Taking Charlotte: Vicious Kings Mafia: Book Two

by Haven Snow

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2026

Reviews

[Emmy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean it when I say the man was RESPECTFUL (at least towards the fmc). He truly was the sweetest mmc that Haven has written so far and I am loving it. The chemistry between the MCs is just chefs kiss and I enjoyed the plotline. She’s an “asset” that he needs to “extract information” from but they end up falling in love when he takes her away to protect her. Although there aren’t really any super surprising plot twists and the storyline is a litter drier than the first book, the character development was a major driving force. As the mmc comes to see himself as more than a killing machine and the fmc gains the courage to break down the sky high walls she’s been holding up because she’s been on the run since forever. They probably are the least controversial couple and I’m loving them. I can’t wait for what’s next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She survived monsters before him, which is why he never stood a chance

Charlotte is supposed to be a problem to contain, nothing more. She’s a witness with sharp instincts, a locked-down past, and just enough information to get herself killed. Claudio is supposed to question her, protect the family, and stay cold while he does it. Instead, forced proximity turns dangerous as suspicion, attraction, and control bleed into each other.

The deeper they get into the conspiracy around her, the less the danger feels distant. What begins as captivity shifts into something more personal as Charlotte realizes Claudio sees the parts of her she’s spent years burying, and Claudio finds himself unraveling over the one woman he can’t dismiss or walk away from. Their connection isn’t soft or simple. It’s tense, messy, sexual, and built in the space between fear and trust.

Charlotte starts in survival mode, guarded to the point of emotional starvation, but she slowly moves from withholding into someone who can claim her own desire, tell the truth about her past, and choose connection without giving herself up. Claudio begins as a controlled, emotionally sealed strategist who sees people in terms of threat and utility, then becomes more vulnerable, protective, and willing to let love matter. Their relationship shifts from suspicion into fierce trust, sexual safety, and hard-won intimacy, where being seen becomes as life-changing as being wanted.

A dark, ultra-steamy mafia romance about surviving violence without losing yourself, rebuilding identity after trauma, and discovering that love, trust, and being truly seen can feel almost as dangerous as the world closing in. It’s about a guarded woman, a morally gray protector, and the slow shift from fear and control to intimacy, loyalty, and a love that finally feels like choice.

The Elevator Pitch: A sharp, tightly controlled woman becomes the most dangerous loose end in a criminal war when she’s forced into the custody of a strategist who was built to erase problems, not fall for them. As suspicion turns into hunger and protection starts to look a lot like devotion, the space between captor and ally narrows into something far more intimate and volatile. What begins as survival becomes a battle over power, trust, and the terrifying risk of being fully seen by the one person capable of destroying everything.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Charlotte. She didn’t just jump out of the frying pan; she landed straight in the fire. For three years, she’s been running from a past she refuses to face, reinventing herself completely, even down to her name. But all it takes is one glance through a cracked door for her carefully constructed new life to come crashing down. In an instant, she trades one nightmare for another. This time, though, she’s not alone. When Claudio steps in, it’s far from an act of kindness. Charlotte holds the key to exposing a mole buried deep within their organization, one even more dangerous than Renzo from the previous book. Claudio needs what she knows, and he’s not about to let her out of his sight until she talks. But Charlotte understands the stakes just as well: the moment she gives up that information, she becomes expendable. So, she stays silent. However, even the heavily guarded Bonaccorso compound can’t guarantee her safety, and Claudio quickly realizes that standing still is the real danger. His solution is to spirit her away and keep moving. Together. On the road, with nowhere to hide from each other, the walls between them begin to crack. Charlotte slowly starts to trust the man beside her and that shift is what makes this story shine. I loved how layered her character felt. She’s fierce, resilient, and hardened by everything she’s endured, yet beneath that strength is the woman she used to be—vulnerable, frightened, and heartbreakingly human. No matter how hard she tries to bury that side, it refuses to stay hidden. Claudio, for his part, sees it all and doesn’t turn away. Like Charlotte, he’s a man of contradictions: both ruthless killer and devoted protector. And somehow, both sides of him belong to her. The tension never lets up, turning the story into a full-throttle race against time. Still, there are well-placed lighter moments, especially the interactions between Claudio and his twin, Emilio—that offer just enough breathing room before the next wave hits. Watching Charlotte finally confirm the identity of the mole brings a deeply satisfying sense of justice and a fleeting moment of peace. But while she may get to exhale, the same can’t be said for the Bonaccorso family. The storm is coming, and it’s going to be brutal. I, for one, cannot wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudio takes Charlotte from her apartment, where other hired men were trying to get to her. At first, she is his captive, but over time, he sees her as an asset rather than a threat, as she has Intel they can use, and so begins their slow-burning relationship.

The two MCs' chemistry was high and had some super steamy scenes! Charlotte was strong, confident and kept secrets hidden to survive. Claudio was determined, skilled and protective of those he cared about.

There is another rat within their organization, and he needs to figure out who it is before everything goes up in smoke. The story has a lot of mystery, suspense, twists, and action like the other books in this world, and it's fun to see them connecting.
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Claudio & Charlotte
Darkness: 2 out of 5 🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Series- : Book 2
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Obsessive, Dominant, and Protective MMC
*Enemies to Lovers
*Touch Her and ☠️
*Mafia
*Forced Proximity
*Slow Burn
*Who touched you
*He falls first
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Melissa Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte and Claudio's story

The playlist is amazing! Claudio and Charlotte’s (AKA Emma) story was freaking fantastic!!!! The fact that the Pineridge Resort was included in this story(if you know about The Pineridge Resort, then you know), awesome! The fact that little tidbits of The Silent and Westpoint Academy were included was also awesome!!!! (also if you know then, you know) Daniel is an absolute monster, no doubt about it, I hope he gets his. I was devastated when in chapter 18 Aurelio Bonaccorso announced that he had been battling Pancreatic cancer privately for 14 months. I understand and felt bad for him and for everyone that considered themselves to be his family. Aurelio transferring power to Leone until his daughter Dahlia returns, hit on a few different levels. The statement that family isn't blood, it's the people in the room, hit home, and is so true. Charlotte rebuilding her life in real time, with the help of Alexandra, while the Bonaccorso family rebuilds, and strengthens, if so real life awesome. Loved the little snippets into Savannah story, can't wait to read it!!!!

[bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudio is the human equivalent of a tactical manual, all quiet observation and calculated moves until Charlotte decides his rules don’t apply to her. It is refreshing to see an ice queen who actually has a backbone instead of just a bad attitude, making their forced proximity feel less like a trope and more like a psychological chess match. The burn is slow enough to cause physical discomfort, but the payoff avoids the usual flashy theatrics in favor of something more grounded and intense. While the plot follows a fairly predictable trajectory through the mafia underworld, the internal tension between a man who hates losing control and a woman who refuses to be controlled keeps the momentum steady. It lacks the jagged edges of the first book, yet the protective energy carries enough weight to make the commitment worthwhile.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte is working at a legal firm and overhears a conversation she shouldn’t have. She then finds ledgers that aren’t correct. This leads to an assassination attempt against her; Claudio saves her and takes her under his protection.

Claudio, the serious twin, the enforcer, saves Charlotte multiple times from multiple assassination attempts. He also realizes early on that she’s running from someone else.

The book is about building trust between the two; she realizes that she can trust Claudio. I loved the story weaving in the entire world that Haven has built in multiple series. Enjoyed the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SammyJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I say this every time I read one of Havens books but I can't wait for the next installment.

Claudio and Caroline's story was amazing. I really loved how Claudio could read her so well. How he understood her trauma with no words but what I loved most was how he made her see her own power. My only disappointment was that you didn't see him go handle her ex.

Him counting her vertebrae to ease her anxiety was the sweetest.

Her accepting him as is and understanding who he is and choosing him anyway knowing he is her safe space is so beautifully written.

I also loved the connection between Claudio and his twin.

Need the next installment ASAP!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Vicious Kings Mafia series and it is a gripping, emotionally charged romance that delivers a compelling mix of intensity, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. The story pulls you in quickly with its high-stakes premise and keeps you invested through layered characters and a relationship that evolves with both tension and depth. Snow excels at creating a charged atmosphere, balancing steamy moments with genuine emotional development that makes the connection between the leads feel earned. While a few plot points lean into familiar tropes, the strong pacing and powerful character dynamics elevate the story. Overall, it’s a captivating and satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in The Vicious Kings Mafia, and we jump right back into the action. It's fast-paced and easy to get into. The mafia world plot continues with a focus now on Claudio and Charlotte as the MCs. The push and pull and tension between them as the slow-burn build-up intensified was as delicious and the spicy scenes. She's no meek damsel, but his protector mode was HOT.

I really enjoy Haven Snow's writing style, and her take on the mafia genre kept me captivated with the morally-grey characters and their motives and the mystery/suspense riddled story.

Tropes:
• Grumpy x Ice Queen
• Forced Proximity
• Captive to Asset to Lover
• Touch Her and Die
• Morally Grey MMC
• Slow Burn
• He Falls First (Quietly)
• Who Did This to You
• Dual POV, First Person

Check TW

[Dark Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up because his dedication to her is so nice to read.

Charlotte is originally taken as an "asset" - but Claudio knows something's up when he sees the amount of interest his organization has in her compared to her supposed life. She's also completely in survival mode - not like the unassuming woman she's supposed to be.

Charlotte escaped a life of violence and abuse, only to end up captured by a man whose organization wants to use her. But Claudio's emotional connection to her turns that on its head - his strong dedication to her is the only thing that gets her to let her guard down and be vulnerable for him.

The tension, mystery, and chemistry are all great here. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Allicia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 4.5 ⭐
Spice 4 🌶️

Taking Charlotte is the second book in the Vicious Kings dark mafia romance series. This book continues the story from Taking Alexandra, so be sure to read that one first.

Claudio falls first and is determined to do everything he can to protect Charlotte. Charlotte is slow to trust and smart about how she handles things to best ensure her survival.

With the continuation of the main story line, the stakes continue to increase throughout Taking Charlotte and headed in to the third book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Charlotte is book 2 in the Vicious Kings Mafia series. This story follows Charlotte and Claudio and I absolutely loved Claudio's character. He is so respectful and patient. Charlotte starts off as his captive, but Claudio is determined to protect her and keep her safe.
I loved the chemistry between them and his protective nature. He is such a green flag. He knew Charlotte was hiding something from her past, but he never once forced her to tell him her secrets. He was so patient and considerate of her feelings through the entire thing.
I also love how the story line is building. Can't wait for the book in the series.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this! It's Claudio & Charlotte's story & it was a great one! She's been in hiding for a long time; unfortunately, she's surrounded by danger. She overheard some things she shouldn't have & he's tasked with extracting her for info. But he's not the only one after her. He was wonderful with her & he fell hard. But she keeps her info close to her chest & it takes a while for her to open up. When she does he finds out some things he wasn't expecting. I loved their chemistry & the spice was fantastic! Recommend this book & author!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Vicious Kings Mafia series. Can be read as a standalone.

'But I see him. And he sees me.
And that terrifies us both.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte aka Emma in a past life, has one problem, she's running from the bad men who capture her but her hero arrives just in time getting her & taking her back to the compound... He then makes her, his! Sooo romantic huh? That romance is another great tale of finding the one under circumstances that makes each of these characters work for their freedom. I have found that this series is getting better & better. I'm looking forward to the next book!!!

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte ended up in a situation that she didn’t see coming. Men were after her but Claudio got to her before they did. And instead of holding her captive he saw that she could benefit him. So he used her expertise. And soon the two started catching feelings for one another. I loved the chaos and danger in this story. Their connection and spice. This was an edge of my seat kind of mafia romance with the amount of depth and description. Loved the from the first page to the last.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book knocks the ball out of the ballpark that is for sure. Once I started reading Claudio and Charlotte's story I was hooked. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. I was glued to the edge of my seat. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Just know it is well worth the time to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Charlotte. She’s survived and created a lot of systems to keep herself together. And when things fall apart, she keeps using those systems to keep herself together while also learning to open herself up to someone. Claudio is somewhat similar in his obsessive behavior. They made a perfect couple and I enjoyed seeing more of Alexandra and Leone as well. Excited to see where the series goes as they try to take out The Silent.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte looked into the wrong file as a legal assistant and now shes in the middle of a war, when Claudio comes to take her, shes already being tailed by others, he was meant to get information but now he sees her more as an asset, and also as his. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book intertwines with the first one but you dont have to read book one to get it. I loved how this book kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I'm glad I was able to snag an arc copy of this book and it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read that from the moment that I started reading I was hooked. It moves along at a really great pace that makes for an enjoyable read. It has interesting and unique characters that you want to know and you cannot help but love. This book needs to be on your TBR list, there is no doubt about it.

[Rosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven, you did it again!!! I'm loving this series. Claudio and Charlotte, another page turner I couldn't resist. I love the balancing of all the characters in the book. I love how much the story is building, and I am HUNGRY for it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Vicious Kings Mafia series. I loved Claudio and Charlotte together. Their chemistry was scorching hot! The intense plot was suspenseful, dramatic, spicy and entertaining. This is an amazing series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as good as the first. He is the mafia enforcer, she is someone who saw something she shouldn't. They try to kill her he has to take her into hiding. It will take some time but it works out for them. There is a lot more to this story so you need to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im obsessed! This series gives me anxiety but I just can't stop. I flew through this in a day, still begging for more. I love Claudio and Charlotte although there were time when I just wanted to side eye Claudio. Get it together, man. 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful great book two that makes you want book three and for this to not end at all. This is such a good read. The characters are so well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting and interesting captive/captor mafia romance. The characters are strong and the plot is solid. I loved this story and can’t wait to see more in this series. I definitely recommend.

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Claudio takes Charlotte he has every intention of getting rid of her but discovers that he can't live without her. Loved this dark romantic suspenseful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an addition to this series!!!! I want more and I can't get enough of Havens stories!!!