BETRAYED: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Shanna Handel

She gave me her body. I gave her my heart.
My world is ruthless and dangerous, bound by blood and violence.
She's brave, stubborn, beautiful, and guarding secrets.
I need answers, and she'll give them to me.
Bare, bound, and begging. 

She trembles when I take control, and I'm addicted to the way she yields.
She belongs to me. Mine to keep. Mine to punish. Mine to protect.
What scares her is how much she wants it. 

What scares me is how far I'll go to keep what I want.
Her war is about to rip through my world, and I'll welcome it.
Point me at the threat, sweetheart. I'll put it in the ground for you.

When the past kicks down our door, the only way out is through fire.
 
Betrayed  is the second book in the  Bought  Trilogy—an addictive dark mafia romance series filled with obsession, betrayal, and possessive love that breaks the thermostat.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2025

About the author

Shanna 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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Reviews

[Stats23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bought Trilogy, so if you haven’t yet read the first book (Bought) yet, you really should before buying/reading this one. Also, stop reading this review as it will undoubtedly reveal some spoilers to that first book. Erin’s desperate need to protect/save/revenge her family and not be a further burden on Lucian leads her to take matters into her own hands in a different country. Sneaking out on Lucian is sure to cause him hurt, and her future pain, but she can see no other option. She is strong, fearless and more of a Bachman (brother) than a Beauty (wife). This action-packed story takes them to England and Scotland and brings two other mafia families into the fracas. Loyal readers of Ms. Handel will recognize the good (the Kings) and the bad ( the Hoax) so as the plot thickens so too does the level of violence. As if that’s not enough we also have Lucian’s brother making an appearance and widening the circle of family that is at risk in this awesome series. With all the action it almost seems like the erotic and sexually driven D/l relationship that Lucian and Erin are developing is getting lost in the mix. Fear not, it is there and it is really getting HOT. Can’t say enough good things about this book and this series, but the twists and turns and the NEW cliff hanger are real page turners! One of the most riveting series I have had the pleasure of reading, and I’m sure the final one will be a blockbuster. Book 3, Bound, is due out in early January so I can only say goodbye 2025 and hello 2026.. get here soon! 5 Stars

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS WHERE THE END BEGINS

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 are using two women and a child to get leverage. Because this is an ongoing saga, these books need to be read in written order.

Erin, Cass, and Ryan thought being in New York City would protect them, but the Hoax has a long reach, and that safety net is full of holes. Erin won’t share with Lucian what is happening; instead, she plans to return home and see if she can destroy Caleb.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil. New people will come into play, but the two main characters will remain Erin and Lucian. While Erin thinks she can do this on her own, she quickly learns she is in over her head and that Lucian will hold her accountable. Having friends Lucian can access will help, but this story is far from over. Lucian has broken all his rules for her—where will this battle lead them?

WARNING: The book does end on a cliffhanger!!!

NOTE: I read this book with my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin thinks she is going to solve her problems by herself but in true Bachman form Lucian isn't going to let that happen! Follow along in Lucian and Erin's second (of three) books to find out Erin's plan for her sister and nephew's safety and happiness, while trying to sacrifice her own, and Lucian's plan to prove to Erin that they are together and he will take care of her and her family. Lot's of ups and downs while Erin learns to trust Lucian is going to support and protect her and hers and she learns what it means to not be so self sacrificing (along with the spice and punishments we all expect from a Shanna Handel book)! While one storyline wraps up, the final storyline of Lucian's story will not be finished until book three, so don't read this yet if you aren't ok with a slight cliffhanger to the series finale!

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Bought Trilogy. You need to read Bought before you read this one. They are interconnected. There will be one more book, so be aware that this is not the end of the books.

Erin decides that she needs to go and solve her problem with Caleb herself. Fortunately, Lucian disagrees and follows her to England. The interactions between Lucian and Erin are HOT, and you can feel the connection between them come right off the page.

I usually don't read books that are not finished by the end of the book. But this is Shanna Handel, and I love her stories.

[Amanda Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick back up with Lucian and Erin. She can’t tell him the entire truth. After a night of passion, she’s going to fix everything on her own: She’s going to take care of the threat to their families all on her own. She flies off to England to handle business. Danger surrounds her at every turn. Lucky for her Lucian is not one to be left behind! Bachman men do not like to be disobeyed and she’ll soon find out what it means to belong to Lucian. This was a page turner for me! I can’t wait for the final installment!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gutwrenching saga of love, and now Betrayals, or is it? Erin is reckless and tries to end it all by herself on her own. As predicted , Lucian moves heaven and earth to find Erin before she tries to make her last stand?!?! A true page turner, nail biter that kept me on the edge of my seat reading and praying for good outcomes. I must have the final book now to end my misery and worry. Who will win??? We are off to Scotland and I'm beyond excited.

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I could not put this book down! I love the inactions between Erin and Lucian. They are perfect for each other. The sexy times are so so good. This is a must read for me. I cannot wait for the final book in this series.
Shanna Handel is always a must read for me and this book did not disappoint.

[barbie hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was supposed to be just one night.

Lucian and Erin come together with explosive passion yet secrets, deceit and betrayal are imminent. Be ready for obsession, possession, emotional turmoil, danger, violence and many enemies. This is a suspenseful love story with some interesting plot twists. It's 216 pages, so a quick paced read.

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucian and Erin are quite the pair and so goid together. Erin is so unselfish trying her best to handle things on her own in dangerous situations when Lucian takes control. He is as bad as they come .
This is a wild ride and so steamy with alot going on but never give up and made known they are worthy to be together.

I am on pins and needles for book three please please let it be OK!!!!!

[Sofia (ephemeral_.eclipse) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read! I love her sassiness and the humor interlaced with the violence/suspense. It had a good balance of the dark romance.

Thank you for the ARC!

[Lynsey Astbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just makes me desperate for more. I can't wait for the final part Shanna has me waiting desperately on the edge of my seat 😫