To Be Red: TBR

CNC Fraternity #5

by Cari Silverwood

Everyone died on that yacht, except for me.

I was trapped in that evil house, assaulted, chained to a wall, and filmed, and although I’m finally rescued, I am betrayed.

The fraternity declares me too dangerous to release. I’m gifted to Rafael, my ex-bodyguard and man with the most sinful eyes. Running from him awakens bad options, for he brings in Lazlo to join him in taming me, bedding me.

Hold my throat, pin me against a wall, make me drop to my knees. I discover Lazlo’s mouth is good for more than talking…

When they’re tasked with finding whoever arranged the slaughter on that yacht, I join the investigation. Can I finally make someone pay for what happened to me?
Those killers we’re tracking are also watching us…

Surviving this will take luck, two wildly controlling men, and for me to resurrect my courage.

This is a standalone CNC Fraternity romance with more of this secret society of deviant millionaires and billionaires, though Georgia is a side character in the final chapters of Boneyard HEA.

Expect possessive, obsessive, protective, and morally gray anti-heroes. Warning, Lazlo may make groanworthy jokes.

Genres: M F M

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Cari Silverwood lives in Australia and is a New York Times bestselling writer of kinky darkness or sometimes dark kinkiness, depending on her moods and the amount of time she's spent staring into the night.

Check out this page to avoid falling into the wrong dark and shocking book, because she really does write some weird stories: www.carisilverwood.net/my-books-liste...

Sign up to get sales and new releases plus various odd stuff she puts into it (and a free welcome book) at www.carisilverwood.net/

You can reach Cari at carisilverwood1@gmail.com
or
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cari.silverwood

Reviews

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Cari Silverwood is at the top of her game with TO BE RED. I savored every delectable page. To say Georgia has been through hell, is under appreciating the level of terror, torture, maiming, rape, and other nightmare inducing events she suffered and survived. Georgia is made of the toughest among women. She not only survived it—and luckily for, initially, Rafe—she didn’t lose her sexual curiosity, drive, or need for kink. Adding Laz just seemed right. Rafe, Georgia, and Laz are a sex positive trio, and it would seem, an unstoppable force.

I thoroughly enjoyed TO BE READ. I found myself falling for the fictional Raphael and Lazlo right alongside Georgia . . . well, until the next book boyfriend comes along 😉
*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Raphael
✨Lazlo
FMC:
✨Georgia
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 5: CNC Fraternity
Tropes:
👉erotic captive romance
👉why choose
👉antihero mmc
👉obsessive mmc
👉protective mmc
👉strong fmc
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, mfm, open🚪sex
💥profanity
💥violence, abuse
💥death
💥rape
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Una Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, with nice (kinky) spice and some plot.

I really liked Lazlo and following his journey of finding out that there are people who like to be on the opposite end of his kink, and would have loved more of this journey. This is a dark romance, and you do need to check your triggers before reading it. All the MCs are not that bad though, I did not feel bad for hoping they figure their situationship out. ☺️

I also really liked the plot itself, although I would have like more details, more depth to it.

It does not get the fifth star because I never connected in depth with the characters, and for me the last star comes if the books makes me laugh, cry, yell or some other real emotion I cannot suppress, and this book did not get me there. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgia, Rafael, and Lazlo all come together due to the CNC. Georgia may not have been willing, but she knows more than the CNC wants her to, so she ends up volun-told to help Rafael and Lazlo uncover who's behind all the disasters going on behind the CNC. What Georgia doesn't expect is to crave what Rafael and Lazlo give her and whether or not she'll be able to walk away from them when all is said and done.

Enjoyed it, although I always have questions in my head, Lol. Another great addition to the series.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This series has been one surprise after another, but I think this one might be my favorite. These character's had me laughing one minute with Georgia's snark towards Rafael whom she secretly wants and him telling her like it is all while secretly wanting her. I have to say though that was rather brilliant in where the tracker was hidden when she tried to run. Then to meeting Lazlo he is one smexy drink of water. These character's had me turning the pages to find out what was happening next as they try to find the person responsible for what happened on the boat. I know I wouldn't want to meet them in a dark alley.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia survived being kidnapped and tortured, but her escape is not the full freedom she envisioned. The CNC Fraternity has declared Georgia too dangerous to be allowed to live her life freely, and has given her to her bodyguard Rafael, with the orders to keep her contained or else. To help keep Georgia in line, Rafael enlists the help of ex-cop, Lazlo. But Georgia isn't just going to comply. She insists on helping the investigation into who betrayed her and trafficked her, which unfortunately brings the three into the crosshairs of some powerful enemies.

Given what she's gone through, Georgia is an incredibly strong woman. She also is very resourceful, even managing to escape for days before Rafael finds her. Even when the deck is stacked against her, she manages to not only survive but force the system to give in to her. For example, when Rafael informs Georgia of the conditions to her freedom, she insists on being involved in the investigation and still continues to plague Rafael by not fully giving in to him. Her mildly spiteful survivor's attitude is a delight to read and it truly carries her through some very dark situations.

Rafael and Lazlo are essentially good guys with darker sexual appetites. They do a good job of checking in with Georgia when it is truly necessary, while still seeing to everyone's baser desires. The two have an excellent rapport, and they both are highly involved in personal security. Their devotion to Georgia, despite the dubious nature of their initial relationship, is extremely heartwarming.

To Be Red is a dark romance within the CNC Fraternity series. Like other books in the series, it is a extremely spicy read that emphasizes the nuance of consent and when those boundaries are crossed. Due to it's sensitive and dark subject matter, sensitive readers should use caution.

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

[Arely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia’s story was intense, dark, and full of twists. I really enjoyed watching her find her courage again, especially as her relationship with Rafael slowly shifted from feeling like another form of captivity into something she chose. Adding Lazlo brought an entirely different dynamic with his humor, affection, and protectiveness.
I did not know this was part of a series, which is totally my fault, but I’m also not sorry because that blurb had me fiending.
I was hooked from the very beginning and never felt like I was missing important background from the previous books. That said, I’ll definitely be going back to read them because I want to fully catch up on this world! 🌍
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Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not influenced by receiving an advance copy.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia has been to hell and back, but the involvement of The Fraternity means she will never be free again. She is given to the devilishly dark and handsome Rafael, who is tasked with keeping her close to make sure she can't make trouble for some very incognito, very influential and very depraved billionaires. He isn't a bad man, he just won't let her go. It takes the influence of Lazlo, a gentleman's gentleman - and head of security - to become the bridge that brings them all together. And holy heck what a hot thriple they are!

The story flowed well, and whilst the book has dark themes and iffy consent - yippee! - the author made it easy to fall in love with all three and to believe in their connection. It's not a how-to manual but a piece of fiction, so I was happy to go with the flow and ultimately, thanks to Lazlo, Georgia holds all the power.

There is danger, there is action, there is kink galore and throughout it all is a beautiful love/lust story. All three characters had a distinct voice and were well written. I thought I'd struggle to accept Lazlo but I kind of liked him even more than Rafael. To be honest I'm a bit like Georgia and couldn't pick one over the other, so I'm glad Ms Silverwood didn't make us choose.

[Melony Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I was very interested in Georgia’s story and Cari Silverwood did not disappoint. I loved the kink & the fact that some healing had to occur and Rafe & Laz allowed & helped this to occur. It’s dark with some light and a great read!

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

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being assaulted, filmed and held against her will, the fraternity gifts Georgia back to her ex-body guard, Raphael. She tries to escape from this too after their car crashed. Anyhow, Georgia ends up with Raphael and Lazlo, teaming up to find out who was responsible for slaughter on the boat. As these three try to find the person, the people are also watching them back. There was some spice and kink with Georgia and the boys.

[Cari Silverwood]

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s such a joy when one of your most favorite authors listens to your pleas and gives you yet another delicious story!
In the world you enjoy,with it’s wicked kinky people,even though you know you shouldn’t….
And to get a chance at seeing her build that story,that’s a privilege i am most grateful for!
Seeing the end result,having the review copy,means i enjoyed reading it just as much,if not more.


You’d think that after going through hell the way Georgia did,she’d be able to catch a break,right? Wrong!
The CNC Fraternity is so worried she might talk about what was done to her,that they decide she needs someone to keep an eye on her…..for the rest of her life!
And apparently Rafe is the lucky man she’s been “given to”.
Not that she agrees…she doesn’t trust the members of the Fraternity one bit.
Not after what happened,and especially not after what Juniper told her.
So,she decides that as soon as she gets a chance,she’s going to leave him and find her own way home…..wherever that may be.
But there are people after her,even while she’s with Rafe,trying to kill her.
Surely the Fraternity would be satisfied she was under Rafe’s thumb,so who’s behind it??
It’s a scary idea,and it makes her want to find out what happened during that “party” on that boat….the one only she seems to have survived.
The father of the man she was with wants to know too,to make sure he gets the justice his late son deserves.
And that brings a new complication…..his head of security,Lazlo,joins the fun.
Meaning he’s not only investigating who’s behind everything,but also exploring his kinks on Georgia.
With the blessing of Rafe….and a little of Georgia,after being forced to admit she might like it.
And they dó enjoy exploring their dynamic while sleuthing around on British soil.
Right up until everything goes horribly wrong…..
Will this be the end of the filthy fun and sleuthing for this wonderful trio?
Will this be the end for them,period?


Georgia may have had trauma’s from everything that was done to her,but she was stronger than she thought.
And i loved how she embraced not only the kinky side she still had,but the one that helped her find answers and justice,too.
She was a fighter from the start,even if she didn’t realise it.
Rafe may have been a part of the Fraternity,and his family may have been into arms dealing,but he was a good guy.
He really cared about Georgia,even if he enjoyed pushing her limits.
Keeping her safe while sleuthing,and making her happy was clearly what he aimed for.
Lazlo….that man was something else.
He started out innocent in the kink department,but was so very quick to catch up. Former military,current security for a man of social standing,he seemed to want to do things correctly,so to speak.
But he was easily corrupted in the best way possible,and ended up caring about Georgia’s safety and happiness as much as Rafe did.
These three may have been forced together at first,but would have to be forced to leave in the end.
Really,they were perfect together!!

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve said before, Cari’s books can be read as standalones, this one, for example, gives just enough recap of the previous book to get the reader up to speed, though reading the whole series makes the experience that much better. We met Georgia before, but now we get to follow her entire journey, complete with all its ups and downs. What I loved most was seeing her take her life back and own what she truly wants.

Although Rafael initially represents another form of captivity, his relationship with her gradually becomes something she actively chooses. Adding Lazlo into the mix brings another layer of affection, humor, protection, and, let's be honest, sexuality.

I also loved the mystery aspect and that not all my questions were answered. Now I’m eagerly waiting to see where the story leads us with Queen O!

A special and big thank you to BookSirens and Cari for the opportunity to review this book.

[c f · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I was very confused almost the whole time I was reading this. While this is my first book in this 'series' it is stated it can be read as a standalone, but I felt like I knew nothing.

There were references to things that I'm assuming you only know if you've read the other 4 books in the world.

It felt like for what plot was there, it didn't full make sense or wasn't flushed out as much as it could be.

If you're wanting more spice than plot, this can def be for you.

Given the description of the book I was hoping for a bit more plot than spice, especially given what she was recovering from.

Overall it was enjoyable for what it ended up being, but didn't end up quite meeting my expectations.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The CNC Fraternity is worried Georgia may talk, so they give her to Rafe to keep an eye on her. She plans to escape when she gets a chance but unfortunately there are others who after her. Does she really know what happened on that yacht? What will happy when Lazlo joins the party? Can they keep her safe and find out who wants her dead? This is a fast paced read with loads of drama, suspense and loads of steam. The story really draws you in and twists and turns keep you glued to your e-reader. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deuces they thought
Sometimes I think Caris books should end with "and then..."
kinda off to where she left us. Running! What happened to the chill mode? I mean yeah... CNC is what happened.
Rafe the guard of my body they/he thinks but I dont trust him or CNC.
Then there's Lan hmmm... bad turned naughty?
With things popping off the trio will have to rely on each other.
Cari gaves us bits of it all. Dark. Heat. Why choose. Trauma/angst. Love and mystery.

[GMW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia has been freed from the hell house where she was tortured and assaulted. She's been gifted to Raphael by the CNC Fraternity & he is to keep her with him at all times, if she manages to get away they will give her to someone else in the fraternity. This was an interesting read - there's plenty of steam & kink. A satisfying conclusion to the series.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia went through h*ll and still the cnc fraternity cant trust her so gift her to Rafe, her ex bodyguard now for life! But uet shes still a target but by who? And will Rafe keep her safe? Well written the story and characters draw you in with engaging, steamy action drama, twists and more!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN.TENSE!
Am I surprised?
Absolutely not!

Ms. Silverwood typically has my heart in my throat!

Fast-paced.
Steamy.
Plot twists.

I loved every single dark minute!