He’s my captor, my enemy… and the only man who’s ever made me crave the cage.
I came to expose corruption. Not to witness a violent mafia interrogation… And definitely not to end up locked inside Gabriel Ricci’s penthouse.
He’s the tattooed king of Florence's underworld— Ocean-blue eyes that promise ruin, a voice dark enough to make sin sound sacred, and a body built to punish.
He doesn’t ask. He commands. And now, I’m at his mercy.
He touches me like I’m already his. Kisses me like he owns every gasp I try to hide. And when he finally claims me, there’s no room for air—only moans and surrender.
I swore I’d resist. I swore I’d run. But his control is addictive. And I’m already burning for him.
Then he uncovers a traitor inside his empire. A turf war erupts—and I become the bait.
I was supposed to bring him down. Now I’m the reason he’ll kill for love.
I had hopes for this, synopsis sounded good. I was only one page TWO when the confusion set in. “ “ usually means a character is talking. Dialogue, right? Try to figure that out… The author has ability to describe sensation, but not a setting/scene. You have no idea if a character has gotten into a vehicle, a yard, a room. Every feeling is described the same way, and its always a warning… a warning of what? Who knows.
This wasn’t difficult to read, just painful to follow. There is no explanation for how a character gets from point A to point B, so when they are at point A and the next sentance is point B, just what?
I think the author tried to glimpse explanation, but it doesn’t fit with either character in their moments. Inner dialogue is expressed vaguely, likely trying to keep everything secret for some grand reveal at the end, but I can’t get there.
I know what I read in the first two chapters, theres a courtroom, and then outside the courthouse… so court must be in recess, but we don’t know that. Then she gets a text to get in a car at nine. What time did court recess? What happened between then and nine? It seems, without monologuing, the character has time traveled from courtroom, to end of day, to nine pm with little happening…without any break, and then shes in a car, but NOT, because its never explained that she waited for a car, got in a car, saw a driver of a car… Why does accept a stranger giving her a ride to some unknown place? Inner monologue here would help explain things. Again, you only get the sensations being explained: datk night, ominous wind, shadow warning…
Caged With The Enemy is a dark, steamy, and addictive mafia romance that pulls you straight into Florence’s underworld. When journalist Sienna is captured by ruthless crime boss Gabriel Ricci, their chemistry ignites into something dangerous and irresistible. Gabriel is the perfect morally gray antihero dominant, possessive, and unexpectedly vulnerable while Sienna’s strength keeps the power dynamic sharp and compelling. The plot leans more on passion than politics, but the tension and heat make it impossible to put down. ⚠️ Expect explicit spice, captivity, violence, and dark D/s themes.
I read this in one night completely hooked from start to finish.
Sophia Vale’s Caged With The Enemy is a captivating dark romance that balances danger and desire with precision. The chemistry between Gabriel and the heroine is intense and consuming, while the story’s mafia backdrop adds real stakes and suspense. Vale’s writing is bold, atmospheric, and deeply sensual, keeping readers hooked from the first page.
While some emotional beats move quickly, the tension and passion more than deliver. A must-read for fans of dark, possessive romances with a sharp edge and unforgettable heat.
Dark, dirty, and dangerously addictive. Caged With The Enemy gives you everything a mafia romance should tension, control, betrayal, and chemistry that burns right off the page. Gabriel is the kind of possessive antihero you shouldn’t want but absolutely do, and Sophia’s defiance keeps things sharp. The plot isn’t groundbreaking, but the writing and intensity make it impossible to put down. If you like your romance rough, emotional, and morally gray, this one’s worth the cage.
Allow two days (or a very long one) for this fast-paced. action-packed, dark, steamy. contemporary, urban, forbidden enemies-to-lovers, Italian mafia war romance that starts in Florence, including abduction, abuse, betrayal, drugs, families, murder, politics, rescue, trafficking, and violence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intense from the Start Who is this woman ???? And I'm not just talking about Elena. She's the Heroine of the story ! Well, maybe she's a heroine. But Sophia Vale, who is this woman and how did she learn how to write stuff like this? Because, wow. It's good ! Scary good. And the romance? Hot and Intense! It all starts with an intense courtroom encounter. Scary Gabriel Ricci is Elena's courtroom opponent. And he's not only tough, but whip smart and dangerous ! I loved how both of them got to share their individual points of views. Super good, revealing and as time goes on even more scary. But it didn't stop me from pulling for both of them, even with all the violence and death. They had a true love for each other. And there were crews of people against them, not only not willing for them NOT to succeed but also wanting to kill them both. But not to worry there are also people trying to protect them, Like Marc and Luca. However there are some questions about are they really loyal to them and only them? The intense struggles were written so well. One of my favorite phrases (and there were a bunch of them) was : She turned into fury in flesh, a Queen ! Shocking, intense betrayals keep me all the way in to the end. And I believe it will others as well !! But don't be deceived, there will be violence. There will be death & blood. Who will make it out alive?You'll be surprised about that !
I enjoyed caged with the enemy which was Gabriel and Elena’s story. It was an intriguing and addictive read. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
The story started off good and the premise was different. Gabriel and Elena face off in the court room and come together outside of it. The beginning was good and then I'm not sure but about midway it got off track in the sense that the reader wasn't sure what was happening. It managed to straighten itself out. The business side and the spice were good and equal. The story could have been smoothed out and flowed better in order for a better arc and to tie the two sides together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the first courtroom clash to the final bloody betrayal, Caged With The Enemy had me hooked. Elena and Gabriel are pure fire—an enemies-to-lovers couple with insane chemistry and a love that defies violence, danger, and death.
Sophia Vale writes with raw power. Elena’s transformation into “fury in flesh, a Queen” gave me chills, and Gabriel? Total alpha with a heart buried under layers of grit and danger. Twists, betrayals, and heat for days—this book does not let up.
OMG this is one HOT cover and get ready because Elena and Gabriel are going to take you on one fantastic roller coaster ride, you’re going to love reading about. 5/5 stars isn’t even close to how great I think this book is. Don’t take my word for it though read this amazing book by Sophia and see for yourself why it’s going to be a best-selling mafia romance book.
Caged With The Enemy: An Enemies To Lovers Dark Mafia Romance (Mafia Rules Book 3) By: Sophia Vale. It was ok . I was curious and yet interested in the storyline .. I enjoyed it