Caged Captain

Caparelli Crime Family #2

by Cameron Hart

It’s an arrangement, that’s all. She’s my fake girlfriend, helping me keep a low-profile while the cops are watching the Caparelli crime family more than ever. In return, I clear her father’s debt. That’s it. I'm not falling for her. As one of the top Captains in the family, I can’t afford for my heart to get tangled up in a messy relationship.

Still, I can’t stop thinking about her when we’re apart. I find myself longing to take her on real dates to show her how precious she is and how crazy her curves make me. There’s no way a pure, sweet little thing like Imogene would ever go for a guy like me, but a man can dream.

The detective assigned to me is more competent than I thought, and he goes after my woman. All bets are off. I need to show Imogene that what we have is real before time runs out.

***

What to expect from a Cameron Hart Curvy heroines, protective alphas, lots of heat, and plenty of sweet. No cheating, safe, guaranteed HEA!

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Looking for alpha males, sassy heroines, steamy chemistry, and a guaranteed happily ever after? I've got you covered. My books pack plenty of Kindle melting action and lots of over the top swoon-worthy moments, with happily ever afters so sweet you just might get a cavity.

Go ahead and grab a glass of wine and get comfy. You've got some dirty, sweet romance novels to read!

If you enjoy Frankie Love, Elle Goode, MINK, and similar authors, then my books will be right up your alley.

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Imogine is working to help her and her father keep afloat since he has a gambling problem and it shows up at their hotel. This is where she gets the idea and plans to talk to Marco and comes up with a plan to pay off her dad's debt. He says no until he needs her as a cover and his fake girlfriend to cover up the Mafia works. And it works between them.
It's cute how he shows his softer side, and once the heat is off the family, he'll make sure Imogine debt is clear. Only drama follows Imogine, and no one goes after his woman.

No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore


Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶.5


Slowinsta
Age gap
Praise kink
Violence
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogine lost her mother when she was ten years old and that's when her father started gambling. Now she lives with her father and tries to stay afloat with him, but everything changes when she meets Marco. Marco is the Captain for the Caparelli family and is trying to get the money from Imogene back and that's when he sees Imogine for the first time. She needs money for her father's debt and Marco needs a fake girlfriend, as a cover for his business. What started as a fake relationship quickly changed into so much more. And when someone threatens his woman Marco won't stop until he gets her safe and happy in his arms. Instalove, age gap, mafia lite, sweet, steamy, romantic , with a bit of action and safe ( she is a virgin and he long celibate) with an awesome HEA and no OP drama😍😍😍😍

[Dia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an insta love short novella about fake dating between a mafia man and a debt ridden woman. I really enjoyed the story.

As this is a series, the plot is going throughout the books. This is the second book and the plot goes nowhere and is practically nonexistent. While we get to see a few scenes regarding the plot, we don’t learn anything new or worthwhile to the overall plot.

I liked how Marco was so attentive to Imogine and took such good care of her. I also appreciated that Imogine was a strong FMC and always voiced out her opinions

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged Captain bk 2 [Caparelli Crime Family Series]
This is a mafia series with amazing characters and a lot of steam.. These books can be read as standalone's but you will get the story of this series better by starting with book 1.. [might be some spoilers]

This book follows Marco & Imogine.. You will have Mafia theme, Virgin trope, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Dark themes and more

Marco is a captain for the Mafia.. He does a lot for his boss but him and the rest of his friends are trying to find info on the bad guys.. He has tattoos and is a badass..He has a sad past because he lost his family in a car crash..He has close friends now which is the mafia and they also look out for each other like family.. When he meets Imogine that's when everything changes for him and he falls hard

Imogine works as a waitress.. She has a sad life because she lost her mum and she is looking after her father because he went down hill after her they lost her mum.. One day her dad gets into more trouble and she goes to see if she can work something out to save her dad and that's where she meets Marco then everything changes for her and her father after that.. She falls hard for Marco


This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Mafia Romance
⦁ Stranger to Lovers
⦁ Captain/Waitress
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Virgin Trope
⦁ Fake Dating
⦁ Hero is a dirty talker
⦁ Content: Hero Saved Heroine from the creepy Motel landlord, Heroine talks about the lost of her mum and why she looks after her father, Hero had to keep the heroine safe, A bit of kidnapping, Hero talks about his family and more
⦁ Hot, Rough and steamy
⦁ A bit of Praise kink [Good Girl]
⦁ A bit of Hair Pulling/ A bit of light Biting/ wee bit of Edging and more
⦁ Hot kissing in a Club
⦁ Open-door play on hero's desk & at the glass door
⦁ Possessive Hero/Touch her and you die trope
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Dark themes
⦁ Tattooed Hero
⦁ Hero has a nickname for Heroine [Baby, Sweetheart, Angel]
⦁ Heroine looks after her dad
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Badass Hero/Curvy Women
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Hero falls first
⦁ Hero will do anything to keep his women Safe

I enjoyed Marco & Imogine Romance and i can not wait to read the next book in the series.. I am glad that everything worked out and they got their happy ending

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Caged Captain” is a fake relationship/ mafia romance. Book 2 in the Caparelli crime family series.
Imogine is down on her lunch, waitressing and taking care of her father after her mother died.
Her father owes a gambling debt of fifty thousand dollars to the Caparelli crime family.
Marco is the Top Mafia Captain for said Caparelli crime family. And Marko comes to collect.
He’s on the radar, getting too much heat from Las Vegas Police Department’s dirty police ring. These dirty police are skimming money from police, guilty of bribes and doing anything they can to bring Marko down.
So when he sees Imogine hiding behind the bathroom door when Marco goes to collect from her father, and feels all the desire, intrigue and pull towards her..he offers a plan where she pretents to be his girlfriend, while he keeps a low profile, he pays off hers dads debts and then after bit when it cools down with the police, seperate. But things change when the dirty cops go after Imogine. No one messes with his woman!
This amazing book by Cameron Hart has all the feels. Sweet and juicy with an innocent, strong and curvy mfc. And the mmc being possessive, protective and somewhat territorial 😁. And Imogine and Marco do, eventually, get their happy ending.👍🏻🥰.

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

[Teereth Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 Caged Captain is EVERYTHING you could want in a fake relationship/mafia romance!! This is book 2 in the Caparelli Crime Family series, and OMG, I could not put it down!

Marco, our broody, possessive Mafia Captain 😍, goes to collect a debt from Imogine’s father but ends up finding her hiding in the bathroom. And just like that—BOOM—he’s hooked. He proposes a deal: she’ll be his fake girlfriend to pay off the debt and help him take down a dirty cop ring in the LVPD. But let’s be real... there was nothing fake about the way he wanted her 👀🔥.

Imogine has NO idea how much power she holds over him (girl, WAKE UP, this man is obsessed 😩). Everyone around her sees that she’s a rare gem, but Marco? Oh, he knows. And from the second he claims her, there is no way he’s letting her go. So when she gets taken? Ohhh, he’s on a warpath 😤💥. He will find her, and anyone who touches his girl is done for.

This book gave me EVERYTHING—suspense, emotions, vulnerability, and the spice?? OH. MY. GOD. 🌶️ The chemistry between Marco and Imogine is absolutely insane, and the tension had me screaming. The writing is fast-paced and addictive, balancing heart-pounding action with those so good intimate moments 🥵.

I NEED MORE OF THIS SERIES ASAP!!! If you love possessive mafia heroes, high-stakes romance, and fake dating that turns all too real, you NEED to read this book!! 💯

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

She challenges him and he loves it

Caged Captain is the second book in the Caparelli Crime Family series. I fell for this story from the start as Imogine Mansfield is struggling to keep a roof over her and her father's head. She is twenty-five and works as a waitress at a diner. When she was twelve her mother died from brain cancer and what had been a happy family ended up falling apart. Her father could not deal with losing his wife and ended up becoming addicted to gambling. Living in Las Vegas it was an easy addiction to continue. When a loan he got from the Caparelli family is due is when she first lays eyes on Marco, a Captain in the Caparelli family. He helps oversee the enterprise in Vegas and worked hard to get to where he is now. As it turns out Imogine did not know about her father's loan and she tries to work out a payment plan, which she presents personally to Marco the next day. Marco is in need of something else and makes a deal with Imogine to be his fake girlfriend and he will wipe the debt. With no choice she agrees, but also makes a couple stipulations of her own. What ends up happening next is a wild ride of fake becoming real mixed with some danger, suspense, a kidnapping, and more. This was a very entertaining read that kept my attention from the start. I am enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mafia head Marco and Imogine a waitress agree a Contract, their lives will never be the same again
When Marco had accepted her proposal and had been seen as his girlfriend it had been a simple business arrangement to clear her father’s debt and he had accepted, what he had no expected was the interest Imogine raised in every male that she met her.
Her innate beauty and the fact that she was unaware of the effect she had on him and those around her made she a true treasure and he knew that this was not going to be a temporary assignment, she was his and he was going to keep her.
When Imogine is taken, he was in no doubt that it was to do with the police that had been following them and he was going to find her and kill anyone that had dared to hurt his girl, his woman and there was nothing that anyone could do to stop him.
This is a true Mafia story with a hint of crime and cruelty, sex and love that bring together two ver different people and I guarantee that you will love this read from start to finish.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing addition to the Caparelli Crime Family series! Marco and Imogine were incredible together, seeing his hard shell melt for her was adorable. Seeing them both slowly realize that nothing about them was fake was really well done. I especially liked how the steamy scenes were written in this one, especially their first time together. You could feel the tenderness and connection between the two of them, so when the twist happened after, it hit that much harder. Also, him not accepting her fast apology and wanting her to make him work for it?! Love that! Totally understand why he thought he had to do what he did, but the guilt he felt needed to be worked out for him and I loved it. I do wish we got a bit more closure on what happened with her dad and how he took her being with Marco, but it also didn’t take away from the story at all. No cheating or OM/OW drama, virgin FMC, some trigger warnings like kidnapping, etc. dual POV, HEA and an epilogue in the future. Still can’t wait for Aurelio’s story, but reading about his men falling in love is just as fun!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Needed a Fake Girlfriend**

*The Caged Captain* is the second book in the Caparell Crime Family series. Imogene is a very strong and brave young woman who decides to approach Marco and inform him that she will work off her father's debts owed to the Caparell family. It takes a lot of courage for Imogene to do this, and she knows it will take a long time to pay them off. The moment Marco lays eyes on this beautiful, curvy woman, he wants nothing more than to make her his.

Marco proposes an arrangement to pay off her father's debt in exchange for her help; he needs a fake girlfriend. However, they quickly realize that they don't want it to be fake but rather something real. When Imogene gets kidnapped, Marco is determined to do whatever it takes to get her back in his arms.

The book is very well-written and fast-paced, filled with romance and suspense. It has just the right amount of spice that keeps you hooked. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series!

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

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the story ' Caged Captain' by Cameron Hart. It was a romance between a man that was in the mafia and a woman who only knew about them because her father had gotten involved with gambling and owed the mafia money. When Imogene strides up to Marco and states that she wants to work off her father's debt Marco is very impressed by her determination and grit. He offers her the job of being his fake girlfriend when he needs to go to attend to business while going to nightclubs and other places. He feels that if he had a date by his side then it would throw a lot of attention off of his dealings. She readily accepts in order for him to cancel her father's debt. Marco knows it is dangerous for him because he thinks Imogene is beautiful and desirable and he is not used to being in relationships.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged Captain is Book 2 of the Caparelli Crime Family series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, age-gap, fake-dating, curvy girl gets her mafia man romance. Imogin is a sweet, curvy waitress who has been working multiple jobs to support her and her father, who is a gambling addict. Marco is a hunky captain for the Caparelli mafia family. Imogin's dad owes a large debt to the Caparellis. She meets with Marco to try and make an arrangement for payment. He ends up offering her the opportunity to be his fake girlfriend as a cover in exchange for wiping her father's debt. She agrees. But neither expects to fall in love. When Marco's dangerous world catches up, he will burn down the world for his woman. These two were so cute together. The chemistry was insane and Marco was so sweet with her. We also got a great HEA after the drama was resolved. I loved it.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romance.
Imogine is a young woman working multiple jobs to pay off her father's gambling debt. Unfortunately, one evening, Marco, a mafia captain, visits them in the seedy motel where they live, demanding a large sum of money to cover his debt and late fees. Feeling trapped, she decides to negotiate with Marco.
Marco is a loner who has been working for the mafia for years. But for some time now, he's been trying to bring down crooked cops, so to get revenge, the cops are keeping a close eye on them. When the beautiful Imogine comes to negotiate with him, he sees it as an opportunity to have a fake girlfriend as a cover for his business. But by spending time with her, their feelings and business affairs become intertwined.
Will Marco and Imogine have a beautiful romance, or will Marco's affairs tear them apart…

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 2 of the Caparelli Crime Family series and focuses on Marco and Imogen. Marco is the captain for the Caparelli crime family and has been tasked with collecting a debt from a man who owes the family quite a bit of money. When he goes to collect the debt, he meets Imogen and is immediately drawn to her and feels a protective instinct towards her. Imogen has been doing everything she can for her and her dad to survive. Things change quickly when Marco and Imogen begin a fake relationship that quickly turns real. Marco knows what he has with Imogen and refuses to let anyone or anything threaten his woman. He is obsessed, possessive, and utterly protective of Imogen! This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caged Captain is a sexy and sweet romance between a made man and an innocent young woman. Imogine is hardworking, compassionate, sweet, and determined to help and protect those she loves. Mafia man Marco first spots her while working, and when she storms into his life a second time, everything shifts. I loved how he couldn’t help himself with Imogine—his determination, strength, and protective nature all come out in spades when it comes to her. They have dynamic chemistry, and their pull grows as the pages turn. The hints of danger and pieces of action move the love story forward beautifully, and before I knew it I was at the end though I really wanted more. This was an easy read with lots of sexual tension and fast-paced plot.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogene and her father are struggling to survive, barely able to pay the bills. When a man, Marco Captain for the Caparelli crime family, comes to the house looking for the money he owes, she knows he is gambling again. He has very little time to come with a lot of money. She goes to see him to and offers him anything to cancel the debit, he offers her a solution. She will need to pose as his girl friend.

It is not long before the ruse becomes something more. Will he be able to keep her? When someone is targeting her, he will burn the world down to protect her.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Caged Captain delivers a thrilling mix of fake dating, mafia tension, and undeniable chemistry. Imogene only wants to save her father, but Marco has other plans—ones that don’t involve keeping his heart out of it. Their relationship starts as a business arrangement, but Marco’s possessiveness and Imogene’s quiet strength turn it into something much more intense. The danger, the passion, and the suspense make this a gripping read. If you love protective antiheroes and high-stakes romance, this one’s for you!.

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

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the author’s Caparelli Crime Family series and features Marco, the top Captain in the Caparelli Family mafia and Imogine, the daughter of a man who owes them money.

I’m so loving this new series! Just like the previous one, this book is extremely hot and Marco is an absolute dream. Obsessed and possessive…everything I want in a book boyfriend!

This is an awesome book and I recommend it 100% for readers who love instalove mafia romance with tons of steam. Don’t miss it! 5 stars!!

I received a copy of this book for free from Instalove Influencers but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco and Imogine are hot and it jumps off the page.
Imogine father has a gambling problem, and through it he's incurred a considerable debt to a local crime family the Caparelli's. A debt Imogine is determined to wipe out, even if it means fake dating one of the families captains Marco.
All it takes is one fake date and the jealousy and possessiveness from Marco starts, by the second date they can't keep their hands to themselves.
If you enjoy spice, alpha males, mafia romance, instalove, dual pov writing, mild angst and HEAs then Cameron has the book for you.

[A.L.Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

...a bargain is struck

💙ARC Review🩵

Caged Captain by Cameron Hart is Book 2 in The Caparelli Crime Family Series. It is a short, insta-love, he-falls-first, ägë-gäp, mafia-lite, vïrgïn heroine, beauty & the beast vibes, fake dating (then it becomes real), spïcƴ times romance. Imogine's gambling father owes money to the Caparellis in Vegas. Marco is one of the Captains that comes to collect the debt. Imagine strikes a bargain with Marco. The details...? Well, you will have to read to find out! 😏

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and steamy insta-love romance for Marco and Imogene. These two are from completely different worlds but she's got courage in spades and he can't help but admire that about her. In fact, it draws him right in and has him thinking forever with her - and this is a guy that didn't do relationships. Lol! This is a mafia lite romance but it's definitely a theme to their story with drama, danger and action swirling around them. Expect to get caught up in their journey as they work their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does anyone want a mafia-lite romance with two people who start a Fake relationship but soon want the real deal? The grab your copy of Caged Captain. Imogine and Marco start a Fake relationship because they both need something out of each other but soon their attraction will win. I really liked how their relationship developed. It was really sweet seeing them accept their feelings. The story was entertaining and mildly smutty. It has all the feels if you want to read something quick. I totally recommend it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Caged Captain by Cameron Hart. Imogine is determined to pay off her father's debts from his gambling addiction. She is working and living in a run down motel when Marco, leader of the Caparelli crime family comes to collect. Desperate to protect her father, she agrees to be Marco's girlfriend in exchange for wiping out her father's debts. What's not pretend is the intense and smoking hot chemistry between Imogine and the dangerous mafia boss. Marco is OTT possessive and obsessed with Imogine and she belongs to him now. Great read!

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogine and Marco, these two certainly light up in each others company. She goes to him to make a deal to pay off her father’s gambling debts. He suggests she be his fake girlfriend to ward off some crooked cops. Well the fake part lasts a day or two, then the passion starts. They are perfect together. Some angst, a bit of kidnapping drama and a great epilogue.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal!
Imogine's father has a gambling problem.
Marco is a Mafia captain sent to collect.
Tropes:
Virgin, age-gap, fake relationship, mafia, abduction, damsel in distress, obsessive possessive alpha, curvy woman, OTT instalove HEA romance.

A huge thank you to Cameron Hart and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thrilling story has Marco agreeing to clear Imogene's father's debt in return for her to pose as his fake girl friend to throw of the police, but Marco's heart has caught feelings and when the detective on his case goes after Imogene all bets are off. Will Marco get his chance for a real relationship with Imogene. I loved this story and the connection between Marco and Imogene.

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

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Sooo good! I love Imogine and her love for her dad. And Marco (*sigh)! He's strong and smexy! This book has a lot of romance and steam, but it also has action. Corrupt cops, Mafia guys. Imogine is a very strong character even with her vulnerabilities. She's not whining pity-poor-me. I really loved her. Cameron Hart writes really good, really involving stories. These characters are first rate. Again...I loved it!

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short and steamy read and I didn't want to put down. I loved Marco and Imogine together. These two are drawn to each other but they believe it is an act to help each other out but the heart wants what it happens. Imogine knows who Marco is and still loves. When the dirty cops are stupid to go after Imogine, Marco will stand at nothing to protect her. I can't wait for more of this book!.

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

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Caparelli Mafia series focuses on Marco and Imogine. Imogine’s father owes Marco a lot of money with no ability to pay. She tries to make a payment plan and he counteroffers her to be his fake girlfriend. One problem, during their first public appearance Marco realizes he may not want a fake girlfriend, he wants Imogine for real and forever. Sweet and sexy, with action and steam. This book is another hit for Cameron Hart!

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in The Caparelli Crime Family Series. I enjoyed this quick lite mafia Instalove. Imogine is desperately trying to keep her father afloat despite his issues. Marco first spies the blue eyed beauty on a shake down. When Imogine storms into his “office” to make a deal, all bets are off. Loved how Marco stumbles into love with Imogine. A bit of humor, a sassy strong heroine, mine vibes, age gap, fake dating, THAD, danger, praise and hot spice lead to a sweet HEA.