Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mafia Brides #3

Captivated by Him

Rate this book
Five years ago, I let Nicole Sawicki disappear from my life without a fight. Now that she's back, I won't be making the same mistake.

For her own safety.
Her own protection.
I will drag her into my life, my family, and my marriage bed kicking and screaming if I have to.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

682 people are currently reading
878 people want to read

About the author

Measha Stone

77 books1,303 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,044 (56%)
4 stars
505 (27%)
3 stars
239 (12%)
2 stars
55 (2%)
1 star
17 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews218 followers
April 19, 2021
This is the third entry in the Staszek crime family series. Although it's a standalone in terms of the couple, other characters and certain lines of action first appeared in previous books.

Here, we follow younger son Jakub and his second-chance romance with Nicole, the girl who got away five years earlier. Now, she's back in Chicago, working for one of his clubs, and threatened by a rival mobster. Can he keep her safe? And will their old feelings for each other resurface?

This is much more consensual and, thus, much less "dark" than the other two (really, all are more "grayish"). This is a relief to me, but others might be disappointed. If, however, you're looking for a relatively mild erotic book featuring two likeable characters that moves at a decent pace, you'll probably enjoy this. I particularly appreciated two aspects. First (unlike his brother and brother-in-law), Jakub's actions are for Nicole's protection -- not because he wants something from her. Second (unlike his brother and brother-in-law), he always puts her first and doesn't pander to anyone.

I have some quibbles. Although I liked Nicole's spirit, she did do some pretty foolish things. In addition, as usual with this author, there are:

1) Plot holes/Inconsistencies: It either does or does not matter that Jakub didn't use a condom. Nicole's father did or did not leave Chicago under a cloud.

2) Plot points are introduced and then not developed: It's .

3) Narrative aspects that make no sense: Henry's OTT feelings for Nicole, for instance. And, given that Nicole and Jakub were together for only one month and don't appear to have thought of each other in five years, I'd classify this as insta-love.

3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 for this: “You killed someone, Jakub, and you want to lecture me on if I was in the hallway or in the living room at the time?” Finally, an author references the huge cognitive dissonance we have to engage in when known criminal H's call their h's "bad." Since there are no more siblings, I'm not sure whether or not they'll be other books, but a couple of lines of action are left open. Side Note: Nicole more specifically goes to UIC, not the U of I.
1,268 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2021
In the third book of the Staszek Crime Family, Nicole gets into a Staszek owned bar with a fake I.D. along with two underage friends. Jakob Staszek is manning the bar, realizes she is underage and refuses to serve her, thinking as she is a college student, she came in with friends. He wanted to kick them out, but as her father was associated with another Polish crime family, the Kaczmarek's, she didn't snitch, even after he threatened her...so they had a brief affair before she left Chicago to go the New York...then five years later, Nicole returned to Chicago, working in marketing at a club that is expanding, KatFish...not realizing the bar is owned by the Staszek family and overseen by Jakob along with two other clubs...and they reconnect...but when she left New York, she had been seeing a man who worked for the Kaczmarek's...but you will need to read this enticing story to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy. 
Profile Image for Renee.
5,193 reviews73 followers
April 26, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

After a terrifying health scare, Ander is finally getting the help he needs. He's running out of options and needs the treatment. The only thing is, he hasn't been honest with Hadley. One truth leads to a cascade of events that all circle back to one thing...Ander's addiction. Life is never easy and the road to recovery is paved with shattered glass. Hadley's in love with an addict that harbors more secrets than Pandora's Box. Ander is in love with the girl that deserves more than he can give her. Their love was built on a mountain of lies and broken promises. When it all comes crashing down, will their love survive? Or will they finally fall apart?

This is one series that has really been hard on my heart. But so worth it. Your emotions are all over the place with this one too and you just are waiting for the hammer to fall the entire time. This is the story of a very toxic relationship between Ander and Hadley. He has kept a health scare hidden from her even if he could have possibly spread it to her. But he is sober right now and realizes that he has really nothing. He isn't in school and he doesn't have a job and he even still lives with his mother. All this makes him feel like he is not worthy of Hadley because she is standing on her own two feet. He couldn't take care of her if he had to. But Hadley is beginning to see just how toxic this relationship and she is willing to take a step away from her for her own well being. This book will have you in pieces wondering is these two can get the happily ever after they both want. Will Ander ever get clean? You have to read to find out. I loved this story but man it was a hard on to read.
1,240 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2021
Captivated By Him is the third book in the Mafia Brides series, but could be read as a stand alone. Nicole and Jakub have a history together and now not only does she work for him, her ex has placed her in danger. Jakub is determined to make her his and keep her safe, and the only way to do that is to give her his family’s name. But will he give her up when the danger has passed?

Another fantastic book in this series! I absolutely loved the dynamic that formed between Nicole and Jakub, I loved that they wanted to be together, and I loved their steam just as much as their tender and vulnerable moments. Neither were perfect, but they were two puzzle pieces that fit together just right. I really liked Nicole. She had so much fire and refused to back down. I loved that for as strong as her mind was and how much she wanted to make her own choices and back up her decisions, often her body was what gave her away. I just really liked how strong she was, even when she made mistakes. Jakub was pretty great, too. Just as dominant as his brother, yet he didn’t have as much of the danger aspects of his job. I liked how protective he was of what he considered his, and I liked how he didn’t feel like he measured up to his brother. They were both interesting characters that I was, dare I say it, captivated by! I really enjoyed this book! I loved all of the danger elements, I loved all of the hurdles they needed to triumph, and I really loved how this whole series has played out! Fantastic read!
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,123 reviews190 followers
April 13, 2021
This story was absolutely fantastic! Measha Stone writes these Mafia men who are ruthless, obsessive, and truly Alpha. Jakub is definitely in that mindset when he reacquaints himself with ….. And they become explosive in their passion and sensual in their love.
3,132 reviews
April 17, 2021
This was a wonderful read I thoroughly enjoyed the third book in this series
This was a wonderful addition to this book; I loved this the new chapter in this series was simply marvellous. Jakub and Nicole had known each other’s years before and them coming together again after such a long time was simply wonderful.
As she finds herself suddenly back in his life again and even though she knows all about his family’s business and even though she is loyal to those she cares for she believes in doing the right thing and she knows that Jakub is always concerned with simply keeping his father proud.
This was a busy read with lots going on and the story was filled with action and adventure and Jakub was very aware Jakub was more than a little interested in her but she knew that he was trying to convince that they had chemistry between them.
A great read you will thoroughly enjoy this great read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
April 19, 2021
This is Jakub and Nicole's story. They met when she was 19 trying to pass a fake id to drink underage in Jakub's club. 5 years later Nicole returns to Chicago and is working for a club named Katfish, owned by Jakub Staszek. She's now in danger from a man that wants her and won't give her up easily. The sexual attraction is irresistible and when he finds out the real danger Nicole is in, he decides to protect her with his name in marriage. Trouble is, Nicole assumes it's temporary, but Jakub has no intentions of ever letting her go once the danger has passed. There is danger, adventure, threats, discipline and spankings along with some very hot sexy times that will keep your interest and keep you reading right to the very HEA that this couple and family deserves.
Profile Image for deenie✿ &#x1f349;.
100 reviews36 followers
September 15, 2023
Just my opinion..

Bad written
Zero plot
95% bad dialogs 3% of good dialoges, 2% of scenes that I kinda enjoyed
I got a headache because of this book.

I’m so sorry to say this, I don’t want to be disrespectful to the author of this book, but it was one of the worst book I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for Denise .
931 reviews9 followers
April 24, 2021
“Captivated by Him” book 3 in the Mafia Brides series from Measha Stone. Each book has focused on one of the 3 adult children of Polish mafia leader Joseph Staszek, and now it is younger son Jakub’s turn. I've enjoyed both of the previous books in the series, although they are all able to be read as stand-alones. Jakub captured my interest from the start of the series, and I was excited to finally read his story. I was definitely not disappointed!

Jakub seems to be a fun-loving member of his mafia family, running nightclubs on the legitimate side of the family business. The beginning of this book takes place 5 years earlier, when he and female lead Nicole meet and have a very brief relationship. As the story unfolds, Jakub and Nicole become entangled in a complicated relationship that seamlessly blends boss/employee, forced marriage and second chance tropes. I thought they were both likeable characters.

Nicole was a difficult character for me to warm up to at first, but then I realized that is her character. The further you get into the book, the more you’re able to understand her. This book was not as ‘dark’ as the previous ones in the series because Jakub’s focus is always on protecting Nicole. He has an unequivocally dominant personality that he is forced to self-restrain when dealing with his father and brother, because of his place in the family hierarchy. In dealing with the rest of the world, he is strong, fair and intimidating. The chemistry between Jakub and Nicole is scorching hot and involves domestic discipline and some power exchange. Nicole is depicted as intelligent and capable, yet at the end of the story she makes some dumb choices, which I understood were necessary to set up the final action sequence. I really liked her courage and resolve at the end, and her handling of a character involved in that part of the story who appeared as an unexpected plot twist.

I was left with a couple of unanswered questions, but nothing that really took away from enjoying the story. It’s nice to see glimpses of the siblings and their spouses appear at times in this story. I’ve enjoyed this series. Although all 3 Staszek siblings have had their stories told, I’m hoping the author has plans to continue the series somehow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
April 28, 2021
✳️✳️ONE ENTHRALLING LANDSLIDE✳️✳️
Crazy critters casper! Measha whips this incredibly tantalizing, skillfully compelling, sinfully delicious, addictively kickass, rock-my-world thrill ride, dishing out some stinging facts, harsh lessons and relentless determination, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned, blasting this baby to staggering heights. Sparks is ignite as riveting drama, gripping intrigue, vicious deeds, ruthless tactics, escalating danger, electrifying suspense and unnerving situations converge, exposing the shocking struggles and formidable triumphs while attentive to the perilous twists and wicked turns unfolding, exhibiting the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's depth and inspiring in it's strength, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. The undeniable attraction and scorching chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity and vigor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affection, drawing our characters closer, swirling it into a tailspin with mind-blowing impacts. The characters dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, balance fluidly adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Measha, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,024 reviews56 followers
April 25, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how deep hate can run, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
(Believe me when I say you won’t put it down until the last page is read…you will find yourself getting upset cause someone called, texted or bothered you while reading this one, you will find yourself up at ungodly hours just to finish it knowing you have to be at work early (like 3am early) the very next day) YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Book three in this series but it can like the two before it be read as a standalone although, why not read them all. Jakub is the second son of the Polish Don in Chicago, owns one of the hottest clubs in town, he is sexy as all get out, protective and sometime a little out of control. Nicole visits his club one evening orders a drink, of course Jakub realizes she is underage and doesn’t take to kindly to her order a drink in his club so he takes it upon himself to punish her although, being who he is takes the punishment a little to far. She heads back home to New York to live with an unbearable father and when it gets to be too much, she accepts a job as an event planner for a company owned by none other than Jakub. It is explosive when they run into each other the chemistry is so intense the magnetic pull can not be ignored or denied neither of them forgot the other. What happens when Nicole’s past come to the table to play, will it be a forced marriage, can the two turn a situation into happiness?
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,642 reviews83 followers
April 27, 2021
'Captivated by Him' is Measha Stone's third book in her "Mafia Brides" series. This is where we get to meet and follow the lives of Jakub and Nicole and what a ride these two have taken me on! When the story first starts, Nicole is still in college. Her and her friends have used their fake IDs to get into club. The problem? When Nicole goes to the bar to order a drink, the man she thinks is a bartender turns out to be one of the owners and she's immediately taken back to his office. She's already lied to him twice and Jakub has warned her if she does it one more time, there would be consequences. Being such strong characters, you know what's coming, right? She tells him another lie before he has her driven home only to have Jakub show up hours later to deliver the old-fashioned spanking he promised her for her deceit. Fast forward five years and we learn Jakub is the second son of the Polish Mafia who owns and manages the legitimate side of the business. Nicole has evidently been gone for five years and just returned from New York. Oh yeah, and now she unknowingly works for Jakub while running from the Mafia family her father use to work for. The chemistry just continues to get stronger and hotter throughout the story. The drama, angst, emotions, and discoveries that come out kept me enthralled throughout. I was completely captivated by both of these strong characters and highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
April 27, 2021
Despite being a dark mafia romance I have to say that I laugh a lot reading it.
The continuos banter between Nicole and Jakub are the most fun.
Nicole and Jakub meet when she sneaks into one of his clubs and they are together for a few weeks, until she leaves for NY.
Their paths don’t cross again until 5 years later when Nicole is hired to work at Jakub’s new club.
But Nicole left some problems behind in NY that have followed her to Chicago and Jakub helps her out of her predicament. First by forcing her to live with him and then to marry him😂😂😂
Jakub is a very dominant man, who doesn’t like to be questioned or disobeyed, who doesn’t tolerate deception and with a certain kink for spankings🔥. He turns Nicole’s ass red every time she contradicts him, and it happens a lot, since Nicole is not a submissive girl, except in the bedroom where she lets Jakub control and use her body however he wants.
Very, very entertaining, fun and hot book.

“Would you rather have a spanking for being such a bad girl tonight? Promise me you’ll be good, and I’ll fuck you until you scream.”

“If you disobey me again, Nicole, you won’t be screaming from an orgasm. You’ll be begging me to stop the ass whooping you’ll get. Do you understand me?” My throat clenches with the dark tone of his voice. “I get it, Jakub.”
1,890 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2021
Measha writes a deliciously, dark romance!
I love Jakub, the 2nd son of the Polish mafia don in Chicago and his nonchalance as he runs the hottest club, and how easily he spots underage Nicole when she asks for a drink at his bar. Jakub may take her punishment a step too far, but the sizzle between the two is explosive. Yet Nicole knows there is no future with Jakub, so joins her father back in NY. Until Nicole’s circumstances becomes unbearable, forcing her to run to Chicago where she works as an event planner for Katfish. Unbeknownst to Nicole, Jakub is the owner and when they come face-to-face for the first time, I can feel Nicole’s excitement bloom as she never forgot Jakub. I am optimistic that Jakub thinks that Nicole is the one that got away, but his playboy ways are ingrained. I know from the way Nicole is still captivated by Jakub that there decision to keep all things business-like between them is a farce. When Nicole’s past enters the doorsteps of Jakub’s business, it is clearly a recipe for disaster. What follows is an unexpected turn of events that Jakob’s father sets in motion. What starts as a quick fix for Nicole, may just offer her what she was always looking for, family. OMG, each chapter was better than the last and the ending is absolutely perfect!
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,660 reviews27 followers
May 1, 2021
A second chance at love
This author always captivates me with her ability to spin a tale. As always, her characters are fantastic! I love that we get a chance to see what happened before in their relationship. Each part of this story shapes the characters they have become and the way they deal with the current situation they find themselves in. The author kept the story moving with action, danger, discipline and ultimately love. I am a sucker for a second chance romance and the author did a fantastic job with this story. Once again, she has left me desperate for her next book and the heat that will come with it.
Profile Image for Kay Parker.
Author 45 books975 followers
April 26, 2021
I've never been a mafia romance lover when it comes to my reading choices, but two authors have changed my perspective on the genre over the past year--one of them being Measha Stone.
Jakub and Nicole's story is the third in the series, and I love each book and their respective characters. I really enjoy how the previous storyline intertwines with the current couple and how the repercussions from a certain event in book one have filtered through the series.
I really am loving this series and hope there will be more books to come in the future.
216 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2021
Swooning....dominant, caring and oh so sexy. From Jacob's eternal bachelor view his ex playmate is in trouble what better way to protect than to marry when your in the mafia. Is she the one who got away? She's a runner even marriage won't keep her tied down or will it. Their histories intersect but their now is beyond steamy, a world created that leaves you wanting your own Jakob and Nicole story. 
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,029 reviews16 followers
April 29, 2021
This is the third book in the Mafia Bride series, and while I think the books are better enjoyed if read in order the stories are all (for the most part) stand alones. Jakub and Nicole have a history and it didn't end all that well. That angst makes a perfect setting for Nicole's sassy attitude and Jakub's no-nonsense dominance. I love all the snark and humor that blends perfectly with the heat and the excitement. The chemistry and passion between the characters is intense, and the moments of tenderness and vulnerability even them out perfectly. Ms. Stone always writes characters that I never want to leave and stories that I never want to put down. This is no exception.
2,819 reviews18 followers
Read
May 2, 2021
Delicious!

Jakub and Nicole have an intense relationship full of dominance, discipline, scorching sex and more. There is action, danger, desire and fantastic characters!
The interaction between Jakub and Nicole is compelling, interesting and an intruiging read! These characters are well written and easy to enjoy, plus we get to revisit with some previous characters from the other two books in the series.
Well done!
Profile Image for Dennis.
939 reviews27 followers
August 11, 2021
Terrific Mafia story in a wonderful series

I really love this series. I read the three books one after the other, I did sleep, but only because I needed sleep. This book is very steamy and it has lots of action just like the first two books that proceeded it, if you have not read them you really should. Also this has a wonderful HEA that I am you will love. I also advise everyone to read the other books by Measha Stone, I have several and I loved them all.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
April 14, 2021
This story had me, hook..line and sinker!!! From the very first page, Jakub and Nicole intrigued me. I loved seeing their relationship grow from her sneaking into his club as an underage girl to years later him being her boss. Out of the three books in this series, this is my absolute favorite! There is just something about these two characters. You don't need to read the first two books to get into this one but just know that you'll meet characters from those books. And those books are good also. Ms. Stone's mafia books are fast becoming some of my favorites. Go get it!!!
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,456 reviews28 followers
April 22, 2021
Another great story by a really good author. In this story we see Jakob, who if you have read any of the other books features lightly in as the brother as Lana and Dominik Staszek.. He is the brother who runs the clubs and keeps them clean, till one night when he is helping out at the bar he spots a young lady with a fake id. And that readers is the start where Jakob and Nicole first met. Role on 5 years later and circumstances see both these characters meeting up once more Nicole is determined to do things on her own, but Jackob is determined to protect her still. But when a certain person and his goons come looking for her again, this time Jakob is determinded to get to the truth and she wont be going anywhere because she will be under lock and key till he figures it all out.
But Nicole is stubborn, and is determined to get back to her job, and that soon earns her a though spanking when Jakob gets her back home!!!

Im sure you will just love these characters in this wonderful story like i did, i have rated this a fabulous 5 stars.
Profile Image for KittyLuvr.
597 reviews48 followers
April 26, 2021
I loved this one, no surprise. Ms. Stone's stories always do & this one follows suit perfectly.
An anti-H who's more Hero than not, is dominant & controlling but not necessarily OTT about it although the heroine begs to differ about that: often.
This one has Ms. Stone's signature sizzle & steam, a heroine that mostly enjoys the punishments the anti-H dishes out, an anti-H who lusts after & comes to realize he loves the heroine as well as characters from the previous 2 books popping up throughout the story.
Wonderful writing that pulls a reader into the plot, characters the reader cares about, a perfect balance of sizzle, carnal chemistry, conflicted emotions, danger, suspense & family support that warms the heart. A great addition to the series & one I enjoyed VERY MUCH!!
Profile Image for Sudasha.
644 reviews17 followers
May 9, 2022
Last book in this series, and wow, I am so pleasantly surprised!

These free Kindle Unlimited novels can sometimes be a letdown, but no novel in this series disappointed me at all. Measha Stone has made a new fan out of me!
Profile Image for Madeleine.
4,307 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2021
Another great book by Measha that will keep you up all night reading with only a few hours of sleep before you have to go to work but so worth it!
Profile Image for Kelly Gregory.
1,833 reviews27 followers
April 25, 2021
Great story that kept me hooked throughout. We still had lots of action in Nicole and Jakub's story but I really liked the fact that the focus was more on their relationship.
Jakub was dominant, possessive, controlling and protective of Nicole, I'm glad she challenged him and made him work for it. There were some very steamy sex scenes and the chemistry was super hot!!
If you like steamy romance with a touch of suspense and violence then this is the book for you.

Can't wait for more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat.
774 reviews24 followers
April 23, 2021
I haven’t read the first two books in this series. They are interconnected but stand-alones, so I don’t feel like I missed anything.

This book follows Nicole and Jakub, younger son of Staszek mafia family. Nicole and Jakub had a brief fling five years ago and now get their second chance at romance with a twist!

Both characters were likable and had great chemistry. There is some power exchange and steamy scenes were pretty hot!
Nicole was sassy and feisty which I liked. But she also had some childish temper tantrums that made me roll my eyes. I was hoping she would be less careless considering she’s familiar with how mafia operates.
Jakub was bossy, overbearing and possesive dominant, who also showed his more caring side towards Nicole.
The storyline was interesting and kept my interest. It was easy to read and enjoyable mafia story.
412 reviews
April 19, 2021
Having read all three stories in Measha Stones, Mafia Bride Series, her latest book, Captivated by Him, is the best of the series because all three children Dominik, Leah and Jakub, have matured, settled into their lives with their stories more intertwined, providing a clearer picture of the inner workings of their Family business. In this final edition, Jakub, the youngest sibling, has grown into his role as the nightclub tycoon in his Family's honest businesses, has stopped his one-night flings with employees and, within the last five years found, lost then found again the one woman who not only holds his interest but challenges him: Nicole. Nicole is a strong, take-charge, independent woman having had to take care of herself from a young age, which has her bucking Jakub's dominant personality at every turn, leading to some intensely erotic scenes!
324 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2021
The 3rd book of the staczek mafia family. A good easy read. Started pretty strong. Jacob character is quite charming. He is caring, chivalrous and possessive. I couldn't, however, fell in love with Nicole's character. She was acting in a childish way for most of the novel. If I knew that the mafia's goons are after me and with the knowledge of what happens to people that angered them , I would never want to leave my house. I'll be in constant fear for my life but not Nicole! She really risked her life and safety multiple times and put other people at risk as well. She was quite lucky to have Jacob saving her every time and in spite of her and taking her in hand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.