In retaliation for what LA Gallagher patriarch Declan Gallagher sees as a hostile takeover by the NYC Gallaghers, Declan orders his enforcer son, Brody, to kidnap Trinity Gallagher, Finn’s half-sister, who is about to graduate college.
But almost immediately after Brody kidnaps Trinity, an unknown third party attacks them. The reluctant kidnapper becomes Trinity’s only protector as they’re hunted, forced to rely on each other to survive while uncovering a conspiracy designed to tear their families apart.
I have majorly enjoyed most of the irish kings book but this one and the last one is so disappointing.
This book only consisted three things:- russians attacking, trinity and brody fucking and them fleeing from one place to another.
I couldn't find one interesting thing in the whole book.
It was boring as hell.
Also what was Finn doing the whole time. Isn't she his half sister. How the hell he couldn't even find her or did he even try. God I loved him in the first book but what the hell Finn. He knew he started a war by sending kellin to declan's place and he couldn't even ensure that trinity is safe.
And don't even get me started on brody and trinity. God they both are annoying as hell. She literally has zero survival skills. All brody wanted all his life was declan's approval but when he didn't get by betraying trinity he ran back to her again. It was so annoying. It was almost like he didn't get declan's approval so he resort the next best option.
Also what the hell was this ending. If It was that easy for them to reconcile then why go through this much bullshit.
Anyways so yes I didn’t liked the book in case it wasn’t obvious.
I really enjoyed Brody and Trinity's story, even more so than the last book. I liked their dynamic and the development they both undergo, both as individuals and as a couple. The storyline is interesting, and stylistic elements like plots and banter guarantee an enjoyable read. Of course, there are also plenty of steamy scenes and emotions. It's a book you can easily read in one sitting, and I highly recommend it. It seems like the story continues with Connor... HEA, no cheating or sharing ⭐️ 4/5 🌶 3.5/5
A word on my own behalf, and perhaps for many authors. Propofol must be injected intravenously, yet many books, including this one, describe blindly injecting it into the neck. This would require hitting the jugular vein, which is practically impossible without proper neck positioning and prior knowledge. There are other medications that can be injected into a muscle, such as ketamine. But many authors make this mistake.
Enemies to lovers with a !! Oh this one was great and if it’s been a while since read other books in series this doesn’t leave in the dark as much- a brief reminder but not in the dark loved! So both on the outs with family and coming together- and how much did the author go after my heart by moving the pivotal moment to NOLA! Love!!! Can’t wait for next!
Trinity has been through so much in her life, pain is practically all she's ever known far from the mafia and everything that scarred her, she just wants a fresh start somewhere else but fate has other plans for her. Now she faces not one, but two threats one sees her as a strategic asset and the other hunts her for the information she possesses, information capable of destroying both factions of her family.
The first threat is Brody, the man tasked with kidnapping her and delivering her to her father, Brody has spent his entire life seeking this man's approval, carrying deep wounds and building walls to protect his heart. His mission is clear find Trinity and bring her back, but nothing is that simple because he's not the only one who wants her and he must ensure she arrives alive.
From the moment their paths cross, Trinity tries to escape but Brody thwarts every attempt. Amidst chases, power struggles, and strategic maneuvers, the tension between them grows ever stronger, Brody begins to see beyond the mission he discovers a strong, yet broken girl, someone who has learned to survive without trusting anyone and unwittingly, he begins to feel something more.
For her part, Trinity tries to resist, but she too manages to see the man behind the walls someone wounded, who only longs to be acknowledged by his father, both struggle with their feelings while danger continues to lurk. Just when they seem to find some equilibrium, everything shatters, Brody discovers the secret Trinity has been hiding and faces the most difficult decision betray her trust to get what he's always wanted or protect what they've built together, his choices have devastating consequences breaking Trinity's heart and the trust she had placed in him.
It wasn't easy for either of them to find their way back, Brody understands that Trinity is the only person who truly saw him for who he is but he also knows he has hurt her deeply, even so he fights to save her and regain her trust though the path is painful.
They both broke my heart, they're both hurting, they've both built walls, and trusting doesn't come easily to them. But they also discover they have so much in common and that together they can heal, their love becomes a force capable of facing anything.
Trinity becomes the light in Brody's life, the reason he begins to desire something more and he shows her he would do anything to protect her, slowly earning her forgiveness. Together they build something real, overcoming every obstacle until they find each other again.
I loved every moment of the book the tension, the emotions, their internal struggles everything it was an intense, painful and beautiful journey all at once.
And although they achieved their ending together, the story isn't over yet. The dangers are still there and honestly I don't want to say goodbye to this world just yet. I suppose only Renne has the answer to that. In the meantime I'll keep enjoying every story. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely devoured Captive Desire by Renee Parker and I am still not okay in the best way. This book completely pulled me in and refused to let go.
From the start, the stakes are already high with a full blown mafia power move. Brody is ordered to kidnap Trinity as retaliation in a brewing war between the LA and NYC Gallaghers, and what begins as a calculated act of control quickly spirals into chaos. The moment they are attacked by an unknown third party, everything shifts. What was supposed to be a simple job turns into a fight for survival, and suddenly the man who took her becomes the only one keeping her alive.
I loved this dynamic so much. Trinity is fierce, smart, and refuses to be anyone’s pawn even when she is literally taken against her will. She challenges Brody at every turn and never loses her fire. Watching her hold onto her strength while navigating fear, grief, and betrayal made her such a powerful and unforgettable FMC.
And Brody… he owns my soul at this point. He starts off cold, loyal to his family, and fully committed to the mission. But the second things go sideways, you start to see the cracks. The way he steps into protector mode without even realizing it, the way he cannot let anything happen to her, it was everything. He is dangerous, obsessive, and completely unhinged in the best way when it comes to her.
The forced proximity and on the run tension was done so perfectly. Every moment felt urgent and intimate at the same time. You could feel the shift from enemies to something much deeper as they were forced to rely on each other while uncovering a bigger conspiracy threatening both of their worlds. That layer added so much depth to the story and kept me glued to every page.
The chemistry between them is absolutely electric. The line between hate and desire is razor thin and Renee Parker writes that tension so beautifully. Every look, every touch, every moment felt charged. And when those emotional walls finally start to fall… I was done for.
What really made this book hit even harder is the emotional core underneath all the action. The hurt and comfort, the vulnerability, the way trust slowly builds between them, it all felt so real. And when Brody realizes she is not just leverage but everything to him, it is game over.
Also I have to say again, Renee Parker is such an incredible human. The way she connects with her readers and genuinely shows up for her community makes loving her books even more special.
This book gave me danger, passion, angst, and a love story that burns through everything in its path. If you love enemies to lovers, forced proximity, morally gray heroes, and a man who will burn kingdoms for his girl, you need this on your TBR immediately.
Thanks to the author and roseharbor publishing for the ARC for an honest review.
Yet another instalment of the Irish Kings series and I’m here for it!
Trinity is looking forward to start her life after graduation and finally make a home for herself after feeling out of place her entire life. Except all her plans go for a toss when she runs into Brody, a port kings enforcer. Brody had a clear plan to acquire the target and kill anyone who dares to come in his way. But when he realises that there’s more than what meets the eye, all hell breaks loose. How can they stay alive and how do they fight the attraction?
I really liked Trinity’s character. She had depth. Be it the way she made avenging her friend’s death the sole purpose of her life, longing for Finn’s affection but not letting herself see his care, the mental turmoil when she realises that she is the one putting Brody in danger and the guilt she feels for living life and letting herself fall for him - everything was written quite well. I’m glad that she wasn’t just reduced to a damsel in distress.
Brody on the other hand was okay but he didn’t leave a mark like some of the other MMCs in this series did for me. I found him a bit one dimensional.
The story progressed quickly but slowed down a bit in the middle, the last 40% was pacy and gripping. I think that the conflicts being brought forth at very early stages and the characters just repeating the same story in their inner monologue as well as to each other felt like going around in circles. I also felt like some of the elements didn’t quite fit into the story, more on that in a second.
*Spoiler ahead*
My biggest gripe with this story was the way New York faction of the Kings were majorly absent while so many things were unfolding. I understand that Shane is dead, Finn isn’t a MC in this, but it wasn’t believable that as the new leader of the Kings he just sat back and lazily sent his guys to the scene well after everything was over while his literal sister is kidnapped and held hostage. Like he didn’t even speed things up after she confessed about the hard drive! That part feels like a wasted potential. It felt like in an attempt to show the other mafia families as powerful, the OG Irish kings ended up coming off as incompetent and I refuse to believe that lol.
Hope there’s redemption for Finn and the kings in the future stories.
Overall this was a quick read, can be read as a standalone. 3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
✨✨✨✨✨✨keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Okay, so my first mafia romance and 💙💙💙. Girl you got me hooked! I need the rest of your books!! Likeeee asap!
Trinity is the daughter of one of the mob bosses that recently passed. What a strong girl. Loved her as a character. She does things her own way, makes her own money, doesn’t follow in the family footsteps. Most importantly she is SMART! Constantly thinking in her feet on how to escape and make the best out of her situation.
Brody a mob enforcer, was told to kidnap Trinity. If he doesn’t, his own dad may kill him. He’s the bad boy, the alpha male who knows what he wants. The fact that consent is still important to him when he could physically just take why he wants 💙.
Trinity’s confusion over her lust for her captor is totally believable. The way their story is written is 🔥. Certainly makes me want to read the first few in the series!
I was captivated by Brody’s and Trinity’s backgrounds with the Mafia and how that played into their decision making. Mafia version of Romeo and Juliette.
The plot, totally can see all the things happening. It’s a lot but that’s mob life right?? The mind games are real and makes the book sooo interesting 🤯!
You should read this if you enjoy: mafia romance, 🌶️🌶️🌶️, interconnected standalone, alpha male, confident women
⚠️: killing, kidnapping, shooting, grey consent.
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the gifted advanced copy Renee Parker! I’ve wanted to ARC read for you for a while so I was pumped to see your email!
Graduation day was supposed to be one of the happiest days of Trinity’s life. She’s finally getting her BA in psychology after four year.
Everything is perfect… until it absolutely not.
After graduation she stopped at the post office. On her way back after stopping at the post office, Trinity gets that uneasy feeling that someone is following her. She brushes it off, and that turns out to be a huge mistake, because within seconds she’s kidnapped.
And somehow, it gets even worse.
It’s not just one mafia family after her. It’s **two**. One family kidnaps her, and then the other shows up and ambushes them to take her too. Trinity cannot even enjoy her graduation day for five minutes before getting thrown straight into mafia chaos.
I really loved Trinity. She was smart, funny, feisty, and she refused to make anything easy for anyone. She fought back, talked back, plotted, schemed, and kept her personality through all of it.
One of my favorite scenes was when she needed to use the bathroom and this man would not give her any privacy, so she threw his phone across the room, looked at him, and basically told him to go fetch it before locking herself in. I was laughing so hard and cheering her on.
Brody was complicated for me. I definitely had a love-hate relationship with him. I hated what he was doing, but at the same time, I felt for him because deep down all he wanted was his father’s approval.
Overall, if you like books with a smart, feisty FMC, mafia tension, and nonstop chaos, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Captive Desires by renee Parker is Book 7 in the Irish Kings series and gave us readers EVERYTHING… tension, angst, action, emotion, and a romance that completely stole my heart. Trinity Gallagher has spent years away from her family’s mafia world, dealing with nightmares, blame and guilt over the tragedy that happened to her childhood best friend. When she’s finally ready to start living a normal life and move to a new city, everything changes when Brody, an enforcer for a rival Irish faction, takes her on her graduation day. What starts as a captor/captive story turns into such an emotional, high stakes journey across California, Texas, and New Orleans while danger closes in from every direction. The chemistry between Trinity and Brody was INTENSE 🥵 the vulnerability, the longing, the emotional depth… I was fully invested in them from beginning to end. What made this story so special was how both of them were searching for acceptance and love after being failed by the people who should’ve protected them most. And Brody absolutely stole my heart ♥️ Beneath that hard exterior is a man who only ever wanted to feel chosen and loved 🥹 Watching him finally choose Trinity over his desperate need for approval was such a powerful moment. The betrayal in the final chapters HURT, the final showdown felt so cinematic and I loved that the ending focused on healing, trust, and closure… finally letting go of the past. This was such an addictive page turner and easily one of my favorite Irish Kings books so far ❤️🔥
I devoured Captive Desire in one sitting! Renee Parker has delivered a dark, emotional, and high-stakes mafia romance that I simply couldn't put down.What truly set this book apart for me was the masterfully executed plot twist that shifted the story from a tense kidnapping into a desperate, heart-pounding race for survival. The moment the operation blew up and the danger escalated, the dynamic between Trinity and Brody completely transformed. Watching Brody pivot from a cold, calculating enforcer to Trinity’s only protector while they were hunted and isolated was incredibly gripping. This "on the run" element raised the stakes and forced them into a fragile alliance where their explosive chemistry finally boiled over. It wasn't just about the physical danger; it was about the emotional shift from captor and captive to two people who had to trust each other to stay alive.Renee Parker’s writing style is addictive—she has a way of making high-stakes drama feel deeply personal. Her prose is fast-paced and gritty, but she doesn't sacrifice character development for the sake of action. I especially appreciated the dual POV, which gave me a front-row seat to Brody’s internal conflict and Trinity’s fierce resilience. She manages to write morally grey characters who still feel redeemable, making the emotional payoff feel completely earned.If you love forced proximity, "touch her and die" energy, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is a must-read!
Listen… Captive Desire gave me stress, butterflies, and emotional whiplash in equal amounts 😭🔥.
The story follows Trinity, who gets kidnapped straight into mafia hell, and honestly? She handled it with more attitude than fear, which made me love her immediately. She’s fiery, emotional, stubborn, and so human in her reactions.... scared, confused, but still refusing to bend completely. I adored her.
And then there’s Brody… My quiet, dangerous, morally gray menace. He’s cold, controlled, and terrifying... but the moment Trinity steps into his world, he starts unraveling in ways he definitely didn’t plan for. The obsession? The tension? The little glimpses of softness he tries to hide?? Yeah. I fell too 😩🔥.
Their dynamic is pure captor/captive chaos..... sharp edges, stolen glances, emotional push-pull that had me flipping pages like a crazy person. The chemistry is heavy, dark, and messy in a way that absolutely works for this genre.
My only tiny complaints (hence the 4 🌟 ratingl: some pacing dips, a few repetitive moments, and times where I wanted to grab both characters by the shoulders and tell them to TALK like adults 😭.
But overall? Sexy, intense, addictive. Brody and Trinity had me kicking my feet one minute and stressed the next 😭❤️🔥.
If you love mafia boys with issues and girls who refuse to break, this one hits.📚🔥🖤
I had the chance to read this ARC, and honestly, it was such an intense and emotional ride from start to finish.
What stood out to me the most was Brody’s character arc. Watching him slowly break free from the need for his father’s approval and ultimately choose Trinity instead felt incredibly powerful and satisfying. That shift didn’t feel rushed or forced—it felt earned, which made it hit even harder.
And Trinity? I loved her. She wasn’t written as someone who blindly softens for love or sacrifices her logic for emotions. When she had the chance to escape, she took it—no hesitation, no unrealistic attachment holding her back. That made her feel real, smart, and strong in a way that I personally really appreciate.
Their dynamic is full of tension, pain, and growth, but what makes it compelling is that both of them are deeply wounded and guarded. Trust doesn’t come easily, and the story doesn’t pretend otherwise. Instead, it shows how messy and difficult healing can be—and how choosing each other, despite everything, becomes the most meaningful part.
If you enjoy emotionally charged stories with strong character development, internal conflict, and a romance that grows through struggle rather than instant devotion, this one is absolutely worth it.
Having followed the Irish Kings series from the beginning, this book is a powerful addition. Trinity and Brody are two broken souls, each driven by a mission that leaves no room for love: he sees her as a pampered princess and needs this job to finally prove himself to his father, while she clings to the hard drive as her vengeance for her friend’s death. Her survival depends on escaping him, and his success depends on keeping her. There are sparks igniting between them from the very first moment they meet, even as she wants to snap at him, and his capable, strong presence only makes that tension sharper. Their goals collide, and what follows is chaos, on the run, hunted, forced together, and the tension between them is so sharp it almost cuts. Raw pain, trauma, and vulnerability on both sides turn a game of power and control into something far more dangerous, something neither of them knew they needed. Their story is a story of survival... Against all odds, he becomes her only savior. The push and pull, betrayal, and secrets make this journey as heartbreaking and addictive. I loved this book. ❤️
Another adventure movie plot in a Renee Piper novel.
I don’t know how Renee does it, but she’s very good at putting together Mr. And Mrs. Smith couples, but when they meet and start “dating” (if a shoot out can count as a romantic outing).
The catalyst for the plot was thin. The first few chapters I had to mentally commit to reading. Once I was 20-25% through, I started getting the Renee popping off we all come to expect.
I felt like Trinity and Brody gave Finn and Riley vibes from book #1 in this series. This time, it’s obvious about the psychological issues the MC’s need to work through b/c Trinity wants to be a therapist.
When I got to 80% of the book, the actions scenes and romantic interludes during them were swoon worthy. I could visualize how it would look in the movie and the lines delivered by actors. Sure the dialogue is a little hokey, but dang if it doesn’t make you awww.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the Author in exchange for my honest review — honestly, if you like the strong women and action hunks from her other books, you’ll enjoy this one.
Captive Desire is a hauntingly beautiful addition to the Irish Kings world. Renee Parker has a way of making you fall for the characters you least expect. Brody and Trinity have such a complex, painful history that watching them find solace in one another felt incredibly earned. The plot moves fast, starting with a graduation that turns into a kidnapping and quickly spiraling into a fight for survival against an unknown enemy. Trinity is such a resilient FMC. She has known so much pain, yet she still fights for a future. Brody is equally compelling as he balances his loyalty to the Port Kings with the growing realization that Trinity is the only thing that truly matters to him. The "two birds of a feather" quote perfectly encapsulates their journey. They are both outcasts who create their own version of home amidst the chaos of a mafia war. This is book seven, and while it can be read alone, the interconnected nature of this series makes the payoff so much better if you’ve read the earlier installments. This is a must read for fans of dark, emotional mafia romance.
This book is a pleasure to read. Trinity- daughter of Shane Gallagher, sister to Finn Gallagher, just graduated from college with a psychology degree and has aspirations to live away from the family. She has maintained a low profile for many years, but she has a secret project that could bring down her family. Brody-illegitimate son of Declan Gallagher is the enforcer for his family on the west coast. Ignored by his father, he strives to be "seen". He is sent to kidnap Trinity for leverage against Finn. What begins as brutal conflict morphs into more when feelings rise between these two. After Brody protects her against the Russians, she begins to "see" Brody as someone like herself, someone who has been trying to make his father proud. This is the beginning of their journey, the growth and acceptance of who they are and who they are together. Action, secrets, and spicey times make this book a keeper!
Right from the beginning, this book throws you into a dangerous mafia conflict that doesn’t hold back. What starts as Brody carrying out a calculated kidnapping quickly turns into something far messier when an unexpected attack changes everything. Suddenly, survival becomes the priority, and the man meant to control Trinity becomes the one standing between her and death.
The forced proximity and constant danger made everything feel heightened. Every interaction carried tension, and you could feel their relationship slowly shifting as they were pushed closer together. What stood out most to me was the emotional depth beneath all the chaos. The vulnerability, the gradual trust, and the way their connection builds felt genuine.
This book delivers on everything. Danger, tension, emotional moments, and a romance that feels intense and consuming. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and possessive, morally gray heroes, this is definitely the one for you.
I would totally watch this movie. There was so much going on that I flew through it. It’s super fast-paced and kept me hooked the whole time. These characters seriously could not catch a break.
There’s so much action that at one point I honestly forgot it was even a mafia read, until the “why” behind everything came back into focus. The mafia element feels more in the background for most of the story, even though it’s still what’s driving everything. Not a bad thing at all, just not your typical mafia-heavy read.
But by the time the ending rolls around, you get pulled right back into the mafia world in a big way to set up the next installment, and I’m here for it.
I really loved Brody and Trinity together and seeing them work through their own inner struggles. They’ve both been through it, and I was definitely rooting for them to get their happy ending.
The story follows Brody, who is determined to earn his father’s approval, and Trinity, a mafia princess who has tried to distance herself from that world after experiencing significant trauma. Their dynamic starts with a kidnapping, which quickly evolves into a fast-paced romance.
I enjoyed the premise and found the story engaging, especially the action elements and the constant threat from rival families. Brody’s loyalty and need for validation added an interesting layer to his character, and Trinity’s independence made her a compelling counterpart.
However, the romance developed very quickly, with strong feelings forming in just a few days, which made it a bit difficult to fully connect with their relationship. I would have liked more depth and development in both the characters and the storyline.
Overall, it’s a solid palate cleanser, entertaining, fast-paced, and perfect if you’re looking for a lighter mafia romance without too much complexity.
Trinity has spent her life building walls against the mafia violence that defined her, only to be caught by Brody—a man whose own armor is built from a desperate need for his father's approval. During their shared isolation, their defenses begin to splinter, giving way to an unexpected pull.
Brody is forced to choose between the family loyalty he’s always craved and the woman who finally sees his true self. His decision threatens to fracture Trinity’s trust, leaving them to search for redemption and a connection that offers them both peace.
This was such a gripping and emotional read; two broken souls finding each other is incredibly moving. If you’re a fan of deep, slow-burn romances, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a look.
*Please read trigger and content warnings.*
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.
Captive Desire is the seventh story in the Irish Kings series. It is another amazing story in the series.
Trinity is Finn's half sister. Her father has passed away and Finn becomes the leader. She wants a fresh start in life after being through so much. She wants to be her own person. Brody has orders to kidnap her as a retaliation move against her brother's family. They are then attacked by another family. This assumingly simple task has now been compounded to fight for survival. Brody is now the only one who is protecting her. He is a cold person until he meets Trinity. He becomes obsessed with her.
I loved how strong Trinity was and wanted to stand on her own feet. I loved the chemistry between her and Brody. They were good for each other. I look forward to the next story from this very talented author.
✨Phew! I DEVOURED this book in a day! Right from the start it had my attention and I just couldn’t put it down. If Renee Parker writes it, I’m reading it! I love the way she writes! ✨Talk about a true enemies to lovers book. The way Trinity despised Brody and her sarcastic comments to him made me laugh so much. Brody fought with all he could to not care for her but it was the little things that made him realize just how much he truly did care for her. Brody and Trinity couldn’t deny the sexual tension between them no matter how hard they tried. ✨If you’re looking for a new dark romance Maria series, then you’ll definitely want to add The Irish Kings Mafia Series to your TBR! They can be read as a standalone.
Brody is on a mission to kidnapped Finn Gallagher little sister,she wants to find out who killed her friend Angela from long ago,Both Brody and Trinity don't realize that the Russian's are after her too. When he does get Trinity they fight like cats and dogs,they don't trust each other.Brody thinks he is doing the right thing by bringing in Trinity for his father Declan but at the last minute he feels different ,he is Team Trinity.This story is not boring in the least,it feel to me like two lost souls lose in the wind and they find each other,maybe they didn't like or trust each other at first but listening to each other they were able to express them selves and see that they truly care for each other and maybe love each other!
Captive Desire is one of the standout installments in the saga, this 'captor-captive' romance delivers high-stakes chemistry and profound character growth. The story follows Trinity, a woman caught between her desire for justice and her family's mafia legacy, and Brody, a man seeking his father's approval through a dangerous mission. Their connection is explosive from the start, serving as a catalyst for both to face their deep-seated traumas. Beyond the intense attraction, the narrative offers a refreshing change of scenery and a satisfying arc where the protagonists choose love and self-worth over family expectations. I really loved the ending, I'm looking foward for the next book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion. My Rating 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Like every other Renee Parker book, this one too had me hooked pretty much straight away. Brody and Trinity's dynamic was intense in that addictive kind of way, with a push and pull that kept reading more. There was a darker edge to their story that added tension, but it never felt too much. I loved how their connection slowly unraveled and showed more depth as the story went on. I really like it when this happens.
It was steamy, a bit messy, and honestly just really fun to read. I found myself liking both of main characters, even when they were making frustrating choices. The chemistry between them was good and the emotional moments hit just right.
Brody and Trinity's story was definitely a terrific follow up to Ruthless Pursuit. Maeve's father received his just due from Brody and Conner & it's just starting. Brody was given a job and intended to carry it out in hope of getting praise from Declan. He and his team make the mistake that Trinity is a wallflower. They forget she's the little sister of an Irish King. Between her making people regret thinking she's a shy wall flower & being chased by the Russians and Declan's crew, the reader alternates between laughing and cheering. The action is nonstop with twists, turns, double crosses galore. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved loved loved. I am loving the Irish King series. Brody and Trinity stories just swooned me. Both feeling like lost souls in their families and finding themselves within each other. Just ugh 😍. Brody is sent to kidnap Trinity Gallagher as leverage against her brother Finn. But like usual nothing goes as planned. Trinity was up to things on her own trying to solve the murder of her childhood best friend that caught the attention of the Russians. So then Brody of course turned from capture to protector. The push and pull and dynamic and stories kept the pages turning for me! Thank you so much once again Renee Parker and team for allowing me to be an ARC Reader for this series.
This one just wasn’t for me, there was a lot of postering, inner dialogue heavy, mind games and psychoanalysis, so much so that I didn’t get a sense of how the characters really clicked. Some scenes felt forced or had me questioning why this and that as the book continued. It’s also been awhile since I read the last book, and I felt like I forgot much of the context from previous books, would have been helpful if the author provided clearer summaries of who was who and in what state things were in.
The spice was good and action scenes were definitely page turners, felt like I could follow the movements moment by moment as they were happening.
Tropes * Enemies to lovers * Mafia romance * Rival families * Forced proximity * Protector MMC energy
Not every kidnapping story makes you root for the captor but this one does. Captive Desire is a gripping story set in a dangerous mafia world.
Trinity is a strong, smart woman who won't let anyone control her, even when she's kidnapped. At first, Brody is cold and loyal to his family, but as time goes on, he shows how deeply and obsessively he wants to protect her. The story is very emotional and intense because their relationship changes from enemies to unwilling allies.
The story does a great job of mixing action with deep character development, making both Trinity and Brody stand out. The chemistry between the characters and their fight for survival make for a powerful, interesting read that keeps you interested until the end.
Thank you @byreneeparker @roseharborpublishing For the Arc.