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Merciless Kings #1
King's Captive
First I'm going to make her pay. Then I'm going to make her my bride.
Emily Porter saw me kill a man who betrayed my family and she helped put me behind bars. But someone with my connections doesn't stay in prison long, and she is about to learn the hard way that there is a price to pay for crossing the boss of the King dynasty. A very, very painful price...
She's going to cry for me as I blister that beautiful bottom, then she's going to scream for me as I ravage her over and over again, taking her in the most shameful ways she can imagine. But leaving her well-punished and well-used is just the beginning of what I have in store for Emily.
I'm going to make her my bride, and then I'm going to make her mine completely.
Publisher's Note: King's Captive is a stand-alone novel which is the first entry in the Merciless Kings series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
Emily Porter saw me kill a man who betrayed my family and she helped put me behind bars. But someone with my connections doesn't stay in prison long, and she is about to learn the hard way that there is a price to pay for crossing the boss of the King dynasty. A very, very painful price...
She's going to cry for me as I blister that beautiful bottom, then she's going to scream for me as I ravage her over and over again, taking her in the most shameful ways she can imagine. But leaving her well-punished and well-used is just the beginning of what I have in store for Emily.
I'm going to make her my bride, and then I'm going to make her mine completely.
Publisher's Note: King's Captive is a stand-alone novel which is the first entry in the Merciless Kings series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
1777 people are currently reading
1493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
March 2, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” Maya Angelou
And that quote says it all. Piper Stone has another excellent story on her hands. This story is dark, has triggers, and is full on, never ending suspense. Christiano was brought up to become the head of the King Mafia Family. His idea of love has been influenced by all the violence he has seen. Emily is just a average girl who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and gets caught up in a plot to overthrow the King Mafia Dynasty. Theirs is a love that endures through all the violence to become a shining light for Christiano’s redemption. Fantastic read, I could not put it down.
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” Maya Angelou
And that quote says it all. Piper Stone has another excellent story on her hands. This story is dark, has triggers, and is full on, never ending suspense. Christiano was brought up to become the head of the King Mafia Family. His idea of love has been influenced by all the violence he has seen. Emily is just a average girl who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and gets caught up in a plot to overthrow the King Mafia Dynasty. Theirs is a love that endures through all the violence to become a shining light for Christiano’s redemption. Fantastic read, I could not put it down.
January 30, 2023
So there's this warning note -- "It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book" -- that is so pathetically understated as to be misleading in the least, and a lie in actuality. About the only thing correct in the warning statement is "don't buy this book," which is really solid advice I recommend for anybody considering it. So let me give you the real warning statement: This is rape culture and internalized misogyny being sold as entertainment used to groom women to accept the sexual predation that they can't avoid and to feel responsible for it. The author should be ashamed. Stay far far away if you value women's rights and dignity.
What is portrayed can't be covered by a cute word that attempts to make light of what's occurring in it, and it isn't a sexy playful or "intense spanking;" it is a brutal beating, followed by a merciless rape, rounded out by kidnapping, and other repeated rounds of rape, rape, rape. To be more specific, the book opens with a guy getting out of prison and then going immediately from there and raping the girl who testified against him. Really nice way to start a romance huh?
So if multiple violent sexual assaults, kidnapping, forced imprisonment in a dog cage, and anal rape all while being made light of and excused by how the woman just can't help but get "wet" for him even while she's screaming "no," "stop," and other obscenities at him and beating on him trying to push him away sounds like romance and the start of a really awesome love story then this is the book for you. But if you're like me and rape and getting locked in a dog cage doesn't seem like the start of a fantastic romance then you might NOT even want to take the slide into depravity I regretfully took, even if I did try to save myself by not finishing it. Anyone with a brain would know this story is an insult to every sexual assault and rape survivor who was raked over the coals by law enforcement and the judicial system (if the police even bothered to investigate and the DA even bothered to take it to trial) because of that same trope argument: "she wanted it, she was wet for me."
What is portrayed can't be covered by a cute word that attempts to make light of what's occurring in it, and it isn't a sexy playful or "intense spanking;" it is a brutal beating, followed by a merciless rape, rounded out by kidnapping, and other repeated rounds of rape, rape, rape. To be more specific, the book opens with a guy getting out of prison and then going immediately from there and raping the girl who testified against him. Really nice way to start a romance huh?
So if multiple violent sexual assaults, kidnapping, forced imprisonment in a dog cage, and anal rape all while being made light of and excused by how the woman just can't help but get "wet" for him even while she's screaming "no," "stop," and other obscenities at him and beating on him trying to push him away sounds like romance and the start of a really awesome love story then this is the book for you. But if you're like me and rape and getting locked in a dog cage doesn't seem like the start of a fantastic romance then you might NOT even want to take the slide into depravity I regretfully took, even if I did try to save myself by not finishing it. Anyone with a brain would know this story is an insult to every sexual assault and rape survivor who was raked over the coals by law enforcement and the judicial system (if the police even bothered to investigate and the DA even bothered to take it to trial) because of that same trope argument: "she wanted it, she was wet for me."
May 8, 2021
Not for me!
I picked this up as a suggestion while roaming Amazon. The blurb brought me in and even though I will say there were a lot of part I enjoyed, this wasn't for me. The feel of it wasn't appealing to me, even corny in the trope sense in most parts. I really couldn't connect with either H or zh and their chemistry was odd, I don't know if it was the heroine's fault but just did not feel right.
I picked this up as a suggestion while roaming Amazon. The blurb brought me in and even though I will say there were a lot of part I enjoyed, this wasn't for me. The feel of it wasn't appealing to me, even corny in the trope sense in most parts. I really couldn't connect with either H or zh and their chemistry was odd, I don't know if it was the heroine's fault but just did not feel right.
March 12, 2022
TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ : (abuse and rape)
Well where do I start with this book, it was an emotional roller coaster 🤦🏻♀️
This book has so much potential.
CONS:
First thing first:
“THIS IS NOT BDSM, THIS IS NOT CONSENSUAL, THIS IS RAPE”
Don’t tag the book as BDSM just because it contains spanking and don’t mix up between rape/abuse and BDSM!
“Nothing in the room fit him, not the brutal man who’d taken me by force”
As far as I am concerned taken me by force=rape
Her words not mine!
Second:
After understanding the difference between BDSM and rape/abuse put a damn Trigger Warning ⚠️ for god sake 🤦🏻♀️
I have no problem reading books that contains rape/abuse but others might have so a Trigger Warning is necessary 🤦🏻♀️
Pros:
1-The storyline about his family feuds and stuff was so good and so interesting!
2-I couldn’t help it but fall for Cristiano, sadly the rape part ruined him and the book for me!
Well where do I start with this book, it was an emotional roller coaster 🤦🏻♀️
This book has so much potential.
CONS:
First thing first:
“THIS IS NOT BDSM, THIS IS NOT CONSENSUAL, THIS IS RAPE”
Don’t tag the book as BDSM just because it contains spanking and don’t mix up between rape/abuse and BDSM!
“Nothing in the room fit him, not the brutal man who’d taken me by force”
As far as I am concerned taken me by force=rape
Her words not mine!
Second:
After understanding the difference between BDSM and rape/abuse put a damn Trigger Warning ⚠️ for god sake 🤦🏻♀️
I have no problem reading books that contains rape/abuse but others might have so a Trigger Warning is necessary 🤦🏻♀️
Pros:
1-The storyline about his family feuds and stuff was so good and so interesting!
2-I couldn’t help it but fall for Cristiano, sadly the rape part ruined him and the book for me!
March 4, 2021
I had to really think about this review and what to say. I didn't hate the book. I didn't dislike it, but it also didn't do much for me. This was a bit of a struggle to finish.
I felt like Cristiano and Emily had no chemistry. I never felt a sense of connection between them. I skimmed through most of the sex scenes that were surprisingly boring. I was so sick of Emily calling Cristiano a monster. I didn't really like either character. Although to give credit where credit is due, Cristiano did have a couple of likable moments.
The plot about who was after his family was somewhat interesting. The fact that he seemed to be more violent rather than cunning or intelligent was disappointing. The fact that Emily had NO personality at all was disappointing.
The best part of the book was the bit of action, and when the mystery started to be revealed. It was weird. This book didn't flow for me like other books by this writer. It felt choppy and uneven to me.
My suggestion would be that you read it and judge for yourself. I would go with 2.5 stars. Sometimes, the first book in a new series just doesn't hit right for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
I felt like Cristiano and Emily had no chemistry. I never felt a sense of connection between them. I skimmed through most of the sex scenes that were surprisingly boring. I was so sick of Emily calling Cristiano a monster. I didn't really like either character. Although to give credit where credit is due, Cristiano did have a couple of likable moments.
The plot about who was after his family was somewhat interesting. The fact that he seemed to be more violent rather than cunning or intelligent was disappointing. The fact that Emily had NO personality at all was disappointing.
The best part of the book was the bit of action, and when the mystery started to be revealed. It was weird. This book didn't flow for me like other books by this writer. It felt choppy and uneven to me.
My suggestion would be that you read it and judge for yourself. I would go with 2.5 stars. Sometimes, the first book in a new series just doesn't hit right for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
March 2, 2021
This outstanding dark mafia romance is an excellent start to a exciting new series & really kept my attention until the last page was turned. The plot is suspenseful, well-written & intriguing with interesting characters that have good chemistry & as they grow emotional closer they begin to complement each other but at times, the male character has the tendency to be quite devious and/or brutal. There is good support from the secondary characters.
It is about: a dangerous man (Cristiano) comes out of prison with vengeance in his heart towards the woman (Emily) who testified against him but things don’t go exactly according to his plans.
There is: various crime syndicates, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, rivalry, action, vengeful feelings, devious plans, abduction, deceit, betrayal, danger, threats, enemies, violence, brutality, suspicions, manipulations, defiance, domination/submission, discipline, spanking, attraction, trust issues, steamy scenes & there is contentment, love and a well-deserved happy ending.
It is about: a dangerous man (Cristiano) comes out of prison with vengeance in his heart towards the woman (Emily) who testified against him but things don’t go exactly according to his plans.
There is: various crime syndicates, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, rivalry, action, vengeful feelings, devious plans, abduction, deceit, betrayal, danger, threats, enemies, violence, brutality, suspicions, manipulations, defiance, domination/submission, discipline, spanking, attraction, trust issues, steamy scenes & there is contentment, love and a well-deserved happy ending.
September 29, 2024
2.5 stars
March 7, 2021
While I did enjoy this book, I just felt like it wasn't really for me! But it was a story that I was happy enough to read.
I loved that Emily wasn't just going to lie down and take what was thrown at her. I love that she put up a fight until the very end
I loved that Emily wasn't just going to lie down and take what was thrown at her. I love that she put up a fight until the very end
May 7, 2021
Just hated how much of a pushover the h was despite the whole story claiming she’s a fighter. The second he touched her, she was putty in his hand. Story got boring and rushed.
Read
June 18, 2021DNF 11%
Did I miss some previous book? What was that?
I feel like I was having a nice stroll outside and then BAM someone punched me in the face. It was like two ninjas colliding.
How on earth did this happen?
Insta lust and love has nothing here, this is like dude saw a pic and bam he was rock hard. She heard his voice in the courtroom, where she gave anonymous testimony against him. She saw him killing someone and reported it and then in the court she got wet hearing his voice.
Then they banged, she hated it... no but she liked it.
This is straight out pornhub on page. 1% storyline, 99% bangfest. Soo, yeah I'm that girl who likes anticipation and foreplay, ya know. But, each of their own.
Did I miss some previous book? What was that?
I feel like I was having a nice stroll outside and then BAM someone punched me in the face. It was like two ninjas colliding.
How on earth did this happen?
Insta lust and love has nothing here, this is like dude saw a pic and bam he was rock hard. She heard his voice in the courtroom, where she gave anonymous testimony against him. She saw him killing someone and reported it and then in the court she got wet hearing his voice.
Then they banged, she hated it... no but she liked it.
This is straight out pornhub on page. 1% storyline, 99% bangfest. Soo, yeah I'm that girl who likes anticipation and foreplay, ya know. But, each of their own.
December 2, 2021
Okay, this book has 5 star parts… but then I skimmed multiple pages. The H Cristiano is well developed with a bit too much Information about his mafia and family life. The h Emily has basically no back story or development other than she was an eye witness to a murder. The Interactions between the H and h are mostly good but sometimes it gets cheesy. Also the pacing is off. They jump from hate to love in a way that seems like a teenager wrote the story. When I skim the stars go down.
March 5, 2021
Cristiano is the head of the King family and just got out of prison. Now is out for revenge, planning to punish the woman who put him there for a crime he didn’t commit. Once he has her, the attraction between them is hot. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, steam and twists and turns. A steamy mafia read. Looking forward to more in the series. I liked it.
March 11, 2021
Another wonderful story from Ms. Stone. I like mafia stories and this author write them so well, I usually can't put the book down. Christiano is out for revenge after getting out of prison and Emily is his target!! But as time goes on, secrets come out, and somehow revenge is forgotten. The twists, the turns............it's all here!! This is a book I will be wanting on my bookshelf!!! I can't wait for the next one in this series as there are some secondary characters who need their stories told also!!!
March 2, 2021
Cristiano is out of jail and plans his revenge on the woman who helped but him there. Emily was meant to be protected after her testimony put away the ruthless Cristiano but nows hes out and in her home. But Cristianos doesn't plan on his revenge being a one off he's going to make Emily his wife and have her screams of pleasure for life this is well written with chemistry sizzling characters an engaging story line, with action suspense desires hot scenes and more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2021
Wow - just the right mix of darkness, suspense and romance - classy characters, just the right "irreconcilable" opposites and an unknown, dangerous threat harmoniously lead to the HEA. The opening is concise and brisk and then everything develops at a suitable pace and enough time in every facet.
April 23, 2021
This book was action-paced. I don't quite understand how Emily went from not liking Cristiano to realizing she loved him 5 pages later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2023
Piper Stone penned another intriguing Mafia romantic suspense. In this first book of the Merciless Kings series, readers meet Emily Porter and Cristiano King. Fate brings them together when she witnessed Cristiano shoot a man in an Italian restaurant. She was coerced and bullied into testifying by a prosecutor. As a result the jury found Cristiano guilty. He is sentence is 10 years. He is out in ten months on a technicality. Cristiano is the new Don for the King family as his father is semi-retired due to medical reasons. Cristiano visits Emily and makes her his captive. To find out want unfolds you must read this book.
I enjoyed another well-written romantic suspense. I appreciate Ms. Stone’s technique of using a two-prong plot. One prong is their romantic journey. The second prong is one of suspense and mystery in the life of crime families. Her rich conversational and internal dialog reveals Emily and Cristiano’s backstories. The use of a dual point of view to illuminate their hopes and vulnerabilities is strategic Lastly, Ms. Stone’s use of descriptive language paints vivid and memorable scenes. Through these scenes Ms. Stone captures her readers’ attention allowing them to feel like they are eyewitnesses to the inner workings and threats of a crime family. The sex is a bit raw. Despite that this was a captivating read.
I enjoyed another well-written romantic suspense. I appreciate Ms. Stone’s technique of using a two-prong plot. One prong is their romantic journey. The second prong is one of suspense and mystery in the life of crime families. Her rich conversational and internal dialog reveals Emily and Cristiano’s backstories. The use of a dual point of view to illuminate their hopes and vulnerabilities is strategic Lastly, Ms. Stone’s use of descriptive language paints vivid and memorable scenes. Through these scenes Ms. Stone captures her readers’ attention allowing them to feel like they are eyewitnesses to the inner workings and threats of a crime family. The sex is a bit raw. Despite that this was a captivating read.
April 10, 2021
This dark mafia romance is an entertaining read. I didn't like Cristiano in the beginning, but he grew on me the more he started to open up to Emily. I really liked Emily, she was feisty and didn't just give in to Cristano. The story line was interesting and had plenty of action and suspense. I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading about the rest of the King family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2022
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the audio version of this book.
By his own admission, Cristiano King is a BAD MAN, we first meet him as he is released from prison, having served eight months of his sentence following an appeal and a miss trial ruling. He killed a man, but what he didn't realise was that his crime was witnessed by Emily Porter. She was forced to testify against him by a DA who wanted to bring Cristiano down by any means, even unethical ones.
Upon his release, the first thing he does is go to Emily's home where he brutally rapes and abuses her and then kidnaps her and takes her to his home where she finds herself locked in a dog crate! Emily for her part is a strong woman who will not give in easily, but how do you fight a self-confessed Monster?
What follows is a story where Cristiano tries to discover who is behind the attacks on his family, who has put a hit on both his life and Emily's, where Emily's feelings toward Cristiano change and where Cristiano undergoes a voyage of self-discovery.
Now I'm not saying that this is anyway a sweet love story because it's not! It's dark, Cristiano is a brutal, cruel man who demands obedience, his sexual desires and demands must be obeyed and the punishments he doles out are brutal and sometimes vicious. He does however love his family and will do anything to protect them. Along the way, Emily's sweet and forgiving nature changes Cristiano, and true feelings between them begin to develop.
This is a well-written, deeply dark and sometimes disturbing story, it has action, intrigue, violence and drama as well as some incredibly heated sex scenes - it is not for the squeamish so if any of this might offend then give this one a miss. If however, you enjoy reading Piper's incredibly hot stories then, sit down, sit back and immerse yourself into Cristiano's world.
The narration of this book is wonderfully done by the super talented Thomas Locklear, If you have ever listened to Thomas before you know what to expect but if you haven't then you are in for a treat - his work is always excellent. Fortunately, he is the narrator for the rest of this series and I'm about to listen to the next book about Cristiano's brother Michael
By his own admission, Cristiano King is a BAD MAN, we first meet him as he is released from prison, having served eight months of his sentence following an appeal and a miss trial ruling. He killed a man, but what he didn't realise was that his crime was witnessed by Emily Porter. She was forced to testify against him by a DA who wanted to bring Cristiano down by any means, even unethical ones.
Upon his release, the first thing he does is go to Emily's home where he brutally rapes and abuses her and then kidnaps her and takes her to his home where she finds herself locked in a dog crate! Emily for her part is a strong woman who will not give in easily, but how do you fight a self-confessed Monster?
What follows is a story where Cristiano tries to discover who is behind the attacks on his family, who has put a hit on both his life and Emily's, where Emily's feelings toward Cristiano change and where Cristiano undergoes a voyage of self-discovery.
Now I'm not saying that this is anyway a sweet love story because it's not! It's dark, Cristiano is a brutal, cruel man who demands obedience, his sexual desires and demands must be obeyed and the punishments he doles out are brutal and sometimes vicious. He does however love his family and will do anything to protect them. Along the way, Emily's sweet and forgiving nature changes Cristiano, and true feelings between them begin to develop.
This is a well-written, deeply dark and sometimes disturbing story, it has action, intrigue, violence and drama as well as some incredibly heated sex scenes - it is not for the squeamish so if any of this might offend then give this one a miss. If however, you enjoy reading Piper's incredibly hot stories then, sit down, sit back and immerse yourself into Cristiano's world.
The narration of this book is wonderfully done by the super talented Thomas Locklear, If you have ever listened to Thomas before you know what to expect but if you haven't then you are in for a treat - his work is always excellent. Fortunately, he is the narrator for the rest of this series and I'm about to listen to the next book about Cristiano's brother Michael
January 2, 2022
Such a unique dark mafia romance book and a great start to the series. Very 🔥 too!
January 20, 2024
-SPOILERS AHEAD-
This was so bad, I want to give it 0 stars, but i can't, so I'll give it a 1.
If you are looking for a plot, then walk away because, no joke, 85% of this book was smut. By the 60% mark, I was just skipping or skimming the sex scenes because they added no value whatsoever to the "plot." The entire story of this book happened over the course of 3-4 days MAX. The writing was bad, and the story was boring. Being inside Cristiano's head felt like being in a maths lesson. Difficult beyond comprehension and so boring, I wanted to throw my phone across my room.
The dialogue was also super weird. Nobody talks like that, and it was just cringy. Not to mention, the writing was very much; I did this, I did that, and then I went out. There was no fluidity to it.
And we haven't even got to the really problematic things in this.
The beginning of the book felt like a fever dream. The MMC rapes the FMC and kidnaps her. I don't care that her body was enjoying it or whatever other bullshit excuses there are to justify this. He raped her, plain and simple. The story does not make sense. The guy got hard by looking at the girls picture, and she got wet by hearing his voice while anonymously testifying against Cristiano because he MURDERED someone.
While Cristiano was RAPING Emily, she kept moaning for no reason, and Cristiano just kept roaring?? Yes, you've read that right, ROARING, like he's a fucking lion or something. Cristiano's inner monologue was so weird and creepy. He admits that he can't take no for an answer and doesn't care that he's raping the FMC. He's also got a weird obsession with making Emily feel guilty about sending him to prison and making her feel grateful for being alive?? What does she have to be grateful about when she's been kidnapped, lost her job, and been raped multiple times?? Yes, she has luxurious goods now or whatever, but that doesn't account for the fact he literally ruined her life.
Emily is constantly being described as being this strong woman with a backbone, but it's told and never shown. She never makes any real attempts to escape or kill Cristiano and just decides to accept her fate like all of this is normal. Just because she keeps disobeying Cristiano, it does not mean that she's strong, but rather, it makes her seem stupid. You know he's going to spank you if you do something, so why are you doing the exact thing he's telling you not to do?
These two characters also fall in love in the span of TWO days. This isn't a fast burn or whatever other nonsense. Does Stone think the reader is stupid because this is totally unrealistic. Emily is suddenly fine that Cristiano murdered someone and that he ruined her life because he's actually a soft little teddy bear inside.🙄. She's also suddenly acting jealous and all that, but they've known each other for TWO DAYS. I understand this is fiction, but even fiction needs to be somewhat realistic.
I could not care for the characters. Emily has no background whatsoever. We know nothing about her, and what little we know of Cristiano, I could not give a shit about. There was also the matter of what happened with Lucius. He seemed to be such a big part of this and then just ended up being ignored at the end.
This is like straight out a porn site. Classical plot for a porn video and for anyone that liked this, why? Why would you lie and gaslight yourself to like this trash.
I really should have DNFed this.
This was so bad, I want to give it 0 stars, but i can't, so I'll give it a 1.
If you are looking for a plot, then walk away because, no joke, 85% of this book was smut. By the 60% mark, I was just skipping or skimming the sex scenes because they added no value whatsoever to the "plot." The entire story of this book happened over the course of 3-4 days MAX. The writing was bad, and the story was boring. Being inside Cristiano's head felt like being in a maths lesson. Difficult beyond comprehension and so boring, I wanted to throw my phone across my room.
The dialogue was also super weird. Nobody talks like that, and it was just cringy. Not to mention, the writing was very much; I did this, I did that, and then I went out. There was no fluidity to it.
And we haven't even got to the really problematic things in this.
The beginning of the book felt like a fever dream. The MMC rapes the FMC and kidnaps her. I don't care that her body was enjoying it or whatever other bullshit excuses there are to justify this. He raped her, plain and simple. The story does not make sense. The guy got hard by looking at the girls picture, and she got wet by hearing his voice while anonymously testifying against Cristiano because he MURDERED someone.
While Cristiano was RAPING Emily, she kept moaning for no reason, and Cristiano just kept roaring?? Yes, you've read that right, ROARING, like he's a fucking lion or something. Cristiano's inner monologue was so weird and creepy. He admits that he can't take no for an answer and doesn't care that he's raping the FMC. He's also got a weird obsession with making Emily feel guilty about sending him to prison and making her feel grateful for being alive?? What does she have to be grateful about when she's been kidnapped, lost her job, and been raped multiple times?? Yes, she has luxurious goods now or whatever, but that doesn't account for the fact he literally ruined her life.
Emily is constantly being described as being this strong woman with a backbone, but it's told and never shown. She never makes any real attempts to escape or kill Cristiano and just decides to accept her fate like all of this is normal. Just because she keeps disobeying Cristiano, it does not mean that she's strong, but rather, it makes her seem stupid. You know he's going to spank you if you do something, so why are you doing the exact thing he's telling you not to do?
These two characters also fall in love in the span of TWO days. This isn't a fast burn or whatever other nonsense. Does Stone think the reader is stupid because this is totally unrealistic. Emily is suddenly fine that Cristiano murdered someone and that he ruined her life because he's actually a soft little teddy bear inside.🙄. She's also suddenly acting jealous and all that, but they've known each other for TWO DAYS. I understand this is fiction, but even fiction needs to be somewhat realistic.
I could not care for the characters. Emily has no background whatsoever. We know nothing about her, and what little we know of Cristiano, I could not give a shit about. There was also the matter of what happened with Lucius. He seemed to be such a big part of this and then just ended up being ignored at the end.
This is like straight out a porn site. Classical plot for a porn video and for anyone that liked this, why? Why would you lie and gaslight yourself to like this trash.
I really should have DNFed this.
November 25, 2022
This book was a surprise to me and My first Piper stone book...which won't be my last I plan to read/listen to the whole series and more.
I thought it was a very intriguing and a well thought out story.
Cristiano and Emily's story is not an easy one to read and people who are sensitive should heed the trigger warnings.
Cristiano is just released from prison with nothing but revenge on his mind,he had to find out who set him up.
Emily was the woman who witnessed his brutal crime and so testified against him,his release from prison was unexpected and the worst news for her,she was in danger from a devilish man.
Cristiano abducts Emily and under his rule punishes her in the way he sees fit for her betrayal against him.Forcing her to do despicable things sexually and the one thing that she would have no control over to marry him...It wouldn't be for love but for an ulterior motive to stop her testifying again and keep him out of prison.
But being close to one another and getting to know eachother feelings begin to develop between both of them...But there is danger everywhere and a unknown mystery man is a threat to The King family,Cristiano cannot trust anyone and that may include his new bride Emily.
This story kept me on my toes and I was so fascinated by The King family,who the mystery man was,and what will happen to Emily and Cristiano.
I enjoyed Piper's writing style and the attention to detail,it was like a Mafia movie playing in my mind.
Now I listened to the audiobook of this story and OMG Thomas Lockclear is a true Phenomenom he continues to blow my mind .The way he manipulates his voices for different characters male and female is a real talent.He is AMAZING and will continue to be one of my favourite narrators to listen too.I will never tire of his voice and the way he tells a story.
The King's Captive is a very interesting,dark and delectable read I enjoyed it very much,full of action and steam it's a fantastic book.
Fabulous 5 Stars.
I thought it was a very intriguing and a well thought out story.
Cristiano and Emily's story is not an easy one to read and people who are sensitive should heed the trigger warnings.
Cristiano is just released from prison with nothing but revenge on his mind,he had to find out who set him up.
Emily was the woman who witnessed his brutal crime and so testified against him,his release from prison was unexpected and the worst news for her,she was in danger from a devilish man.
Cristiano abducts Emily and under his rule punishes her in the way he sees fit for her betrayal against him.Forcing her to do despicable things sexually and the one thing that she would have no control over to marry him...It wouldn't be for love but for an ulterior motive to stop her testifying again and keep him out of prison.
But being close to one another and getting to know eachother feelings begin to develop between both of them...But there is danger everywhere and a unknown mystery man is a threat to The King family,Cristiano cannot trust anyone and that may include his new bride Emily.
This story kept me on my toes and I was so fascinated by The King family,who the mystery man was,and what will happen to Emily and Cristiano.
I enjoyed Piper's writing style and the attention to detail,it was like a Mafia movie playing in my mind.
Now I listened to the audiobook of this story and OMG Thomas Lockclear is a true Phenomenom he continues to blow my mind .The way he manipulates his voices for different characters male and female is a real talent.He is AMAZING and will continue to be one of my favourite narrators to listen too.I will never tire of his voice and the way he tells a story.
The King's Captive is a very interesting,dark and delectable read I enjoyed it very much,full of action and steam it's a fantastic book.
Fabulous 5 Stars.
March 7, 2021
Absolutely outstanding read
Wow from the very first chapter this book will grab you and you will not be able to put it down. Cristiano I don’t even know how to describe the man, he is just this amazing brutal man who was put in prison for murder but then gets out Early because of something the prosecution did so now he’s out for revenge and nothing will stop him. You see he is the The head of the King family a vicious crime syndicate that don’t take any prisoners. So now he wants to find out who is the witness that put him away in case they ever tried to taking him back to court. But when he sees her picture things change.
Emily is just an average girl A lovely lady who was in the wrong place at the wrong time when she witnessed the murder. When her best friend rings to warn her that he got out early it’s already too late. Because as she put the phone down the lights go out and she’s left standing there in a towel and Cristiano is right behind her. Right from the beginning Cristiano is going to make her pay. Emily thinks he is there to kill her but it’s obvious that he has other ideas. And this is where we start to meet the sassy & the feisty Emily. But what was the surprise was the way her body reacted to him, And the way Cristiano was with her.
And this is just a beginning a book and that’s all you’re getting from me because you really need to read this book there is everything there is Twist & turns That will just keep you hooked and leave you in suspense. There is so much danger but also so much passion that turns into something so strong it just gave me the shivers. It’s just so good I really couldn’t put this book down. There is so much danger in this book and that is dangerous to your heart because it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
It’s just a brilliant read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow from the very first chapter this book will grab you and you will not be able to put it down. Cristiano I don’t even know how to describe the man, he is just this amazing brutal man who was put in prison for murder but then gets out Early because of something the prosecution did so now he’s out for revenge and nothing will stop him. You see he is the The head of the King family a vicious crime syndicate that don’t take any prisoners. So now he wants to find out who is the witness that put him away in case they ever tried to taking him back to court. But when he sees her picture things change.
Emily is just an average girl A lovely lady who was in the wrong place at the wrong time when she witnessed the murder. When her best friend rings to warn her that he got out early it’s already too late. Because as she put the phone down the lights go out and she’s left standing there in a towel and Cristiano is right behind her. Right from the beginning Cristiano is going to make her pay. Emily thinks he is there to kill her but it’s obvious that he has other ideas. And this is where we start to meet the sassy & the feisty Emily. But what was the surprise was the way her body reacted to him, And the way Cristiano was with her.
And this is just a beginning a book and that’s all you’re getting from me because you really need to read this book there is everything there is Twist & turns That will just keep you hooked and leave you in suspense. There is so much danger but also so much passion that turns into something so strong it just gave me the shivers. It’s just so good I really couldn’t put this book down. There is so much danger in this book and that is dangerous to your heart because it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
It’s just a brilliant read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2021
King’s Captive by Piper Stone is book one in the Merciless King series. The story is a page turner which follows Emily and Christiano’s dark relationship and what happens when one crosses the Mafia. Emily witnesses a crime that puts Chris in jail for a number of years, but once he is out, he is going to own her, body and soul and heaven help anyone or anything that stands in his way!
This is a well written story which jumps straight into the action and doesn’t let go. Emily and Christiano’s relationship is dark, full of BDSM elements, violence and at times some brutal moments. I loved reading about the twist and turns that both characters have gone through to get to where they are as well as the family element that comes from Christiano’s story, which at times is complex and does make him more vulnerable and human. Christiano is harsh towards Emily at the beginning, but as his feelings start to grow, we see a change in him, yes their love is harsh, dangerous and at times brutal but there is a vulnerability with them that comes through when you’re reading, especially when both characters know how quickly life can change for them.
Emily was also an intriguing character. Although she is dominated by Christiano, she isn’t scared to tell him what she thinks or to protect him when she needs too.
There is plenty of actions, suspense, sexy scenes and great characters to keep you turning the pages to see what happens. Yes, this is a standalone, so things do get tied up in the end, but it also leaves you wanting to know more about this series and who’ll get their story told next. Overall, a really good mafia read!
Warning: this book does have some triggers that other readers might find sensitive.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
This is a well written story which jumps straight into the action and doesn’t let go. Emily and Christiano’s relationship is dark, full of BDSM elements, violence and at times some brutal moments. I loved reading about the twist and turns that both characters have gone through to get to where they are as well as the family element that comes from Christiano’s story, which at times is complex and does make him more vulnerable and human. Christiano is harsh towards Emily at the beginning, but as his feelings start to grow, we see a change in him, yes their love is harsh, dangerous and at times brutal but there is a vulnerability with them that comes through when you’re reading, especially when both characters know how quickly life can change for them.
Emily was also an intriguing character. Although she is dominated by Christiano, she isn’t scared to tell him what she thinks or to protect him when she needs too.
There is plenty of actions, suspense, sexy scenes and great characters to keep you turning the pages to see what happens. Yes, this is a standalone, so things do get tied up in the end, but it also leaves you wanting to know more about this series and who’ll get their story told next. Overall, a really good mafia read!
Warning: this book does have some triggers that other readers might find sensitive.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
March 12, 2021
It starts with revenge and he owns her....but who owns who in the end???
King's Captive is the first book in the Merciless Kings series and set the tone for this series about the King crime syndicates in New Orleans. There is no soft jazz in this story but there is a huge hurricane in the form of one Mr. Christiano King. He is a man who was born to be crowned and take the throne of the underworld and rule New Orleans and beyond. But there was a little wrench that got thrown into the plans when one nigh Christiano murdered a man and Emily Porter saw it happen. When Emily testifies against Christiano, as it is her duty, he is sentenced to minimum ten years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary. As the family owns a lot of the police and judges this is a real blow and means that another organization is trying to invade their territory. But that will not be for long as money exchanged hands and before you know it he is released and the trial is deemed a mistrial. Now Christiano is out for revenge against the lovely Emily and he is about to get it....or does he?
Emily is a young woman who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and saw something really bad. She was the only witness and because she was granted anonymity for her testimony. Emily stayed in New Orleans which ends up not being the best decision....or does it?
This book is well written and follows the story of one man out for revenge and the woman who is not going to let him have it without a fight. Along the way these enemies start to have very different feelings for each other and in the end they have their own version of an HEA.
King's Captive is the first book in the Merciless Kings series and set the tone for this series about the King crime syndicates in New Orleans. There is no soft jazz in this story but there is a huge hurricane in the form of one Mr. Christiano King. He is a man who was born to be crowned and take the throne of the underworld and rule New Orleans and beyond. But there was a little wrench that got thrown into the plans when one nigh Christiano murdered a man and Emily Porter saw it happen. When Emily testifies against Christiano, as it is her duty, he is sentenced to minimum ten years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary. As the family owns a lot of the police and judges this is a real blow and means that another organization is trying to invade their territory. But that will not be for long as money exchanged hands and before you know it he is released and the trial is deemed a mistrial. Now Christiano is out for revenge against the lovely Emily and he is about to get it....or does he?
Emily is a young woman who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and saw something really bad. She was the only witness and because she was granted anonymity for her testimony. Emily stayed in New Orleans which ends up not being the best decision....or does it?
This book is well written and follows the story of one man out for revenge and the woman who is not going to let him have it without a fight. Along the way these enemies start to have very different feelings for each other and in the end they have their own version of an HEA.
March 3, 2021
Donna L
4.0 out of 5 stars Revenge Was Sweet
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
I enjoyed this book about two completely different characters.
It is definitely an enemy to lovers story. Fairy tales don't come
true, or do they.
Christiano had no redeeming traits, and I really did not like him at
all initially, but as I read more of the story, I came to realize he was
a man of many layers. All he wanted was to protect himself from
the pain of losing someone else he loved. His destiny was mapped
out before he was born. It was a brutal existence, but it was the
only world he had ever known. He was dark and menacing in the
best possible way. He was the entire package good and bad.
Emily was one tough cookie. She never crumbled even when faced
with the devil himself. She fought a tough battle, but her fate was
sealed. Her life was no fantasy. It was only a sick reality. She struggled
with her feelings for Christiano. The man oozed raw passion. He was
pure sin. Her fate was sealed. He was the hunter, and she was his prey.
Her mind screamed no, but her body betrayed her. I have to say that
he was the man of my dreams, dominant, dark, and protective. His
need to protect Emily over took his need for revenge.
This was an exciting look into a world filled with vengeance. danger,
power, passion, and conflicting emotions. A look into a relationship
that was anything but relaxed despite the intimacy shared by this
couple. If you enjoy a good mafia story, then I highly recommend
this book by Piper Stone. Its a show stopper, and it reeled me in
January 5, 2026
King's Captive is the first book in the Merciless King's series. This is Cristiano and Emily's story. There are mixed reviews on this read. I think if you take things for what they are, then it could be triggering. I read the reviews and I was curious to all the crazy hate.
Cristiano is released from prison and the first thing he does, he kidnaps the woman that testified against him. Not only he kidnaps her, but basically rapes her. It's not as brutal as I thought it was going to be? Does she not want sex? no, but is she super attracted to him? Yes.
All that aside, I think that was the most interesting part of the book! I liked the tension between Cristiano and Emily. Did they have chemistry? No. But the steamy scenes kept my interest and does she keep on saying no and try to escape him? yes. Again. I rather read that than all the boring mafia talk.
I get all the mafia talk, the author is trying to set up the stories for the rest of the series, BUT I truly didn't care about any of the politics. I think I wasn't invested enough into the world building? I thought the young solider boys protecting Emily were SUPER adorable, I'm looking at you Nick.
Overall, it's a simple book. Cristiano is angry he was sent to jail and he's trying to figure out who is trying to take him down. In the mean time, he plays house with Emily who isn't so willing.
I'm not ruling the author out and I'll read additional books. I just want to be more captivated in the plot moving forward.
Cristiano is released from prison and the first thing he does, he kidnaps the woman that testified against him. Not only he kidnaps her, but basically rapes her. It's not as brutal as I thought it was going to be? Does she not want sex? no, but is she super attracted to him? Yes.
All that aside, I think that was the most interesting part of the book! I liked the tension between Cristiano and Emily. Did they have chemistry? No. But the steamy scenes kept my interest and does she keep on saying no and try to escape him? yes. Again. I rather read that than all the boring mafia talk.
I get all the mafia talk, the author is trying to set up the stories for the rest of the series, BUT I truly didn't care about any of the politics. I think I wasn't invested enough into the world building? I thought the young solider boys protecting Emily were SUPER adorable, I'm looking at you Nick.
Overall, it's a simple book. Cristiano is angry he was sent to jail and he's trying to figure out who is trying to take him down. In the mean time, he plays house with Emily who isn't so willing.
I'm not ruling the author out and I'll read additional books. I just want to be more captivated in the plot moving forward.
March 5, 2021
Emily the sole secret eye witness that put Cristiano in prison for cold blooded murder of a restaurant owner. Cristiano the head of the notorious crime syndicate the King Family in New Orleans and due to a technicality he is being released and he is out for revenge. First thing Mr. King does upon being released from prison is heads directly to Ms. Emily Porters house to carry out his first act of vengeance, he then kidnaps her and takes her to his home. While he is trying to figure her out, whether she is an innocent pawn and was set up to testify against him or she is actually telling the truth. Cristiano soon learns that Emily is a very determined, strong willed woman that at all costs will do her best to defend herself. Cristiano soon discovers to his amazement he is falling for the beautiful woman and even though Emily is ashamed of how her body responds to Cristiano she finds herself having feelings for him as well. A Dark romance, that has its fair share of violence, danger, suspense, spankings, some BDSM, loyalty. Can Emily survive what Cristiano has planned for her? Will Cristiano and his soldiers be able to figure out and take down the threat to the family? Will there be a possibility of a HEA? A very good story. A pretty quick read. Once I started I wasn’t able to set it down. I would recommend. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 19, 2021
King’s Captive by Piper Stone
Book 1 of the Merciless King’s Series narration by Thomas Locklear.
The King’s are the top mafia family in New Orleans and this is Christiano’s book.
Chris is newly released from prison after several years and out for revenge. Especially on one witness who landed him there.
Emily Porter is the witness and was at the wrong place at the wrong time and witnesses Christiano murder the restaurant owner where she slipped into to pick up a quick dinner.
Ugh, not going to kid you but it’s brutal in the start. And made me think Stockholm syndrome until I started to see how Chris and Emily develop feelings for one another. But it left me saying wow. And I have read tons of Piper’s books. However, she writes descriptly so I had the chance to see how and why these two turn into a smouldering couple.
There’s so much action and suspenseful twists which is just how I’ve come to expect from Piper’s books. Mafia at its brutal finest.
There’s compelling characters in this book and it lays way for the others to get there own stories to come.
I listened to it in audio with the exceptional Thomas Locklear narration. He has done many books by Piper Stone and these two are amazing in their collaborations.
If you haven’t heard Thomas yet, you are in for an amazing adventure and you will be amazed at all of the different characters that he plays. He has the most realistic woman’s sultry voice out there.
Book 1 of the Merciless King’s Series narration by Thomas Locklear.
The King’s are the top mafia family in New Orleans and this is Christiano’s book.
Chris is newly released from prison after several years and out for revenge. Especially on one witness who landed him there.
Emily Porter is the witness and was at the wrong place at the wrong time and witnesses Christiano murder the restaurant owner where she slipped into to pick up a quick dinner.
Ugh, not going to kid you but it’s brutal in the start. And made me think Stockholm syndrome until I started to see how Chris and Emily develop feelings for one another. But it left me saying wow. And I have read tons of Piper’s books. However, she writes descriptly so I had the chance to see how and why these two turn into a smouldering couple.
There’s so much action and suspenseful twists which is just how I’ve come to expect from Piper’s books. Mafia at its brutal finest.
There’s compelling characters in this book and it lays way for the others to get there own stories to come.
I listened to it in audio with the exceptional Thomas Locklear narration. He has done many books by Piper Stone and these two are amazing in their collaborations.
If you haven’t heard Thomas yet, you are in for an amazing adventure and you will be amazed at all of the different characters that he plays. He has the most realistic woman’s sultry voice out there.
March 4, 2021
This was truly a dark mafia romance. I was captivated by this story from page one and I was unable to put the book down until I was finished, I had to see what was going to happen. This is the story of Cristiano and Emily. Cristiano is the head of the King family who was just released from prison after being set up. He is ruthless, dangerous and cold. Emily is a woman who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and witnessed Cristiano murder a man. She testified against Cristiano (after some coercion) and thought she would be safe because her identity was kept hidden. Cristiano felt an attraction to Emily as soon as he saw her picture and decided to take matters into his own hands to see who had set him up. Needless to say, Emily is a feisty, stubborn woman who was not afraid to go down fighting.
The attraction between Emily and Cristiano was something else. Emily could not understand why her body was betraying her as she was having a very hard time resisting Cristiano. Cristiano could not understand why he was letting his walls down. This story has everything – drama, action, family, loyalty, suspense, twists, dominance/submission, passion, secrets and love. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Booksprout ARC’s for an honest review.
The attraction between Emily and Cristiano was something else. Emily could not understand why her body was betraying her as she was having a very hard time resisting Cristiano. Cristiano could not understand why he was letting his walls down. This story has everything – drama, action, family, loyalty, suspense, twists, dominance/submission, passion, secrets and love. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Booksprout ARC’s for an honest review.
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