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BOUGHT: A Dark Mafia Romance
I bought her innocence. Now I need to make her mine.
One night. No names. No strings.
Just a her V-card for my cash.
And we never see one another again.
She knows my rules.
I punish disobedience.
I demand surrender.
I'll ruin her because I don't do mercy.
I do control.
And now I'll do anything to keep her.
Bought is the first book in the highly addictive Bought Trilogy, a three-part romance for adults only.
One night. No names. No strings.
Just a her V-card for my cash.
And we never see one another again.
She knows my rules.
I punish disobedience.
I demand surrender.
I'll ruin her because I don't do mercy.
I do control.
And now I'll do anything to keep her.
Bought is the first book in the highly addictive Bought Trilogy, a three-part romance for adults only.
- GenresDark Romance
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
224 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Handel
81 books848 followersShanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 20, 2025
It wouldn’t be a Bachman story without secrets, drama, intrigue, and sizzling chemistry
between the MMC and MFC. The Brought Series is the story of Lucian and Erin, and it
ends with a cliffhanger that left me so frustrated I could scream! That aside, I really
enjoyed the push-and-pull between them. From the start, theirs was no sweet romance
or fairytale love story.
Lucian wasn’t interested in relationships. He only used women from an agency, ensuring
no repeat visits or attachments. Yet, despite this arrangement, he felt unfulfilled and
made a unique request, one Erin couldn’t refuse. What surprised me most was how
quickly Lucian broke his own rules for her. Erin was a contradiction, feisty yet vulnerable,
and that combination drew him in. She wasn’t what he expected, and she challenged
him in ways that forced him to lower the walls he’d built around himself. It was apparent
to me that Lucian was fascinated with Erin when he paid her in full on their supposed
only date, despite the terms of their contract not being met.
Erin carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, caring for her sister and nephew.
She soon found herself caught between Lucian and the Morietti family, the same people
responsible for destroying Bachman Village. The Moriettis wanted Erin to get close to
Lucian and dig for information, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for Lucian’s reaction
when he discovered her secrets.
The story is told in dual POVs with flashbacks, giving more depth to their characters.
It’s a short read, but it’s packed with emotion, tension, and that signature Bachman
intensity that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
between the MMC and MFC. The Brought Series is the story of Lucian and Erin, and it
ends with a cliffhanger that left me so frustrated I could scream! That aside, I really
enjoyed the push-and-pull between them. From the start, theirs was no sweet romance
or fairytale love story.
Lucian wasn’t interested in relationships. He only used women from an agency, ensuring
no repeat visits or attachments. Yet, despite this arrangement, he felt unfulfilled and
made a unique request, one Erin couldn’t refuse. What surprised me most was how
quickly Lucian broke his own rules for her. Erin was a contradiction, feisty yet vulnerable,
and that combination drew him in. She wasn’t what he expected, and she challenged
him in ways that forced him to lower the walls he’d built around himself. It was apparent
to me that Lucian was fascinated with Erin when he paid her in full on their supposed
only date, despite the terms of their contract not being met.
Erin carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, caring for her sister and nephew.
She soon found herself caught between Lucian and the Morietti family, the same people
responsible for destroying Bachman Village. The Moriettis wanted Erin to get close to
Lucian and dig for information, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for Lucian’s reaction
when he discovered her secrets.
The story is told in dual POVs with flashbacks, giving more depth to their characters.
It’s a short read, but it’s packed with emotion, tension, and that signature Bachman
intensity that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
October 7, 2025
This began so well. Ms. Author stretched the slow burn attraction of two people meeting out so provocatively well that the connection and torment of anticipation builds like a pressure cooker. However it went downhill pretty quickly after that. Because Lucian’s dialogue didn’t convince me he was seasoned mafia. He came across as lacking confidence and unsure of his decisions. He constantly questioned himself. The more I read the more both MC’s sounded more like high school kids. Erin is convincing enough…but then she’s supposed to be young and naive so she was believable. Character descriptions are so weak. For instance, I’d like to get a definitive idea of age of each protagonist. I’d like details of their features reiterated every now and then, because as the book goes forward, we tend to forget what they look like. I was so disappointed at this point that I wasn’t planning on continuing this trilogy. But then the real show stopper was at the 3/4 mark when Lucian makes a complete personality flip and becomes a confident, domineering and commanding underworld control freak. Awesome! It was this moment that decided my continuing with this trilogy. I don’t know why it took most of the book for Ms Author to show us Lucian’s true colors but when she does, the whole temperature of the book changes and comes alive.
October 16, 2025
Erin will do anything to protect her sister and nephew. Now she's meeting a man who could destroy everything she loves. Living in a different country she hoped to be away from danger, except the woman they're living with has a brother who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Using an innocent woman to get the information he needs is easy. Yet her sister has already lost enough, she's in a wheelchair and her son is so precious. Lucian knows the outcome of betrayal. He's already lost the most precious thing he had, and has the scars to show for it. Now he keeps things simple. He uses an agency for women when he needs too, and it's a one time.e thing by his rules. Except now she's stood in front of him, and he knows once will not be enough. This is a dark story that not only grips but also shows how dangerous outcomes can be. Both characters has hidden secrets, But Erin knows if she gets caught her life is over. She never expected to get real feelings. Now she's torn. Lucian only wants honesty. Who will she protect. I loved this story and couldn't believe the end, I really need the next book now. I will say please make sure to read the triggers before reading the book
October 15, 2025
OH WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE!
The Bought Trilogy takes place after the Morettis targeted the Bachman Village, blowing it up, intending to get a stronghold in the city. With only a small number of single Bachman men left in town, the Morettis aren't beneath using two women and a child to get leverage.
Lucian Bachman is a man who doesn’t do relationships, uses an exclusive escort service, with a no-strings or return visits attached. But even at that, he is bored and makes a very unusual request: a virgin. When Erin shows up, she has a worldly manner in appearance, but also an innocence to her that appeals to Lucian.
Erin, her sister, Cass, and her nephew, Ryan, are in New York and staying with a college friend of Cass. But this friendship comes with connections to the Moretti mafia. They have gone from out of the frying pan, straight into the fire. Erin is expected to gain access to and a piece of property that the Morettis want—selling her virginity to gain access and protection against Cassandra’s ex, Caleb Cutright.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil. The innocent words of a child open Pandora’s Box of deceit—and the ones caught in the middle are Erin with Lucian. What she thought would be a one-night stand and grabbing an item has been anything but. What happens when their hearts get involved? Now, Lucian must come up with a plan to protect his brotherhood and Erin and her family.
“I’m in over my head.”
Lucian has broken all his rules for her—where will this battle lead them?
WARNING: The book does end on a cliffhanger!!! OMG, I reached the end and wanted to scream---nooooo! Normally, I don’t like time to fly by, but November seems so far away to wait—but we will. Betrayed is due out November 14, 2025.
NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
The Bought Trilogy takes place after the Morettis targeted the Bachman Village, blowing it up, intending to get a stronghold in the city. With only a small number of single Bachman men left in town, the Morettis aren't beneath using two women and a child to get leverage.
Lucian Bachman is a man who doesn’t do relationships, uses an exclusive escort service, with a no-strings or return visits attached. But even at that, he is bored and makes a very unusual request: a virgin. When Erin shows up, she has a worldly manner in appearance, but also an innocence to her that appeals to Lucian.
Erin, her sister, Cass, and her nephew, Ryan, are in New York and staying with a college friend of Cass. But this friendship comes with connections to the Moretti mafia. They have gone from out of the frying pan, straight into the fire. Erin is expected to gain access to and a piece of property that the Morettis want—selling her virginity to gain access and protection against Cassandra’s ex, Caleb Cutright.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil. The innocent words of a child open Pandora’s Box of deceit—and the ones caught in the middle are Erin with Lucian. What she thought would be a one-night stand and grabbing an item has been anything but. What happens when their hearts get involved? Now, Lucian must come up with a plan to protect his brotherhood and Erin and her family.
“I’m in over my head.”
Lucian has broken all his rules for her—where will this battle lead them?
WARNING: The book does end on a cliffhanger!!! OMG, I reached the end and wanted to scream---nooooo! Normally, I don’t like time to fly by, but November seems so far away to wait—but we will. Betrayed is due out November 14, 2025.
NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
October 15, 2025
It's the first book in a three book series, and yes book 1 it does end with you needing the next book to find out what is going to happen next, so you will need all three books to complete thus story.
However, this is a very sexy book, and I don't mean just the adult scenes in it. The two main characters have a spark between them.
It was the typical book of a virgin selling her virginity. We know that story, right?
But, from the first time they met it never was just about sex. They had spark with each other.
The story is told in flashbacks to get the full explanation of events, so go with the flow, all will be revealed in time.
Though I found this book a quick read, it was really quite enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, this is a very sexy book, and I don't mean just the adult scenes in it. The two main characters have a spark between them.
It was the typical book of a virgin selling her virginity. We know that story, right?
But, from the first time they met it never was just about sex. They had spark with each other.
The story is told in flashbacks to get the full explanation of events, so go with the flow, all will be revealed in time.
Though I found this book a quick read, it was really quite enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2025
These types of books are always a challenge for me. I felt ambivalent about a virgin with ulterior motives, selling g her virginity to a Baughman, whom I've felt a loyalty to over the years, and I'm totally invested in them and in their sides, regaof what's going on. Let's face it, by now I consider the Baughman's family and my community to protect against invaders (ie: Erin). Erin is playing a dangerous game with two mob families, and it can't end well at all, but will it be Lucian who gets hurt and betrayed beyond repair??? This steamy, gutwrenching betrayals, and compelling read is only book one. Two more are coming. I feel drained emotionally already, worrying about Lucian. Will the Baughman's survive Erin?¿? I'm crying and screaming curses. I need book two.
October 16, 2025
We return to the Bachman world after the big explosion destroyed their village and homes. This is the story of Lucian and Erin. Lucian is trying to stay one step ahead of the Moretti mob family and take them down. They are the ones trying to destroy everything Bachman. Lucian orders a girl from the agency he uses. One night and no strings attached. He paid for a timid virgin. He got Erin. She’s sacrificing everything to keep her family safe. The Moretti family is using her as a pawn to get information they need from the Bachman family. This is a hot and steamy story! The ending is far from a HEA. There’s a cliffhanger that leaves you dying for the next book! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment to drop!
October 15, 2025
What happens after the Village is no more? Well the single guys are left to try and keep things together, but I don't think they will stay single for long... This is Lucian & Erin's story.
Erin needs to find a way to get her family ahead and Lucian, well... he wants an experience from his normal and gets that when he "contracts" with Erin for the first time. Their story continues from there with the expected twists, turns and all the other goodness we expect from Shanna's books! I was excited to find out the Bachman's are gone forever, just their village and redemption will happen!
Erin needs to find a way to get her family ahead and Lucian, well... he wants an experience from his normal and gets that when he "contracts" with Erin for the first time. Their story continues from there with the expected twists, turns and all the other goodness we expect from Shanna's books! I was excited to find out the Bachman's are gone forever, just their village and redemption will happen!
October 15, 2025
This is a Bachman book with a huge difference. Lucian is protective and hurting. Erin is responsible for her sister and nephew and will do whatever she has to do to protect and mind them. She is strong, soft and resilient. I spent most of this story holding my breath waiting for everything to fall apart. It's very well written and described. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving an honest review. This is a series that moves changes and develops.
November 7, 2025
3.5 rounding up to 4 stars
I enjoyed the plot and the burgeoning love story between Lucian and Erin, but I felt confused with certain characters as if there other books I should have read first. That was one reason for the 3.5 stars. I didn’t realize this was going to have a cliffhanger and another book (I read the sample of this book & enjoyed it, so I downloaded), so that’s the other reason for the 3.5 stars.
*Read through Kindle Unlimited.
I enjoyed the plot and the burgeoning love story between Lucian and Erin, but I felt confused with certain characters as if there other books I should have read first. That was one reason for the 3.5 stars. I didn’t realize this was going to have a cliffhanger and another book (I read the sample of this book & enjoyed it, so I downloaded), so that’s the other reason for the 3.5 stars.
*Read through Kindle Unlimited.
November 7, 2025
Loved this book! Erin was willing to sell her V-Card to get the money to protect her sister and nephew and steal something from Lucian for the Morettis that they thought he would never give her. Lucian falls in love with Erin, Erin falls in love with Lucian. Even though Lucian feels betrayed he gives Erin the key fob the Morettis wanted her to steal. Hopefully in time to protect her sister and nephew, I can't wait to find out!
September 29, 2025
I’m so in love with this book! The intrigue and suspense are captivating. The characters are are fascinating and you’ll fall hard for them. Lucian is soft hearted man who has been hurt in the past. Erin has big secrets that she is trying to keep hidden. Also she has a family to protect. Can they figure a way to stay together?
Shanna Handel is an amazing Great author!
Shanna Handel is an amazing Great author!
October 1, 2025
Lucian and Erin....
It was supposed to be one night only, but of course plans change when it comes to a Bachman.
Lucian is a bit of a softy, which I adore but Erin takes advantage of that. And Erin has some secrets that can blow things sky high.
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about Erin and we do have 2 more books coming, so.....
We'll see what happens, but I know what I'm hoping for.
It was supposed to be one night only, but of course plans change when it comes to a Bachman.
Lucian is a bit of a softy, which I adore but Erin takes advantage of that. And Erin has some secrets that can blow things sky high.
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about Erin and we do have 2 more books coming, so.....
We'll see what happens, but I know what I'm hoping for.
October 4, 2025
Ahh... another Bachman book. I love them. Lucian is the quintessential Bachman. Handsome and dangerous. When Erin and Lucian meet, they both feel the attraction and try to fight it, but that is not in the cards for them. I loved the story, and I'm eager to learn all the details of what is going on.
October 20, 2025
"Just a contract."
Yet when Erin and Lucian meet, their relationship begins to evolve into something more. But dangerous enemies are near, betrayal and violence very possible, and there's a big secret that will change everything. This passionate, suspenseful story is 221 pages, so it's a fast read.
Yet when Erin and Lucian meet, their relationship begins to evolve into something more. But dangerous enemies are near, betrayal and violence very possible, and there's a big secret that will change everything. This passionate, suspenseful story is 221 pages, so it's a fast read.
October 30, 2025
Erin is on a very important mission. Lucian may be the target but what is the goal? Can she complete the tasks needed to get the final prize? Ooh, does she reach the finish line? A cliff hanger that leaves the reader thirsty for more. Bring on the next book. Hurry!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2025
Book #1 in the Bought trilogy and it's so good. Loved Lucian and Erin's story, characters and chemistry. It was only supposed to be one night with no strings attached. Can it truly be just that? Wow! Bring on book #2. I can't wait.
October 14, 2025
Chemistry was 🔥 from the very beginning . a supposed one night only with no attachments turned into a loving relationship. I did expect the ending, but the roller coaster to get there was unexpected. One thing I did not enjoy: the cliffhanger.
October 15, 2025
The Bachman universe has evolved and I must say Shanna Handel's books just keep getting better! Ending on a cliffhanger has left me just wanting more - come on November... This is Erin and Lucian's tale, virgin meets mafia, but not quite what you would expect. Please don't stop writing (begging).
November 13, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this new mafia series. Lucien and Erin were sizzling hot together. He is dominant but a little bit damaged and she is inexperienced but fierce and loyal. Together they are a true love story. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series!
October 17, 2025
It seems everyone is getting on the “Trilogy” bandwagon lately and now Ms. Handel has jumped on board too. This is Book One of the three-part story of Lucien Bachman. It follows up on the Bachman mafia’s disaster of the destruction of their New York Village by the rival Moretti Family. Lucien has gone through that traumatic event on top of his own previous personal leadership disaster. He now has great trust issues as well as a fear of personal involvement, preferring to book any evening entertainment through an agency. When he requests a virgin escort the agency sends Erin, she is as advertised but there is a more sinister aspect to her being there. The verbal jousting that these two engage in will have you laughing out loud, but it is how the relationship evolves that will keep you reading. Lots of intrigue, lots of family issues, some really great one on one intimate encounters and, of course, the potential for extreme mafia violence. No spoiler here, as Ms. Handel has already announced it, but there is a cliff-hanger ending. However, it is more of the “to be continued” variety as opposed to the “riding off a cliff” suspense type. This well-crafted plot, written in a decidedly intimate manner, will have you salivating for more. Hope we don’t have to wait long for Part 2. 5 Stars
October 24, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
October 5, 2025
I couldn't put this book down! it was so good and I'm so excited for the next book!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
October 14, 2025
Wow I loved Lucian and Erin's story, the intensity of not knowing what will happen, the secrets are huge and made me nervous for Erin and her family.
They fall hard and fast and seem perfect together but there's that thought in the back of my mind something big is gonna happen but who knows I need the rest pronto.
It's very steamy and Lucian I really love him he even surprises himself. So so good.
They fall hard and fast and seem perfect together but there's that thought in the back of my mind something big is gonna happen but who knows I need the rest pronto.
It's very steamy and Lucian I really love him he even surprises himself. So so good.
November 4, 2025
Right from the start this book captured my attention. The familiar familial feeling began when it became apparent this story followed the Bachman theme but on a more intense and spicier level. I fell into this book with high anticipation. The author delivered a fantastic story and I cannot wait for the next book. I loved reading this book.
October 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Erin and Lucian are perfect for each other and the story really pulls you in. Erin holds more power than she realises with Lucian, who is obsessed with her. The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am desperate for more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews