Before She Was Claimed: Stolen by the Russian Mob Boss

by Wren Fox

Captive romance. Forbidden protection. Desperate escape. Morally gray hero. Dangerous obsession. Dual POV.

Lila Vaughn was just a barista with adventure in her heart—until she caught the eye of the wrong man. When Russian mob boss Nikolai "Kolya" Mikhailov decides she belongs to him, Lila's independence is shattered in a single night of violence that ends with her locked behind the gilded bars of his estate.

Kolya Mikhailov collects beautiful things, and his newest acquisition is his most prized. Cold, calculating, and utterly remorseless, he's determined to break Lila's spirit piece by piece until nothing remains of the defiant woman he captured. But even as her resistance weakens under his calculated cruelty, something within her refuses to surrender completely.

When Theo Mercer is assigned as Lila's personal guard, he never expects to find humanity in Kolya's world of monsters. Haunted by his own regrets and the bloody path that led him into the Russian's employ, Theo's carefully constructed walls begin to crumble as he witnesses Lila's quiet strength. But showing compassion in Kolya's domain is a death sentence, and any attempt to help her would mean sacrificing them both.

As Lila and Theo navigate a dangerous game of secrets and

Kolya's obsession grows more possessive and violent with each passing dayTheo's conflicted loyalty becomes an unexpected lifeline for LilaPlans for Lila's transfer to "the basement" force an impossible choiceWhen Theo begins studying security cameras and guard rotations, a dangerous spark of hope ignites between them. One midnight, one escape plan, one desperate chance at freedom—with everything to lose.

"This wasn't a ransom situation," Lila realizes as Kolya's cruel fingers trace her cheek. "This was ownership."

In a world where men like Kolya take what they want without consequence, Lila must find the strength to reclaim herself while Theo faces the ultimate choice between redemption and survival. But in the shadow of Kolya's obsession, even escape may prove to be just another kind of prison.

BEFORE SHE WAS CLAIMED is the prequel novella to the Wicked Sanctuary series. This dark mafia captive romance features psychological suspense, a villain who will chill you to the bone, a reluctant hero's redemption, and the seeds of a dangerous escape that leads directly into CLAIMED BY THE DAMNED.

Tropes you'll captivity, forbidden protector, villain obsession, morally gray hero, midnight escape, and the resilience of a woman who refuses to be broken.

The Wicked Sanctuary Series chronicles interconnected stories of survival, protection, and finding love after trauma. Each book in the Wicked Sanctuary Series features a different couple and can be read in any order.

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2025

About the author

Wren Fox writes emotionally charged romance with a dark, dangerous edge—and just enough hope to leave your heart bruised and begging for more. Her stories dive deep into love, lust, trauma, and survival, all wrapped up in tension you can cut with a knife.

When she's not lost in fictional chaos, Wren is probably hanging out with Grimm, her loyal (and sometimes chaotic) Doberman sidekick, who firmly believes he's the real star of the show. Together, they navigate life one coffee, plot twist, and sarcastic remark at a time.

Wren believes in fierce heroines, broken but beautiful heroes, and that love—even the messy kind—is always worth fighting for.

Connect with Wren:
Newsletter: https://houseofkingpublishing.kit.com...

Reviews

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was perfect. Before She was Claimed is a the prequel to the Wicked Sanctuary series. This lead up to where book 1 started and I sooooo needed this. It itched my brain in a good way because ever since reading Claimed by the Damned, I just needed to know the backstory. I thought Lila was a little crazy for moving things along with Kolya so fast. She saw the red flags and still stayed anyways. I know she was in a tough position, but she was doing fine before he came into the picture and could have made it without him, though, I don't think he would have let her go either way.
After Koyla takes Lila to his house where he does whatever he pleases with her, Theo is assigned as her guard. Theo isn't like the other guards though. He seems to have a heart, whereas the others don't. He's hurt seeing the bruises and cuts on Lila's face day after day, sneaking her extra things to help with pain and to help her heal faster. When I read Claimed by the Damned, I was curious as to how that alliance was formed, and here, we got that.
If you've read the Wicked Sanctuary, this is a must read!!

[Jessika S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dark, Dangerous, and Utterly Addictive!

If you love a good mafia romance packed with danger, violence, obsession, and steamy tension — this one’s for you. Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down!

Lila Vaughn is a happy, adventurous barista living her best life… until Nikolai “Kolya” Mikhailov, a powerful Russian mob boss, decides she belongs to him. He takes her and locks her away on his estate, claiming her as his own.

Enter Theo Mercer — the man hired to be her personal guard. With a dark past and regrets that led him into the Russian underworld, Theo never expected to find something pure amid the chaos. But watching Lila’s strength and defiance awakens something in him — a need to protect her, even if it means risking everything.

As Kolya’s obsession grows more violent, Theo becomes Lila’s only lifeline. Together, they begin to plan an escape — one that could grant them freedom… or destroy them both.

This story is a whirlwind of tension, heat, and heartbreak. A gripping, emotional page-turner that keeps you holding your breath until the very end.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author uthor: 'BEFORE SHE WAS CLAIMED is the prequel novella to the Wicked Sanctuary series. This dark mafia captive romance features psychological suspense, a villain who will chill you to the bone, a reluctant hero's redemption, and the seeds of a dangerous escape that leads directly into CLAIMED BY THE DAMNED.'

The plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfect for each other. Thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for more. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Jodie Mihas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a prequel and it’s great. Lila is a barista down on her luck looking to change her life for the better, Nikolai a Russian mob boss comes into the shop,decides he wants her and bulldozes her into a relationship. His obsession with her becomes violent and she’s trapped. Theo a guard at Nikolai’s mansion who is there under duress helps her to escape after years of living with her monster husband. This book is filled with lots of emotions and makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next.

[Katherine Schimpf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short read, 30minutes, but we meet Lila, a 20year old barista. We learn about her loss 2years prior of her sister, now it’s just her in the world and her friend Vivian…but then walks in Nikolai, tall dark and Russian. He of course sweeps her of her feet and treats her like a princess. We go through the 4 years of her life caged at his hands, and we meet Theo. Theo decides that he needs to rescue her from the life shes in. Highly recommend having the next book on hand to learn more about Lila and Theo.

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

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect setup for the next book! Lila is a fly in a trap and she doesn't know it. It was like watching an accident waiting to happen—I just wanted to scream! She's had such a rough life just scraping by, and then in sweeps Nikolau, who seems like the perfect rescue. This story is absolutely crazily heartbreaking and the perfect cliffhanger for Claimed by the Damned! I am officially hooked!

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

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a prequel to Wicked Sanctuary, and it was a fantastic Mafia story! I loved the interactions between Lila and Theo and hated Nikolai. Others have given this book 5 stars and I totally agree with them. I believe this is one of the best Mafia stories I have read recently. Thank you, Ms. Fox, I give this more than 5 stars and plan to read the series!!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before She Was Claimed gives us a little background on our favorite FMC, Lila from the Wicked Sanctuary series.

Honestly, it answered a heap of questions as to how she got into the situation she was in.. before she was married to her dark and unlikeable hubby.

Thank you to House of King Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel to Wicked Sanctuary is a fantastic Mafia story! I was completely engrossed in the interactions between Lila and Theo, while I found myself utterly despising Nikolai. I wholeheartedly agree with the other 5-star reviews – this is one of the best Mafia stories I've read in a long time.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila's story starts with meeting Nikolai at her work, where he has taken a liking to her. But there is much more to come in this prequel to their larger story with danger, protection, obsession and consequences. It's a good start...

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel will make you want to read the first book. Lila finds herself caught in a violent marriage and a guard called Theo is her only hope. The only disappointment is not knowing what happens to Theo. Just have to read the first book then.

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

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooh…. This was sooooo good! This was intense and dangerous. Lila and Theo had me on the edge of my seat. I think my heart stopped beating a few times. Kolya was a walking POS, I hated every minute of him. I was rooting for Theo and Lila the entire time. If this is just a prequel, I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It´s a shortish prequel, and it certainly piqued my interest to the series. I wasn´t familiar with the series previously.
The characters were well described and I was taken aback by some turns of events completely. There is lots of action and suspense, and the book has good flow, all the way to the end.
I would recommend to readers who enjoy romantic suspense and like to be surprised.

[Alisa Begoyants · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the beginning of the series, a short story of Lila. It's very catchy and I'm about to start reading the next book. It sounds like you promising, I hope it will not disappoint me.

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

[Jessica Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always love a back story and this one hit harder because in such a short amount of time perfectly shows how an abuser can get you in their clutches and you don’t see it till too late. That is exactly what happens to Lila and now I am curious what the rest of her story is.

[Arabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started book one before I realized that this book was out. Nikolai takes advantage of Lila it's like he is obsessed with her. It a first look at Lila and Kolya's marriage.

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

[Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read, it keeps you engaged and wanting to read more, captures trauma and abuse well, makes you want to know what happened next and just keep reading.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel moved over years rapidly. It was just to develop characters (hopefully) for upcoming books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BEFORE SHE WAS CLAIMED" I love a good Mafia Romance that pulls you into all the danger, violence, intrigue, spicy scenes, obsession, posessiveness, kidnapping you won't be able to put down.
Lila Vaughn a happy adventurous barista enjoying life until Nikolai Kolya Mikhailov a Russian Mob Boss thinks she should belong to him, taking her & locking her up on his Estate.
Nikolai hires Theo Mercer as Lila's personal guard he has dark past that made become employed by the Russians which he regrets.
Theo witnesses Lila's strength & wants nothing more than to help her but that would be a death sentence to them both.
Kolya's obsession with Lila grows more violent daily & Theo becomes a lfe line plans an escape to get their freedom.
What will happen with Theo, will he help Lila & not worry about his survival or will that be just another prison for her a must read to see what happens a page turner to the end, looking forward to the next book "Claimed by the Damned"

[Nicole Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had ALOT of things going on here. I knew it was going to get dark but I didnt expect it to happen so quickly. I like that I started here because it will now make more sense as I continue the series. The way the “villain” jumped on and used the FMCS weakness was sad. She just wanted to be loved an feel secure and he gave that to her only to quickly pull it away. I feel like there could have been so much more with this story but I also felt like it was perfect with what it was. I loved the guards roll in this story. He really put himself on the line to help the FMC. This story is a great place to start with this universe since it’s a prequel to book 1.