Every lie he told was to keep her. Every truth she uncovers will tear them apart.
Angel A terrible accident left me with scars and robbed me of my memories.
My recovery is slow and filled with pain, but it’s helped along by painting for my small business, which keeps my mind busy.
My husband is amazing and supports me, but his export business means frequent lonely nights where my thoughts can run wild.
Recently, little things don’t add up, wrapping me in worries. But Viktor loves me despite my broken body, and he wouldn’t hide things from me. Would he?
Viktor The Bulgarian mafia stands at a crossroads, and with a critical Irish alliance on the line, I'm ready to forcibly take control from my father and change everything, including ending the human trafficking.
The one thing I didn’t plan for was the obsession that sparked when I first saw Angel or the terrible accident that nearly took her from me. She grows stronger daily, as do her suspicions, so I need to keep her protected and hidden.
My sweet wife can’t know the truth about who I am—or what I did to save her.
She thinks I'm her hero. But if she remembers, she'll realise I'm the villain who stole her from one of our auctions.
Written in British English.
Caging Innocence is a full-length mafia romance with an HEA. It features an obsessed, morally grey Bulgarian mob boss. It is book two in the series and can be read as a standalone, but the backstory spans the Prequel novella, Craving Revenge, and the first book in the series, Hiding Desire. Readers might prefer to read them in order.
Caging Innocence is book 2 in the Obsessed Mafia Men series. I have never been disappointed in a CC Gedling book and this one is no exception! Wonderfully written with engaging characters and tons of mad mafia mayhem.
You can absolutely read this as a standalone book but… I suggest reading this series from the beginning and don’t miss the prequel called Craving Revenge and if you are looking for a really fantastic and longer binge read that takes place in this same world then explore some of CC Gedling’s other books too!
I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed these morally grey men and the brave and spicy women who bring them to their knees. Many of the events and characters from all of these books pop in and make appearances as each series progresses.
This would be my recommended reading order; start with Steel Vengeance- Steel Ventures book 1- this sets off an explosive introduction to many of the characters in this world. Sweet Treats- I got this novella by signing up for CC’s newsletter. Steel Protection- Steel Ventures book 2. Steel Christmas- Steel Ventures book 3. Craving Revenge- Prequel novella for the Obsessed Mafia Men series. Hiding Desire- Obsessed Mafia Men book 1. Seasons of Desire- A spicy collection of holiday based short stories including some characters we have met in the Steel and Mafia Men books! And, then jump into Caging Innocence.
Also, Shattered Hope is a short novella that I also received as a CC newsletter subscriber and it should not be missed, but FYI it will have spoilers so definitely read it after Caging Innocence!
"Caging Innocence" throws you right into the deep end of a dark and twisted love story. Angel’s journey to piece together her past after a brutal accident is captivating, especially as she navigates a world she barely remembers. You feel her confusion and the unsettling sense that something big is being kept from her. Her strength, even in her vulnerability, really shines through as she tries to make sense of her new normal. Then there's Viktor, a man whose love for Angel is as intense as his hold on the criminal underworld. He's trying to clean up his act and protect her, but his past constantly threatens to derail everything. The push and pull between his brutal reality and his devotion to Angel creates some serious tension. You're left wondering if his dangerous secrets will ultimately save her or completely destroy their fragile connection. What makes this book really stand out is the way it explores the idea of love in the face of impossible odds. Even with all the danger and deception swirling around them, the connection between Angel and Viktor is undeniable. It's a story that keeps you thinking about the choices people make when their worlds collide and how far they're willing to go for what they believe in. The author clearly knows how to build a world that feels both dangerous and deeply personal, making for a truly engaging read.
Viktor...Viktor, Viktor, Viktor. You couldn't have thought that the truth would never come out? You had to have a small voice that said that it was real possibility that Angel might get her memories back and remember that she is Lina. I did like how "realistic" Angel's injuries and recovery was portrayed in the book. She had lasting effects and wasn't magically all well and healed. Viktor's insta-obsession was fabulous! I loved that he couldn't keep his hands off of her whenever she was near him. I did break my heart for Angel whenever Viktor disappeared and she started doubting him, thinking he might be having an affair. She saw herself as broken and unworthy, but Viktor took every opportunity to tell her that she was perfect! When the truth came out, I was absolutely ready for the groveling and we definitely got some. I love that Angel left Viktor hanging and left him to deal with the consequences of his actions. I was rolling on the floor when they both finally tell the truth about gnomes!
As much as I loved Rada in her book, she was annoying in this one. I get her initial anger and her push for Angel to remember her life as Lina, but that was so much pressure for Angel. I loved when Angel finally spoke up and put Rada in her place.
Of course, loved seeing Sean and all the old characters!
There are no words to describe how beautiful this book was written. Angel and Victor are an amazing couple. The love this man has for our girl is beautiful. But not only that the guilt he carries for her pain is so heartbreaking. He blames himself for her fall and loss of memory but he does everything in his power to comfort her, love her, and protect her. I won’t lie there is a lot of misunderstanding between our lovers but to come back around and relearn each other and love each other all over again is beautiful. When he tells her the truth she is so uncertain of everything and doesn’t know what to believe. But in time she learns. She relearns to love a man that even though he lied to her to protect her she grows a new found love for him. And he learns to share things with her but at the same time he wants to let her in along with protecting her. He realized that in the beginning he did it all wrong and it almost costed him her. In this beautiful love story you get all the love, lies, and betrayal but you get all the possessiveness, caring, and a plot that puts the book hard to put down!
Words cannot describe this book. I was not ready for how obsessed Viktor would be. But reading his story and making the connections to previous books was like crazy. Was he super protective? Absolutely! Was he unstable when it came to Angel? Absolutely! Did he love her unconditionally? ABSOLUTELY! This book is book 2 in the Obsessed Mafia Men series. It did not disappoint. Viktor was like an undercover hero in a villain suit. Yes he was the head of the mafia trying to change things but still do illegal activities. But I think finding Angel helped him be better. I loved this book. Angel is the wife of the Bulgarian mafia leader but doesn’t know who he is and has lost her memory. A tragic accident caused her to lose her traumatic past but now she is being faced with it. Secrets from the past start coming to light and Viktor is having alot to answer for. You have previous characters from book 1 and the novella making appearance and trust. The banter is something. I’m telling you this was so worth the wait. I can’t wait to see how book 3 can top this.
Boy do I love a good obesessed MMC and Victor did not disappoint. He is OTT protective with TH&D vibes. While his wife who was injured in a terrible accident has amnesia, chronic pain,and is obsessed in her own way.
While the author described their relationship as "100% toxic" I did hot see it that way. This probably says more about me than anything. I see a FMC who has self esteem issues, probably some type of PTSD even though she doesn't remember what happened to her. I see an obsessed MMC who is being pulled in so many different directions. Trying to keep his wife safe while dealing with his family business. Oh and let’s not forget the Irish Mafia.
I found the characters believable. The is storyline original and interesting The twists were exciting and surprising. The love between them was heartfelt and epic. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Even though this book can be read as a standalone I do suggest reading "Hiding Desires" first
Arrrr my gawd Again another absolute amazing story
Victor and Angels story was full of everything you could want in a Mafia romance Full of angst and all the emotions She’s his He’s hers He would burn the world down and anyone who put her in any danger love the possessive alpha male that screams MINE When you get through the story and learn if these characters it made me love them even more Angel arr I just wanted to give her the biggest hug But she’s not all that fragile I love the chemistry between these two and was rooting for them for a HEA
I loved how the author went over the past books and stories in this book and it was done so very well Snippets from the last book told more of the story in this book and I absolutely loved that
The way CC Gedling writes her stories and covers everything and in a way that’s done so beautifully and respectful I can not get enough of her writing
probably more of a 3.5 for me. when i first read the prequel novella, i was so exited to read lina’s book and was actually sad it wasn’t book one bc i wanted to read them in order. i just don’t care for the amnesia trope :/ Angel was so innocent and seemed taken advantage of basically the entire book. Viktor loved her dearly and she fell in love with him as well but they were apart for most of the book and it made it seem like Angel was a mistress, not his wife.
on top of that, i loved Rada in her book but absolutely hated her in this one. i understand she was worried about her sister but she 1) refused to call her Angel even though that’s what she wanted to go by, 2) tried to kill her sisters husband, 3) made her feel horrible for not remembering and 4) kept saying horrible things about Viktor and overwhelming her with information
-amnesia -artist x mafia boss -OTT protective/possessive -touched her and die -groveling
Obsession is Bad...Right? I think the dark box is ticked here, in some odd but good ways. He the head of the family by proxy... kind of. Trying to recatergorize the business and make a strong alliance is harder than it should be. Unorganized chaos is dangerous, there are things he wants to change but he also needs to becareful just because is father is out of touch, his reach isn't. She is soft spoken, naive even. In pain most days and kept sheltered. (She's the biggest reason for the star rating). He pretty much stalks his wife. His obsession with her keeps him riding the edge and she is clueless. Ah memory is a tenuous thing, he knows this. His secret. Best kept secret. The story was Mafia at its finest. Plots and schemes, lies and little truths. A bit of torture, some blood. The heat? Fits perfectly. Enjoy.
So so good! I read the prequel to this novel and other novels by this author and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. Wow this novel took me on such a wild ride, buckle up. From the first chapter this novel reached across the pages and sucked me in and held on tight the entire novel. I loved that Viktor was a morally grey character that would do anything for the woman he loved. I loved Viktor and Angel together. Their chemistry was so good and intense. My heart hurt for Angel and all she had been thru and then trying to piece together what she had been thru due all she suffered. I loved watching them both lower their defenses and walls and fall in love. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat reading. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know what was happening next. So so good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. Loved it! So so good!
Angel is a unique character as we meet her after she was injured, in a coma and woke up not knowing anything from her past. She has her husband, her art, and another woman who helps out. She doesn't really care what happened to her, she only wishes not to deal with the pain.
This story reveals that the husband isn't exactly who he says he is and as his lives collide secrets will be unravelled. In the end it will be up to Angel to decide who and what she believes.
Viktor absolutely adored Angel and does everything he can to care for and protect her. He may not be truthful about everything but one thing is certain, his love. He is absolutely obsessed with his woman and it's a beautiful thing.
Touch her and di3 "My Wife" Amnesia Kidnapping/drugging Chronic pain rep Human trafficking Bulgarian Mafia Obsessed MMC
This book was just amazing!. It was a Mafia themed book but it was deep and emotional and had subjects that made it a different story.
Angel is recovering from a serious head injury that affects all parts of her life but she has a husband Victor who will go to the end of the earth to love and protect her.
So well done. I enjoyed the difference in personality of Victor as Mafia boss and loving husband. The fact she is scarred and unwell but he still loves her, just touched my heart.
It was a good story, that all had the usual Mafia things but also the loving relationship. Full of suspense, danger and and intimate moments. I can't wait for the next. This author just keeps getting better and better writing a story that touches hearts but also also keeps you enthralled.
.C.C Gedling, you have done it again!!! Another Mafia Man masterpiece and another VERY happy reader! From the very first pages I was drawn back into one seriously emotional rollercoaster. So well written with incredible attention to detail, effortlessly developing characters and letting their stories unfold book after book. Victor and Angel's 'love against the odds' story still captured my thoughts when life and adulting pulled me away from the pages and made it almost impossible to stay away too long and now you have me waiting for my next fix.
A must read!! Great as a stand alone read but would 100% recommend reading the prequel Craving Revenge and even binge reading CC's earlier books from the Steel Brothers series to really dive deep into the lives and links between the characters and their grippingly, dark stories.
I previously enjoyed the prequel and other works by this author, so I had high hopes for this novel, and it certainly delivered. From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn in, and the story held my attention throughout. Viktor, with his morally ambiguous nature, was a fascinating character who would go to great lengths for the woman he loved. The chemistry between Viktor and Angel was electric and intense, making their journey together all the more compelling. My heart ached for Angel as she navigated her past traumas, and it was beautiful to see both characters gradually lower their defenses and fall in love. This book kept me on the edge of my seat; I couldn't put it down, eager to uncover what would happen next. It was an incredible read, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next!
CC Gedling's expanding Obsessed Mafia Men series is heating up with Viktor taking center stage following on from Loch and Sean. The Bulgarian Mafia Man is not shy in his affection, his dominance nor his devotion to Angel and definitely gives the Irish a run for their money. Caged for her own protection and for his peace of mind, Angel's innocence and light is a beautiful balance to Viktor's brash brutality. CC Gedling has written a book worth curling up on the couch with and disappearing into a world of obsessed men, women with an internal strength to admire and dialogue between characters to make you laugh and swoon. I'm loving this series and cannot wait for more Obsessed Mafia Men and the women at the center of their universe.
4.5🌟 1.5🌶️ If I hadn't needed to adult, I'd have read this in one sitting!!
I loved this book! I haven't read the previous book, so I'm not sure if Angel or Viktors life was catalogued in it. I am reviewing this book as a standalone.
The mystery element to Angel and Viktors life had me hooked. The TW had me questioning everything because on the surface , Viktor is just an obsessive Mafia man, but the TW suggested a darker element to the couple's relationship.
The book kept me guessing until 70% in, I was hoping that the resolve would have been pulled out a little bit more, and I really wanted to see Jane's reaction to everything.
I didn't imagine that by the end of the book I'd be questioning my own ethical compass, and I still can't decide if the characters are morally grey or just down right void of any morals where love is concerned.
The character development in this book was a rollercoaster, full of peaks and dips, and I still can't decide where I land on the relationship between the two main characters!
I will definitely be going back and reading the first book in this series and I can't wait for the next!!
I was so excited to get Victors story, and it was so good! Victor’s love for his Angel is one for the ages, and he would do anything to make sure she is protected. Angel, while recovering from her injuries, hasn’t realized until now that she’s essentially been living in a gilded cage. Now that she’s noticing things don’t add up, and new people have come into her life, she has to decide who to trust. Seeing Angel come into herself and gain some confidence as the story progressed was so satisfying. I’m glad she followed her heart instead of running away and ended up where she was always meant to be. Great characters, great world, and great story. ❤️ This was such a great addition to this world, and I can’t wait to read more of the characters within its stories.
I don’t like mafia books they are always the same just different characters, but if I get them for an arc team I’m on I read them. With that being said I loved this book i went through so many emotions, sadness, anger, happiness, meh, annoyed, worried and so it it took me in an emotional roller coaster ride and I’m not ashamed to admit I stayed up until 6am reading it cause I couldn’t put it down.
The twists were exciting unforgettable and surprising nothing about this story line was predictable able for me. The love between the two MC felt so real raw and heartfelt. This story has it all lies, found family, secrets, blood, a bit of pain and a lot of gain and spice that was intoxicating.
Oh my goodness does CC have Obsessed Mafia Men down to a T! Viktor and Angel have a very unconventional and unique story. Amnesia plays a factor as well as a key "organization" that has a running theme in the series so far. Viktor is not going to let anything stand between him and Angel and he proves it, over and over and over. We do get to see some characters from the previous books again and I love how smoothly the stories interconnect. I love that Viktor realizes his faults and addresses Angel's concerns. Even if he maybe does them with a little more action rather than words. But don't worry, he's got the words too. I don't want to say too much more about plot because you'll need to read it and discover all the deliciousness hidden within the pages.
This was really good. I loved how real Angel was. She struggled so much with her chronic pain and amnesia but was still a kind and gentle person. Despite how their relationship started and progressed after her accident, Viktor and Angel were perfect for each other. He definitely had red flags especially in the beginning of the book but a lot of it was due to him wanting to protect her causing miscommunication. He was so obsessed with her and I love it. Angel was so sweet and I loved her finding who she was after her accident. I know there was some mafia plot but the romance and Angel finding out who she was before the accident was the main plot. I ate it up. I love reading this story of love. It was an honor to receive this book as an arc for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Victor and Angel's story is a very twisted journey. I literally could not put this book down. This book is very suspenseful with so many twists. It is very well written and I enjoyed all the characters. And the love Victor has for Angel is as deep as the ocean. and he would literally do anything to keep her safe. Even though some of his choices are selfish and morally grey. Angel is a strong FMC and struggles through her recovery after her tragic accident and her memory loss and loves Victor deeply. CC is one of my favorite authors. She does not disappoint. I highly recommend this book.
Talk about going through emotions. This book starts right off with the mystery of what's happening with Angel and Viktor and then keeps going until every secret, every insecurity is laid out. Viktor has so many secrets and is working so hard to keep everything straight.
The MMC is 100% morally grey and the FMC is sweet and kind-hearted. Due to her memory loss she is trying to figure out who she is in her new reality. However, when truths are exposed, she has some hard decisions to make.
This is book 2 in the series, but I would recommend starting with the prequal Craving Revenge for background on the characters in this series.
This captivating book is an absolute must-read! The story revolves around Viktor and Angel, both of whom carry the weight of a traumatic past that they must confront. Viktor is deeply in love with Angel and is fiercely protective of her at all costs. Angel, on the other hand, finds herself in an unfamiliar world, with no recollection of her past. It's evident that Viktor is involved in dangerous mafia activities, working tirelessly to shield Angel from that life. He would go to great lengths, even taking lives, if anyone threatens her. I plan to read the first book in this series and the rest as well; I truly enjoyed CC's writing. I highly recommend this book!
From my first dip in to Claire’s writing I have been hooked and every book just drags me deeper.
Caging innocence does not disappoint or hold back, it throws you right into this dark and twisted romance. It has you engaged from the first page. It’s book 2 in the series and can be read as a stand but I highly recommend reading the first book and prequel for a deeper, more engrossed read. These Mafia men are obsessive, morally grey and the strong, fierce women that catch their eye and bring them to their knees are everything. I will be looking out for any and all information on this authors next release!
Man I was hooked from the start. CC you know how to draw me in 😅 (im not sorry about that). Viktor and Angel's story isn't simple. Both characters have demons and journeys of self discovery to go on, not just alone but together as a couple. Angel is finding herself again after a traumatic accident and finding where she fits in Viktor's life. Viktor is fighting the demons that come with running the mafia and taking down those who have done him wrong. But all in all Viktor and Angel have a love that is true and strong and their obsession with each other is what makes their relationship stronger.
And for the girls like me who read book 1 and loved Sean... yes we do get some more Sean time 🤭
I devoured this book. Give me a possessive and obsessed mafia MMC anytime any day! Our MMC, Viktor, is crazed but in the best way possible, and he'll do anything to keep Angel safe and away from his family's business. Angel is experiencing amnesia and a physical impairment due to a leg injury. But Viktor is keeping a big secret from Angel, and when things become questionable and truths reveal themselves, will she stay or leave the one man she thought she knew. Oh, and if you've read the previous books, we get to see Sean again *swoons*
Angel (Rada’s sister) goes through hell and back like Rada but in a different hell. Poor girl lost her memories after a terrible accident. The more she relearns the more Viktor and her go through. Viktor’s undying love for her though is a light in all the darkness. Plus Rada fighting like hell to find her only to have a heartbreaking surprise.
Can be read as a stand alone but highly suggest reading the other Mafia Men books along with Craving Revenge and Shattering Hope! 🧡
Call me obsessed for CC Gedlings Obsessed Mafia Series. My current read has been "Caging Innocence", the second novel that follows "Hiding Desire", book 1. A connected novella is pieced into this same series, an offshoot of an entwined and important character, Rada.
Caging Innocence is Viktor, the Bulgarian mafias important leader, and Angel's story. One of fierce love lost that must be refound after a terrible accident. Many twists and turns ensue, but their new love and trust grows. A definite must-read for fans of CC Gedling and the Mafia genre.
Viktor and Angel’s relationship is a massive red flag and I am here for it! A wife with amnesia and no recollection of her life before him. A husband with a secret life, but who is absolutely obsessed with her. I loved Viktor and Angel’s story and how devoted they were. I also loved being able to catch up with other characters from previous books! I have so many questions about The Surgeon and can’t wait to read his story!