Captive Box Set

Captive #1, 1.5 & 2.5

by Julia Sykes

This collection includes Sweet Captivity, Claiming My Sweet Captive (Andrés' P.O.V.), and Captive Ever After.Samantha...I don’t like to be touched. I’m the hacker-geek-goddess of the FBI. When I’m hiding behind my screen, I’m a safe distance from everyone; isolated, powerful. No man has ever touched me, but when I’m captured by Colombian drug lord Andrés Moreno, I no longer have the right to refuse. He’s scarred and scary, and his cruel brother has tasked him with breaking me. I try to fight, but I can’t escape his strong arms and harsh discipline. He demands that I accept his touch, and I can’t help but respond to his masterful manipulations.The longer I remain trapped with him, the more I come to suspect that I’m not the only captive in his brother’s home. Andrés’ scars go deeper than the wicked furrows carved into his flesh, his pain reflected in the dark demands he imposes upon me. His obsession is twisted and wrong, but maybe I’m twisted, too.Do I want to be rescued from him? Or is he the one who truly needs saving?Andrés...My pretty hostage possesses a stubborn streak and sharp mind, but her clever brain is no match for my iron will. I'll stop at nothing to claim her, no matter how many deviant punishments I have to devise for her. No one will ever touch her again--especially not my cruel brother.Samantha is mine to keep and protect. Mine to play with and punish. All mine.

Genres: Romance

610 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2019

About the author

Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💞 Captive - A Dark Romance Box Set is on sale for $0.99 on Amazon today (6/26/2019)! 💞

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviews for 2 of the 3 books in this fabulous set of dark romances. (I haven't yet done a review for 'Claiming My Sweet Captive' although FYI: it is also awesome). I cannot state enough just HOW MUCH I LOVE this series of linked stories involving Andre & Samantha & Adrian & Valentina, but man, oh man, how I do!
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SWEET CAPTIVITY review:
-------------------------------
10+++Stars*** Hands down, this is one of my Top 10 All Time Fave books (& I have read literally THOUSANDS & THOUSANDS of books in just the last few years alone).
I have been so remiss in not reviewing this one before, but man oh man, how I looove it so. I have reread this one well over 15 times because everything about it just pushes my buttons, calls my name, makes me sigh, wince, worry, smile & tear up, hate (the villain); what more could a reader ask for?
Ms. Sykes has created in this story (IMHO) a beautifully damaged, intense, DOMINANT, frightening Alpha male, Andres (anti-H) who is so much more than the reader & Samantha (h) suspect. Sucked deep into the horrifying world of his older brother's drug cartel, Andres is brutally scarred internally as well as externally; he is violent, vicious & powerful, hard & tough. And he eagerly accepts as a 'gift', the kidnapped & terrified Samantha from his older brother. And yet, somehow, Samantha is much, much more to the damaged Andres than she realizes.
And Samantha is also damaged from a childhood trauma she no longer remembers except that she desperately loathes & fears being touched. She's loaded with nervous energy, her brain is always in overdrive & other than on a computer finds it hard to focus & impossible to clear her mind. But Andres wants her as his, totally submissive to him in ALL things & ways, & he intends to touch her often & in any way he pleases. And Samantha will be completely HIS.
It seems as though their relationship is doomed from the beginning, is fraught with disaster & impossibility, & yet, maybe, just maybe, Andres & Samantha are exactly what & who the other needs . . . .
Again, Andres & Samantha's story made me wince, tear up, angry, frustrated, worry; made me melt, smile, laugh & sigh happily: there is danger, suspense, betrayal, revenge, & intense action. There is sizzling steam, heartwarming & heartbreaking tenderness, discipline, growth & mutual understanding, a painful journey of healing, but most of all, LOVE in the darkest & bleakest of places & circumstances . . . .
I flipping ADORE & LOVE this story more than I am able to express & I cannot praise it highly enough.
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CAPTIVE EVER AFTER review:
-----------------------------------
The author returns us back to Andres & Samantha in this sequel, as well as Adrian & Valentina.
This story is a wonderful addition to the characters story, allowing the reader deeper peeks into these characters, to experience a piece of their lives we've not seen before. I GOBBLED this up & vastly loved it. And the author AGAIN doesn't disappoint: there's suspense, danger, betrayal, discovery, intensity of emotions both heartwarming & frightening, sizzling dominance as well as steam. I teared up, smiled, was worried, concerned & frightened for characters I've come to greatly cherish despite their warts, twisted moralities & black hearts that maybe aren't as completely black as they portray themselves.
This is a stellar addition to the series I immensely enjoyed & will be rereading many, many times.
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>>> Be aware: this series is DARK with triggers, but an excellent, superbly written & awesome one.

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith)]

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[Ähmsry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captive Ever After #2.5

eagerly awaited ...
and so wonderful with excitement, emotion and sexy bites the perfect conclusion - great

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[Fee96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This box set is a collection of fantastic stories of Andres & Samantha from the start. If you're in the mood for a gritty, alpha hero in a dark, twisty tale - this box set is for you.

My Sweet Captivity review -

Julia has knocked my shorts off! (I'd say socks but it's over 100 degrees here)

I have been intrigued with Sam from the beginning and am so stinkin happy that she not only got her own book but that it was a phenomenal story.

I loved everything about how this book was written. Impeccable, intricate story written in Sam's point of view. The story held the perfect pace with plenty of surprises that kept me guessing. These characters were exquisite. And the ending...gah just wow!

Sam's character became quite complex. We all knew her as the supreme hacker geek FBI agent. We all knew she was secretly in love with her best friend Dex. However none of that prepared me to read her story unfold. She under goes quite the transformation which I attribute to Andres. He's the villain that I see more as a damaged hero. The more I read, the more I understood his character and why he got attached to Sam. Andres' brother Cristian kidnaps Sam. Andre can't help but save her from his brother by claiming her for himself. Initially to break her down and get her to cooperation. However what starts as a captor/captive type exchange quickly grows to a more intimate, caring and eventually a romantic affinity. Very endearing. And although Andres sets out to protect and save Sam, she shocks me by doing some hard core saving in return. It's fantasticly twisted yet sometimes sweet and passionate! And the hotness is off the charts sexy!

I loved this book and took my time to savor every word. Cannot wait to see what Julia has in store for us next.

My review of My Sweet Captive -

I want to give all the stars! Getting inside Andres' head is like winning the lottery. I loved Sweet Captivity which was Samantha's pov. Reading Andres' inner dialogue for these first few chapters is a huge treat. I love the story even more now which I didn't think was possible.

We know he's dark, dominating, scarred and intimidating. However, now his thoughts are downright endearing. Despite Andres being one of the villains in Sweet Captivity his pov is incredibly redeeming from page 1. Where as the original story took a lot more time for me to see these qualities. His attraction to Samantha and how cute he finds her. Gah I need more!!! Fantastic in every way. Things were just starting to heat up

My review of Captive Ever After -

Whoa - this novella is absolute perfection. A beautiful tie in to Julia's other book Stealing Beauty which is about Andres' sister Valentina and Adrian. I freakin' loved this book. If you haven't read it - I highly recommend it. One of my favorites.

These two couples (Andres & Samantha and Valentina & Adrian) have endured so much in their pasts and now this story gives us a taste of their futures. Just as much action, grit, and exhilarating sexy encounters to melt my heart and panties plus keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what the outcome will be.

Just know that this author never disappoints. Her writing is impeccable, intelligent and her storylines and characters are freakin brilliant every single time!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe it’s been almost 2 years since we first met Andres and Sam and I am thrilled to get this extra story about them added to a box with the prior duet. For ease, I’m including my prior reviews from Sweet Captivity and Claiming My Sweet Captive with a new review for Captive Ever After

Sweet Captivity
I’m in love with Andres! Now that is out of the way, I can review. This was a bit of a surprise. I have to say that after reading Dark Lessons where Sam appears and is abducted by the Moreno’s I was expecting more of a presence from her FBI team. But this was almost exclusively told from the POV of Sam and it was perfect. It was truly their story. And yes, there are non-con elements that may bother some, but it turns out that Sam is just the right fit for Andres and he is just the right person to break through her walls.

I’m almost at a lost as to how to review this without spoiling it. It was awesome…shocking at times, and so many twists and turns that broke your heart. We learn more about Sam and what makes her tick if you will and we learn that things are not quite as they seem between the Moreno brothers. It was an amazing journey and I could not put it down!

Claiming My Sweet Captive
So, this is the companion book to Sweet Captivity which was in Sam’s POV. This is Andres POV. It has been over a year since Sweet Captivity was released so I don’t remember the fine details of the story, but I did remember more as the story went along. I would say that reading them in order would be good, but it may seem slow since many of the scenes will repeat with each POV. I much prefer having both POVs in one book in alternating format so things progress quicker. Again, for those who are new and need the warning, there are non-con elements that may bother some, but in the end Sam is just the right fit for Andres and he is just the right person to break through her walls.

Captive Ever After
This is the bonus story where we now have Andres and Sam living their HEA, but when Sam finds Andres’ lost sister, Valentina, they set out to rescue her from Adrian. I truly enjoyed catching up with both of these couples and it was great to see how they crossed paths. A great addition to the series.

Hero (Andres) 5 | Heroine (Sam) 5 | Plot 5 | Writing Style 5 | Steam 5 | Romance 3 | Angst-Suspense 3 | Darkness 3 | Humor 1 | Secondary Characters 3 | Drama-Conflict 3 | Mystery 3 | Twists 2 | Action 4 | Pacing Steady | Multi POV | MF | Dark | Non-Con | Overall 5 Stars
#MSBB

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read and review two of these stories previously and welcome the opportunity to return to see where life has taken these compelling characters. In Captive Ever After, Andrés has wanted to find his younger sister, Valentina, for quite some time and after long last, it seems as if he may be getting his wish thanks to his wife Samantha. Valentina’s life has not been easy and when Andrés finds out where she is, he plans to do whatever it takes to get her away from her “captor.” When Andrés and Samantha make arrangements for the kidnapping, things go awry and could cost them all a lot more than they bargain for. Once again Ms. Sykes has delivered a drama filled storyline that will have your heart pumping and your pulse racing. I highly recommend this box set.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Sweet Captivity
Julia Sykes is fast becoming one of my go to authors for dark romances. If there was a higher rating than 5 stars, this book qualifies. I will caution those who have certain triggers before reading this story. Ms. Sykes has written a controversial, grippingly evocative tale illustrating that sometimes things are not as they seem on the surface. Andrés is the brother of a notorious drug leader, Christian Moreno. He is tasked with running the day-to-day operations of the organization along with training the new women. Samantha is an agent with the FBI who recently changed jobs from hacker geek to be a field agent. However, while doing her duty she is unwittingly captured by the enemy and what ensues is an action-packed gut-wrenching storyline that will put any reader through his/her paces.
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
Claiming My Sweet Captive
4.5 stars
This is one dark romance told from Andrés point of view and is not for the faint of heart. Andrés was disfigured by his brother Cristian and has been put to work taming the women that come into their world. Samantha is an FBI agent who is in Cristian’s clutches and being tortured to get information. When Samantha is not breaking, Cristian permits Andrés three weeks to make her more pliable. The issue is that Andrés really wants Samantha to learn to crave him, beg him to do what he does to her and trust him. Ms. Sykes has a way of crafting her characters so that they appear lifelike, capturing their thoughts and actions perfectly. This is one storyline filled with drama, passion, and a lot more. If you enjoy reading dark romances, then this is one that is not to be missed.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

[Christine Morgan]

Sweet Captivity

This book is about Sam she's been kidnapped but her kidnapper may turn out to be her savior. I usually like to write a short book description before I give my personal opinions on a book but this one is just too hard to do without spoilers so I'm going right to my fangirl opinion. I LOVED Sam and Andrés! I've been waiting for this book for a while now, I feel in love the first time I met her and was super excited to FINALLY read her book and IT. WAS. AWESOME! I felt like it was a mix of Master and Czar, but Andrés wasn't really a bad guy and tries to help Sam. Sam also was a kick ass heroine when she returns to help her man. That took a lot of guts and then going into hiding to keep him safe and be with him was sooo sweet. I loved that we found out why Sam is so awkward and that Andrés was able to help her get rid of some of her anxiety. I felt bad that her relationship with Dex suffered but I think they'll be able to get back to being good friends in future books. This book was everything I've been waiting for and Sam and Andrés are my new official favorite couple! Can't wait to see where the series goes next.

Claiming my Sweet Captive

This was a great retelling of the story from Andres pov. I really liked getting inside his head and hearing his thoughts and feelings for Samantha. It was cool to see all the conversations between him and Cristian that we didn't get to see in the book only told from Sam's pov. Great story.


Captive Ever After

Finally the reunion I have been dying for! Andres and Valentina are reunited at last but not without it's share of hickups. I really love Sam she's so sweet and awesome and amazing. The relationship between Andres and Valentina is so sweet and they are a lot alike. Adrian is Adrian just as awesome as always. Such a fun read I didn't want it to end! Hopefully we'll see more of both these couples.

[Cassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Captivity:
I loved Sam and Andres' story. The cover is gorgeous and the title fits the story.

We met Sam a while back and here we finally get her story. I love the fact that she breaks past her nerdy, quiet self considering the predicament she's in and probably because of it. I love Andres and how he's the anti-hero and one you wouldn't expect. The two of them manage to break past each other's walls and see the real person buried beneath.

This can be a tough read for some since one falls for a captor and there are a few forced situations, but I still enjoyed the story. It has its complex moments, but you can also feel for the characters. It kept me on the edge, and I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what would happen to Sam. Would she be saved, escape, get her own happy ending? It was an intense read, but I love Julia's books, and the suspense she blends in with her stories. This was no exception and I loved every second.

Claiming My Sweet Captive:
I loved getting this inside look to Andres mind and his POV. His methods may seem harsh, but from his perspective they make complete sense. It was fun to see how he saw Samantha, how he went about devising his 'training' methods as he understood her more. Their interactions are intense, and you can feel his control. Wonderfully written, exposing Andres side, each interaction and scene pulling you in.

Captive Ever After:
If you have read the previous two, you will be jonesing to read this story, like I was. Sam and Andres are still a fantastic couple, and we see their dynamic play out here some more. We also get to see a reunion of characters, that some of us having been waiting for. Julia still sneaks in her suspense and thrill, during this short story, but it is one filled with plenty of heartfelt moments.

I highly recommend this boxset.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection following Samantha and Andrés. My relationship with him has been rocky, but the story, the writing, the author's ability to pull me in, stir my emotions, is absolutely spot on. This is a must read collection.

Sweet Captivity

Once again I am struck by how well the story is able to suck you in. It is a page turner, up all night with a pounding heart and tears at times. Julia Sykes is able to draw you in to a world that makes you angry, while you fight tears and question everything. I have always loved Sam, the bits we had of her in previous books and I was so excited for her story. I struggle with how her story turned out, the darkness of Andrés and that edge of right and wrong. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I read it, my internal fight with my feelings about this story and Andrés in general. It will definitely twist you up and stay with you!

Claiming My Sweet Captive

I have had a love/hate relationship with Andrés for a long time. Originally more hate than love. I loved being able to dig deep into his side of his story with Samantha. His darkness and pain, how he handles those things with her. It's definitely dark, it twisted my heart, caused me to get angry and need to step back for a moment. The writing is amazing when I'm so pulled in to a story that my emotions take over. A must.

Captive Ever After

I loved getting this different view from Andrés and Samantha. There's this bit of danger that kept me on my toes. They have been searching for Valentina and it's an amazing part of the story. A great read that connected me to Andrés a bit more.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Nikki]

Sweet Captivity

Sam and Andres. Wow. Julia Sykes does it again. A hot and heavy story. Julia never disappoints.

Claiming My Sweet Captive

Julia never fails. Another great one.

Andres is a tormented man, who has been under the vile and cruel rule of his brother for years. His face and body have been marked by his brother. And this once beautiful man has drawn into himself since this.

Until Samantha.

Seeing Samantha as a captive of his brother, he is blessed with her presence when she becomes his. His want and need of Samantha allows for him to become the person that he once was. He still deals with the trauma and anger of what has happened to him. He is fearful for Samantha, but she is his. He wants her to be his from now until forever. It is a journey. They must both open up themselves to eventually become what they both need.

I am so happy that this book was written from Andres point of view. Enjoyed Samantha's point of view, but this book allowed for me to have a better understanding of Andres, and to love him even more. Great book.

Captive Ever After

I always enjoy reading anything that Julia writes. Samantha and Andres have a special place in my heart. Their story continues. Sam and Andres have been married for a year, and are attempting to start a family. Sam finds information regarding Andres sister, and they are now on a new journey to rescue her from her captor. I enjoyed the relationship and reconnecting with these characters. I look forward to Julia's next works.

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET CAPTIVITY
I loved it!!!! Andre Moreno was so scary at first but when he started showing his true side I fell in love with him,his control,passion,seductiveness was off the charts hot,doing what he had to to survive in his world.Sam had the strength of 10 men I was so proud of her keeping that part of herself alive and with her snarky comebacks and foul mouth was fantastic.Two broken people breaking each others walls down a little at a time gaining some trust in the process.It was captivating and intense at times and I loved every minute of it.
CLAIMING MY SWEET CAPTIVE
I loved getting inside of Andres every thought and how he predicted Samanthas every move and thought she was a very sassy determined innocent untouched woman. His training was the sexiest and although he seemed scary we got to see two different sides of him as he prepared Sam to submit in every way and what her training entailed in full detail and it just captures you there in that moment it seemed that real with all the feels. I loved these characters, so full of passion and truth. Fantastic writing it just takes your breathe away.
CAPTIVE EVER AFTER
LOVED LOVED Andres and Samantha and a look at how they are doing and it is still possevive as ever as they enter danger one again, I love how intuned they are with each other but no mistake Samantha is still fierce and naughty and earns her punshments, I loved her character I cant get enough of these two.

[Purple-pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Captivity
Sam. The geeky tech girl at the FBI
She thinks she is in love with Dex. until she is abducted by Christian Moreno.
He gives her to his brother Andres. The task is to break her.
As the story unfolds we realise the two main characters have wounded almost broken pasts.
combine all the above with some kinky sexy scenes. A brilliant story unfolds. Melting your heart, not just your panties.
Andreas is Sam's sexy protector. Sam is the geeky brave heroine.
Can they find a way to be together?

Claiming my sweet captive
This is from Andres' point of view. Which I loved as we learnt more about him and his past. Definitely worth a read.

Captive Ever After
This story brings us full circle. It was good to read about Samantha and Andres again.
There are also new characters. It was brilliantly written. (I won't give the story line away) you need to read it.

[Braveheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of Samantha and Andrés is incredible , Samantha is an FBI agent who is quirky and does not like to be touched . Andres , with his evil brother, Christian runs a drug and sex trade operation . This first book is from Samantha point of view

Book two is close to identical so I Can only give it 3 stars , there were some differences as it’s told strictly from Andres’s point of view , but basically book 2 is Book 1 with a different point of view

The 9 following chapters shared between Andres and Samantha are very good

This set surprised me , I couldn’t put down book one

[Loda · Rating 2 out of 5]

No is no

Stop is stop, rape is rape even if you break someone into submission and get them to enjoy the physical pain through bondage and sadism. He broke her and she likes it. This is definitely Stockholm syndrome. The bdsm sex wasn’t even erotic it was rather boring reading how she liked being collared and punished. So they lived HEA naked. No realism. She was a terrible agent and he was a cowardly mobster.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was was Lucky to be given a copy of Captive Ever After to give an honest review. Having previously bought and read the other two books in this set, have to say, this third story will just make your day. Andre’s and Samantha have come a long way in this story, they have had to struggle for the life they want. Enjoy this series, you won’t be disappointed. Loved them❤️

[iris anstatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

This book was just a bit different than usual
The main characters weren't perfect. They were
Both less perfect than most hero and heroine
They seemed to better compliment each other
I loved Sam. Her ramblings were very entertaining
Very good read

[Corinne Esken · Rating 3 out of 5]

First 2 were better than the 3rd

The first 2 were better than the third book in the series but it was still enjoyable to read. Good

[Courtney Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!

It was really good story line and love the turns and the spice is 4/5 but loved it!! Now I need to read about Valentina!

[Melissa]

DNF at 8%