Stole in the dead of the night I forged her signature on an unbreakable contract. She would become my wife. She would give me an heir. She would help me destroy her father and get my revenge.
**This is a prequel to Savage Beginnings which is a +100,000 words standalone dark mafia romance novel.**
J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
This was a short prequel story before Savage Beginnings. We meet dark, mysterious alpha Julian who comes to steal away young, sheltered Elena. There's not much I want to give away but it definitely leaves you wanting to read their full story.
Moretti has waited a lifetime for revenge against his mother's death. He extended credit until he knew his competitor couldn't pay off his debt, that's when he pounced and took what he wanted.
My first time reading this duo of Beck & Hallman the writing is clear & concise, but a little lacking in originality. Feel as if I've read this story one too many times.
JL Beck & C. Hallman - Stolen Bride (The Moretti Crime Family 0.5)
The novella can be read as 0.5 in the Moretti Crime Family series but is the prologue to Savage Beginnings. You do not need to read it on it's own as it is attached to beginning of the book. The story follows Julian and Elena.
This is a very short but exciting prequel to Savage Beginnings.
Elena has lived a Sheltered life till now but all of a sudden her entire life changes in a span of a minute when now her life belongs to a complete stranger.
She's always known she would have to marry her father's chosen man but never did she thinks she would be taken away and that even betrayed by her own father.
Julian has everything planned perfectly and now he's waiting for revenge to be his.
But Julian also confused me in how attentive and caring he was for Elena. After that ending, I'm so freaking excited to start Savage Beginnings and get more of Julian and Elena and see what happens with them. ❤️❤️❤️
Rated 4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Freebie Owner Library In addition located in Owner Library as follows: The Moretti Crime Family (The Moretti Crime Family, #4) by J.L. Beck
I rated this prequel as a 3.5 because it was predictable. There is alpha Julian and painfully sheltered and naive Elena. Elena's father (better known as daddy dearest) sells his only daughter to Julian to do with what he wants in order to pay off a gambling debt. This is a story line that has been done by many authors so when I say this prequel was predictable, it was just that.
Julian is bent on revenge by taking Elena away and making her father suffer for the death of his mother. Elena's father is a man that has very little feelings for his daughter other than using her for his own purposes and agenda. Julian believes at this juncture that by purchasing Elena, breaking her, breeding her and marrying her will somehow affect her father, which seems unlikely given his lack of concern or feeling for his daughter. Her father appears to be a man with little empathy or feelings for anyone, especially Elena. Daddy dearest is going to be a character to be reckoned with in book II.
Elena is a painfully naive character who is home schooled and held prisoner by her father. She has no access to computers or social media or friends. Her age is never revealed in the prequel but assume that she is somewhere in her 20's. She apparently has never tried to fight her father for some independence and has accepted her fate of becoming another unwilling woman in an arranged Mafia marriage; but apparently that didn't include being sold to cover daddy dearest's gambling debts. Sometimes I wonder what year these stories are taking place in since being a virgin and being forced into an arranged marriage is common place which seems archaic in 2020. It is fiction and it is fun. I'm not sure this will be included in book 2 but there is the bloody sheet unveiling the day following their wedding night so that daddy dearest knows that she is no longer a virgin.
I like strong women heroines, especially in Mafia genre because growing up in a Mafia family being strong is required to survive the lifestyle. Elena's character is not showing signs at this point, but perhaps in book 2 her character will come into it's own. She seems like a character that is easily intimidated and controlled; especially when it comes to sex and men.
J.L. Beck is a good author that I have read in the past. Her novels are often a series of layers that get more and more interesting as each layer is unveiled. Happy reading.
This was a nice introduction to what’s to come in Savage Beginnings. There’s enough intrigue and mystery in Julian who’s come out of nowhere to take Elena as his.
I’m usually not a fan of prequels (especially if the main novel hasn’t been released yet) because it’s literally a teaser. But there’s some positive aspects to prequels as well — There’s enough to give you a gist of what you could expect in the storyline, between the characters, and you get an idea of what the author (or in this case; authors’) writing style is like.
J.L. Beck and C. Hallman are both new-to-me-authors but after having read this little novella, I’m sold that I’ll have to check out their other collaborations. There’s a nice flow and pace to their storytelling. It’s easy to follow. Right from the beginning I was already curious about Julian’s motive and why he wants Elena so badly. The mood is set and it’s deviously juicy!
With very little revealed in this novella of how this story will develop (other than the contract), I did gather that Julian is the big bad mafioso that you don’t want to mess with, and Elena is pretty much the innocent young lady who’s going to change everything. Hehe 🤭
Mafia Romance? ✔
Arranged Marriage? ✔
Suspense? ✔ Revenge? ✔ Betrayal? ✔
Chemistry? ✔✔
If any of these elements call out to you, then you might want to add this one to your TBR.
Sidenote: I’m currently reading an ARC of Savage Beginnings and yes, I highly recommend you read this prequel just before or when Savage Beginnings is released so that you won’t have to wait too long to see the interactions between these two leads. Trust me, you won’t want to wait! 😉
I normally wouldn’t bother rating a prequel because like I said earlier, it’s an introduction to a book… but for the sake of this mini review (and in conjunction with my upcoming review for Savage Beginnings), I’ll add one in.
A small preview of what promises to be a fascinating story. Elena sees her life change overnight when her father sells her to Julian to pay off his gambling debts. Julian has been patiently waiting for the moment to take revenge. 5 years ago Elena’s father killed her mother and now he had stolen his most valued possession, his only daughter. Now that he has her, he counts the days to make her his wife and get her complete submission and adoration.
“What do you want from me then?” “Everything. Starting with you sleeping in my bed every night. You will live here with me, and there will be no privacy. For now, you will stay in this room. If you want freedom, you have to earn it, and you can do that by following the rules and obeying me. If I tell you to do something, you do it. There will be no fighting. A month from now, you will become my wife, and then you will be completely mine. In the time leading up to that, I want your complete submission. You will listen to me and trust me without question.I’ve already shown you more mercy than I should have. Don’t force my hand, Elena, don’t make me hurt you; I promise you that it won’t be something you easily forget. You think I’m a monster now, but you haven’t even seen a sliver of what I’m capable of.”Leaning to my ear, his hot breath tickling the lobe, he whispers, “Such a beautiful bride you will be. I cannot wait to sink my cock deep inside your virgin pussy and watch as you bleed around me. I’ll be your first and your last.”
providing an honest review after receiving a complementary copy from the author via BookFunnel.
where to start? firstly what a prick of a father selling his daughter for money or should I say wanting her to sell her self for his sake. Why did she sign why didn't she tell both of them to go fuck them selves and walk out? where is her self esteem or pride?
he said he has wanted her for years but is fine with treating her like crap as an effort to get even with her dad? If her wanted to really get even why not woo the daughter and ruin him why pay him does not look like he cares about his daughter now he is millions of dollars better off I can't see the getting even with. Only looks like punishment for the daughter not the father.
I do not like either the male or female lead in this story she is a door mat he is a prick.
This is a prequel to a full story but I would not read the next book unless it talks about how she kills him to get away and the payback she gets on her father. They should not get his away with treating her like this. She better not decide she loves him after all and forgives all his behavior or decides she actually like it that would be disappointing.
What do you do when you grow up in a Mafia family and you think that you have it all? Your life then changes in an instant because you are summoned by your father to his office late at night, something which is unusual and even more, so you are not allowed to put on some clothes because you have been in your bedroom trying to sleep. You are told by your father to sign some form and when you read the contract, you realize that your father is selling you off for money. This is the story of Elena and Julian and their beginning. I have realized that I could have read their full story in the Moretti Crime Family of which Julian is the head. I can't wait to see what happens to their relationship. There is so much angst and development of characters in this book with ending that makes you want more because it ends in a cliffhanger. I love Mafia stories and I really believe I will enjoy this series.
This is a quick short prequel and introduction to Elena and Julian before SAVAGE BEGINNINGS releases.
Elena leads a quiet, sheltered life. No friends or family left except her Father after loosing her Mother a few years previous. Being homeschooled as her father deeming it too dangerous for his little girl. Until one day she's called to her Father's office.
Julian wants revenge, since Elena's Father is responsible for his Mother's death. And he knows what or who he wants to make him pay. Elena's father has racked up a substantial debt. So he more or less signs over Elena to Julian.
Shocked to realise what's happening, Elena fears now that she's been transferred from one cage to another. A worst one than what she was used to. No fredom, no say in anything. She only has to obey.
Stolen Bride: A Dark Mafia Romance Prequel By JL Beck and C Hallman
I'm totally blown away by what I've read so far and am excited for the upcoming dark mafia series. This short prequel is intense, emotional, captivating and gives you a taste of what's to come.
Elena is abruptly taken from her home when her father sold her for a debt he couldn't pay back. Julian had been waiting patiently for the day he would take revenge on her father. Now he has the only thing that means anything to him his precious innocent daughter. She attempts to run, fight but realizes there is nowhere to go. Soon she understands that she left one prison for another. Just from the prequel you can feel how powerful, intense and possessive Julian is going to be. Five dark delicious ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a great start to a new series. Loved Elena and Julian. What do you do when you think you have it all figured out and then realize your life is about to change? You try to run, get out, but to no avail that’s not happening. Growing up in the Mafia you know how to behave and what not to do and still your instincts kick in. Elena learns the hard way that her life is about to change as she’s been sold by her father. Julian has been waiting and watching for some time to pounce and get his revenge and he’s only just starting. He has plans for Elena and if she doesn’t comply, her life and future will be harder than it has to be. So intense, gripping and will suck you in. Can’t wait for this series to really get rolling.
Beck and Hallman sure know how to build the anticipation- I’m super excited for this new series! This short little prequel is a sneak peek into the intriguing new dark mafia tale, Savage Beginnings. And, this short read immediately sets us up for what is to come-an intense, dark, gripping mafia page turner.
Sweet and naive Elena’s world is not going to be the same- as she’s coldly sold away by her father, promised now to Julian, who wants Elena as part of his revenge.
Be warned- this is a short teaser- it is meant to wet your whistle and make you want more. What a DELICIOUS beginning we have for an exciting new world from Beck and Hallman.
Prequels are supposed to get you excited about a novel but this did nothing for me. I really am not that interested to find out more. Thoroughly weighing my mind about getting the actual novel because I believe I have had my share of awful mafia romances this month and I can't see this series passing 3 stars.
I reckon that Julian is as violent as they come but I did like Elena's response. She was fierce and a fighter. No instant sexual feelings, and rightfully so, for the man who plucked her from her life like weeds in a garden.
What stood out to me is all the spelling errors in a 41-page novella by two authors. After all, there was not much of anything here.
The Stolen Bride makes me very excited to read Savage Beginnings. I am curious about the characters...Julian and Elena.
Elena's father is in debt and decides the best way to pay off his debts is to sell his only daughter to Julian. She moves to Julian's home and becomes his prisoner.
This prequel is short but very intense. It leaves you wanting to know so much more. Now to read Savage Beginning.
The Non-Voidable Agreement - You know the feeling you get when you taste food that is so hot, that you have to wait in for it to cool down a bit to truly enjoy it, that is the feeling I got from reading this prequel. Poor Elena doesn’t know how to feel with the changes in Julians mood. The story gave me a taste of what is to come for Julian and Elena. I am really looking forward to reading Savage Beginnings.
In this prequel we learn how and why Julian steals Elena away from her father. He is bent on revenge but also has developed feelings for her. Elena feels trapped and betrayed by her father. It was a bit harsh and didn't give any warm and fuzzy feelings at all. I have a hard time wrapping my head around men who take what they want, even though they know they are hurting those that they claim to "love".
This might be a quick read, it packs a punch typical Beck/Hallman style. My last for 2021, and a pleasure to read a well written, pretty flawless prequel.
“His eyes are blank, a carefully constructed wall placed around him, refusing to let anyone see the man beneath.”
Elena’s introduction to Julian Moretti is memorable. A financial transaction, sold, to be his wife.
This series is well worth picking up. It’s a fast paced, one click co-writing team.
This is the beginning of everything for the Moretti family saga for the next two books. And it was the perfect amount of insight as to how Elyse came into the fold.
But I'm at a place once again I wanted more of that fragile amount of time where they were getting to know each other. But alas this isn't the last of the Morettis!
If you love mafia, alpha-hole men, and their cinnamon roll inside then you will like this series.
Stolen Bride is a sizzling, pulse-pounding story of possession and fear. The commanding storyline will give you goose bumps as it slinks and slithers under your skin. Nothing can prepare you for the incredible intensity that will rip your heart out and have you coming back for more. This is another Beck and Hallman treasure that will write its secrets on your heart.
Julian forces Elena to sign a contract stating she is his to do with as he pleases. He plans on making her father suffer by taking his sheltered, innocent daughter and bending her to his will. This is a great prequel and I'm looking forward to reading Savage Beginnings next.
Elena's life has never been her own, especially after the death of her mother. What she wasn't expecting was the night it became kaos. Julien Moretti finally gets to take his revenge. The only problem is that he still wants to excact his revenge, he however doesn’t want to harm Elena he wants her to want him. The perfect revenge against her father.
Elena is a very naive girl thinking her father was a good man and he wouldn't do something like that to her. Julian has this obsession with her along with wanting revenge for his mothers death. Can't wait to see what happens next.