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Shifters of Sherwood #1

Captive of Outlaws

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I’d never wanted a life on the run. But maybe some laws are made to be broken.

All I wanted was to keep my head down, play nice, and coast. Fixing cars for minimum wage wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough to keep my greedy foster father John out of my hair. I just had to make it to my 21st birthday and age into the college fund my parents left for me. Then I could leave Sherwood County and its corrupt, sleazy good ol’ boys behind.

Or so I thought.

Because John was conspiring with the sheriff to trap me here forever, and I had no choice but to run. In the span of a single night, I went from an ordinary orphan girl to a fugitive from the law, with nothing to her name but the clothes on her back and nowhere to go but the forest.

Until they found me.

The wealthy city boy with the acid wit. The absentminded scholar with a heart of gold. The brooding fighter with the overprotective side. And their fearless leader too charming for his own good.

These guys are closer than brothers, thicker than thieves, and for some reason, they want me to stick around. Won’t take no for an answer, in fact, and all but hold me captive in their massive compound deep in the forest of Sherwood County.

Living outside the law shouldn’t feel so easy, so right. And living with these guys shouldn’t feel so electric, so intoxicating. I shouldn’t let myself get tempted by one of them, let alone all four. But when I’ve already broken more rules than I can count--well, what’s one more?

Except nothing about these guys is safe. They’re outlaws just like me, and whatever they get up to in the middle of the night is skirting on real danger. They may claim they’re just fighting for justice, but I won’t let them keep me in the dark.

Because I’m no damsel in distress. And if they’re going to take down whatever sinister force is holding Sherwood in its grips, then I want in too.

Almost as much as I want all of them.

Book one in a new paranormal why choose series inspired by the legend of Robin Hood, his band of outlaws, and the lucky lady who gets to live among a protective band of thieves. Expect fated mates, powerful shifters, witty banter, and a medium-slow burn.

292 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2024

1199 people are currently reading
2791 people want to read

About the author

Jade R. Evans

23 books69 followers

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5 stars
592 (27%)
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758 (34%)
3 stars
622 (28%)
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172 (7%)
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36 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
Profile Image for Abby.
534 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing me with this ARC for an honest review.

This is where I wish Goodreads allowed half stars. For me Captive of Outlaws was a solid 3.5 star read, and as the first in a series I think it was a strong starting point. I will definitely pick up the next book in the series and I would recommend this but it didn’t quite meet 4 stars in my opinion.

Parts of the book were excellent, but there were times I felt like more detail could be fleshed out to give the plot more tension. Maren’s relationship with the guys was a big one, it happened too fast and as a reader it didn’t feel genuine. I could understand her wanting to live in their safety net, but there then wasn’t much in way of developing their bond. We kept being told she didn’t trust them but then suddenly she did? I couldn’t make up my mind if she genuinely felt safe or if they were the lesser of two evils.

The reveal of the shapeshifters was the weakest element for me which was disappointing because I loved all the foreshadowing, but Maren took this turn of events far too well for a girl that previously didn’t know anything supernatural existed.

There were however twists in the story that I thought were very well executed, and I did love the ending. It didn’t feel like a cheap cliffhanger, it was a valid plot point and I can’t wait to see how it all pans out in the next few books.

A potentially stupid thing that bothered me was that this was set in the US. I know it’s a retelling and it can be told however the author wants, but as a massive Robin Hood fan, I’d have appreciated this still being set in England, and Maren still being Marian.
Profile Image for Carla.
Author 7 books26 followers
June 3, 2024
I loved this Robin Hood retelling!

Ladies, we have a book that has characters that are just downright swoon worthy!

A bear shifter. A wolf shifter. A fox shifter. AND a dragon shifter!!!

Maren is a women on the run after escaping her abusive and controlling "Uncle John". She gets stranded in the forest where she is rescued by a group of dark, mysterious, moody and downright melt your heart sexy men who have their own set of secrets.

This book has lots of plot twists that will leave you gasping and turning the page so fast your Kindle is going to overheat. And they keep coming until the very last shocking cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Morgan.
443 reviews116 followers
July 7, 2024
4.25⭐️ A Robin Hood retelling but make it a reverse harem with shifters?!

I was sold. I really enjoyed this one! It ends in a cliff and book 2 doesn’t come out until September 😭

Full Review to Come!
Profile Image for Holly's Bookshelf.
560 reviews21 followers
June 7, 2025
Some parts were good and some parts were annoying. Alot of things needed to be fleshed out. Like her finding out that they're shifters, literally a few sentences and shes like cool. Then it jumps straight to their first kiss/them eating her out. Like girl, when did this go from 0-60? That part of their relationship was so unbelievable. Alot of choices Maren made were completely dumb.
Profile Image for ✨Gretch✨.
528 reviews42 followers
June 26, 2025
A Robin Hood retelling that is a reverse harem, AND shifters? Sign me up.

Maren's parents died in a car accident when she was 13, and since then, she had been living with her "Uncle" John, and working as a car mechanic. Her life isn't sunshine and rainbows, and is often times abusive towards her. She keeps telling herself that if she can make it to 21, she will finally have access to her college fund, and get the hell out of Sherwood. That is until she finds out John and the towns sheriff have plans to get her set up under a conservatorship, and she would be stuck forever. With that in mind, she does the only thing she can think of, and runs. But she runs right into the woods, and winds up meeting Rob, and his merry band of men. His merry band of men? Turns out it's three other guys, and they are all shifters of some sort.

I loved the start of this story, and I can't wait to see where the series goes! I'm really intrigued by all of the guys being different type of shifters, and I'm really excited to see what happens next. I'm running to pick up the next book asap!
Profile Image for Caroline | tropes.and.pageturners.
93 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A delightfully chaotic ride through The woods of Sherwood, giving nostalgia (though in a questionable way)

Captive of Outlaws by Jade R. Evans is exactly the kind of book you pick up thinking, “I’ll just read a chapter,” and suddenly you’re blinking at the clock at 2 a.m. wondering how you got emotionally attached to a band of shifter criminals who probably shouldn’t be left unsupervised with anything sharp, shiny, or alive.

This book is an unapologetic mash-up of the classic Robin Hood with adventure, found-family chaos, and romance that hits sharp and fast. It was messy, dramatic, and outrageously fun. The world-building is surprisingly solid for a book that also features multiple scenes where characters flirt mid-escape. (Priorities. I respect them.)

Our heroine is equal parts stubborn and relatable—half “I can save myself,” half “why is everyone hot and morally questionable?” And the outlaw love interest(s)? Let’s just say Jade R. Evans knows exactly what she’s doing. Sharp banter, simmering tension, and that perfect “we know this is a terrible idea but we’re doing it anyway” energy. Chef’s kiss. Slow burn? Not needed. You wanted it to burn hot and fast, and it was delivered.

Is the plot occasionally unhinged? Yes. Did I sometimes need to reread a paragraph because things went from zero to shifter-opera-dramatic in one breath? Also yes. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. If you’re here for logic above vibes, you might need a seatbelt—and maybe a flowchart.

But if you want a fast-paced, trope-happy romp with outlaws, forced proximity, messy feelings, and a heroine who refuses to stay in her lane, Captive of Outlaws delivers with flair.

Four stars for sheer entertainment, addictive tension, and making me root for people who definitely belong on a Most Wanted poster. Robin Hood got a new meaning after this. On to the next in the series!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
43 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2024
*Spoilers* ARC Review

So, I was really excited for this Robin Hood retelling - shape shifters and why choose? I'm down BAD, two of my favorite tropes, and I'm warming up to retellings

I think this could have benefited from more - more interactions with the MCs to build their relationship(s) and her trust in them - and their trust in her, as they tell her their big secret with very little reason to, except that she lives with them and they want to do the horizontal tango with her. LJ is the *only* one not thinking with his dick, and he comes across as Negative Nancy in a group of jokesters (when really he's the only one being realistic and *safe*)

I also think this could have used a bit more seriousness - a lot of those moments felt undercut with humor. While it's not bad to do that, it just felt constant, so nothing until the very end had weight***. Like, look we're all shifters, aaaaaaaand we're naked bc we shift 😏😏 wink wink

That said, the last 20? pages had me hooked and I will be reading the next book - ARC or otherwise - because that was quite a cliffhanger. More of that in the next book please 🙏🏻

3.5/5 ⭐



***Like, did I think she'd actually shoot the bow? No. Because I didn't take her seriously
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ciin_leest.
444 reviews24 followers
June 2, 2024
I love retellings! Make it a why choose with shifters and I'm totally sold. Evans did an amazing job putting this story on paper and the way she put in some twists and turns, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole freakin book! 

Evans took her time with the storyline, the worldbuilding and the development of the characters. And she did a great job with it all. And then the romance, it was a slow-burn, but when it happend it felt so right and it went from nothing to spicy in a second! 🥵 And can we talk about the clifhanger at the end? Like, how.. and why.. and safe to say I want to read book 2 asap! 

Thank you Jade R. Evans for this ARC to read and review. 
Profile Image for  ⭐️ mrs_munken_555 ⭐️.
213 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2024
I love the Story of Robin Hood so when I found this retelling, I was in!

Excellent premise - Robin, Tuck, Will and Little John all play their part, as does the Sherriff and the updated maid Marion (or Maren) is a brilliant FMC!

A slow burn to the spice but the story is captivating enough to keep you reading. A couple of excellent twists towards the end and a cliffhanger that's left me eager for book 2!

Spice is about a 2 but I imagine that will grow to at least a 4 in Book 2 - So much needs to happen!

Definitely recommend and cannot wait for Book 2 to drop!
Profile Image for Justina Staniforth.
Author 5 books46 followers
July 7, 2024
This book had me hooked! And I’m desperate for book 2 - it can’t come quick enough!
I’m not always into retellings, but Ms Evans… you did a fantabulous job and I need more!!!
Maren is a firecracker, and her not-so-merry merrymen - Rob, Will, Tuck & LJ - dayum! I loved how they all had their own personalities, voices and roles in the way they live and work.
And the plot twists, they just keep on coming.
I love a nicely tied up ending, but this cliffhanger of book 1 in the series - my brain is in overload and can’t even try to guess what comes next. Hurry up September!
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
879 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2024
Why do I start unfinished series?
Spoilers.




I liked this retelling a lot. We get a new twist on the story and add in shifters which I'm always down for. The end is heartbreaking because you just see her insecurities come right to the surface with no one to contradict it. I can say I didn't expect that end and I'm ready for the next book!

I would kill for dual pov and hopefully we get that now that we know the big secret they were all hiding because so far we don't have a ton of character development which is why this got a 3 from me.
Profile Image for K Fox.
66 reviews
May 31, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️
I love retellings!! Growing up Robin Hood was one of my favorite characters, so I couldn’t wait to jump into this story.

Maren’s (Maid Marian) POV.
Tropes: Why choose, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, shapeshifter

Maren’s life hasn’t been easy and things have gone from bad to worse. Cue her intro to our favorite band of Merry Men Robin, LJ, Tuck, and Will Scarlett.

This is a solid beginning for a promising series. The story was there but it was very surface level. Some parts didn’t have the detail I was hoping for while others were *chef’s kiss*. So many things happened and the reader had to just role with it, with little to no development or explanation.
Maren was skeptical of the boys at first, but even that quickly changed to move the story along. The danger from her uncle and the Sheriff was minimally threatening. I didn’t hate or fear them as much as I felt I should have. The shapeshifting revelation fell flat for me. There was so much anticipation, but in the end she just accepted it and all the implications without fuss.

That being said, I enjoyed reading this story. Maren has all of the makings of a strong female character! Not only is she a mechanic, a role typically held by men, but she isn’t a a wallflower. I can’t wait for her development and to learn more about her “condition”.

Can we talk about that ending!? I can’t think of anything I dislike more than a poorly done cliffhanger. Jade R Evan’s managed it beautifully.

Hopefully the characters are fleshed out a little more in Princess of Thieves, because I can’t wait to get to know them better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for bookdiaryofyana.
439 reviews
May 24, 2024
This book!!!! Wow it's so good!!!
I love every main character!! Maren, LJ, Will, Tuck and Rob! All of them!!!
The story is also so good! The spice was so good! The plottwists were twisting! Just perfect!
And the cliffhanger..... I can't!! I need to know what's going to happen!!!
You wrote such a great book and you should be so proud of yourself! I ate this up!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️,5
Profile Image for Taylor Chitwood.
688 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this! The only thing that’s hard is not knowing if I want to continue the series due to a plot twist near the end involving the MMCs. I don’t know if I’ll be able to look past it. However, this first book was everything I love!
Profile Image for Erin.
146 reviews
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶
Profile Image for H.
933 reviews
June 14, 2025
I liked the premise modern day Robin Hood retelling. I think the issue is me. not continuing series. might revisit another time.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
610 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2025
2.25 stars

This was... weak, for lack of a better word.

A female mechanic who is forced to live with and work for her uncle - who wasn't her uncle - runs away only to get kidnapped - but not kidnapped - by a group of four guys.
Guys that buy her clothes, let her live in their big house, and work on their cars. Then, they reveal that they're thieves, include her in a heist, thennn reveal that they're shifters (which did not work in this story - it didn't add to it or make sense whatsoever), then suddenly [3 out of 4 of the guys] get smexy with her.
Then, she learns they've basically been lying the whole time and finally runs away.
I just... like... what?

Yes, this was a Robin Hood retelling, and yeah... that could def be seen in the characters. However, as a story in itself, it did not make sense. So much of this plot felt random - it was ridiculous and did not work as a whole - in my opinion.
Not to mention, we didn't have nearly enough information about her parents, her "uncle," or her upbringing. Much less these guys' past. Except for the crap which was thrown in at the end.

I can't. I'm sorry. lol. It was just so bad.
I wanted to like it and have a fun little, fluffy time. And maybe I could have, just focused on the romance, if there was some banter, more flirting, just a build-up of literally ANY kind along the way, but there was nothing. No romance or build-up of any kind. Just a confused girl who went along w everything, some hot guys who were a mystery, and a ton of plot holes along the way.


P.s. Read this bc of an advertisement on IG.


(Read on Kindle Unlimited)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
80 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2024
Captive of Outlaws is the 1st book in the Shifters of Sherwood series by Jade R. Evans. This is a Robin Hood retelling featuring shifters, found family, forced proximity and some steam. The book is not a stand-alone and ends on a cliffhanger.

Maren de Mornay’s life changed the night her parents died in a car crash and she was forced to move in with „uncle John“, her father’s friend, until she is old enough to receive her heritage and freedom. Working as a mechanic in John’s garage, she discovers his conspiracy with Sherwoord’s corrupt sheriff to lock her away and steal her fortune. So she decides to run and ends up in Sherwood Forest. That is where she meets Will (the wealthy City boy), LJ (the brooding fighter), Tuck (the absentminded scholar) and Rob (their fearless leader) – all of them outlaws. The longer Maren is held captive, the more she starts to enjoy it – she has everything she could ever need, except her freedom. The guys are closer than brothers, clever, talented and easy on the eyes so it is impossible to not fall for them…all of them. But there are secrets that can turn everything upside down and soon enough Maren doesn’t know whom to trust…

Now that was an interesting ride through Sherwood forest. It is ithe Robin Hood story you didn’t know you wanted, until you read it. The story is well written, rather quick paced and flows well. The writing style of the author is very easy to follow so you can really enjoy the story. The story itself is a modern-day Robin Hood retelling – there are some classic references, but also some unexpected extras you will absolutely enjoy. This book has it all – a brotherhood, a damsel in distress, evil villains, twists and turns bound with action and adventure. There are different shifters involved, but it is not a full shifter book. The plot is predictable in parts, but the storyline is interesting and the chemistry between the characters just keeps you turning pages. The cliffhanger in the end took me by surprise (but the end made total sense now that I think about it) and left a lot of unanswered questions for the next book. Cannot wait to see, where the story will go from here. The characters are an interesting bunch – each unique and charming in their own way. The character development is good and the chemistry and camaraderie between them is palpable. It is a slow-burn story with some steam, but I guess that we will see more of it in the next book. The characters are easy to like. Maren is an interesting FMC – a car mechanic – not a typical girly girl with a lot of fight in her. She is not one to sit and sob, instead she will take charge and act. The guys are and interesting group with different personalities and pasts, each of them likable in their own way. Would really like to learn more about them as the story evolves in the next parts. The only thing that I didn’t really like was the revealing of the shifters – it felt a bit clumsy and weird – felt sort of disconnected. That being said, it was still a great story and I enjoyed every page of it. Cannot wait to read the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Maple.
6 reviews
September 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I found the theme was really fun (as a Robin Hood enthusiast since childhood) and the character re-telling were fun. I wish I had known more about Will and Rob. Tuck seemed well-defined as a character and we learned more about LJ too.

The FMC is young and pretty immature and doesn’t seem to understand basic laws (driving without a license or taillight), and has her entire life stolen without any repercussions or visits from child services or any extended family members. Did she finish school? Did the school have any paperwork about her guardianship? Could no one at school as a mandatory reporter report the abuse she was suffering? At her parent’s funeral she’s just taken by a random man and the social worker doesn’t say anything about it, and he signs her property over to himself like it’s nothing.

She’s an extreme tomboy but understands what Scandi style furniture is and knows the different pieces of a tuxedo but has been kept basically above a garage Harry Potter-style since she was 13 with only a flip phone? Hmm. And the villain sends her blatant threats to her life from his own phone that if she ever exposed him to the media or the feds, he’d be caught in his thinly veiled schemes but she instead decided to do nothing but trust some outlaws in the woods.

The romance isn’t there but she’s horny for these guys she just met. These guys open their mouths and she’s hit with the fanny flutters. There are like 2 sexual scenes, only one features actual PIV. There was no warm up to it though and no wooing from the guys. They’re all shy and have rules about not letting a woman come between them but suddenly she’s between them.

I think the characters all need more descriptions overall because I keep forgetting how everyone looks.

It was fun easy literature and I’d love to finish the series.

Anyway I can’t wait for the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
976 reviews
January 1, 2026
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𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 2/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖴𝗋𝖻𝖺𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒 / 𝖱𝖾𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🟡
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 3/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 2/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 1/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 3/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 2/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 🔥
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𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🐺 𝖲𝗁𝗂𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌
💕 𝖯𝗈𝗅𝗒𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗋𝗒
🚀❣️ 𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾+𝖫𝗎𝗌𝗍
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
I loved the premise, but the plot was confusing and had no depth. FMCs choices were stupid and there was no build up to any relationship with the guys. Also, the supernatural aspect was totally useless (they shift in front of her, and she asks no questions) there's literally zero world building
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𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? ❌
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ❌
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ❌
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𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
Profile Image for Itzel Aguilera.
215 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this.

This was the first Robin Hood retelling that I've read and I loved it so much. Is there something wrong with me when I like books that have a past tortured FMC in them? Possibly but don't care lol

Although this book has shifters in it, they're not even mentioned/seen until the last 25% of the book but I don't mind it. I just wonder if we will see more in the next one.

Abused since her parents died, Marien only plans to stay until her 21st birthday when the trust will be finally open to her. But then she finds out her 'uncle' plans to go to court and tell them she's not able to take care of herself because of her seizures, she ran for it. Nowhere to go but she knew she had to leave.

From running away, she ends up at a mansion in the middle of the Sherwood Forest surrounded by 4 hot guys that tell her she can't leave. But does she really want to leave? Rob is even allowing her to work on his cars he leaves in the garage. Yes, TJ practically ignores her but it doesn't bother her.

With time, she truly enjoying her time with the 3 (sometimes the 4) guys to the point she wants more but she doesn't want anyone to fight. But when 3 of them tell her they don't mind sharing, then who is she to say no.

She plans to stay and learning that they're shifters doesn't make her turn from them. She's intrigued more than anything. Maybe there's a reason why she has seizures and Rob practically tells her she might be like them.

But when TJ tells her that Rob is the reason her parents are gone, that he isn't the noble thief he plays out to be. Maybe she truly doesn't know them. She thought she found her new home, not a new cage.
Profile Image for Jennifer English.
178 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2024
I absolutely loving getting to find new authors so I was so happy when I got an email asking me if I would like to read her book! I feel like this is more of a 3.5 star book but rounded up because part of that reasoning is personal and not a reflection on the book itself. Also, for those who like to know before going in, the book is told in 1st person and to me that just makes it so much easier to read.

The character development as a whole was done very well, its just the interaction between Maren and her guys seems a little forced in some situations. She was perfectly right to distrust them but she jumped to trusting them quickly without very much reason as to why. And she also took the paranormal reveal almost too well. I liked all of the guys individually but at first I wasn't too happy with LJ but I gotta say, I think he redeemed himself quite well and actually became my favorite, with Tuck right behind.

The thing I wish this book had was more than one point of view. But that's just a personal preference and not anything that detracts from the book itself. I just like knowing what the other main characters are thinking, how they see things through their POV, etc. I'm just nosy like that. lol

It did end in a cliff hanger, which is basically the norm these days but it wasn't like a horrendous cliff hanger. I really am looking forward to reading the rest of the story!
588 reviews
October 1, 2024
This is an interesting first book in what I hope will be a great series. It's loosely inspired by Robin Hood and I had fun with the character names (though I had to look up Will Scarlet). Maren is a young woman who's parents died when she was young. A "friend" of her father's took over her guardianship and proceeded to neglect and abuse her. She's a "grease monkey" mechanic which I love. Her enthusiasm for cars is infectious. When she realizes that her guardian is planning on trapping her with a conservatorship, she runs (or is forced to run really) and winds up with the Merry Men who unbeknownst to her are thieves with dark pasts and shifters to boot! Their shifter side doesn't really come up honestly besides her finding out about them. Will is a suave guy who gives off alcoholic ladies man vibes while LJ is a closed off bruiser. Then there's Tuck who I actually adore with his sweet yet determined air. Then there's Rob (Robin)... he's problematic for several reasons and winds up being the reason Maren runs from them in the end. Frankly, it was just shitty that Rob hooked up with her before she knew the truth about his past and how that affected her. Can't blame her for running. LJ is kind of the only one who gets any points since all he's done so far (besides be abrupt or ignore her) is try to protect her, even from them. I'm very curious about book 2 and how they're going to regain her trust... if they can at all.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chai.
56 reviews
May 23, 2024
FIVE ⭐️!!!!

I looooove this book! This is the 2nd Robin hood retelling that I’ve read. And I fckin loved it. The first one I read was good but the only issue I had with that is the description of the characters appearances and the huge age gap 😅

But this. This is perfect! 👏 I liked how it was told with a unique twist. Funny thing is, I didn’t even remember what this book is about (because I have so many ARCs lined up) I just start reading without re-reading the blurb so like I’m going in blind, I didn’t know(failed to remember, rather) that this was a shifter series 😂

For the characters, I can’t say enough but they’re perfect. You can see each one’s personality introduced but I know it will still develop and we’ll see much deeper in the coming books. I love the four of the men but I LOVE LJ most!!! My morally grey heart 🖤😈

The spice 🌶️ is not much at the moment. But I am SO SURE it would be hooot in the upcoming books 🥵 and I’m here for it. 😏

The first book is like a build-up. It’s like the first layer into the story, so there are many questions unanswered. I am soooo looking forward for the next books!
I really can’t wait to read it.

I wanna gatekeep this book honestly (because LJ iz mine) 😂 but this deserve a hype so trust me, don’t hesitate to read this.

ARC READ. Honest review left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nora Ellen (Nbbookery).
690 reviews19 followers
June 6, 2024
Orphan heroine, Maren, escapes her legal guardian, John, when she finds out he is trying to become her conservator and gain access to her parent's fortune. Determined to escape, Maren hands her safety over to Robin and his band of merry men. The four of them are a brotherhood, stealing from the wealthy and giving back to the people of Sherwood. They entrust her with their secret weapon, but she also learns they're keeping more than that from her. Maren has to weigh the pros and cons before she finds herself in too deep.

Maren was dealt a bad hand, but she more than makes up for it with her attitude and smarts. Trading her mechanic skills for a safe hideout, she finds herself at the mercy of shapeshifter vigilantes. They want to protect her, avenge her, and help her discover the secret to her blackouts. But everything comes with a price. I liked how the first book was paced. It didn't seem rushed, and all the characters had their own purpose and dynamic with each other. The slow burn is glacial, but that gives me a great reason to hope things heat up in book two! That ending cliffy was no fun, but I hope things are explained soon. I loved the classic Robin Hood references! It was so much fun coming across each new Easter egg. Robin is a fox shifter! Oh, my 90s heart is so happy!
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,354 reviews132 followers
June 21, 2024
It was the story I didn't know I wanted. Captive of Outlaws is a modern-day Robin Hood retelling but with shifters. It was great.


Jade kept the story pretty close to the original tale but with a little extra oomph that involved car chases, shopping sprees, fights, heists, and more. It was exciting and kept the story moving fairly well. Plus I liked the characters. I liked that Maren is an amateur car expert, it was different. She has a tragic past but it hasn't broken her. Even being as sheltered (not in a good way) as she was Maren has some fight in her. I have to admit the guys were sus in the beginning but they protected and cared for Maren. They are a good bunch, they stick up for the little guy which was sort of the premise for the original tale.


This is a slow burn and as the bond between Maren and the guys develop the guys start to slowly reveal things to Maren. Then the plot twist. Like what? The uncle stuff I figured out pretty early but there was a whole bunch of other stuff that completely took me off guard. I was somewhat conflicted about parts but overall I just felt for Maren.


I didn't see that ending coming, everything is a complete mess. Jade ended things on a cliffhanger that raised so many questions and I'm wondering how things are gonna work out. Captive of Outlaws was a great start to the series, I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Carol Rupprecht.
783 reviews17 followers
June 2, 2024
This was such a great retelling of Robin Hood. I loved the more modernized take that showed how the system could be so easily manipulated when a few people high up try and take control of everything. It really proved that everything isn't so black and white or good and bad. Surely the idea of stealing is considered bad but compared to the stealth and corruption of the bigs they are stealing from, does it really equal out or surpass? Not to mention that they put their winnings back into the people that really need it. We got ourselves some modern day heroes.
I really enjoyed the characters that we were introduced to. Maran was one heck of a fmc. I loved how down to earth she was, not a typical girly girl, and how dedicated she was to her career as a mechanic. The guys were a fun group as well. There was a broad spectrum of personalities but the standoffish ones always get me! LJ is by far my favorite with Tuck in second place.
I'm really excited to jump into the next book whenever it releases. The cliffhanger we got was so well done. I'm dying to see what happens to Maran after where we left off and to see how the guys will come to the rescue.
Profile Image for Ebookish.elisa.
107 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2024
4.5⭐️🌶️(.5-1: coming from dark romance girly)

Spicy Robinhood inspired retelling

Tropes:
Found Family
Who did this?
Forced proximity
RH (MMMF)
Shifter
SLOW BURN
Fairy tale retelling
Cliffhanger 🥲


Okkayyy so i devoured this book in 2 sittings first day I stayed up way late into the night/morning i got to 70%. This book was so dang good you have plot twist when you don’t see them coming. And I’ll be impatiently waiting for book 2 thanks to that cliffhanger 🥲

I wished there was a bit more romance/spice it took well over half the book to get something other than our FMC wayward thoughts and slight comments from the men. However it’s a slow burn and I’m just impatient 😂

also there is mentions of them being shifters however it’s not a full blown shifter book (again not mad at it but would also like to have seen more than what we got)
(My favorite) LJ = Bear shifter : fits his personality
Tuck- Wolf shifter (2nd favorite) gives major cinnamon roll high schools sweetheart vibes
Will=Dragon (classy/boujee man also known as Scarlett )
Rob: Fox (leader of the crew : southern gentleman)
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