Stolen Matrimony

by Tay Mo'Nae

To the world, Nazai is the ultimate catch—rich, powerful, and charming. But beneath his polished facade lies a man forged by a ruthless family that no one dares to cross. On the brink of taking over the family empire, one obstacle stands in his he must marry and secure an heir. When his father gives him an ultimatum—find a bride within three months or marry the woman chosen for him—Nazai is left with no choice but to act.

Cashlynn is just trying to survive. With a younger brother to care for and a bounty on her head, her life is a constant fight to stay one step ahead. But a single misstep places her directly in Nazai’s sights, and her fate is sealed. Forced into a marriage with a man she barely knows, Cashlynn vows to make their union as difficult as possible.

Nazai, however, thrives on challenges. Her defiance only fuels his obsession, awakening the darkness within him. As he pulls her deeper into his twisted game, Cashlynn begins to realize she’s nothing more than a pawn in his plans. But when the truth is revealed, will she fight to reclaim her freedom—or be consumed by his dangerous allure?


* This is book one of an interconnected standalone, family saga. While it can be read on its own, you'll get more joy and better understanding by reading in order.*

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, African American Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Forced Proximity, African American

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

About the author

Tay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.

With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark romance with an unhinged couple?!!! Yes please! On Nazai’s 30th birthday, he’s expected to take over his family’s criminal organization The Bloodline. But, before Daddy Tavarez hands over the keys to the kingdom, Nazai will have to find a wife and knock her up by the end of the year. The streets are hot and Cashlynn is on the run. After catching her ex doing the unthinkable, she almost killed him and now his daddy has put a $250K bounty on her head. Cashlynn is forced to go underground with her little brother until she can figure out how to put a hot one in Neil’s head and stay alive. Fresh off a kill and needing a place to regroup, Cash and Carson break into Nazai’s house and, unknowingly, start a snowball effect. Stolen Matrimony was a good book. I really enjoyed it. I just adored me some Cash and Nazi. They were absolutely perfect for each other. Nazai was the true definition of an alpha male but, unfortunately for him, Cash was no wallflower. It was tit for tat with these two from the moment they met. You gon’ marry me or, I’ma let the streets get at you. Oh, so you gon’ force me to marry you?!!! Bet! I’ll destroy your one of kind Maserati and kill your exotic fish. LOL!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Cash and Nazai had no problem matchin’ each other’s crazy and I enjoyed every bit of their psychotic shenanigans.

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has received mixed reviews for its "dark" written material, which is understandable given its genre… like duh it’s DARK romance 🌚. If you're a versatile reader and have read authentic and serious Dark Romance, you'll know this was mild. I understand that this genre is not for everyone. Just glance at the tags to avoid reading similar books entirely🤷🏽‍♀️. I love a good strong female character that can put the MMC in check. Cash and Nazai were both UNHINGED and just INSANE. They had a weird love that only they understood and that’s okay. I'll admit that at times I forgot the characters were black, but I did appreciate the story it’s rare to see urban dark romance.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely Crazy

Both….of these Mofos were ABSOLUTELY Nuts❗️ However, In Am Very Curious About What Ezra Is Doing to the blogger and the mystery behind Lucas and his child hood friend that disappeared. Also why Emmett is such a weirdo…..

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRAZY IN LOVE

These were some unhinged MFS 🤷🏾‍♀️ Like both of them were crazy AF, but they managed to find love amidst the craziness. 

Nazai was set to take over his families underground empire once he turned 30, but the stipulations were very clear....he needed to be married and he was expected to have an heir within a year of that marriage. Nazai was not with the ish, he enjoyed being free to soil his royal oats if you will🤭. Most women were extremely superficial and he didn't think he would find anyone worthy of being his wife. That was until he met Cashlynn, or should I say captures her. She intrigued him from day 1, and her audacity and lack of fear seemed to stoke his attraction. He was dead set on taming her.

These two were a lot. The way they went back and forth exerting dominance and weapons was wild. At some point Nazai shifted from only wanting to tame her, to also wanting to gain her trust. It was clear he didn't play about her and wanted her to know he was truly in her corner. Did he use some crazy azz tactics, yes he did. Did his actions caring for her brother and going to bat for her consistently showing his love for her, yes they did. Were they both unhinged and crazy af, yes yes they were lol. 

I still wouldn't call this a dark romance. Those are usually way darker, but unhinged...yes I'll give it that. I enjoyed the psychopaths 🤷🏾‍♀️ but it could have definitely been 60 pages shorter.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Cash and Nazai were both unhinged and criminally insane; they matched each other’s energy well.

[Jenae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Idk i get a dark romance…the water boarding was a bit much but again sure but the marriage consummation scene was not dub con…that was rape and also where I parted with the book “you’re telling me no but your body is telling me yes” is quite literally what rapist say when they are violating someone. Nothing about Cash gave me badass fmc and Nazai was just a drug pushing rapist so I mean if that’s your thing have at it 🫤

['The Book Queen' · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure... 3.5*

The story was very different. The acts of depravity were almost too much along with the violence and unkind stuff. I'm not going to give you spoiler narrative or denigrate the author simply because the story wasn't for me. Be a good reader and find out for yourself.

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Cash unhinged crazy ass 🤣. Nazai and his family met their match with Cash.. one thing about Cash.. she don’t scare easily. I loved how Nazai didn’t play about his wife or her brother. Fck around and find out was the theme for this book. This was a good dark romance. I can’t wait for book 2

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stolen Matrimony” had me awake at 4am, to read because I could not put it down! The story was invigorating, and I savored every page. The song, “6 Inch Heels,” by Beyonce played on a loop in my head by the end. The song has elements of darkness, with a message of exuding power and independence. All three things are foundational elements of Stolen Matrimony. Nazai is next in line to lead the Tavarez Family and The Bloodline, which is their business; however, he needs a wife and to produce an heir. Meanwhile, Cashlyn Cavana is known as the ‘Queen of Hearts’ in the underground world, with a bounty on her head, and the sole caregiver for her ten-year-old brother, Carson. The way Nazai and Cashlynn became a union was compelling and unforgettable, especially since Cash practically fell into Nazai’s lap. Tay executed the “force marriage” trope well. When characters have a dark upbringing - those twisted souls tug on my heartstrings. Cashlynn is the female version of Nazai, even before he was aware of her presence. She is a protector, a skilled assassin, but can be impulsive and vocal. Whilst Nazai is a leader and a protector but calculated with his actions. Thus, there was a power struggle between the two. Gradually, Cash realized Nazai was not her enemy, and Nazai learned he had a “rider” in Cash. It was a beautiful display of “us against whoever” and “touch her/him and die.” I loved how twisted and unladylike Cash was and Nazai accepted her flaws. As the layers unfolded, I understood both characters and found their actions to be admirable at times.
The storyline was strong, and the characters were memorable and developed. I loved how the Tavarez brothers had a strong bond and the way they accepted Carson into the family. There was never a dull moment; it felt like a movie playing out. The bloodshed, threats, uncovered truths, and evolution of the marriage made this an “unputdownable” book. Tay continues to push the boundaries, and I am happy to witness the journey.


**arc review

[Asha Ismail · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like dark romance... THIS is for you. I enjoyed the story and the writing. Quick, easy read that I could not put down. Definelty kept me entertained! I will be looking to read more of Tay's catalog.

[Kalise · Rating 5 out of 5]

forewarning!

If you are the type of person that clinches their pearls at dark romance please don’t pick up the book and leave a bad review.

Now, for those who are into it, it’s dark from cover to cover. If you’re looking for a truly dark romance, you’ve just found it. I absolutely loved this book. The scenes have you on edge and craving more. Nazai and his all consuming,dominating, and sadistically loving ways will have questioning your morals. Cashlynn is not the girl you test or think you can get over on. Her possessive and protective nature will empower you to continue reading to see just how much she is capable of.

[Candy Nicholas]

Not gonna rate the book on the the simple fact that it wasn't my cup of tea. It's definitely a dark romance. Lots of killing, etc. But what I didn't like was the relationship. He forced her to marry him. Okay, cool. But their first sexual encounter was sexual assault. He gave her Ecstasy so she'll relax, knowing she wouldn't let him touch her otherwise. Him piercing her nipples without permission. Him switching out her both control was a hell no for me. Hell them consummating the marriage was borderline rape in my opinion. Lately, I haven't been feeling any of Tay's main male characters so I may need a break from her. If you're into the MMC forcing the FMC to do stuff she don't want to do but somehow end up liking it then this book is for you.

[RomanceMama · Rating 2 out of 5]

ugh

While it was an interesting story Nazai was an abusive dirt bag. Every time you thought you started to like him, he did something else crappy to Cashlynn and made me annoyed that this strong FMC was taking his crap.

[lacie.reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard DNF at 23%. The author claims to write Black “love” stories but ain’t no way this is love or could grow to be love. I’m actually seething right now!

[OnceUponAStorybook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

This was so good and the perfect slow burn.

I loved Nazai character so much and how he would literally do anything for Cashlynn. They matched each other freak and I ate it up. This man would get turned on from watching Cashlynn kill people.

I also loved Cashlynn character and how strong willed she is. She literally took no shit and was a badass assassin. I loved how she very slowly started to let Nazai in and let her walls down. She was also funnily unhinged, she literally killed a woman piercer because she did her job and pierced Nazai penis even though she was the reason Nazai had got it pierced. I loved her down and I’m glad her character wasn’t watered down.

Another thing I really enjoyed is the plot as well as the romance.

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and so far I’ve loved 2 out 3. I’m excited to read more by her!

[TheReaderVert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stellar...Grade A

Alright, don't get the read if you don't like collars, forced 🌬jobs, facials, machete hand chopped off, a lot of "my wife" and "mine" thrown about, and a cold, maniacal MMC who knows what he wants.

Whewww, the sex is sexing. Lots of hair pulls. Lots of nas-tay sex. But also lots of character growth and development. Watching our Black Cat FMC learn to trust and be vulnerable, try to reach for love despite her toxic upbringing, was so sweet. Seeing how the murdery, unfeeling alpha psychopath MMC slowly learn to recognize love was a wild ride. The FMC isn't a perfect character. She will make choices that irk, but it's honestly a trauma response. The best part is when the MMC calls out the brattiness or annoying trait. His ability to lay it out there keeps the romance balance. In kind, the FMC will call him out for his caveman "me John. Me leader. Do as I say." attitude. She gives as good as she gets, and that dynamic truly saves this story from being annoying or feeling one-note.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

chileeeee

This was a Banger baby I love a bad ass FMC Cashlynn gave Nazai a run for his money baby I was not ready! I love all the things… the thrill… the chase… the vibes whewww shit 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[Jaylynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s nothing you could say that would make me believe he actually loves her.

“A sense of ownership passed through me.” He had her wearing a tracker around her neck disguised as a necklace. When he first got to her after seeing her on the cameras breaking into his house she was in the shower. He didn’t let her get dressed, he touched her without consent, other men that came with him saw her naked, he had her handcuffed to the wall standing straight while STILL BEING COMPLETELY NAKED and left her there for hours even after she peed on herself, and even left her there for two days having men come in to give her food until she agreed to marry him, & he would’ve left her there longer if she hadn’t agreed to marry him because he threatened her brother multiple times…..


“I turned to say something to Nazai but he was already facing me with cold, darkened eyes. He grabbed the collar around my neck and yanked me forward. “If you ever disrespect either of my parents again, I’ll hang your naked ass from the ceiling for a week and use you for target practice. If you’re gonna be my wife, then you need to learn some fucking respect.” He shoved me away and pressed the button to start the car.”

Definitely weird that the author decided to have him give her drugs most likely knowing she’s never done them before and turn around and do sexual things to her knowing she’s not coherent enough to actually give her consent.

He pierced her boobs without consent and had her handcuffed while doing so & when she said to stop he told her he basically could do whatever he wanted because she was his wife.

She told him about trauma regarding her childhood and thunderstorms and he used that against her to show who was in charge and this book is rated high…

“If anything happens to my baby because you’re being reckless, I promise I’ll make you suffer a fate worse than death.” There’s nothing you can tell me that would convince me he actually loves her. After trapping her with a baby and switching her birth control pills you say this because she doesn’t want to change her life? Like yes she should make adjustments but she didn’t want a kid yet and he forced it on her because it’s not like he would’ve let her get an abortion unless she did it behind his back. Even then he would’ve tortured her and most likely would’ve let his family or people that work for him do the same

[rasheeda forde · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 11%, this book was reading like a cliche and I didn't like the mmc's attitude and how he interacted with the fmc in their first encounter.
She is not giving me strong badass fmc and he is certainly not giving bad ass mmc either.
Also how he just touched up on her in their initial encounter rubbed me the wrong way.

[Bev8 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a no for me, thing good about a woman being raped and being humiliated like that. DNF, no disclaimer makes up for how wrong this is. And those book reviewers on social media who recommend this you’re all wrong for this. Do better

[Keisha Renny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF’d at 33%. Idk he’s too aggressive. It’s borderline R word

[Weekend Reader_]

I'm having a hard time reviewing this book bc of the aspect that was very prominent part of the plot which was Nazai trying to break Cashlyn. Like very prominent and he often made choices that were in my opinion unredeemable. But I'm sitting with the fact that she didn't break (might be a spoiler) and this is a dark romance which both things should help me decide but they don't. I think it was a step too far for me, based on the reviews I'm in the minority. So I will opt out of rating bc I don't think it will be fair to the author. And to clarify I read and have enjoyed dark romance which is another reason I'm struggling.

CN: child abuse, neglect, grooming, SA, dub con, non con, having sex under the influence, discussions of human trafficking and selling a minor, pedophilia, drug,gun violence, forced pregnancy

Format: ebook KU
Romance tag: open door

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care what anyone says...one of the best dark romances that I have read. NOW SHE GAVE YOU WARNINGS AND IF YOU CHOSE TO IGNORE KNOWING DAMN WELL THIS WAS A DARK ROMANCE THAT THAT'S YOUR DAMN FAULT....IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS CHECK THEM AT THE GATE BEFORE YOU START, IT IS LITERALLY A DARK ROMANCE.


Just say dark romance and then add black characters and I am sold. Nazai and Cashlynn were def carbon copies of each other and really deserved to be together. They both needed something that only the other could provide. I thought it was great that Cashlynn remained strong throughout and didn't soften in character in some respects because that was what really made her character great. Nazai being so high handed might have rubbed people the wrong way, but I enjoyed it. I AM DEF LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OTHER BROTHERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTNERS.

[Kailah Lathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the definition of a dark romance! Cashlynn and Nazai really belong together! They were some sick and vicious people who grew up in a ruthless world. Like killing is what they do!
On a random note, I want the word seed burned to the ground!
However, I enjoyed the storyline overall. I do wish we could see further along into their romance but I look forward to reading about the other brothers and getting updates about these two.

[JackeeisBusyReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohhh it’s real dark over here

I enjoyed this story tremendously. The story is truly a dark romance so absolutely check your triggers. The FMC being just as unhinged at the MMC was a delight. Even though there is trauma on Cashlynn’s side the Nazai handles it and shows up in ways she never expected.

[C.M. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good dark romance

This was everything I needed and more lol. Make sure to check the trigger warnings, but it is an absolutely amazing ride. Nazai loved him some Cashlynn even though he had a funny way of showing it!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed reading this black dark romance. I'm not going to lie, it take me a lot longer to read it but I really enjoy this book. Nazai & Cashlynn, my new unhinged favorite couple who match each other energy & standing on business

[Antoinette Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stolen Matrimony more like crazy in love.

This book was so enjoyable. From the point of how they met. The revenue , the 2nd revenge. The gained respect. Great read looking forward to more.

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pick from one of my bookclubs. This book had some dark elements and challenge me as a reader. Both characters matched each other energy and I loved that. I cannot wait to discuss this book in detail tomorrow.

[H (sosheescapes)]

DNF @ 70%

While I enjoy Tay Mo'nae this was my first dark romance and I've concluded that this sub genre is not for me.