Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Crime Lord #1-3

Crime Lord Series

Rate this book
This box set contains the ebook versions of books 1-3 in the Crime Lord Series, which follows Lyla Dalton and Gavin Pyre as they navigate through their tumultuous relationship and the Las Vegas underworld where Gavin rules as crime lord.Crime Lord's Captive #1: "Come to me, Lyla, and I’ll let your father live." Three years ago, Lyla Dalton fled from the glittering lights of Las Vegas and the ruthless man who rules the criminal underworld, Gavin Pyre. She created a new identity and has been living a quiet life, but that’s at an end. He’s found her and is bringing her back to where she belongs. As Lyla navigates through the dark secrets of her past, she’s forced to face a man who won’t accept no for an answer from the woman he still claims as his.Recaptured by the Crime Lord #2: Lyla Dalton is a shell of her former self. She and her cousin have been traveling cross country in an RV, trying to outrun their pasts, but that’s about to come to an end. Gavin Pyre is out of jail and he’s coming for her. This time, when he catches her, there will be no escape.Once A Crime Lord #3: It all ends here. It’s been two years since the Pyre family was ripped apart by a sadistic killer who will stop at nothing to take Gavin Pyre’s position as crime lord of the Las Vegas underworld. Lyla and Gavin’s relationship will be put to the ultimate test when her ex rolls into town and the killer decides to finish what he started by making his final play…Author's This is a dark series with triggers, violence, and mature themes that may make some readers uncomfortable.

808 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2017

152 people are currently reading
281 people want to read

About the author

Mia Knight

12 books2,768 followers
Mia is the author of the Crime Lord and Singed Series. She writes dark, contemporary romances that make you question your beliefs and leave you feeling drained and emotionally bereft. If you like your men dark with questionable morals and a possessive edge, you’ve come to the right place.

When Mia isn’t writing, she’s most likely on a road trip. She loves coffee, daydreaming, and the sound of rain storms. She is constantly shadowed by her dogs who don’t judge her when she laughs and cries with the voices in her head. Mia’s also a notorious hermit so please be patient if she doesn’t get back to you promptly.

You can follow her on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mia-k...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
324 (71%)
4 stars
79 (17%)
3 stars
33 (7%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
May 13, 2023
🎁The book bundle featuring Crime Lord's Captive, Recaptured by the Crime Lord, and Once a Crime Lord is available for $0.99 for a limited time on all retailers (regular price $6.99)! The book bundle will be on sale from February 17 - 19.🎁

I loved this utterly addictive series like crazy!!! HIGHLY recommend! ❤️
Profile Image for Meggie.
586 reviews114 followers
May 12, 2019
4.5 stars

*Read for 2019 CYTBR challenge*

You think I’d stop at anything but having you bound to me every way possible?

This series was a lot different than I expected, mostly in a good way. It isn’t what I would call a dark read, but it definitely has dark undertones as well as a shitload of suspense. In that aspect, it was what I expected from a mafia read, just a lot more realistic than I’m used to in this genre- which I liked. The suspense kept me hooked enough where I finished a trilogy in three days, which is usually not my style (thought I’ve had good luck recently). So, while the story isn’t what I would call perfect, it was still a great read.

“I forced you to run from me. I know that. Living without you was my punishment, and I suffered, Lyla.”

When the first book starts, Lyla is on the run from her ex, Gavin. She has really good reasons for leaving him three years ago, including but not limited to violence and lots of infidelity. I mention the latter because I know a lot of people care, but I feel like it’s important to note that it all happens well before the story begins. Now, I don’t really have strong feelings towards cheating like a lot of people do, but I also don’t enjoy it as a main plot device… which it isn’t here. Also, in some books, I’ve been known to side-eye the “excuse” for the cheating. In this case, I didn’t, but I also didn’t completely buy it, either. Truthfully, it just didn’t really matter in the end, because it became clear quickly that both Gavin and Lyla are completely different people than they were three years ago. So, their past together wasn’t nearly as important to me as what was going on in the present- which was a lot.

“You want to hook me, baby? Take me. Anything, everything. Show me you want something from me and aren’t waiting to run when my back is turned. I know I don’t deserve you, and that most people only get one shot at love. If they blow it, that’s it. I forced you to give me a second and third shot. I’ll keep asking you for chances because we will never be over.”

Take note that this author doesn’t sugar coat her characters: Gavin is the very definition of a psycho ex, and Lyla at times does come across as having battered-wife syndrome. He’s manipulative, possessive, and borderline abusive. He does mature a little, but he’s also a crime lord; I wouldn’t have liked it if he turned into the perfect boyfriend overnight. Not unlike Lyla, I hated him at times and loved him at others. I did like him more as time went on, but I also have a thing for alpha, complicated, fucked-up characters, so take from that what you will. For her part, Lyla is the definition of a woman evolving. She fell in love with Gavin at eighteen, and it completely shaped the person she becomes. Just like Gavin, I didn’t love her and I didn’t hate her. I often wished she would grow a backbone, but I also understood that she could only do so much. I did like that she left him twice, because he so deserved it. I also like that he hunted her down, because that’s exactly the kind of person he is. You don’t always love Gavin- or even Lyla at times- but the one thing this author does very well is stay true to her characters. They’re flawed and damaged, but also very consistent.

“Whatever it takes to have you with me, I’ll do. Never doubt it.”

So, I’ve established that the main couple are surely interesting, yet not always likable. This might’ve mattered more if not for the two major strengths of this series- the plot and the supporting cast. Seriously, the suspense in this series is amazing. Y’all, this author is very talented at creating an underworld. The villain is pure evil, and his identity is unknown. I honestly think I guessed he was twelve different people before I found out. I actually liked who it ended up being, and that’s important, because I can be very picky about twists. It made sense, too, unlike in some books where the author goes for the shock factor while leaving logic in the dust. As for the supporting characters, I loved everything about them. Carmen and Blade were my favorites, so I’m very intrigued by the fact that she gets her own book in this world. Gavin’s extended family kind of came out of nowhere, but they were so great that I didn’t care. His co-workers were even better. And then there was Beau, the pit bull that Lyla adopted from an animal shelter. As the mother to two rescue pitties, that tidbit made me so happy I squealed a little. So, all in all, I definitely recommend this book to anyone that can handle a lot of action, an antihero, and some violence. If you jump in and you’re anything like me, you won’t forget this world and its inhabitants anytime soon.

“My name,” he insisted. “Let everyone know who you belong to.”
“G-Gavin?”
“I’m not a question, baby. I’m the answer to everything.”
Profile Image for Tennille Stephens.
Author 20 books115 followers
August 30, 2024
So, so, so good!!!

Could not put this down. I love the story of Lyla and Gavin. Man was it quite the tale. You learn something about the characters with each book. All the twists and turns are amazing. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Emiliya Bozhilova.
1,925 reviews386 followers
June 17, 2025
Тук Миа Найт се реваншира, защото:

✔️ Само 3 книги са, и не са дълги. Колкото е по-кратко, толкова е по-добро в тези жанрове.
✔️ Началото натъртва с реализъм - престъпният свят е представен мръсен и отвратителен, точно какъвто е. Мацката напуска героя не защото той кръшка (което възхитените американски читателки отчитат като единствения му “кусур” 🤷‍♀️), а защото е убиец. Най-сетне една сериозна героиня!
✔️ Краят го удари на фентъзи, но едва ли има друг начин за щастлив край за “гълъбчетата”.
✔️ И двамата герои, освен откачени, бяха и доста реалистични. И той накрая все пак се измъкна на собствен ход от най-престъпната сфера.

Добро мрачно забавление за ярки слънчеви дни.

3,5⭐️
Profile Image for Lynn Thinking out loud .
1,483 reviews64 followers
June 10, 2019
I loved this book. This one is not for the faint of heart. This isn't like some of those fluffy books that they try to pass off as a dark romance. This is the real deal. Deliciously Dark.
This book came highly recommend to me. I couldn't be more pleased. So I am highly recommending to you.
But only get and read this if you are really into the dark underworld.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,617 reviews109 followers
June 18, 2022
I enjoyed the first 2 books but the last one was mediocre. I was hoping that the Sadist was someone we knew.
Profile Image for EroticaAfterDark (Lilith).
2,780 reviews957 followers
Want to read
February 18, 2019
#erotica #bargain #sale #99ct @Mia Knight #DarkRomance #Mafia #Bundle
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2InVR8v
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2TSc1Iw
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2TXsL16

Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
List your permafreebies: https://goo.gl/forms/rwaGEU3xXgif64852
changes may occur throughout the day

Merged review:

SALE
#erotica #bargain #sale #99ct @Mia Knight #DarkRomance #Mafia #Bundle
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2InVR8v
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2TSc1Iw
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2TXsL16

Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
List your permafreebies: https://goo.gl/forms/rwaGEU3xXgif64852
changes may occur throughout the day
dark
Profile Image for MBR.
1,391 reviews365 followers
September 12, 2025
“You belong to me,” he stated without emotion, as if she was an inanimate object he was claiming ownership of. “You try to leave me again, I’ll hunt you down and make you watch as I slaughter everyone you love. Then, I’ll make you pay.”


It was Lydia’s review on Goodreads that drew me to Mia Knight’s Crime Lord Series, and as I read along, I began to understand how Gavin Pyre became one of her favorite book boyfriends. This trilogy is raw, gritty, and unapologetically dark, pulling the reader deep into a world where love is as dangerous as the underworld that Gavin rules. The trilogy follows Lyla Dalton, a woman who once fled Las Vegas and the ruthless man who claimed her heart, only to be dragged back into Gavin’s grip when he comes to reclaim what he considers his.

Lyla is a heroine who embodies contradictions. Shaped by a loveless childhood and the toxic choices of her parents, her vulnerability makes sense. What originally draws her into the life of Gavin is because of her need to escape the toxicity that is her home life. Even though she spends years trying to build a normal life away from Gavin, he is not a man to be trifled with, especially when Lyla is his to love, claim, and possess.

Gavin Pyre, on the other hand, is the archetypal antihero; dark, ruthless, unyielding, yet deeply in love with the one woman who both humanizes him and drives him mad. His brand of love is obsessive, jealous, and terrifyingly possessive, but beneath the brutality is a man who would burn the world down for Lyla and later, for their daughter Nora.

The heart of this story lies in the clash between Lyla’s desperate yearning for normalcy and Gavin’s refusal to ever let her go. Their relationship is a battlefield of wills, one moment tender, the next violent, always charged with intensity. Theirs is not a romance painted in soft hues; it is jagged, bloody, and unrelenting, where the line between love and destruction blurs constantly. It is in this tension that Mia Knight thrives, giving readers a story that is addictive, unsettling, and unforgettable.

What I loved most was how unapologetically complex Gavin is. He is not softened or redeemed in the way most romance heroes are. He is who he is, and yet his devotion to Lyla and later to their daughter Nora makes him magnetic. It is no wonder readers call him unforgettable. Still, the constant glorification of violence did sometimes weigh heavy, and there were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the blood-soaked choices that defined their world. But at the same time, that is what makes this series stand out perhaps; it does not flinch from the brutality that comes with loving a man like Gavin.

Recommended for: readers who love dark romance, possessive antiheroes, second chances that come at a high cost, and stories where love is both the ultimate salvation and the deepest damnation.

Final Verdict: A dark, twisted, unforgettable saga of love and obsession in the underworld of Las Vegas. Gavin Pyre isn’t just a hero—he is a monster you cannot help, but fall for.

Rating = 4/5

For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
Profile Image for Travers.
218 reviews14 followers
January 14, 2018
Agh. Such a disappointment.

I read some great reviews from some of my Goodreads friends and thought this was going to be dark and engaging.

It wasn’t.

I could’ve liked this story if it wasn’t engineered to make Lyla look like she’s being crazy and childish for not wanting the H. I like dark romances, but this was a joke. I couldn’t take it seriously. The writing isn’t all that good and it steers you very obviously towards thinking that Lyla is crazy for not accepting her situation.

The hero was okay, I tried reading more to know him, but I couldn’t get over the silliness.

I skipped page after page, the message is just lame. The cousin (who’s allegedly super protective of her) wants her to prostitute herself to a guy that raped and hurt her. I can live with some dubious consent and abuse when reading darker stories, it comes with the territory, but I can’t get behind everyone condoning it and telling her he’s doing all that ‘cause he loves her, that’s just stupid.

One moment Carmen’s hugging her and telling her that she’s gonna kill him for harming her, and the next she’s primping her for him... men can do whatever the fuck in this books (it’s just fiction, no one was harmed in the making of the story) since they always improve... to a point, but I CAN’T deal with bad friends (not even fictitious ones). I just can’t wrap my head around Carmen not only ignoring that her beloved cousin told her she was raped and brutalized, but justifying it with him being soooo in love with her *barf* worst friend ever.

I’m not even scandalized by the abuse (I knew what I signed up for with a dark romance), it just all felt so fake and forced. It didn’t feel natural, like when you watch a movie with music that tells you what you should be feeling because the acting isn’t all that good. I want to make my own mind about what’s happening, I don’t want to be told that everything is fantastic and that I need to get on board with it all.

What I like about darker stories is to hate to love the hero just to plain love him in the end, here I was pressured by the narrative and all the secondary characters to agree with his behavior, it’s like the author’s micromanaging everything the reader should feel, does that make sense?

I feel so disappointed, this had great potential, but in the end it was lame and meh.
Profile Image for K..
Author 5 books20 followers
January 30, 2018
If you love a psycho ex, you'll love Gavin!
Profile Image for Greta Geyn.
28 reviews
May 18, 2020
WTF. This author isn’t wasting a page. I’m only at page 3 and already so thrilled. At the edge of my couch.
This is soooo good. The emotions get my limbic system so pump up. The rage, hatred and love is so raw.
Among all crime lord heroine, Lyla is one of the best. Her character is well developed.
Gavin oh Gavin, you are indeed a borderline psychotic possessive prick who loved fiercely and unhealthy? LoL. Anyway this is a work of fiction. He’s really a psycho but you’ll love him.
The FMC, Layla, had some life decisions that I disagree and have me pulling my hair. Like WTH Lyla, are you suicidal? Overall, I enjoyed it. I also like that its now Dual POV. The first book was only Lyla’s. But the following book is dual, which is great.

I like the supporting characters. Some are intriguing like Lucifer, he’s lunatic but has a colourful character and mystery. I’m looking forward to see Nora’s underworld training with him, if it reach to that generation. Anyway, do I recommend this book? Absolutely F#%^ hell yes. It’s exciting and page turner. ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Stephanie Haydon.
19 reviews
January 15, 2018
Wow.

I have read these books, couldn't put them down,I was so enthralled in the story line that I felt I was with them every step of the way.I've laughed I've screamed I've cried I've got angry when the bad guys have been terrorising them. Loved it when Gavin went for what he wanted, never backed down and wavered from his goal.Real alpha male who showed everyone who Lyle belonged too. She gave as good as she got and even though she was scared she never backed away from danger.She faced everything that was put in front of her and won the battle and in the end was a kick ass momma protecting all she loved. Great story,loved every bit of it and would definitely recommend it to my friends. Thankyou Mia Knight for a great read, can't wait for your next great read.x
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,698 reviews
September 17, 2024
this is an amazing series and keeps you going throughout.
it's dark and twisted and you never see what's coming.
the love-hate relationship is hard for the reader as you want them to be together but you want her to be free.
a must read for anyone who loves dark mafia romances.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,145 reviews15 followers
December 25, 2020
4.4 stars

Crime Lord's Captive
This book...

Holy hell. What a rollercoaster book this was. So much suspense. It was intense, I felt for the characters because like them I didn't know what twist or turn was going to come next. So much violence. Yet, through it all, I found that I was drawn toward Gavin. Was he a bad man? In a manner of speaking yet. But his love for Lyla seemed genuine. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I own this as part of the boxset.

Recaptured by the Crime Lord
4.3 stars

While I enjoyed this book, it didn't have me on the edge of my seat as the first book did. It was missing some of the suspense and twists and turns. I liked it more when Gavin was off the rails in terms of his possessiveness and obsessiveness to keep Lyla safe.

That being said, this was still a great book. I look forward to the conclusion.

Once a Crime Lord
4.4 stars

This book packed a punch when it started again. I think my favorite part of this series was Gavin. I know that I shouldn't love him the way that I did but I was like a moth to the flame. He is over-the-top in his love for Lylah but good lord does it turn me on.

There were a few parts of the story that I really wish had been fleshed out more and this would have ranked higher. However, I can overlook that because it was a worthy conclusion to this trilogy.

I read this as part of the boxset.
Profile Image for Secretly Adorkable Readers.
1,413 reviews27 followers
March 20, 2018
"After everything, he needed comfort, but she wasn’t sure she could give it to him. She was broken and bleeding herself. They were two broken and lost souls."

I am so addicted to this series! I have a Secretly Adorkable Readers Book Club and several of us read this series together! If you are into Dark Romance, in a Mafia world with Possessive Alpha men, then this series is for you. It is in 3rd POV which has never been my favorite but I loved this series so much that I enjoyed every bit of it.

The first 3 books are Gavin Pyre & Lyla's story! When I said dark, this series is not for the faint of heart. There are brutal scenes, captivity, kidnapping, and lots of action packed scenes in each book that will keep you turning the page for more! The tension is off the charts and will make up those disturbing scenes! Great series and cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Jayde Ash.
90 reviews
November 12, 2024
lacks depth and detail.

Despite my initial excitement from the glowing reviews, The Crime Lord’s Captives ultimately didn’t meet my expectations. The storyline often felt rushed in moments that could have benefited from more development, leaving significant plot points feeling glossed over. In contrast, other sections were overly prolonged, which disrupted the pacing. Unfortunately, the characters also felt underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with them or feel invested in their journeys. The writing style came across as unpolished, like an early draft from a new writer. While there were a few steamy scenes that added some appeal, they weren’t enough to redeem the overall trilogy. I wanted to enjoy this book, but I found myself skimming through pages just to finish. Disappointing, especially given the potential it seemed to have.
Profile Image for lunewhal ✨🌿🍉.
216 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2025
Although, nothing can top Mia’s Singed series but this definitely came a second close to that. I loved how ruthless Gavin is yet he never shied away from showing Lyla how much he loved her, never stopped expressing to her how he felt about her. It was refreshing to say the least cuz mostly when I read dark romances, the MMC despite having feelings for the FMC would not express openly about he feels for her and even if he did, it would be rarely on some occasions and not frequently.

There were times when I felt the story dragged a bit hence 4 stars instead of 5, I still think this is a worth read and it has a good amount of spice mixed with crime, blood, gore, mystery and darkness. All in all a good read!
203 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2018
Edge of you seat excitement from cover to cover

Oh my God! I stumbled across this series by accident. I had never even heard of this author before. I cannot believe what I just read. I finished this series in less than 12 hours. I could not put it down. I hate that I have to wait for another book. I want it now! Hell caught me by complete surprise and oddly enough I found Lucifer endearing. Blade needs a story and Angel and Marcus!!! Please hurry read this you will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Madelynn Smith.
90 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
Outstanding

I absolutely love the first three books, which I bought as a set. I was absolutely riveted from the first chapter and could not put the books down.
It has all elements.. Sexy times, suspense, drama and a cast of characters that have you loving them and hating them in equal measure at various points in the story.
The plot keeps you guessing and just when you think you have it figured out, it blows you away again with another twist you never saw coming.
I shall be keeping my eye on this author. I have become a fan and I will follow her from now on.
Profile Image for Lorrie.
2,275 reviews28 followers
September 24, 2025
So, mixed feelings with this series. It absolutely sucked me in and I blew through the book; however, I also had some issues with it. Lyla's back and forth with Gavin annoyed me and I didn't understand her loyalty to either of her parents. I ended up grudgingly accepting Gavin by the end but there were times when I actually physically felt Lyla's frustration and helplessness. I loved her relationship with Carmen and the one she eventually formed with Blade. I'm a little obsessed with both Angel and Lucifer atm. I'm excited to read Carmen's story next.
Profile Image for Nicole Mcclain.
795 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2018
Wow

What did I read...Gavin is probably the most possessive, alpha psycho that I have ever read. There were times I wanted to strangle him and brutally love him the next.
I love the growth of Lyla. She annoyed me in the first book but really grew into a force.
If you like crazy men, mutilation and hot dirty sex, then please take a read. I did and have missed on sleep because I wanted to finish.
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,127 reviews192 followers
April 28, 2019
OMG. This series was so good.
I fell in love with Gavin, such an Alpha Male!
Lyla is in over her head with him. She cannot compete with his demands and his over the tip obsession with her.
After all they have been through and then all of a sudden they are married and expecting their first child.
She demands that Gavin finishes this by finding and killing Sadiat/Phantom. And thet both spiral into Hell.
This series kept me on the edge of my seat.
Mia you wrote the most Amazing series!
66 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2018
Good

I had to skip a lot of the book because I just wanted to read the story without all the sex scenes-although I did read some of them. I had a xhusband that was the evil side of Gavin but with none of the positive attributes. I was rooting for Lyla to leave him. The story was intriguing and gave a lot of onsite to the world of crime.
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
631 reviews76 followers
November 17, 2019
Loved!

Omg a over the top controlling, jealous, possessive alpha and a mafia story?! Yes please!!! Gavin was a hot hot hot alpha that made you quake as you read what he’d do, how far he’d go for the woman he wanted. There were so many twists in this book. It was well crafted and wonderfully done.
Profile Image for Chelle.
469 reviews
February 15, 2020
Crime Lord Series

Great boxed set!!!! This set has you from the first chapter of the first book. The characters are fun and interesting. Gavin and Lyla are made for each other and the back characters such you into their lives. I do want to warn.... Many possible triggers for some. But if you crave dark this is for you. Loved it
Profile Image for Yames Bond.
905 reviews14 followers
December 15, 2020
Entertaining.

The book has lots of cliches like females being stubborn and instead of being helpful, complicating things.

The hero is the classic alpha guy that does lots of groveling because he was unfaithful.

It had many interesting moments and it’s (as I said) entertaining.

Lyla and Gavin definitely have off the charts chemistry!
Profile Image for shawna.
1,137 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2018
Violence , criminals, sex ,love ,redimtion, revenge this book had me at go

This was my first series by Mia they where just what I needed couldn't put the books down took me a day and half to read .
Profile Image for Ali.
802 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2021
DARK Romance

If you like dark stories, hot scenes, good dialogue, and fast-pace action - then this series is for you. However, this is a dark story with DARK themes. Read with caution for triggers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.