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Craving His Captive

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He broke my chains, but he’s never going to set me free.

Caged by my family. Branded for sale. The Paganos are holding me prisoner, each day a countdown to the auction that will clear their debts.

Only one thing keeps me the stranger who visits in the dark. He never promises rescue, only offers moments of fleeting comfort.

Until the night he doesn’t just visit—he breaks my chains and steals me away. Out of one prison and straight into another.

Alik Valentin isn’t a hero. He is vengeance personified. My family stole something from his and the vicious heir to the Valentin Bratva won’t leave Chicago until he gets it back.

He'll do anything to reclaim what's his. That includes keeping me captive. Against my will. For as long as it takes—because if the leads in his search run dry, he might just bleed the answers from me.

The Russian and the Italian. We’re enemies from the moment I wake in Alik’s bed and he tells me I belong to him. We’re locked in a war of wills, a fight for our own lives—and a losing battle against an attraction that is as incendiary as it is impossible.

Because when the bullets stop flying and the smoke clears, the wounds we’ve inflicted will be the kind we can’t survive.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2026

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About the author

Jezebel Thorne

6 books4 followers
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Jezebel writes dark mafia romance that doesn't just haunt you—it claims you. She’s obsessed with the ruthless men who rule the underworld and the women who find their power in complete surrender. Drop your defenses. Give in. The Omertà Brotherhood is here.

Jez is an American living in the UK with her husband and two boys. When she’s not writing, she’s either washing someone’s football kit (aka soccer uniform) or trying to figure out—yet again—what to make for dinner.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Dozelina 666.
336 reviews10 followers
April 27, 2026
This one was… a bit of a mixed bag.

I thought book one was okay-ish, around a 3.5 rounded up, so I was curious to see how this one would go.

The setup is actually really good. Our MMC, Alik, “rescues” Serafina from her family, who had her imprisoned, tortured and basically waiting to be sold off. But let’s not be fooled, he’s not doing it out of kindness. Her family stole something from his, and he needs answers.

So yes… we get all the good tropes here:
enemies to lovers, forced proximity, captive situation, mafia drama, morally grey MMC, “touch her and die” energy, age gap, (not so) innocent heroine, and a LOT of spice.

And honestly? On paper, it sounds great.

But… here come my issues.

First of all, if I had a coin for every time I read “moya voitelnitsa”… I would be a rich bi*ch. I get it, we’re emphasizing that she’s strong and a survivor, but it was so repetitive it pulled me out of the story.

Then there’s the plot.

This is where things got messy for me. There are a lot of mafia players involved (from a lot of countries too, except the Irish... why let the Irish out..), but not enough proper background on them, so everything feels a bit surface level. At times I struggled to keep track on why things were happening.

Also… some things just didn’t make sense. Like how a mafia princess from such a powerful family (like Alik's) ends up in certain situations without better protection. It created quite a few plot holes that were hard to ignore.

That said, the chemistry is there, and if you’re here more for the dark romance and spice instead of the plot, you will probably enjoy it more than I did.

Overall, not a bad read, but definitely one where the execution didn’t fully live up to the potential.

⭐ 3 stars
Profile Image for Nonfictionally Yours.
120 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2026

I had such a fun time with craving his captive! I love love love dark mafia romance and this gave me almost everything I look for in a good mafia read. I loved how fierce sera was! She definitely wasn't like some usual mafia princesses who would only care about money and being perfect. She was portrayed as a girl who has an interest in sports and was definitely very feisty and had an attitude which I adored!! Alik was so perfect 🥹 he was everything I expected! I loved the plot of the book, the pacing was perfect for what I needed! I definitely see this being a very very loved mafia series!!

I do wish that I got to see more of the back stories for both of the MCs. It's mentioned that they both have a traumatic past and
it was briefly explained but I felt like it would've been nice to have gotten more detail into their pasts. One more thing was, at the end when the action picked up, it felt like we jumped from one thing to another without getting detail into how we got there or any POVs to add to the seriousness of the situation.

All in all I had such a great time with this! I think it's the perfect book to get you out of a reading slump🩷

Thank you so much to the author and netgalley for letting me read the early copy🩷
Profile Image for Mia C.
23 reviews
May 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Every Rose Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC.
The first half of this book sucked me in! I thought it was so good I could not put it down…but the second half ? There is a line saying “I don’t know why or how or when I came to the realization”, and that is exactly how I felt the second half. I didn’t know how or why things were happening? There were name drops I couldn’t keep track of, plot-holes needing a little more development. I was wanting more character development and deeper character dynamics; a lot of the big events felt surface level. I did see that this book was published while I had the arc and saw that the final copy had 30ish more pages than the ARC and I am hoping some of those plot-holes were filled!
Profile Image for Laura kittinger.
46 reviews
April 26, 2026
I finished this book so quick. I was pulled in quickly and stayed up way too late. Alik was pretty straight forward. Sera is brave and strong not giving into what others have done. I do have to say that a big reveal happened in kinda a random place.

I received this as an E-ARC and appreciate the chance to read it early.
Profile Image for Glitched.Havok.
163 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2026
Some men in mafia romances are written to be cruel just for the sake of power, but Alik Valentin was something entirely different. He is introduced as vengeance wrapped in brutality, a feared assassin from the Bratva willing to burn through anyone standing between him and what was stolen from his family.

Yet beneath all of that violence is a man who still clings to a line he refuses to cross. He does not harm women or children, and in a world filled with monsters pretending to be men, that alone made him stand out in such a massive way. The terrifying part about Alik is not just what he is capable of doing to his enemies, but how gentle he can become with the one person who slowly breaks through the walls around him.

What I loved most was that this story never tried to turn him into a perfect hero. He steals Sera from one nightmare only to drag her into another. She goes from chains forged by her own bloodline into captivity under a man she should hate. There is still fear, tension, and that constant awareness that Alik is dangerous. He is possessive, obsessive, and ruthless when it comes to protecting what he believes belongs to him.

Yet somehow the author balances all of that darkness with moments that feel painfully tender. The quiet visits in the dark before her rescue. The way comfort becomes the first thread connecting them long before trust exists. It made their relationship feel layered instead of rushed.

Sera absolutely stole this book for me though. Everyone around her spent so much time trying to convince her she was ugly, unwanted, and disposable that you could feel the scars carved into her long before the physical imprisonment.

Her family treated her like currency, something to be traded away to erase debts, and that emotional damage lingered through every interaction she had. But what made her such an incredible female lead was that despite all the cruelty forced onto her, there was still a sharpness inside her that survived.

She was not fragile. She was cold when she needed to be, calculating in ways that almost mirrored the monsters who raised her. At times she even carried the same dangerous edge as her sociopathic parents, except unlike them, Sera still had a soul buried underneath all that pain.

That dynamic between her and her parents was honestly one of the most haunting parts of the book. I kept hoping there would be some hidden humanity left in them, some explanation that would soften what they did to their daughter, but there was nothing.

Her mother was consumed by obsession and emotional instability while her father felt hollow, like a man incapable of loving anyone but himself. Together they created a home that destroyed instead of nurtured. Sera was born into a doomed existence before she ever had a chance to become her own person. Watching her slowly realize her worth outside of their cruelty was one of the strongest emotional arcs in the story.

And then there is the relationship itself. This was not a soft romance wrapped in mafia aesthetics. It was violent, tense, obsessive, and emotionally raw. They are enemies from the beginning, trapped in this constant battle for control where attraction feels almost dangerous.

Every conversation between them carried heat underneath it. Every moment felt like a challenge, as if they were both daring the other to break first. But underneath the anger and resistance was this deeper understanding neither of them wanted to admit. Alik saw her strength long before Sera did. Sera saw the humanity inside him that he tried so hard to bury beneath bloodshed and revenge.

What made their love story hit so hard for me was that they did not save each other in some unrealistic fairytale way. Alik rescued her physically, yes, but Sera rescued what remained of his humanity. She kept him from becoming the very thing he feared he already was. In return, he gave her something nobody else ever had before. Choice. Protection.

The feeling of finally being seen.Their connection felt inevitable in the best way, like two broken and brutalized souls colliding at exactly the right moment before they completely destroyed themselves.

The writing carried such intensity throughout the entire book. The author has a way of making every interaction feel sharp and emotionally loaded without losing the grit of the mafia world. Even during quieter scenes there was always this lingering tension hanging in the air, like violence or heartbreak could erupt at any second.

And when the emotional moments landed, they landed hard. These characters did not just fall in love. They bled for each other emotionally, mentally, and physically.

This story felt less like a romance about saving someone and more about two people dragging each other out of darkness piece by piece. By the end, their hearts felt scarred together in a way that made perfect sense for them. Messy. Fierce. Unavoidable. The kind of love that leaves damage behind but somehow still feels worth every wound.
Profile Image for Ilana.
35 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 20, 2026
Alik is like a god above me, but he's looking down at me like I've hung the moon and stars, like I am the brightest point in his universe. And I'm going to make him burn.

I started this with no expectations but oh my, I am completely blown away. It starts off VERY captivating, as in: I was sucked in right from the very first page and couldn't stop reading until late at night despite the fact that I had to go to work early the next morning and that was exactly what I was aching for. It completely took my attention because it starts off with a situation that I can't even begin to imagine. The writing was SO descriptive that I was sensing and feeling everything that Sera and Alik felt themselves. The pacing was just perfect, not too slow and not too fast. Just chef's kiss. 🤌🏻

"I was blindsided - impressed and so fucking turned on - when she threatened to shoot me with my own gun."

We're getting a mafioso war that's focused on kidnapping and human trafficking, revolving around an Italian mob boss's niece and the Russian Arkhangel aka trained killer and that's most of the information I'm gonna give concerning the plot, you're gonna thank me later when you're reading this for yourself.

"That thing you say in Russian, what does it mean?"
"Moya voitelnitsa? It means 'my warrior' "
"Am I that too? Am I yours?"
"Yes."


Jezebel did such a fantastic job writing the buildup in this story. The way Sera and Alik were getting to know each other those first few days was so precious looking back at it. And the bathing scene? In that moment I knew Alik was the hero he so desperately said he wasn't. Even more when he had the fairylights strung up in the mansion after he noticed them in the apartment. Yes, go read it if I managed to spark your interest with these crumbs I'm giving you.

"I think you were lying."
"About what?"
"You don't hate me."


I'm actually not ready to part from these characters, their chemistry was sparking and their banter was just the cherry on top. Sera was an effing fierce & selfless fmc, a real baddie who was thumbed down by the Italian mafia. Meanwhile Alik profiled himself as a broken, amoral man and trained killer who didn't deserve a good thing in his life. Don't get me wrong here, the man's actions aren't morally grey, they are straight up completely black. But the way he has a soft spot for Sera has me weak on my knees.

"Kissing this woman is a bad idea. Criminally bad. Terminally bad."

I'm gonna end this with a worthy mention of Dimitri, you need to get to know this side character. In my head I've pictured him as an hilarious man and I hope I get to read more of him in the future.

I am totally hooked and Jezebel Thorne has earned her spot on my auto-read author list.

(Read your trigger warnings beforehand!!!)
* He rides a motorcycle
* Spice is spicing
* DARK romance
* Fierce and sassy fmc
* Protective and morally grey mmc
* Age gap
* Mafia war
* Forced proximity
* Captor/captive
* Touch her and die
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tracy Kemp.
70 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2026
If you love a good romance then this is the book for you!!!! I wasn't very fond of book one Forbidden Fate, but book two definitely redeemed the author.

I absolutely loved how fierce Sera was! She was such a breath of fresh air compared to the usual boring mafia princesses trope who only cares about money, appearances, or maintaining perfection. Instead, Sera was portrayed as a girl with real interests—her love for sports made her feel grounded and relatable, and her feisty, unapologetic attitude had me completely captivated. I adored every bit of her personality, from her sharp wit to her determination, and it made her feel incredibly real and dynamic.

Alik was everything I hoped for and more and is the perfect counterpart to Sera. His presence, charm, and the way he balanced Sera’s energy were just spot-on. Together, their chemistry was electric, and their interactions kept me engaged from start to finish.

The plot of the book was just as captivating as the characters. The pacing was perfect, keeping me hooked without ever feeling rushed or dragging. The story felt balanced, mixing tension, romance, and action in a way that made it incredibly binge-worthy. I can already see this becoming a much-loved mafia series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!

If I had one wish, it would be to dive a little deeper into the backstories of both main characters. The book mentions their traumatic pasts and provides brief explanations, but I would have loved more detail to fully understand how those experiences shaped them. Additionally, toward the end, when the action intensified, it felt like we jumped quickly from one event to another without getting as much insight into how the characters got there or the full weight of the situations from different points of view. A little more depth in those moments would have made the climax even more memorable.

All in all, it was a good read and was worth the time spent reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna's Book Addiction  Book review Arc Reader.
92 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 17, 2026
Craving His Captive – Jezebel Thorne
The Omertà Brotherhood, Book 2
Pub Date: 27 April 2026
If you’re a fan of dark, high-stakes mafia romance with intensity, danger, and undeniable chemistry, Craving His Captive is a gripping read that doesn’t hold back.
Sera and Alik’s story is as raw as it is addictive. From the very beginning, you’re thrown into a brutal world where survival isn’t guaranteed and trust is a luxury neither of them can afford. Sera’s journey is especially powerful—having endured unimaginable betrayal and captivity, her resilience and strength shine through every page.
Alik Valentin is the definition of a morally grey antihero. Ruthless, possessive, and driven by vengeance, he’s not here to be liked—but somehow, you can’t look away. The tension between him and Sera is electric, built on a volatile mix of control, defiance, and an attraction that neither of them can escape.
The forced proximity trope is executed brilliantly, intensifying both the emotional conflict and the slow unraveling of their connection. Their relationship isn’t easy or soft—it’s messy, complicated, and forged in darkness—but that’s what makes it so compelling.
The pacing keeps you hooked, with plenty of suspense, twists, and action woven throughout. Despite the heavy themes, the story balances it with moments of vulnerability and growth, leading to a satisfying and hard-earned HEA.
This is definitely a darker read, tackling difficult and sometimes disturbing themes, but it’s handled in a way that adds depth rather than shock value.
A fast-paced, emotionally charged mafia romance that delivers on tension, grit, and intensity.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes & Themes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Possessive / “Touch Her and Die”
Age Gap
Italian Mafia x Russian Bratva
Rating: 4.5 stars

#CravingHisCaptive
#DarkRomance
#MafiaRomance
#BookTokUK
#MorallyGreyMMC
Profile Image for Faye.
80 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
4⭐️ Thank you Jezebel for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!

Oh my god, what a good book!! It's so fast paced and engaging, I genuinely couldn't put the book down. The plot ate! Not only was it super interesting, but it also had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. As a Russian speaker, it was especially exciting to read a book with Russian in it. It made my reading experience even more enjoyable and I had an amazing time reading this book.

The romance also ate so hard! Sera and Alik's connection is undeniable. You could really feel it through the pages. My only thing with Jezebel Thorne's books is that she tends to lean towards insta love/lust, which isnt my favorite. I would have loved a slower build to their relationship. That said, I still really enjoyed them together and I believed their love by the end.

Another issue I had was a scene where Sera is clearly sick and unable to function on her own, and as Alik is helping her, he gets a boner. That moment specifically just felt off to me. It didn't feel like the right time or situation for that kind of reaction, especially since they barely knew each other at that point.

With everything being said, I very much enjoyed the book and totally recommend it to everyone! Can't wait for the next book in the series!!
Profile Image for Marie.
941 reviews19 followers
April 28, 2026
This follows on from Forbidden Fate. Sera has always known her family hated her. But she never expected the to treat her like this. Chained and blindfolded in a cell. No water. No food. How long has she been here. Days just blend into each other. She had at one point a mysterious man who at least gave her water and bits of food. But even he has left her now. Death would be kinder. Alik would do whatever he had to to find his sister. Whoever had taken her he'd find them and make them pay. Leaving Russia and now in Chicago he'd finally embedded himself in the family who are part of her disappearance. They even have another girl in a cage, but she's not his concern. Until everything changes and now he's saving the girl. Maybe she has information that will help him. This is a complex story that twists and turns. Just when you think you know what's coming, something changes. I couldn't put this down. The chemistry between the two main characters is a mix of love and hate. Sera has never been treated as a person. Never had her own choice. Always told never listened too. Alik hates what his father has turned him into. But being part of the Bratva and next in line to be Pakhan he did what was expected of him. I really can't wait for what comes in the next book.
54 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
April 24, 2026
If you’re looking for a dark romance that defines the phrase out of the frying pan and into the fire, this book is a high-intensity inferno. We meet a heroine who has been branded for sale by her own family—only to be rescued by Alik, the vicious heir to a rival Bratva empire. But this isn't a rescue mission; it’s a repossession. Alik isn't looking to be a hero; he’s looking for vengeance, and he’s more than willing to use his new captive as leverage to get it.

The chemistry between the seasoned Russian predator and the strong-willed Italian virgin is absolute TNT. Thorne masterfully handles the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, keeping the tension high as Alik moves between being a terrifying captor and an obsessive protector with major touch her and die energy. The war of wills in Alik’s Chicago fortress is just as dangerous as the actual bullets flying in the streets. It’s a gritty, high-steam standalone that proves sometimes the most dangerous place to be is exactly where you belong.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dark Rose.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 24, 2026
I loved this story from start to finish. The plot and the characters are the main reason I stayed engaged—especially Alik. He’s the kind of character I don’t see very often in this genre (at least in what I’ve read so far). And I know they’re out there, but he still felt different to me.

The Bratva heir has the typical traits we love, yes, but there’s something unique about him. He’s a rude, obsessed mafia hero with a touch of romantic softness that made me melt more than once. He’s a mature and very centered man. I didn’t fall obsessively for him, but I loved this character.

The pacing felt balanced, with romantic tension between the main characters. I wish I had felt that tension a bit more strongly, especially at the beginning, but it picked up as the story went on.

It’s a book I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to get into dark romance, despite the warnings, because it has a good balance between dark and romance.

It has spice, of course, but the number of scenes served a clear purpose.
Profile Image for Sarah Franklin.
38 reviews
April 27, 2026

This is book two in the series and can be read as a standalone, but I’m glad I read book one first for the added context.

This is Alik and Sera’s story, and it definitely leans into darker themes like human trafficking and abuse (including from family), so check your triggers before diving in.

Alik is searching for answers about what happened to his sister, Rina, and that journey leads him straight to Sera—who is more connected to everything than he realizes. Their story pulled me in right away, and I honestly couldn’t put it down.

Sera’s past was heartbreaking, and there were moments that had me close to tears. I love mafia romance—especially bratva—and Alik delivered that intense, protective “burn the world down for her” energy I always look for.

What I really liked is that their relationship isn’t arranged—they choose each other, which made their connection feel even stronger and more meaningful.

Fast-paced, emotional, and dark—I’d definitely recommend if you love mafia romance, just be mindful of the heavier themes.
336 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 17, 2026
I really enjoyed Sera & Alik's story... this is book 2 in the Omerta Brotherhood series, as interconnected standalones.

The book is dark... they deal with dark topics. Sera has been abused & kidnapped by her own family... but the book is very well written & I loved seeing their story play out & how they found hope & healing together.

The book is fast paced with suspense & unexpected plot twists and a happily ever after ending. I liked the characters & thought they were well written.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

*dark mafia romance
*morally grey MMCs
*abuse/kidnapping/family issues/death of loved ones
*forced proximity
*possessive
*age gap
*she's a virgin
*Italian mafia & Russian Bratva

Thank you to the author (Jezebel Thorne), publisher (Every Rose Publishing) & Netgalley and Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mariah Fields.
35 reviews
May 2, 2026
I am obsessed with this series. The way the author writes is so captivating and I cannot put her books down.

I was very confused with the book first started. I was like woah wait, this is not the mafia family from the first book. As I kept reading, I realized who this book was about and they were in fact in the first book and then I was super excited. I didn’t think we would learn more about this character and it was fabulous. The Italian mafia AND the Russian mafia? Yes, please.

This book contains topics of trafficking, murder, captivity, self sacrifice, and so much more. The FMC is a virgin and the MMC is quite a bit older, so there’s some taboo elements too.

It’s spicy and has a great storyline. I cannot wait until the next book. Thank you Jezebel Thorne for another great mafia romance!

Profile Image for Fabiola.
23 reviews
May 10, 2026
Jesus, magnificent Christ. I didn't know this book was part of a saga until I started reading it and had to buy the first book about Ram and Lena, which was magnificent, by the way. But Alik and Sera, damn; they were my favorites. I couldn't put it down until I finished it, devouring it in all my free time. The relationship between them was so intense that I was amazed when they had their first, desired, and fearless encounter. Sera is a protagonist who suffered greatly and in horrible ways, just like Alik, but that didn't make her a weak or submissive woman, which I loved. She didn't dwell on the past and feel sorry for herself, as I would have done in her place if I had suffered the same. The journey to end up together was difficult, but Alik's perseverance was key to finishing this book.
Profile Image for Ari.
64 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Craving His Captive is the second installment of the Omerta Brotherhood series and it was a rollercoaster from start to finish.

In this story we find Alik, who we briefly met on the previous book (a deadly russian assassin) and Sera, from the Paganos family (an antagonist from the previous book) and how both of them heal each other and let themselves find who they are individually but also who they could be as a couple.

The start of this book is so raw and difficult and honestly I had to stop myself from reading at times because what Sera went through while being a pawn in her family's game was just too much. It was understandable she resisted Alik as much as she could but eventually she found out he was probably what she needed. And vice versa. Alik is so interesting, seeing how his quest to vengeance consumes him until Sera balances him out and recalibrates his needs, we didnt even scratched the surface of him on the first book so I am grateful we got to meet him properly.

I didn't manage to give it more stars because some parts seem redundant, especially towards the end, which I found a bit anticlimatic, especially because of everything that was at stake, it felt a bit abrupt. The topics were super hard but also dealt with it very respectfully, which makes my rating only about the execution of the book per se. I look forward to the next installment of course. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!
Profile Image for Brooke.
475 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
April 13, 2026
Craving His Captive gives us another action packed from the start story in the Omertà Brotherhood series and I absolutely loved this book! Our MC's are Alik - who is introduced in the first book - and Sera who is in a very dangerous situation. I found both of them to be solid, strong characters and I really enjoyed their connection with each other. The action was fast paced yet felt rewarding during each part of it and the love story between the two developed at a good pace as well. I love how this author writes and I think she's very good at setting the scene. I can't wait to see where the next story in the series goes!

I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for zainab.
58 reviews
April 29, 2026
Alik had already been introduced in the first book and had me craving more about his character, but he’s even better than i thought. He’s the perfect dark morally grey man. I literally had to cone back for more.
Sera (the fmc) was beautifully written, she felt strong and independent in a real way which isnt often the case in some mafia books. It was refreshing to see her fight for herself and stand her ground throughout the book.
I’ve been pretty busy since starting the book so I didn’t have loads of time to read, but it was constantly on my mind whenever I wasnt reading. That says pretty much everything you need to know. It just pulls you in and keeps you hooked through the action and tension like you’re just waiting to see what happens next.

(received arc through netgalley)
19 reviews
May 2, 2026
“… Tell me- how much did I fuck it up!”
“On a scale of one to ten? I’d say a solid fifty.”

A great forbidden love romance with action packed plot.
Sera is a strong FMC who endures horrible things on top that she is a mafia princess.
Alik is a future phakan who has unfinished business on Chicago.
Loved enemy’s to lovers, age gap and forbidden love tropes in this book.
Great chemistry and tension between main characters.
Story unfolds by steady pacing and have nice place descriptions which helps with imagining where the action unfolds.
Great mafia dark romances that would recommend to my fellow mafia romances girlies!🖤

Thank you NetGalley, Jezebel Thorne for opportunity to read this as ARC.
43 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was an action packed, intimidation, violence, torture, secrets, betrayal, lies, kidnapping, Mafia, captivity, abuse, profanity, and so much more deliciously hot trigger warnings. Sera was taken by her uncle and ready to be trained by breaking her, her uncle has had her chained up since he put her in the basement then starts punching her in the stomach. Alik has had to infiltrate her family to get close to her uncle, Alik is there to find someone he lost, he ends up rescuing Sera instead. Things start to heat up between them, until some secrets come to light and the playing field changes, so will she still fetch a high price.
Profile Image for Deborah.
501 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 11, 2026
Craving his Captive by Jezebel Thorne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first read by this author and it was enjoyable from start to finish. The drama and danger was way closer to home than either Alix or Sera could ever have imagined. The push and pull between them and the growing angst proved challenging especially for Alix the Arkangel as he tried in vain to resist the pull of Sera, his warrior. While the danger intensified and their romance ignited it was an inferno of swirling emotions. This book is descriptive and violent in some parts, please be aware of the trigger warnings. Thanks BookSprout and the author for opportunity to read and review her work.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
110 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
After enjoying Forbidden Fate, book 1 in the series, this one felt a little slow. While there were pockets of action here and there, most of the action and plot twists and character development happened in the last 20% of the book. The vibes were there though, morally dark grey MMC, mafia setting, touch her and die… you know the drill 😂 I didn’t dislike reading this book but it just didn’t capture my attention the way book 1 did. I have not read the prequel but I would consider reading it and the third book, coming out July 2026, based on the series as a whole so far.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Milena.
70 reviews
Review of advance copy
April 23, 2026
This was a good story. It is written really well and it kept my attention. The plot made sense, the resolution was satisfactory (if a little bittersweet). What frustrated me at times was the FMC, Sera's actions. She tended to do things without thinking and without tinking of how it would affect others. I know this was part of her personality, and the author made her consistent, but it irked me. I wish she would have communicated with Alik (before a specific action towards the end).

This is definitely a dark romance so check the trigger warnings.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

I really enjoy a good mafia romance, and this one was definitely entertaining. The biggest and most pleasant surprise for me was the writing—dark romance can be a bit hit-or-miss, but here I was completely hooked from the very beginning.

The romance did lean somewhat toward a Stockholm Syndrome dynamic, but the main characters were still likeable, and the premise itself was intriguing enough to keep me engaged. Overall, this was a solid 3.5-star read for me, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of this author’s past and future work.
Profile Image for Sam.
651 reviews
April 29, 2026
Enemies to Lovers Captive Romance

The Italian Mafia and Russian Bratva are enemies to the core. So when Alik gets a chance to capture Sera out from her family’s tight grip, he doesn’t hesitate. She is the key to answers he’s been searching for and he intends on keeping her.

This was a good mafia romance with some spicy angst and suspense. Enemies to lovers theme with twists and an overall dark romance feel.

Enjoyable series. This story can be read as a standalone but I suggest starting with book 1 to get the full context.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
4,844 reviews80 followers
April 29, 2026
Book 2 of The Omertà Brotherhood series. Can be read as a standalone.

'Craving his Captive is a full-length dark mafia romance with many mature themes, bucketloads of profanity, and page after page of steam.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. 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.
Profile Image for Denise Abreu.
16 reviews
May 9, 2026
Darkness - 🖤🖤
Spice- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot-✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️!!!!!
Total rating 5⭐️

Book No.2 of the Omerta Brotherhood! And just like the first book. Sucked in INSTANTLY! this picks up right after book 1. And let me tell you! Finished in 4 hours. The spice perfectly placed. The yearn, would not allow me to put this book down! Alik & Sera dynamic rivals Rem & Lena’s . I can’t choose who I loved more. And nothing is better that a Captivity trope with a praise kink. 😏😏😏🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. And the revenge is bitter sweet for these 2! If you want a spicy well written dark mafia romance
you need to pick up forbidden fate and this one like ASAP if you haven’t already! RUN
421 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2026
Craving His Captive by Jezebel Thorne kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. Seraphina, a mafia princess , has been held prisoner for months by her Uncle. She is to be auctioned when she is rescued during a fire. Alik Valentin is the Arkhangel, enforcer, for his family's bratva. Even with all Alik does as heir to the job of pakhan he has left Russia to go to the US to look for his missing sister. Kudos to Ms. Thorne on another great book. This book is a dark mafia story so reviewing the triggers is a good idea.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rogue Kayl.
100 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
April 12, 2026
Another action packed mafia romance. I really enjoyed it.

And i love that its always the most feared and unhinged of men that fall hopelessly in love with the girl. Their only weakness.

The spice was definitely spicy and intense filled with mixed feelings want and need.

The had me hooked from the get go.

I also love the connection with the first books characters evwn though i feel you can read them as stand alones as well.

Really good book, look forward to reading more from this author

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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