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Twisted Mafia Kings #1
Captive Games
After witnessing a crime on a remote Scottish island, a young virgin intern from California becomes the captive of a gorgeous but ruthless punishing mafia man, held at his remote seaside home in this romantic suspense standalone novel.
She wants to hate the player but loves his games.
I should have known better than to disobey a man like him.
Piercing blue eyes, god-like bone structure, muscles for days.
Sexy lips made for delivering intense pleasure and dark threats.
He's known for his legacy of dangerous, violent acts.
But I didn't listen and now, I'm his captive.
He likes to play naughty, filthy games that leave my virgin heart racing.
Dark, dangerous games that fill me with lust and burning shame.
I have to escape him but each time I run he catches me.
I begin to crave the chase, begging him for more.
He has a protective side too, never letting me out of his sight.
Taking care of my every need, spoiling me.
There's only one way to beat my enemy at his own game...
Can I turn a bad boy into a good man without him destroying me first?
She wants to hate the player but loves his games.
I should have known better than to disobey a man like him.
Piercing blue eyes, god-like bone structure, muscles for days.
Sexy lips made for delivering intense pleasure and dark threats.
He's known for his legacy of dangerous, violent acts.
But I didn't listen and now, I'm his captive.
He likes to play naughty, filthy games that leave my virgin heart racing.
Dark, dangerous games that fill me with lust and burning shame.
I have to escape him but each time I run he catches me.
I begin to crave the chase, begging him for more.
He has a protective side too, never letting me out of his sight.
Taking care of my every need, spoiling me.
There's only one way to beat my enemy at his own game...
Can I turn a bad boy into a good man without him destroying me first?
Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
About the author
Shanna Handel
80 books847 followersShanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 2, 2024
Great author- disappointing offering
I am a big fan of Shanna Handel and her various Bachman series. This book is not part of those and is unworthy of them. Seriously disappointed by lead characters that were not fleshed out well and had no chemistry. This was like a paint-by-numbers book- here’s the troubled heroine and her poor dreary self and her poor family drama and here’s the wounded hero who kidnaps her when she witnesses something. Here’s their little drama dance. Here’s their allegedly hot sex with no fun kinks. Blah blah-Dee blah-Dee blah… Honestly- this wouldn’t have been so disappointing if I hadn’t read so many good books by this author. But I have and I know she’s capable of writing so very much better!
I am a big fan of Shanna Handel and her various Bachman series. This book is not part of those and is unworthy of them. Seriously disappointed by lead characters that were not fleshed out well and had no chemistry. This was like a paint-by-numbers book- here’s the troubled heroine and her poor dreary self and her poor family drama and here’s the wounded hero who kidnaps her when she witnesses something. Here’s their little drama dance. Here’s their allegedly hot sex with no fun kinks. Blah blah-Dee blah-Dee blah… Honestly- this wouldn’t have been so disappointing if I hadn’t read so many good books by this author. But I have and I know she’s capable of writing so very much better!
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January 13, 2025Dnf at 38%.
The h is maybe one of the dumbest people to ever been written. By the time I DNFd I just wanted the H to kill her because she's legitimately TSTL. I don't want a romance between them, I legit want her to stop existing.
She witnessed a murder by a gang (I think she's in a small town in Ireland... maybe Scotland). One of the gang members sees her tells her not to tell anyone. She promises she won't. First thing she does is tell her 2 friends. They make her promise not to go to the police because that gang pretty much owns the town. So she decides to go tell the police. So then the guy who told her to tell no one picks her up (because obviously there's an 'in' with the police) and he strips her, ties her up, and whips her with his belt... of course they're both getting turned on because of insta-lust reasons. He again makes her promise not to tell anyone, alluding very strongly he'll kill her of she does. So she goes back to her friends, and when the police come by, she tells them she saw everything and can even give them names....and that folks is when I decided that I want the H to make due with his promise and just off this girl who's just a f*king idiot.
The writing isn't great, but it's the characterization that is really bad. She's not like most girls. She's from LA but burns easily, hates the taste of coffee (so she's not like all those girls who love their Starbucks), doesn't get spray tans, and doesn't have blond hair. And unlike most girls she's a virgin. She's just sooo not like the other girls. 🤢
The h is maybe one of the dumbest people to ever been written. By the time I DNFd I just wanted the H to kill her because she's legitimately TSTL. I don't want a romance between them, I legit want her to stop existing.
She witnessed a murder by a gang (I think she's in a small town in Ireland... maybe Scotland). One of the gang members sees her tells her not to tell anyone. She promises she won't. First thing she does is tell her 2 friends. They make her promise not to go to the police because that gang pretty much owns the town. So she decides to go tell the police. So then the guy who told her to tell no one picks her up (because obviously there's an 'in' with the police) and he strips her, ties her up, and whips her with his belt... of course they're both getting turned on because of insta-lust reasons. He again makes her promise not to tell anyone, alluding very strongly he'll kill her of she does. So she goes back to her friends, and when the police come by, she tells them she saw everything and can even give them names....and that folks is when I decided that I want the H to make due with his promise and just off this girl who's just a f*king idiot.
The writing isn't great, but it's the characterization that is really bad. She's not like most girls. She's from LA but burns easily, hates the taste of coffee (so she's not like all those girls who love their Starbucks), doesn't get spray tans, and doesn't have blond hair. And unlike most girls she's a virgin. She's just sooo not like the other girls. 🤢
February 22, 2025
Mmm. Okay so while this wasn't terrible, it didn't feel like a complete story either. It's very obviously the first book in a series. But it almost feels like a 0.5 prequel to the REAL mafia clan story. Maybe because there's no actual mafia-ing going on at all, really. Maybe because the ties to the mafia are tenuous at best, with only brief confessions about why the men are doing 'bad things' to people. We're not in the grit of anything. In fact, for the majority of the story, we're just in some dude's house watching him watch the FMC. 🤷♀️
There's a LOT of very backwards notions about womanly vs. manly roles. The MMC is very traditional in that he expects his woman to stay home and let the men protect her while she cooks and cleans and births a brood of babies. If you like that sort of thing, awesome. If you live in the year 2025, you're probably gonna side eye the fuck out of this book like I did.
The FMC is also sort of dumb. She gets kidnapped, stripped and whipped for trying to go to the police to talk about a crime she witnessed, and somehow because it turned her on, she just randomly decides that homeboy is the man for her. Despite the fact she's hardly even been kissed before and DEFINITELY doesn't know what a real relationship entails.
In fact, her virginal innocence was a HUGE point of cringe for me. I've never much cared for the virgin trope before. But when you include ALL of the cliches that go along with it, it kind of makes my skin crawl. The "oh god it's soooooo big, is it going to fit?" 👁️👄👁️ And then the dude having to teach them every little thing--listen. If this was set in the 1700s, I MIGHT believe a woman's that innocent. But one living in 2020-something? Fuck off.
You can find out information about sex from drug commercials these days. You mean to tell me this chick, who lives in LOS ANGELES hasn't ever seen a Pride parade? Hasn't ever been to a club? She wasn't 12 once? Didn't get up to google all the naughty words she could think of at 3AM when her parents were asleep? She's never seen an R rated movie?
Kit has been reading 'bodice rippers' this WHOLE book and hasn't figured out what penises do? Really? Not a single smutty Regency Era novel involved some Duke stuffing his turgid member into his blushing bride's mouth?
Give me a goddamned break.
Maybe. MAYBE if she was living in an off-the-grid commune her whole life, I could believe she's that wholly innocent. MAYBE. But I'm sorry. In this day and age, it's just...I just can't fucking imagine it.
Maybe this is a me thing. Maybe I'm the one in the wrong.
If I am I don't care. This wide-eyed innocence baffles me. It's over-the-top unrealistic.
Needless to say the smut in this book made me goddamned uncomfortable. Not because it was dark or BDSM oriented or anything of that nature. But because it was the cringe-fest to end all cringe-fests.
For starters, it's not even kinky. It's all the usual stuff. The whipping scene in the beginning? Yeah, total red-herring. We're led to believe the MMC has these sorts of dark Christian Grey-esque proclivities, but really he just enjoys when his woman cooks and cleans for him and maybe gives him a blowjob every once in a while. So scandalous.
Secondly, there's zero buildup or emotional bonding going on. FMC is just really super horny and somehow ends up married because of it?????
I dunno. There's maybe also something about saving the cod, and also something about a Glasgow gang that's into human-trafficking, but I've honestly given you more information about BOTH of those topics than we get in the book so your guess is as good as mine when it comes to what the actual plot in this book is.
Was it cute for what it was? Yeah. Did it have potential to be an interesting opener to a series? Sure. Did it reach that potential? Nah. I feel generous giving this 3 stars, but the truth is even though it's a nothing burger with cringy sex stuff, I didn't hate it.
There's a LOT of very backwards notions about womanly vs. manly roles. The MMC is very traditional in that he expects his woman to stay home and let the men protect her while she cooks and cleans and births a brood of babies. If you like that sort of thing, awesome. If you live in the year 2025, you're probably gonna side eye the fuck out of this book like I did.
The FMC is also sort of dumb. She gets kidnapped, stripped and whipped for trying to go to the police to talk about a crime she witnessed, and somehow because it turned her on, she just randomly decides that homeboy is the man for her. Despite the fact she's hardly even been kissed before and DEFINITELY doesn't know what a real relationship entails.
In fact, her virginal innocence was a HUGE point of cringe for me. I've never much cared for the virgin trope before. But when you include ALL of the cliches that go along with it, it kind of makes my skin crawl. The "oh god it's soooooo big, is it going to fit?" 👁️👄👁️ And then the dude having to teach them every little thing--listen. If this was set in the 1700s, I MIGHT believe a woman's that innocent. But one living in 2020-something? Fuck off.
You can find out information about sex from drug commercials these days. You mean to tell me this chick, who lives in LOS ANGELES hasn't ever seen a Pride parade? Hasn't ever been to a club? She wasn't 12 once? Didn't get up to google all the naughty words she could think of at 3AM when her parents were asleep? She's never seen an R rated movie?
Kit has been reading 'bodice rippers' this WHOLE book and hasn't figured out what penises do? Really? Not a single smutty Regency Era novel involved some Duke stuffing his turgid member into his blushing bride's mouth?
Give me a goddamned break.
Maybe. MAYBE if she was living in an off-the-grid commune her whole life, I could believe she's that wholly innocent. MAYBE. But I'm sorry. In this day and age, it's just...I just can't fucking imagine it.
Maybe this is a me thing. Maybe I'm the one in the wrong.
If I am I don't care. This wide-eyed innocence baffles me. It's over-the-top unrealistic.
Needless to say the smut in this book made me goddamned uncomfortable. Not because it was dark or BDSM oriented or anything of that nature. But because it was the cringe-fest to end all cringe-fests.
For starters, it's not even kinky. It's all the usual stuff. The whipping scene in the beginning? Yeah, total red-herring. We're led to believe the MMC has these sorts of dark Christian Grey-esque proclivities, but really he just enjoys when his woman cooks and cleans for him and maybe gives him a blowjob every once in a while. So scandalous.
Secondly, there's zero buildup or emotional bonding going on. FMC is just really super horny and somehow ends up married because of it?????
I dunno. There's maybe also something about saving the cod, and also something about a Glasgow gang that's into human-trafficking, but I've honestly given you more information about BOTH of those topics than we get in the book so your guess is as good as mine when it comes to what the actual plot in this book is.
Was it cute for what it was? Yeah. Did it have potential to be an interesting opener to a series? Sure. Did it reach that potential? Nah. I feel generous giving this 3 stars, but the truth is even though it's a nothing burger with cringy sex stuff, I didn't hate it.
April 26, 2024
Captive Games by Shanna Handel is the First book in the Twisted Mafia Series. This is the story of Bayne and Kitt. Kitt is an American who came on a scholarship to research local fish but in addition she is getting away from a bad experience back home. When she can't sleep one night she happens upon a crime. Bayne who is part of the mafia sees Kitt and warns her to not repeat what she saw. Which she doesn't listen landing her a captive of Bayne. Enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 27, 2024
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
The story is the first in a new series by Ms. Shanna Handel. This series, Twisted Mafia Kings, takes place on an isolated island off Scotland. The majority of the residents are locals who have lived there for generations. Even law and order is handled by a small minority—but powerful men. Men rule families and expect their female members to be obedient. It is how it has been, and how they plan on it continuing.
Catherine ‘Kitt’ Townsend will accept an internship working on a small island off of Scotland studying the overfishing off Cod. She has left Los Angeles, California, and this island is like stepping back in time.
A late-night crime will be witnessed, and Kitt is discovered. She is given a verbal warning but doesn’t heed it—and now must pay for her disobedience. Cailean Bayne will show her what disobeying earns her—but that won’t be enough, he needs to now protect her from other members of the Kings—because if they discover her, it could be her life.
The story is a mix of good versus evil and oftentimes, they crisscross each other. It isn’t just black and white, there is so much in the gray area. Bayne is lenient, because of his younger brother, Eamon who doesn’t want to see harm come to her.
Kitt: I’ve made a mistake.
Bayne: Don’t make me chase ye. You’ll only make it worse on yourself than it’s already gonna be.
Kitt: Never should have taken that walk.
Bayne: Aye. Pretty little girls shouldn’t be alone at night. Bad things happen to them. Bad men do bad things to girls who go out after dark. If I have to come back for you, if you lie this time—ye won’t be coming back. Ever.
Bayne: Let the games begin.
Kitt: Games? Is that what my life is to you? A game?
Bayne: Your life isn’t a game. But the way you’ve pushed yourself into mine—now that’s a joke.
Kitt: I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can’t a girl take a walk at night? Enjoy the scenery?
Bayne: Sure. But what’s your excuse for the other two times you’ve stuck your nose into my business?
The story is full of secrets, and trouble from the past. Kitt learns about herself, and sadly, about her mother. Both Bayne and Kitt have demons from their past haunting them—and things they must face and conquer. The chemistry between Bayne and Kitt sizzles off the pages. I look forward to more stories in this series.
The story is the first in a new series by Ms. Shanna Handel. This series, Twisted Mafia Kings, takes place on an isolated island off Scotland. The majority of the residents are locals who have lived there for generations. Even law and order is handled by a small minority—but powerful men. Men rule families and expect their female members to be obedient. It is how it has been, and how they plan on it continuing.
Catherine ‘Kitt’ Townsend will accept an internship working on a small island off of Scotland studying the overfishing off Cod. She has left Los Angeles, California, and this island is like stepping back in time.
A late-night crime will be witnessed, and Kitt is discovered. She is given a verbal warning but doesn’t heed it—and now must pay for her disobedience. Cailean Bayne will show her what disobeying earns her—but that won’t be enough, he needs to now protect her from other members of the Kings—because if they discover her, it could be her life.
The story is a mix of good versus evil and oftentimes, they crisscross each other. It isn’t just black and white, there is so much in the gray area. Bayne is lenient, because of his younger brother, Eamon who doesn’t want to see harm come to her.
Kitt: I’ve made a mistake.
Bayne: Don’t make me chase ye. You’ll only make it worse on yourself than it’s already gonna be.
Kitt: Never should have taken that walk.
Bayne: Aye. Pretty little girls shouldn’t be alone at night. Bad things happen to them. Bad men do bad things to girls who go out after dark. If I have to come back for you, if you lie this time—ye won’t be coming back. Ever.
Bayne: Let the games begin.
Kitt: Games? Is that what my life is to you? A game?
Bayne: Your life isn’t a game. But the way you’ve pushed yourself into mine—now that’s a joke.
Kitt: I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can’t a girl take a walk at night? Enjoy the scenery?
Bayne: Sure. But what’s your excuse for the other two times you’ve stuck your nose into my business?
The story is full of secrets, and trouble from the past. Kitt learns about herself, and sadly, about her mother. Both Bayne and Kitt have demons from their past haunting them—and things they must face and conquer. The chemistry between Bayne and Kitt sizzles off the pages. I look forward to more stories in this series.
May 27, 2024
Ending a bit abrupt, but loved the characters and the story!
This is not one of Shanna Handel's Bachman stories. And I mean that in more ways than the obvious of no Bachman's in this story. Yes, there's some $paπking scenes (3 to be exact), mostly in the first part of the story but nothing like, nor as intense as, in the Bachman books.
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I thought the ending was too abrupt. She's his captive, but only to keep her from talking to the police and to keep her safe from those who'd gladly kill her to keep her quiet. When the danger is finally gone, he lets her go because he doesn't want his dark to touch her light (something he's struggled with through most of the story). But in the next chapter he's meeting her and proposing! Where's his transition...his change of heart?
I did love the characters. The MMC (the H) is the leader of their gang or mafia on a remote Scottish island. He does bad things for good reasons. He's alpha and likes being in control and expects to be obeyed. He also likes playing games with his captive. The MFC (the h), is a strong young woman with a big heart. She's sweet and caring, but she's no pushover and not afraid to challenge. She left California for an internship on the Island to escape a difficult situation at home; only to find more trouble after witnessing a crime. She struggles between the warnings of her new friend and the H to say nothing and her need to go to the police. When she makes an attempt to speak with the police, she'll pay the price....she was warned.
Loved the interplay between the characters, not just the H and h, but the new friends and his brother as well. 4 stars.
This is not one of Shanna Handel's Bachman stories. And I mean that in more ways than the obvious of no Bachman's in this story. Yes, there's some $paπking scenes (3 to be exact), mostly in the first part of the story but nothing like, nor as intense as, in the Bachman books.
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I thought the ending was too abrupt. She's his captive, but only to keep her from talking to the police and to keep her safe from those who'd gladly kill her to keep her quiet. When the danger is finally gone, he lets her go because he doesn't want his dark to touch her light (something he's struggled with through most of the story). But in the next chapter he's meeting her and proposing! Where's his transition...his change of heart?
I did love the characters. The MMC (the H) is the leader of their gang or mafia on a remote Scottish island. He does bad things for good reasons. He's alpha and likes being in control and expects to be obeyed. He also likes playing games with his captive. The MFC (the h), is a strong young woman with a big heart. She's sweet and caring, but she's no pushover and not afraid to challenge. She left California for an internship on the Island to escape a difficult situation at home; only to find more trouble after witnessing a crime. She struggles between the warnings of her new friend and the H to say nothing and her need to go to the police. When she makes an attempt to speak with the police, she'll pay the price....she was warned.
Loved the interplay between the characters, not just the H and h, but the new friends and his brother as well. 4 stars.
May 3, 2024
(Advance Readers Copy)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶.5
This is a dark mafia book that has kidnapping in it. It was a pretty good short read. I really didn't see to much dark in it besides the punishments and kidnapping. Which really isn't kidnapping if they enjoy it, lol. I though this book was missing something. I didn't get the whole mafia thing. They didn't even ever to themselves as the mafia from what I remember. I read it in a day, but I wish there was more to it, I guess.
Tropes:
🖤 Mafia Romance
🐟 Age-Gap
🖤 Forced Proximity
🐟 Kidnapping
🖤 Dark
🐟 Virgin Heroine
🖤 Scottish MMC & Scottish Island
🐟 Enemies to Lovers
Kitt is running away from her life in Hollywood, CA. After witnessing something and leaving the crime scene, her mother thought it was best for her to sign up for college research on a Scottish island. What she want expecting was to witness another crime while she was there.
After being told to keep quiet about the crime, she didn't expect it to have a murder tied to it. She can't just say nothing. Especially when she finds out that it's her new roommates/friends cousin that died. She should have done the right thing when she was home, but she didn't. So, now she's going to talk. Everyone one on the island is telling her to keep quiet. Even her friend that just had her cousin die. Their telling Kitt that she doesn't want to get involved with the mafia. They run the island, not the police. But Kitt is awfully naive and thinks she must do the right thing.
Baynes have run this island with the Burnses since their viking relatives first settled here. The difference in the two family's are that Baynes don't want to hurt or kill women. Baynes saw Kitt the night the torched the research center and killed that man. She has no clue why, but they do. They are like the vigilantes of the island. Only killing when someone does wrong. He needs to make Kitt shut up.
The first time he took Kitt was to punish her into being quiet. He tied her up and spanked her. The only problem was she seemed to enjoy it. Her little moans and cries turned Baynes on. Especially when she became wet. Kitt doesn't understand what's bakehouse to her body. She's a virgin and very inexperienced.
After her punishment and being released with the warning of keeping quiet, she still can't seem to do so. She calls the detective and he says he's going to pick her up so they can talk about what she saw. What she want existing was to see Baynes there to get her. He can't make it any clearer to her that if she doesn't keep quiet then he'll have to kill her. Because if the Burnses find out then it will be bad.
He takes her to his house that is off the roads and away from the town. He knows every part of this island. Baynes had a hard childhood and a pos father. His father died the day after Baynes caught him doing something unforgivable. Every since then Baynes has raised his little brother Eamon. They are really close and Baynes treats him like a son, almost. Wanting what's best for him.
Even though Kitt is technically kidnaped. She falls into a role of cooking for Baynes everyday. He's spanked her once more since then, but had left her alone since. She knows she can escape and needs to, but she likes it in some twisted way. They fall into playing house, almost.
One day when Baynes comes home, Kitt is hiding from him. Playing a game with him to see how he'll react. When she comes out of hiding like she didn't do anything wrong, Baynes makes a bet with her. He'll give her a 2min head start to run. If she wins, she can leave. If he wins then he can do anything to her he wants. Kitt knows she's playing with fire, but takes the bet anyway. Running, knowing he'll catch her. And when he does, she tells him she's a virgin. He doesn't have sex with her, but does something equally spicy that she's never had done before. After that moment Kitt wants Baynes. She's torn between right and wrong. He backs off thinking he'll run her. He even let's her go back to to the dorm. The problem is Kitt finds out so much more going on in her life and his. She had no idea how right the wrong this was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the tropes and my review. Maybe you'll have a different outlook on it. Or maybe you'll agree that it feels like something is missing. I still enjoyed this book. Giving it 4 stats out of 5. It wasn't the best book I've read from her, but I still liked it. I can't wait to see what happens with the other characters in this new series.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️
- Murder (past & present)
- Kidnapping
- Overdose Death (past)
- Suicide of Someone Close (past)
- Cheating (past)
- Bad Parenting
- Leaving the Scene of a Crime (past)
- Lying to Police
- Manipulation
- Arson
- Sex Trafficking (mentioning)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶.5
This is a dark mafia book that has kidnapping in it. It was a pretty good short read. I really didn't see to much dark in it besides the punishments and kidnapping. Which really isn't kidnapping if they enjoy it, lol. I though this book was missing something. I didn't get the whole mafia thing. They didn't even ever to themselves as the mafia from what I remember. I read it in a day, but I wish there was more to it, I guess.
Tropes:
🖤 Mafia Romance
🐟 Age-Gap
🖤 Forced Proximity
🐟 Kidnapping
🖤 Dark
🐟 Virgin Heroine
🖤 Scottish MMC & Scottish Island
🐟 Enemies to Lovers
Kitt is running away from her life in Hollywood, CA. After witnessing something and leaving the crime scene, her mother thought it was best for her to sign up for college research on a Scottish island. What she want expecting was to witness another crime while she was there.
After being told to keep quiet about the crime, she didn't expect it to have a murder tied to it. She can't just say nothing. Especially when she finds out that it's her new roommates/friends cousin that died. She should have done the right thing when she was home, but she didn't. So, now she's going to talk. Everyone one on the island is telling her to keep quiet. Even her friend that just had her cousin die. Their telling Kitt that she doesn't want to get involved with the mafia. They run the island, not the police. But Kitt is awfully naive and thinks she must do the right thing.
Baynes have run this island with the Burnses since their viking relatives first settled here. The difference in the two family's are that Baynes don't want to hurt or kill women. Baynes saw Kitt the night the torched the research center and killed that man. She has no clue why, but they do. They are like the vigilantes of the island. Only killing when someone does wrong. He needs to make Kitt shut up.
The first time he took Kitt was to punish her into being quiet. He tied her up and spanked her. The only problem was she seemed to enjoy it. Her little moans and cries turned Baynes on. Especially when she became wet. Kitt doesn't understand what's bakehouse to her body. She's a virgin and very inexperienced.
After her punishment and being released with the warning of keeping quiet, she still can't seem to do so. She calls the detective and he says he's going to pick her up so they can talk about what she saw. What she want existing was to see Baynes there to get her. He can't make it any clearer to her that if she doesn't keep quiet then he'll have to kill her. Because if the Burnses find out then it will be bad.
He takes her to his house that is off the roads and away from the town. He knows every part of this island. Baynes had a hard childhood and a pos father. His father died the day after Baynes caught him doing something unforgivable. Every since then Baynes has raised his little brother Eamon. They are really close and Baynes treats him like a son, almost. Wanting what's best for him.
Even though Kitt is technically kidnaped. She falls into a role of cooking for Baynes everyday. He's spanked her once more since then, but had left her alone since. She knows she can escape and needs to, but she likes it in some twisted way. They fall into playing house, almost.
One day when Baynes comes home, Kitt is hiding from him. Playing a game with him to see how he'll react. When she comes out of hiding like she didn't do anything wrong, Baynes makes a bet with her. He'll give her a 2min head start to run. If she wins, she can leave. If he wins then he can do anything to her he wants. Kitt knows she's playing with fire, but takes the bet anyway. Running, knowing he'll catch her. And when he does, she tells him she's a virgin. He doesn't have sex with her, but does something equally spicy that she's never had done before. After that moment Kitt wants Baynes. She's torn between right and wrong. He backs off thinking he'll run her. He even let's her go back to to the dorm. The problem is Kitt finds out so much more going on in her life and his. She had no idea how right the wrong this was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the tropes and my review. Maybe you'll have a different outlook on it. Or maybe you'll agree that it feels like something is missing. I still enjoyed this book. Giving it 4 stats out of 5. It wasn't the best book I've read from her, but I still liked it. I can't wait to see what happens with the other characters in this new series.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️
- Murder (past & present)
- Kidnapping
- Overdose Death (past)
- Suicide of Someone Close (past)
- Cheating (past)
- Bad Parenting
- Leaving the Scene of a Crime (past)
- Lying to Police
- Manipulation
- Arson
- Sex Trafficking (mentioning)
April 25, 2024
Set on a remote Scottish Island, American Kitt had moved there supposedly to take up an internship but in reality, to escape a bad situation in her recent past. A few nights into her stay she witnesses something she shouldn’t have involving the hero Cailean Bayne, and instead of heeding the advice of her friends decides to report what she saw to the police, not realising nothing stays private on an island where most of the population is related to each other. Bayne realises he can’t kill or physically hurt Kitt especially when she doesn’t understand what she saw but he isn’t above using spanking as a deterrent, but he soon learns that she enjoys the receiving the punishments as much as he does administering them.
This author had me at Scottish mafia and even if it turns out that Bayne and his friends were more of a morally grey secret society than a full-blooded crime syndicate. Their intention wasn’t for personal gain but to protect the islanders and their way of life. I loved the slowburn development of Kitt and Bayne’s relationship which took off in a less than conventional way after he decided to hold her hostage in his remote cottage. Initially she was scared of Bayne especially when she learnt of his past history with the law. She’s conflicted about reporting what she’d seen but after what had happened to her before she wanted to do the right thing even if it terrified her. She didn’t back down from Bayne and she gradually grew in confidence when she realised he wouldn’t hurt her. Bayne had had a bad childhood with an abusive father taking it to protect his younger brother. Then his father crossed the line that almost cost Bayne his freedom and changed him. Now all he wanted was his brother to be happy. There was some serious chemistry between him and Kitt as he played his filthy and naughty games with her and she delighted in disobeying him leading to several steamy encounters but something always made Bayne hold back from taking that final step, perhaps not seeing a future with her, not believing she would be happy to stay on the island he loved. I loved the Scottish setting, the only thing more I would want with Captive Games would have been if the Hoax had been a larger part of the story instead of on the periphery but perhaps that will come in future books featuring the Twisted Mafia Kings.
This author had me at Scottish mafia and even if it turns out that Bayne and his friends were more of a morally grey secret society than a full-blooded crime syndicate. Their intention wasn’t for personal gain but to protect the islanders and their way of life. I loved the slowburn development of Kitt and Bayne’s relationship which took off in a less than conventional way after he decided to hold her hostage in his remote cottage. Initially she was scared of Bayne especially when she learnt of his past history with the law. She’s conflicted about reporting what she’d seen but after what had happened to her before she wanted to do the right thing even if it terrified her. She didn’t back down from Bayne and she gradually grew in confidence when she realised he wouldn’t hurt her. Bayne had had a bad childhood with an abusive father taking it to protect his younger brother. Then his father crossed the line that almost cost Bayne his freedom and changed him. Now all he wanted was his brother to be happy. There was some serious chemistry between him and Kitt as he played his filthy and naughty games with her and she delighted in disobeying him leading to several steamy encounters but something always made Bayne hold back from taking that final step, perhaps not seeing a future with her, not believing she would be happy to stay on the island he loved. I loved the Scottish setting, the only thing more I would want with Captive Games would have been if the Hoax had been a larger part of the story instead of on the periphery but perhaps that will come in future books featuring the Twisted Mafia Kings.
May 1, 2024
Seeking refuge from a troubled past, FMC Kitt finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and intrigue when she stumbles upon a clandestine incident. Even though the island's residents warn Kitt, she decides to tell the police what she has seen, completely oblivious to the island's close-knit community full of gossip and the dangerous eyes that have now settled on her.
While I was initially drawn in by the allure of a mafia plot set on a remote Scottish island, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of morality as a recurrent theme. MMC Bayne is not only enigmatic but also the embodiment of morally gray! He and his companions may not fit the traditional mold of a crime syndicate. Still, their commitment to protecting their community adds layers of complexity to the story, which I consider the story's highlight.
The relationship between Bayne and Kitt is not just a romance, but a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Their unconventional circumstances, including Kitt being held hostage in Bayne's remote cottage, serve as a catalyst for their personal transformations. The chemistry between them is palpable, leading to steamy encounters and playful banter, but it's their inner struggles with their past and insecurities that truly make their story compelling.
As much as I enjoyed the dynamic between Kitt and Bayne, certain aspects of the story fell short of their potential. The exploration of Kitt's past and her relationship with her mother felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more. Moreover, her reactions to the new circumstances, truths, and the adjustment to an entirely new moral compass were too easy and needed more emotional depth and inner turmoil. While the banter between Kitt and Bayne was certainly entertaining, I felt that the initial tension could have been more pronounced, which would have done the title "Captive Games" justice.
Overall, "Captive Games" offers a compelling blend of romance, suspense, and Scottish charm. While it may not have been as dark as I anticipated, its exploration of moral dilemmas kept me engaged until the very end.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
While I was initially drawn in by the allure of a mafia plot set on a remote Scottish island, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of morality as a recurrent theme. MMC Bayne is not only enigmatic but also the embodiment of morally gray! He and his companions may not fit the traditional mold of a crime syndicate. Still, their commitment to protecting their community adds layers of complexity to the story, which I consider the story's highlight.
The relationship between Bayne and Kitt is not just a romance, but a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Their unconventional circumstances, including Kitt being held hostage in Bayne's remote cottage, serve as a catalyst for their personal transformations. The chemistry between them is palpable, leading to steamy encounters and playful banter, but it's their inner struggles with their past and insecurities that truly make their story compelling.
As much as I enjoyed the dynamic between Kitt and Bayne, certain aspects of the story fell short of their potential. The exploration of Kitt's past and her relationship with her mother felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more. Moreover, her reactions to the new circumstances, truths, and the adjustment to an entirely new moral compass were too easy and needed more emotional depth and inner turmoil. While the banter between Kitt and Bayne was certainly entertaining, I felt that the initial tension could have been more pronounced, which would have done the title "Captive Games" justice.
Overall, "Captive Games" offers a compelling blend of romance, suspense, and Scottish charm. While it may not have been as dark as I anticipated, its exploration of moral dilemmas kept me engaged until the very end.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
April 27, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by the first book in this new series. Set on an isolated island in Scotland, I really liked the effort the author has put in to make sure the details are believable, although I would like to point out that I’m an almost 37-year-old Brit and I don’t drink tea or coffee at all, as cups of tea did seem to get a lot of mention in the book.
Kitt has moved to Scotland from America; her excuse is that she’s starting an internship, but we later learn there is a lot more to her story than just that. On her first night on the island, she witnesses a crime and gets herself caught up with the island's very own 'mafia’. That’s how she finds herself locked away with Bayne, as he decides he needs to keep her close in order to stop her from telling the police what she witnessed.
I’m a big fan of the close proximity trope, and they are normally a lot darker than this, but I have to say, other than the occasional threat to safety, I enjoyed the lightness of how Bayne and Kitt’s relationship developed. They were more friendly and cooperative with each other, both slowly letting the other one in and growing their relationship in a more organic way. While there was flirting and definite desire, it’s relatively slow burn on the spice scale, and unusually for Shanna’s writing only had a tiny bit of punishment, but I think it worked perfectly for this couple. There’s a real rawness and vulnerability to both characters that I enjoyed, along with more possessive and darker traits too.
I enjoyed the sideline characters that we got to experience and wonder whose book will be next in the series. Either way, it will definitely be on my to-read list.
Kitt has moved to Scotland from America; her excuse is that she’s starting an internship, but we later learn there is a lot more to her story than just that. On her first night on the island, she witnesses a crime and gets herself caught up with the island's very own 'mafia’. That’s how she finds herself locked away with Bayne, as he decides he needs to keep her close in order to stop her from telling the police what she witnessed.
I’m a big fan of the close proximity trope, and they are normally a lot darker than this, but I have to say, other than the occasional threat to safety, I enjoyed the lightness of how Bayne and Kitt’s relationship developed. They were more friendly and cooperative with each other, both slowly letting the other one in and growing their relationship in a more organic way. While there was flirting and definite desire, it’s relatively slow burn on the spice scale, and unusually for Shanna’s writing only had a tiny bit of punishment, but I think it worked perfectly for this couple. There’s a real rawness and vulnerability to both characters that I enjoyed, along with more possessive and darker traits too.
I enjoyed the sideline characters that we got to experience and wonder whose book will be next in the series. Either way, it will definitely be on my to-read list.
April 30, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the first book in the Twisted Mafia Kings Series. It is the story of Bayne and Kitt. This book is set in a remote Scottish Island. Kitt is a girl who is running from a very bad situation but has told people it is to take a internship. However, her peaceful little stay on a remote island turns into something unexpected when she witnesses something she never should have seen that could put her in a lot of danger. This in turns puts her in danger when she, against the advice of her friends, decides to report what she has seen to the police. But she should have known better. After all she is in a foreign country on a remote private island and it isn't long until Bayne knows what she has done. He is a smart guy and knows that the island is so small that he can't just get rid of her like he would usually do. Punishment is the only way he can think to take care of this situation. Thus begins a journey of discovery.
I love that this book was a little different. Bayne and his band of merry men are actually a secret society that toe the line of morally gray. Their mission has always been to protect the people who live on the island. They after all have found a way of life that they love and will keep it that way at all cost. I loved Bayne and Kitt. They are so perfect for each other even if they started out in a hostage situation. Kitt like I said is running from danger only to land right in the middle of it again. Only this time it leads to a slow burn of a story that you will enjoy reading.
This is the first book in the Twisted Mafia Kings Series. It is the story of Bayne and Kitt. This book is set in a remote Scottish Island. Kitt is a girl who is running from a very bad situation but has told people it is to take a internship. However, her peaceful little stay on a remote island turns into something unexpected when she witnesses something she never should have seen that could put her in a lot of danger. This in turns puts her in danger when she, against the advice of her friends, decides to report what she has seen to the police. But she should have known better. After all she is in a foreign country on a remote private island and it isn't long until Bayne knows what she has done. He is a smart guy and knows that the island is so small that he can't just get rid of her like he would usually do. Punishment is the only way he can think to take care of this situation. Thus begins a journey of discovery.
I love that this book was a little different. Bayne and his band of merry men are actually a secret society that toe the line of morally gray. Their mission has always been to protect the people who live on the island. They after all have found a way of life that they love and will keep it that way at all cost. I loved Bayne and Kitt. They are so perfect for each other even if they started out in a hostage situation. Kitt like I said is running from danger only to land right in the middle of it again. Only this time it leads to a slow burn of a story that you will enjoy reading.
April 17, 2024
Another captivating read, great characters and a storyline that held me riveted throughout
This was a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that you will be as captivated by this book as I was and will be left looking forward to future books in this series.
Bayne is a quiet and private individual that lives in an isolated are he is an individual that has laid down his own laws as well as penalties if they are broken. Kitt and Bayne have a simply wonderful chemistry and you will find yourself laughing and holding your breath at some of the experiences you read about.
Kitt is on an internship and is on a Scottish island that is beautiful and quiet and has been left as nature intended which is how she loves it. She has been trying to escape her problems and has found this sanctuary has worked very well until she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and this is how she finds herself on Baynes bad side.
He finds himself totally enthralled by this tiny female that has a backbone of steel, a temper like a taper that ignites without warning and she does not back down from him and puts him in his place.
I guarantee that you will love this book and as you learn all about the two main characters Bayne and Kitt and why they are as they are you will find yourself more and more enthralled.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all their wonderful writing.
This was a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that you will be as captivated by this book as I was and will be left looking forward to future books in this series.
Bayne is a quiet and private individual that lives in an isolated are he is an individual that has laid down his own laws as well as penalties if they are broken. Kitt and Bayne have a simply wonderful chemistry and you will find yourself laughing and holding your breath at some of the experiences you read about.
Kitt is on an internship and is on a Scottish island that is beautiful and quiet and has been left as nature intended which is how she loves it. She has been trying to escape her problems and has found this sanctuary has worked very well until she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and this is how she finds herself on Baynes bad side.
He finds himself totally enthralled by this tiny female that has a backbone of steel, a temper like a taper that ignites without warning and she does not back down from him and puts him in his place.
I guarantee that you will love this book and as you learn all about the two main characters Bayne and Kitt and why they are as they are you will find yourself more and more enthralled.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all their wonderful writing.
April 26, 2024
Captive Games is a classic romance. It reminds me, in the best possible way, of the Harlequin romances I read when I was young. Kitt, a young, American college student, is in Scotland to help with a study at a local fishery. She’s out late one night when she’s a witness to something she shouldn’t see. Bayne, head of the local mafia, kidnaps Kitt and holds her hostage while the situation is settled. The two form a bond, but is it enough?
Bayne might be the sweetest mobster ever. He really doesn’t want to hurt Kitt, but he can’t let her roam free. I love how Kitt isn’t really afraid of Bayne. Both the main characters have parental issues, but they’re both good people. The question is will Bayne influence Kitt to become bad, or will she influence him to be good. I love the supporting characters immensely. Ramon, Fiona, and Carol Ann are delightful. The world building is great, and the pacing is good - it’s a quick read.
Captive Games is thoroughly enjoyable. Read and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Bayne might be the sweetest mobster ever. He really doesn’t want to hurt Kitt, but he can’t let her roam free. I love how Kitt isn’t really afraid of Bayne. Both the main characters have parental issues, but they’re both good people. The question is will Bayne influence Kitt to become bad, or will she influence him to be good. I love the supporting characters immensely. Ramon, Fiona, and Carol Ann are delightful. The world building is great, and the pacing is good - it’s a quick read.
Captive Games is thoroughly enjoyable. Read and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
April 26, 2024
This took a while to get into hence why I'm giving this 4 stars still a good story just took me a while for the story to hit but when it does it goes full throttle.
Kitt is a student in California but she gets an internship on a remote Scottish island! She decides to do this to clearly run away past traumas and from her home life in California. One night when she can't sleep she decides to go for a walk........and she ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time and she becomes a witness to a terrible crime. Bayne is the guy that sees her and he warns her to keep her mouth shut and he lets her go, but......she doesn't keep her mouth shut! Bayne takes her prisoner in his home, he is Dominant and takes what he wants. Kitt is very independent and boy is she feisty but she is taken in by his Dominant side.
Once this hit it got really good just for me it took a bit but still doesn't take anything away from the story it's still a good read with a lot of steam scenes. I'm hoping for more books centered around the other characters.
Kitt is a student in California but she gets an internship on a remote Scottish island! She decides to do this to clearly run away past traumas and from her home life in California. One night when she can't sleep she decides to go for a walk........and she ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time and she becomes a witness to a terrible crime. Bayne is the guy that sees her and he warns her to keep her mouth shut and he lets her go, but......she doesn't keep her mouth shut! Bayne takes her prisoner in his home, he is Dominant and takes what he wants. Kitt is very independent and boy is she feisty but she is taken in by his Dominant side.
Once this hit it got really good just for me it took a bit but still doesn't take anything away from the story it's still a good read with a lot of steam scenes. I'm hoping for more books centered around the other characters.
April 19, 2024
What a interesting book. I read this book in less than a week.I found that in the beginning i got a bit frustrated with the main character because she just let the guy do whatever he wanted.. I was like come on girl at least fight him! I hated how he took control when he didn’t even know her at all! What if she had triggers? It became sexy super super fast and i was not prepared!
I really liked that the story was located on a scottish island.I love that trope! I also loved the community they ended up creating when she got accepted for the internship!The relationships that were created were so sweet! It’s really great how the main character grew through out the book! She finally became confident and spoke up. In the beginning she just let everyone run her over. I didn’t like it.
Bayne character has gone through a lot.I can see why he is the way he is! I’m glad he softened up in the end! I am not a huge fan of someone who is soo alpha male! He kind of took over the whole story. It was interesting reading about his life story and his history with his father!. A few times he made me upset but few times i was sad for him! It was like a rollercoaster of emotions.
I would give this book about 3.8! Mostly because of the craziness in the beginning!
Also fun book cover. I would read other books by this author!
I am grateful for the ARC NetGalley!!Thank you!
Red flag——>
I found that many chapters had many extra spaces between words but i know it’s not the final edit.Just something i noticed!
I really liked that the story was located on a scottish island.I love that trope! I also loved the community they ended up creating when she got accepted for the internship!The relationships that were created were so sweet! It’s really great how the main character grew through out the book! She finally became confident and spoke up. In the beginning she just let everyone run her over. I didn’t like it.
Bayne character has gone through a lot.I can see why he is the way he is! I’m glad he softened up in the end! I am not a huge fan of someone who is soo alpha male! He kind of took over the whole story. It was interesting reading about his life story and his history with his father!. A few times he made me upset but few times i was sad for him! It was like a rollercoaster of emotions.
I would give this book about 3.8! Mostly because of the craziness in the beginning!
Also fun book cover. I would read other books by this author!
I am grateful for the ARC NetGalley!!Thank you!
Red flag——>
I found that many chapters had many extra spaces between words but i know it’s not the final edit.Just something i noticed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
Poor Kitt is just not having any luck. She has, in essence, escaped a bad situation in the US due to her being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now here on her first night in Scotland she has again found herself in a similar situation. She has a real moral dilemma that is going to get her into even more trouble. Bayne, the leader of his clan on the island, discovers Kitt in her “wrong spot” and becomes the focal point of her dilemma. Two lead characters in a romance story could not have met under less than ideal circumstances. How can Bayne deal with Kitt and still protect his family and his island’s way of life? How can Kitt do what she believes is right without doing wrong to everything Kitt stands for. They are forced together, and yet apart, by their fierce beliefs. Living together in his house is way too close for comfort for both of them. The pace of this story keeps the pages turning just fast enough to keep the heat it generates from burning them up. The story is action/angst filled and is erotically charged with graphic sex and sensuous sweetness. I didn’t think Ms. Handel could ever do better than her Bachman stories, but she just may have with this. Highly recommended for fans and newbies alike. 5 Stars
May 9, 2024
3.5*
I found this standalone, HEA story very hard to review. There is so much about Bayne and Kitt that I really liked, especially the sass that Kitt exhibits. However, the story fell short for me in a number of things. Firstly, and I don't really mind this issue too much, I wouldn't call this story Dark. Yes, characters are morally grey but it's a long way from Dark. Next, I don't really understand what makes this 'mafia'? Sure, the story starts with Bayne committing a crime, but we're not shown anything about Bayne that makes this more than just crime, and yes, it talks of the possibility of things happening, but nothing does. I liked Kitt's storyline about her past and felt more could have been made of this and her relationship with her mother. Lastly, the culmination of the romance came so quickly I found it quite jarring.
Overall, while I liked Bayne and Kitt, this isn't my favourite story from the author.
I found this standalone, HEA story very hard to review. There is so much about Bayne and Kitt that I really liked, especially the sass that Kitt exhibits. However, the story fell short for me in a number of things. Firstly, and I don't really mind this issue too much, I wouldn't call this story Dark. Yes, characters are morally grey but it's a long way from Dark. Next, I don't really understand what makes this 'mafia'? Sure, the story starts with Bayne committing a crime, but we're not shown anything about Bayne that makes this more than just crime, and yes, it talks of the possibility of things happening, but nothing does. I liked Kitt's storyline about her past and felt more could have been made of this and her relationship with her mother. Lastly, the culmination of the romance came so quickly I found it quite jarring.
Overall, while I liked Bayne and Kitt, this isn't my favourite story from the author.
May 10, 2024
Arc review: fast easy read for me. Not really dark honestly but I read some really dark books. I do like the Scottish influence for sure, the Mac and his brother are easy enough to become attached to in her story line. The fmc is easy enough to relate to with her “mother wound relationship” when you question the entire beginning of the book wondering who requested that kind of internship haha and you later figure out why. She paints Scotland very pretty and makes getting Stockholm syndrome for a hot Scotsman tall dark and tones easy enough to agree with . I feel like for me there wasn’t enough “mafia” but the punishments were a nice kink thrown in and the lighter side of their stories and why they did what they did in the “darker” moments kind of like a I’m a lesser of the evils here and “small town hero” type trope . All in all it was a cute story that was easy to sit and read through in a days time while not feeling well.
April 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and interesting plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Kitt is a student that got a scholarship on remote island in Scotland. She is there to research codfish. One night she couldn’t fall asleep so she decided to go on a walk. She unwittingly became a witness to a horrible crime. Bayne saw her and warned her to keep her mouth shut. She didn’t listen even as her friends told her to be silent. Bayne found out and punished.
Another talk with DI Collins got her in his captivity. He doesn’t know what to do with her, but he doesn’t want to let her go. I loved their chemistry and passion.They have so much in common. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of captor, morally grey hero then you are definitely going to love it.
Kitt is a student that got a scholarship on remote island in Scotland. She is there to research codfish. One night she couldn’t fall asleep so she decided to go on a walk. She unwittingly became a witness to a horrible crime. Bayne saw her and warned her to keep her mouth shut. She didn’t listen even as her friends told her to be silent. Bayne found out and punished.
Another talk with DI Collins got her in his captivity. He doesn’t know what to do with her, but he doesn’t want to let her go. I loved their chemistry and passion.They have so much in common. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of captor, morally grey hero then you are definitely going to love it.
April 23, 2024
This starts a new series for Ms. Handel. The setting is Scotland with Bayne and Kitt. She is there on the island to do an internship to get away from her home and past trauma in California. Kitt witnesses a crime that she doesn’t understand by Bayne and his crew. Bayne let’s her go with the understanding she’ll keep quiet. That doesn’t happen. She soon finds herself a prisoner in his home. There are many twists and turns to the story. As usual, I find myself drawn into the story by the details given of the surroundings and the island. Kitt is an inexperienced virgin held captive by a hot mafia island guy. What could happen? Read and find out! This is a bit darker than her normal series. I like it!!
April 26, 2024
🏴Kidnapping & Mafia
🌬️Steamy and Spicy
🍪She cooks for him
🌶️She’s a virgin, he likes it dirty
🌸 Kitt, an American girl enrolled in a Scottish stage to escape a dark past. She’s going to witness something from be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Bayne, morally grey hero, from the Scottish mafia. He leaves solo until he has to make Kitt her captive.
📝The storyline is really well executed, it got me hooked. the couple has great chemistry and it’s pretty steamy. This is definitely not an insta love story and Kitt and Bayne start off as enemies.
🖇️ there is a background story with the mafia, Bayne little brother and there is a lot of potential for following books. I’ll definitely will want to read the rest to this serie !
May 2, 2024
This a case of the FMC Kit always somehow being in the wrong time wrong place. Kit ran from her university in California to a remote Scottish Island, only to witness something she shouldn't have on her first night there. Kit makes the mistake of going to the police and as a result she finds herself being taken hostage by Bayne, the Scottish "mafia".
Despite being Kit being held hostage, Kit and Bayne get close, and so begins whats a slow burn initially between them but when it takes off it goes like a rocket. But, past traumas and trust are barriers that both Kit and Bayne need to navigate. There's some very steamy scenes which you just know will help them through. Good start to this new series I'm looking forward to reading more.
Despite being Kit being held hostage, Kit and Bayne get close, and so begins whats a slow burn initially between them but when it takes off it goes like a rocket. But, past traumas and trust are barriers that both Kit and Bayne need to navigate. There's some very steamy scenes which you just know will help them through. Good start to this new series I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 5, 2024
This was an amazing story. I loved every second of it. I couldn't get over the interactions between Bayne and Kitt. Kitt has come to an island in Scotland to do an internship to help save the cod fish. She is running from California after something happened there. She meets Bayne one night when she sees something that she shouldn't have. He warns her and she doesn't take his advise. He ends up taking her and keeping her for her own good. They begin having a different sort of interactions that lead to passionate nights. She is kept out of sight because he knows that she will be in danger from the other men in the family. He wants to protect and punisher her. Will they be able to find a happily ever after?
I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
Living in the isolated area Bayne did , they developed their own rules and type of justice to making life amenable to the masses and not the individual. The chemistry between Kitt and Bayne (I believe) helped her to see his side and way of thinking. Love has a great influence over us and can sway our narrow vision in to a broader understanding . Sometimes vigilante justice is the right way to deal with
a vile problem before it takes a foot hold on the whole culture. Stop a brush fire before it's a forest fire. A great love story that puts up the questions of ethics, morales, justice,
common good and more!!!
a vile problem before it takes a foot hold on the whole culture. Stop a brush fire before it's a forest fire. A great love story that puts up the questions of ethics, morales, justice,
common good and more!!!
April 15, 2024
4.5 Stars!! Good start to this new series. Kitt takes an internship on a Scottish island to lay low and get away from her troubles back in LA. What she doesn't anticipate is being in the wrong place at the wrong time again. She is independent and feisty but is enthralled by Baynes dominant side. Bayne runs his clan and knows what he should do but then there is this side of him that can't seem to hurt Kitt. He has been hurt badly in the past and isn't sure he can trust again. Lots of good steam in this one and a story that keeps you reading to the end.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
April 23, 2024
This is Book 1 in the Twisted Mafia Kings Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is an enemies to lovers romance between Kitt and Bayne. These two flawed souls and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. What starts out as a kidnapping turns into something more. It is a love story with drama and steam, danger and suspense, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. An emotional ride.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 25, 2024
Bayne and Kitt's journey was an emotional rollercoaster, Shanna Handel did a wonderful job on telling their story, the story was written well, it had a strong plot. Nothing about Kitt and Bayne's journey was easy, these two had their ups and downs, both were strong willed, Kitt was a fighter, she had to be with how things were going, her and Bayne had a strong connection that drew them together though, their chemistry was off the charts, sizzling, they were good together. I enjoyed this story, it was great. Looking forward to reading more.
I'd recommend reading this story.
Thank you, Shanna Handel. Great work :)
5 Stars!
I'd recommend reading this story.
Thank you, Shanna Handel. Great work :)
5 Stars!
April 26, 2024
This is the first in a new series and this is Bayne and Kitt’s story.
On a remote Scottish island, American student Kitt is the witness to a horrible crime, and when Bayne sees her, he warns her to keep quiet and keep her mouth shut. Unfortunately, Kitt does the opposite and reports it to the police, which has Bayne coming after her to punish her.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with enemies / lovers, family, friendships, suspense, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, passion, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy dark mafia romance,
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
On a remote Scottish island, American student Kitt is the witness to a horrible crime, and when Bayne sees her, he warns her to keep quiet and keep her mouth shut. Unfortunately, Kitt does the opposite and reports it to the police, which has Bayne coming after her to punish her.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with enemies / lovers, family, friendships, suspense, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, passion, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy dark mafia romance,
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
April 28, 2024
A Phenomenal New Start
To be honest, I wasn't sure how much I would like this new series. I associate Ms Handel with the Bachmans and have loved every book she has written about them. I decided to try this one because I enjoy her writing. Wowza! I'm so glad I took the chance! From the setting in Scotland to the angst of the characters to the real-world issue of overfishing, there wasn't anything I didn't love. No spoilers here but a sweet and spicy coming of age for our heroine and a life altering love for the hero. Will be waiting anxiously for the next in the series. Thank you Ms Handel for my newest book obsession.
To be honest, I wasn't sure how much I would like this new series. I associate Ms Handel with the Bachmans and have loved every book she has written about them. I decided to try this one because I enjoy her writing. Wowza! I'm so glad I took the chance! From the setting in Scotland to the angst of the characters to the real-world issue of overfishing, there wasn't anything I didn't love. No spoilers here but a sweet and spicy coming of age for our heroine and a life altering love for the hero. Will be waiting anxiously for the next in the series. Thank you Ms Handel for my newest book obsession.
May 5, 2024
This is the first book in a new series and I loved it! I wasn't sure about moving away from the Bachman's but the author pulls you into her new world almost immediately as we get introduced to Kitt and her new life in Scotland for an internship. She connects with 2 local girls working and living with her and helps her get settled. She leaves one night to take a walk and witnesses something she shouldn't and that is when she first sees our man Bayne. The book takes off from there with intrigue, mystery, and sexiness and just great characters and story. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Always have loved Shanna Handel's books and this is no exception.
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