Captured: A Billionaire Single Dad Nanny Age Gap Mafia Romance

by Ava Crowne

She took the first job the placement agency offered. She should have asked who owns the agency.

Daphne Iliou

I walked into a placement agency in Athens at two on a Tuesday afternoon and asked the receptionist whether there were any nanny positions outside the city. The receptionist did not blink. The car collected me at four. The man rinsing blood from his arms in the courtyard at six told me his name was Nikos. I have eighteen months of nursing school. I know the small dark mark above his second knuckle is not from a kitchen accident.

I did not read past the salary on the contract.

The fourth page of the contract said until the children reach their majority.

The children are nine.

Nikos Drakos

I run security for the family. I have been a widower for seven years. I have not let another woman within ten meters of my sons since their mother was killed in front of them. The agency that placed her with me is mine. I have known about her ex-fiancé for weeks before she arrived. She does not yet know that, but she will.

A possessive, instalove Greek shipping dynasty romance. Book 2 of 5 connected standalones. Each book is a complete short read, devoured in one sitting, featuring a different couple. Each book ends in HEA.

✓ age gap (21 years) · ✓ silver fox single dad of twins · ✓ nanny / live-in protector · ✓ forced proximity · ✓ fortified estate / dark billionaire / mafia-adjacent · ✓ instalove · ✓ explicit / high heat · ✓ HEA · ✓ novella

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2026

Reviews

[Alisha Ipock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured is an addictive blend of mafia danger, sizzling romance, and heartfelt family moments. Ava Crowne delivers a captivating story filled with a powerful billionaire hero, a caring nanny heroine, and an emotional connection that grows stronger with every page.
The single-dad element adds warmth and depth to the story, while the age-gap romance and mafia intrigue keep the stakes high and the chemistry undeniable. The characters are easy to fall in love with, and their journey is packed with tender moments, passion, and plenty of drama.
A wonderful addition to The Drakos Dynasty series, Captured is perfect for readers who love protective heroes, emotional romances, and swoon-worthy happily-ever-afters.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Drakos Dynasty

'The agency that placed her with me is mine. I have known about her ex-fiancé for weeks before she arrived. She does not yet know that, but she will.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect 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. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

To get away from an arranged marriage, Daphne takes the job of nanny to Nikos twin boys and their path begins. He has been alone since the death of his wife, but Daphne opens something inside of him and when the man that she was promised to come to collect Nikos guards the gate. Will he be able to keep Daphne safe and get their chance to find happiness along the way. This thrilling story kept me all caught up in the characters to the very last page.

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

[Shelly Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Drakos Dynasty series. Maybe it's her writing style but while the story was decent, it was devoid of emotion and very monotone. Nikos's family runs a place where women who need to escape can. Daphne was trying to get away from her arranged marriage. She took a job as a nanny for his children. The storyline had potential. It just fell flat with the emotion. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong FMC, I love that. I love that he talked to her not at her. He let her decide , but yet let her know he was always going to take care of her. I highly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next book.

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

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good billionaire romance and Captured by Ava Crowne fits the bill. The characters will pull you right into their story and keep you turning the pages well after bed time. The storyline is engaging and held my interest from start to finish. Well worth reading!.

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

[Slene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book although the writing style is a bit different. The book is engaging enough that it keeps you reading til the end. I also love the relationship between the fmc and the twins on top of the chemistry between the two main characters.

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

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting read the plot was well paced and intense and the characters were complex this was a great book to read.

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

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story about a possessive boss and his young nanny. Nikos has questions businesses and a dangerous lifestyle but there is no doubting how much he cares for Daphne. And she was really good for those boys. I really loved the story.

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very seldom read mafia romance that is features a Greek Mob Boss. Nikos was absolutely swoon worthy. Looking for a mafia romance where ownership starts with being the nanny, this is a must read.

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

[Anisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a possessive alpha and if he is a loving father it just makes me love the male character more. This book was well written and the story kept me interested throughout.

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

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greek mafia
Single dad
Widower
Runaway woman
Love ❤️

She escapes an arranged marriage , he not only gives her a safe space but she becomes the central character in his and his sons lives.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be entertaining and quite good. Features a single dad/widower and a woman on the run.

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