There is a reason I’ve hated Michael Volkov for most of my life. He’s arrogant, entitled, and as ruthless as he is beautiful. As the son of a Russian kingpin, he’s turned cruelty into an art form. Unfortunately, for reasons I can’t fathom, he’s set his sights on the daughter of the Romano Family crime boss—me.
When I become linked to a heinous crime, one my own mobster family turns out to be responsible for, Michael sees it as the perfect opportunity to ensnare, imprison, and finally claim he as his.
Now that he owns me, this hot Russian god will use me, torment me, and humiliate me as he sees fit. Somehow, I’ll take him down and escape before he possesses me, mind, body and soul. The trouble is, there’s a monster even more diabolical than him out there hunting us, and like it or Michael might the only one who can protect me.
What do you do when the devil you hate is the only one who’s keeping you alive?
***ENSNARED is the first book in the sizzling new series, The Mafia’s Prisoner. This full-length book contains strong violence and dark themes. If you have triggers, please don’t buy this book. No cheating, and the series concludes with a guaranteed happily ever after.
As a young girl Raven Dark dreamed of being abducted by a savage alien warrior, whisked away by a brutal pirate, or rescued by a cape-bearing hero. When none of these men came to claim her, she brought them to life in her stories. Then twenty years ago she met the man of her dreams. He doesn't wear a cape, fly a spaceship, or wield a sword, but sometimes she swears they've mind melded.
Raven lives with her dream man in the Mundane world's version of Ontario, Canada.
Meet Michael, the Call Me 'Sir' alpha male with zero redeemable qualities, who uses pain and punishments instead of wit or intelligence to win over Aurora, the unwilling and imprisoned woman, who is forced to have sex and endure Michael's general assholery, because he just "like totally had to have her and such". Oh, and Aurora is a virgin, because of course. Aaaaand she feels humiliated, ashamed, disgusted, and angry at Michael and what he's doing to her, but just so the reader wouldn't think it's all just horribly rapey (which it is), she also swoons over his looks inside her thoughts.
I have zero triggers, but all of the sex scenes in this book were clearly rape. I can't even describe how baffled I was whilst reading the first scene. And the next one after that. Aaaand the next, and so on. It was all just rape. Not enjoyable to read, at all. There was also mental manipulation via isolation and fear tactics. Soooo, physical and psychological rape.
I so wish this book would have had a lot less rapey sex and a lot more of the main characters, ooohh I dunno, trying to talk to each other about anything else besides the rapey sex. There might still be an interesting twist to come, especially with the characters' shared past, but this book doesn't get into it yet. Oh, and there's a cliffy.
But yeah. This book, man. It was just lots and lots of rapey sex.
I have no other words. Daaaaasvidaniyaaaaaa, Mi-KHHHGJFAAKKER-eeeeel!
First off to my friends and fellow reviewers; Ensnared is my brand of darkness! So far from what I've read this novel doesn't have hearts and flowers. What it does contain is triggers, so you've been warned. Everything about Ensnared and the author's creative mind, captured my attention. I loved it! Nothing and no one was safe....plot thickening with each page turned and now its over I'm chomping at the bits waiting for the sequel. This author earned her glorious five star read and recommendation. Those of you who know me, knows I don't give my ratings lightly and this lady......wow magnificent and to think this was a first time read!
The book started out with a good chance at 4 or 5 stars but I disliked it more and more as I continued reading and just couldn't give it more than 2.
Firstly, I feel the need to mention I mostly only ever read dark romances, so I do not have triggers. To say it has non-consent just doesn't speak strongly enough. It's straight up rape between the heroine and hero. It never changes into anything else but rape from beginning to end. So if that's a trigger for you, you better run away and never buy this book.
Michael was a character I thought I'd really begin to like because I also thought he would be different or misunderstood or something else other than how he was, but I never connected with him as a character and actually never began to like him at all. In my opinion, he acted like a brat in the form of a grown man. Just making rules and pretending to be large and in charge. And to feel powerful, chose to take it out on Aurora.
Aurora seemed to try to be strong but then acted spineless the next moment. Bending to his will too easily and not batting an eyelash when being raped all because he was hot and turned her on.
And this might sound ridiculous but I have a huge pet peeve when characters call other characters by name in their speaking to one another repeatedly per page. And this one has a ton of that.
I understand the series is not finished and Michael probably redeems himself at some point but I just have no desire to read anymore in this series to find out because it was just lacking a lot for me personally.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, I read that wrong. I was expecting the advertised HEA with this volume, and I was increasing floored as the pages went by wondering how the author was going to pull off that prodigious feat. HA! Well, no, "Ensnared" ends on a cliffhanger, and now I'm in withdrawal waiting for the next series entry.
GD, this one clawed its way out from the molten depths of hell, and Raven Dark has entered my must-read author's list with this book. I've seen some negative reviews from others based on information that should be very clear from from the publisher's disclaimer: It is darkitty-dark with trigger warnings all over the place. It is dubcon/noncon, and if you don't know what those things mean either google them now or just give the book a pass. Not every book will suit everyone's tastes, and that's the nature of personal taste. Fiction is fiction---please heed CW & trigger warnings.
For me, this a 5-stars shot into the stratosphere read. PLEASE don't make me wait too long for the sequel, Ser....
I enjoyed this dark-ish romance by Raven Dark. This is a story of mafia princess Aurora and bratva prince Michael. While the captivity plot isn't very original in the genre, the story was told in a very engaging way and the writing was spot on. I enjoyed Aurora's spunky personality and sassy attitude. We did have a heavy dose of "betraying body" but the author showed heroine's conflict at having her mind and her body disagree, so it worked in the context of the story. While I enjoyed Michael's character for the most part, he seemed a bit too nice for the "monster" he was described as. I wished for more darkness from his character and that's what cost this book a star. Despite that, the book definitely kept my attention, the writing flowed seamlessly and I am intrigued to see how the story progresses.
TWISTED SEDUCTIVE EVIL! OMG! What the heck did I get myself into. Reading a kickass exciting read that had me speechless, gasping in shock riddled in fear overcome with adrenaline and possessed like a mad woman loving every wicked ink stained word. A first by this author and most definitely won't be the last because this story hooked me with ease making it feel like I was watching it unfold instead reading the dark demanding words with wide eyes heart racing and so on edge eagerly wanting to digest every vile word as humanly possible. Wild wicked dark sizzle popping chemistry that frustrated irritated and consumed me with a love hate relationship for wanting more. A tsunami of powerful emotions that are impossible to escape. Fear, angst, violence, lust, adrenaline, anxiety, intense, betrayal, secrets, heartfelt, action, adventure, nail-biting suspense and incredibly hard to put down. A seductive evil read that I absolutely want more of.
Ensnared by Raven Dark. OMG! I really need to get my hands on the next book in this new series (The Mafia’s Prisoner) Are you kidding me- I’m OK with cliffhangers but I’m really hoping I don’t have to wait too long for the next installment. I love Michael – he is so BAD. Aurora was okay (I felt she was going back and forth too much in her overall personality -weak and then badass). I hope she matures as we move on. Dark drama, hot dirty scenes, action and suspense, this one has it all. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was very well done. I love mafia but am very picky about it. This was the perfect blend of suspense, criminal underbelly, and mystery. There was a complexity to the story that drew me in and many secrets to be discovered. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Dark and with triggers......not for the faint of heart
Ensnared is the first book in The Mafia's Prisoner series. Be warned that it does end with a cliffhanger so you will need to read the next book when it is out. Also be warned that this is definitely a darker book with a "H" that is very dangerous and willing to do anything to get what he wants. There are triggers also so this is definitely a book that is not for the faint of heart. The story is well written with a lot of darkness, danger, suspense, twist and turns and of course a whole lot of hot and heavy chemistry between Michael Volkov and Aurora Romano. I thought overall that the story was well written but it had some thing in it that were just too questionable for me and crossed some of my lines, and I am fine with darker and dirtier stories. I am not sure if I will read the second book in the series if/when it comes out.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Ok the book wasnt so bad I really rooted for the h to atleast get a real attept at getting away from the H and for him to bloody grovel Should have realized the book has a cliffhanger if it wast for KU i would be realy pissed right now
Omfg, this book just knocked me right tf out. I don't know if I hate Michael or not. I want to know why he's so mad at Aurora. Can't wait for the next.
Ok I really enjoyed this, could not put it down. Whilst some sections reminded me slightly of another BDSM book I overlooked my slight annoyance with his BDSM room as I really am enthralled by these two main characters. The banter with each other and immense fight or flight scenarios had me on the edge of my seat at so many moments.
Their physical connection is hot, heavy and hits all the right spots.
So the next book is not available, whilst this does not end at a cliffhanger it does end at a moment where you will be like - doh I am not ready - I need more of Michael!! What is the issue with water? What is the issue from the party? Too many questions.
This has lots of mystery, drama, angst but also a bit of romance, there is a slow burn and considering this book is only over a short time it makes sense.
This is a great book about a young woman named Aurora who is the daughter of the Romano mafia mob boss. When she interrupts a crime, not knowing that it was a plan of her father's, he decides to get rid of her for her disloyalty. But instead of killing her he gives her to Michael, the son of the Volkov Russian crime family mob boss to do with as he pleases. As a prisoner, Aurora begins to learn that she must obey Michael or there will be intense punishment. In spite of everything, including a mysterious event from the past that made Michael hate Aurora, they begin to be attracted to each other, As a relationship slowly begins to build, an enemy comes after both of them and the book has a shocking ending which leads to the next book in the series. I am usually not a fan of reading a book with cliffhanger but I'll tell readers that this book was definitely worth reading, as I'm sure the next ones in the series will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is incredible. I do not have the words to adequately describe how great it is. Michael Volkov is the heir to the Russian Bratva, and he has his sights on his enemy's daughter, Aurora Romano. Raven Dark does not reveal in this installment what exactly Aurora did to capture Michael's wrath, but I am definitely looking forward to Mastered, book two of The Mafia's Prisoner and hopefully finding out. The "relationship" between Michael and Aurora is a forced relationship of Michael's doing. Aurora is a strong independent woman and is an unwitting participant in Michael's depraved obsession with her. This book does end in a cliffhanger, but it is still very well written and very much worth reading. I for one could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great the story was well written and the characters were interesting. When you have an alpha hot male Michael Volkov and then you have Aurora Romano and you get really hot chemistry between these two. As soon as I started to read I had finished now I have to wait. Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes!!! I’m in desperate need of book 2. I have to see what’s happening. I have to admit, it took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I did, it went so quickly. I like their dynamic and I really need to know what happened in their childhood that has Michael so mad. The other characters are fantastic and I even love the dog. Bring on book 2 please!
Through the story you will be as lost as Aurora, unsure of the reasons why Michael decided to have her as his slave. The scenes are burning hot, the attraction between Michael and Aurora is a turn on. The story ends in cliffhanger, so beware. Can not wait to read more of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great read with plenty of chemistry and steam to be had. The characters are well developed and engaging with a storyline that flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had to DNF this one at about 40%. The heroine was mouthy AF for someone so afraid for her life yet she had no back bone. The hero was just disgusting.
I read this book because the other reviewers were split for this book. Some said good and some said bad. I have to say the writing is good but I don’t get the plot? Where is the story going? What is going on with Aurora? Why not give more background with the twin sister? One sister being Mafia compliant and the other sister specifically Aurora not. Aurora is portrayed as a good honest girl who messed up an exchange of merchandise. She is given to Michael (Russian) who has known her for a while and has an obsession with Aurora. After she is given to Michael, by her own father, Michael takes Aurora and has his way with her, without consent, which fits the situation, but of course is not pleasant and upsetting. However there are other big things at play which is never revealed to the reader, not even a little which is frustrating. There is not enough details provided to understand what is going on with the plot. Why did Aurora’s Dad consider what Aurora did such a betrayal? Also why are there hit men after Michael? This story has lots of things going on but not a clear plot.
Studying to be a social worker wanting to help kids in abusive homes Aurora see a girl being taken against her will an calls the cops.Being the daughter of a Mafia boss she should know better .Michael Volkov hates Auroras father an says he hates Auroras but hes been obsessed with her since they were kids.Will the Italian mafia an the Russian mob go to war over Auroras call to the cops?Or does Michael have other plans?Will Aurora fall for Michael?Will he fall for her?There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! This is one dark mafia romance. The authors didn't pull any punches and although it ended on a cliffhanger I'm just dying to know what happens next!
I can't decide if I hate Micheal or love to hate him. He's Russian mafia and he's not a good man. I loved Aurora but hated her torment. Their connection is undeniable. So many moments in this novel it's hard to pinpoint but there's explicit sex, dom/sub scenes, spanking, kidnapping, betrayal, revenge, and that's just the beginning. Need book 2 NOW!
Purchased this book as i had already read the outlaw series and really enjoyed them. I found the book very good and well written there was a couple of bad spelling or grammer mistakes but nothing major, story was well paced and didnt repeat itself like some autors love to do, only thing that did annoy me was the cliff hanger ending which it advertised on goodreads that it didnt have grrrr. Ive tried to find out when the next book will be out but as this book was written in 2019 it looks like theres a good possiblity that the second one wont materalise. 😭
1 1/2 stars. This is a dark story unlike some others I have read recently. I know what I'm getting into with that but this one didn't work for me. Michael was an interesting character at times. But what annoyed me to no end was he did not tell the female lead why he hated her so much. It was pretty obvious that she didn't know why he was so upset with her. Also, childhood bullying is one of my pet peeves. Plus, I didn't feel the connection between the characters.
DNF 70% I just can't stand the FMC. She is questioning everything all the time. Way too much. It comes across as entitled. On the one hand she is the lovely caring young women planning a career in some social areas. And then she constantly demands and demands and demands some more.
The editing of the book is horrible. I usually don't complain about typos but there were whole chapters in bold for no reason. Part of words and whole sentences missing.
Raven never disappoints and this book is no exception. I couldn't put the book down, spent my day reading Can't wait for the next book. When is it coming out? Still deciding if I love or hate Michael, one of the main characters. Lots of action, suspense, twists, and of course seriously steamy scenes. A great ending to set up for the next book which will hopefully answer some questions.