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Falling with Grace: A Dark Captive Cartel Romance
I ran as fast as I could, chasing the freedom that was right at my fingertips.
But you know what they say—the light at the end of the tunnel is only an oncoming train.
For three long years, he held me captive, tortured me, and used me.
Until one night, we ran for the hills and didn’t look back.
I thought I was safe and sound, but the underbelly of crime knows no boundaries.
Dragged before the most ruthless cartel boss in Mexico, whose vengeance burns hot in his blood, he takes away my newfound freedom until I divulge my one and only secret…
But if I do, there’s no going back—my hands would be forever stained red, and forgiveness would remain an elusive dream.
But you know what they say—the light at the end of the tunnel is only an oncoming train.
For three long years, he held me captive, tortured me, and used me.
Until one night, we ran for the hills and didn’t look back.
I thought I was safe and sound, but the underbelly of crime knows no boundaries.
Dragged before the most ruthless cartel boss in Mexico, whose vengeance burns hot in his blood, he takes away my newfound freedom until I divulge my one and only secret…
But if I do, there’s no going back—my hands would be forever stained red, and forgiveness would remain an elusive dream.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2024
53 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Ann-Marie Davis
12 books313 followersBorn on the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Ann-Marie grew up learning from strong, confident influences which translates in her writing today.
She acquired the love of writing when she was just 12 years old and at 19; she wrote her first novel, which remains under lock and missing key.
When she’s not writing international bestselling books, she’s traveling around the USA with her 3 children and a camper, tending to her garden and chickens, or fixing something on her mini-ranch. All with the wonderful support of her amazing husband.
★CONNECT WITH ANN-MARIE★
WEBSITE: www.authoramdavis.com
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3tyZjzY
FB READER’S GROUP: https://bit.ly/2QmXasJ
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3vLucmu
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/3tUgFrl
IG: https://bit.ly/3lIYEt6 | @authoramdavis
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/4190Kqb
Ann-Marie loves to hear from her fans. So email your questions or comments at AnnMarieDavis88@gmail.com.
She acquired the love of writing when she was just 12 years old and at 19; she wrote her first novel, which remains under lock and missing key.
When she’s not writing international bestselling books, she’s traveling around the USA with her 3 children and a camper, tending to her garden and chickens, or fixing something on her mini-ranch. All with the wonderful support of her amazing husband.
★CONNECT WITH ANN-MARIE★
WEBSITE: www.authoramdavis.com
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3tyZjzY
FB READER’S GROUP: https://bit.ly/2QmXasJ
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3vLucmu
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/3tUgFrl
IG: https://bit.ly/3lIYEt6 | @authoramdavis
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/4190Kqb
Ann-Marie loves to hear from her fans. So email your questions or comments at AnnMarieDavis88@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 98 reviews
July 27, 2024
'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 & 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂' can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤K𝐈T𝐓Y K𝐀T𝐒 𝐂R𝐀Z𝐘 𝐀B𝐎U𝐓 𝐁O𝐎K𝐒
'𝐅A𝐋L𝐈N𝐆 𝐖I𝐓H G𝐑A𝐂E' Is a dark romance book by new to me author Anne-Marie Davis. Spoken in dual perspectives. Grace & Elias
Not sure how I even stumbled across this one, but dark captive was glaring at me so of course I’m going to read it!
📚 'I w𝐚n𝐭 𝐭o e𝐫a𝐬e y𝐨u𝐫 𝐧i𝐠h𝐭m𝐚r𝐞s
u𝐧t𝐢l t𝐡e o𝐧l𝐲 𝐭h𝐢n𝐠 𝐲o𝐮 𝐬e𝐞 𝐢n t𝐡e𝐦 𝐢s m𝐞.'
💣 Touch her and die
💣 Captive
💣 Forced proximity
💣 Heroine in danger
💣 Mafia Romance
Grace’s story starts off when a group of them have escaped their compound of captivity where she was held for three gruelling years, her captors favorite pet, running through a rough terrain with barely the clothes on their backs and barefoot. I could feel the fear pouring off the pages as I held my breath hoping they would escape. But that's not how this story unwinds. She's thrust like a ping pong ball from one bad man into another's and that's where Elias comes into the story.
He can't believe his luck when she lands on his doorstep, vengeance runs rampant through his veins as he's been seeking the very man for years who had held Grace captive, now he just has to make her talk.
Before diving into this it's wise to check the trigger warnings, some parts are off the page and not gone into detail but you still get the gist of what's happened and others aren't glossed over.
For me to make it that much darker I would've prefered to have read the full experience of what she'd endured in full graphic detail keeping in line with the subject matter, but that's just my preference which my dark little heart can handle.
But overall this pulled me in as soon as I started it, rooting for Grace to find a safe haven. I read it front to back in a day and obviously couldn't put it down.
August 29, 2025
oh i love them so bad and i cant believe i’ve put this off as long as i did
July 26, 2024
This is the second story by Ann-Marie Davis i’ve read,and it’s just as good as the Harbinger.
Filled to the brim with suspense and emotions,it kept me glued to the pages,praying for Grace.
To see her not only survive the horrible things done to her,but to heal….and maybe find a little happiness?
Escaping hell alone wasn’t an option for Grace,she needed to free as many fellow captives as she could.
But her tormentors wouldn’t let them go that easy….and they killed everyone but her.
Faced with no other option,Grace would rather choose death over going back,so she jumped……only to survive.
She even managed to cross the Mexican border,and found sanctuary in an American church nearby.
Until another cartel invaded that sanctuary and dragged her back to Mexico…..right into the hands of Elias.
He wanted to know where she’d been kept before her escape because he was after her owner,Andres.
But she couldn’t give him what he wanted……her conscience couldn’t handle the death of more innocent lives.
Her strenght started to impress Elias,her kindness to his mother in spite of his treatment of her slowly softened his heart.
But he was determined to get the information he needed,and if tormenting her didn’t work,maybe kindness would?
Even if his fiancée seemed to hate her on sight because he seemed to care more about Grace than her.
And then,just when they started to grow closer,when they started to understand and know eachother better,she was taken…….
Grace’s courage,her strenght….it kept her going when others failed.
Elias may have been a bad guy,but he still had a heart,and she found it.
He may have had an agenda,he may have had trouble trusting others,but her honesty got to him.
Even in his darkness,she managed to bring some light.
I loved how patient and kind he was with her,giving her a much needed anchor in a life that had been nothing but pain.
And i loved how she still was able to see the good in people in spite of everything that had been done to her.
These two were so beautiful together once Elias took the time to see who she was!
Filled to the brim with suspense and emotions,it kept me glued to the pages,praying for Grace.
To see her not only survive the horrible things done to her,but to heal….and maybe find a little happiness?
Escaping hell alone wasn’t an option for Grace,she needed to free as many fellow captives as she could.
But her tormentors wouldn’t let them go that easy….and they killed everyone but her.
Faced with no other option,Grace would rather choose death over going back,so she jumped……only to survive.
She even managed to cross the Mexican border,and found sanctuary in an American church nearby.
Until another cartel invaded that sanctuary and dragged her back to Mexico…..right into the hands of Elias.
He wanted to know where she’d been kept before her escape because he was after her owner,Andres.
But she couldn’t give him what he wanted……her conscience couldn’t handle the death of more innocent lives.
Her strenght started to impress Elias,her kindness to his mother in spite of his treatment of her slowly softened his heart.
But he was determined to get the information he needed,and if tormenting her didn’t work,maybe kindness would?
Even if his fiancée seemed to hate her on sight because he seemed to care more about Grace than her.
And then,just when they started to grow closer,when they started to understand and know eachother better,she was taken…….
Grace’s courage,her strenght….it kept her going when others failed.
Elias may have been a bad guy,but he still had a heart,and she found it.
He may have had an agenda,he may have had trouble trusting others,but her honesty got to him.
Even in his darkness,she managed to bring some light.
I loved how patient and kind he was with her,giving her a much needed anchor in a life that had been nothing but pain.
And i loved how she still was able to see the good in people in spite of everything that had been done to her.
These two were so beautiful together once Elias took the time to see who she was!
August 22, 2024
I found myself completely hooked on this story. It was grittier and more raw than most of the mafia romances I've read. This cartel romance felt like watching one of those intense FX shows—you know the type, where nothing is off-limits. Elias, the male main character, is definitely not a good guy. He's in the cartel, after all, but there was something about him that intrigued me. While he eventually reveals a softer, more passionate side, it's clear that he has a lot of unapologetic blood on his hands, and his business dealings are far from moral.
Grace, the female main character, has endured horrific abuse as a captive of another notorious and cruel cartel leader. The fact that she even had the will to live is incredible. The story begins with Grace managing to escape, only to find herself in the grip of another devil. I found the plot and the way everything unfolded to be refreshing. It felt more realistic and less like a fantasy, which is exactly what a true dark romance should be. I also appreciated that Elias wasn't immediately smitten with Grace—she moved from one dangerous situation to the next.
I have to admit, I saw one big plot twist coming from a mile away. There was one character who seemed suspicious from the start, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book. In fact, those "ha, I called it" moments can be pretty satisfying.
Grace, the female main character, has endured horrific abuse as a captive of another notorious and cruel cartel leader. The fact that she even had the will to live is incredible. The story begins with Grace managing to escape, only to find herself in the grip of another devil. I found the plot and the way everything unfolded to be refreshing. It felt more realistic and less like a fantasy, which is exactly what a true dark romance should be. I also appreciated that Elias wasn't immediately smitten with Grace—she moved from one dangerous situation to the next.
I have to admit, I saw one big plot twist coming from a mile away. There was one character who seemed suspicious from the start, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book. In fact, those "ha, I called it" moments can be pretty satisfying.
July 17, 2024
WOW. Holy hell, this was a freaking dark masterpiece of a sweeping, emotional, suspenseful, telenovela-like romance. I absolutely devoured this tragic tale in two days. It is literally the definition of un-put-downable.
Grace’s story starts at a fast pace and never lets up, even though my heart wanted to take breaks. I just couldn’t. I NEEDED to know everything that Grace was going through and dealing with, and how Elias fit into the picture. I wanted to take vengeance as badly and desperately as he did. There is pain woven into everything this girl does and thinks, and Elias is so right when he tells her that She is the strongest woman he knows.
Ann-Marie Davis wrote Grace so beautifully, and I’m actually quite relieved that this book starts after the trafficking. You will still experience Grace’s torment in flashbacks, because Davis’s writing has a way of grabbing you by the throat and pulling you into the scene as if you were present. You must witness what she went through - there’s just no other way to understand grace’s actions and thoughts. As frustrated as I wanted to be with her for not giving away any information, I started to understand her reticence more as she relives some of her worst moments.
She’s a bleeding heart, and at the end of the story, I loved Grace so much. She is probably one of the best FMCs that I’ve read recently. Broken, but able to find healing. Stubborn, but not annoying or whiny. She has this fire of inner strength that never dies, and it’s easy to see why Elias is enamored.
This was an amazing story that I’ll be pushing and recommending to everyone I know!
Grace’s story starts at a fast pace and never lets up, even though my heart wanted to take breaks. I just couldn’t. I NEEDED to know everything that Grace was going through and dealing with, and how Elias fit into the picture. I wanted to take vengeance as badly and desperately as he did. There is pain woven into everything this girl does and thinks, and Elias is so right when he tells her that She is the strongest woman he knows.
Ann-Marie Davis wrote Grace so beautifully, and I’m actually quite relieved that this book starts after the trafficking. You will still experience Grace’s torment in flashbacks, because Davis’s writing has a way of grabbing you by the throat and pulling you into the scene as if you were present. You must witness what she went through - there’s just no other way to understand grace’s actions and thoughts. As frustrated as I wanted to be with her for not giving away any information, I started to understand her reticence more as she relives some of her worst moments.
She’s a bleeding heart, and at the end of the story, I loved Grace so much. She is probably one of the best FMCs that I’ve read recently. Broken, but able to find healing. Stubborn, but not annoying or whiny. She has this fire of inner strength that never dies, and it’s easy to see why Elias is enamored.
This was an amazing story that I’ll be pushing and recommending to everyone I know!
July 4, 2024
Very well done mafia & captive to lovers trope! The story is told mostly from Grace’s POV with Elias occasionally taking over. Ann-Marie Davis did a very good job switching between POVs for the story progression and they each had a distinct “voice”. My favorite character was Rosa, Elias’ mom who was very sweet and strong at the same time.
Grace has been in the worst possible scenario for the past three years as a sex slave to Andres and the story begins when she and 9 others make their escape. She’s been abused for years and gets away, but it haunts her and she isn’t free for very long. She goes from being Andre’s captive to Elias’ and while we all know this will progress to a romance, there is no instalove in this book. Elias wants Andre’s dead no matter the cost and knows Grace is the key to finding him. Add in Elias’ finance Nadia, his mom Rosa who takes a shine to Grace and helps her when Elias is away and you’ve got yourself an interesting tale.
Many mafia books tend to follow the same formula and while this has many similar tropes and a familiar storyline, the book is well written. I really connected with Grace and felt her emotions coming off the page. For me, truly not just another mafia story.
This is for the Mafia, dark romance, morally gray antihero fans out there. This book has some serious triggers and while not all of it is current trauma, we see a lot of it play out on the page. Please read the list before you open this book.
Thank you to the author and publisher who provided a free copy of the book with no strings attached!
Spice: 3 out of 5
Solid 4.5+
Grace has been in the worst possible scenario for the past three years as a sex slave to Andres and the story begins when she and 9 others make their escape. She’s been abused for years and gets away, but it haunts her and she isn’t free for very long. She goes from being Andre’s captive to Elias’ and while we all know this will progress to a romance, there is no instalove in this book. Elias wants Andre’s dead no matter the cost and knows Grace is the key to finding him. Add in Elias’ finance Nadia, his mom Rosa who takes a shine to Grace and helps her when Elias is away and you’ve got yourself an interesting tale.
Many mafia books tend to follow the same formula and while this has many similar tropes and a familiar storyline, the book is well written. I really connected with Grace and felt her emotions coming off the page. For me, truly not just another mafia story.
This is for the Mafia, dark romance, morally gray antihero fans out there. This book has some serious triggers and while not all of it is current trauma, we see a lot of it play out on the page. Please read the list before you open this book.
Thank you to the author and publisher who provided a free copy of the book with no strings attached!
Spice: 3 out of 5
Solid 4.5+
July 6, 2024
Addictive intense detailed story that kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. Holy plot twists. Tons of danger, secrets, and suspense. Characters were complex. Chemistry was amazing. A must read.
July 23, 2024
This is my first novel by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed the authors writing style. It’s a slow burn dark mafia/captive romance with suspense, drama, gut wrenching emotions, twists and unique plot and complex and multifaceted characters which kept me hooked from the very beginning until the end . The story was dark and my heart broke for Grace but I loved Grace’s character she was so strong and resilient even after going through so much. Her character was written so beautifully by the author. Elias is a ruthless cartel boss . You don’t want to be on his bad side, I liked his relationship with his family. Elias and Grace were perfect together. I liked their chemistry. The story is definitely has triggers so please read TW before reading this story. It was definitely not an easy read but nonetheless it was unputdownable and a page turner. Totally worth the read. I can’t wait to read more books by the author. Highly recommend this book.
July 25, 2024
Falling With Grace by Ann-Marie Davis is a sensational journey that grasped me from the beginning. The story starts with an intense and mind blowing scene that sets the tone for the tumultuous pace of this book.
Grace has been through so much in her young life. The guilt and shame she carries with her is a huge and unrelenting burden that no one should have to endure. Just when she though she found her freedom and could finally go home, she is captured by ruthless men and taken to Elias, their leader. Elias Hernandez is the cartel leader and is ruthless and unkind. But something about Grace makes him think and ponder about what life would be like if it was different.
Beautifully written story with amazing characters with depth and heart.
I could not put this book down! 💛
Grace has been through so much in her young life. The guilt and shame she carries with her is a huge and unrelenting burden that no one should have to endure. Just when she though she found her freedom and could finally go home, she is captured by ruthless men and taken to Elias, their leader. Elias Hernandez is the cartel leader and is ruthless and unkind. But something about Grace makes him think and ponder about what life would be like if it was different.
Beautifully written story with amazing characters with depth and heart.
I could not put this book down! 💛
December 21, 2024
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🪵Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🥵Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌈Review: Okay I knew this book was going to be based around the cartel but god damn I didn’t expect such a good fucking story.
The way this book starts, with the FMC completely swept me into the story and I found myself endlessly turning the pages needing to know exactly what was going to happen next. She was such an incredibly strong FMC who went to through so much torture and heartache.
Elias was an amazing MMC and just the right balance for me I loved his family values and his commitment to others he cares about. But also the ruthlessness to him too, but the best part. None of it felt too cliche like some mafia characters can be. He felt original and refreshing in many ways. Especially in his interactions with Grace.
My heart ached for her throughout the whole story, and I just had to know how their story ended. And boy oh boy was that ending sweet! It made my heart happy and it was beautiful revenge.
Also shout out to Rosa. She was delightful and such a strong female character! We love the head of the family who still has her wits about her but is underestimated due to her age. Loved her!
🪵Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🥵Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌈Review: Okay I knew this book was going to be based around the cartel but god damn I didn’t expect such a good fucking story.
The way this book starts, with the FMC completely swept me into the story and I found myself endlessly turning the pages needing to know exactly what was going to happen next. She was such an incredibly strong FMC who went to through so much torture and heartache.
Elias was an amazing MMC and just the right balance for me I loved his family values and his commitment to others he cares about. But also the ruthlessness to him too, but the best part. None of it felt too cliche like some mafia characters can be. He felt original and refreshing in many ways. Especially in his interactions with Grace.
My heart ached for her throughout the whole story, and I just had to know how their story ended. And boy oh boy was that ending sweet! It made my heart happy and it was beautiful revenge.
Also shout out to Rosa. She was delightful and such a strong female character! We love the head of the family who still has her wits about her but is underestimated due to her age. Loved her!
July 10, 2024
Heed any trigger warnings before diving into this one. Having said that they don’t phase me too much and this is a fantastic book. This story jumped straight into action. Grace and the others she was with ran to escape what we could only assume was unimaginable horror.
This is dark, and Grace has somehow traded one ruthless captor for another. Only Elias, he's different. Honestly, he is ruthless. This character is what I would imagine the head of the cartel would be like. He isn't soft, and if you get on the wrong side of him, then you better believe you will not be around much longer. His men are rough, and in a way, you kind of imagine that this is what they'd really be like. Poor Grace has not been shown any kindness. She is literally fighting for her survival. Despite what she's gone through, she's incredibly strong and resilient. She might be wary of touch, and doesn't trust easy, but her strength shines through at times and I love that she's trying to fight her way back.
Elias is just as distrusting as Grace, and I find myself wondering if everyone in his inner circle can, in fact be trusted, or if there is one or more working against him. There is one person in particular that I do not trust and I have my suspicions.
I could not put this book down and I absolutely had to find out what happened to Grace, so I did finish this in one sitting, finishing at 2am when I had to be up at 5:30!
I loved Elias' relationship with his mother, and I think this really helped to see him in a different light. This is one book I am thankful that we get a dual POV because we get a chance to see the war that Elias has with himself over Grace.
Over the course of this book, you see some fantastic character development. Elias starts to grant Grace some leniency even though she doesn’t give him what he wants. She also develops a relationship with his mother that, at first he does not like, but he sees a side to his mother that he hasn’t seen in a while and this makes him happy.
This was a slow burn, and normally this gets frustrating, but the way this story was told, and the tension between these two, placates you in a way. I feel like this was more about the relationship developing between the two. I loved how this unfolded as well. It kind of just developed naturally over the course of the book until Elias couldn’t deny his feeling anymore, and once that happened, wow! Spicy Fireworks!
There was so much suspense and tension in this story, and I felt like I was holding my breath at times.
This was a really well done story and there were some pretty tough scenes, but they were tastefully done (as much as those types of scenes can be!)
My only gripe with this one was the ending! I wanted to see more of them as a couple and I really wanted to see Grace really come into her own, because I have no doubt, standing beside Elias as his Queen, she would have been formidable.
Another fantastically dark book by Ann-Marie! If you like your MMCs ruthless and unforgiving, and your FMCs strong and resilient, this one is for you!
This is dark, and Grace has somehow traded one ruthless captor for another. Only Elias, he's different. Honestly, he is ruthless. This character is what I would imagine the head of the cartel would be like. He isn't soft, and if you get on the wrong side of him, then you better believe you will not be around much longer. His men are rough, and in a way, you kind of imagine that this is what they'd really be like. Poor Grace has not been shown any kindness. She is literally fighting for her survival. Despite what she's gone through, she's incredibly strong and resilient. She might be wary of touch, and doesn't trust easy, but her strength shines through at times and I love that she's trying to fight her way back.
Elias is just as distrusting as Grace, and I find myself wondering if everyone in his inner circle can, in fact be trusted, or if there is one or more working against him. There is one person in particular that I do not trust and I have my suspicions.
I could not put this book down and I absolutely had to find out what happened to Grace, so I did finish this in one sitting, finishing at 2am when I had to be up at 5:30!
I loved Elias' relationship with his mother, and I think this really helped to see him in a different light. This is one book I am thankful that we get a dual POV because we get a chance to see the war that Elias has with himself over Grace.
Over the course of this book, you see some fantastic character development. Elias starts to grant Grace some leniency even though she doesn’t give him what he wants. She also develops a relationship with his mother that, at first he does not like, but he sees a side to his mother that he hasn’t seen in a while and this makes him happy.
This was a slow burn, and normally this gets frustrating, but the way this story was told, and the tension between these two, placates you in a way. I feel like this was more about the relationship developing between the two. I loved how this unfolded as well. It kind of just developed naturally over the course of the book until Elias couldn’t deny his feeling anymore, and once that happened, wow! Spicy Fireworks!
There was so much suspense and tension in this story, and I felt like I was holding my breath at times.
This was a really well done story and there were some pretty tough scenes, but they were tastefully done (as much as those types of scenes can be!)
My only gripe with this one was the ending! I wanted to see more of them as a couple and I really wanted to see Grace really come into her own, because I have no doubt, standing beside Elias as his Queen, she would have been formidable.
Another fantastically dark book by Ann-Marie! If you like your MMCs ruthless and unforgiving, and your FMCs strong and resilient, this one is for you!
July 20, 2024
Oooh man this book brings out all of the emotions I swear! From the very beginning this book pulls on your heart strings.
Grace oh sweet Grace. She is on the run from being captured and held while also trying to be a leader to the group that all escaped with her, but when they run into the enemy and lives are lost, she becomes even more broken than she already is. The only thing that gave her hope was the rosary in her pocket from Jorge. This is her only semblance of "relief" during everything she has to go through.
When she meets Elias, she realizes she just traded one prison for another and just wants to go home.
Things turn upside, feelings get thrown in there, and the entire story flips and you're totally thrown off your rocker! I was completely shocked by this one twist and it left me picking up my jaw off the floor!
This book will come full circle at the end and give you the warm and fuzzies, but don't forget you're going to go through the absolute ringer with it first!
PS - Rosa is hands down my favorite little old lady, ever 😍😍😍
Grace oh sweet Grace. She is on the run from being captured and held while also trying to be a leader to the group that all escaped with her, but when they run into the enemy and lives are lost, she becomes even more broken than she already is. The only thing that gave her hope was the rosary in her pocket from Jorge. This is her only semblance of "relief" during everything she has to go through.
When she meets Elias, she realizes she just traded one prison for another and just wants to go home.
Things turn upside, feelings get thrown in there, and the entire story flips and you're totally thrown off your rocker! I was completely shocked by this one twist and it left me picking up my jaw off the floor!
This book will come full circle at the end and give you the warm and fuzzies, but don't forget you're going to go through the absolute ringer with it first!
PS - Rosa is hands down my favorite little old lady, ever 😍😍😍
August 13, 2024
Cartel romances are one of my favorite tropes, & since they’re not as common as regular mafia romances, I was so excited to come across this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. The only reason I didn’t give it 5⭐️ is because I would’ve liked it if Elias had gotten rid of Nadia- his fiancee, a lot sooner than at almost the 65% point in the book. Normally I don’t read anything where the fmc is the other woman, & the mmc is cheating w/her, BUT I didn’t feel like that was the case w/this book. I really appreciated that there was no intimate or sexual moments between Elias & Nadia, she was like a nagging gnat that he just kept swatting away. Honestly, it was not wasn’t bad & I wouldn’t even say she caused ow drama- the scenes w/her were small & scattered, so I was relieved about that.
This was my first book I’ve read by Ann-Marie, but I’m excited to check out her other books!
This was my first book I’ve read by Ann-Marie, but I’m excited to check out her other books!
July 30, 2024
This book has it all and doesn’t hold back from the ruthlessness of a life in the cartel. It’s suspenseful, but has lightness as well, and keeps you on your toes. It’s written as a dual POV between the FMC and the MMC. The book is pretty long at just over 400 pages but I think it could have been a bit longer to really flesh out a little more for the characters, though there is good character development. Check triggers before reading.
July 22, 2024
Elias and Grace
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I really enjoyed it.
It held my attention till the end.
Filled with drama, suspense, lots of emotions, spice, danger, and darkness.
I really liked Grace. I felt for her, but I was also proud of her resilience and strength.
Elias was definitely a dangerous man, but he did have a soft spot for his mom and then Grace.
Together, Grace and Elias fit so well. Their chemistry was off the charts. The steamy scenes were delicious.
Overall, a fantastic read!
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I really enjoyed it.
It held my attention till the end.
Filled with drama, suspense, lots of emotions, spice, danger, and darkness.
I really liked Grace. I felt for her, but I was also proud of her resilience and strength.
Elias was definitely a dangerous man, but he did have a soft spot for his mom and then Grace.
Together, Grace and Elias fit so well. Their chemistry was off the charts. The steamy scenes were delicious.
Overall, a fantastic read!
July 11, 2024
Man what a rollercoaster this was. Grace from chapter one was such a force of nature. So strong minded and she really did have a big heart. She took charge when she felt it was necessary to help the people around her. Even when she was alone and faced with danger she never wavered from her morals. You have to respect that.
Elias was a mixed bag for me. Definitely teetering more towards morally black than grey for me. But I enjoyed his character nonetheless. I think it’s interesting to read about men in the mafia/cartel and see them being soft at any point at all. He was gentle with his mama which was beautiful but then he has these moments with Grace which absolutely melted me. He was also so passionate!
The spice between these two was explosive. I loved how it all developed and I loved Elias taking charge. Very hot.
Don’t take those trigger warnings lightly though. The series of events that Grace goes through is rough. I kept wondering if she would have a breaking point and to my shock she never did. I will always have a soft spot for strong FMCs. Whether they can fight or shoot a gun or just stay silent to protect those that can’t protect themselves. Grace is in my top favorite FMCs now. I loved her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Elias was a mixed bag for me. Definitely teetering more towards morally black than grey for me. But I enjoyed his character nonetheless. I think it’s interesting to read about men in the mafia/cartel and see them being soft at any point at all. He was gentle with his mama which was beautiful but then he has these moments with Grace which absolutely melted me. He was also so passionate!
The spice between these two was explosive. I loved how it all developed and I loved Elias taking charge. Very hot.
Don’t take those trigger warnings lightly though. The series of events that Grace goes through is rough. I kept wondering if she would have a breaking point and to my shock she never did. I will always have a soft spot for strong FMCs. Whether they can fight or shoot a gun or just stay silent to protect those that can’t protect themselves. Grace is in my top favorite FMCs now. I loved her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
July 26, 2024
Awesome!
July 14, 2024
Ann-Marie Davis always delivers dark, interesting storylines with morally gray complex characters. That being said, the character development for both the MMC & MMF in Falling with Grace felt too rushed.
In my personal opinion as a reader, Falling with Grace should have been a duet with the first book detailing how Grace became resilient and on her relationships with other characters as well as providing insight regarding the MMC’s revenge vendetta with the second book starting at chapter 3 of Falling with Grace. By doing so the significance of the ending of Falling with Grace would have been more profound.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Falling with Grace
Rating - 4⭐️/5⭐️
Spice - 3🌶️/5🌶️
➡️ Please read the TWs 💀
In my personal opinion as a reader, Falling with Grace should have been a duet with the first book detailing how Grace became resilient and on her relationships with other characters as well as providing insight regarding the MMC’s revenge vendetta with the second book starting at chapter 3 of Falling with Grace. By doing so the significance of the ending of Falling with Grace would have been more profound.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Falling with Grace
Rating - 4⭐️/5⭐️
Spice - 3🌶️/5🌶️
➡️ Please read the TWs 💀
July 24, 2024
This queen writes mafia romance like no other - blending heat, passion and emotion with just the right amount of suspense, action and humanity. I loved it so much that I flipped back to the beginning and read it a second time before even thinking of writing my review.
Grace is a woman who was surviving on the streets before she was tricked into a world of nightmares of the cartel when she is kidnapped. The strength this heroine embodies knows no bounds and the way she doesn’t depend on another to heal is awe inspiring.
Elias is a cartel leader that hits a different note. Yes he is ruthless leader and killer but he has a soft and protective spot for his Momma and gains one for Grace. I adored how he cared for those two so much.
Ann hit it out of the park with this cartel mafia romance. She intertwined emotional moments so perfectly with all the action and drama that are within the pages of this fantastic read. Elias, his Momma, and Grace (and even Javier) all made themselves at home within my heart very easily while this talented author kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful twists. I loved every it from beginning to end and despised seeing it end.
Grace is a woman who was surviving on the streets before she was tricked into a world of nightmares of the cartel when she is kidnapped. The strength this heroine embodies knows no bounds and the way she doesn’t depend on another to heal is awe inspiring.
Elias is a cartel leader that hits a different note. Yes he is ruthless leader and killer but he has a soft and protective spot for his Momma and gains one for Grace. I adored how he cared for those two so much.
Ann hit it out of the park with this cartel mafia romance. She intertwined emotional moments so perfectly with all the action and drama that are within the pages of this fantastic read. Elias, his Momma, and Grace (and even Javier) all made themselves at home within my heart very easily while this talented author kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful twists. I loved every it from beginning to end and despised seeing it end.
July 23, 2024
I started this book in the morning, read it all day between clients, and didn't put it down until I devoured every last page.
This darker-themed story is about Grace. A resilient woman. A survivor. A powerhouse.
Falling With Grace is a suspenseful, captivating story featuring resilience, pure determination, and unrelenting willpower. It had me engulfed from the very beginning as I knew it would.
This author's ability to ensnare the reader and pull them deeper than the boundaries of the pages is the reason I come back for more. I absolutely love Ann-Marie Davis' writing and storytelling.
Highly recommend her and the stories she weaves.
I won't regurgitate the blurb or include spoilers, but please give this new captive story a chance.
This darker-themed story is about Grace. A resilient woman. A survivor. A powerhouse.
Falling With Grace is a suspenseful, captivating story featuring resilience, pure determination, and unrelenting willpower. It had me engulfed from the very beginning as I knew it would.
This author's ability to ensnare the reader and pull them deeper than the boundaries of the pages is the reason I come back for more. I absolutely love Ann-Marie Davis' writing and storytelling.
Highly recommend her and the stories she weaves.
I won't regurgitate the blurb or include spoilers, but please give this new captive story a chance.
July 5, 2024
I have read everything this author has currently available and loved each book. However, two stand out as books I will never forget. The first was my introduction to her work, The Harbinger. The second is this one. From the first page, my heart was pounding. From the second chapter, I knew I couldn't put it down until I finished. It's just that compelling. You will love some characters and hate others. But they all come together to create this rich, dark world that will stick with you. It's my new favorite book of the year.
February 21, 2025
3.5 ★
I was hooked from the very first chapter 😭 !!! The beginning actually had me on the edge of my seat ! I liked how there was always something going on so that definitely kept me entertained.
****spoilers
I loved how resilient Grace was throughout the whole book 😭😭. She was basically kept in captivity as Andre’s plaything until she was able to escape. Elias is a cartel boss who’s been on the hunt for Andres, the man who killed his dad. He came across Grace when his second in command Javier found her at a church. Now let me tell you in the beginning, I fucking HAAAATED Elias with a passion 🤣 he was such a POS to her and put her through it and I think I still hated him a lil even in the end LOOL. Once he started to accept and actually care for her I started to warm up to him.
I really loved the dynamic that both Grace and Elias mom Rosa had. Their relationship was the cutest and I loved the banter between them. Being Mexicana, I loved how much Mexican representation went into this book as well !
Now, I really did not enjoy how I immediately knew who was fucking over Elias and I HATED how Andres dying wasn’t prolonged enough. I think he deserved a way more brutal death than what they gave him. I also wish we got a lil more on the meeting she had with Jorge’s sister 🥺🥺 I’d definitely still recommend this book if you’re looking for a lot of action. Definitely will be checking out more of the authors books !!
Please check TWs !!!!
🌶️🌶️
*cartel
*mexican representation
*captive/captor
*slow burn
I was hooked from the very first chapter 😭 !!! The beginning actually had me on the edge of my seat ! I liked how there was always something going on so that definitely kept me entertained.
****spoilers
I loved how resilient Grace was throughout the whole book 😭😭. She was basically kept in captivity as Andre’s plaything until she was able to escape. Elias is a cartel boss who’s been on the hunt for Andres, the man who killed his dad. He came across Grace when his second in command Javier found her at a church. Now let me tell you in the beginning, I fucking HAAAATED Elias with a passion 🤣 he was such a POS to her and put her through it and I think I still hated him a lil even in the end LOOL. Once he started to accept and actually care for her I started to warm up to him.
I really loved the dynamic that both Grace and Elias mom Rosa had. Their relationship was the cutest and I loved the banter between them. Being Mexicana, I loved how much Mexican representation went into this book as well !
Now, I really did not enjoy how I immediately knew who was fucking over Elias and I HATED how Andres dying wasn’t prolonged enough. I think he deserved a way more brutal death than what they gave him. I also wish we got a lil more on the meeting she had with Jorge’s sister 🥺🥺 I’d definitely still recommend this book if you’re looking for a lot of action. Definitely will be checking out more of the authors books !!
Please check TWs !!!!
🌶️🌶️
*cartel
*mexican representation
*captive/captor
*slow burn
September 1, 2024
4.6🌟
It was so different from the captive dark romance that i normally read . I like it it was the perfect slow burn 🔥. I would've given it a 5🌟 but there was some OW drama and i hate those
It was so different from the captive dark romance that i normally read . I like it it was the perfect slow burn 🔥. I would've given it a 5🌟 but there was some OW drama and i hate those
August 6, 2024
There’s no time to catch your breath until about a third of the way through this book, and even then, it’s just a brief reprieve. Imagine escaping a man who has tortured and exploited you for three long years only to have freedom snatched from your grasp at the very last minute. Despair barely describes what Grace is feeling as she literally jumps out of the frying pan into the fire. Elias and his men are barely better than her previous tormentor Andrés, although they do stop short of rape. Still, the psychological torture after her three-year ordeal is just as difficult to take. Yet when it doesn’t yield the expected results, Elias changes tack. Is this another trick to reveal Grace’s secrets? It’s difficult to picture what must be going through her mind, when for the first time, she’s treated like a human. I’d imagine it would be like pouring salt on a wound. Can she trust Elias? Why was he doing this? I loved Grace’s interactions with Elias’s mother, who gave us some flashes of Elias’s past as she slipped further into the embrace of Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, despite his early treatment, Elias admires Grace’s strength and determination to survive as he gets to know her. Although Elias doesn’t hesitate to show us his ruthless side, there’s just something about him that keeps making you want to give him another chance, and by the end of this book you will be firmly on his side. Despite his drive to find and destroy Andrés, the way he looks after his Mamá, his friendship with Javier and even his growing feelings for Grace, all point to a man with many facets, who cannot be pigeon-holed into any one characterization. I loved Grace’s tentative steps towards healing, although it was hard to imagine her falling for a man who had threatened to give her to his men and kill her. Tense, emotional moments, unexpected betrayal and explosive action, all combine to make this one of those books you just won’t be able to put down until the very last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2024
Grace! She is such a kind and gentle soul despite 3 years enduring horrific circumstances. She is brave, courageous and compassionate, doing her best to overcome the challenges that befall her. She wants to protect others and finds wonder in the smallest of things.
Elias is seeking revenge for his father’s death and is a hardened cartel leader. He has a soft spot only for a few people in his life and otherwise will be ruthless and stern to his enemies and anyone that threatens him and his family.
These two have a chance encounter after Grace escapes but this definitely is not love at first site. Elias wants information from Grace as she is the key to fuel his revenge, but Grace will do what she can to protect the people she had to leave behind. This stubbornness and heart slowly breaks down Elias’s walls, as well as his mother’s gravitation toward Grace. The two of them slowly learn more about each other and Elias finds himself constantly drawn to Grace as well. He also doesn’t treat her with kid gloves but allows her to make decisions while also keeping her safe. Grace also exudes an innocence despite what she goes through, and this seems to bring out a tender and warm side to Elias. Meanwhile, Elias becomes Grace’s sense of security and humor as he teases her a lot. Overall, this is definitely a couple that you come to care about.
Moreover, the book covers a lot of heavy topics but several are off-screen/alluded to. It definitely tugs at your emotions reading what our characters are going through, whether it be what Grace had to endure or what Elias has to face as a leader and a son. The pacing was also good and the writing flowed well. One thing I may have missed was why Grace was a favorite to Andres and Miguel as I kept wondering when it was brought up.
Overall, this was an engaging story and I look forward to what else may be next!
Elias is seeking revenge for his father’s death and is a hardened cartel leader. He has a soft spot only for a few people in his life and otherwise will be ruthless and stern to his enemies and anyone that threatens him and his family.
These two have a chance encounter after Grace escapes but this definitely is not love at first site. Elias wants information from Grace as she is the key to fuel his revenge, but Grace will do what she can to protect the people she had to leave behind. This stubbornness and heart slowly breaks down Elias’s walls, as well as his mother’s gravitation toward Grace. The two of them slowly learn more about each other and Elias finds himself constantly drawn to Grace as well. He also doesn’t treat her with kid gloves but allows her to make decisions while also keeping her safe. Grace also exudes an innocence despite what she goes through, and this seems to bring out a tender and warm side to Elias. Meanwhile, Elias becomes Grace’s sense of security and humor as he teases her a lot. Overall, this is definitely a couple that you come to care about.
Moreover, the book covers a lot of heavy topics but several are off-screen/alluded to. It definitely tugs at your emotions reading what our characters are going through, whether it be what Grace had to endure or what Elias has to face as a leader and a son. The pacing was also good and the writing flowed well. One thing I may have missed was why Grace was a favorite to Andres and Miguel as I kept wondering when it was brought up.
Overall, this was an engaging story and I look forward to what else may be next!
August 25, 2024
- RECEIVED AS AN ARC COPY -
Two things got me hooked: the plot and my sweet Grace. The plot was very well written and thought out, the author was able to make me very interested in the "cartel plot" of the book, it wasn't boring, unecessary or too much. Grace was really the star of this book - which is great since the whole thing certers around her -, but still, she wasnt an annoying FMC. On the contrary, she was very mature, brave and sweet (even after everything that she had been throught). Her flashback scenes were gutwrenching and heartbreaking, that added to the character and actually made me connect with her and her thoughts in the present.
My biggest problem with the book was Elias, I don't know why but I simply couldn't connect with him. He was very harsh with her in the begining (which I understand), but maybe he lacked more softness towards Grace when they were getting closer. But, I really liked how he was being very sweet and caring towards Grace after the "big confrontation" (and I wished that he had cut ties with the skin trading part of the business - even if it was indirect business -. I mean, he could've, but that wasn't mentioned).
I felt like this book could've been longer, just to follow Grace and how she was going to discover who she is after all that trauma and her relashionship with Elias. Although, I liked how it ended, since it was during a very important mission for her.
Overall it was a great book and it got me interested in the author.
Two things got me hooked: the plot and my sweet Grace. The plot was very well written and thought out, the author was able to make me very interested in the "cartel plot" of the book, it wasn't boring, unecessary or too much. Grace was really the star of this book - which is great since the whole thing certers around her -, but still, she wasnt an annoying FMC. On the contrary, she was very mature, brave and sweet (even after everything that she had been throught). Her flashback scenes were gutwrenching and heartbreaking, that added to the character and actually made me connect with her and her thoughts in the present.
My biggest problem with the book was Elias, I don't know why but I simply couldn't connect with him. He was very harsh with her in the begining (which I understand), but maybe he lacked more softness towards Grace when they were getting closer. But, I really liked how he was being very sweet and caring towards Grace after the "big confrontation" (and I wished that he had cut ties with the skin trading part of the business - even if it was indirect business -. I mean, he could've, but that wasn't mentioned).
I felt like this book could've been longer, just to follow Grace and how she was going to discover who she is after all that trauma and her relashionship with Elias. Although, I liked how it ended, since it was during a very important mission for her.
Overall it was a great book and it got me interested in the author.
July 17, 2024
Falling With Grace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“He was dangerous, but he was my salvation.”
Holly guacamole! This book was a masterpiece of words, the story will keep you captivated and even tho is dark and twisted my god you would love it. I read this book im less than 24hrs, I have a problem yes but that is how goooodd this book is.
Grace, my sweet heart loving Grace. Her story is nonetheless a very tragic one and man it only made me think how in fact there is so many girls that go through this horrible situation in real life, and we don’t even know. She gets taken by the Mexican cartel and well you can imagine what she goes through buy what I loved the most about this book was her willingness to never GIVE UP! She was selfless, strong and a bit heart headache but she fought until the very last day for her freedom. She is what we call a FIGHTER.
Elias, are dark soul fell in love with our Grace without even realizing it, he protected her from her pass until secrets start coming out and decisions have to be made. There is so much pain in this book, Ann-Marie did an exceptional job writing this book, it will make you feel like you are part of the story, feel for the characters pain. The plot and flow of the book is amazing, so well written.
Grace is one of my favorite FC this year and I will always hold a place in my heart for her! She is as Elias said: The strongest woman I have ever encounter.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“He was dangerous, but he was my salvation.”
Holly guacamole! This book was a masterpiece of words, the story will keep you captivated and even tho is dark and twisted my god you would love it. I read this book im less than 24hrs, I have a problem yes but that is how goooodd this book is.
Grace, my sweet heart loving Grace. Her story is nonetheless a very tragic one and man it only made me think how in fact there is so many girls that go through this horrible situation in real life, and we don’t even know. She gets taken by the Mexican cartel and well you can imagine what she goes through buy what I loved the most about this book was her willingness to never GIVE UP! She was selfless, strong and a bit heart headache but she fought until the very last day for her freedom. She is what we call a FIGHTER.
Elias, are dark soul fell in love with our Grace without even realizing it, he protected her from her pass until secrets start coming out and decisions have to be made. There is so much pain in this book, Ann-Marie did an exceptional job writing this book, it will make you feel like you are part of the story, feel for the characters pain. The plot and flow of the book is amazing, so well written.
Grace is one of my favorite FC this year and I will always hold a place in my heart for her! She is as Elias said: The strongest woman I have ever encounter.
July 22, 2024
This is my first novel by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed it.....it's a slow burner but boy when that story hits believe me it hits you square in the face.
This is a mafia/captive story and it's told mostly from Grace's POV and a bit from Elias too. Grace wow what can I say about her...... she's been through a lot and when I say a lot I mean this girl is strong to have survived. For the last three years she's been a sex slave to Andres and his men. She's been abused to no end but actually gets away with a bunch of other slaves.......but she's the only one that gets away. Poor Grace she goes from being Andres captive to Elias' and the poor girl doesn't know what to do.
There is a twist in the tale....Elias knows Andres and Elias wants him found and dead no matter the cost and who gets in the way but the only person who is the key to finding him is Grace...but will she tell him where to find him? There are added characters like Nadia who is Elias' finance and his mum Rosa who I absolutely adored. As you can guess Elias falls for Grace and she him but can he be trusted? This is a well written mafia lead romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a mafia/captive story and it's told mostly from Grace's POV and a bit from Elias too. Grace wow what can I say about her...... she's been through a lot and when I say a lot I mean this girl is strong to have survived. For the last three years she's been a sex slave to Andres and his men. She's been abused to no end but actually gets away with a bunch of other slaves.......but she's the only one that gets away. Poor Grace she goes from being Andres captive to Elias' and the poor girl doesn't know what to do.
There is a twist in the tale....Elias knows Andres and Elias wants him found and dead no matter the cost and who gets in the way but the only person who is the key to finding him is Grace...but will she tell him where to find him? There are added characters like Nadia who is Elias' finance and his mum Rosa who I absolutely adored. As you can guess Elias falls for Grace and she him but can he be trusted? This is a well written mafia lead romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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