What do you think?
Rate this book
Keeping You Captive
Her father is his sworn enemy, her capture his business, and her life his to guard. But when he suspects his client has more sinister plans for her, he changes the rules. He shows her the truth—about her father’s crimes, the brutality of his own business, and the gulf between her life and his. Yet an even darker truth threatens to destroy his revenge, his business, and their lives.
Danya wants to travel, write, and find a man like The Werewolf, who’s haunted her dreams for six years. But no one measures up to the man in the werewolf costume, who killed someone in front of her, swooped her up in his arms, and danced the tango with her. No one except her kidnapper. Now, captive and torn between fantasy and reality, Danya chooses reality: Caleb, the rough, lawless fixer. But Caleb has other plans.
Caleb seeks revenge on Danya’s father for the horrendous crimes he committed against Caleb’s family. Now, having kidnapped Danya, Caleb plans to enjoy her for the thirty days he keeps her captive. But he has no room in his life for girlfriends, who demand protection, attention, and communication. And Danya’s gentle, trusting nature serves as a rebuke to Caleb’s violent profession. Yet when they go on the road to escape their enemies, Caleb discovers how teamwork, trust, and tenderness give him new purpose. Will his belief in Danya enable her to save them both?
Danya wants to travel, write, and find a man like The Werewolf, who’s haunted her dreams for six years. But no one measures up to the man in the werewolf costume, who killed someone in front of her, swooped her up in his arms, and danced the tango with her. No one except her kidnapper. Now, captive and torn between fantasy and reality, Danya chooses reality: Caleb, the rough, lawless fixer. But Caleb has other plans.
Caleb seeks revenge on Danya’s father for the horrendous crimes he committed against Caleb’s family. Now, having kidnapped Danya, Caleb plans to enjoy her for the thirty days he keeps her captive. But he has no room in his life for girlfriends, who demand protection, attention, and communication. And Danya’s gentle, trusting nature serves as a rebuke to Caleb’s violent profession. Yet when they go on the road to escape their enemies, Caleb discovers how teamwork, trust, and tenderness give him new purpose. Will his belief in Danya enable her to save them both?
Unknown Binding
Published February 9, 2024
22 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Haley
26 books76 followersFormerly an academic, I took up writing romance recently and quite by accident. In early 2022 the right elements conjoined—my love of villains, my taste for high comedy, and my pull towards strong women. Now I can’t stop cooking up plots and drawing new characters. Though I write mostly dark romance, I invariably weave plenty of reality into the fantasy. My preference for lone wolves, quirky characters, and intense plot results in what my reader and author friends call romance with teeth. I live in Berkeley, California with my dachshund-Chihuahua, Pooh-bah. When I’m not writing, I love traveling, cooking, playing piano, and cycling in the nearby hills.
Follow on Insta @kathleenlotthaley
Website: https://kathleenhaley1.wixsite.com/my...
Follow on Insta @kathleenlotthaley
Website: https://kathleenhaley1.wixsite.com/my...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 21, 2024
What I liked about the book:
1. I liked the mystery and the overall plot of the book. There were a lot of twists and turns I didn’t see coming that were fun to see play out.
2. The book had several chapters in the past tense that gave us an insight into Caleb’s past. I enjoyed these as they were a bit more detail into why he was the way he was, as well as they were a nice change of pace that kept the story fresh.
3. I liked the road trip and travel throughout the book. I loved seeing all the things they did and places they went, as I’m a huge road trip lover! I especially loved the shoutout to an area in California that I live! That was super fun to see, especially being a place not often talked about.
4. The spice was very good. We got plenty of spicy instances that were very descriptive and lengthy.
5. Technically, this was well written. There are no glaring issues with the author’s writing style or grammar usage. I would definitely read another book by this author if she has something more my speed (see item 1 in section below).
What I wasn’t a fan of:
1. I’m going to write a lot here because I want to be very clear that this rebuke is a personal preference I could not get over with the book, and not something against the author’s writing or story making ability. As I highlighted above, I would gladly read another book by this author, ASSUMING this newfound trigger of mine is not present again. Buckle up smutty buddies!
For me, any NC or DC needs to come from a place of infatuation, or at least feelings for the other person. Unhinged stalker who kidnaps someone of age they’ve been obsessed with and performs NC? Sign me tf up!! Kidnapper who abducts the person of age, perhaps performs NC activities, and then as they come to fall for the person, they completely exude undeniable love (maybe some remorse with some bomb ass groveling thrown in)? Yeah, I think I could very well enjoy this too if done well.
What I have found I cannot get behind is someone performing NC activities without so much as any trace of feelings for the other person and no change in their ways as they grow fond of the person. Someone who continues to control, manipulate, and dominate outside of the bedroom and then take it out on the person in sexual ways, whether consensual or not, is a newfound trigger for me.
I am an independent woman. I am a feminist. I am someone who expects to be treated fairly in a relationship, whether it be romantic or platonic. I am also a smut lover. I am also a submissive. I am also a dark romance lover. These things can co-exist, and often do despite seeming to be polar opposites. Despite all of this, I have found my first trigger with this book.
At the beginning of the kidnapping, the MMC told the FMC there would be no forced sex, but then he controlled her into having some very rough sex several times. Upon doling out her first punishment for not adhering to rules (a spanking that at least started not sexual in nature), he came to find out that she actually liked being controlled, which was perfect as he liked controlling. Because of this, the MMC reasoned that he could have sex with her in his very controlling way so he could get further revenge against her father (instead of because he had any kind of feelings for her). It’s like he was using her kidnapping for leverage, genuinely didn’t believe in sex trafficking or rape, but then decided he’d have “consensual” fun with her to make his revenge that much better. HOWEVER, it did not come across this way to me without continuing to read further into the story and then go back to my highlights. The lack of insight into his thoughts derailed this epiphany until about the half-way point in the book.
I think the author was trying to convey that because her body reacted to his first punishment in a sexual way, he then thought it was fine to have BDSM-style sex with her, i.e. she got wet while he punished her the first time, so she wanted it, thus it was ok. I could be wrong and this could be how I’m rationalizing what could be viewed as rape, but I’m going to choose to believe this for the sake of my own mental health.
This was all further exacerbated by the fact that even up until the very end of the book, he continued to punish her sexually for anything he deemed an infraction. Went to see a coworker? She was abruptly taken home and controlled sexually. Decided to check her email? Hogtied and controlled sexually. This idea of her constantly living on edge and being controlled was what made me give up on liking this character at all and deciding where my line is drawn in the NC/DC world. To me, the controlling outside the bedroom should have decreased as the story went on and trust was established. We/she should not always be on edge that any the little thing she does is going to send him into assault mode. Also, the fact that he never told her his real name (even at the end of the book) and it was an afterthought when he told her he loved her for the first and only time (again at the very end of the book), did not make him seem like a better guy in the trusting department.
Another thing that really bothered me and added to the whole “it’s not ‘consensual’, he’s just an asshole” feelings of mine was he made her undress and then be dressed in front of/by an older couple who was assisting him with his kidnapping at the very beginning. I understand he used this to humiliate her into compliance and exact some of his revenge, but this was just a step too far for me personally. He got nothing out of this except control (absolutely no one saw this in a sexual light), and that is where I draw the line.
Final Thoughts:
While the spice was good, it was not an accurate portrayal of BDSM, which should be firmly grounded in trust. Please do not read this thinking it is an accurate portrayal of a BDSM relationship. This is a dark, kidnapper romance where the feelings and romance are developed overtime while the sex is provided first thing. There is no trust in this relationship and many of the encounters are just shy of rape in my opinion. That does not diminish the enjoyment of the story if you can keep it in this perspective, however, it should not be taken as a guide to BDSM as it is not that. Please please please take the time to research the ins and outs of a true BDSM relationship, including trust, aftercare, and the importance of communication if this is your first foray into the topic. Much love 💕
Okaaaaay, I'm going to step off my soapbox now and go read something sweet and fluffy! Byyyyyyye!
Thank you to Kathleen Haley for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
1. I liked the mystery and the overall plot of the book. There were a lot of twists and turns I didn’t see coming that were fun to see play out.
2. The book had several chapters in the past tense that gave us an insight into Caleb’s past. I enjoyed these as they were a bit more detail into why he was the way he was, as well as they were a nice change of pace that kept the story fresh.
3. I liked the road trip and travel throughout the book. I loved seeing all the things they did and places they went, as I’m a huge road trip lover! I especially loved the shoutout to an area in California that I live! That was super fun to see, especially being a place not often talked about.
4. The spice was very good. We got plenty of spicy instances that were very descriptive and lengthy.
5. Technically, this was well written. There are no glaring issues with the author’s writing style or grammar usage. I would definitely read another book by this author if she has something more my speed (see item 1 in section below).
What I wasn’t a fan of:
1. I’m going to write a lot here because I want to be very clear that this rebuke is a personal preference I could not get over with the book, and not something against the author’s writing or story making ability. As I highlighted above, I would gladly read another book by this author, ASSUMING this newfound trigger of mine is not present again. Buckle up smutty buddies!
For me, any NC or DC needs to come from a place of infatuation, or at least feelings for the other person. Unhinged stalker who kidnaps someone of age they’ve been obsessed with and performs NC? Sign me tf up!! Kidnapper who abducts the person of age, perhaps performs NC activities, and then as they come to fall for the person, they completely exude undeniable love (maybe some remorse with some bomb ass groveling thrown in)? Yeah, I think I could very well enjoy this too if done well.
What I have found I cannot get behind is someone performing NC activities without so much as any trace of feelings for the other person and no change in their ways as they grow fond of the person. Someone who continues to control, manipulate, and dominate outside of the bedroom and then take it out on the person in sexual ways, whether consensual or not, is a newfound trigger for me.
I am an independent woman. I am a feminist. I am someone who expects to be treated fairly in a relationship, whether it be romantic or platonic. I am also a smut lover. I am also a submissive. I am also a dark romance lover. These things can co-exist, and often do despite seeming to be polar opposites. Despite all of this, I have found my first trigger with this book.
At the beginning of the kidnapping, the MMC told the FMC there would be no forced sex, but then he controlled her into having some very rough sex several times. Upon doling out her first punishment for not adhering to rules (a spanking that at least started not sexual in nature), he came to find out that she actually liked being controlled, which was perfect as he liked controlling. Because of this, the MMC reasoned that he could have sex with her in his very controlling way so he could get further revenge against her father (instead of because he had any kind of feelings for her). It’s like he was using her kidnapping for leverage, genuinely didn’t believe in sex trafficking or rape, but then decided he’d have “consensual” fun with her to make his revenge that much better. HOWEVER, it did not come across this way to me without continuing to read further into the story and then go back to my highlights. The lack of insight into his thoughts derailed this epiphany until about the half-way point in the book.
I think the author was trying to convey that because her body reacted to his first punishment in a sexual way, he then thought it was fine to have BDSM-style sex with her, i.e. she got wet while he punished her the first time, so she wanted it, thus it was ok. I could be wrong and this could be how I’m rationalizing what could be viewed as rape, but I’m going to choose to believe this for the sake of my own mental health.
This was all further exacerbated by the fact that even up until the very end of the book, he continued to punish her sexually for anything he deemed an infraction. Went to see a coworker? She was abruptly taken home and controlled sexually. Decided to check her email? Hogtied and controlled sexually. This idea of her constantly living on edge and being controlled was what made me give up on liking this character at all and deciding where my line is drawn in the NC/DC world. To me, the controlling outside the bedroom should have decreased as the story went on and trust was established. We/she should not always be on edge that any the little thing she does is going to send him into assault mode. Also, the fact that he never told her his real name (even at the end of the book) and it was an afterthought when he told her he loved her for the first and only time (again at the very end of the book), did not make him seem like a better guy in the trusting department.
Another thing that really bothered me and added to the whole “it’s not ‘consensual’, he’s just an asshole” feelings of mine was he made her undress and then be dressed in front of/by an older couple who was assisting him with his kidnapping at the very beginning. I understand he used this to humiliate her into compliance and exact some of his revenge, but this was just a step too far for me personally. He got nothing out of this except control (absolutely no one saw this in a sexual light), and that is where I draw the line.
Final Thoughts:
While the spice was good, it was not an accurate portrayal of BDSM, which should be firmly grounded in trust. Please do not read this thinking it is an accurate portrayal of a BDSM relationship. This is a dark, kidnapper romance where the feelings and romance are developed overtime while the sex is provided first thing. There is no trust in this relationship and many of the encounters are just shy of rape in my opinion. That does not diminish the enjoyment of the story if you can keep it in this perspective, however, it should not be taken as a guide to BDSM as it is not that. Please please please take the time to research the ins and outs of a true BDSM relationship, including trust, aftercare, and the importance of communication if this is your first foray into the topic. Much love 💕
Okaaaaay, I'm going to step off my soapbox now and go read something sweet and fluffy! Byyyyyyye!
Thank you to Kathleen Haley for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
December 1, 2024
Oh I ate this up !! I have read a few Kathleen Haley's books now.. ok I have read her whole back catalogue I think.
And yet again, this one did not disappoint. just as I have come to expect from Kathleens writing. The perfect blend of plot, twists, character development and of course the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
First off this is a Dark Romance, there is stalking, kidnapping & some BDSM elements so check what triggers you and happy reading guys.
The story was captivating (see what I did there) I love the way Kathleen can write a story filled to the brim with spice but never compromises the plot.
We are taken on a journey filled with lies, secrets, twists and turns all for the ultimate goal of revenge.
Danya's whole world comes to a crashing halt when she is kidnapped. She figures it's all for ransom money and daddy will pay for her freedom, but she learns that not all is as it first appears.
Cal is a fixer and when he is hired to kidnap Danya it becomes more than a job for him, it's personal. She is key to his ultimate revenge but there are pieces in play he wasn't aware of.
Who can be trusted? Who is calling the shots? When in doubt..trust no one and run.
My lordy I loved this one.
And yet again, this one did not disappoint. just as I have come to expect from Kathleens writing. The perfect blend of plot, twists, character development and of course the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
First off this is a Dark Romance, there is stalking, kidnapping & some BDSM elements so check what triggers you and happy reading guys.
The story was captivating (see what I did there) I love the way Kathleen can write a story filled to the brim with spice but never compromises the plot.
We are taken on a journey filled with lies, secrets, twists and turns all for the ultimate goal of revenge.
Danya's whole world comes to a crashing halt when she is kidnapped. She figures it's all for ransom money and daddy will pay for her freedom, but she learns that not all is as it first appears.
Cal is a fixer and when he is hired to kidnap Danya it becomes more than a job for him, it's personal. She is key to his ultimate revenge but there are pieces in play he wasn't aware of.
Who can be trusted? Who is calling the shots? When in doubt..trust no one and run.
My lordy I loved this one.
April 30, 2024
ARC review
First time reading this author and enjoyed this book so much. Cal and Dani's characters had a great storyline and development.
Dark romance about a fixer that kidnapped the daughter of a high power man that wronged his family in the past. We got chapters from the past that set up the story.
First time reading this author and enjoyed this book so much. Cal and Dani's characters had a great storyline and development.
Dark romance about a fixer that kidnapped the daughter of a high power man that wronged his family in the past. We got chapters from the past that set up the story.
May 8, 2024
From the first meeting of Danya and Caleb I knew this was going to be a good book. I didn't expect there to be so many twists in this story. Great spy, spicy & action story I've read in a long time!
August 14, 2024
So, I want to start off and say that this was my first dark romance that I’ve read.
I absolutely loved this book! And I’m really glad I gave it a shot. It was not what I expected at all and found myself rooting for the two main characters to get together😂
I love how Danya met Caleb and couldn’t stop thinking about him for years. I think it really made me root for them more. I love how even though Danya was Caleb’s captive, he still treated her well.
I highly recommend giving this a read if you’ve been thinking of trying out a dark romance!
I absolutely loved this book! And I’m really glad I gave it a shot. It was not what I expected at all and found myself rooting for the two main characters to get together😂
I love how Danya met Caleb and couldn’t stop thinking about him for years. I think it really made me root for them more. I love how even though Danya was Caleb’s captive, he still treated her well.
I highly recommend giving this a read if you’ve been thinking of trying out a dark romance!
June 8, 2024
Trigger Warnings: Stalking, Kidnapping, Invasion of Privacy, Emotional Manipulation, Physical Punishment
(Spoiler Warning: The following review contains spoilers about key plot developments)
"Keeping You Captive" by Kathleen Haley is a dark romance thriller that sweeps readers into a web of obsession, revenge, and twisted love. The story follows Caleb, a man in a werewolf costume who starts as a contract killer but finds kidnapping to be more lucrative. His latest mission takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Danya, the daughter of a powerful man, and what follows is a complex dance of manipulation and forbidden attraction.
The novel opens with Caleb executing a flawless murder, only to be seen by Danya who becomes a pawn in his game. Caleb threatens Danya with exposing her father’s secrets if she reveals what she saw. This encounter sets off a series of events where Danya, caught between her father's expectations and her own desires, becomes Caleb's captive.
Danya's father, intent on introducing her to eligible bachelors, remains oblivious to her disinterest and unhappiness. Meanwhile, Caleb’s mission takes a dangerous turn as he saves his team from a botched job and takes on a new assignment, where his skills as an "independent strategist" (a euphemism for fixer) are tested.
The story intricately weaves Caleb's past and motivations with Danya's struggle for independence. Danya, an editorial assistant unhappy with her job, seeks solace in her first travel writing assignment, having grown up using her mother's money for education and supporting herself despite her father's implications of dependency. Her romantic entanglement with a co-worker, Innes, adds a layer of complexity as she compares every man to the enigmatic werewolf.
The plot intensifies as Caleb kidnaps Danya under his assumed name. His employer’s plan to keep Danya for a month aims to break her father down, leaving her no hope for ransom. Danya’s initial defiance and hunger strike only serve to weaken her, making her more vulnerable to Caleb’s manipulation. The dynamic between captor and captive evolves as Danya realizes Caleb is the werewolf she fantasized about.
Caleb enforces strict rules, punishing Danya for disobedience but also showing moments of care, like helping her with basic needs. The power play between them grows as Danya realizes her arousal towards Caleb. Despite her anger and plans for escape, Danya's resistance is tested by Caleb’s control over her pleasure.
As Caleb takes Danya to visit his sick mother, their relationship deepens. The reveal of Caleb's real name, Callum Furness, and his motive for revenge against Danya’s father, who wronged his family, adds a layer of tragedy and justification to his actions. Danya’s father, more concerned with his reputation and business than his daughter’s safety, continually tries to fix her up with suitors, oblivious to her true plight.
Danya’s efforts to document her thoughts and Caleb’s strategic moves to manipulate her mind show the psychological depth of their interaction. The discovery of a second kidnapping plot forces Caleb and Danya on the run, highlighting Caleb’s talents and resourcefulness. Their forced proximity leads to Danya learning more about Caleb's past, solidifying her sympathies towards him.
The climax sees Danya’s father revealed as the mastermind behind her kidnapping, aiming to force her into a marriage. Danya’s confrontation with her father, aided by Caleb’s strategic intervention, culminates in her exposure of his crimes. The book wraps up with Danya and Caleb finding their happily ever after, despite the dark and twisted journey.
"Keeping You Captive" is a tale of love and vengeance, where morally grey characters navigate a world of deception and desire. Kathleen Haley masterfully blends suspense and romance, making it a must-read for fans of dark romance thrillers.
(Spoiler Warning: The following review contains spoilers about key plot developments)
"Keeping You Captive" by Kathleen Haley is a dark romance thriller that sweeps readers into a web of obsession, revenge, and twisted love. The story follows Caleb, a man in a werewolf costume who starts as a contract killer but finds kidnapping to be more lucrative. His latest mission takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Danya, the daughter of a powerful man, and what follows is a complex dance of manipulation and forbidden attraction.
The novel opens with Caleb executing a flawless murder, only to be seen by Danya who becomes a pawn in his game. Caleb threatens Danya with exposing her father’s secrets if she reveals what she saw. This encounter sets off a series of events where Danya, caught between her father's expectations and her own desires, becomes Caleb's captive.
Danya's father, intent on introducing her to eligible bachelors, remains oblivious to her disinterest and unhappiness. Meanwhile, Caleb’s mission takes a dangerous turn as he saves his team from a botched job and takes on a new assignment, where his skills as an "independent strategist" (a euphemism for fixer) are tested.
The story intricately weaves Caleb's past and motivations with Danya's struggle for independence. Danya, an editorial assistant unhappy with her job, seeks solace in her first travel writing assignment, having grown up using her mother's money for education and supporting herself despite her father's implications of dependency. Her romantic entanglement with a co-worker, Innes, adds a layer of complexity as she compares every man to the enigmatic werewolf.
The plot intensifies as Caleb kidnaps Danya under his assumed name. His employer’s plan to keep Danya for a month aims to break her father down, leaving her no hope for ransom. Danya’s initial defiance and hunger strike only serve to weaken her, making her more vulnerable to Caleb’s manipulation. The dynamic between captor and captive evolves as Danya realizes Caleb is the werewolf she fantasized about.
Caleb enforces strict rules, punishing Danya for disobedience but also showing moments of care, like helping her with basic needs. The power play between them grows as Danya realizes her arousal towards Caleb. Despite her anger and plans for escape, Danya's resistance is tested by Caleb’s control over her pleasure.
As Caleb takes Danya to visit his sick mother, their relationship deepens. The reveal of Caleb's real name, Callum Furness, and his motive for revenge against Danya’s father, who wronged his family, adds a layer of tragedy and justification to his actions. Danya’s father, more concerned with his reputation and business than his daughter’s safety, continually tries to fix her up with suitors, oblivious to her true plight.
Danya’s efforts to document her thoughts and Caleb’s strategic moves to manipulate her mind show the psychological depth of their interaction. The discovery of a second kidnapping plot forces Caleb and Danya on the run, highlighting Caleb’s talents and resourcefulness. Their forced proximity leads to Danya learning more about Caleb's past, solidifying her sympathies towards him.
The climax sees Danya’s father revealed as the mastermind behind her kidnapping, aiming to force her into a marriage. Danya’s confrontation with her father, aided by Caleb’s strategic intervention, culminates in her exposure of his crimes. The book wraps up with Danya and Caleb finding their happily ever after, despite the dark and twisted journey.
"Keeping You Captive" is a tale of love and vengeance, where morally grey characters navigate a world of deception and desire. Kathleen Haley masterfully blends suspense and romance, making it a must-read for fans of dark romance thrillers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Keeping You Captive by Kathleen Haley is a dark romance centered around a fixer hellbent on revenge and his captive who tries her hardest not to fall for the man who has captured her.
*Don’t forget to check those TWs!*
🐺MF Dark Romance
🖤Aspiring Writer FMC
🐺Millionaire ‘Fixer’ MMC
🖤Ladynapping & Captivity
🐺Revenge Plots
🖤She Falls First
🐺Power Exchange
🖤BD$M Elements (Punishment, Restraints)
🐺“Good Girl”
Danya desperately wants to prove that she isn’t the image her father has created for her—she’s more than a spoiled rich girl suited to be a housewife. Danya would love to be able to travel, write, and find a man like The Werewolf, who has haunted her dreams for years since the fateful night she saw him end someone else’s. No one has measured up to the man who ☠️ someone in front of her, swept her off her feet and made her feel alive…that is, until her ladynapper. Now, Danya is captive and torn between fantasy and reality…finding that the man that she’s fantasized about is the very same man who has her in his clutches for the next 30 days.
Caleb will stop at nothing to seek revenge on Danya’s father for the horrendous crimes he’s committed against Caleb’s family. Caleb decides that while Danya is under his guard, that he plans to enjoy her, no strings attached—he has no time for girlfriends in his line of work. Yet, when the job gets compromised and Danya and Caleb are on the run to escape their enemies, the lines between captor and captive blur…
This was a relatively fast-paced read and rich in detail, as to be expected of Kathleen’s works. I enjoyed the power exchange dynamic between Caleb and Danya, and the acceptance they both found in one another. A few of the plot twists were ones that I saw coming, but it didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. Who doesn’t love a man who has BDE and is confident that his captive will be begging for his attention? And when he says things like this? “I’m going to wear this tight p*ssy out. Make you live, breathe and dream nothing but my c*ck.” Whew! Dark romance lovers will enjoy Caleb’s filthy mouth!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Keeping You Captive by Kathleen Haley is a dark romance centered around a fixer hellbent on revenge and his captive who tries her hardest not to fall for the man who has captured her.
*Don’t forget to check those TWs!*
🐺MF Dark Romance
🖤Aspiring Writer FMC
🐺Millionaire ‘Fixer’ MMC
🖤Ladynapping & Captivity
🐺Revenge Plots
🖤She Falls First
🐺Power Exchange
🖤BD$M Elements (Punishment, Restraints)
🐺“Good Girl”
Danya desperately wants to prove that she isn’t the image her father has created for her—she’s more than a spoiled rich girl suited to be a housewife. Danya would love to be able to travel, write, and find a man like The Werewolf, who has haunted her dreams for years since the fateful night she saw him end someone else’s. No one has measured up to the man who ☠️ someone in front of her, swept her off her feet and made her feel alive…that is, until her ladynapper. Now, Danya is captive and torn between fantasy and reality…finding that the man that she’s fantasized about is the very same man who has her in his clutches for the next 30 days.
Caleb will stop at nothing to seek revenge on Danya’s father for the horrendous crimes he’s committed against Caleb’s family. Caleb decides that while Danya is under his guard, that he plans to enjoy her, no strings attached—he has no time for girlfriends in his line of work. Yet, when the job gets compromised and Danya and Caleb are on the run to escape their enemies, the lines between captor and captive blur…
This was a relatively fast-paced read and rich in detail, as to be expected of Kathleen’s works. I enjoyed the power exchange dynamic between Caleb and Danya, and the acceptance they both found in one another. A few of the plot twists were ones that I saw coming, but it didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. Who doesn’t love a man who has BDE and is confident that his captive will be begging for his attention? And when he says things like this? “I’m going to wear this tight p*ssy out. Make you live, breathe and dream nothing but my c*ck.” Whew! Dark romance lovers will enjoy Caleb’s filthy mouth!
July 1, 2024
"Keeping You Captive" by Kathleen Haley is a riveting romantic thriller that masterfully blends elements of danger, passion, and psychological depth. The novel introduces readers to Danya, a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled in a vengeful plot orchestrated by Caleb, a man driven by a deep-seated hatred for her father.
Haley crafts a complex narrative that explores the murky waters of morality, revenge, and redemption. Danya, dreaming of adventure and a love as wild as the legendary "Werewolf" of her fantasies, finds herself kidnapped by Caleb, whose initial intention is to use her as a pawn against her father. However, as Caleb exposes Danya to the harsh realities of her father's criminal activities and the brutal world he inhabits, a complicated relationship begins to develop between captor and captive.
The author excels in creating a tense atmosphere where emotions run high and the line between right and wrong blurs. Caleb, portrayed as a rough and lawless fixer, evolves throughout the narrative, his tough exterior slowly peeling away to reveal a man capable of trust and tenderness. The dynamic between Caleb and Danya is fraught with conflict yet underscored by a growing mutual respect and understanding that challenges their initial perceptions.
"Keeping You Captive" is not just a story about abduction and revenge; it's a journey into the hearts and minds of two profoundly damaged individuals finding solace and strength in each other. With its fast-paced narrative and emotionally charged plot, this book is perfect for readers who crave a story that delivers suspense, emotional depth, and a thought-provoking look at the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
Highly recommended for fans of romantic thrillers, "Keeping You Captive" promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats while challenging them to question the true meaning of justice and redemption. Dive into this tumultuous world where love may be the most unexpected and powerful force of all.
Haley crafts a complex narrative that explores the murky waters of morality, revenge, and redemption. Danya, dreaming of adventure and a love as wild as the legendary "Werewolf" of her fantasies, finds herself kidnapped by Caleb, whose initial intention is to use her as a pawn against her father. However, as Caleb exposes Danya to the harsh realities of her father's criminal activities and the brutal world he inhabits, a complicated relationship begins to develop between captor and captive.
The author excels in creating a tense atmosphere where emotions run high and the line between right and wrong blurs. Caleb, portrayed as a rough and lawless fixer, evolves throughout the narrative, his tough exterior slowly peeling away to reveal a man capable of trust and tenderness. The dynamic between Caleb and Danya is fraught with conflict yet underscored by a growing mutual respect and understanding that challenges their initial perceptions.
"Keeping You Captive" is not just a story about abduction and revenge; it's a journey into the hearts and minds of two profoundly damaged individuals finding solace and strength in each other. With its fast-paced narrative and emotionally charged plot, this book is perfect for readers who crave a story that delivers suspense, emotional depth, and a thought-provoking look at the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
Highly recommended for fans of romantic thrillers, "Keeping You Captive" promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats while challenging them to question the true meaning of justice and redemption. Dive into this tumultuous world where love may be the most unexpected and powerful force of all.
April 30, 2024
Leaping to the present day with a raunchy scene that sets the tone for the tantalising nature of this dark romance, Kathleen Haley once again delivers with a sizzling story of lust, blackmail, and revenge. With a mix of past and present chapters, you are given various pieces of a puzzle that has shaped the life and motives of Caleb, the lawless fixer.
I read this mainly in one sitting as I was hooked. It was paced well, intriguing, and sensual. I loved Danya and Caleb’s journey through America and the way they dealt with the unexpected circumstances. You got a real insight into their character, and I enjoyed the dual POV. The development of both the MMC and FMC were well-written and satisfying.
I can often see the ‘twist’ before it is revealed, but I was genuinely shocked when all was revealed. The story ends nicely but leaves an opening that would make for a fantastic sequel – of which I would definitely read!
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Thrillers
- Dark romance
- Spice and a sprinkling of BDSM
- Touch her and die
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- Family drama
- Dual POV
I read this mainly in one sitting as I was hooked. It was paced well, intriguing, and sensual. I loved Danya and Caleb’s journey through America and the way they dealt with the unexpected circumstances. You got a real insight into their character, and I enjoyed the dual POV. The development of both the MMC and FMC were well-written and satisfying.
I can often see the ‘twist’ before it is revealed, but I was genuinely shocked when all was revealed. The story ends nicely but leaves an opening that would make for a fantastic sequel – of which I would definitely read!
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Thrillers
- Dark romance
- Spice and a sprinkling of BDSM
- Touch her and die
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- Family drama
- Dual POV
June 7, 2024
First, thank you Kathleen for an amazing read!
"Keeping You Captive" was the PERFECT read I needed to escape from moving my house.
I really enjoyed Kathleen's way of writing a well-rounded dark romance. There were a few chapters that gave background history so that the reader can understand what has happened and why our MMC Caleb is the way he is/ getting revenge for the wrongs made to his family. I enjoyed his dynamic with Dayna and how even though they were complete opposites, she brought out a different side to him, a side that shows he's not all dark and has some "light" qualities. I loved their storyline, the action scenes throughout that kept me on the edge of my couch and the plot twists that only added to the thrill that this read truly was. The spice in this was top-notch. Not straight smut, and not vanilla either, just a perfect amount to add to their chemistry and storyline. This will not be the last book I've read by Kathleen. Her writing style, characters, and overall connections I made with this book have made me a forever fan. I'll be diving down her backlist once I'm done with my move!
"Keeping You Captive" was the PERFECT read I needed to escape from moving my house.
I really enjoyed Kathleen's way of writing a well-rounded dark romance. There were a few chapters that gave background history so that the reader can understand what has happened and why our MMC Caleb is the way he is/ getting revenge for the wrongs made to his family. I enjoyed his dynamic with Dayna and how even though they were complete opposites, she brought out a different side to him, a side that shows he's not all dark and has some "light" qualities. I loved their storyline, the action scenes throughout that kept me on the edge of my couch and the plot twists that only added to the thrill that this read truly was. The spice in this was top-notch. Not straight smut, and not vanilla either, just a perfect amount to add to their chemistry and storyline. This will not be the last book I've read by Kathleen. Her writing style, characters, and overall connections I made with this book have made me a forever fan. I'll be diving down her backlist once I'm done with my move!
April 30, 2024
What happens when everything you thought you knew was not as it actually was?
Danya just wants to control her own life, becoming a travel blogger and falling in love. Her father just wants her to marry someone of his choosing and have babies.
Caleb is the fixer who seeks revenge on her father. Caleb has been gathering evidence against her father for years. Suddenly he finds himself with a contract for kidnapping Danya.
Follow as these 2 take every new twist and turn that is thrown their way. Follow the details and see who has been pulling all of the different strings and find out if they can bring everything together to take down her father before he forces her to do something she absolutely loathes.
I absolutely loved this story. The FMC is sassy but also smart enough to know when to keep that to herself. The MMC gets to learn more about what could be and discover parts of himself he never expected to want to embrace.
This is a wild ride with lots of twists and turns.
Danya just wants to control her own life, becoming a travel blogger and falling in love. Her father just wants her to marry someone of his choosing and have babies.
Caleb is the fixer who seeks revenge on her father. Caleb has been gathering evidence against her father for years. Suddenly he finds himself with a contract for kidnapping Danya.
Follow as these 2 take every new twist and turn that is thrown their way. Follow the details and see who has been pulling all of the different strings and find out if they can bring everything together to take down her father before he forces her to do something she absolutely loathes.
I absolutely loved this story. The FMC is sassy but also smart enough to know when to keep that to herself. The MMC gets to learn more about what could be and discover parts of himself he never expected to want to embrace.
This is a wild ride with lots of twists and turns.
August 13, 2024
This book had a hold on me!! Loved, loved, loved it!
First-meet Caleb "the fixer" AKA The Werewolf. He gets paid to fix/clean up other's messes. While completing a job, he gets discovered by Danya, heiress to a tech empire. She privately witnessed a murder during a party/ball by Caleb which transitions into a very sexy tango on the dance floor as Caleb's escape.
Fast forward 6 years, Caleb is hired by an anonymous person who has same goal as Caleb, revenge against Danya's father. Hired to kidnap her.
Quickly after capture, Danya realizes that Caleb is her "Werewolf" that she has fantasized about for 6 years and sets about working to simultaneously escape & also transition this time with Caleb into something more.
This book gets steamy & spicy quickly as Caleb & Danya are in forced proximity, especially once Caleb's safehouse is discovered & they have to run to evade others who want in on the kidnapping. Some very good twists as you read through this book, including at the end with a final reveal-so good!!! And a cute as heck HEA, of course.
READ THIS BOOK!!!
First-meet Caleb "the fixer" AKA The Werewolf. He gets paid to fix/clean up other's messes. While completing a job, he gets discovered by Danya, heiress to a tech empire. She privately witnessed a murder during a party/ball by Caleb which transitions into a very sexy tango on the dance floor as Caleb's escape.
Fast forward 6 years, Caleb is hired by an anonymous person who has same goal as Caleb, revenge against Danya's father. Hired to kidnap her.
Quickly after capture, Danya realizes that Caleb is her "Werewolf" that she has fantasized about for 6 years and sets about working to simultaneously escape & also transition this time with Caleb into something more.
This book gets steamy & spicy quickly as Caleb & Danya are in forced proximity, especially once Caleb's safehouse is discovered & they have to run to evade others who want in on the kidnapping. Some very good twists as you read through this book, including at the end with a final reveal-so good!!! And a cute as heck HEA, of course.
READ THIS BOOK!!!
June 27, 2024
I have had the honor of reading this amazing book.
I was a little shocked to read it at first as it is in a very different Chandra to Kathleen Haley's other books.
So having said that, this book is intense from the first page, Caleb and Danya (aka) Diva's story is about how quickly life can change.
If you enjoy Alpha Heroes and Sassy Chicks, HOT Sex, Murder, Deceit, High speed chases, Travel, ULTRA SICK Family Dymamics. This is definitely a book for you to read.
I LOVED every page, it pulls you into it with such intense force you can't put it down, every page is set out to capture your imagination, to pull you in every direction with your emotions, to keep you in suspense and last but not least keep your imaginative juices flowing. I LOVED IT.
@kathleenlotthaley yet again you have out done yourself.
I was a little shocked to read it at first as it is in a very different Chandra to Kathleen Haley's other books.
So having said that, this book is intense from the first page, Caleb and Danya (aka) Diva's story is about how quickly life can change.
If you enjoy Alpha Heroes and Sassy Chicks, HOT Sex, Murder, Deceit, High speed chases, Travel, ULTRA SICK Family Dymamics. This is definitely a book for you to read.
I LOVED every page, it pulls you into it with such intense force you can't put it down, every page is set out to capture your imagination, to pull you in every direction with your emotions, to keep you in suspense and last but not least keep your imaginative juices flowing. I LOVED IT.
@kathleenlotthaley yet again you have out done yourself.
April 23, 2024
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the first book of Kathleen’s that I’ve read and I will definitely be reading more of her work.
I loved this book. The story line was well thought out and well written, full of twists and turns that led to unexpected places.
The characters are all well rounded and fully fleshed, you can really connect to them.
The descriptions of the Caleb and Danya’s journey through America had me feeling as if I was travelling right alongside them.
The sex scenes were wonderfully written, graphic enough without being crude and mercifully not cliche or riddled with terminology that drags you out of the scene rather than enhancing the spice.
This book is a definite recommend if you like spicy, thrillers and romance.
This is the first book of Kathleen’s that I’ve read and I will definitely be reading more of her work.
I loved this book. The story line was well thought out and well written, full of twists and turns that led to unexpected places.
The characters are all well rounded and fully fleshed, you can really connect to them.
The descriptions of the Caleb and Danya’s journey through America had me feeling as if I was travelling right alongside them.
The sex scenes were wonderfully written, graphic enough without being crude and mercifully not cliche or riddled with terminology that drags you out of the scene rather than enhancing the spice.
This book is a definite recommend if you like spicy, thrillers and romance.
April 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The dual point of view made it easier to understand the backstory for Caleb and Danya. The twists and turns made me just want to read more of their story. Following their travels throughout the US made me want to take a road trip of my own.
A quote that struck me: "We have only a finite amount of time to do stuff in life. I might as well make my mistakes along with everyone else. At least I'll go down doing what I love." I lost my husband last year, to a stroke, and I've been trying to live my life doing things I love, regardless of the consequences. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Kathleen Haley in the future.
A quote that struck me: "We have only a finite amount of time to do stuff in life. I might as well make my mistakes along with everyone else. At least I'll go down doing what I love." I lost my husband last year, to a stroke, and I've been trying to live my life doing things I love, regardless of the consequences. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Kathleen Haley in the future.
May 3, 2024
ARC Review.
Thank you Kathleen for the opportunity to read your work.
Keeping you Captive is a fast-paced, yet slow-burn, and not to forget absolutely spicy romance. I loved reading it. The lead characters, Caleb/Callum and Danya are interesting, well rounded.
I loved how Caleb's attitude and behavior changed gradually towards Danya.
For her part, Danya started off as a naive young woman, but over the course of the story it was great to see how she'd grown as a person. Very realistic.
I loved how the past and present were woven together to give us not only the story of how Danya and Caleb came together, but also, how they got where they started the journey.
All in all, a great read and I am happy I requested an ARC of this one.
Thank you Kathleen for the opportunity to read your work.
Keeping you Captive is a fast-paced, yet slow-burn, and not to forget absolutely spicy romance. I loved reading it. The lead characters, Caleb/Callum and Danya are interesting, well rounded.
I loved how Caleb's attitude and behavior changed gradually towards Danya.
For her part, Danya started off as a naive young woman, but over the course of the story it was great to see how she'd grown as a person. Very realistic.
I loved how the past and present were woven together to give us not only the story of how Danya and Caleb came together, but also, how they got where they started the journey.
All in all, a great read and I am happy I requested an ARC of this one.
June 21, 2024
This book a wild ride and I felt like I was in a spicy episode of Criminal Minds while reading this. This story had so many sides to it and many turns. Figuring out Calebs backstory piece by piece was really interesting and I loved how it helped build the story while helping us understand why he is the way he is.. Danya was living out the masked kidnapper fantasy that so many of our dark romance readers have 👀 She was also just so real and relatable. She wasn't one dimension and her smart mouth made me laugh. There were moments of suspense, anxiety, fun, and lots of smoking hot spice between the kidnapper and kidnapped.
June 22, 2024
Secrets, spicy, lots of sizzle!!!
I enjoyed the dynamic between Caleb and Dayna ,she brought out a different side with Caleb. He's not as dark as he seems. Complete opposite of each other. Dayna wants to control her life as a blogger. Her father has a different outcome for her, and he wants her to marry someone of his choice. She wants to fall in love on her own terms.
The chemistry between Caleb and Dayna is spicy, sizzling.
I think you get the picture, so grab thos amazing read you will not be able to put down. Trust me. There are so many secrets.
Get into your chair with your favorite goodies
Most of all enjoy!!
I enjoyed the dynamic between Caleb and Dayna ,she brought out a different side with Caleb. He's not as dark as he seems. Complete opposite of each other. Dayna wants to control her life as a blogger. Her father has a different outcome for her, and he wants her to marry someone of his choice. She wants to fall in love on her own terms.
The chemistry between Caleb and Dayna is spicy, sizzling.
I think you get the picture, so grab thos amazing read you will not be able to put down. Trust me. There are so many secrets.
Get into your chair with your favorite goodies
Most of all enjoy!!
September 18, 2024
I don't know how this author does it! Every book I read by her keeps me wanting MORE of her writing! This romantic thriller is fantastic! Caleb and Danya are HOT!! There are so many wonderful twists and turns in this book that I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. And I did NOT want to put this book down once I started!! I don't want to spoil this wonderful book for anyone so I won't give specific details. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book! It is sooooo good! I can't wait to read more!!
February 5, 2024
I've read other novels by Haley and am a fan of her writing by now, but I think this story is my favorite of hers so far. I adored the MMC in this novel, who was just the right mix of alpha and vulnerable. The FMC impressed me less, but that was personality preference, not the writer's characterization. The book flows well and I really enjoyed the plot, nor did I see the ending coming -- always nice to be surprised! I hope she continues this as a series?
May 21, 2024
Keeping You Captive is a great dark romance. I would recommend it. If you have triggers please be sure to look them up before reading.
I think this is a great dark romance. The storyline and characters kept my attention from page one.
Imagine taking your enemies daughter captive and things don't go as planned. This book is both action packed, with some shocking twists. This book was so hard to put down!
I think this is a great dark romance. The storyline and characters kept my attention from page one.
Imagine taking your enemies daughter captive and things don't go as planned. This book is both action packed, with some shocking twists. This book was so hard to put down!
June 7, 2024
This was my first time reading this author and won't be the last! This was a dark romance and was full of suspense, action, and of course the triggers we know and expect/love for a dark romance. This was a captive,/enemies daughter story and absolutely kept me engaged from page one. Very good read and will definitely be reading more!
Thank you so much for the complimentary copy of the book prior to publication!
Thank you so much for the complimentary copy of the book prior to publication!
June 24, 2024
Yet another 5 star read by Kathleen! Fast paced, spicy, and 100% thrilling. Caleb and Danya complemented each other so well…Not to mention their chemistry was simply off the charts! From the very first encounter between Caleb and Danya, I knew this book would be completely captivating. I adored that the book was written in both past and present tense. It really allowed for insight into Caleb’s motives and both of their character developments were excellently written.
July 11, 2024
I enjoyed this journey with the protangonists. Their interaction started early, which allowed the reader to engaged in the authenticity of the developing connection. This is an intriguing thriller/suspense novel which succeeds at captivating the reader. I got so caught up in their journey, that like them, I was too distracted to notice where this was heading 😂
Kathleen definitely created sufficient avenues to develop this into an enticing series.
Kathleen definitely created sufficient avenues to develop this into an enticing series.
July 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! It had many elements that I have enjoyed in other books before, and I was a little nervous that it might not live up to my expectations, but it was a great 4.25/5 ⭐️
This captured my attention right from the get go and kept it the whole time!
Watching Danya go from being a bit of a push over with her father to being able to stand up for herself was awesome. Watching Caleb go from cold and hard to a little gooey and soft in the right circumstances was perfect.
This captured my attention right from the get go and kept it the whole time!
Watching Danya go from being a bit of a push over with her father to being able to stand up for herself was awesome. Watching Caleb go from cold and hard to a little gooey and soft in the right circumstances was perfect.
December 14, 2024
This was another unique book which I got the opportunity to read!! The way the story grasped my attention, at the beginning I was really confused on the plot but after getting through some chapters I was clearly able to see the bigger picture and the unexpected plot twists made it more thrilling for me to read it!! It was really an enjoyable story which kept me hooked through and through without losing a bit of my interest at all!!
May 13, 2024
this book had me captivated by an action-good paced read!
We first meet Caleb, who kidnaps Danya as a way to get back at her father. 30 days seems easy right? Well as Danya wants to be a travel blogger, they begin to travel all over the US to escape his enemies. It is a truly grumpy-sunshine book, good pace overall for the read and had me begging for more!!
Amazing read!
We first meet Caleb, who kidnaps Danya as a way to get back at her father. 30 days seems easy right? Well as Danya wants to be a travel blogger, they begin to travel all over the US to escape his enemies. It is a truly grumpy-sunshine book, good pace overall for the read and had me begging for more!!
Amazing read!
June 13, 2024
Review of “Keep You Captive”
Keeping You Captive is a wonderfully written story that displays a creative and well-constructed thought-out plot. The main characters come to life in the pages. Clever twists and turns that keep the reader wanting more. I enjoyed this read and highly recommend this book.
June 20, 2024
If you have any triggers, read the list at the beginning. This story does have a few.
This is a new to me author and I am glad that I found her. This is a dark thriller love story. You got kidnapping, killing, vengence, love and my personal favorite family backstabbing. Throw in a road trip and it makes for a really great story.
Your gotta read it
This is a new to me author and I am glad that I found her. This is a dark thriller love story. You got kidnapping, killing, vengence, love and my personal favorite family backstabbing. Throw in a road trip and it makes for a really great story.
Your gotta read it
July 10, 2024
I love the characters and I loved the twists and turns but sometimes it felt rushed and other times it felt maddening slow. The ending could have been a tad better but overall I liked this story. I have read a few others by this author and I liked them much more so with that said I will continue to read what she publishes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews