The Thief's Captive

by R. Alexander

Alex

Do not touch her. Do not think about her. Do not fall in love.
Simple rules. Easy to follow. Or at least…they should have been.

But Jade Moretti is complicated.

She’s a brat. A heathen. An itch inside my brain. And she’s the daughter of my biggest enemy—the U.S Attorney who’s determined to see me rot behind bars.

The plan was clean and quick—strictly Bratva business. Kidnap her, use her as leverage, walk away unscathed.

But Jade isn’t just a pawn in someone else’s game. The deeper I dig, the more her carefully guarded past begins to unravel—one filled with fear, with bruises no one sees, and a history she’s desperate to erase…one that isn’t done with her yet.

And somewhere along the way, the lines blur. I can’t see, I can’t hear, I can’t think about anything except her. Because she’s no longer just my captive.

She’s mine.

And I’ll burn the world to the ground before I ever let her past touch her again.


Jade

Don’t provoke. Don’t engage. Don’t bite.
Simple rules. The kind I learned in law school. Easy to follow. Or at least…they should have been.

But Alex Martinov breaks every rule.

He’s a bad man. A dark-haired demon. My kidnapper. To him, I’m just a pawn—the daughter of a powerful U.S. State Attorney with a target on my back. A girl in a gilded cage meant to be traded and discarded.

I should hate him. I should be terrified. But the longer I’m trapped with him, the more everything starts to blur—until I’m leaning in…rubbing coconut oil into his hair…offering him the zip ties myself.

Because when his blood dripped from my lips, I didn’t just taste his darkness—

I tasted freedom.

And suddenly, I’m the daughter of the law standing on the wrong side of it.

No longer trying to get out.

No.

I’d rather burn with him, for him—be his—
than be saved.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Kidnapping, Forbidden Romance, Forbidden Love

503 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2026

About the author

R. Alexander loves to write about bad men. Mafia men, to be exact. But all their power, all their ego, all their authority comes crashing down when they meet that one woman who brings them down to their knees.
Power plays, mistakes, drama, plot twists, sacrifices, back arching spice—R Alexander's books will have you binging, screaming, laughing, and crying late into the night.

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Reviews

[Siempre_sera2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:✨✨✨✨✨ (I’d rate it higher if possible)
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

First and foremost I just need to say thank you for allowing me to ARC read this one, it was truly amazing and I didn’t want to put it down.
The moment I received that dm asking if I’d be interested in a bratva dark romance I was kicking my heels.

Alex is our MMC he’s bratva (obviously) a car thief and so fucking scrumptious. The lengths he went through for his woman, excuse me I need one of him 🤭. He almost loses his life but Jade gives him the motivation he needs to keep living and if that’s not true love damn idk what is. Alex will k!ll anyone who hurts his woman, he’s so sweet and delicate with her. He makes sure she knows he will never hurt her, he’ll always protect her, and damn that breeding kink at the end 🥵 Jesus I’m a sucker for that trope.

Jade is our caged princess, she goes through things no woman ever should at the hands of people who should love her, people who want a place in her life. She goes from kidnapped hostage to being Alex’s obsession and it is the most heart warming scenario ever. That chapter 16 lord have mercy, that’s when I knew I had fallen for Alex and wished to be Jade. She is a strong woman and has a plan to become finally free from her dad and ex boyfriend who just can’t take no for an answer. The big f you to her dad was so well planned I absolutely admired Jade, and I’m so glad Jade was able to get away from Xavier that a-hole got what he deserved. Alex and Jade deserved a hea and I’m so glad they were able to get it.🖤

Also I gave up a nights sleep to finish it, if that’s doesn’t say it was a damn good book idk what will 🤭.

[zayyssa]

I got an ARC for this and I don’t know if it’s better that I shelved it in my DNFs or to give it ⭐️ only. Requested an ARC while I was in the middle of my Mafia obsession earlier this year and I am grateful to have got this. It’s my first time reading the author’s work and any of book from this particular series but I just couldn’t get myself to finish it. Long story short, I find it too corny for a Bratva book. Sorry. 😞

[ana lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I just want to say a huge thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this book. 🖤 I'm beyond excited to be part of R. Alexander's Street Team because honestly... if this is just the beginning, I'm already completely obsessed.

And speaking of obsessed... I stayed up until 3 a.m. reading because I genuinely could not put this book down. I kept saying "just one more chapter"... about fifty times. 🤭 If that doesn't tell you how addictive this book is, I don't know what will.

Now, my first question...

Can I please get kidnapped like this?

Because honestly... being taken to a beach house, having everything I could possibly need, a kidnapper who takes me shopping, rescues me from a rooftop, and basically makes sure I'm okay every second of the day? Excuse me... where do I find myself an Alex? 🫠 Spending my days on the beach with that man? Sign me up immediately.

And then...

WHAT KIND OF SLOW BURN WAS THIS?!

The rooftop scene... the kitchen scene... THE COCONUT OIL SCENE!! How am I supposed to recover after a slow burn like this? The constant flirting, the tension, the chemistry... you can literally feel it coming off the pages. Every glance, every tease, every little touch had me screaming.

One of my absolute favourite moments was when Alex offered to kiss every place where Jade had "wounds." She lets him kiss her wrist, her shoulder, her neck... and finally... her lips. Seriously... what kind of perfection was that? It was so sensual, so tender, so intimate. The way he treats her like she's the most precious thing in the world completely melted my heart.

And Alex... oh my God. A Bratva member, a car thief, and an absolute dream of a man. Completely obsessed with his woman in the best possible way. He would do absolutely anything to protect her, constantly reassures her that he'll never hurt her, that she'll always be safe with him, and he'll literally k!ll anyone who dares to lay a finger on her. The way he almost loses his life but finds the strength to keep fighting because of Jade... if that's not love, I honestly don't know what is. And don't even get me started on that breeding kink at the end because... JESUS. 🥵

Then there's Jade. Our caged princess. A strong woman who goes through things no woman should ever have to endure, especially at the hands of the people who are supposed to love and protect her. Watching her grow, finally stand up to her father, and free herself from that absolutely insufferable ex was so satisfying. That massive "fuck you" to her dad was perfectly planned, and I loved seeing her finally take back her life.

One of my favourite things about this book was the contrast between crime and law. Jade is a lawyer and the daughter of the Attorney General. Alex is Bratva. A forbidden romance full of tension, contrasts, and impossible choices. How does someone who's dedicated to the law fall in love with a man from the Russian mafia? I have no idea... but Alex and Jade make you believe every single second of it.

And you know when you start a book and within the first few chapters they're already completely gone for each other? Basically in love before they've even kissed? I honestly thought, "Okay... where does this even go from here?"

Well...

I WAS NOT PREPARED.

The way this story develops, the way their relationship grows, the twists, the emotions... it completely blew me away. It was so much better than I ever expected.

Oh... and can someone please explain to me how you mix OnlyFans with the Russian mafia and somehow make it work? Because I didn't think it was possible either... but somehow it absolutely was.

By the end, I only had one thought: Alex and Jade deserved every bit of that happily ever after after everything they went through.

R. Alexander... thank you for this incredible story.

Now the only question is...

When can I read the next one? 🖤

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I have read by this author and most certainly will not be the last. Mafia romances are definitely my favourite types of books to read and this book definitely ticked all my boxes.

This book follows Alex and Jade, our story begins when Alex and his friend ladynap Jade in a ploy to take down her father. Jades father is a senator and he is in the process of trying to put Alex and Andrei behind bars and hence they believed Jade could be a bargaining chip so to speak.

From the moment Alex laid eyes on Jade this man was a goner, there was no denying this man was falling bit by bit for the woman who is completely forbidden. He initially tries to maintain his distance but this is a complete failure on his part as he keeps making an appearance to the house that Jade is residing in.

Jade is quite a strong FMC, when she is taken she does not break and tests the waters when it comes to Andrei and Alex. She is aware of the man her father is and his plans. She also knows what Andrei and Alex mean to do but she doesn’t back down. Once the walls lower between Jade and Alex she decides that she will help them avoid prison and join them to take down her father.

I just love when a man falls completely head over heels for his woman and that is exactly how I would describe Alex. These two are just as possessive and obsessive of each other.

Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
😰😰😰

first of All thank R. Alexander for the ARC, it was such a good time, but you also broke my heart and I will coming back for more ... no shame !

There are not enough stars in the sky! LOVE IT
I canceled all plans to finish this book ! basically I was Stockholmed.👁️👁️

Alex is a sweet gangster, he falls hard for his captive at first sight... or should i say bite ?? Yeah she got him good, our fiesty FMC Jade didn't go down easy!
He didn't stand a chance against her charm, as in he made sure his captive had all that she needs including her addiction for coconut oil and access to any and everything she wishes for, which could be a green flower from the shop that you can smoke lol 😂

The scene that had me giggling is when she end up on the roof top of said safe house smocking said green flower, and he end up puff puff pass with her ... this man falls and HARD!

The plot in their story was so intense, Jade is the daughter of the attorney general going after the nightcrawlers, she is also an attorney in her dad's campaign.

We find out that Jade is battling demons of her own, demons very much still alive and coming after her ... she is safer with Alex than anywhere else!!😩

The way this man went to War for her ... be ready for the heartbreak, R Aelxander doesn't go easy on her reader, she is like a duck mama: " you can swim kiddos. " 😇

I can't repeat this enough, the writing style will take you by surprise, what typically happens in the last 20% will hit out of the blue and you will be like me reading at the edge of your seat holding a bat ... when you least expect it shit hits the fan and their little cocoon crashes and shatters to million pieces !
Jade's dad deserve a special place in hell right next to her ex F'ck them both to the moon and back ! 😒

I'm obsessed with anything R writes! I got her backlog books before i even finished This one and let me tell you, I never looked back !!!🤓

Check out her other books I'm obsessed !🤩

[Hayley Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Ma’am 👀🔥 HOLY MOLY what a freakin’ book!!!

We have Jade…who gets kidnapped by none other than Alex, the big, broody, tattooed sexy bratva man. My gawd this woman is pure chaos in the best way. 😂 A complete spitfire. The banter between these two had me kicking my feet and giggling like an idiot right from the start. Imagine being kidnapped and still having the audacity to sass your captor at every opportunity. She refuses to show an ounce of fear and somehow every smart a$$ remark and “bite” only makes Alex want her more. You go girl! 🙌

As Jade’s story unfolds and we learn everything she’s survived, my heart absolutely shattered for her. Meanwhile, we start to see Alex cave and turn into the protective, obsessed, touch her and I’ll end your bloodline levels of feral. One minute he’s sweet and gentle with her, the next he’s ready to dismember those who dare touch her. And trust me… there’s a few people in this story you will absolutely want to reach in the book and dismember yourself.

This man would literally rather d!e than see harm to her and it had me reeling in parts of the story. This was full of that dark action and suspense I crave in a mafia romance. It had me laughing, swooning, crying, clutching my chest and SWEATIN’ because lawd have mercy that SPICE was SPICIN’ 🥵Alex and Jade completely owned me from beginning to end, and now I'm sitting here wanting more!

Thank you R.Alexander for the advanced copy to read 🫶

[Rochelle Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyes this book so much, could not put it down. Jade and Alex climbes onto one of my favorite duos.

I am adding this amazimg authors' books on my tbr, yes this was my first book but definitely not my last.

[Sundy Tr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex (34) & Jade (26).

He is loosely connected to the Bratva and kidnaps the attorney’s daughter for extortion. But things take a different approach quickly.

He fell too hard too fast and she followed, so we had love declarations in zero time.

Jade has a strange personality- she has issues due to stuff she’s been through but she knew it. I couldn’t connect with her because I found her decisions strange.
Alex was a bit reckless considering his line of work but great as a bf.
There were plot twists but also too many spicy scenes.
I found their plans pointless and childish even and I also didn’t enjoy the level of ex-involvement.
It’s well written but some parts were rushed and others dragged a bit more than necessary.

-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall: 3.25/5 ⭐️ for me.

I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Jade… where do I even begin?
Every once in a while, a book comes along that does more than entertain you. It doesn't simply tell a story—it takes up residence inside your heart. It becomes part of your thoughts, your emotions, your quiet moments long after you've turned the final page. It lingers in a way that feels almost impossible to explain.
Alex and Jade's story was one of those books for me.
From the very first chapter, I was completely captivated. What started as curiosity quickly turned into obsession. Before I knew it, these characters had become so much more than words on a page. They felt real. Their pain felt real. Their victories felt real. Their love felt real.
I wasn't just reading about Alex and Jade.
I was living every moment with them.
Every argument made my heart race. Every stolen glance had me smiling like an idiot. Every moment of vulnerability felt like a gift. Their chemistry wasn't simply good—it was magnetic. The kind of chemistry that burns through every page and leaves you completely powerless to look away. No matter what else I was doing, my mind kept drifting back to them. I needed to know what happened next, yet at the same time I dreaded reaching the end because I already knew saying goodbye would hurt.
And then there was Alex.
Oh, Alex.
I don't think I was prepared for him.
He's the kind of character who should have been impossible for me to love. Dark. Possessive. Obsessive. Controlling. Stubborn. Infuriating. A man carrying enough emotional baggage and red flags to make any sane person run in the opposite direction.
And yet somehow, against all logic, he completely stole my heart.
Yes, he kidnaps Jade.
Yes, he spends a frustrating amount of time fighting against his own feelings.
Yes, there were moments when I wanted to reach into the pages and shake some sense into him.
But beneath all of that intensity was a man who loved with every piece of himself. A man so deeply terrified of losing control that he spent most of his life hiding behind walls he built himself. Watching those walls slowly crack apart was one of the most beautiful character journeys I've ever read.
The deeper I got into his story, the more I understood him.
And the more I understood him, the harder I fell.
There is something incredibly moving about watching a man who has spent his entire life protecting himself finally allow himself to be vulnerable. To love openly. To risk heartbreak. To choose someone else over his own fears.
The moments where Alex broke down emotionally absolutely destroyed me.
The moments where he stopped pretending to be invincible and allowed himself to feel?
Those moments hit me straight in the chest.
They weren't just emotional.
They were unforgettable.
And can we please talk about his dialogue for a second?
Because every single thing that came out of that man's mouth had me completely hooked.
Whether he was being possessive, protective, infuriating, vulnerable, or hopelessly obsessed, he had a way of speaking that demanded attention. Every conversation between him and Jade crackled with tension. Every exchange felt charged with emotion.
The banter.
The arguments.
The longing.
The vulnerability.
Every scene between them felt electric.
And then there's Jade.
I absolutely adored her.

In fact, Jade has easily become one of my favorite heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
She is fierce, stubborn, courageous, determined, and unapologetically herself.
What I loved most about her is that she never allowed herself to be overshadowed by Alex, despite how powerful his presence was. She met him head-on every single time. She challenged him. Questioned him. Fought him when necessary. Loved him when he deserved it and refused to excuse him when he didn't.
She knew her worth.
And she never compromised it.
That's something I admired so deeply throughout the entire story.
Jade isn't strong because she's fearless.
She's strong because she keeps going even when she's terrified.
She's strong because she refuses to let pain define her.
She's strong because she never stops fighting for herself.
There were countless moments where I found myself in awe of her resilience. Even when everything seemed impossible, she kept standing back up.
She reminded me that true strength isn't about never breaking.
It's about refusing to stay broken.
And together?
Together they were absolutely breathtaking.
One of the things I loved most about their relationship was that it wasn't built solely on attraction, although the attraction was undeniably intense.
Beneath all of the tension, passion, and chemistry was something much deeper.
Trust.
Growth.
Forgiveness.
Understanding.
Vulnerability.
Their relationship wasn't easy.
It wasn't perfect.
And that's exactly why it felt so authentic.
Watching them slowly dismantle each other's defenses was beautiful. Watching them learn how to trust despite their fears felt incredibly rewarding. Watching them choose each other over and over again, even when it would have been easier to walk away, made every emotional moment hit even harder.
Every argument mattered.
Every sacrifice mattered.
Every tender moment felt earned.
Nothing about their love story felt effortless.
And because of that, it felt real.
I loved watching them fall in love despite every reason not to.
I loved watching them choose each other despite every fear standing in their way.
And I loved watching them become better because of each other.
Then came Chapter 45.
And suddenly Roman appeared and completely destroyed whatever emotional stability I had left.
I don't know how it's possible for a character to make such an impact in such a short amount of time, but Roman absolutely did.
Every single time the story shifted into his perspective, I found myself completely captivated.
There is something about him that is impossible to ignore.
The way he thinks.
The way he speaks.
The emotions simmering just beneath the surface.
Every chapter left me desperate for more.
I would finish one of his POVs and immediately need a moment to recover because somehow he managed to leave an impression that lingered long after his scenes ended.
I need more Roman.
Immediately.
And while we're talking about unforgettable characters, I absolutely have to mention Andrei.
Because Andrei was an absolute gift.
Every time he appeared, I knew I was about to smile.
His humor was perfectly timed. His personality brought so much warmth and life to the story. In a book filled with emotional turmoil, angst, tension, and heartbreak, Andrei provided moments of pure joy.
Some of my favorite scenes involved him.
There were moments where I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face.
He was the perfect reminder that even in the darkest stories, there is still room for light.
But what truly made this book unforgettable wasn't just the romance.
It wasn't just the characters.
It wasn't even the plot.
It was the way this story made me feel.
This book made me laugh until my stomach hurt.
It made me cry.
It made me rage.
It made me swoon.
It made me hope.
It made my heart ache.
It made me feel joy, frustration, fear, heartbreak, and love so intensely that at times I forgot I was reading fiction.
The emotions didn't stay on the page.
They became mine.
There were moments that shattered me completely.
And there were moments that carefully put me back together again.
Every struggle felt genuine.
Every victory felt earned.
Every relationship felt authentic.
By the end, these characters no longer felt fictional.
They felt like people I had come to know.
People I had laughed with.
Cried with.
Fallen in love with.
And saying goodbye to them felt far harder than I ever expected.
The message that stayed with me most was:
"Do it now. Not later, not tomorrow, not another time. Do what needs to be done."
Such a simple sentence.
Yet it struck me with incredible force.
Because it isn't just a lesson for the characters.
It's a lesson for all of us.
A reminder to stop waiting.
To stop hesitating.
To tell people we love them.
To take chances.
To live fully while we have the opportunity.
That message settled deep inside my heart, and I know it will stay with me for a very long time.
This book wasn't simply a romance.
It wasn't simply a dark love story.
It wasn't simply a story about unforgettable characters.
It was an experience.
A deeply emotional, all-consuming, beautifully written experience that took hold of my heart and refused to let go.
Alex and Jade gave me a love story I will carry with me for a very long time. They made me laugh, cry, scream, swoon, and fall hopelessly in love right alongside them.
And when I reached the final page, I wasn't ready to let them go.
Truthfully, I still haven't.
Some stories end when you close the book.
This one didn't.
It stayed.
It lingered.
It became a part of me.
And for that reason, Alex and Jade will always hold a special place in my heart. Their story is one of those rare treasures that comes along only once in a while—a story that leaves fingerprints on your soul and remains with you long after the final chapter is over.
And I know, without a doubt, that I will never forget them. ❤️

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m totally and utterly speechless. 😭❤️ I genuinely don’t have enough words to express how I’m feeling after finishing this masterpiece.

Seriously, R, every single time I start one of your books, I go in with high expectations because I already know your writing is incredible. But somehow, every time, you manage to exceed those expectations and give me something even more unforgettable. ✨📚 This book was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end, and I loved every single second of it.

Alex and Jade... where do I even begin? 🥹❤️‍🔥

No matter what I say, it will never truly be enough to explain how much I adored these two. They completely stole my heart. Their chemistry was absolutely insane from the very beginning, and every interaction between them had me completely invested.

And Alex... oh boy. 😮‍💨🔥

That man had me weak. His dirty talk? Absolutely top tier. The confidence, the intensity, the way he always knew exactly what he was doing and exactly what to say—it was so freaking hot. 🖤🔥 He’s dark, broody, possessive, and intense, but underneath all of that, there’s so much depth to his character. The more layers we got to see, the harder I fell for him.

And then we have Jade. ❤️💥

I loved her so much. She’s strong, stubborn, fearless, and never afraid to stand her ground. She’s the perfect match for Alex because she challenges him every step of the way. She’s not someone who gets overshadowed, and that’s exactly why their dynamic works so well. Watching these two go head-to-head while slowly falling for each other was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

The way their relationship developed felt so natural and beautiful. It wasn't just about attraction—it was about trust, understanding, vulnerability, and growth. Watching them slowly let each other in and fall harder and harder was everything. 🥹❤️

And can we please talk about chapter 45 Roman's POV for a second? 👀🔥

Because tell me why I was literally squirming in my seat every time we got into his head. The things this man says and thinks? Excuse me?! 😮‍💨❤️‍🔥 Roman’s POV had me completely hooked, and I found myself grinning, kicking my feet, and needing a moment to recover afterward.

Now let's talk about Andrei. 😂😭

This man deserves an appreciation post of his own because he had me laughing so hard I literally had tears in my eyes. Every time he appeared, I knew I was about to be entertained. His timing, his comments, his entire personality—absolutely iconic. He brought so much life and humor to the story, and honestly, some of my favorite moments involved him.

What I love most about this book is that it made me feel everything. ❤️😭

It made me laugh until I cried. It made me smile like an idiot. It made me scream. It made my heart ache. It made me emotional. It made me completely fall in love with every single character. This wasn't just a story—it was an experience, and one that I know will stay with me for a very long time.

The characters felt so real. Their emotions felt real. Their struggles, their growth, their relationships—everything was written with so much care that I couldn't help but become completely invested in all of them.

By the time I reached the last page, I felt like I was saying goodbye to people I genuinely cared about. And honestly? That's the sign of a truly special book. 📖❤️

R, you have done it again. 👏✨

You somehow managed to write another masterpiece that completely consumed my thoughts and emotions. Thank you for creating these incredible characters, for taking us on this unforgettable journey, and for giving us a story that will live rent-free in my mind for a very long time.

I loved every chapter, every moment, every laugh, every tear, and every heartbeat of this story. ❤️📚

Thank you for yet another masterpiece. 🥹✨

And now excuse me while I sit here thinking about Alex, Jade, Roman, Andrei, and everything that happened in this book because I am absolutely not over it yet. 😭❤️‍🔥

I already can't wait for whatever you give us next. 🖤📖✨

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
3🌶️
🔥Bratva
🔥Bad Boy/Good Girl
🔥He Kidnaps Her
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Forbidden Love
🔥Hurt/Comfort
🔥Witty Banter
🔥Dual First Person POV

I love when an author can show me a new twist on a mafia romance. This isn’t your typical Bratva romance. Alex is a thief, he and his partner steal high end cars. They aren’t directly involved, but run their business with the same ruthlessness. The US Attorney is getting too close and they decide to kidnap his daughter to use as leverage to stop his investigation. Alex, while ruthless, struggles with the idea of kidnapping. Jade will not be a victim again so she fights, talks back, and even bites Alex. When Jade realizes she’s being left alone in the little beach house, she doesn’t know what to think of her kidnappers. Jade goes from Alex’s leverage to his obsession overnight. The scene where he’s called to the house because Jade is high and on the roof, was hiliarious and sweet. After he tries to stay away, but he can’t eat, can’t sleep. When he finally caves and goes to see her things heat up quickly. They share secrets about their pasts. He’s so gentle and delicate with her, always making sure she feels safe. Jade doesn’t understand it but she feels safe with Alex. Without any connection to the outside world, Jade starts to feel free for the first time. She doesn’t feel caged even though she’s been kidnapped. Their intense chemistry sizzled on page and their emotional journey gave me all the feels. The unorthodox start to their relationship worked so well because she found freedom for the first time in the most unlikely place. Their connection and chemistry had me captivated from the beginning. Alex stole my heart with how sweet he is…..but that mouth? How can he be so sweet and talk so dirty? Jade is funny, stubborn, and a complete menace at times for Alex. Seeing her go from feeling trapped to finaly taking control of her life was so satisfying. Alex is this huge muscular criminal who can be ruthless but also so gentle, making me love him even more. These two go through it, the heartbreak and loss, had me in a chokehold. Just when Jade thought it was all over for her and Alex, she found the strength to keep fighting. My heart was ripped out, broken into pieces, and then stomped on by the shocking moments and plot twists. The combination of Jade’s spitfire attitudes and Alex’s dark broodiness not only balance each other, but clashed to make explosive fireworks.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 4
Engaging: 4
Character: 5

Thank you R. Alexander for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Real monsters are deceiving. And you don’t seem to be. They also don’t get high with their captives.”

“What a great evening—Jade was in my embrace, and we were about to f_€k shit up.”

“Do you realize how easily you wrapped me around your finger?”
“Yes, fine, I kidnapped you and yes, you think it’s f_€ked up, but now… now I just want you to choose me. Despite that. Despite everything.”

“I was f_€king in love with the woman I kidnapped. I was in love with the woman who bit me, spat at me, taunted me, and worked hard every day to put me behind bars.”

“I looked into his eyes—his tender, gentle eyes—and realized Alex wasn’t just a thief. He was a k!ller too. And he was mine.”

“Eyes on me, Malyshka.” I shot my eyes open just as he slammed inside me—this time harder. All that slow and agonizing energy was gone, it was just the lust in his eyes, and the echo of our act in the room. This wasn’t a f_€k. This was a claim.”

“I adore you. I’m obsessed with you.” Jade sighed into me, her eyes so pure. “I stayed alive… just to have you beside me again.” She nodded slowly, holding back tears. “But I’m going to f_€k you like I feel none of that, okay?”

[Talitha de Vries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I liked Alex, I can't help but think of him as a puppy with a gun, and I'm not sure he really screams Bratva to me. Neither does the book, really. It's more Bratva-adjacent.

I did like the interaction between Jade and Alex from the start. There's some immediate attraction, though too soon for me to consider it Stockholm Syndrome. Their situations are quite similar. They both have psychotic exes who stalk them. What are the odds? Jade's ex in particular is a piece of work, made even worse by her own father, since their views on women are incredibly misogynistic. So there is definitely some trauma to unpack.

What I really loved about this book is chapter sixteen. I won't tell you what happens, just that I found it quite unique and healing. Perhaps also a little quick. Speaking of healing, Jade seems to do that rather fast in general, and I'm not sure I can relate to that.

Again, I fear Alex may have been made a little too likable for what he is. In the end, he kills people without a care. Not that we actually see much of it. It felt a little like the author was afraid readers wouldn't like Alex unless every questionable action was balanced out by a kind-hearted reason. However, I do like the way he treats Jade.

I'm still not sure what to think of the ending and the way they solved their problems. Was that really the only solution?

Now, there are a few things that bothered me that might spoil parts of the story. So if you want to stay spoiler-free, stop reading here.

Jade's ex is a rich luxury car dealer, and then she makes a point of saying that she's never even seen an Aston Martin before when she's sitting in her kidnapper's car, completely taken in by the luxury interior. It’s like she’s never seen a luxury car before and it just does not add up.
I also don't think it's very smart to take the woman you kidnapped shopping. Also, sign me up if being kidnapped means staying in a nice beach house with security, someone doing my grocery shopping, and complete beach access. As long as I can add books to the shopping list.

There was a lot of emphasis on Jade needing Alex to be delicate because of what she'd been through, but other than that one healing scene, she went straight to wanting it rough and saying "go harder, I can take it." I almost got whiplash.

At first I thought: how does stealing cars suddenly make you Bratva? Later it's explained as a branch within the Bratva with a certain degree of autonomy, which helped. But at the beginning we’re told that Alex started young with Andrei and moved to the US, while later it's revealed that Alex's father was the head of the Miami chapter, a drug dealer, and Bratva. How does that line up? Did his father leave him behind in Russia? But then later on did care about him enough to leave him his castle?

More importantly. Did Alex and Andrei restart their business, or is Alex just a pornstar now alongside Jade and their OnlyFans account? It's one of the reasons why this felt more Bratva-adjacent than actual Bratva to me.

However, it was still an enjoyable read. For me personally, though, it was more of an in-between book.

[Sónia Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

First of all, thank you R. Alexander for this ARC!

This is the third book in the Bratva Sinners series and follows Alex and Jade.

TROPES
• Dual POV
• Bratva
• Bad Boy x Good Girl
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Age gap (34/26)
• He k*dnaps her
• Hurt/Confort
• Witty banter
• Who did this?
• Pierced MMC
• Forbidden love
• Obsessed MMC
• Ride or die FMC
• Forced Proximity

I loved the two other books in the series, and I must say, I had high expectations for this one.
And it didn't disappoint!
An incredible and emotional book that has, undoubtedly, become my favorite in the series.

It all begins when Alex and his partner (Andrei), bratva car thieves, decide to kidnap Jade (who is the daughter of the US Attorney who’s trying to arrest them) and use her as leverage, so that her father drops the case and they leave unscathed. Kidnapping isn't exactly Alex's area of expertise, and it can turn into a total disaster. What he didn't expect was to become obsessed with the daughter of his greatest enemy… 😏

He thinks she's a feisty little brat, and she sees him as an unscrupulous criminal. But they couldn't be more wrong, could they? As time goes by, Alex discovers things about Jade’s past that makes him obsessively protective of her, and wants nothing more than to avenge her; and Jade realizes that beneath the cold criminal persona, there's an Alex capable of healing the bruises that no one else sees.

Perhaps, this plan wasn't the worst thing that happened to both of them… 🤭

They try to deny the feelings that they have for each other, but at some point, it’s inevitable. They ARE inevitable. She’s no longer his captive and becomes his most precious possession, and he’s no longer her captor and becomes her freedom.

I just loved Alex and Jade so much! They are perfect for each other, and the connection between them is simply otherworldly. It's raw, it's intense, it's pure. What they're willing to do to protect each other, my God...
Besides the romantic relationship, I feel that I have to mention the relationship between Alex and Andrei: always bickering with each other, but incapable of living without one another. True brothers ❤ It was a blast reading them 😁 Olga, Andrei's wife, is the badass who keeps them in their place, I just loved her! She immediately connected with Jena, and they became very good friends. And Gianna? My God, how insufferable 🙄😂

R. Alexander has a type of writing that makes it difficult to put the book down. It was the book I've enjoyed the most so far, and the spice is simply divine, just as R. Alexander has accustomed us to.
The book was perfect, got me completely hooked and everyone got the ending they deserved. Well, maybe not Jade's father 😅 I guess I wanted a little bit more for him, considering his behavior towards Jade. Besides that, simply AMAZING!


I can't wait to read more from R. Alexander!

[Melody Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Rating: 5/5
🌶Spice: 4/5
🔥Kink: 2.5/5
(Praise, brat, mirrors/reflections, spicy movies, mild: power exchange, “stalking”/cameras, Daddy, impact, toys)

Tropes:
💚 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🌊 Captor x Captive
💚 Forced Proximity
🌊 Russian Mafia
💚 Hurt/Comfort
🌊 Forbidden Love
💚 Banter
🌊 Who did this to you?

Bonus: Spicy Microtropes
🌶 "It'll fit"
🌶 He loves to eat
🌶 Talks her through it
🌶 Praise
🌶 "Mine"
🌶 They make spicy movies

(ARC received in exchange for an honest review)

☆Summary☆
R. Alexander knows exactly what this genre needs and delivers it without any filler. There is no manufactured miscommunication or third-act breakup, just two people circling each other under real external stakes, while questioning their loyalties and priorities.

☆The MMC☆
Alex is a professional thief. He knows who he is and what he's good at. He's deliberate, always focused on the mission, and he doesn't make mistakes.
Until Jade.
His world slowly unravels because of her and it's so subtle that he doesn't even realize it until it's too late. Suddenly, it's no longer just about the criminal empire or taking down his enemies, because he would abandon all of it—for her.

☆The FMC☆
Jade is bratty in the best way. She gives him exactly as much attitude as he earns.
And, without spoiling anything, she's carrying real trauma and history with people who were supposed to protect her. It colors everything she does in such a painful and beautiful way, including how she stands up for herself. She is done with everyone's shit and refuses to be a victim again.
Her journey of self-discovery and trauma recovery is definitely a highlight of the book.

☆Pros☆
💚Jade's healing journey was achingly beautiful and I loved that it wasn't “love/sex/the-right-man fixes everything”. Jade was completely capable of healing on her own and already on her way there—Alex only encouraged it, gave her space, and let her “use him” to re-learn experiences in a positive way and take back her power.
💚Alex was a consent king. Even when he was obsessed and possessive, he was always so protective of her autonomy and consent. This can be such a difficult tightrope for authors to walk, but it was done so well.
💚 There were abusive exes for both MCs and they were abusive in different ways. I really enjoyed the dichotomy of both of these aspects, and that the MMC had an abusive ex in general, since usually it's just the FMC.
💚External stakes, plot, and twists. Wow. I have no words. Especially without spoiling it. I was enraptured during the first half and on the edge of my seat for the second half. There is the perfect mix of tense, angsty moments and sweet, lovely ebbs.
💚Jade's reaction to trauma and how it changes her avoided some of the common stereotypes I read, and provided an uncommon but still very realistic take on how people are affected by bad situations. I always love reading that, especially as someone with a less stereotypical response to trauma.

🐍No true OWD/OMD (there are exes that cause problems, but neither MC is interested or involved with them)
🐍No miscommunication
🐍No third act breakup

☆Cons☆
I seriously cannot think of any.
If you look at my profile, you'll see that I'm honest when I don't like something. I always try to point out the positives, but I'm not going to mince words on what doesn't work or what disappointed me. My fellow readers deserve to be fully informed and thus deserve the full breadth of my opinion.
Genuinely, I could not find anything that bothered or disappointed me in this novel.

[Eleanorsbookishthings · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ This book gave me a fresh take on a captive x captor romance that I haven’t read before. The writing style was easy to read, perfectly paced, gripping, and conveyed so much emotions. It was a roller coaster ride but in the best way. I enjoyed all the funny banter, the more serious moments, the great spice and even the heartbreaking moments. It’s a complex journey but it’s written in way that makes it easy to follow and sucks you in. I was very invested in the storyline and in particular the revenge that I needed to happen and the moments that left me in tears. There were unexpected moments and the twists really got me in the end.

I loved Jade’s character, she is such a strong woman who has been through so much. Her backstory was heartbreaking but she doesn’t let it define her. She fights back throughout and is so feisty. I loved the banter that she and Alex share. But she is also very intelligent and able to manipulate and comes up with some well thought out plans. She just has this quality about her that makes you love her, she is so caring but has problems trusting people.

I absolutely loved Alex, he is everything I love in a MMC, especially in a dark romance. He is strong, big and handsome but he also has this sweet side. He takes care of Jade in a way that no one else ever has. It’s the little things that he does that I loved so much. He will do absolutely anything for her. But also Alex was Jade’s personal hype person, he doesn’t allow her to think she is anything less than perfect. My favorite part is her saying she is too much but he says then be too much.

I loved Alex and Jade as individuals but also as a couple. They just have this pull towards each other and the sexual tension between them was amazing. They do have a bit of insta-love but I truly didn’t mind because of the way it was written and I feel like they truly are perfect for each other. I enjoyed the side characters as well and the different relationships and dynamics it added to the storyline. But also there are characters that I hate so much but you are meant to hate them.

This is the third book in the Bratva Sinner’s Series and can be read out of order, which is what I did, this is the first book I’m reading from the series but I’m very excited to read the first two books and continue on in the series.

If you’re looking for a dark mafia romance with forbidden love, captor x captive, forced proximity, witty banter, hurt/comfort, who did this to you with some great spice and an emotional journey then I think you will love this book as much as I did. But please read the trigger warnings before you read.

[Bitzreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC copy of this book, however all views are my own)

 (I received an ARC copy of this book, all views are my own)

I knew this was going to be a good book, just based on my skim read of the blurb and I was 100% right! 

This book revolves around some thieves (shocker) who kidnap the daughter of their enemy, in the hopes of using her as a pawn. However things are not quite as they seem and don’t quite go to plan (do they ever?).  

First we meet Alex the MMC he is hot and unhinged and well pretty perfect in every way as you would expect. I really liked him immediately, you never really knew what he was going to do next, Then there is Jade and she pretty much matches him, again immediately loved her, she is feisty and can for the most part hold her own. They both have baggage and they just work in every way, they fit perfectly together and the spice was definitely spicy, not repetitive, without being too much or too little. 

The rest of the characters were interesting. I loved Alex's partner, Andrei, he and Alex bounced off each other really well. The villains were all well written and my anger towards them defiantly felt real. There were some really real moments where you just were pulled into the main characters emotions and especially Jades and I may have shed a tear or two. That said the book is also really funny in parts and there are a lot of amusing antics to be had. As well as some anger, disgust, heartbreak and some lovely warm and tender times. (So a mix bag of everything) With some good tension thrown in for fun. 

The story itself was engaging and I couldn’t stop reading wanting to see what would happen next and if life wasn’t in the way I could have sat and read this in one sitting during a day. I was apprehensive about it being part of a series, even if an author saying it can be a standalone. However I think this one does fit that description having not read the other books, I don’t think I missed anything important and now I have books to look forward to going back to read. 


A recommended read for anyone who likes dark romance even romcom types although this leans more serious than an actual romcom, but there are elements of that. Also if you like mafia, while there isn't a huge amount of that mentioned (I think there is in the other books) I would still recommend.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Alex and Jade's story for a long time… One thing R. Alexander does incredibly well is build anticipation. Ever since Alex was introduced, I've been impatiently waiting for his book, and he didn't disappoint. My kind of MMC. Having read the two previous books in this series, I found him sweeter and less obsessive than the MMCs in those books, and I loved him for that. He's so sweet! And Jade is a badass. Who could have imagined that being kidnapped would be her path to freedom? That's a weird stroke of good luck, if you ask me. I loved how it started. I loved how she fought back at first. I loved how they stood against each other, never backing down. The first part of this book was surprisingly sweet and had me cheering for Jade after the life she'd endured with her strict father and abusive boyfriend. The tension between them is burning, and there wasn't a dull moment in this book. And the opening sentence is one of the funniest, smartest things I've ever read: "I was about to pop my kidnapping cherry. I'd popped all the cherries already. Death. Torture. Theft. I'd done it all [...] but I’d never kidnapped anyone before." That should give you a pretty good idea of the book's vibes. Even the chapter titles were amazing.

Their chemistry was instant, their banter was fantastic, and Alex fights his feelings while slowly becoming completely obsessed with Jade. She challenged him, pushed back when necessary, until she fell hard for him! And she changed sides, doing something for herself for once: choosing. Alex is possessive, protective, stubborn, and willing to burn down the world for the woman he loves, and he does, in a sense. He never stood a chance once Jade entered his life.

This book had tension, humor, witty banter, recklessness, emotional moments, twists, danger, spice, and characters I genuinely cared about. I felt their pain, especially during the moments when grief, fear, and love became almost impossible to separate... I loved seeing familiar faces from the previous books, the plot kept me engaged, and somehow those 500 pages flew by.

R. Alexander continues to prove she's one of the best dark romance writers out there and one of my personal favorites. I can't wait to see what she has planned next. Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Jade... where do I even begin? This book completely consumed me. What started as "just one more chapter" quickly turned into me sacrificing an entire night's sleep because I simply could not put it down. From the very first page, I was hooked on their story, their chemistry, and the emotional roller coaster they took me on.
Alex is everything I love in a dark romance hero—dangerous, possessive, obsessive, and fiercely protective. As a Bratva enforcer and car thief, he should have been impossible to love, yet he completely stole my heart. The lengths he goes to for Jade are breathtaking. He would destroy anyone who hurts her, yet he's incredibly gentle and reassuring with the woman he loves. Watching him slowly tear down the walls he'd spent years building was one of my favorite parts of the story. His vulnerability and devotion made him impossible not to swoon over. And that ending? Let's just say fellow kink lovers will be incredibly satifised.
Jade was equally captivating. After everything she endures at the hands of the people who should have loved and protected her, it was impossible not to root for her happiness. She starts as a woman trapped by her circumstances but grows into someone fierce, determined, and unwilling to let anyone control her future. What I loved most was that she never allowed Alex's larger-than-life personality to overshadow her. She challenged him, stood up for herself, and fought for her freedom every step of the way. Her final stand against her father and toxic ex was so validating for her character.
Together, Alex and Jade were magnetic. Beneath the obsession, possessiveness, and scorching chemistry was a relationship built on trust, growth, healing, and vulnerability. Every argument, sacrifice, and tender moment felt larger than life because both characters had to fight for their happily ever after.
The supporting cast was fantastic as well. Andrei brought humor, comfort and warmth to the heavier moments, while Roman's appearance had me immediately desperate for his story.
More than anything, this book made me feel. It made me laugh, cry, rage, swoon, and completely lose myself in Alex and Jade's world. Their pain felt real, their victories felt earned, and their love story stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Some books entertain you; this one left a lasting mark on my heart.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE THIEF’S CAPTIVE is the third instalment in R. Alexander’s contemporary, adult BRATVA SINNERS dark, erotic, Bratva romance series. This is thirty-four year old Bratva businessman Alex ‘Sasha’ Martinov, and twenty-six year old, US attorney Jade Moretti’s story line. THE THIEF’S CAPTIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive reads.

Told from three first person perspectives (Alex, Jade, Roman) THE THIEF’S CAPTIVE follows in the wake of the abduction of US Attorney Jade Moretti. Jade’s father and fellow US attorney have been investigation a group they named the Nightcrawlers, a tight knit Bratva organization. Determined to use Jade as leverage against her father, Alex finds himself falling for a woman who could destroy his life but as the days and weeks pass, Jade finds herself sympathizing with the man her father is targeting, a man whose life is about to spiral out of control.

The world building is detailed and complex as Jade reveals the darkness that is her past, a past that refuses to let go. Betrayed by the people she loved, left to suffer at the hands of the man her father had chosen. Alex Martinov is determined to take down the US attorney but never expected to fall in love with the woman at the center of it all.

The relationship between Jade and Alex begins as an abduction but quickly turns into something more. Jade refuses to back down, and Alex finds himself falling for our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.

The colorful and desperate secondary and supporting characters including Roman and Isla (Destined for the Devil 2) , Andrei and Olga Pavlov, Jade’s, ex boyfriend Xavier Knox, Alex’s ex Gianna, and Jade’s father US attorney Sebastian Moretti. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE THIEF’S CAPTIVE is a slow building and intricate story of power, abuse and control; betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family values, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, edgy and gritty; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate, determined and dangerous.

copy supplied for review

[Debra Ludlow-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh.. R. Alexander just loves to give us characters to love and hate and it worked so very well this book! I LOVED this book so so much and some of the chapters had me kicking my feet and giggling and others I was growling. Like I genuinely had a stupid grin on my face for half of it and then spent the other half suffering because these characters put me THROUGH IT… and I just know R. Alexander was loving the whole thing!

And Alex??? Don't even get me started. This man is a danger to us all in the best way. An absolute disaster when it comes to handling his women. A walking red flag who soon became my favorite colour and addiction only a few chapters in. I fell so hard for him and proceeded to eat up every single word on the pages.. because mannnn.. his just so good!
Now Jade? My girl.. the chaotic little menace and brat . I adored her. She's funny, stubborn, fearless and never lets anyone get away with anything… she gives Alex a real run and makes him work.
The way she and Alex constantly push each other's buttons was one of my favorite parts of the entire book… certain chapters involving climbing being my favourite! (Read and your know!)
Their chemistry was ridiculous. Oh and their banter? Amazing! The tension between them? Had me kicking my feet. Then the emotional yearning and heartbreaking moments? So RUDE… but I wouldn’t change a thing! And the spice? Oh yessssss!
What I love about R. Alexander's books is that her bratva men aren't just hot and scary. They're messy and they're obsessed and so complicated… and I want them all! She makes you feel every bit of their story as I read. I got so invested in these two that every struggle felt like a personal attack on ME and by the end I was sitting there like 🥹❤️😭😩🫠🥵 feeling all the emotions!
No spoilers but if you love bratva romance, intense chemistry, characters with actual personalities and a couple that will have you rooting for them with your whole chest and side characters that grab you just as much, then read this immediately, and all her other books!
I actually miss these characters now I finished. Thanks, R. Alexander. Again for bringing out the feral and the emotion. 🖤🖤🖤

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you R. Alexander for sending me this e-ARC 🖤 All opinions are my own.

I’m going to start this off by saying I did not read the first two books of this interconnected standalone series.
Book 1- Tsar’s Obsession
I read the synopsis while reading TC and it just didn’t catch my interest.
Book 2- Destined for the Devil
I read the synopsis and was curious about this one but after reading some of the reviews I changed my mind. Maybe I’ll consider reading book 4 if the author decides to continue the Bratva Sinner series.

To be honest, going into this I expected it to be heavy on the mafia aspect. However, I didn’t really feel like I was thrown into that world. MMC Alex kind of explains why at some point but I’m just letting other readers know that the first half of the story is more about FMC Jade and Alex. Don’t get me wrong, shit goes down and it gets pretty messy in the second half. (Did this really need to be nearly 500 pages? 😮‍💨 I mean the story was good, the spice was great, and I definitely cried at some point but damn, this was lengthy). As always, I love a dual POV. We get insight from Alex and Jade mostly every other chapter, and a surprise one chapter POV from another character. Unfortunately I can’t give anything away about the ending but I definitely could have gone without the epilogue 😬 I just wasn’t vibing with it. I would still recommend this book, the tension and banter was hot and I LOVED how hard and fast Alex fell for Jade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

She was a nightmare. A brat, a heathen, a pain in my ass, and a splinter in my brain. And I bit down on my lip instead of admitting to myself that I didn’t hate it. I didn’t hate her smart mouth and the way she didn’t back down.

“Eyes on me, Malyshka.”
😫AAAAAAAHHHHHH😫

What did I do before she came into my life? Where did I spend my time if not with her? What did I think about if not her?

Every minute with her was drowning the black void still inside me. The sound of her voice, the feel of her skin, the look in her eyes—it was healing…

[Novellaworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me crying, fanning myself, heartbroken, furious, and kicking my feet all in the space of a few chapters… and I’d happily do it all again.

First of all, thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC of this book because wow… I was hooked from the very first chapter and did not want to put it down.

The second I got that DM asking if I’d be interested in reading a Bratva dark romance, I was already sold. And Alex Martinov? Absolutely obsessed. He’s dangerous, possessive, fiercely protective, and willing to burn the world down for the woman he loves. Beneath all that Bratva toughness is a man who would do anything to keep Jade safe, and I ate up every single moment of it.

Jade’s journey completely stole my heart. Watching her go from feeling trapped by the people who were supposed to love and protect her to finally taking control of her own life was incredibly satisfying. She was strong, resilient, and impossible not to root for.

The chemistry between Alex and Jade was addictive. The banter had me crying with laughter one minute and fanning myself the next. This book put me through every emotion possible—I was smiling, swooning, heartbroken, angry, stressed, and cheering them on. It was an absolute rollercoaster and I loved every second of it. The tension, the forced proximity, the hurt/comfort moments, the possessiveness… it all hit perfectly.

And chapter 16? Yeah… that’s the chapter that sealed the deal for me.

This story had me feeling everything from heartbreak to hope. Seeing Jade finally get the freedom she deserved and Alex get his happily ever after with her made every page worth it. Their journey wasn’t easy, but that’s what made their ending feel so rewarding.

If you love Bratva romance, forced proximity, protective morally-grey heroes, witty banter, and a love story that burns bright in the darkness, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Thief’s Captive was an easy, engaging read that kept me turning the pages, even when I found myself questioning some of the plot choices.

The story begins with Alex kidnapping Jade, the daughter of a U.S. Attorney who has been investigating Alex and Andrei’s business dealings. Both main characters are carrying baggage from toxic exes, and while there is undeniable chemistry between Alex and Jade, their relationship definitely falls into the insta-love category. That said, I enjoyed their banter in the beginning, and as a couple they were genuinely likeable, even if they made some strange decisions throughout the story.

Jade’s character was shaped by the emotional damage caused by her manipulative ex and her misogynistic father, which made it easy to sympathise with her. Alex was probably my favourite part of the book. He was sweet, attentive, obsessive in all the right romance-hero ways, and completely devoted to Jade. However, he didn’t really give off the typical Bratva vibe. A true Bratva enforcer would likely have dealt with his delusional ex much more decisively rather than continually trying to manage the situation and failing.

My biggest issue was the length. The story felt longer than necessary, which led to some skimming. There were also a few plot points that felt inconsistent. Early on, the reader is led to believe that Alex and Andrei came to the U.S. alone, only for it to later be revealed that Alex’s father was a high-ranking figure involved in the Bratva and drug trade. It felt like an afterthought that was added later rather than something planned from the start. The OnlyFans storyline near the end also felt over-the-top and a step too far for me.

Overall, this was a very readable and entertaining romance, but readers looking for a more authentic Bratva mafia story may find it differs from the usual genre expectations.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Khou Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author but all reviews are my honest thoughts.

Prepare you tissues, because the author puts us through it! This was an emotional roller-coaster for sure!

We have Jade, whos daughter to the US Attorney in Florida. And then we have Alexander, morally gray man and criminal. Jade's father has been trying to find Alex and his partner Andrei, and bring them down. When he gets to close to finding out who they are, Alex and Andrei come up with a plan to kidnap Jade and use her as leverage. What they didn't expect? Jade being an unhinged brat. She does not go down without a fight and has a mouth to back up her attitude. Alex had three rules. Do not touch her. Do not think about her. Do not fall in love. But when he realizes that Jade is not who she thought he was, can he follow his rules? Or will be break them all for her?

First, Jade Moretti is THAT girl. She is sassy, smart, and strong. My girl knew how to push Alex's buttons. Alex is such a green flag morally gray man (yes, that's a thing). He made idle threats, but my man is all about consent and not hurting women. I love how he slowly sees Jade for who she really is, and help her through it. *cough (Insert spicy picture). The way they fell hard for each other after only a little while in each other's proximity was amazing! Their emotional and physical connections were off the charts!

Now let's get to the plot. Oh, the plot!!!! I will say one thing. Prepare your tissues! Without spoiling anything, we have OWD/OMD, yearning, loss, and so much spice. I was swooning, then crying, then raging, and back to crying and swooning. This book put me through the ringer! I have personal beef with the author for making me cry so hard. But it was so worth it in the end. There were a few moments I had to put the book down, because I was scared of what was happening next. If you get to that part, keep going because it's so worth it at the end.

Basically, you don't want to miss out on this book! 5 stars, it was amazing, and I will fight anyone on this!

[Stephie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Bratva men! Thank you to R. Alexander for allowing me to ARC read this amazing book. The Thief's Captive is a dual POV Bratva Romance and is the third book in the Bratva Sinners Series. It follows Alex, who in an effort to keep himself and his business partner out of jail, kidnaps the US Attorney General's daughter, Jade, the Attorney General's daughter who turns Alex's world upside down.

I love Alex and Jade and their relationship. I love how fiesty and strong Jade was, even with her arms zip tied behind her and a bag over her head. She always has something to say to put Alex in his place. I loved how their relationship progressed, with little touches and glances that got bolder as their feelings for each other grew. Jade's backstory was quite relatable, especially escaping from an abusive relationship and running away from her father's plans. When she states that her freedom was just an illusion, I felt that deep inside. Xavier was a true villain, I hated him and he deserved everything. I loved Andrei and Olga and wish we could learn more of their backstory. Their love for each other was deep and fierce. And we got a cameo from Roman! We love a Daddy Roman cameo anywhere. R did a great job showing us the emotions that ran deep through this book and building the relationships between the characters.

I am completely in love with this series and can't wait for the next Bratva man to grace my e-reader!

5 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “Be the unhinged and beautiful chaos that you are, Jade”
Read this if you like: Bratva romance, bad boy x good girl, forbidden love, forced proximity, HEA, hurt/comfort, kidnapping, tattooed MMC, who did this?, witty banter
F*ck appears: 712 timed
Spicy chapters: 16, 22, 24, 27, 33, 37, 50, 53

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review

I went into The Thief's Captive expecting a typical captor/captive romance, but it ended up being so much more emotional than I was prepared for. There were so many moments where I caught myself smiling at the banter, stressing over the characters and then getting hit with scenes that actually hurt. Jade was such an easy FMC to root for. She's been through so much, but she's never weak. I loved how stubborn and sarcastic she was and she always stood her ground even when everything was stacked against her. Watching her slowly let her guard down without losing who she was made me love her even more.

Alex... yeah, I get the hype. He has that intimidating, dangerous energy, but then he'll turn around and do the sweetest things without making a big deal about it. He's protective without completely taking away Jade's independence and I loved how much he believed in her even when she didn't believe in herself. The chemistry between them was SO good. The tension, the banter, the little moments... it all felt natural and I was rooting for them way earlier than I expected.

The plot kept surprising me too. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, something happened that made me question everything. There were a few twists I genuinely didn't see coming, and the emotional scenes hit way harder than I expected. I definitely got attached to the side characters too, which always makes a story better for me.

If you're into dark mafia romance with captor x captive, forced proximity, protective MMC energy, witty banter, emotional moments and plenty of tension. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings first because this book doesn't hold back.

Go read and let me know your thoughts below.

XoXo

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I was a thief, and she was my biggest score.”

This Bratva romance hits with layered danger and emotional wreckage. Jade has spent years helping her father hunt the Night Crawlers, they have been closing in on them but haven’t taken them down. When they kidnap her, she still doesn’t know who they are, not until the truth drops like a match in gasoline and everything she thought she understood about the world burns.

Jade is fierce, sassy, and impossible to intimidate. Alex falls for her the moment she bites him, a moment that flips their captor/captive dynamic into something volatile and magnetic. He’s supposed to use her, leverage her, break her. Instead, he becomes obsessed in a way that feels raw and human; he can’t eat without her nearby, can’t sleep unless he knows she’s safe, can’t think straight unless she’s close enough to anchor him.

“Jade was a whole universe, and I wanted all of it. But not by force. Not this time. Not ever with her.”

Both of them drag their pasts into the fire. Jade’s abusive ex Xavier still haunts her, and Alex’s chaotic ex Gianna is a storm waiting to strike. Their ghosts make the tension sharper, the danger thicker, and the emotional stakes brutal.

The suspense is relentless, so many secrets, betrayals, and the slow, devastating reveal that Jade has been part of a much bigger plan than she ever realized. The emotional beats land hard, and the connection between Jade and Alex grows out of fear, defiance, and the fragile trust that forms when two broken people collide.

The Thief’s Captive is dark, tragic, and addictive. A Bratva romance where enemies become something far more complicated, and obsession becomes the only thing keeping them alive.

A huge thank you to R. Alexander for the early copy!!

[Dianisse Marrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book had me completely hooked from the very first page, and I honestly loved every single second of it. What started as a dangerous kidnapping plot quickly transformed into something so much deeper, more emotional, and completely impossible to put down. Alex and Jade consumed my thoughts while I was reading. Their chemistry was explosive, their banter was perfect, and watching two people who should have been enemies slowly become each other's safe place was everything I could ever want and more.

What truly made this story unforgettable was the way it balanced darkness with tenderness. Beneath the Bratva drama, the danger, and the obsession was a deeply emotional story about healing, trust, and finding freedom in the most unexpected place. Jade's journey broke my heart, and Alex's fierce devotion had me swooning one moment and tearing up the next. Their love was intense, messy, protective, and beautiful in a way that felt completely consuming.

And that ending... I'm still not over it. I cried, and somehow those tears only made me love the book even more. It was emotional, satisfying, and wrapped up their story in such a perfect way that I just sat there staring at the last page with a full heart. Only a few books manage to make me laugh, ache, swoon, and cry all at once, but this one delivered every emotion imaginable. If you're looking for a dark romance with unforgettable characters, incredible chemistry, and an ending that will leave you emotional in the best possible way, this book is an absolute five-star read. I would happily love to read it for the first time all over again.

[BookishAlexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐️

Wowww, what a ride!

This book was a rollercoaster of nerves, happiness, anger, murderous thoughts, spicyyy fun, and an action-filled plot from start to finish. I absolutely devoured this book!

“I was about to pop my kidnapping cherry”

I am completely and utterly in love with Alex and Jade. Can you call a kidnapping a meet-cute? No? Well, I don’t care, cause that’s what this was. From start to finish, there was so much tension, yearning and sexual chemistry between them, I literally thought I would explode.

ALEX, you gorgeous man, you are coming for Romans’ daddy title, I know it! The tender moments and caring side of Alex is what really got me. It was so beautiful to watch, and one specific scene in the book almost made me melt to the floor. And Jade, you strong and beautiful angel! The shit you have seen and experienced literally cracked my heart open and left only crumbs. I wanna burn the world down for you right alongside your fine specimen of a man, Alex.

“I’m too much”. “Then be too much. Be the unhinged and beautiful chaos that you are, Jade”

One of my favourite parts of the book was the banter between Alex and Jade. It was absolutely top-tier, and I was laughing like a crazy person on multiple occasions. And Jade was so fierce and spunky, it was absolutely hilarious to watch their back-and-forth banter.

“The only crime here is your never-ending commentary”. “Well… you’d be well-versed in crimes, kidnapper, wouldn’t you?”

“Want to come over for dinner? You’ll get the zip ties?”

The book was also very well-written! It had such a good balance of conversations and inner monologues that really got me, and I could fully picture the characters, settings, and events in my head. I was fully immersed in the story.

Nowww, tears being shed and heart palpitations are a given with this book, whether it’s due to fear, happiness, or anger, or all of the above. After reading this book, I have so many people I would put on my hit list!!!

I may NEVER recover from this one! My head is exploding right now and I have so many questions and thoughts. I NEED the next book like right now before I loose my shit!!!

Overall, this book was an absolute joy and a never-ending rollercoaster ride to read. I was wholly attached to the story, the characters, the plot, and the emotions it brought out of me. Absolutely fabulous book and writing!

If you enjoy these tropes…
✨ he kidnaps her
✨ forced proximity
✨ hurt/comfort
✨ Who did this to you?
✨ witty banter
+ a grocery list of spicy microtropes

… then you’ll love this book!

Thank you to the author, R Alexander, for the ARC.

[Claire Alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! I was completely hooked from the very beginning and found myself unable to put this book down.

The Female main character, Jade, was everything I love in a heroine — feisty, bratty in the best way, brave, and an absolute warrior. After everything she has endured, her strength, resilience, and determination really stood out. She faces so much but never loses the fire that makes her such a compelling character. The Male main character, Alex was the perfect dark and broody character; the kind of man who seems untouchable to everyone else but has a completely different side when it comes to her.

This captive dark romance had me rooting for characters I probably shouldn’t have been rooting for, and somehow had me looking past all those red flags that quickly started feeling very green.

Everything about this book was written so perfectly — the banter, the arguments, the tension, and the chemistry between the characters had me completely invested. Every interaction felt intentional and added another layer to their relationship. The push and pull between them was addictive, and I loved watching their dynamic unfold.

The story was filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the raw emotion throughout made it easy to connect with the characters and become invested in their journey. The chemistry, tension, and spice were next level and definitely added to the overall experience.

I loved this story and would highly recommend adding it to your TBR if you love dark romance, morally grey characters, intense chemistry, and a story that keeps you hooked until the very end.