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Castillo Cartel #1-2
Cautivas: El cartel Castillo - Libros Uno & Dos
Dos hermanos despiadados. Dos prisioneras testarudas. Un mundo mortal.
EL HEREDERO IMPLACABLE
Ángel Castillo es despiadado, y gobierna un mundo cruel donde desobedecerle implica morir. Me fuerza a aceptar su fría oferta de convertirme en su mujer o morir. Aunque intento escapar, estoy atrapada entre sus garras. Estoy atrapada en una jaula de oro, desde la que le odio, y al mismo tiempo, me muero de ganas de que me toque. Puede verme como nadie antes lo ha hecho, y aunque sé que me arruinará la vida, le deseo.
EL SICARIO DESPIADADO
Los hombres siempre me han controlado. Primero fue mi padre déspota, luego mi prometido, y ahora, Omar Castillo, el sicario despiadado, al que llaman La Bestia. Me ha encerrado, mi vida ahora está bajo amenaza y él tiene ansias de sangre, la mía. A pesar de que no paro de tener pensamientos indecentes sobre él, necesito escapar. Todo el mundo me subestima, me ven como si fuera solo un peón. Pero quemaré esta isla hasta los cimientos antes de rendirme.
EL HEREDERO IMPLACABLE
Ángel Castillo es despiadado, y gobierna un mundo cruel donde desobedecerle implica morir. Me fuerza a aceptar su fría oferta de convertirme en su mujer o morir. Aunque intento escapar, estoy atrapada entre sus garras. Estoy atrapada en una jaula de oro, desde la que le odio, y al mismo tiempo, me muero de ganas de que me toque. Puede verme como nadie antes lo ha hecho, y aunque sé que me arruinará la vida, le deseo.
EL SICARIO DESPIADADO
Los hombres siempre me han controlado. Primero fue mi padre déspota, luego mi prometido, y ahora, Omar Castillo, el sicario despiadado, al que llaman La Bestia. Me ha encerrado, mi vida ahora está bajo amenaza y él tiene ansias de sangre, la mía. A pesar de que no paro de tener pensamientos indecentes sobre él, necesito escapar. Todo el mundo me subestima, me ven como si fuera solo un peón. Pero quemaré esta isla hasta los cimientos antes de rendirme.
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
692 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2024
About the author
Bella Ash
38 books74 followersBella Ash is a dark mafia romance author. She loves writing dark, alpha heroes who find themselves obsessed with their strong, sassy heroines. Her stories are filled with action, suspense, steam—plus captivating anti-heroes and the woman who can’t help but learn to love them.
To you, dear reader, she promises intense emotion, edge-of-your-seat action, and always and forever an HEA that will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Bella lives with her family in Chicago and loves to go on old Mafia tours to find as many little tidbits to use for her books as possible. When she’s not writing, she loves to spend time with her handsome hubby, go to Broadway shows, or drink way too much dark coffee.
To you, dear reader, she promises intense emotion, edge-of-your-seat action, and always and forever an HEA that will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Bella lives with her family in Chicago and loves to go on old Mafia tours to find as many little tidbits to use for her books as possible. When she’s not writing, she loves to spend time with her handsome hubby, go to Broadway shows, or drink way too much dark coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 11, 2025
4 Mi Esposa Bunny Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
This is two books so this might be LONG....
Book 1 follows Angel and Emma and Book 2 follows Omar (Angel's brother) and Lyse. The overall rating is the combination of the two.
This is my first Bella Ash book, and as I have not read many organized crime books, I was not sure what to expect. But I was looking for something drama-esque, and this definitely delivered.
The two books need to be read in order, as Omar's book follows directly from Angels and while the main couples shift focus, the overarching plot continues.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟭:
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Angel is the oldest son in the Castillo Cartel and one day at a bar he is saved by a messenger woman when a shootout breaks out. Given the shootout was conducted by a rival cartel she not only gained a "life debt" with Angel but a target from the rival cartel, given everything she saw. As payment for her service, Angel's father orders him to marry Emma so she is protected.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I totally thought this was originally a MAFIA novel... not Cartel... BUT I DIDN'T HATE THAT! It was a pretty easy read, and I read it pretty quickly, but that’s very much a sign of the type of book that it is. Quick and Easy.
Angel and Emma feel very superficial or generic, almost like you’re reading fanfiction. The story doesn't go very deep into anything and it seemed a pretty predictable and run-of-the-mill situation. He’s a bad boy, she’s innocent, and he’s dominating and trying to make his place in the family with his father who doesn’t want to give up power and shows "love" through punishment.
Their relationship was basically just sex. There was no development between the two of them because the only times they’re really together is when she’s feeding him or when they’re having sex. And it’s pretty much standard "vanilla sex". I expected someone who’s basically the head of a cartel, to be more sexually adventurous, and I think the most scandalous thing he did was go down on her.
The story was trippy and predictable, and pretty much what you’d expect, which I’m not going to hate on too much, BECAUSE THAT IS THE KIND OF STORY I WANTED TO PICK UP! I picked it for the organised crime-forced-marriage trope, and I got exactly that!
What I do wish is that this had more development in the love area and for Angel and Emma to not annoy me as much as they did. Emma specifically annoyed me because it was constantly said and "implied" that she has a backbone, but as the reader you never really see it... she never makes Angel work for her love. The climax of the book was solved way too quickly, and it never really resolved any of the conflicts that hinted at growth in their relationship. They jumped right back into bed together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟮:
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
After the events of Book 1, Omar (Angel's youngest brother) is ANGRY. He decides to take revenge on the rival family which caused everything and crashes an engagement party. He proceeds to go on a little killing spree and ends up taking the future bride hostage. Hoping her "groom" can help clean up the bloody mess, given his up-and-coming political career. But things start to turn messy when he realises the woman he kidnapped is Lyse Rojas, the only daughter of the rival family he hates. And the more time he spends with her, he starts falling for her and the idea of returning her to her future husband and family becomes more and more difficult.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Lyse and Omar's story was much MORE enjoyable than Angel and Emma and that is why I gave this book the overall 4-star rating because they carried the story.
This gave me more in terms of tropes but that is what I LOVED. It offered more of that giddy feeling and I think it was because the tension between Omar and Lyse felt heavier. This had the characters needing to work their their history and rivalry, making this a a true enemies-to-lovers and how love can overcome animosity.
The issue with the relationship development was NON-EXISTANT in this... Omar and Lyse gradually got to the point where she initiated sex with him, and it felt much more believable how these two came together. There are similarities in the brother's stories, they both keep their women "Captive" and find love through some element of Stockholm syndrome... But it was still enjoyable.
Omar is a gooey, huge teddy bear cinnamon roll and while he may be deadly with a gun, he is still romantic and cute. He has that "vibe" where he is so big people think he must be dumb, but he is super observant, which makes you want to hug him.
I also LOVED that Lyse had a backbone. She was the total opposite of Emma. Lyse made Omar earn her love, but she stood up for him and was willing to fight for him, just as he was for her. Since she grew up in the "crime" world she knows what it is like to be in a Cartel Family and the expectations of that. She just seemed more at ease, and so she and Omar's relationship had more chemistry and a better foundation.
Also, my heart melts for any man who washes a girl’s hair, and the fact that Omar did this multiple times, being gooey, sappy, cute, and romantic in the simplest ways was just so sweet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ CaptorXCaptive Romance
▶ Alpha Male
▶ Organised Crime
▶ Morally Grey MMC
▶ Virgin FMC
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Burn the World for You
and 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ It Won't Fit
▷ Nicknames
▷ "Mine"
▷ Chin Lift
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 1 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨::
▶ Forced Marriage
▶ Biting
▶ Strangers to Lovers
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 2 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨::
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Kidnapping
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 2 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Washes Her Hair
All in all, I had a good time with this. It had a good vibe, was super easy to read, and was distracting in the best way!
Thank you to Relay Publishing, Netgalley and Bella Ash for the gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
This is two books so this might be LONG....
Book 1 follows Angel and Emma and Book 2 follows Omar (Angel's brother) and Lyse. The overall rating is the combination of the two.
This is my first Bella Ash book, and as I have not read many organized crime books, I was not sure what to expect. But I was looking for something drama-esque, and this definitely delivered.
The two books need to be read in order, as Omar's book follows directly from Angels and while the main couples shift focus, the overarching plot continues.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟭:
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Angel is the oldest son in the Castillo Cartel and one day at a bar he is saved by a messenger woman when a shootout breaks out. Given the shootout was conducted by a rival cartel she not only gained a "life debt" with Angel but a target from the rival cartel, given everything she saw. As payment for her service, Angel's father orders him to marry Emma so she is protected.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I totally thought this was originally a MAFIA novel... not Cartel... BUT I DIDN'T HATE THAT! It was a pretty easy read, and I read it pretty quickly, but that’s very much a sign of the type of book that it is. Quick and Easy.
Angel and Emma feel very superficial or generic, almost like you’re reading fanfiction. The story doesn't go very deep into anything and it seemed a pretty predictable and run-of-the-mill situation. He’s a bad boy, she’s innocent, and he’s dominating and trying to make his place in the family with his father who doesn’t want to give up power and shows "love" through punishment.
Their relationship was basically just sex. There was no development between the two of them because the only times they’re really together is when she’s feeding him or when they’re having sex. And it’s pretty much standard "vanilla sex". I expected someone who’s basically the head of a cartel, to be more sexually adventurous, and I think the most scandalous thing he did was go down on her.
The story was trippy and predictable, and pretty much what you’d expect, which I’m not going to hate on too much, BECAUSE THAT IS THE KIND OF STORY I WANTED TO PICK UP! I picked it for the organised crime-forced-marriage trope, and I got exactly that!
What I do wish is that this had more development in the love area and for Angel and Emma to not annoy me as much as they did. Emma specifically annoyed me because it was constantly said and "implied" that she has a backbone, but as the reader you never really see it... she never makes Angel work for her love. The climax of the book was solved way too quickly, and it never really resolved any of the conflicts that hinted at growth in their relationship. They jumped right back into bed together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟮:
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
After the events of Book 1, Omar (Angel's youngest brother) is ANGRY. He decides to take revenge on the rival family which caused everything and crashes an engagement party. He proceeds to go on a little killing spree and ends up taking the future bride hostage. Hoping her "groom" can help clean up the bloody mess, given his up-and-coming political career. But things start to turn messy when he realises the woman he kidnapped is Lyse Rojas, the only daughter of the rival family he hates. And the more time he spends with her, he starts falling for her and the idea of returning her to her future husband and family becomes more and more difficult.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Lyse and Omar's story was much MORE enjoyable than Angel and Emma and that is why I gave this book the overall 4-star rating because they carried the story.
This gave me more in terms of tropes but that is what I LOVED. It offered more of that giddy feeling and I think it was because the tension between Omar and Lyse felt heavier. This had the characters needing to work their their history and rivalry, making this a a true enemies-to-lovers and how love can overcome animosity.
The issue with the relationship development was NON-EXISTANT in this... Omar and Lyse gradually got to the point where she initiated sex with him, and it felt much more believable how these two came together. There are similarities in the brother's stories, they both keep their women "Captive" and find love through some element of Stockholm syndrome... But it was still enjoyable.
Omar is a gooey, huge teddy bear cinnamon roll and while he may be deadly with a gun, he is still romantic and cute. He has that "vibe" where he is so big people think he must be dumb, but he is super observant, which makes you want to hug him.
I also LOVED that Lyse had a backbone. She was the total opposite of Emma. Lyse made Omar earn her love, but she stood up for him and was willing to fight for him, just as he was for her. Since she grew up in the "crime" world she knows what it is like to be in a Cartel Family and the expectations of that. She just seemed more at ease, and so she and Omar's relationship had more chemistry and a better foundation.
Also, my heart melts for any man who washes a girl’s hair, and the fact that Omar did this multiple times, being gooey, sappy, cute, and romantic in the simplest ways was just so sweet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ CaptorXCaptive Romance
▶ Alpha Male
▶ Organised Crime
▶ Morally Grey MMC
▶ Virgin FMC
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Burn the World for You
and 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ It Won't Fit
▷ Nicknames
▷ "Mine"
▷ Chin Lift
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 1 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨::
▶ Forced Marriage
▶ Biting
▶ Strangers to Lovers
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 2 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨::
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Kidnapping
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 2 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Washes Her Hair
All in all, I had a good time with this. It had a good vibe, was super easy to read, and was distracting in the best way!
Thank you to Relay Publishing, Netgalley and Bella Ash for the gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 2, 2024
Vicious Heir:
Angel is just trying to have a fun night at the club when suddenly shots are fired and a mysterious messenger has shown up to save him .. and now he owes her a life debt . Emma never wanted to be an anyone’s savior, she just wants to heal after her mother’s passing, but war between rival families can be messy . Especially when the man she saved is not only the obvious enemy, but he repays her by kidnapping her and is now being forced to marry her . Everything starts changing between them but things come to a screeching halt when one of Angel’s guards overhears that Emma is pregnant . Can the two of them make it out of this tangled web of lies and deceit ?
Brutal Enforcer:
Omar is looking for revenge on Angel’s behalf and he knows exactly where to look, the Rojas family . Omar makes his attack during Lyse’s engagement party and during the chaos Lyse becomes his prisoner . Now Omar has her locked up on a family-owned island while he tries to negotiate the release of Lyse with her family . But things take a dramatic turn when Lyse almost drowns when Omar throws he into the water to get her families attention AND news about Angel has come . Can Omar and Lyse find a way to be together or will this war continue forever ?
This is book one and two in the Captive Duet and they need to be read together .
This book was given to me for honest review by the author .
Angel is just trying to have a fun night at the club when suddenly shots are fired and a mysterious messenger has shown up to save him .. and now he owes her a life debt . Emma never wanted to be an anyone’s savior, she just wants to heal after her mother’s passing, but war between rival families can be messy . Especially when the man she saved is not only the obvious enemy, but he repays her by kidnapping her and is now being forced to marry her . Everything starts changing between them but things come to a screeching halt when one of Angel’s guards overhears that Emma is pregnant . Can the two of them make it out of this tangled web of lies and deceit ?
Brutal Enforcer:
Omar is looking for revenge on Angel’s behalf and he knows exactly where to look, the Rojas family . Omar makes his attack during Lyse’s engagement party and during the chaos Lyse becomes his prisoner . Now Omar has her locked up on a family-owned island while he tries to negotiate the release of Lyse with her family . But things take a dramatic turn when Lyse almost drowns when Omar throws he into the water to get her families attention AND news about Angel has come . Can Omar and Lyse find a way to be together or will this war continue forever ?
This is book one and two in the Captive Duet and they need to be read together .
This book was given to me for honest review by the author .
July 4, 2024
ARC Netgalley
This is book 1 and 2 from the Castillo Cartel series.
The Castillo brothers have something in common apart from the family cartel, their tyrant father and strong sister; kidnapping. Both brothers kidnap and detain a woman against their will and make questionable and unethical decisions along the way, this is dark romance after all. Yes the usual enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes run riot in this with miscommunication and secrets galore but I actually enjoyed the plot in between. The Castillo cartel's leader is dying and his oldest son Angel is the next in line but daddy dearest would like his second son and enforcer, Omar, to inherit his legacy. Angel is saved from an attempted assassination by a parcel delivery woman and life debts must be paid. In marriage it turns out. Omar will protect his brother at all costs, including kidnapping the competitions daughter to hold for ransom, what could possibly go wrong...
This is book 1 and 2 from the Castillo Cartel series.
The Castillo brothers have something in common apart from the family cartel, their tyrant father and strong sister; kidnapping. Both brothers kidnap and detain a woman against their will and make questionable and unethical decisions along the way, this is dark romance after all. Yes the usual enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes run riot in this with miscommunication and secrets galore but I actually enjoyed the plot in between. The Castillo cartel's leader is dying and his oldest son Angel is the next in line but daddy dearest would like his second son and enforcer, Omar, to inherit his legacy. Angel is saved from an attempted assassination by a parcel delivery woman and life debts must be paid. In marriage it turns out. Omar will protect his brother at all costs, including kidnapping the competitions daughter to hold for ransom, what could possibly go wrong...
August 26, 2024
Where are the dark romance mafia lovers at! This 2-in-1 book follows two brothers Angel and Omar, which means two love story’s both with action, spice, tension and some of my favorite tropes.
Bella Ash sold me completely when I was told the tropes are arranged marriage, rival families, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mafia and a trope I didn’t know was for me but ended up really liking kidnapping!
Book 1 starts out with Emma saving Angel from being shot and the only way to do it when you’re a Mafia family is that now Angel owes Emma a life debt. And the life debt leads to him kidnapping her and being forced to marry her by his father. The fire between these two was coming off the pages and not just fire in the bedroom but also the tension and bickering between them was so good.
Thank goodness book 1 and 2 are combined in this book cause with the cliffhanger we were left on in book 1, I was picking up book 2 immediately ‘cause I had to know what happened!
Book two picks up right where book one left off and transitions to Omar, where he is getting revenge for his brother. Which means showing up at Lyse’s engagement party and taking her to his family owned island for negotiation. I loved these two characters, out of the two books this one was my favorite I loved the enemies to lovers aspect and the way that Omar and Lyse grow to care for each other.
Thank you so much to Bella Ash for a copy of this duet! This book was given to me for a honest review.
Bella Ash sold me completely when I was told the tropes are arranged marriage, rival families, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mafia and a trope I didn’t know was for me but ended up really liking kidnapping!
Book 1 starts out with Emma saving Angel from being shot and the only way to do it when you’re a Mafia family is that now Angel owes Emma a life debt. And the life debt leads to him kidnapping her and being forced to marry her by his father. The fire between these two was coming off the pages and not just fire in the bedroom but also the tension and bickering between them was so good.
Thank goodness book 1 and 2 are combined in this book cause with the cliffhanger we were left on in book 1, I was picking up book 2 immediately ‘cause I had to know what happened!
Book two picks up right where book one left off and transitions to Omar, where he is getting revenge for his brother. Which means showing up at Lyse’s engagement party and taking her to his family owned island for negotiation. I loved these two characters, out of the two books this one was my favorite I loved the enemies to lovers aspect and the way that Omar and Lyse grow to care for each other.
Thank you so much to Bella Ash for a copy of this duet! This book was given to me for a honest review.
June 26, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
This duo was page turning - Captive contains book 1 (Vicious Heir) and book 2 (Brutal Enforcer). Part one follows Angel and Emma. Emma saves Angel’s life and in return he owes her a life debt and is forced to marry her. The first part of this story follows their relationship and the secrets they deal with within the family. Part one ends on a cliffhanger but picks right up in part two with Angel’s brother - Omar - and from his POV. The second half of the story follows Omar and Lyse primarily but often reflects on what happened/is happening because of part one. Lyse is the daughter of the head of the Castillo’s rival family. Omar takes Lyse to use as leverage (and a little revenge). This duo was the perfect mix of action, secrets, romance, and family. I loved how it was written - it really gives you the best insight to the whole story from four different perspectives. I loved the relationships - both family and couples. I do wish I got more of Lili’s story, I loved her. The way the story unfolded kept me so interested! I can’t wait to read more.
As always, check for TWs and happy reading!
3.5/5 🌶️
This duo was page turning - Captive contains book 1 (Vicious Heir) and book 2 (Brutal Enforcer). Part one follows Angel and Emma. Emma saves Angel’s life and in return he owes her a life debt and is forced to marry her. The first part of this story follows their relationship and the secrets they deal with within the family. Part one ends on a cliffhanger but picks right up in part two with Angel’s brother - Omar - and from his POV. The second half of the story follows Omar and Lyse primarily but often reflects on what happened/is happening because of part one. Lyse is the daughter of the head of the Castillo’s rival family. Omar takes Lyse to use as leverage (and a little revenge). This duo was the perfect mix of action, secrets, romance, and family. I loved how it was written - it really gives you the best insight to the whole story from four different perspectives. I loved the relationships - both family and couples. I do wish I got more of Lili’s story, I loved her. The way the story unfolded kept me so interested! I can’t wait to read more.
As always, check for TWs and happy reading!
July 30, 2024
I had the pleasure reading each of these books as they came out. Here are my reviews:
Vicious Heir
This is a fantastic mafia romance with a cast of strong characters centering on Angel and Amber who have a smokin hot chemistry and are perfect for each other. The author brings an action packed story and had me glued to the pages right to the end and still left me with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a great read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Brutal Enforcer
This book picks up where Vicious Heir left off. The author brings strong characters and takes you into their lives with revenge and romance. It's well written with vividly painted scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Vicious Heir
This is a fantastic mafia romance with a cast of strong characters centering on Angel and Amber who have a smokin hot chemistry and are perfect for each other. The author brings an action packed story and had me glued to the pages right to the end and still left me with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a great read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Brutal Enforcer
This book picks up where Vicious Heir left off. The author brings strong characters and takes you into their lives with revenge and romance. It's well written with vividly painted scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 17, 2024
This was a simply captivating read from start to finish that I thoroughly enjoyed
Vicious Heir
Angel Castillo is a ruthless boss that reigns over his world and all those in it with an iron fist, he rules with fear and cruelty and this has given him a well-known reputation. I do not want to give away too much but when she is forced into either marriage or death she does everything she can to escape but he is very clever and has all of the escape routes covered but she will never stop trying.
Brutal Enforcer
She had initially been controlled by her father a brutal man who had no real feelings for her other that what she was worth too him as a commodity and now that she is the Fiance of Omar Castillo, a man she hates as he is brutal and the enforcer also known by the title “The Beaast”. She wants to escape but he has her locked up securely, he threatens her life and craves my blood bbut she will not be silenced.
She is determined that even though she feels drawn too him that she has to escape, she knows that she is underestimated and this is the weapon she will use against him even if it means that she has to destroy the very island he resides on to gain her freedom, she is determined.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Heir
Angel Castillo is a ruthless boss that reigns over his world and all those in it with an iron fist, he rules with fear and cruelty and this has given him a well-known reputation. I do not want to give away too much but when she is forced into either marriage or death she does everything she can to escape but he is very clever and has all of the escape routes covered but she will never stop trying.
Brutal Enforcer
She had initially been controlled by her father a brutal man who had no real feelings for her other that what she was worth too him as a commodity and now that she is the Fiance of Omar Castillo, a man she hates as he is brutal and the enforcer also known by the title “The Beaast”. She wants to escape but he has her locked up securely, he threatens her life and craves my blood bbut she will not be silenced.
She is determined that even though she feels drawn too him that she has to escape, she knows that she is underestimated and this is the weapon she will use against him even if it means that she has to destroy the very island he resides on to gain her freedom, she is determined.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2024
Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 3 🔥🔥🔥
‘Captive’ is a 2-in-1 book with two connected stories about two ruthless brothers Angel and Omar Castillo, sons of the current leader of the Castillo cartel and their two stubborn captives Emma and Lyse. ‘Captive’ was originally released as two separate books the first book in the series was ‘Vicious Heir’ and the second book was ‘Brutal Enforcer’ from the ‘Castillo Cartel’ series, both books are dark mafia romances with strong and well written plots that are packed with emotions, spice, engaging characters, and some twist and turns.
‘Vicious Heir’
Tropes:
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Message Courier x Mafia Heir
- A Life Debt
- Kidnapping
- Forced Marriage
- Enemies To Lovers
- Controlling Alpha Male
- Spicy
- Dual POV
When Emma thought she was hired for a simple delivery of giving an envelope to a man named Angel, she has no idea that she is actually walking in on an attempt on his life. When shots are suddenly being fired at the club she’s supposed to make her delivery at she spots a gun aimed at this stranger and pushes him aside therefore saving the mafia heir, Angel Castillos life and now he owes her a life debt. Emma didn’t want to be anyone’s saviour she just wanted to heal after her mothers passing, but she atleast thought the man would be thankful she saved his life but he seems more mad at her then anything and how does he repay her by kidnapping her. Emma is now imprisoned while they do a background check to make sure she isn’t working for the enemy, when Emma’s background check comes back clean she thinks she’s free to go but now she’s a target. Angel is now forced to honour the life debt by his father, his father is forcing him to marry Emma this way she’s safe because no one would go after his wife or else it would be war plus it doubles as a punishment for Angel because he allowed a woman to save his life.
Emma learns very quickly that the man she saved is a very dangerous man, he threatens her life but yet she’s forced to marry him. Emma and Angel can’t deny their chemistry and as much as Angel tries to fight it he develops feelings for Emma all while Emma is trying her best to be a good wife as future matriarch of the family. As they both find themselves getting along and with their connection growing along with Emma getting pregnant some people aren’t so happy about their new found closeness and now danger is approaching. Can Emma and Angel survive? This story ends with a cliff hanger and picks back up in ‘Brutal Enforcer’.
‘Brutal Enforcer’
Tropes:
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Enforcer x Mafia Princess
- Rival Families
- Enemies To Lovers
- Arranged Marriage
- Kidnapping (Captive x Captor)
- Forced Proximity
- Innocent Fiery FMC x Brutal MMC Who’s Heart Awakens Only For Her
- Spicy
- Dual POV
Two mafia families have been battling with each other for years now and it’s resulted in the head of the Castillo family, Angel Castillo fighting for his life after an ambush. Angels wife Emma is pregnant and is not taking the news of her husband conditions well, Angel and Omar’s sister Lily is also concerned about Emma her blood pressure is unstable and that could seriously harm the baby. Omar is Angel’s brother, he’s also the enforcer of the family and is known as “The Beast”. Omar is looking for revenge on Angel’s behalf, and is now on a war path of chaos and destruction and Omar’s got one main target the Roja family. Omar makes his attack during the head of the Roja family’s daughter engagement party. The attack leaves a few members of the Roja family dead and if that wasn’t enough seeing he’s got the opportunity standing right in front of him, he kidnaps the head of the Roja family’s daughter, Lyse. Lyse has never had a choice in her own life, so when she was told her father had arranged a marriage for her with a man who was way older, she begged instead to become a nun and her father nearly killed her only reason she is still alive is because of her mothers begging. Now Omar has her locked up on his family’s island while he tries to negotiate with Lyses family and fiancé. Omar tells Lyse and her fiancé that if he doesn’t clean up the mess with the police in seven days then Lyse is as good as dead and to make sure everyone gets the message Omar ends up taking Lyse to the edge of the water we’re he drops her in he watches as she fights the water and tries not to drown but it’s no use Lyse can’t swim Omar is debating on whether or he’s going to save her but he can’t leave her he ends up rescuing her and then he takes her back to the house we’re he takes care of her. Omar’s feelings about Lyse start to change and he realizes that he actually feels a great lot for Lyse but she’s the enemies daughter how will he ever tell his brother Angel. But Omar’s not the only one who is having a change of heart. After Lyse discovers that her father is not bothered about his daughter being returned, and her fiancé also lost all interest in getting her back she comes to realize that she has been treated way better by Omar, his family and his staff then she’s ever been treated in her life then it hits her she thinks she could actually be in love with Omar. But the tension is still high between Lyse and Omar’s families, will these two ever get their happily ever after? You’ll just have to read this book and find out.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read an advanced readers copy of this book I really enjoyed my time reading it.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 3 🔥🔥🔥
‘Captive’ is a 2-in-1 book with two connected stories about two ruthless brothers Angel and Omar Castillo, sons of the current leader of the Castillo cartel and their two stubborn captives Emma and Lyse. ‘Captive’ was originally released as two separate books the first book in the series was ‘Vicious Heir’ and the second book was ‘Brutal Enforcer’ from the ‘Castillo Cartel’ series, both books are dark mafia romances with strong and well written plots that are packed with emotions, spice, engaging characters, and some twist and turns.
‘Vicious Heir’
Tropes:
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Message Courier x Mafia Heir
- A Life Debt
- Kidnapping
- Forced Marriage
- Enemies To Lovers
- Controlling Alpha Male
- Spicy
- Dual POV
When Emma thought she was hired for a simple delivery of giving an envelope to a man named Angel, she has no idea that she is actually walking in on an attempt on his life. When shots are suddenly being fired at the club she’s supposed to make her delivery at she spots a gun aimed at this stranger and pushes him aside therefore saving the mafia heir, Angel Castillos life and now he owes her a life debt. Emma didn’t want to be anyone’s saviour she just wanted to heal after her mothers passing, but she atleast thought the man would be thankful she saved his life but he seems more mad at her then anything and how does he repay her by kidnapping her. Emma is now imprisoned while they do a background check to make sure she isn’t working for the enemy, when Emma’s background check comes back clean she thinks she’s free to go but now she’s a target. Angel is now forced to honour the life debt by his father, his father is forcing him to marry Emma this way she’s safe because no one would go after his wife or else it would be war plus it doubles as a punishment for Angel because he allowed a woman to save his life.
Emma learns very quickly that the man she saved is a very dangerous man, he threatens her life but yet she’s forced to marry him. Emma and Angel can’t deny their chemistry and as much as Angel tries to fight it he develops feelings for Emma all while Emma is trying her best to be a good wife as future matriarch of the family. As they both find themselves getting along and with their connection growing along with Emma getting pregnant some people aren’t so happy about their new found closeness and now danger is approaching. Can Emma and Angel survive? This story ends with a cliff hanger and picks back up in ‘Brutal Enforcer’.
‘Brutal Enforcer’
Tropes:
- Dark Mafia Romance
- Enforcer x Mafia Princess
- Rival Families
- Enemies To Lovers
- Arranged Marriage
- Kidnapping (Captive x Captor)
- Forced Proximity
- Innocent Fiery FMC x Brutal MMC Who’s Heart Awakens Only For Her
- Spicy
- Dual POV
Two mafia families have been battling with each other for years now and it’s resulted in the head of the Castillo family, Angel Castillo fighting for his life after an ambush. Angels wife Emma is pregnant and is not taking the news of her husband conditions well, Angel and Omar’s sister Lily is also concerned about Emma her blood pressure is unstable and that could seriously harm the baby. Omar is Angel’s brother, he’s also the enforcer of the family and is known as “The Beast”. Omar is looking for revenge on Angel’s behalf, and is now on a war path of chaos and destruction and Omar’s got one main target the Roja family. Omar makes his attack during the head of the Roja family’s daughter engagement party. The attack leaves a few members of the Roja family dead and if that wasn’t enough seeing he’s got the opportunity standing right in front of him, he kidnaps the head of the Roja family’s daughter, Lyse. Lyse has never had a choice in her own life, so when she was told her father had arranged a marriage for her with a man who was way older, she begged instead to become a nun and her father nearly killed her only reason she is still alive is because of her mothers begging. Now Omar has her locked up on his family’s island while he tries to negotiate with Lyses family and fiancé. Omar tells Lyse and her fiancé that if he doesn’t clean up the mess with the police in seven days then Lyse is as good as dead and to make sure everyone gets the message Omar ends up taking Lyse to the edge of the water we’re he drops her in he watches as she fights the water and tries not to drown but it’s no use Lyse can’t swim Omar is debating on whether or he’s going to save her but he can’t leave her he ends up rescuing her and then he takes her back to the house we’re he takes care of her. Omar’s feelings about Lyse start to change and he realizes that he actually feels a great lot for Lyse but she’s the enemies daughter how will he ever tell his brother Angel. But Omar’s not the only one who is having a change of heart. After Lyse discovers that her father is not bothered about his daughter being returned, and her fiancé also lost all interest in getting her back she comes to realize that she has been treated way better by Omar, his family and his staff then she’s ever been treated in her life then it hits her she thinks she could actually be in love with Omar. But the tension is still high between Lyse and Omar’s families, will these two ever get their happily ever after? You’ll just have to read this book and find out.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read an advanced readers copy of this book I really enjoyed my time reading it.
December 18, 2024
This is a Dark Mafia Romance (Castillo Cartel). Includes the two books in one.
Vicious Heir-
Angel is our MMC is the devil.
Cold-blooded, vicious and ruthless. In his world he’s King and expects obo.
Emma is our MFC. She’s given the choice to marry him or die…honestly it’s not a bad choice😁.
Brutal Enforcer-
Lyse is our sweet, innocent, yet fiery MFC.
Omar is our hard hearted, didn't think he could love mafia MMC.
Angst galore, sabotage, revenge, punishment, crime families, steamy scenes and more! The other characters are all so well formed
and written that they include intricate parts to this story.
Highly recommended..👍🏻.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Heir-
Angel is our MMC is the devil.
Cold-blooded, vicious and ruthless. In his world he’s King and expects obo.
Emma is our MFC. She’s given the choice to marry him or die…honestly it’s not a bad choice😁.
Brutal Enforcer-
Lyse is our sweet, innocent, yet fiery MFC.
Omar is our hard hearted, didn't think he could love mafia MMC.
Angst galore, sabotage, revenge, punishment, crime families, steamy scenes and more! The other characters are all so well formed
and written that they include intricate parts to this story.
Highly recommended..👍🏻.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2024
I received this book as an ARC.
I found the premise of the story interesting and the characters complex enough to keep the plot engaging. I really liked that it was a 2 for 1 story so we didn’t need to wait anything 😊
I found the premise of the story interesting and the characters complex enough to keep the plot engaging. I really liked that it was a 2 for 1 story so we didn’t need to wait anything 😊
June 22, 2024
Vicious Heir
Emma is delivering an envelope to Angel Castillo in his nightclub. As she hands it off to him she notices the bartender pointing a gun at Angel so she shouts out and saves Angel’s life. He now owes her a Life Debt. Gustavo is Angel’s father and head of the Castillo Cartel, he told Angel that he has to marry Emma. Angel and Emma don’t want to marry but they try to make the best of it. Emma gets pregnant and decides she doesn’t want her child to be raised in the cartel but Angel finds out and he locks her up. She then gets kidnapped. Will Angel be able to save Emma? What will happen to them? This book has a cliffhanger. It’s a great dark mafia romance book.
Brutal Enforcer
This is the second book of the Castillo Cartel duet. This book starts where the first one ended, Angel is visiting his father and he is shot and is in critical condition which causes issues with Emma who is pregnant and she starts having problems.
Omar is the enforcer for the Castillo Cartel and he is Angel’s brother. Omar is known as The Beast because of his bloody enforcement escapades. After Angel is shot Omar goes to the Biltmore Hotel where the enemy Rojas family is having an engagement party for Lyse, the daughter of Luis Rojas. Omar kills twenty people at the party and kidnaps Lyse. Lyse was promised to a much older man when she was fifteen. Flex is now fifty and Lyse is now twenty-five. Lyse has never liked the way Flex looks at her but she was beaten by Luis when she told him she wanted to be a nun. Lyse is scared of Omar but she is being treated better by her kidnapper than she was by her family. The more time they spend together the more they develop feelings for each other. Will Omar’s family be mad about the connection between Lyse and Omar? Will Lyse’s father and fiancé come for her? Will Angel and Emma find their happy ending? Will Omar and Lyse get their happy ever after?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Outstanding Castillo Cartel Duet!
Emma is delivering an envelope to Angel Castillo in his nightclub. As she hands it off to him she notices the bartender pointing a gun at Angel so she shouts out and saves Angel’s life. He now owes her a Life Debt. Gustavo is Angel’s father and head of the Castillo Cartel, he told Angel that he has to marry Emma. Angel and Emma don’t want to marry but they try to make the best of it. Emma gets pregnant and decides she doesn’t want her child to be raised in the cartel but Angel finds out and he locks her up. She then gets kidnapped. Will Angel be able to save Emma? What will happen to them? This book has a cliffhanger. It’s a great dark mafia romance book.
Brutal Enforcer
This is the second book of the Castillo Cartel duet. This book starts where the first one ended, Angel is visiting his father and he is shot and is in critical condition which causes issues with Emma who is pregnant and she starts having problems.
Omar is the enforcer for the Castillo Cartel and he is Angel’s brother. Omar is known as The Beast because of his bloody enforcement escapades. After Angel is shot Omar goes to the Biltmore Hotel where the enemy Rojas family is having an engagement party for Lyse, the daughter of Luis Rojas. Omar kills twenty people at the party and kidnaps Lyse. Lyse was promised to a much older man when she was fifteen. Flex is now fifty and Lyse is now twenty-five. Lyse has never liked the way Flex looks at her but she was beaten by Luis when she told him she wanted to be a nun. Lyse is scared of Omar but she is being treated better by her kidnapper than she was by her family. The more time they spend together the more they develop feelings for each other. Will Omar’s family be mad about the connection between Lyse and Omar? Will Lyse’s father and fiancé come for her? Will Angel and Emma find their happy ending? Will Omar and Lyse get their happy ever after?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Outstanding Castillo Cartel Duet!
November 13, 2024
Tiene sentido que ambos libros se lean seguido, así que es de agradecer encontrarlos en esta edición.
Desde que lees la sinopsis, esta bilogía llamo mucho mi atención, pero una vez que entre en ella, la violencia y lo inmoral, me golpo de manera instantánea. Para mi, el ambiente tan retorcido y decadente, ha sido sin dudas el ingrediente primordial para que toda la trama funcione y sea capaz de agobiarme, al punto de sorprenderme con cada situación que pasaba. Y lo que MAS me ha gustado, es que la autora me ha dado protagonistas masculinos diferentes. Todo el entramado de los hermanos y las relaciones con sus padres, esta maravillosamente ejecutado. Hijos de mafiosos que se muestran temerosos pero a la vez leales, letales y rencorosos, pero deseosos de dar compasión... Me han encantado.
No te esperas NADA de lo que esta bilogía pasa. Los tópicos que esperas de un Dark Romance sobre mafias, ahí están. Pero Bella Ash se permite arriesgar el hilo conductor y el lector no sabe como todo terminará. Las historia de los hermanos Castillo y sus romances que nacen en la oscuridad, tienen un matiz adictivo. Y las heroínas, son estupendas, por su evolución y porque se muestran fuertes con las herramientas que su entorno les dio.
El final de la bilogía me ha dejado con un sentimiento extraño. Supongo que es a propósito, pero lo considero meramente gusto personal. Me esperaba algo mas definitivo, pero en vista de lo mencionado sobre Lilli y Matteo, supongo que aun hay cosas por contar. Quedo atentisima a ver si es que algo mas pasara.
Desde que lees la sinopsis, esta bilogía llamo mucho mi atención, pero una vez que entre en ella, la violencia y lo inmoral, me golpo de manera instantánea. Para mi, el ambiente tan retorcido y decadente, ha sido sin dudas el ingrediente primordial para que toda la trama funcione y sea capaz de agobiarme, al punto de sorprenderme con cada situación que pasaba. Y lo que MAS me ha gustado, es que la autora me ha dado protagonistas masculinos diferentes. Todo el entramado de los hermanos y las relaciones con sus padres, esta maravillosamente ejecutado. Hijos de mafiosos que se muestran temerosos pero a la vez leales, letales y rencorosos, pero deseosos de dar compasión... Me han encantado.
No te esperas NADA de lo que esta bilogía pasa. Los tópicos que esperas de un Dark Romance sobre mafias, ahí están. Pero Bella Ash se permite arriesgar el hilo conductor y el lector no sabe como todo terminará. Las historia de los hermanos Castillo y sus romances que nacen en la oscuridad, tienen un matiz adictivo. Y las heroínas, son estupendas, por su evolución y porque se muestran fuertes con las herramientas que su entorno les dio.
El final de la bilogía me ha dejado con un sentimiento extraño. Supongo que es a propósito, pero lo considero meramente gusto personal. Me esperaba algo mas definitivo, pero en vista de lo mencionado sobre Lilli y Matteo, supongo que aun hay cosas por contar. Quedo atentisima a ver si es que algo mas pasara.
June 23, 2024
Vicious Heir:
Angel and Emma’s story. Angel is from a power family, The Castillo’s and when Emma who works for a delivery service comes to the club he owns and saves his life, things as they know it are most definitely going to change. Gustavo Castillo is the head of this family and not a nice man. So when he orders Angel to marry Emma to repay the debt for saving his life, will that make it all okay??? Absolutely not, take a look for yourself to see where they go from there.
Brutal Enforcer:
Book 2 in this series and this one brings two families to the point of no return. The Castillos and Rojas have no love lost between them. When Angel is put into a coma thanks to the Rojas, Omar who is not only his brother but enforcer goes after the Rojas. During an engagement party for Lyse and Suarez, Omar takes it upon himself to join them and take down many of the Rojas family. What he didn’t intend to do was take Lyse with him. Neither one of them expect what is going to happen to them but will their future be what they both envisioned? This book will leave you wondering where these families go from here, so has got to be another book coming soon. Hopefully.
Angel and Emma’s story. Angel is from a power family, The Castillo’s and when Emma who works for a delivery service comes to the club he owns and saves his life, things as they know it are most definitely going to change. Gustavo Castillo is the head of this family and not a nice man. So when he orders Angel to marry Emma to repay the debt for saving his life, will that make it all okay??? Absolutely not, take a look for yourself to see where they go from there.
Brutal Enforcer:
Book 2 in this series and this one brings two families to the point of no return. The Castillos and Rojas have no love lost between them. When Angel is put into a coma thanks to the Rojas, Omar who is not only his brother but enforcer goes after the Rojas. During an engagement party for Lyse and Suarez, Omar takes it upon himself to join them and take down many of the Rojas family. What he didn’t intend to do was take Lyse with him. Neither one of them expect what is going to happen to them but will their future be what they both envisioned? This book will leave you wondering where these families go from here, so has got to be another book coming soon. Hopefully.
July 11, 2024
Captive contains the first two books of the Castillo Cartel and should be read together!
I finished this book in one day and could not put it down! The reader is first introduced to Angel and Emma's story in Vicious Heir and later to Omar and Lyse in Brutal Enforcer. Angle and Emma keep each other on their toes and despite their unpredictable and hesitant beginning, Bella Ash creates an intense amount of passion between them that I didn't want to stop reading. Picking up directly after events in Vicious Heir, Omar and Lyse fall for each other hard and fast. Determined to be together despite the circumstances, Omar and Lyse dedicate everything to being together and are tested multiple times. While the passion is still present, the stakes of their relationship and families are what truly drives the plot in this second book of the Castillo Cartel series. A great read overall, I'm excited to see what else Bella Ash creates!
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I finished this book in one day and could not put it down! The reader is first introduced to Angel and Emma's story in Vicious Heir and later to Omar and Lyse in Brutal Enforcer. Angle and Emma keep each other on their toes and despite their unpredictable and hesitant beginning, Bella Ash creates an intense amount of passion between them that I didn't want to stop reading. Picking up directly after events in Vicious Heir, Omar and Lyse fall for each other hard and fast. Determined to be together despite the circumstances, Omar and Lyse dedicate everything to being together and are tested multiple times. While the passion is still present, the stakes of their relationship and families are what truly drives the plot in this second book of the Castillo Cartel series. A great read overall, I'm excited to see what else Bella Ash creates!
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 21, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, the action had me riveted to my seat I couldn't put the book down, had a late night reading but it was worth it. With two Volumes the first Volume we had Angel Castillo and Emma, Emma was doing a delivery that turned into being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Angel is in a coma. Volume two is about Omar Castillo and Lyse they are enemies their family are at war, and now Omar was kicked out of the family because he wanted the enemies daughter, can they get it together for love of family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, the action had me riveted to my seat I couldn't put the book down, had a late night reading but it was worth it. With two Volumes the first Volume we had Angel Castillo and Emma, Emma was doing a delivery that turned into being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Angel is in a coma. Volume two is about Omar Castillo and Lyse they are enemies their family are at war, and now Omar was kicked out of the family because he wanted the enemies daughter, can they get it together for love of family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2024
. Angel is in hospital it's not good. Emma is heavily pregnant. his brother Omar wants revenge as he very hot headed. He goes to where the Rojas family are holding their daughter's engagement party. Lyse hates the man she is going to have to marry. . but Omar turns up and it becomes a blood bath. he kidnaps Lyse .and takes her to their island and starts making demands to her fiancé. Lyse dad will do anything to tarnish Omar s family. but then Omar and Lyse fall in love it's so good can't wait for book 3
June 25, 2024
Two great stories put together in one book. Angel is finding his way to talk over the family business and of course finds some complications along the way. When things head south fast his brother Omar is determined to level the playing field by removing some of their competition. Omar is thrown lots of challenges along the way. Will Angel and Omar make things good for their family while also finding some happiness themselves? I was given a copy through NetGalley for an honest review.
June 24, 2024
How to describe this box set is to say it’s
a real on the edge of the seat read.
In each book it set around one of the brothers and the
relationship of there partner and the relationship between
the two brothers.
It’s full of drama action dishonesty suspense romance and steam.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
a real on the edge of the seat read.
In each book it set around one of the brothers and the
relationship of there partner and the relationship between
the two brothers.
It’s full of drama action dishonesty suspense romance and steam.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 28, 2024
Two novellas for the price of one!
Both books, following brothers Omar and Angel, are packed with suspense, romance, spice and peppered with great characters. It was so easy to dive straight into the storyline and I didn't really put this down once I'd started!
I hope there's more to come from the Castillo family, I'd love Lili's book!
Both books, following brothers Omar and Angel, are packed with suspense, romance, spice and peppered with great characters. It was so easy to dive straight into the storyline and I didn't really put this down once I'd started!
I hope there's more to come from the Castillo family, I'd love Lili's book!
June 30, 2024
I don’t usually like Mafia romances, but this one I liked although I’ll never understand women who are basically kidnapped falling in love with their captors, whom they know are killers. Also, I was really into Emma and Angel’s story when it switched to Omar And Lyse’s story. It’s a continuation, but still startling. Lots of violence and sexy scenes.
July 2, 2024
Loved this two book box set. The first book is about angel and Emma and boy it will keep you on your toes and if he can keep the other mafia family's from hurting her, book two is about Omar angel's second in command/ brother and lyse the one woman he shouldn't fall for their enemies daughter. When the time comes who will he pick family or the woman he loves?
January 16, 2025
I liked this one a lot. It is a dark romance, mafia. Which is some of my faves. It was a good plot and I actually enjoyed all the characters. Check your trigger warnings. It is a dark mafia romance.
I very much enjoyed the MMC;'s as this is 2 books in 1.
Can't wait to see what else Bella Ash writes.
Thanks so much to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC!
I very much enjoyed the MMC;'s as this is 2 books in 1.
Can't wait to see what else Bella Ash writes.
Thanks so much to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC!
August 24, 2024
Two great stories rolled into one book.
I loved these characters from the get go and was so invested in their stories.
Watching the Emma/Angel relationship bloom was lovely but I actually really loved the Omar/Lyse story a little more because Lyse was such a closet badass.
I really hope we get Lili’s story in this series because I adored her.
I loved these characters from the get go and was so invested in their stories.
Watching the Emma/Angel relationship bloom was lovely but I actually really loved the Omar/Lyse story a little more because Lyse was such a closet badass.
I really hope we get Lili’s story in this series because I adored her.
June 21, 2024
Awesome Book!!
Loved reading Castillo Cartel Boxset. Once I started this two book series I couldn’t put it down. I always love a Boxset because once you read the first book you can go right into the next book 📕
Loved reading Castillo Cartel Boxset. Once I started this two book series I couldn’t put it down. I always love a Boxset because once you read the first book you can go right into the next book 📕
June 21, 2024
If you love dark romance and Mafia romance than you have got to read this!!! It is sooo hot and spicy and I couldn't put it down! The story was great as well as the characters. Every chapter I read left me begging for more! Totally going to be recommending this book to all my bookie friends.
June 27, 2024
Two great books to read about the brutal world of the mafia and how they each get on. Each book will follow one of them as they try to get what they both desire of life. How will they get on? Will they get what they want? How will those around them get on? Brilliant read
June 28, 2024
Title: Captive
Author: Bella Ash
Genre: Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆
This book, the first in the series, introduces us to a dark romance filled with tension, passion, and power struggles that left me eager for more.
In "Captive," we meet Angel Castillo, a cold and ruthless ruler whose word is law in his brutal domain. When he forces Emma to choose between becoming his wife or facing death, she finds herself trapped in a golden prison. Despite her deep-seated hatred for Angel, Emma is irresistibly drawn to him. His touch ignites a fire within her that she can't deny, even though she knows he could ruin her.
On the other hand, Omar Castillo, known as The Beast, is a brutal enforcer who controls every aspect of life with an iron fist. When he locks up another captive, the tension between them is palpable. She has always been underestimated, seen as a mere pawn in a deadly game. But she is determined to escape and burn everything down before giving in.
What I Loved:
1. Intense Characters: The characters in "Captive" are complex and deeply flawed, making them fascinating to read about. Angel and Emma's chemistry is electric, and the dynamic between them is charged with both danger and desire. Omar, as the brutal enforcer, adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue.
2. Dark Romance: This book excels in its portrayal of dark romance, blending elements of power, control, and forbidden desire. The relationships are intense and often volatile, keeping readers on edge and invested in the outcome.
3. High Stakes: The stakes in this story are incredibly high, with life and death hanging in the balance. The constant threat of violence and betrayal adds a thrilling sense of urgency to the narrative.
4. Engaging Plot: The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. As Emma navigates her captivity and the dangers of her new world, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
5. Steamy Scenes: The romantic and intimate scenes are well-written and add depth to the characters' relationships. The heat between Angel and Emma is ecstatic, making their interactions both captivating and addictive.
"Captive" by Bella Ash is a gripping and steamy start to a promising series. With its ruthless characters, high stakes, and intense romance, it's a book that dark romance fans will find hard to put down. Angel and Emma's story is a wild ride of passion and peril, making it an unforgettable read. I
f you enjoy stories filled with danger, desire, and complex relationships, "Captive" is definitely worth adding to your TBR list.
Thank you to The Publisher Relay Publishing ,The Author Bella Ash & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Bella Ash
Genre: Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆
This book, the first in the series, introduces us to a dark romance filled with tension, passion, and power struggles that left me eager for more.
In "Captive," we meet Angel Castillo, a cold and ruthless ruler whose word is law in his brutal domain. When he forces Emma to choose between becoming his wife or facing death, she finds herself trapped in a golden prison. Despite her deep-seated hatred for Angel, Emma is irresistibly drawn to him. His touch ignites a fire within her that she can't deny, even though she knows he could ruin her.
On the other hand, Omar Castillo, known as The Beast, is a brutal enforcer who controls every aspect of life with an iron fist. When he locks up another captive, the tension between them is palpable. She has always been underestimated, seen as a mere pawn in a deadly game. But she is determined to escape and burn everything down before giving in.
What I Loved:
1. Intense Characters: The characters in "Captive" are complex and deeply flawed, making them fascinating to read about. Angel and Emma's chemistry is electric, and the dynamic between them is charged with both danger and desire. Omar, as the brutal enforcer, adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue.
2. Dark Romance: This book excels in its portrayal of dark romance, blending elements of power, control, and forbidden desire. The relationships are intense and often volatile, keeping readers on edge and invested in the outcome.
3. High Stakes: The stakes in this story are incredibly high, with life and death hanging in the balance. The constant threat of violence and betrayal adds a thrilling sense of urgency to the narrative.
4. Engaging Plot: The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. As Emma navigates her captivity and the dangers of her new world, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
5. Steamy Scenes: The romantic and intimate scenes are well-written and add depth to the characters' relationships. The heat between Angel and Emma is ecstatic, making their interactions both captivating and addictive.
"Captive" by Bella Ash is a gripping and steamy start to a promising series. With its ruthless characters, high stakes, and intense romance, it's a book that dark romance fans will find hard to put down. Angel and Emma's story is a wild ride of passion and peril, making it an unforgettable read. I
f you enjoy stories filled with danger, desire, and complex relationships, "Captive" is definitely worth adding to your TBR list.
Thank you to The Publisher Relay Publishing ,The Author Bella Ash & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2025
Book #1 Vicious Heir
Emma loses her mom to cancer and moves to get a ‘fresh start’ to her life. She is just doing her job and completing a delivery to pay her rent… so she thinks. On instinct, Emma pushes the man she was delivering to out of the way of gunfire and saves his life. This man’s name is Angel Castillo. Without knowing who she was saving, Emma is now owed a life debt from one of the biggest Cartel families in the area, the Castillos.
Angel goes and speaks to his father about his assassination attempt and his father finds out that he now owes a life debt to a woman named Emma. Angel’s father is very angry and ‘punishes’ by forcing Angel to marry Emma.
Personally, I thought this story was a little flat. If I had to rate it individually I would probably give it three stars. With that being said, I did enjoy the story and read the entire thing in one sitting. There were a lot of twists and turns and found some of them to be predictable, but I am okay with that. I think it was worth the read and will seek out future work from this author as a result.
Book #2 Brutal Enforcer
This book picks up where the first book left off. Omar is angry that the rival Cartel family made moves against his family and wants revenge. In his plan to seek revenge, he kills several members of the rival family and kidnaps the family ‘princess��� Lysen and in the process uses it as leverage. Omar and his sister are holding up the family while their brother Angel is indisposed, and they have to make the right decisions for the entire family.
Honestly, this book did it for me. I really enjoyed it because it was a true example of enemies to lovers trope. The chemistry between Omar and Lyse was great and I enjoyed that there were tidbits of Angel and Emma’s future included in it as well. If I had any criticism for this book it would be that there was a random POV added in the last 25% of the story that I thought was unnecessary. Some of the information included was pertinent to the story but it felt weird and out of place. I think there could have been a better way to get that information in there. If I had to rate this book individually I would rate it a solid four stars. It was very enjoyable and bingeable.
I want to thank NetGalley, Bella Ash, and Relay Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.
Tropes
-Forced Marriage
-Cartel Family
-Forced Proximity
-Virgin FMCs
-Morally Gray MMCs
-Touch Her and Die
Emma loses her mom to cancer and moves to get a ‘fresh start’ to her life. She is just doing her job and completing a delivery to pay her rent… so she thinks. On instinct, Emma pushes the man she was delivering to out of the way of gunfire and saves his life. This man’s name is Angel Castillo. Without knowing who she was saving, Emma is now owed a life debt from one of the biggest Cartel families in the area, the Castillos.
Angel goes and speaks to his father about his assassination attempt and his father finds out that he now owes a life debt to a woman named Emma. Angel’s father is very angry and ‘punishes’ by forcing Angel to marry Emma.
Personally, I thought this story was a little flat. If I had to rate it individually I would probably give it three stars. With that being said, I did enjoy the story and read the entire thing in one sitting. There were a lot of twists and turns and found some of them to be predictable, but I am okay with that. I think it was worth the read and will seek out future work from this author as a result.
Book #2 Brutal Enforcer
This book picks up where the first book left off. Omar is angry that the rival Cartel family made moves against his family and wants revenge. In his plan to seek revenge, he kills several members of the rival family and kidnaps the family ‘princess��� Lysen and in the process uses it as leverage. Omar and his sister are holding up the family while their brother Angel is indisposed, and they have to make the right decisions for the entire family.
Honestly, this book did it for me. I really enjoyed it because it was a true example of enemies to lovers trope. The chemistry between Omar and Lyse was great and I enjoyed that there were tidbits of Angel and Emma’s future included in it as well. If I had any criticism for this book it would be that there was a random POV added in the last 25% of the story that I thought was unnecessary. Some of the information included was pertinent to the story but it felt weird and out of place. I think there could have been a better way to get that information in there. If I had to rate this book individually I would rate it a solid four stars. It was very enjoyable and bingeable.
I want to thank NetGalley, Bella Ash, and Relay Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.
Tropes
-Forced Marriage
-Cartel Family
-Forced Proximity
-Virgin FMCs
-Morally Gray MMCs
-Touch Her and Die
June 21, 2024
Vicious Heir is Book 1 of the series and is Angel and Emma's story. Emma Hudson had moved to Miami and gotten a position with South Beach Deliveries. Emma is delivering an envelope to Club Eliseo. This is when Emma and Angel first meet. Emma saves Angel Castillo from being shot while his back is turned. There is more gunfire as men come in the front door. Gustavo Castillo is the head of the family and Angel the heir. Since Emma saved Angel's life a debt is owed. Angel is to marry Emma to keep her safe, because she is a witness. They do not want to marry, but this is how the debt is paid. Angel and Emma are forced into marriage, but they have strong feelings and hot chemistry. This book has action, secrets, betrayal, passion, steam. There is nothing like a page-turning mafia romance.
Brutal Enforcer is Book 2 of the series and is Omar and Lyse's story.
Angel was sitting with Gustavo his father at the hospice facility, when two of Luis Rojas men rushed in. Angel knew he had been hit.
Omar is the enforcer of the Castillo Family and took it upon himself to go after the Rojas. Lyse Rojas (25) had been promised to Felix Suarez (50) by her father since she was fifteen and this is their engagement party. Omar rushes in with gunfire and gets most of the Rojas members. He sees Lyse protecting two young boys and decides to kidnap her and hold her prisoner. Lots of action !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brutal Enforcer is Book 2 of the series and is Omar and Lyse's story.
Angel was sitting with Gustavo his father at the hospice facility, when two of Luis Rojas men rushed in. Angel knew he had been hit.
Omar is the enforcer of the Castillo Family and took it upon himself to go after the Rojas. Lyse Rojas (25) had been promised to Felix Suarez (50) by her father since she was fifteen and this is their engagement party. Omar rushes in with gunfire and gets most of the Rojas members. He sees Lyse protecting two young boys and decides to kidnap her and hold her prisoner. Lots of action !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2024
Viscous Heir
Angel was at a club when a messenger showed up just as shots were fired all around him. The messenger saved him from being shot and now he has life debt to her. Emma is just trying to move forward after her mother passed away when she is dragged into a war between rival families. Angel isn't sure she is telling the truth, so he locks her up until his men check out her place. Once that is done, he meets with his father and is ordered to marry her since he messed up and owe her a debt. However, things between him and Emma slowly change, and they want to be together. When she learns that she is pregnant she thinks about leaving and a man on protection duty informs Angel about what he heard. Angel doesn't give her a chance to speak just locks her up. Will he give her chance to explain before its too late? Can they remain together, or will someone still come after them?
Brutal Enforcer
Omar is upset over what happened to Angel and knows the Rojas family is behind it. This has him going on a rampage and attacking the family during Lyse's engagement party. Lyse goes after two younger family members hiding under the table that's how Omar finds them. She gets him to let the little ones go and take her instead. He takes her to a family-owned island and locks her up. He then tries to negotiate with her family and things don't go well. During this time, he almost kills her when he tosses her into the water. However, something about her has him save her and out her back in a room. Lyse doesn't know what to expect but having Omar be nice to her wasn't anything she thought would happen. When he gets news that Angel is awake, he takes Lyse with him to go see his brother. What will his brother do when he sees Lyse? Can Omar and Lyse find a way to be together? Will there be a war?
This is an amazing two-story collection. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I only hope that there is a story coming for Lili and Matteo and what happened there. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy. I definitely will be watching for more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
Angel was at a club when a messenger showed up just as shots were fired all around him. The messenger saved him from being shot and now he has life debt to her. Emma is just trying to move forward after her mother passed away when she is dragged into a war between rival families. Angel isn't sure she is telling the truth, so he locks her up until his men check out her place. Once that is done, he meets with his father and is ordered to marry her since he messed up and owe her a debt. However, things between him and Emma slowly change, and they want to be together. When she learns that she is pregnant she thinks about leaving and a man on protection duty informs Angel about what he heard. Angel doesn't give her a chance to speak just locks her up. Will he give her chance to explain before its too late? Can they remain together, or will someone still come after them?
Brutal Enforcer
Omar is upset over what happened to Angel and knows the Rojas family is behind it. This has him going on a rampage and attacking the family during Lyse's engagement party. Lyse goes after two younger family members hiding under the table that's how Omar finds them. She gets him to let the little ones go and take her instead. He takes her to a family-owned island and locks her up. He then tries to negotiate with her family and things don't go well. During this time, he almost kills her when he tosses her into the water. However, something about her has him save her and out her back in a room. Lyse doesn't know what to expect but having Omar be nice to her wasn't anything she thought would happen. When he gets news that Angel is awake, he takes Lyse with him to go see his brother. What will his brother do when he sees Lyse? Can Omar and Lyse find a way to be together? Will there be a war?
This is an amazing two-story collection. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I only hope that there is a story coming for Lili and Matteo and what happened there. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy. I definitely will be watching for more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
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