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The Woman with the Handcuffs
She had a hold the mafia boss captive and make him tell her what he did with her missing father.
The problem started when she realized she had absolutely no idea how to successfully hold someone captive. Her gun was fake. Her handcuff skills? Questionable. And she was physically incapable of torturing someone without getting sick.
When it became clear that the mob didn’t hurt her father, she found herself suddenly teaming up with—and falling for—the grumpy, reclusive mafia capo.
But the more they uncovered about her father, the more questions she had.
And the closer she got to the truth, the more she feared she may have to choose between he answers she needed and the man she’s come to love…
* This book can be read as a standalone
The problem started when she realized she had absolutely no idea how to successfully hold someone captive. Her gun was fake. Her handcuff skills? Questionable. And she was physically incapable of torturing someone without getting sick.
When it became clear that the mob didn’t hurt her father, she found herself suddenly teaming up with—and falling for—the grumpy, reclusive mafia capo.
But the more they uncovered about her father, the more questions she had.
And the closer she got to the truth, the more she feared she may have to choose between he answers she needed and the man she’s come to love…
* This book can be read as a standalone
- GenresRomanceContemporary
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2026
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
181 books5,484 followersJessica Gadziala lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
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xx
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...
xx
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 30, 2026
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
Genre & Tropes : Romance mafia x Road trip x Missing Person plot x Kidnapping meet cutex Grumpy x Sunshine x Family Drama x Spicy
ENFIN le tome avec Gavino, le reclus des Costa (mais toujours aussi sexy =D) !
J’étais hyper enthousiaste à l’idée de lire le tome de Gav qui restait assez mystérieux pour moi … Et j’ai TELLEMENT ri ! Et je pensais pas rire mais autant mais voir les réactions de Gav face à Cait (leur première rencontre avec le kidnapping m’a tellement tuée xD Livre impossible à lire en public !)
J’ai trouvé les personnages tellement attachants bien sûr et la romance sexy mais aussi tellement belle <3 L’intrigue était également très intéressante même si j’avoue la conclusion ne m’a pas complètement satisfaite (pour moi, le père et sa copine sont IMPARDONNABLES et à la place de Cait, je les aurais exclu de manière définitive de ma vie ...)
Bref, une romance mafia amusante et sexy que j’ai dévoré et qui ravira les fans de la série !
Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
FINALLY, the book featuring Gavino, the Costa family’s recluse (but so sexy =D) !
I was super excited to read Gav’s story, as he’d remained quite a mystery to me … And I laughed SO much ! I hadn’t expected to laugh quite that hard, but seeing Gav’s reactions to Cait—especially their first meeting involving the kidnapping—absolutely killed me (xD Seriously, this book is impossible to read in public !)
Naturally, I found the characters so endearing, and the romance was sexy yet truly beautiful <3 The plot was also very interesting, though I admit the conclusion didn’t fully satisfy me (in my opinion, the father and his girlfriend are UNFORGIVABLE ! if I were Cait, I would have cut them out of my life for good ...)
In short, a funny and sexy mafia romance that I devoured—it’s sure to delight fans of the series !
For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
Genre & Tropes : Romance mafia x Road trip x Missing Person plot x Kidnapping meet cutex Grumpy x Sunshine x Family Drama x Spicy
ENFIN le tome avec Gavino, le reclus des Costa (mais toujours aussi sexy =D) !
J’étais hyper enthousiaste à l’idée de lire le tome de Gav qui restait assez mystérieux pour moi … Et j’ai TELLEMENT ri ! Et je pensais pas rire mais autant mais voir les réactions de Gav face à Cait (leur première rencontre avec le kidnapping m’a tellement tuée xD Livre impossible à lire en public !)
J’ai trouvé les personnages tellement attachants bien sûr et la romance sexy mais aussi tellement belle <3 L’intrigue était également très intéressante même si j’avoue la conclusion ne m’a pas complètement satisfaite (pour moi, le père et sa copine sont IMPARDONNABLES et à la place de Cait, je les aurais exclu de manière définitive de ma vie ...)
Bref, une romance mafia amusante et sexy que j’ai dévoré et qui ravira les fans de la série !
Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
FINALLY, the book featuring Gavino, the Costa family’s recluse (but so sexy =D) !
I was super excited to read Gav’s story, as he’d remained quite a mystery to me … And I laughed SO much ! I hadn’t expected to laugh quite that hard, but seeing Gav’s reactions to Cait—especially their first meeting involving the kidnapping—absolutely killed me (xD Seriously, this book is impossible to read in public !)
Naturally, I found the characters so endearing, and the romance was sexy yet truly beautiful <3 The plot was also very interesting, though I admit the conclusion didn’t fully satisfy me (in my opinion, the father and his girlfriend are UNFORGIVABLE ! if I were Cait, I would have cut them out of my life for good ...)
In short, a funny and sexy mafia romance that I devoured—it’s sure to delight fans of the series !
For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
September 26, 2026
I love this story!
I had so much fun reading it.
The book starts off like a romantic comedy.
It's thrilling, exciting, and hilarious.
However, the story quickly takes a turn, well, it is a mafia romance, after all.
Things aren't all sweet and swoony in the criminal underworld.
The Costa family is great.
I love the cameo appearances of the other family members in this book.
It's a gripping, action-packed, and suspense-filled story that any fan of mafia romance will love.
I love the characters and their unique quirks and behavioral traits that became habits or just their normal, due to their circumstances and lifestyle.
The book also deals with anxiety and panic attacks.
These are things that many people might be familiar with but have never really thought deeply about or discussed.
The author did a great job of describing the mental state associated with these specific issues.
This book is a beautiful love story.
Did I mention that this unlikely couple loves books and reading? Oh, and they're scorching hot, too 😉
.
I had so much fun reading it.
The book starts off like a romantic comedy.
It's thrilling, exciting, and hilarious.
However, the story quickly takes a turn, well, it is a mafia romance, after all.
Things aren't all sweet and swoony in the criminal underworld.
The Costa family is great.
I love the cameo appearances of the other family members in this book.
It's a gripping, action-packed, and suspense-filled story that any fan of mafia romance will love.
I love the characters and their unique quirks and behavioral traits that became habits or just their normal, due to their circumstances and lifestyle.
The book also deals with anxiety and panic attacks.
These are things that many people might be familiar with but have never really thought deeply about or discussed.
The author did a great job of describing the mental state associated with these specific issues.
This book is a beautiful love story.
Did I mention that this unlikely couple loves books and reading? Oh, and they're scorching hot, too 😉
.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh this one really had me kicking my feet chuckling in amusement.
Gavino is the most delicious nerdy antisocial creature I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
He just minding his buisness when the unthinkable happens and naturally this man who's not often amused.. os suddenly amused and curious?. Dangerous combination. One I ate up. Alongside his overprotective nature and mothering tendencies.
Caitlin our sweet nerdy nervy gal. Oh this woman proved just what you'd be willing to do for someone you love. She's brave and adorable. Fiercely loyal and a little innocent. I just loved her. She's quirky, relatable and sweet. Protective and even when terrified.. she's determined.
These two had me cackling. I mean talk about a meet cute but add a little *spice*.
It was diabolical but hilarious and 10 out of 10 for her efforts and his allowing it to happen.
I devoured their slow burn journey. They despite the circumstances really got to know one another and connected through a love of books and avoidance of people. It was the kind of sweet that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
I did not expect the story to lead where is went and I was left fuming on Caitlins behalf but without that, there would be no them so despite my displeasure. I loved them and their HEA.
Naturally Jessica always gives us secondary characters to love and want more of. Zeno... I WANT!!.
Plus so many possibilities for the future?!. Gah. I love it.
As a whole I loved them and their journey. It had me feeling all the feeling so holy invested in their journey and where it would lead. Jessie never disappoints and this is no different. These mafia books always have me locked in.
Gavino is the most delicious nerdy antisocial creature I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
He just minding his buisness when the unthinkable happens and naturally this man who's not often amused.. os suddenly amused and curious?. Dangerous combination. One I ate up. Alongside his overprotective nature and mothering tendencies.
Caitlin our sweet nerdy nervy gal. Oh this woman proved just what you'd be willing to do for someone you love. She's brave and adorable. Fiercely loyal and a little innocent. I just loved her. She's quirky, relatable and sweet. Protective and even when terrified.. she's determined.
These two had me cackling. I mean talk about a meet cute but add a little *spice*.
It was diabolical but hilarious and 10 out of 10 for her efforts and his allowing it to happen.
I devoured their slow burn journey. They despite the circumstances really got to know one another and connected through a love of books and avoidance of people. It was the kind of sweet that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
I did not expect the story to lead where is went and I was left fuming on Caitlins behalf but without that, there would be no them so despite my displeasure. I loved them and their HEA.
Naturally Jessica always gives us secondary characters to love and want more of. Zeno... I WANT!!.
Plus so many possibilities for the future?!. Gah. I love it.
As a whole I loved them and their journey. It had me feeling all the feeling so holy invested in their journey and where it would lead. Jessie never disappoints and this is no different. These mafia books always have me locked in.
September 29, 2026
I would not forgive, killed the ending for me
October 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Caitlin & Gavino's book was such an amazing read.
This Capo! Not only is he the most unsociable, introverted person ever, he also really enjoyed being held captive {kinda} 😂
Caitlin & Gavino's book was such an amazing read.
This Capo! Not only is he the most unsociable, introverted person ever, he also really enjoyed being held captive {kinda} 😂
September 24, 2026
Loved it
This was so fun. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The road trip, the anxiety, the mystery, the spider, the found family... it was so good.
This was so fun. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The road trip, the anxiety, the mystery, the spider, the found family... it was so good.
September 30, 2026
3.75-4 stars
More of a romantic comedy from her. Safe, both experienced but he’s not a MH, nerdy MMC and FMC. Pretty good thriller aspect, kept my attention. Would not reread probably
More of a romantic comedy from her. Safe, both experienced but he’s not a MH, nerdy MMC and FMC. Pretty good thriller aspect, kept my attention. Would not reread probably
September 26, 2026
Jessica Gadziala has topped herself on one of the best first meets. The premise sounds serious. A woman desperate to find her missing father works her way into a mafia capo's apartment and handcuff's him to a chair determined to to anything it takes to get him to tell her where he is. Problem is she has no idea what she is doing, nor does she have the stomach for torturing anyone. So, the theme changes from serious to comical.
Caitlin is quirky, anxious with a side of anxiety attacks, fiercely loyal, and braver than she realizes.
Gavino Costa is grumpy, reclusive, nerdy, and unexpectedly nurturing.
Turns out they have a lot in common. Both are massive book lovers and suffer from anxiety in different ways. They had some things to work through but due to those things you knew from the start they were perfect for each other. Even amid danger, the book maintains perfectly timed humor.
All in all this is a funny, tender, suspenseful mafia romance. It balances laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth, delivers a lovable couple with off-the-charts chemistry.
Caitlin is quirky, anxious with a side of anxiety attacks, fiercely loyal, and braver than she realizes.
Gavino Costa is grumpy, reclusive, nerdy, and unexpectedly nurturing.
Turns out they have a lot in common. Both are massive book lovers and suffer from anxiety in different ways. They had some things to work through but due to those things you knew from the start they were perfect for each other. Even amid danger, the book maintains perfectly timed humor.
All in all this is a funny, tender, suspenseful mafia romance. It balances laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth, delivers a lovable couple with off-the-charts chemistry.
September 26, 2026
The Woman with the Handcuffs is the 14th book in the Costa Family series by Jessica Gadziala. This is Gavino and Caitlin’s story.
I love how these two meet. Caitlin is so funny thinking she has the upper hand as she tries to kidnap Gav. He’s just as funny letting her think she’s succeeding. I laughed several times at her weak stomach and what Gav was able to get away with while Caitlin was clueless. The more time they spend together, the more Caitlin realizes Gav is a great guy and one she can trust to help her find her dad. I also enjoyed the fact they both love to read and share a common bond. It makes sense that they just fit together into each other’s lives making it obvious they are meant to be.
I agree with Caitlin about her being mad at her dad, and I certainly would have felt the same way about Mona.
Another great book by Jessica. As usual, I cannot wait to see who gets their story written next.
I love how these two meet. Caitlin is so funny thinking she has the upper hand as she tries to kidnap Gav. He’s just as funny letting her think she’s succeeding. I laughed several times at her weak stomach and what Gav was able to get away with while Caitlin was clueless. The more time they spend together, the more Caitlin realizes Gav is a great guy and one she can trust to help her find her dad. I also enjoyed the fact they both love to read and share a common bond. It makes sense that they just fit together into each other’s lives making it obvious they are meant to be.
I agree with Caitlin about her being mad at her dad, and I certainly would have felt the same way about Mona.
Another great book by Jessica. As usual, I cannot wait to see who gets their story written next.
October 4, 2026
The Woman with the Handcuffs
I laughed my way through most of this book. It's amazing how many romances are not humorous - HEAs, but not necessarily fun. This author consistently writes solid dialogue that expresses the great rapport between characters.
Both MCs seem to be neurodivergents, in different ways. He seems to be a touch on the spectrum with lots of sensory issues and social discomfort (and introversion).
“Conversations didn’t seem to have a beginning or end, just meandered around from one subject to the next, leaving me hopelessly lost and without a map.”
She is more ADHD with lots of anxiety, and extroversion.
“She was too in her head to be wondering if I was being grumpy or unusually quiet. Hell, there was no quiet. Because if she wasn’t talking, she was singing along with her music. This was the most relaxed I’d been in someone else’s company in years.”
As usual with this author, there are examples of behaviors for men to avoid,
“I mean, I once dated a guy who didn’t have sheets. He slept on top of his clean laundry. Then got up and put one of said outfits on his body.”
And this,
“I once dated a guy for eight months who never remembered how I took my coffee. I liked how much Gav paid attention.”
Yeah, paying attention is gold.
I laughed my way through most of this book. It's amazing how many romances are not humorous - HEAs, but not necessarily fun. This author consistently writes solid dialogue that expresses the great rapport between characters.
Both MCs seem to be neurodivergents, in different ways. He seems to be a touch on the spectrum with lots of sensory issues and social discomfort (and introversion).
“Conversations didn’t seem to have a beginning or end, just meandered around from one subject to the next, leaving me hopelessly lost and without a map.”
She is more ADHD with lots of anxiety, and extroversion.
“She was too in her head to be wondering if I was being grumpy or unusually quiet. Hell, there was no quiet. Because if she wasn’t talking, she was singing along with her music. This was the most relaxed I’d been in someone else’s company in years.”
As usual with this author, there are examples of behaviors for men to avoid,
“I mean, I once dated a guy who didn’t have sheets. He slept on top of his clean laundry. Then got up and put one of said outfits on his body.”
And this,
“I once dated a guy for eight months who never remembered how I took my coffee. I liked how much Gav paid attention.”
Yeah, paying attention is gold.
September 25, 2026
so much fun!
I loved this! I loved how much we saw them talking and working together and how even with Caits anxiety, she persevered! Though i did hate one of the small arcs in this book because it didnt seem redeemable but it was not between the MCs. Honestly, Gav and Cait were so sweet and cozy it was such a fun, good read!
I loved this! I loved how much we saw them talking and working together and how even with Caits anxiety, she persevered! Though i did hate one of the small arcs in this book because it didnt seem redeemable but it was not between the MCs. Honestly, Gav and Cait were so sweet and cozy it was such a fun, good read!
September 27, 2026
This was the perfect read for a rainy autumn day. Gav and Caitlin were such a fun couple, their meet cute was so out of the ordinary but completely epic, and that alone made this a 5 star read. As always with a Jessica Gadziala book there is chemistry, a mystery to solve and more family members to get to know a little better.
September 24, 2026
Loved it.
Another great book in the Costa Family series.
Perfectly timed humour and well written romance that I couldn't put down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another great book in the Costa Family series.
Perfectly timed humour and well written romance that I couldn't put down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 25, 2026
Adorable
This was such a sweet book. I loved their meet-cute! Gav is just perfect. And Jessica Gadziala writes the best epilogues!
This was such a sweet book. I loved their meet-cute! Gav is just perfect. And Jessica Gadziala writes the best epilogues!
September 25, 2026
I loved the "meet-cute"... it was sooo funny.
October 3, 2026
Perfect match & Fun Meet Cute!
What happens when a member of the family is "taken hostage" in their own home by a beautiful girl running in fumes and pretty clueless? A funny story and great meet cute!
This story is amazing 👏.
Gavino is the quiet family member. He would rather be home then around everyone else. One day a driver in his operation goes missing but it doesn't affect him directly so he moves on fast.
Caitlin is very independent. It's just been her and her dad, who drives truck over the road. One day she gets the call that her dad is missing and she takes it on herself to investigate and try to find him.
Their stories crash together in such a fun, make you laugh way. Very relatable to the everyday person.
This story has twists, turns, spice, drama, love and and a great HEA!
What happens when a member of the family is "taken hostage" in their own home by a beautiful girl running in fumes and pretty clueless? A funny story and great meet cute!
This story is amazing 👏.
Gavino is the quiet family member. He would rather be home then around everyone else. One day a driver in his operation goes missing but it doesn't affect him directly so he moves on fast.
Caitlin is very independent. It's just been her and her dad, who drives truck over the road. One day she gets the call that her dad is missing and she takes it on herself to investigate and try to find him.
Their stories crash together in such a fun, make you laugh way. Very relatable to the everyday person.
This story has twists, turns, spice, drama, love and and a great HEA!
September 29, 2026
might be my new fav costa book
September 30, 2026
Really entertaining, unrealistic as hell but whatever, I enjoy it
October 5, 2026
4⭐
As usual, Jessica Gadziala does an amazing job expanding the world of the Costa family. The Woman with the Handcuffs was packed with thrills, excitement, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I always enjoy returning to this series because the characters feel so well developed, and the stories strike a great balance between action, romance, and humour. Another entertaining addition to the Costa family world!
As usual, Jessica Gadziala does an amazing job expanding the world of the Costa family. The Woman with the Handcuffs was packed with thrills, excitement, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I always enjoy returning to this series because the characters feel so well developed, and the stories strike a great balance between action, romance, and humour. Another entertaining addition to the Costa family world!
October 5, 2026
refreshing read
I love Jessica’s books but there was just something so refreshing about this one.
Gav reminds me of a few people i know, happy at home doing his thing who you gotta push to get out and about! Cait was funny in all her anxiousness and indigestion self, with a little nausea and weak constitution at gore thrown in.
Was an easy enjoyable read with these relatable characters.
I love Jessica’s books but there was just something so refreshing about this one.
Gav reminds me of a few people i know, happy at home doing his thing who you gotta push to get out and about! Cait was funny in all her anxiousness and indigestion self, with a little nausea and weak constitution at gore thrown in.
Was an easy enjoyable read with these relatable characters.
October 5, 2026
really good book - loved the set up
October 2, 2026
This is one of my favorites. Gavino and Caitlin have become one of my favorite couples in the Costa family series. I love how this story evolved and built up to the end. Gavino and Caitlin are perfect for each other.
October 3, 2026
5 stars
That was one of the best ones yet! Now I need to get my husband into reading books because I didn’t realise how hot that would be.
That was one of the best ones yet! Now I need to get my husband into reading books because I didn’t realise how hot that would be.
October 2, 2026
Loved
I really loved this one, I was giggling and kicking my feet through most of it. Caitlin & Gavino were perfect for each other.
I really loved this one, I was giggling and kicking my feet through most of it. Caitlin & Gavino were perfect for each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the story I didn’t know I needed… Caitlin is my ultimate heroine with flaws and all. I sat and read this in
Caitlin’s dad is a long-haul trucker, who goes missing. While looking for him she finds that he is working for Gavino. So, she hatches a plan to find her dad. Rather clumsily…
I laughed so hard at points in this book. Especially the beginning when Caitlin and Gavino meet. It was hilarious with Caitlin’s “plans”. The story was perfect.
Caitlin’s dad is a long-haul trucker, who goes missing. While looking for him she finds that he is working for Gavino. So, she hatches a plan to find her dad. Rather clumsily…
I laughed so hard at points in this book. Especially the beginning when Caitlin and Gavino meet. It was hilarious with Caitlin’s “plans”. The story was perfect.
October 27, 2026
Well written. Fun premise. Meet cute (kinda), road trips, intriguing realistic people including the secondary characters.
The excellent dialogue made the slow burn pleasant. Hallmark extended epilogue for those who need it.
Oh, and no mandatory mafia + accidental pregnancy BS.
The excellent dialogue made the slow burn pleasant. Hallmark extended epilogue for those who need it.
Oh, and no mandatory mafia + accidental pregnancy BS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2026
Another cute meeting
This is so funny in the beginning when Caitlin does the crazy thing (no spoilers). The friendship begins and turns into more pretty fast.
This is so funny in the beginning when Caitlin does the crazy thing (no spoilers). The friendship begins and turns into more pretty fast.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews