Captured

Cruel Kings #1

by Piper Stone

She began as my obsession. I made her my possession.

As the oldest brother of the most brutal crime family in Chicago, whatever I want is mine to take.

Including her.

The first time I heard Emily Martin play, the strains of her cello soothed the beast inside in a way nothing ever has before. With a single look at her angelic face, she became my obsession, and from that moment on I knew nothing would keep me from making her mine and mine alone.

But taking her captive wasn't enough. I needed her complete submission.

She fought me, but as she came for me over and over again, her ass still burning from my belt and every climax more savage and brutal than the last, my sweet angel learned to surrender.

There's no going back. I've decided to keep her.

Forever.

Publisher's  Captured is the first book in the Cruel Kings series but can be read as a standalone. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, BDSM, Dark, Contemporary

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2024

Reviews

[Krisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing was horrendous and nothing really happened until the end. Sucks to rate this book so low considering kidnapping is my favourite trope but the execution fell totally flat and the characters weren't likeable either.

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFed at 60%

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on for a wild ride.

Captured is a dark mafia romance with a twist. It follows Emily and Styx "Talon".
Talon is a hired assassin and oldest of three brothers who run the most brutal crime syndicate in Chicago. His latest assignment is a girl but something doesn't feel right plus women and children are off limits. When his client threatens to hire someone else he is more determined to find more about her. He becomes obsessed with her following her, watching her and even entering her bedroom.
Emily is twenty-three and a music prodigy living in gilded cage. Her father is a brutal controlling man who treats her like a possession not his only child. She can feel someone watching her. She even had a crazy fantasy that he was in her room.

Their story is a captivating suspense filled, action packed, dangerous, deadly and sinfully delicious. He's dominating, possessive, and oh so wickedly sexy. She's a smart, strong, resilient, stubborn, fiesty and determined. Together they are like gasoline on a fire....hot, hot, hot.

I received a free ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What very INTERESTING and ENTERTAINING dark mafia romance.
This book has some very provocative elements:
🖤Forbidden
🖤 Stalker
🖤Sadistic Mafia Lord
🖤Obsessive/Possessive MMC
🖤Strong Willed MFC
Once you start reading Styx and Emily’s story you can’t help but think that Styx is really psychotic. He will do everything to make sure that Emily is his.
Their first encounter is so erotic even though Emily believes it to be a dream…the naughty kind.
Although their relationship is untraditional, Styx worships Emily and would unalive anyone who would harm her.
I enjoyed the fact that Emily put up an intellectual and physical fight against Styx’s capturing her and used her smart mouth to put him in his place.
This whole story is just so FASCINATING and it will consume you from beginning to end.
You can’t help but fall for Styx even with his many issues because he doesn’t just love, he devours.
Honestly this man is dirty talking and depraved, but that’s what makes him so ALLURING.
So escape in this highly CAPTIVATING and THRILLING romance!!

[Tammie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it

Badly written and executed book that was torture to read. I was half way through the book and found the main characters quite unlikable and each chapter I was groaning in annoyance. I truly tried to stick with this one but couldn't do it.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

OMG!! Wow, this was one exciting book to read, the storyline was magnificent and the characters were absolutely sensational. This story was about Emily, and Styx, Styx is an assassin he is a handsom, ruthless, dark, unforgiven, heartless, violent, male, he was given a job, he was flabbergasted the person in the picture, he stalked her all because of her father. Emily is beautiful, intelligent, respectful, she loves playing the piano the sounds of her music it went through to her soul. Their chemistry was explosive hot and so was her backside and red, they were like a ying & yang, light & dark. Now he needs her to Surrender and save her from her father. Could they have a HEA.

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

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily just wanted to follow her dream of playing with the NY Philharmonic Orchestra and be free of her father. But her dark fantasies were feeling real. She certainly didn’t think they would become real with a dark stranger. Styx Saint aka Talon is a man you know not to mess with. He is a man for hire. When he gets a contract to eliminate a woman, that was not his style. But seeing her photo drives him to find out more about her. He needs to know why her. And he plans to make her his forever.

Styx isn’t who we think he is. He is a man that has so much more in his past. When it is revealed, I was surprised. Emily brings out the best in him. But there are a lot of secrets. We have the mystery of her mother’s death, the reason for the hit on her, his past, and why Talon was the way he was. I really enjoyed this one. There were surprises at every turn. The passion between Styx and Emily is hot. We also have a glimpse of Styx’s brother’s Creed and Easton Saint. I loved the HEA too. It definitely brought closer for him. I hope we get the story about the next brother.

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was intense, suspenseful, thrilling and hot. Emily and Styx made an absolutely captivating couple, and their story kept me glued to the pages. Emily's fierceness and Styx's wicked razor-sharp edge made for abundant sparks and oceans of decadent steam.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! Styx is a hitman, and he usually doesn’t ask questions but when he is ordered to kill Emily things change. Emily is a cello player and when Styx hears her for the first time the beast within is soothed. He instead takes her captive and plans to make her his. Will they discover who wants her dead? Fast-paced read with a lot of steamy chemistry, plenty of drama and twists and turns. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured is the first book in Piper Stone’s Cruel Kings series. It chronicles the romantic journey of Styx Saint and Emily Rose Martin. She is a piano and violin virtuoso. She is innocence. He is the opposite—all darkness, and evil. He is the first-born of three sons all shaped by their cruel crime lord father. Destiny brings them together. Faith awakens their combustible feelings for each other. They are the ying and yang of each other. Can he keep her safe? Can she help me to conquer his demons? To find out you must read this book.
I enjoy Ms. Stone’s skill in her developing her characters. In this book, she uses them to drive her plot. Through her use of dialog, conversational and internal; point of view; and descriptive language her plot flows evenly and at a fast pace while entertaining her readers.

[Araya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tropes:
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Captive x Stalker Relationship
- Dubcon
- Forbidden Relationship
- Kickass Yet Innocent Heroine
- Sadistic Mafia Lord
- Bad Boy Alpha with a Passionate Touch
- Touch Her and ☠️
- Obsessive and Possessive

**Always make sure you check your trigger warnings**

I don’t think I’ll ever get over this read. Well done Piper Stone, well done. This book was just so good, I mean so so so very good. This is a must read that’s how good I believe this book to be. This story has you hooked from the very start. This book was everything a dark romance reader could ask for. I also have to comment on the authors writing abilities this book was just so beautifully written with such great detail and descriptive words, I’m in awe. The story itself was also so good the plot was just so captivating and entertaining never leaving the reader with a dull moment.

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

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

Styx was darkness, Emily was light that he needed.When was supposed end her life he couldn't so he did the next best thing,he Salk her,he kidnapped her.They grew on each other over time but they both had enemy's that had to be dealt with or they were dead.Styx figured out who was behind who wanted Emily dead but he was almost too late and after years he found out who killed his wife and child and they will pay,just like Emily's father will pay for the treatment of Emily and killing her mother.This story was so good,lots of action, I always look forward to any book by Piper Stone.

[M. Greenhow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more ASAP

Right from page one, Piper had me in a chokehold! Like OMG I freaking loved this book and can't wait to read more. Absolutely fantastic. A must read!!!!!!

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding written story with grand characters that jump off the pages which is a page turner. The story has suspense, intrigue, thrills, action, erotic romance as well as a happily ever after ending.
An assassin who got a contract to kill a pianist but after seeing her picture he had to save her, in an instant he knew she was made for him. Even before the assassin saw the pianist picture he didn’t feel like killing anymore even though he would kill if he had to. The assassin started stalking her and after the recital that the pianist was in he took her from her father’s home where he killed her two guards. Before the assassin took the pianist he found out everything about her and her family, he found out that her father was as cruel as his father and that her mother was murdered in the home.
The two had many things in common, one of those things was having cruel fathers and also having tragedy happen in their lives. The assassin lost his wife and son in a house fire while he was at work as a doctor, that was the reason why he went back to his mafia family, emerging into an assassin for hire. The pianist found her mother’s murdered body when she was young, she became a pianist. Following in her mother’s footsteps.
The assassin got a contact kill on the pianist even though he never killed women or children but after he saw the picture of the pianist the assassin knew that she would be his so he started stalking her as well as sneaking into her room. The assassin even went so far as to spank her after she put her life at risk and afterwards he took her on her own bed.
The assassin kidnapped her after her recital ending her college years and the pianist was to go to New York to be part of an orchestra there so she could get away from her father but the assassin took her, killing her guards, taking her to his island home. The pianist was attracted to him even though she didn’t want to after spanking her several times for breaking his rules as well as having sex with her without her wanting to.
Soon though the two got closer, the island was under attack but the assassin tended to it quickly and before long the assassin had to go tend to some business in Boston and when he left he had his second stay and watched the pianist and took his tech guy with him. The pianist wants him to go back to being a doctor again even though the assassin doesn’t know if he can do it. The pianist also wanted her father dead for what he had done. The assassin made some plans to tend to some of his enemies while he was gone but not kill them and one was the pianist's father.
The assassin went to a fundraiser with the tech guy as well as a couple of his men. At the fundraiser a reporter started asking questions so the assassin had to change his plans. The assassin found the pianist father in the restroom and when he confronted him he found out that the father was trying to sell the daughter/pianist to a prince that he wanted to get into business with and that he was going to announce him running for office as the president of the united states. The assassin told the pianist’s father some things as well as not to tell anyone that he was running for president. The assassin found the prince and made a deal with him to fund him in his oil deal as well as giving him a discount on weapons from the family’s weapons company.
The assassin made plans to see his two brothers the next morning but before they came he got the news that his plan worked. He gave his brothers the paperwork on the new deal he made with the prince and informed them that after they announce the deal that their stocks would soar. They watched the television seeing that his plans worked and he also informed them about his retirement as an assassin and would be taking a roll in their company. After the meeting the ex assassin went shopping for presents for the pianist, his tech guy was happy to see him in this type of mood. They got on his private plane going back to the island but while in the air the tech guy found out who was the one who bought the type of plane that tried to kill him and the pianist.
The pianist went swimming before she started to look around the house she was in, she made her way to the assassin’s bedroom where she found a picture of his wife and son. The second found the pianist in the bedroom, they talked briefly, showing her an article before he told her about the assassin coming home. The pianist was so happy for his return she went to take a shower and get ready for his return. After her shower she noticed that a storm was coming and while getting dressed thunder and lightning started. Soon she heard gunfire so she started looking for the second or the guards that she knew and when she found the second and told him what she remembered, he told her to run deep into the woods and not to come out unless she saw him or the assassin so she ran.
A guy that the assassin trusted was the one who had been trying to kill the assassin and get the pianist. The ex assassin’s plane landing and he and the tech guy were getting weapons together to tend to the attack on his island when the second pulled up in a jeep. They made their way to his home, he had the tech guy with some men go to the back of the home coming in from that way and he and his second would go in through the front door. The ex assassin knew that he would find the man in his office which he did along with three of his guy’s men.
They talked but afterwards the ex assassin took out the guy and the guy’s men that was with him. The ex assassin went looking for the pianist who he found in one of the traps that was set up around the island and when he found her he also found an animal who was going after the pianist. THe ex assassin got her out of the trap.
Two years later the ex assassin who is now a surgeon was trying to get out of the hospital when one of his colleagues tried to talk him in on helping with a surgery but he declined, he had a concert he had to get to as well as getting white roses. The doctor’s second came to get him as he sped to a florist to get the white roses and also sped to get the concert on time. They made it on time and the doctor watched as the pianist performed before going to wait for her at the side of the stage holding the white roses.
The two got married, it took the pianist a while to say yes to his proposal but after she found out that he got ahold of the orchestra that she wanted to play for to have them hold her spot indefinitely so she could have her dream job she agreed. They also had a son during that time.
Everything was going well, she got a record contact which she’s to sign the next day and will be staying home since she will be recording there.
The pianist’s father as well as the doctor’s enemies were out of their lives through one way or the other and most people thought that the assassin made an untimely death.
The couple after the concert went home where he spanked her before they had sex and the next morning she woke up to coffee and saw her husband and son with their dog on the living room floor playing. The pianist decided that she would wait to inform the doctor about the newest member that they would be having in the near future.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the Cruel Kings series you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. The Saint kids didn’t have the best life their father was one extremely cruel man he would take them out at an early age traumatize them by forcing them to hunt, to kill, and when they didn’t do it just as he wants well, he had ways of disciplining them in a way that was unforgettable. Styx sexy as all get out works as an assassin he accepts what jobs he choose, anyone who have met him know that he isn’t a man to cross with his very unique skill once you are on his radar well it isn’t a question of if but when and he is hard on himself especially after he wasn’t able to stop the murder of his wife, his child. He gets a call with orders to take out the most beautiful women of course doing his research finding out her music that cuts through his darkness. Emily is sweet, a little sassy with an outlet of music which she learned drowned out all her father’s cruel comments when her mom was murdered when she was young her father took all his hurt, anger out on her damaging her self-esteem after a little research she discovered he is responsible for so many murders and responsible for missing people. The moment he watches her with her music it is like she opens something inside of him that has been missing for so many years, instead of killing her he decides to keep her, stalking and kidnapping her for her own good yep a rocky start but getting to know each other was entertaining but when they put their heads together him with a plan to figure out who put the hit on her but along they way they discover a lot of dirt which flips a switch for him everything his father taught him will be used in revenge but will they be successful, who put the hit out on her, who killed his wife/child, and can two people in hiding have a HEA?

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simply wonderful read by Piper, captivating characters and plot that will hold you riveted
The Saint family have had more than their fair share of cruelty from a father that had started to take them hunting and killing and handing out discipline from age of eight years onwards. Styx as he is known by the people, he works for is an Assassin that those he works for know to cross him is a sure way to end up dead.
Emily has been told by her father on many occasions that she is a let down unlike her mother that had been murdered when she was a young girl, in fact she had found her dead mother and this scarred both her and her father. He father was a nasty man who was cruel and who she knew after snooping round herself that her father was definitely responsible for deaths and murders and people that crossed him going missing.
When Talon had been contacted by Zeus and his partners, he had been told they wanted Emily Martins daughter killed, he had done some investigating himself he discovered that his Angel was beautiful, her musical ability was beyond belief and he knew that he was going to make her his and he also knew that this would cause possible problems.
Talon knows that the men he refused to do the contract for are coming after him and his family and he gave them fair warning, he knows that her father is behind their determination but imagine his surprise when he discovers Gideon is planning on running for an important political seat.
I guarantee that you will enjoy every moment of this wonderful book and that you will be left looking forward to future books by this wonderful author.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured
Cruel Kings, Book 1

By: Piper Stone
Narrated by: Skyler Morgan

Wow! What a ride! I LOVED Captured!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-29-24

Emily Martin … his mark, his captive … his obsession. The scar on his right cheek, an indication that her captor had a violent past. He should frighten her, terrify her … but something about him calls to her, calls to the very depth … of … her … soul. Will there be … can there EVER be … any type of future for these two tortured souls? Dark, heart wrenching, yet so beautiful, “Captured - Cruel Kings, Book 1” drew me in to a world populated by both the ruthless AND the innocent, fascinating me, holding ME captive as majestically drawn and defined characters danced a dance as old as time! Both powerful, and exquisitely heated, cold drinks and headphones are absolutely required for this one! The plot, taut with mystery and suspense, held my interest throughout! At the final “reveal”, I was shocked by WHO the nefarious ne’er do well was! Shocked, because I didn’t see it coming! There was plethora of suspects it COULD have been, and wondering whom it MIGHT be, was enthralling! Every character so richly detailed, so beautifully and brilliantly developed! So human! Smooth, emotional, flawless, perfectly timed and perfectly executed narration brought every character, every scene beautifully and brilliantly alive, exactly as the author intended, leaving this listener breathless! Five fantastic stars across all categories. I absolutely loved Captured!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured is a Dark Mafia Romance and Book 3 of the Cruel Kings Series. This is Styx and Emily's story. I was hooked from the very beginning of this book. Captured is such a captivating story with suspense, violence, secrets, kidnapping and steamy scenes. The characters are wonderfully written.
Emily Martin is a gifted child prodigy who is now twenty-three. Emily has been chosen to work with The Philharmonic Orchestra in New York. Emily's mother was murdered when she was younger and her father has taken all the hurt and pain of her loss out on Emily. Emily's father has always kept her hidden away at home with two bodyguards. Styx Saint (Talon) is a hired assassin and his latest job offer is a contract on a young woman who happens to be Emily Martin. Styx doesn't take contracts on women, believe it or not it goes against his morals. He needs to find out more about Emily and when he does Styx becomes highly obsessed and obsessive.

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

[Arin Baur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly suspenseful very intense with crazy action packed moments I couldn’t put it down without thinking about what’s going to happen next! The characters are simple in some aspects but at the same time opposite of one another like she’s seems sweet and is very intelligent while the guy is intimidating. They both have demons they’re fighting alongside secret hot desires they can’t stop thinking about it’s fun to watch how things go about with these two strong heads, independent characters. The secrets, mystery, page turning are never ending in the this epic dark story! I can’t believe what people are willing to do to get high up the ladder in life especially to those in there personally life. There are plenty of betrayal, crime, violence, cruelty, death, uncertainty, hot steamy scenes that will make you want something cold by you to help bring you down from the heat level! Along with the danger zone in my opinion there is some heartfelt moments in this book too and so much more you won’t no what to do! The unpredictable acts are crazy to I was at the edge of my seat needing to know how things were going to end. I was so worried on and off throughout reading this book thank goodness I love surprises with books and enemies to lovers theme. Come join in on the mystery adventure that will leave you staying up late into the next day!

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If a Bell Curve Was a Book

Don’t let me 3 stars fool you, the book was worth the read. However, long story short there was a lot of investment required before things got good and the end felt thrown away. Let me explain….

I enjoy a good kidnapping storyline. Typically the ones I enjoy are she kind of already knows the world so she’s not that surprised she’s kidnapped, he has a purpose for kidnapping her, etc.

No this was giving “YOU” story vibes, it was very creepy and I almost put it down multiple times. Assault vibes, 100%. Dude is truly unhinged and mentally ill.


Fast forward, we get a couple of good parts and they fall in love which is dope.

However, she has one day of decent conversation with her mentally unhinged capture and all of a sudden she’s “falling for him” and he’s “fixed.”

No honey … if you want to write a character that mentally unhinged … he should stay that way. Maybe he gets 70% better … but he just is fixed in 24 hours because some random chick gave good 🍑 and semi-decent conversation. He’s so fixed he goes from assassin to straight and narrow immediately ??

It’s giving WTH, how’d this happen. The moment I was like he’s not that creepy I think I can enjoy these vibes, the vibes were thrown away and cookie cutter romance was in place.

Idk it just took forever to be invested just for the moment you are it becomes dry as hell.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this story! Styx is an unhinged, dark, obsessed, and damaged alpha, and his character makes for one hell of a tale. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and taking deep breaths with every twist and turn. The suspense was palpable throughout.

Styx's obsession with Emily and their explosive chemistry was captivating. The dominance and heated scenes were intensely hot. The story is rich with suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets revealed, violence, hope, forgiveness, and even love.

This deep and dark narrative beautifully depicts how their initial anger and passion gradually evolve into something they both desperately needed. Styx recognizes Emily as his salvation early on, and she too finds herself drawn to him, seeing the same in him.

The plot is well-developed, and the characters are richly drawn, giving readers a full sense of their depth and complexity. While there were a few grammatical errors, I’m confident they’ll be corrected in editing. Overall, this is a gripping and intense story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

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

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a storyline. Styx was born into the most brutal crime family in Chicago but he wanted more and for a short time, he had it, until it was all taken away. Having lost the goodness in his life, he shuts down all emotion but revenge, returns to the fold of his crime family, and sees her. Emily is a talented pianist kept under lock and key by her father. She's tortured by the mystery of her mother's murder. These events have influenced the haunting music she plays. Styx is drawn to her. So much so, that he becomes an obsession and continually watches from the wings. That is until her life is threatened and Styx decides he needs to kidnap her to keep her safe. Both characters have haunting, unresolved pasts so you know there is so much drama and angst. Some parts had my adrenaline racing from either their chemistry within the scenes they played out or the threat to Emily's life. This is a great read I'm happy to recommend and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Kendra Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Love Love this book I waited for this book to come out it seemed like forever and it did not disappoint. Holy Cow this book was intense. Outstanding story line and very well written. Styx aka Talon oldest brother to the Saint Crime Syndicate. Now he is a Monster a paid assassin. She started off as his hit, then his obsession. Now she’s his possession and he will do anything to keep her safe even burn the world down and destroy her father.
Sweet innocent naive Emily had no idea the dangerous world she truly lives in. She only has her father left her mother was killed years before because of the life her father lives. She had no idea the lengths her father will go to insure his own success. All Emily wants to do is play the piano for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. This book is intense right from the beginning. Grab you from the start and keeps you on the edge of your seat. We get a glimpse of his brothers for the other 2 books coming out. This lived rent free in my head for a while. I give this a 10/10!!!! Run and grab your copy today you won’t be disappointed.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first book in the Cruel Kings series and a page turner, I cannot wait until the next two are released. Styx/Talon has had many tragedies in his life that led him to turn to a life in the dark as a hired assassin with many high profile kills to his name. When his latest "contract kill" is a beautiful, young Emily Martin, a piano virtuoso, he decides that she will be his and set out to discover who put the hit out on her. The instant, but dangerous attraction between the stalker, Talon and his prey, Emily is a beauty to read, and the sexual attraction is off the charts. There are so many surprises and dangerous twists including the final ones that had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath wondering if an HEA was possible. I can't wait to get my hands on the remaining stories to read about the other Saint Brothers.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the Cruel Kings series grabs you from the very start and holds on until the final page. Talon (Styx) and his brother’s Creed and Easton Saint were raised by a cruel, brutal father intent on creating monsters like himself. Styx is an assassin for hire and when he is hired to murder a woman, he has a problem. Especially when he sees her picture. Emily has always dreamed of playing with the NY Philharmonic Orchestra and be free of her cruel, manipulative father, who has kept her locked away from the world. His enemies want to Destry him, so they decide to murder his daughter Emily. Styx is smitten with the strong, sassy beauty and is determined to make her his. Compelling characters, well-paced storyline, full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, twists, turns, and so much more. Fantastic read.

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

[Áine Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured is the first book in the Cruel Kings series, featuring assassin Styx Stone and Emily Martin, a cello player who becomes his target, thanks to her father's criminal activities. Styx never intended to harm her, but once he starts stalking her he becomes obsessed with her and when he suspects someone else has been sent to get rid of her he kidnaps her and takes her to his island. This is quite a dark book, Styx is unhinged (with good reason, as is eventually revealed) and Emily resists him at first, even though she was always drawn to him. If you are into dark romance with a hint of BDSM, you will love this book. I'm looking forward to reading Styx's brother's books.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Styx (aka Talon) is an assassin, highly skilled and well paid. When a contract comes down to eliminate a young woman, Emily, he knows he won't take the assignment, but he is fascinated by the woman and decides to be her savior. That is, if he can survive as well.

Wow, I really liked this book. Both of the main characters have had their share of tragedy and abuse in the past. Their chemistry is off the charts. They find they are kindred spirits, with their own means to heal the other. The plot has lots of action, danger, intrigue, loyalty and betrayal, with plot twists galore to keep you reading. Lots of steam in this one, and a HEA.

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

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Styx is going to ensure that Emily will be his to protect. With a hit out on Emily, Styx is determined to find out who and why. Kidnapped by Styx, Emily refuses to give into the attraction she feels for him, but it gets more and more difficult and both of them have to face and confront the demons that haunt them, while getting to the bottom of who has put them both in the middle of a dangerous game. Intense and dark, this book will leave you on the edge of your seat holding your breath. With many twists and turns, this hot and steamy read has everything you would expect and more.

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, the deceit, steam and frustration in this book will hold you to the last page!
Once again, Piper pulled me in for a wild ride of intense feelings as Styx is lured by the beauty, resilience and emotions of Emily’s cello playing as his next mark that just doesn’t feel right. Stalking her to learn more about her, he decides to take her for his own to protect her from the dangers that swirl around her. Emily is the perfect, strong female protagonist to match Styx’s dark side and bring out the long buried man that he should be. As the suspense ramps up, the plot twists abound as Styx will do everything to keep his princess his and safe!

[Shirley M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely on the darker side, with a morally gray MMC. Make sure you read the warnings before delving into this book. I absolutely loved the story. I was immediately immersed in this book and the MMC and MFC. I devoured this book and found it hard to put down. The MMC was obsessive, and he went too far with his obsession. I loved when we found out about his backstory, and it made him a bit more endearing. The MFC was strong, and tried to stand her ground, but she fell hard for her captor anyway. The plot was good and the ending was perfect.

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