexy.

Mateo is no good boy, his whole lot of badass, but he has his standards.

Aria, the Vitale sister. She knows how to handle herself generally but she finds herself in a difficult situation when she's
taken to Mateo's home.

I felt Mateo's punishment for her wanting to be free and disrespecting him was too harsh, as did he really, not sure I'd have forgiven it. This is escapism so we move on.

I found Mateo generally nice and pulled towards his little captive, they definitely grow on each other. In case you're concerned there is NO rape, just sexual tension until Aria can't stop herself wanting a bit of Mateo.

I've really enjoyed this series.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning Bells and Lucky Coins

This was an odd combination of dark and sweet, and I loved it! While Mateo Navarro is the head of a Mexican cartel and all that entails, he has a soft spot for exploited women. He keeps it quiet, except when it comes to her.

Aria Vitale is in so far over her head, and I'm here for it. She's naïve and a bit foolish. Even still, I do admire her fire. She usually knows when to temper her sass, which is a saving grace.

Yes, the darkness sometimes made me squeamish in an ick way, but so much of it was scalding hot. Aye, aye, aye! 🔥🥵🔥 So. Very. Hot!

The twists were pretty obvious, but that didn't impact my enjoyment. They played out well, leaving me satisfied.

I do recommend reading the series in order, especially Nico and Selena's book, as there is overlap that may leave you scratching your head.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Phillipa Miller and Duncan Prescott. I enjoyed them both, but I really wish this was in duet. Duncan has a mild Spanish accent that really set him apart and was noticeably missing when it was Aria's POV.

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = 35; h = 21

[DiDi · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I may be a bastard, but I draw the line when it comes to men hurting innocent women and children.” Quote from the MMC. So he had the MFC whipped with deep gashes on her back. He beat her with his belt. I’m not even sure where to start in my review. The author can write without a doubt. I have no problem with punishment if it fits the story. The MMC saw his sisters/mom raped and killed and was whipped almost to the point of death. He rescued the MFC from being bought by the bad guy but he decides her being whipped is a fitting punishment for a scared woman who has been almost raped and sold trying to escape. Then he tells the doctor no scars lol and she is kept under for a few days than all better it’s never really talked in depth again. The doctor is there will be no scars. You have open deep gashes on your back that takes months to heal and how can you tell no scars I had surgery a year ago and still bear the mark. This made no sense to me if he is all about not hurting innocent women. It would have made sense if one of his men had took it upon himself to whip her without his knowledge and he stopped it instead of him setting it up. Then the scene where he is angry about his uncle he takes it out on her by beating her with his belt. She of course gets turned on even though it hurts and he fucks her in the dining room. When are we going have a scene where the woman does not get turned on by having her ass beaten by a belt. This scene was disappointing. If he had done that and realized she was really hurt and stopped or when he went to fuck her and realized she was not ready for him, was not turned on and he has a oh shit moment of what did I do. Instead he does not apologize walks out on her really treating her like a toy. There was no real grovelling. I’m so tired with writers writing books masked as romance where the guy beats or has her beaten treats her like a whore but she wants him is turned on forgives him with no to little grovelling. Oh let’s not forget we are supposed to forgive him because of what happened in his childhood. That he is damaged. Poor baby let’s just let people go around hurting people because of past trauma with no consequences. This could have been a five star read. Instead a two but if any authors are reading this review PLEASE give us an actual book with the female not getting turned on by getting her ass hit. Give us an actual strong female with a male who works through his shit without beating or getting the female beaten. Even with his giving up his life for her I still could not get over the whipping and belt and how it was glossed over. The man that won’t hurt innocent women sure had no problem hurting this one.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect ending to the series! I LOVE Aria the sass attitude and fight she gives is my favorite. The fact that Mateo loves all of her just the way she is makes it better. Mateo isn’t a captor but a savior and would do anything for her.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I was lucky to learn about an opportunity to get the ARC on Booksprout, and since it’s dark mafia and I love the trope, I decided to get it. I loved it, it’s dark, the beginning definitely darker than the rest of the book. It’s Aria and Mateo’s love story. It’s dark, at times funny and definitely super hot. It’s definitely a stand-alone, as I haven’t read any other books of hers or in the series and didn’t feel like I was missing some part of the story. Definitely will keep reading her books. Now I want to start the series and know what happened before Aria’s story! Ha ha!!

[Kalynne Mecklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say i DEVOURED this book yall. This book kept me up until I could no longer keep my eyes open. From the prologue I was HOOKED.
Plot - AMAZING! Spice - HOOOOOT!
I usually stay away from virgin FMCs, but I loved Aria. She is strong, and hell bent on surviving.
This was my first Mexican Cartel mafia romance and let me tell you - ugh MATEO🥵 I’d be his “pequena cautiva” anyway! The possessiveness and protectiveness!
If you love a touch her and die MMC - Mateo is your guy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So damn good
I literally haven’t shut up about it to my friends!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[booklovelastsforever K · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅dark mafia romance
✅ 🌶️
✅age gap
✅enemies to lovers
✅his captive 👀
✅ touch her you ☠️

Mateo, Mateo, Mateo 🖤 possessive alpha-hole, check! Morally grey, check! Will literally 💀 anyone who ever hurt her, check! 🤭 oohhh the 🌶️, the praise and talking to her in another language - gahhhh! You know you love that mi pequeña cautiva 😏

Aria being stubborn and sassy, didn’t push Mateo away, it only drew him closer. Loving her feisty side.

I loved this Mafia Romance story, the epilogue made me laugh and 🥺, was perfect for them. 💕

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I did the whole series… except I didn’t like the ending and it took me a while to figure it out- apparently a cartel boss going to work for the mafia dad is an ick I didn’t know I had!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do i have problems for liking this book so much? yes. do I care? no. Loved it. Why do we care if she has Stockholm syndrome if she’s happy. Let her be.

[andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

…maybe i’ve read too many mafia romances but this was giving wattpad and it was a 👎🏼 for me🧍🏻‍♀️

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book that circles around Nico, Selina, and others (who we met in Keeping my Girl) and their gritty and dangerous criminal world.

Aria is in a terrible situation, (that began when Constantine kidnapped her) that doesn't seem to improve when she is "bought" by Matteo.

BTW-This is not at all for sensitive readers.

The chemistry between these two is steamy. Aria's smart mouth, gets her in trouble but their initial animosity begins to swing towards attraction. It was fun to see that happen!

This is an easy-to-read book that kept me flipping pages. I recommend this book, series, and author. These are best read in order, for storyline continuity...
Keeping My Bride, Keeping My Girl, Keeping My Captive.

I received a free ARC of this book and voluntarily leave my review.

[Michelle Paulson-Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, this book does not start off strong. The writing style in the first couple chapters has me questioning if I wanted to continue or not. I stuck it out and wasn’t displeased by the rest of the book. I thought this book was better than Angela’s book Keeping My Bride. If you like mafia romance, and stockholm syndrome books this is the book for you

[Taylor Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria was at an auction, Mateo finds her there. He said he just had to make her his. This is a steamy standalone book. Aria and Mateo, the dynamic between them is amazing. I couldn’t put this book down. Author you did such an amazing job! Falling for the villain! This is a dark romance, mafia romance, age gap romance, and of course a captive romance book.

[Thind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just amazing
What aria went through before meeting mateo was awful but her knight in shining armour our mateo is amazing
Both of them together
What he went through for her
How much he saved her
How much he loves her
Both of their love
Just amazing

[Courtney Iverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

I read all three in a day because I literally could not put it down!! I 100% recommend this series.

[Dana Cutliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this entire series! Each book held my attention from the first chapter. This book was a great way to wrap up this series! Although I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐼𝒻 𝐼 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝒶𝓃, 𝒜𝓇𝒾𝒶, 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑔𝑜. 𝐵𝓊𝓉, 𝓊𝓃𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓊𝓃𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝐼'𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓉.

Mafia romances are my favorite, and Keeping My Captive didn't disappoint. It's a dark, gritty, raw, well-written story, and it's full of suspense and twists and turns.

𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝓌𝑜𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓂𝓎 𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓁𝒹, 𝒾𝓉 𝓊𝓃𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓈 𝒶 𝒹𝒾𝒻𝒻𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝑒. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉. 𝒩𝑜, 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒾𝓉.

Mateo is dark, powerful, savage, and sexy, whereas Aria is sassy, kind, and strong.

𝑀𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝒻𝒶𝓋𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒𝑔𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝓎 🍆, 𝒜𝓇𝒾𝒶.

Aria is kidnapped by Constantine and shipped to the island, where she is auctioned off to Mateo. These two were like oil and vinegar; they did not mix well until they started to let their guards down. These two go through so much together, and their chemistry is off the charts.

𝒮𝒽𝑒'𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝒷𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃, 𝒶 𝒷𝒶𝒹 𝒻--𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝒶𝒷𝒾𝓉, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝑒𝓇.

Mateo may start out as Aria's captor, but he ends up being the one to save her and lay everything on the line, including his life.

𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓂 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓁𝑒𝓈. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓃.

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up <3

This is the first book I’ve read from this author & from this series. I went in a bit blind after seeing this was a captive mafia romance I was intrigued, and decided to grab myself an ARC copy via Booksprout.

Reading as a stand-alone from the series I didn’t feel as if I needed to have read the previous book, so you have the option to dive into the whole series or just this one, I’ll say after finishing I’m curious about the other characters.

The journey between Mateo & Aria I’d say was a slow build, I was waiting for that moment and I wish it happened earlier so that I got to experience more of them together, overall I’d say this was 3.5 stars for me, but because of the “good girl” praise (which I can’t resist) I’ve rounded up to 4 stars 🙌🏼

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of Keeping What’s Mine series each can be read as a standalone connecting through the characters because we met these two in the last book each with a sexy possessive and the girl who captures his undivided attention so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Aria is one feisty, strong girl doesn’t mind using her mouth to tell you exactly what she thinks, she is kidnapped put up for auction and bought by another man that she thinks she can’t stand fighting every step of the way. Mateo sexy as all get out mafia extremely possessive, ruthless on a good day, deadly everyday and the moment he sees the beauty on stage of course he buys her, but he may have bit off more then he wanted because she is a fighter not allowing him to break her which is part of why he is drawn to her. Aria does her best to not say anything, but her sprit won’t allow her to just take it she is so sick of not having freedom first her family, then she is auction off like livestock and now bought by the sexiest man and although his punishments are rather harsh especially when she tries to gain freedom or when her mouth gets her into trouble. They say it is a thin line between love and hate these two prove it the more they hate one another the more they want one another but when he learns her truth will he set her free, will he protect her, will he keep her, will he give her the freedom she wants, does she want to be free or will she see she is free, and will they find happiness on the wild ride they find themselves on?

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I had a book from this amazing author to read, and I was super excited.
I was on cloud nine actually, because not only it was a book from an author that I love, but also because it was from a series that left me wanting more.
Angela Snyder has had this hold on me since the first book that I've read.
Her writing it captivating, addictive and so much more.
Keeping My Captive is her latest release and explores the lives of Mateo and Aria.
Guys, despite the fact that this book is a standalone, you really should read Keeping My Bride and Keeping My Girl first, in this order. By doing that, you'll be able to understand this book better.
Mateo is not a choir boy... Oh, no sir, he's ruthless, the head of the Mexican cartel.
When one associate takes him to an auction, he wasn't expecting to "buy" a girl and...
Aria just wanted to be free. To be able to live her life without the shackles of her bodyguards.
When she escapes to go to a party...
Jesus, I knew that this book was going to be brutal, but Dayum, I'm still shaking.
Superb plot, well written, super engaging, dark and insane.
The way the story progressed left me shaking like a leaf and the need to know more was insane.
I was captivated by the story and loved every single thing.
The darkness that surrounded this book was insane actually.
Loved the chemistry these two shared, despite all the darkness that surrounded them.
Loved that fact that I was able to get the answers left in the previous books.
It was a joy to read this book and I'm a bit sad that it's over.
I wanted more. So much more.
Angela, like always, you excelled. This story is breathtaking and I loved every single word.
Can't wait for your next release.  

[Ignasarilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got my hand on KEEPING MY CAPTIVE by Angela Snyder. This is the third book of Angela Snyder that I have read. The first book that I read was Keeping My Bride and since then I have been waiting for her next book to come out. And when I found out that the author was looking for readers to read the ARC copies, I could not hide my excitement and do all the things that I need to be one of the ARC readers.

I can’t stop myself from putting down the book. I fell in love completely with Mateo. He is not the mafia that I have read in other books. He is actually a SAVIOR.
Aria is a character that I love as well. She is a strong female character that I would love to read over and over again. I love how in the ‘fight or flight’ moment, she mostly chose FIGHT and she did it until the very end.

The character development of both Aria and Mateo is simply mind-blowing. Angela Snyder has never ceased to amaze me with the way she developed the characters in her books. There are so many things that I love in the KEEPING MY CAPTIVE, and I want to list all of them but I’m afraid I will post lots of spoilers. So, here I am trying to tone down everything that I write here.

This is A MUST-READ mafia romance book. This is the third book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. I know that I will reading this book over and over again, just as I did with the Keeping My Bride and Keeping My Girl. If there is another book by Angela Snyder coming out in the future, I will make sure that I read it too.

How much do I love her book? I just couldn’t get enough with the e-book version that I will be busy browsing bookstores and get myself a physical copy.

[Shy Gawerecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:

Keeping My Captive was a great wrap up to this series, or at least if felt like a wrap up, and really brought everything together and to a close nicely. As the title clearly indicates, this was a captive/captor romance in which the main characters ended up in their situation in a very unusual way. It was dark, and engaging and eventually, steamy. While I’m a fan of steam in my romance, in this case, I could completely understand why this one was a bit of a slow burn under the circumstances.
Some of the things I loved about this story was that the leading lady Aria was a fighter, from the beginning until the end, she fought for herself, those she cared for, as well as what she thought was right. I also loved that while Mateo might do very bad things and might even be considered a bad guy by many people’s definition, he had lines he wouldn’t cross and things that were just too horrible in his world. Those lines lead him to be protective of Aria which is what lead brought them together and also one of the things that made him so easy to like as a leading man. He also had a vengeful streak when it came to her, and that often just felt like justice.
Overall, I found myself so happy with the way this story went, as well as the pacing. The narration was a huge bonus because I not only liked both performers but felt they were well suited for the characters they were portraying. They really brought things to life for me, doing great accent work, and just being so easy to listen to.
TheFlockVIPReviewTeam

[Emiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you’re still here, then sit the fuck down, buckle up and enjoy the ride like a good girl.”

That by itself had me absolutely hooked. I don’t usually read books based on just a single reel, but this one was too good to pass up, and I’m so glad I read it. Aria and Mateo’s dynamic throughout this story was amazing, and the chemistry between the two is just *chef’s kiss.* It wasn’t drawn out like other books have been, and even if it was a little longer, I’d still be captivated by it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
(Spice comes in about half way through)


Mateo is brought to a place where they auction off girls and unbeknownst to him, Aria is one of the girls being auctioned off. He bids 7 million dollars (holy crap) and then takes her to his home.

They’re both apart of wealthy families, Aria in NY and Mateo being the head of a cartel. One of the things that drew me in was how Mateo treated her and I know that it’s a common trope among book boyfriends to protect the heroine, but he literally shot someone within a day of meeting her because they put their hands on her. If that ain’t love, what is?

*this book contains very dark themes so read the trigger warnings first


TROPES:
• Captor/captive
• Age gap (21 & 35)
• enemies to lovers (real enemies not just people who are unfamiliar with each other)
• forced proximity
• opposites attract

other notes:
• HEA
• No OW drama
• there is an OM but just in the beginning

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up where we left off. With Aria taken to a sex auction island and lord only knows what going to happen to her, but the lord is in the form of MATEO!!!!!!!!!!!!. Couldn't put it down and not enough hours in the day!!!! It has everything you need and want in a mafia romance. Fights, death, spicy moments with the tall dark and handsome Mateo in beautiful Mexico, damsel in distress, the push and pull of will they and when will they, Aria's feelings, missed family, and definitely a HEA. Angela Snyder completely has my heart with this beauty. From the moment Mateo saw the small but fiery Aria not afraid of the situation she is in. He knew had to save her but not knowing why he need to keep her. Now after purchasing Aria and bring her back to his home in Mexico she must now think of an escape plan to return back to her family and not scum to Mateo's wrath, weather it was towards her or Mateo's POS uncle who knows more then he leads on.
Received an ARC and couldn't be more grateful to leaving a review voluntarily.
"I haven't decided whether I'm going to keep you or kill you...but you're making my decision a lot easier by pulling stunts like this," - Mateo

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping My Captive
Keeping What's Mine, Book 3
By: Angela Snyder
Narrated by: Phillipa Miller, Duncan Prescott

Aria just wanted to go out. She never thought the unthinkable would happen. Being kidnapped and taken to auction is terrifying. When Mateo purchased her, she just wanted to go home. But he had other ideas. There is something about this inexperienced, feisty woman. This enemies to lovers romance is so good, I could not put it down. Angela Snyder knows how to write a dark, dangerous spicy romantic suspense. As much as I wanted to dislike Mateo, he would turn around and do something to redeem him to me. Aria was strong, and her changing feelings were easy to believe. It's exciting and full of twists and turns, chemistry and passion. I loved this one!

Duncan Prescott and Phillipa Miller are the story tellers for this fabulous story and they are amazing. Prescott is a bit alpha, a bit vulnerable at times, and the most dangerous man when it comes to protecting Aria. Prescott finds each niche and brings him alive. Miller is so good as Aria. Her rebellious attitude was spot on, only to find herself scared, angry, frustrated and satisfied. Loved each scene perfectly. Loved these two.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally don't give a brand new author (to me) a 5 rating but, this book and characters were just that good. I really enjoyed reading this book and this new author very much. I connected with both Nico and Aria's character's immediately. Their less than expected lust/attraction for one another turns into a "slow burn" love story that's success is less than likely, considering the challenges that lay ahead. Many of these novels have substantial secondary characters but this book focus' on what happens to Nico when he purchases Aria at an auction to save her from being sold to a psychopath.

The writing, editing and character development was well done and the story had a different twist to it giving it a nice dash of "originality". The backstory for Nico was very extensive while Aria's backstory was more of one in private schools where she was isolated from the real world of her father. Unlike so many other father figures in this genre, Aria's father is a loving father, that heads a crime family/legal side enterprise who loves Aria. Nico has a tragic history with the entire death of his family as an 11 year old child. Uncle Dearest plays a big part in what happened to Nico's family...no surprise there.

The final set-up at the end of the book by Uncle Dearest adds to the originality the author achieved throughout the book.

This was a very enjoyable read for me. I am going to be looking at more of this author's books.

[books2loversss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun time but I didn’t love the ending

This was a quick, enjoyable spicy read for the most part. It was a pretty classic mafia captive plot, which I have no complaints about, except that the final 25% was both rushed and kinda lame. Spoilers here, but his uncle being the orchestrator of Mateo’s family’s death was very predictable and fell flat for me.

While I liked Aria and Mateo and the chemistry between them, I also thought the pacing was too fast. I do understand why he had to punish her for trying to kill him, but I needed to see more groveling and actual personal connection between them for her to stop being afraid of him and see him as her savior over her tormentor. And then there’s the scene with the belt. No excuses there really, and another strike against Mateo, which he needed to make up for more than having her OG kidnapper taken out in prison.

Mixed review overall. If you want good spice, this has it. If you want good spice AND a consistent plot/character development, I’d go elsewhere.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Keeping My Captive, and it did not disappoint! We got to know Aria in Keeping my Girl, which was Nico and Selina’s story. Aria was kidnapped by Constantine Carbone when she was out for a night with Selina and sent to “the island” where she was to be auctioned for sale. When Mateo is invited to “the island” with a business acquaintance of his, Aria’s fight and determination to free herself drew him to her. When he didn’t want her to end up in the hands of another psychopath, he made the winning bid and bought her at the auction. Mateo is a dangerous man who has a troubled and tragic past and one thing he stops at is hurting women and children. I loved the progression of this story, the feistiness and smart mouth of Aria. Watching Mateo fall for Aria and Aria succumb to Mateo was fun and heartbreaking at the same time. This book is full of surprises, twists and turns, great chemistry, and a happy ending for all.