Corrupting His Wife

Lozano Cartel #3

by Amber Daulton

Kidnapping a reluctant bride is easy. Staying off her jilted fiancé’s radar is tough.

As the second-in-command of the Lozano Cartel, Enrique Briceño always gets what he wants. So when Lourdes’s father demands she marry another man, Enrique makes his move—abduction. Vowing to corrupt his sweet little captive in every wicked way imaginable, he doesn’t expect her to fight him with fire.

Cartel princess Lourdes Villegas longs for peace. Freedom. A chance to let her artist soul breathe. Yet once again, a man is pulling her strings. In Enrique’s arms, she trades one ruthless capo for another. His touch sets her ablaze, but she’s already plotting her escape.

As political alliances crumble and the streets run red, Enrique must prove he’s more than just another monster in Lourdes’s life. Because this time, love might be the most dangerous thing of all.

– Book three in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.

Genres: Dark Romance

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Curious about her favorite books? Check out Arresting Mason and Arresting Jeremiah.

Reviews

[Maria Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Enrique and Lourdes. The emotional roller coaster of emotions I felt. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I’m so glad I did. It’s an emotional gripping story of life in the cartel and the relationship between Enrique and Lourdes. I absolutely loved the this book. Highly recommend reading . I received an advance review copy for free,and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has been a pawn in her father’s world, married and widowed to a horrendous man only for him to set her up with an even worse husband to be. Lourdes although a feisty and strong FMC is just seen as an object by her father but Enrique the MMC has been in love with her for years, he wants to marry her but her father forbids it so his only option is to kidnap her. This journey to a hea is full of drama, darkness and steamy to boot. Enemies to lovers,amazing strong characters and exciting storyline.

[J.L. Peridot · Rating 5 out of 5]

An alpha male with a passion-fuelled agenda. A cartel princess trapped in her family's violent world. This is a tense, high-drama, high-heat read, a fitting instalment in the Lozano Cartel universe. Perfect for those times you want to indulge in fiery, strong-willed characters; larger than life situations with relateably down-to-earth conflict; and suspenseful escapes with satisfyingly heartfelt endings.

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

❄️ Contemporary
❄️ Romantic suspense
❄️ Dark romance
❄️ Mafia romance
❄️ Cartel romance
❄️ Alpha "Gray" Hero x Artist Heroine
❄️ Strong, sassy heroine x Antihero
❄️ Abudction: he kidnaps her to save her
❄️ Power Play / Power Exchange
❄️ He falls first
❄️ Touch her and d!e
❄️ Forced proximity
❄️ Second chance
❄️ Enemies to lovers
❄️ Star-crossed lovers
❄️ Captive romance
❄️ Dub-Con
❄️ Forced marriage
❄️ Forbidden
❄️ Erotic Thriller
❄️ High-Stakes Cartel Drama
❄️ Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
❄️ Page turner / suspenseful / fast-paced
❄️ Fun cast of supporting characters

Corrupting His Wife is the third book in the Lozano Cartel series by Amber Daulton. Each book can be read as a standalone, but is part of an interconnected series. It is a gripping read with intense character dynamics and a romance. The author creates a world where brutal power and illicit passion intertwine, while skillfully exploring the intricacies of desire, control, and the life-changing impact of a deep connection, embracing morally gray areas. The narrative is utterly captivating. Corrupting His Wife is a page-turner and a compelling read that explores the tumultuous relationship between Enrique Briceño and Lourdes Villegas, two individuals, caught between duty, desire, a love that defies all odds, and the brutal realities of cartel life.

The heartbeat of this story is undoubtedly Enrique Briceño and Lourdes Villegas and their complex dynamic. Enrique, the second-in-command of the Lozano Cartel, is a man who usually takes what he wants. By kidnapping Lourdes to save her from a forced marriage—stemming from a misinterpretation of protection and his feelings—he creates an immediate power imbalance, presenting himself as a figure who, despite good intentions, initially mirrors the very control Lourdes seeks to escape. Lourdes Villegas, a cartel princess who yearns for peace and artistic freedom, shows quiet strength. After being used as a pawn in her father's political games, she responds to Enrique's forceful actions with fierce resistance. At first, she sees him as just another ruthless capo trying to dictate her life, swapping one form of captivity for another. This initial conflict paves the way for a relationship built not on quick agreement but on a hard-earned, deep understanding. The author excels at portraying the growth of their bond. Now, Enrique feels compelled to prove to Lourdes that he is not just another monster in her life, so he begins demonstrating genuine care and respect that go beyond traditional cartel power tactics. Meanwhile, Lourdes struggles with the contradiction of her situation. She feels a strong physical and emotional connection to her captor while planning her escape. The story skillfully explores this moral gray area, portraying their passion not as simple surrender but as a complex mix of attraction, vulnerability, and the gradual fading of deep-seated distrust. The external pressures of political alliances and cartel violence create constant challenges for their growing romance and the risks of their forbidden love. The author crafts a narrative that portrays a deep, though unusual, emotional bond where the "corruption" is not merely one-sided but a mutual transformation, challenging both characters to rethink love and freedom amid a violent world, offering an engaging exploration of love that arises from hardship.

With intense character development, high stakes, and a love story born from the ashes and darkness, Corrupting His Wife is an enthralling, captivating, gritty, well-written, and character-driven novel.

[Victorialinda Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love dark cartel romance, obsession, danger, and a man who will burn the world down for his woman… this one is for you.

Enrique has loved Lourdes for years… but she was never his to have. First married off, then widowed, only to be handed back to her father like property—promised to another man in a strategic alliance between rival gangs. Even when Enrique begs for her hand, he’s denied.

And honestly? That’s where everything snaps.

Because Enrique isn’t the kind of man who accepts “no” when it comes to the woman he loves.

So he takes her.
Kidnaps her.
Hides her away in a remote cabin—choosing her over loyalty, over safety… over everything.

What follows is chaos in the best way possible—gang tensions, power plays, threats flying from every direction. When they’re finally forced into a meeting with her father and the man she was promised to, things get explosive. Deals are made, money is demanded, and somehow… Enrique gets his girl.

But peace? Not a chance.

Her ex-fiancé isn’t done—and his revenge is ruthless.
Sabotage. Bloodshed. And when Lourdes is taken again after her bodyguard is gunned down… Enrique becomes absolutely unhinged.

And I LOVED it.

This man goes feral for his wife. The obsession, the protectiveness, the lengths he’s willing to go to for her? 🔥🔥🔥

The chemistry is intense, the stakes are high, and the drama does NOT let up. It’s possessive, dangerous, emotional, and packed with that addictive “just one more chapter”… until suddenly it’s 3AM.

Kudos to Amber Daulton for delivering a story that is gritty, passionate, and completely consuming—I still didn’t get enough and I NEED more.

If you love:
• Cartel romance
• Kidnapping turned devotion
• Touch her and 💀 energy
• High-stakes drama + spice

You need this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Colleen Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupting His Wife by Amber Daulton is one steamy hot romance where the plot portrays unstable cartels with members shifting and abandoning allegiances in Mexico.
Lourdes Villegas has survived the brutality of a first marriage and now her father has prepared another marriage, contracting her to Diego Zayas. Unable to remain in the shadows and allow the woman he has silently loved be bargained and hurt again, Enrique Briceno kidnaps her. At first, Lourdes doubts she can escape the violent life of any man, but Enrique promises freedom in her artwork and in a life with him, and that entices her.
After Lourde’s father breaks the wedding contract, Diego is shamed. He lashes out with violence, murdering and causing destruction to anyone in his path. As Enrique and the cartel search for Diego, it’s hard to tell who to trust. Diego abducts Lourdes and Enrique will give everything to save her, even his own life.
This was an enjoyable fast-paced read, and I’m a fan of Daulton’s Lozano series. The main characters are complex and have deep internal conflicts. I felt the pacing in the final section where Diego kidnapped Lourdes went a little too quickly as it could have opened up more emotion for Lourdes to reflect more on losing out on a life with the man she loved. The writing in the final chapters took me inside Lourdes’s psyche as the broken woman battled her demons and overcame her heartbreaking past. Out of the three stories I’ve read in the series, Lourdes is the most broken of the protagonists so her liberation is that much more satisfying.
CW: The story is filled with plenty of sex and violence but appropriately depicted for such a premise.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Corrupting His Wife by Amber Daulton is the third installment in the Lozano Cartel series, and it delivers a gripping blend of romance, danger, and emotional intensity.

Lourdes Villegas was once the princess of the Villegas cartel. Her father had already married her off once to Jacobo Lozano, and after his death, she spent two years living back at home. Now, her father is preparing to marry her off yet again. Enrique, however, has other plans. He fell for Lourdes the very first time he saw her. He lost her once, but this time he is determined to save her and show her what real love looks like.

A week before her wedding, Enrique kidnaps Lourdes to keep her from a future she never chose. Instead of gratitude, she meets him with resistance. Slowly, he convinces her to give him a chance, but freedom comes at a cost. With both cartels searching for them, the question remains: can they negotiate peace and still hold on to their forbidden romance?

Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. The story leans heavily into the romance between the two main characters, focusing on their emotional connection and the obstacles they face together. There are a few potentially triggering scenes, as themes of abuse are present.

I loved how naturally Lourdes and Enrique connected, and how respectfully she was treated by the Lozano family. My favorite moment was watching Lourdes finally confront her fears, a powerful and emotional turning point in the story.

If you enjoy dark cartel romance filled with passion, danger, and redemption, this book might be the one for you.

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lourdes Villegas should be a grieving widow but nothing made her happier when her abusive husband was killed. Unfortunately now just a few years later her tyrant of a father has arranged another match for her with Diego Zayas of the Lozano Cartel. Lourdes does not want to marry Diego, she does not want to marry anyone. Diego has all the characteristics to make another abusive husband.

Enrique Briceno, second in command of the Lozano Cartel loves Lourdes. He has not been able to convince her father to allow him to marry Lourdes. Enrique has decided to risk the wrath of the Lozano and the Villegas cartels by taking Lourdes. He wants to prove to her that he will not treat her the way she was treated in the past.

I enjoyed reading this story. I did not read books one and two in the Lozano Cartel series. The fact that this book was written as a stand alone and I did not have any trouble at all picking it up and not knowing anything about the previous two. My interest is piqued so I will be purchasing these books and reading them. This book does have quite a few sex scenes and mafia violence scenes. I enjoyed Ms. Daulton's writing style. It was the first book I have read of hers but it won't be the last.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marianne Plunkert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of Amber Daulton’s Lozano cartel series. Having read the first two, I was eager to read this most recent addition. Daulton’s depiction of cartel life and its members seems amazingly realistic. As in the earlier two books, there is a strong female protagonist who will not go along quietly with the cartel’s activities. In this case, Lourdes, while not unhappy to have been abducted and spared being married to yet another ruthless cartel member who views women as chattel, is not content to sit on the sidelines. She demands to be informed of her abductor Enrique’s activities. Enrique, for his part, wants to protect her from viewing the underbelly of his network and from the vengeful actions of the man who would have been her groom. Corrupting His Wife is another action-packed page turner from this author. It does contain rough language and graphic sex scenes, but that is to be expected in a book of this nature. However, if either is a trigger for you, I suggest you pass this one up.

[Stephen King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say this is not an ‘easy, soft-paced read.’ Corrupting His Wife challenges the reader to look past the inherent violence, drugs, and crime in a drug cartel’s world and consider the human side of the people within it. Can there be justification in kidnapping a woman because you are obsessively in love with her? Well, in Amber Daulton’s world, yes, there is.

And Lourdes, the kidnapped victim whose life has been a mess since her father sold her, decides enough is enough, and through Amber’s fantastic writing, we see her grow, develop, and try to gain her life and self-respect back by trying to control her environment, and not just exist within it.

Amber Daulton is a wonderful author who takes on stories with plots that confront you, yet she builds characters so complex you cannot help but care for them. And then, when she draws you into her world, be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster ride.

This is an exciting, thrilling book and well worth reading. A gem of a storyline, and thoroughly deserves the 5 stars.

[Kathi Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy dark romance with a strong female protagonist!
Lourdes is not in charge of her own life and hasn’t been—ever. And it doesn’t appear when she’s kidnapped by #2 in the Lozano cartel that anything is going to be different in the future. But this was kind of a twist, she did take control. Although there was an attraction to her abductor, he’s still her kidnapper, and it doesn’t take long before he realizes he doesn’t always make the decisions in this new setting. I loved how Lourdes made her own way, how she healed from past trauma, and how she made her life into what she wanted. These cartel guys have black, black souls for the rest of the world, but they redeem themselves with their soft hearts for the women they love. I always love a good redemption story, and this one happened on two fronts.

[L.B. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This steamy romance delivers a gritty, high-stakes story set deep within the world of cartel power struggles. With a ruthless father determined to stay at the top, no matter the cost, trapping his daughter into vile/dangerous arranged marriages, the tension never lets up.

Enrique, a high-ranking cartel member, loves Lorde's, and plans to kidnap her, risking everything to rescue her.

This story doesn’t shy away from dark themes. Violence, danger, and steamy scenes are present throughout.

Author Amber Daulton’s talent is undeniable. The writing is bold, immersive, and she is unafraid to push boundaries, making it a gripping read for those who enjoy hot romance woven into a raw, high-octane world.

I received this as an ARC and was thrilled to be part of the team.

[Hanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

What grabbed me in Corrupting His Wife was the tension between Enrique and Lourdes. Enrique is a ruthless, morally gray protector who will cross any line for the woman he wants. Lourdes refuses to be controlled. She pushes back, demands answers, and refuses to sit quietly in the cartel world. Their clash drives the story.

The cartel setting adds constant danger—power plays, revenge, and forbidden attraction circling every scene. Dark, gritty, and fast-moving, this one will hit the mark for readers who like protective antiheroes, fierce heroines, and romance forged in dangerous places.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupting His Wife is my first read by this author and what a great find! It's Enrique Briceno and Lourdes Villegas story and it's quite an intense story. Enrique is second in command in the the Lozano Cartel and Lourdes is a Cartel Princess and both have things they struggle with. Their journey is a gritty, intriguing story that quickly consumes you and from start to finish I couldn't put this book down. It's book 3 in the Lozano Cartel series so I have some catching up to do. I 100% recommend this journey!

[Monica Minniti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Lourdes and Enrique. She is her father’s pawn- his to marry off for his gain in the cartel. He’s watched her for years and wanted to protect her. The story grabs you from the first line. The characters are real and written well. The story moves with different twists. New author for me and I’m hoping to dive into her other books! This is a connected story but I read it as a standalone and had no issues. It stands on its own feet as well. Spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful that Book Sirens introduced me to Ms. Daulton!

Corrupting His Wife was a guilty indulgence for me!

I really enjoyed my time spent with Enrique and Lourde! Incendiary!!!

I adore mafia romance!
I love the angst, the grit, the steam, and Ms. Daulton brought it all!

If you love mafia romance like I do, don't miss this!

I'm excited to read Ms. Daulton's backlist!

[C.B. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Corrupting His Wife, Book 3 in the Lozano Cartel series, written by the very-talented Amber Daulton. What a fast-paced, sexy read! Once again, the author has managed to craft an enthralling story that’s hard to put down. The heat between Cartel princess Lourdes Villegas and second-in-command of the Lozano Cartel, Enrique Briceño, is a ten out of ten. If you like bad-guy romances, you’ll love this book.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enrique and Lourdes -- Enrique thinks he finally can claim his love, Lourdes, because she is now a widow. But no, her father has a different agenda. However, Enrique doesn't let that deter him at all and decides to grab the bride to be on her wedding day. Enemies to lovers that face danger and drama to get to their HEA.

[Frances Packingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. My emotions were all over with this one. A lot of sadness and anger though. It just seemed she couldn't get a break. Basically being treated like cattle. And being so confused as to how to handle Enrique. I love a good he falls first book.

[Karen Bartell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a high-stakes, fast-paced, and intensely hot thriller romance, Amber Daulton delivers. Watching Lourdes Villegas and Enrique Briceño navigate their forbidden attraction amid the high-stakes world of rival cartels makes for an intoxicating read. Corrupting His Wife is ghost-pepper hot.