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Finders Keepers #0.5
Caught: a prequel to Claimed
An interconnected standalone featuring mature themes.
FIND A WOMAN, KEEP A WOMAN
For centuries, all the men in my family have captured their brides.
Mine died, leaving me and my one year old son behind to grieve.
But five years have passed, and I’m moving on.
IT’S TIME TO GO HUNTING
I’m Mitchell Shay, and I’m bringing back a mother for my son Amos.
There’s no escaping this, Corina. It’s you and me. Us.
This is what it means to be a Shay.
*Updated 07/2024 to include an epilogue
FIND A WOMAN, KEEP A WOMAN
For centuries, all the men in my family have captured their brides.
Mine died, leaving me and my one year old son behind to grieve.
But five years have passed, and I’m moving on.
IT’S TIME TO GO HUNTING
I’m Mitchell Shay, and I’m bringing back a mother for my son Amos.
There’s no escaping this, Corina. It’s you and me. Us.
This is what it means to be a Shay.
*Updated 07/2024 to include an epilogue
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2021
238 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
October 15, 2022
2.5 stars
We love a delusional man named Shay, but he and his spawn were so damn creepy, why is this a literal horror film. If I was Corina I'd start believing in religion, just so I can ask the lord what the actual fuck be happening to me right now....
Imagine getting kidnapped, expecting the worst, thinking you gonna die......but you're just a present for the kidnapper's 5 year old son...
I'm not even gonna lie to you.....I'd rather be murdered💀 cause listen to this...
🡻she met the child 5 mins ago
What in the hell-
nah dude if this lil chucky bitch does not stop calling me his momma👊🏼
And what is that kid doing with all those bees huh??? Is he planning something?? I love how the author thought we would all find Amos super adorable. I am not going near him without crossing myself. I know there must be brain damage with a family like his🤺
Corina acting like an actual mother at the end was my last straw though
How is she able to keep a straight face while saying all this
We love a delusional man named Shay, but he and his spawn were so damn creepy, why is this a literal horror film. If I was Corina I'd start believing in religion, just so I can ask the lord what the actual fuck be happening to me right now....
Imagine getting kidnapped, expecting the worst, thinking you gonna die......but you're just a present for the kidnapper's 5 year old son...
I'm not even gonna lie to you.....I'd rather be murdered💀 cause listen to this...
🡻she met the child 5 mins ago
"I think she’s crying because she loves you so much already and is so happy that we’re a family now. Isn’t that right, Corina?"
Amos perks up at that. "I love you, too, Momma. More than…more than all the bees I caught today! I can’t believe you found me a momma. How’d you find such a pretty one, Daddy?"
What in the hell-
nah dude if this lil chucky bitch does not stop calling me his momma👊🏼
And what is that kid doing with all those bees huh??? Is he planning something?? I love how the author thought we would all find Amos super adorable. I am not going near him without crossing myself. I know there must be brain damage with a family like his🤺
Corina acting like an actual mother at the end was my last straw though
"Are you okay, Momma?"
Still catching her breath, Corina reassures him. "Yes, I’m okay, Amos. Daddy was just being silly and making me laugh. Promise." She straightens and cups his cheek. "But thank you for coming to my rescue. My big strong boy."
How is she able to keep a straight face while saying all this
October 7, 2022
This is a very tame take on the kidnapping/non-con trope.
*Side thought. I find it interesting how we try to make this trope innocuous by calling it something so bland.
Back to the story.
The H is very sweet in his rape-y behavior, so I guess that's a plus. He also encourages his young son to manipulate the h by calling her mom everyday. (That kid really was adorable).
I think this book would have hit differently had we had the h's pov. She's sobbing at three months after being kidnapped, sobbing at six months, but we never know what's going on in her head...other than 'I've been abducted, can't escape, didn't ask for this...but he gives great O's?'
*Side thought. I find it interesting how we try to make this trope innocuous by calling it something so bland.
Back to the story.
The H is very sweet in his rape-y behavior, so I guess that's a plus. He also encourages his young son to manipulate the h by calling her mom everyday. (That kid really was adorable).
I think this book would have hit differently had we had the h's pov. She's sobbing at three months after being kidnapped, sobbing at six months, but we never know what's going on in her head...other than 'I've been abducted, can't escape, didn't ask for this...but he gives great O's?'
October 8, 2022
4.5 stars for this steamy, kidnapping, claiming novella
If only it was longer- this is only a taste of what book 1 will be about… I can’t wait!
Shay men do things differently- they find their women and claim them, and it’s time for Mitchell to find a momma for his 6 year old son. His wife died 5 years before when he was 20 (brain aneurysm), and he misses being with a woman; not only that, but his son constantly misses not having a mom in his life, so it’s time for his searching to begin.
Shay men claim their women like the Romans claimed the Sabine women. Although this is technically a kidnapping, he’ll never physically hurt the woman he abducts. He’s looked around the secluded area that he lives in, so now he needs to search hours away from home, and that’s where he finds Corina.
Corina, 18 almost 19, is babysitting a couple of kids- good- this means she’s great with kids💁🏻♀️. Mitchell stalks her and happens to be around when her car gets a flat tire; of course he’s gonna offer her his help- too bad she doesn’t have a flat and must go with him in his truck 😈. And then, the kidnapping and seduction begins.
Corina’s scared; I mean, she’s been taken unwillingly😬, but Mitchell will do anything he can to get her to trust him. I’ll admit- he’s very VERY understanding, but make no mistake- he’s still VERY alpha and very much into her😅. He’s ott j/p yet very patient with her, until he’s not 😉.
Noncon/dubcon scenes convince Corina to see how great they connect physically🥵🔥. This book might be short, but damn- it packs a punch in the heat department😅. I love how much he cares about pleasing her and ensuring she’s ready for him; plus, he makes sure he makes an honest woman out of her by marrying her before they have sex🥰❤️. And then, it’s all about connecting in every way possible, especially with their bodies. Jeeezus… the fact that he can devour her, whether it’s before or after he’s been in her, is smexy as f💦🥵. She might have been with one other person before, but she didn’t know what sex was like until Mitchell 🔥.
And the scenes with Amos were just adorable 😩🥺❤️. You can tell he’s been missing his mom 🥺. I love how sweet he is❤️. I’m glad he and Corina connected quickly as mother/son. Gahhh! I can’t to read his book!
Overall, I enjoyed this. I wish it was longer, especially when it came to seeing Corina accept her role. There were time jumps- I get it, it’s only a prequel, but man did I want it to be more developed. Plus, I wanted more info on contacting her family etc.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-noncon/dubcon
-kidnapping/abduction
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-stalking/tying up/gagging
-somnophilia
If only it was longer- this is only a taste of what book 1 will be about… I can’t wait!
Shay men do things differently- they find their women and claim them, and it’s time for Mitchell to find a momma for his 6 year old son. His wife died 5 years before when he was 20 (brain aneurysm), and he misses being with a woman; not only that, but his son constantly misses not having a mom in his life, so it’s time for his searching to begin.
Shay men claim their women like the Romans claimed the Sabine women. Although this is technically a kidnapping, he’ll never physically hurt the woman he abducts. He’s looked around the secluded area that he lives in, so now he needs to search hours away from home, and that’s where he finds Corina.
Corina, 18 almost 19, is babysitting a couple of kids- good- this means she’s great with kids💁🏻♀️. Mitchell stalks her and happens to be around when her car gets a flat tire; of course he’s gonna offer her his help- too bad she doesn’t have a flat and must go with him in his truck 😈. And then, the kidnapping and seduction begins.
Corina’s scared; I mean, she’s been taken unwillingly😬, but Mitchell will do anything he can to get her to trust him. I’ll admit- he’s very VERY understanding, but make no mistake- he’s still VERY alpha and very much into her😅. He’s ott j/p yet very patient with her, until he’s not 😉.
Noncon/dubcon scenes convince Corina to see how great they connect physically🥵🔥. This book might be short, but damn- it packs a punch in the heat department😅. I love how much he cares about pleasing her and ensuring she’s ready for him; plus, he makes sure he makes an honest woman out of her by marrying her before they have sex🥰❤️. And then, it’s all about connecting in every way possible, especially with their bodies. Jeeezus… the fact that he can devour her, whether it’s before or after he’s been in her, is smexy as f💦🥵. She might have been with one other person before, but she didn’t know what sex was like until Mitchell 🔥.
And the scenes with Amos were just adorable 😩🥺❤️. You can tell he’s been missing his mom 🥺. I love how sweet he is❤️. I’m glad he and Corina connected quickly as mother/son. Gahhh! I can’t to read his book!
Overall, I enjoyed this. I wish it was longer, especially when it came to seeing Corina accept her role. There were time jumps- I get it, it’s only a prequel, but man did I want it to be more developed. Plus, I wanted more info on contacting her family etc.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-noncon/dubcon
-kidnapping/abduction
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-stalking/tying up/gagging
-somnophilia
October 8, 2021
DNF @ 46%
I saw this recommended on Facebook and it totally seemed like my kind of book:
Forced marriage ✔️
Single dad ✔️
Smexy dub-con ✔️
Stockholm syndrome/captive romance ✔️
I wanted to LOVE it! I really really did… and I tried. I tried so hard! I stopped reading at 32% and went back to see if I could finish it, but I just couldn’t.
What I love about a dub-con book is how h doesn’t want to like H. She doesn’t want to like the things he does to her. She struggles with her feeling. She knows she shouldn’t fall for H because he’s a bad man and is holding her against her will. But the things that he does are just too good and she can’t help herself. I love reading that internal struggle. To me, that’s makes the dub-con scenes hot!
But this book was written entirely from Mitchell’s perspective. I had no idea how Corina felt about any of the things that were happening to her. I kept thinking to myself “does Corina actually like this, or does Mitchel just THINK that she likes it.” Like… is she pretending to orgasm so the crazy man that kidnapped her doesn’t kill her, or is he in fact rocking her world?
"Never again, Corina. This pussy’s mine now." I furiously rub her sensitive flesh as her orgasm hits her like lightning, body contorting beautifully. Her knees slam shut to fight the overstimulation, but the barrier of my body between them doesn’t allow it. "Can’t close those legs, can you? No… There’s no escaping this. It’s you and me. Us. Now give me another one."
Maybe Corina genuinely enjoyed having her sensitive flesh “furiously” rubbed, but we’ll never actually know because we don’t get Corina’s perspective at all!
I dunno… dub-con told entirely from H’s perspective just doesn’t do it for me! 🤷🏽♀️
I saw this recommended on Facebook and it totally seemed like my kind of book:
Forced marriage ✔️
Single dad ✔️
Smexy dub-con ✔️
Stockholm syndrome/captive romance ✔️
I wanted to LOVE it! I really really did… and I tried. I tried so hard! I stopped reading at 32% and went back to see if I could finish it, but I just couldn’t.
What I love about a dub-con book is how h doesn’t want to like H. She doesn’t want to like the things he does to her. She struggles with her feeling. She knows she shouldn’t fall for H because he’s a bad man and is holding her against her will. But the things that he does are just too good and she can’t help herself. I love reading that internal struggle. To me, that’s makes the dub-con scenes hot!
But this book was written entirely from Mitchell’s perspective. I had no idea how Corina felt about any of the things that were happening to her. I kept thinking to myself “does Corina actually like this, or does Mitchel just THINK that she likes it.” Like… is she pretending to orgasm so the crazy man that kidnapped her doesn’t kill her, or is he in fact rocking her world?
"Never again, Corina. This pussy’s mine now." I furiously rub her sensitive flesh as her orgasm hits her like lightning, body contorting beautifully. Her knees slam shut to fight the overstimulation, but the barrier of my body between them doesn’t allow it. "Can’t close those legs, can you? No… There’s no escaping this. It’s you and me. Us. Now give me another one."
Maybe Corina genuinely enjoyed having her sensitive flesh “furiously” rubbed, but we’ll never actually know because we don’t get Corina’s perspective at all!
I dunno… dub-con told entirely from H’s perspective just doesn’t do it for me! 🤷🏽♀️
dnf
October 11, 202110.11.2021 tried again because everyone else likes it… but once again I’m the odd man out. 🙃🙈 Crazy people aren’t hot to me. I want the H to be only crazy for his h. Not just a certifiable nutcase. It’s a vital distinction for me. This guy just goes out “hunting” for any random girl to bring home to be his kid’s replacement mom. And he happens upon the h and decides she’ll do. 👀 He kidnaps her and whips out his peen at the earliest opportunity. Like a complete creep. 👀 We don’t get her POV to find out what she thinks of this situation, but I’m not sure Id like this better If she were into it. 😬🤷🏼♀️😂
DNF @ 32%
This one is definitely Not For Me. 😅
10.08.2021 DNF - dead sainted spouse, single dad - male POV only - next book isnt out yet - meh
DNF @ 32%
This one is definitely Not For Me. 😅
10.08.2021 DNF - dead sainted spouse, single dad - male POV only - next book isnt out yet - meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
3 Stars
Just okay. Nothing too crazy or special.
Safety: Safe
Non-virgins
Hero was married for a couple years, wife died 6ish years ago, and he's been celibate since
No ow/om drama
No cheating
Just okay. Nothing too crazy or special.
Safety: Safe
Non-virgins
Hero was married for a couple years, wife died 6ish years ago, and he's been celibate since
No ow/om drama
No cheating
October 9, 2021
SOOO GOOD!!/ OTT STEAMROLLER ALPHA H/ sweet h
Oh myyyy LANTA!!! This was sooo good! I needed this to be a full blown story, why is it only the prologue 😭😭. If you love OTT alphas, who steam roll their women, but worship her- THIS IS FOR You! Have a stalker vibe and the next book def had a peek into a stalker moment WHICH I LOVE!
These shay men HUNT for their woman and when they get that feeling, and detect their woman, they take her- marry her and that’s that!!
The things:
-OTT ALPHA H
-Steamroller — yep, what he says goes
-Dubcon on their “wedding night” lol 😆
- devoted! He is def laying the law like this is it woman. We’re married, this is your new son, your my wife forever till death BUT, I’m give you everything and love you relentlessly 🥰🥰🥰 I MEAN MF SWOON AM I RIGHT!? B**ches know I am… *sigh*
-Stalker vibes- Shay men, hunt for their brides. Mitchell goes into a diff town to find his bride. With no luck he walks into a little country store to get something to eat, BAM, instantly he KNOWs! He follows her so he can “catch her”
-Single dad H — he has the cutest little boy Amos (who book 2 is about 😍)
- This is a shay men thing, so the family, they totally are ok with his kidnapped bride. Got a judge on call who marries them ASAP
-Steam — I’m hoping the next one has more but it was still good and hot!
-Pretty innocent h — she’s a babysitter who wants to be a teacher. She has only been with one boy (he asks) she’s super innocent and though she fights, he doesn’t get her a choice about their situation.
- wants to give her THAT BABY ASAP! He tells her he’s gonna fill her up with his cum 🤤 🥵 YES PLEASE!!
GAW-DAYUM YA’LL 😂😂
Honestly I LOVED THIS! I can’t wait for Amos and I HOPE it’s a bit more stalkery, and dirty than this one but it better be more in this delicious series than 2 books!! I am ready!! 👏🏼👏🏼
🗣YOU HEAR ME LADY?? You better feed my addiction now that you’ve hit my FAVORITES okay? I need a plethora of OTT steam rollers who hunt their women and are as dedicated, even gimme a dark one whose badass and cold to everyone but his family and the h he steals! Gimme it all!
Oh myyyy LANTA!!! This was sooo good! I needed this to be a full blown story, why is it only the prologue 😭😭. If you love OTT alphas, who steam roll their women, but worship her- THIS IS FOR You! Have a stalker vibe and the next book def had a peek into a stalker moment WHICH I LOVE!
These shay men HUNT for their woman and when they get that feeling, and detect their woman, they take her- marry her and that’s that!!
The things:
-OTT ALPHA H
-Steamroller — yep, what he says goes
-Dubcon on their “wedding night” lol 😆
- devoted! He is def laying the law like this is it woman. We’re married, this is your new son, your my wife forever till death BUT, I’m give you everything and love you relentlessly 🥰🥰🥰 I MEAN MF SWOON AM I RIGHT!? B**ches know I am… *sigh*
-Stalker vibes- Shay men, hunt for their brides. Mitchell goes into a diff town to find his bride. With no luck he walks into a little country store to get something to eat, BAM, instantly he KNOWs! He follows her so he can “catch her”
-Single dad H — he has the cutest little boy Amos (who book 2 is about 😍)
- This is a shay men thing, so the family, they totally are ok with his kidnapped bride. Got a judge on call who marries them ASAP
-Steam — I’m hoping the next one has more but it was still good and hot!
-Pretty innocent h — she’s a babysitter who wants to be a teacher. She has only been with one boy (he asks) she’s super innocent and though she fights, he doesn’t get her a choice about their situation.
- wants to give her THAT BABY ASAP! He tells her he’s gonna fill her up with his cum 🤤 🥵 YES PLEASE!!
GAW-DAYUM YA’LL 😂😂
Honestly I LOVED THIS! I can’t wait for Amos and I HOPE it’s a bit more stalkery, and dirty than this one but it better be more in this delicious series than 2 books!! I am ready!! 👏🏼👏🏼
🗣YOU HEAR ME LADY?? You better feed my addiction now that you’ve hit my FAVORITES okay? I need a plethora of OTT steam rollers who hunt their women and are as dedicated, even gimme a dark one whose badass and cold to everyone but his family and the h he steals! Gimme it all!
October 7, 2021
Cute introduction to the series!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: captive
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: dubcon
Cute story told from the hero's perspective. Told over a year - just enough time for the Stockholm Syndrome to take, lol
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: captive
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: dubcon
Cute story told from the hero's perspective. Told over a year - just enough time for the Stockholm Syndrome to take, lol
July 18, 2022
I'm starting to become quite obsessed with this author! I love the way she writes her stories, her Heroes and the sweet heroines even more... and don't get me started on the steamy scenes!! those are especially perfect 💦
only aspect that I could not bring myself to fully appreciate in this book is the single dad/widower Hero, which I know is exactly what the whole story revolves around here lol. It's just a personal preference of mine that heroes fall in love for the first time in their lives with the heroines we read on page, the fact Mitchell wanted to replace his deceased wife, whom he used to love very much, and find a new mommy for his young son weirded me out a bit. Definitely killed the romance element for me.
The non-dub consent and the kidnapping scenes were done as sweetly as can be, so even though those fall into dark romance category they were done in such soft, mild matters I absolutely would not consider this a dark novella. I was actually craving a lot more on that department, a little more "forcefulness" if you will, but that's just lil greedy me talking 👀
Claimed, the first book I've ever read from this author (and this series) still remains my absolute favorite one by far, the hero Amos delivered in every way he could and he was everything you might want in a hero and then some, but I'm honestly excited to follow more of this author's journey!
only aspect that I could not bring myself to fully appreciate in this book is the single dad/widower Hero, which I know is exactly what the whole story revolves around here lol. It's just a personal preference of mine that heroes fall in love for the first time in their lives with the heroines we read on page, the fact Mitchell wanted to replace his deceased wife, whom he used to love very much, and find a new mommy for his young son weirded me out a bit. Definitely killed the romance element for me.
The non-dub consent and the kidnapping scenes were done as sweetly as can be, so even though those fall into dark romance category they were done in such soft, mild matters I absolutely would not consider this a dark novella. I was actually craving a lot more on that department, a little more "forcefulness" if you will, but that's just lil greedy me talking 👀
Claimed, the first book I've ever read from this author (and this series) still remains my absolute favorite one by far, the hero Amos delivered in every way he could and he was everything you might want in a hero and then some, but I'm honestly excited to follow more of this author's journey!
July 18, 2022
3.75 “Sweetness” Stars
Despite the kidnapping, steamrolling, emotional manipulation, and dubcon, this novella still managed to be … kinda sweet?
Normally not a big fan of widower/single dad storylines but this one worked for me. It’s 5 or so years after the hero’s wife died, so he’d already done his grieving and was ready to move on and “find a momma” for his son. He doesn’t pick the heroine because she reminds him of his dead wife, either. I dislike when authors use that as a hero’s reasoning for being attracted to someone new—I don’t find it romantic and it’s actually sort of creepy, in my opinion.
I liked the male-only POV on this one. Dual is nice and all but since this was short it worked. The writing was also pretty good. I didn’t notice any grammar/typo issues like I usually do in these kinds of self-published/KU books. The MMC’s son did come across as younger than his supposed age to me, but I was able to overlook it.
Recommend if you like J/P, obsessive, over-the-top heroes and breeding kink.
Despite the kidnapping, steamrolling, emotional manipulation, and dubcon, this novella still managed to be … kinda sweet?
Normally not a big fan of widower/single dad storylines but this one worked for me. It’s 5 or so years after the hero’s wife died, so he’d already done his grieving and was ready to move on and “find a momma” for his son. He doesn’t pick the heroine because she reminds him of his dead wife, either. I dislike when authors use that as a hero’s reasoning for being attracted to someone new—I don’t find it romantic and it’s actually sort of creepy, in my opinion.
I liked the male-only POV on this one. Dual is nice and all but since this was short it worked. The writing was also pretty good. I didn’t notice any grammar/typo issues like I usually do in these kinds of self-published/KU books. The MMC’s son did come across as younger than his supposed age to me, but I was able to overlook it.
Recommend if you like J/P, obsessive, over-the-top heroes and breeding kink.
October 15, 2022
2.5⭐
(tw: non-con)
(Although i feel like as someone who's read darker books...this was kind of a bland take on the kidnapping and non-con front of it all)
Nothing could have prepared me for these 100 pages oh my god I'm crying LMAOO
The amount of gaslighting oh lord🤌🤌🤌
Shay named men in books are always kinda unsettling with their gaslighting aren't they?
Okay.
So the plot is Mitchell's wife dying after giving birth to their son, Amos.
Now after some years down the road. Mitchell wants a wife and Amos wants a momma.
Mitch promises Amos that he's gonna give him a surprise.
The surprise being him kidnapping a woman and marrying her.
Most of the Shay men have done it. Mitch is no different.
He goes out.
Looks at Corina and decides she'll be the one for him.
Brings her home and marries her and makes her the momma.
Now coming down to the things that made this book what it is.
Quiet night. Quiet roads. No pay phone. This is a golden opportunity. It can’t be this easy. Can it?
I pull up behind her and turn on my hazards. Tucking my supplies—the softest rope and cloth gag I could find—closer to my side of the truck, I get out. Hope I don’t scare her,but at least it’s me who found her and not a crazed killer"
Oh of course king.
It's just you who wants to marry her and fuck her and have babies with her and who wants this random stranger woman to be your wife and the mother of your kids king.
"Gotta take a piss. Figured you’d been in here long enough to finish yours. If you want to see a real man’s cock, keep looking. Even bigger when it’s hard." Ignoring her outraged gasp, I unzip and grunt as I relieve myself.
Him helping her pee out in the woods and pissing in front of Corina will forever be embedded in my brain, i can never unread that.
"I need to get dressed."
"Will you let me watch?"
Her jaw drops open. "What? No, of course not!"
"Then no, you can’t.
Just gonna leave this right here.
This is crazy. You can’t do this! Go…go get someone else! You don’t want me…" She pushes against my chest. "You—you can’t want me already. You don’t even know me."
I yank her arms behind her back and shackle them in one hand. "Oh, but I do. You’re perfect, Corina. You felt the spark between us, I know you did. And you’re good with kids, you want to be a teacher. You can help Amos with his homework when he gets older. Everything’s lined up so perfectly, it has to be fate."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I SAY WHEN I SAY I WANT GASLIGHTING HEROES.
I want to be unsettled.
I want to take a deep uncomfortable breath when i read their dialogues.
I want to FEEL the gaslighting in my blood.
fingers around mine, trying to deny me entry. "Ow. Ow ow ow. You’re so—so big. I… I can’t. You’re not going to fit."
"I will." Male pride suffuses my chest. Whoever he was, my cock’s bigger. And I don’t dare tell her I’m only halfway in. I’ll force it if I have to, but I’ll try to talk her through it first
See.....*sighs* that's no daddy behaviour honestly.
That's insecure boy behaviour
Mitchell ... darling no
Now my favourite conversation in this book.
"Scrambled or fried?" I ask Corina. Or fertilized.
"Daddy makes the best eggs," Amos boasts.
I fertilize them even better
I LAUGHED WAHAHAHA MITCHELL YOU DOG
At the end i think you'll only know about this book by reading it yourself
And you should honestly.
Just a prequel 100 page book.
Will i read the serious after this?
Oh fuck me you bet i will.
"This started out with Amos wanting and needing a mother, that’s true. But now…"—back to her unmoving lips for a slow, leisurely kiss, drinking in her sadness—"…now I need you for myself. And I’m thinking you need me, too. A Shay kind of love."
"But my family—"
"—is in the past. You’re mine now—not theirs—and our marriage bed doesn’t have room for anyone but us."
(tw: non-con)
(Although i feel like as someone who's read darker books...this was kind of a bland take on the kidnapping and non-con front of it all)
Nothing could have prepared me for these 100 pages oh my god I'm crying LMAOO
The amount of gaslighting oh lord🤌🤌🤌
Shay named men in books are always kinda unsettling with their gaslighting aren't they?
Okay.
So the plot is Mitchell's wife dying after giving birth to their son, Amos.
Now after some years down the road. Mitchell wants a wife and Amos wants a momma.
Mitch promises Amos that he's gonna give him a surprise.
The surprise being him kidnapping a woman and marrying her.
Most of the Shay men have done it. Mitch is no different.
He goes out.
Looks at Corina and decides she'll be the one for him.
Brings her home and marries her and makes her the momma.
Now coming down to the things that made this book what it is.
Quiet night. Quiet roads. No pay phone. This is a golden opportunity. It can’t be this easy. Can it?
I pull up behind her and turn on my hazards. Tucking my supplies—the softest rope and cloth gag I could find—closer to my side of the truck, I get out. Hope I don’t scare her,but at least it’s me who found her and not a crazed killer"
Oh of course king.
It's just you who wants to marry her and fuck her and have babies with her and who wants this random stranger woman to be your wife and the mother of your kids king.
"Gotta take a piss. Figured you’d been in here long enough to finish yours. If you want to see a real man’s cock, keep looking. Even bigger when it’s hard." Ignoring her outraged gasp, I unzip and grunt as I relieve myself.
Him helping her pee out in the woods and pissing in front of Corina will forever be embedded in my brain, i can never unread that.
"I need to get dressed."
"Will you let me watch?"
Her jaw drops open. "What? No, of course not!"
"Then no, you can’t.
Just gonna leave this right here.
This is crazy. You can’t do this! Go…go get someone else! You don’t want me…" She pushes against my chest. "You—you can’t want me already. You don’t even know me."
I yank her arms behind her back and shackle them in one hand. "Oh, but I do. You’re perfect, Corina. You felt the spark between us, I know you did. And you’re good with kids, you want to be a teacher. You can help Amos with his homework when he gets older. Everything’s lined up so perfectly, it has to be fate."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I SAY WHEN I SAY I WANT GASLIGHTING HEROES.
I want to be unsettled.
I want to take a deep uncomfortable breath when i read their dialogues.
I want to FEEL the gaslighting in my blood.
fingers around mine, trying to deny me entry. "Ow. Ow ow ow. You’re so—so big. I… I can’t. You’re not going to fit."
"I will." Male pride suffuses my chest. Whoever he was, my cock’s bigger. And I don’t dare tell her I’m only halfway in. I’ll force it if I have to, but I’ll try to talk her through it first
See.....*sighs* that's no daddy behaviour honestly.
That's insecure boy behaviour
Mitchell ... darling no
Now my favourite conversation in this book.
"Scrambled or fried?" I ask Corina. Or fertilized.
"Daddy makes the best eggs," Amos boasts.
I fertilize them even better
I LAUGHED WAHAHAHA MITCHELL YOU DOG
At the end i think you'll only know about this book by reading it yourself
And you should honestly.
Just a prequel 100 page book.
Will i read the serious after this?
Oh fuck me you bet i will.
"This started out with Amos wanting and needing a mother, that’s true. But now…"—back to her unmoving lips for a slow, leisurely kiss, drinking in her sadness—"…now I need you for myself. And I’m thinking you need me, too. A Shay kind of love."
"But my family—"
"—is in the past. You’re mine now—not theirs—and our marriage bed doesn’t have room for anyone but us."
January 13, 2022
Wickedly surprised
I went into this story blind, and oh how pleasantly pleased I became. Mitchell Shay is in search of a new wife and a mom for his six-year-old, precocious son, and well... Shay men cannot be denied. They have a tradition, in fact. Think the Romans and Sabine women in a modern-day, almost tongue-in-check, steamy retelling.
Told exclusively from Mitchell's point of view, it included juicy stalking, kidnapping and captivity, incredulous (hilarious, actually) exchanges with his chosen Corina, and his inability to take no for an answer -- yes, glorious steam (dubious consent). But Mitchell could cook too, and who doesn't want a man with talents around the house and a devotion in the bedroom? Some family time and the natural growth of their connection were depicted over time.
One of the more delightfully creative romances I've read. Inventive theme, great character development, excellent pace, and spice, and a hero who seemingly could not be taken seriously until you realized you had no choice. I loved the coercion combined with an undercurrent of humorous "is he for real" in this book.
If you're looking for an over-the-top, relentless yet protective man who adores his chosen one, get yourself a Shay. Read this!
I went into this story blind, and oh how pleasantly pleased I became. Mitchell Shay is in search of a new wife and a mom for his six-year-old, precocious son, and well... Shay men cannot be denied. They have a tradition, in fact. Think the Romans and Sabine women in a modern-day, almost tongue-in-check, steamy retelling.
Told exclusively from Mitchell's point of view, it included juicy stalking, kidnapping and captivity, incredulous (hilarious, actually) exchanges with his chosen Corina, and his inability to take no for an answer -- yes, glorious steam (dubious consent). But Mitchell could cook too, and who doesn't want a man with talents around the house and a devotion in the bedroom? Some family time and the natural growth of their connection were depicted over time.
One of the more delightfully creative romances I've read. Inventive theme, great character development, excellent pace, and spice, and a hero who seemingly could not be taken seriously until you realized you had no choice. I loved the coercion combined with an undercurrent of humorous "is he for real" in this book.
If you're looking for an over-the-top, relentless yet protective man who adores his chosen one, get yourself a Shay. Read this!
October 10, 2021
Mitchell is completely bonkers and I wouldn’t have been surprised if dead bodies were found buried around the property. But this psychological bent added a thrill to this story of noncon erotica
January 24, 2022
A fabulous prequel to a story that encompasses love,attaining love, and keeping love.
Mitchell needs a wife and a mother for his son Amos. So he finds Corina, has a very quick courtship, marries her and becomes a family unit.
Please read between the lines with that review.
I can’t wait to read about Amos!
Mitchell needs a wife and a mother for his son Amos. So he finds Corina, has a very quick courtship, marries her and becomes a family unit.
Please read between the lines with that review.
I can’t wait to read about Amos!
October 3, 2021
Caught is Soooo GOOD!!!
I feel like I'm being PUNKed...No way is this a debut virgin writer. For a first, it's dripping with talent that has me as a lifetime stalker needing to read all of her future work. This story is soooo Good with great dialogue and amazing detail making this words come to life with ease giving the reader everything and so much more in a short story. A truly gifted writer making a huge splash with a well gifted talent that has me hyped by the instant pull and endless intrigue feeling the emotional high the uncomfortable fear and than surrounded by a beautiful love story I did not think would be possible. A very talented writer that I definitely have my eyes wide open to in the coming future and have no qualms recommending to others. Its sweet, fun, enjoyable with hot chemistry and has triggers of kidnapping. No abuse or forceful interactions other than being restrained. This story is done with great taste that at first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it and I'm truly glad I took the chance because it is flipping Awesome and so much more.
I feel like I'm being PUNKed...No way is this a debut virgin writer. For a first, it's dripping with talent that has me as a lifetime stalker needing to read all of her future work. This story is soooo Good with great dialogue and amazing detail making this words come to life with ease giving the reader everything and so much more in a short story. A truly gifted writer making a huge splash with a well gifted talent that has me hyped by the instant pull and endless intrigue feeling the emotional high the uncomfortable fear and than surrounded by a beautiful love story I did not think would be possible. A very talented writer that I definitely have my eyes wide open to in the coming future and have no qualms recommending to others. Its sweet, fun, enjoyable with hot chemistry and has triggers of kidnapping. No abuse or forceful interactions other than being restrained. This story is done with great taste that at first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it and I'm truly glad I took the chance because it is flipping Awesome and so much more.
October 10, 2021
The only disappointment thing about this story is that it’s a novella and not a full length book. I loved this so much! Waiting for the first official book in the series is going to be torture! I know it’s messed up but I love books like this. I’m a huge fan of captive romance, in general, but the gentle captor is way underrepresented.
Amos Shay Sr is looking for a new bride and mother for his son. His family has a long standing tradition of stalking and capturing their brides. Corina isn’t to thrilled to become Amos’s new wife but he and his son win her over. He’s definitely a gentle captor, he doesn’t hurt or mistreat her and he’s surely devoted to her. His son, Amos Jr, is precious!
Story 5/5
Heat 3/5
Spice 2.5/5
Angst 2/5
Cover 3/5
Series: prequel novella 0.5 in series
Trope: captive romance, gentle captor
Single POV, the H.
Medium burn, there’s a bit of foreplay earlier in the book but their wedding night is at 55%.
No Condoms, no virgins, no manwhore, mild, brief bondage, dub-con/non-con, Stockholm syndrome, push away from h, no OW/OM drama, no breakups or separation. No sharing, no cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Amos Shay Sr is looking for a new bride and mother for his son. His family has a long standing tradition of stalking and capturing their brides. Corina isn’t to thrilled to become Amos’s new wife but he and his son win her over. He’s definitely a gentle captor, he doesn’t hurt or mistreat her and he’s surely devoted to her. His son, Amos Jr, is precious!
Story 5/5
Heat 3/5
Spice 2.5/5
Angst 2/5
Cover 3/5
Series: prequel novella 0.5 in series
Trope: captive romance, gentle captor
Single POV, the H.
Medium burn, there’s a bit of foreplay earlier in the book but their wedding night is at 55%.
No Condoms, no virgins, no manwhore, mild, brief bondage, dub-con/non-con, Stockholm syndrome, push away from h, no OW/OM drama, no breakups or separation. No sharing, no cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
January 21, 2022
Very different story, current day with a specific lifestyle 'kink'. I liked the explanation regarding the idea and it translated well into modern day setting. The H is determined and he fell at first sight. The h fell in love with his child and the man later. I enjoyed it but anticipate others will find it disturbing.
October 13, 2021
Very odd storyline. I wouldn’t even classify the H as an alpha- more borderline as a weirdo.
It had too much dialogue with the son. I like possessive type books, but this felt flat.
It had too much dialogue with the son. I like possessive type books, but this felt flat.
Read
December 17, 2024Definitely the craziest & corniest book I’ve read this year
October 10, 2021
What the what
This book could have definitely benefited from Corina’s POV.
I love dub-con.
I love forced marriages.
This didn’t feel okay. It felt creepy. It left feeling icky. And that sucks because I wanted to like this story. What’s a little Stockholm syndrome. But, without the heroines POV all we have is what the antihero THINKS she likes and is accepting. For all I know he’s delusional and she’s plotting her escape at the first opportunity and just telling him what he wants to hear because, you know, HE’S CRAZY!
This book could have definitely benefited from Corina’s POV.
I love dub-con.
I love forced marriages.
This didn’t feel okay. It felt creepy. It left feeling icky. And that sucks because I wanted to like this story. What’s a little Stockholm syndrome. But, without the heroines POV all we have is what the antihero THINKS she likes and is accepting. For all I know he’s delusional and she’s plotting her escape at the first opportunity and just telling him what he wants to hear because, you know, HE’S CRAZY!
May 4, 2024
3.5⭐️ okay as always you can’t take this trope too serious, if you do, don’t read it, just that simple.
So and now… for me it was a bit too short and she gave in a bit too fast but for such a short story it was quite good. I enjoyed how determined Mitchell was and omg did I love Amos!!! This little boy stole my heart too. I am intrigued enough to go into the real story (this was a prequel). Not as hard as Good girl or comfort food. More on the sunny dark side if you know what I mean.
So and now… for me it was a bit too short and she gave in a bit too fast but for such a short story it was quite good. I enjoyed how determined Mitchell was and omg did I love Amos!!! This little boy stole my heart too. I am intrigued enough to go into the real story (this was a prequel). Not as hard as Good girl or comfort food. More on the sunny dark side if you know what I mean.
Read
February 24, 2022https://medium.com/lessons-from-histo...
"THE ROMANS AND SABINE WOMEN".
An interesting article on which the book is loosely based.
"THE ROMANS AND SABINE WOMEN".
An interesting article on which the book is loosely based.
February 27, 2025
I’m a fan of these tropes when they combined like that. It’s simple and now this book amazed me. Little boy Amos has a book I’m intrigued 🤭
October 23, 2024
I think there is seriously something wrong with me because why am I smiling while reading a book about a woman getting kidnapped and forced into a marriage?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Okay okayyyy in my defense the kid Amos is so darn cute and I can’t help but smiling whenever he’s in the chapters. Don’t know if I’ll still smile at him in the next book though because he’s the next Shay men to continue the tradition of hunting for their women 😶
Anyway back to this book. It has one of the tropes that I love which is forced seduction. Oh gawd I’m such a loser for this trope 🫣🫣
There’s also the dead wife trope but that’s the least of the problem when there’s also kidnapping and dub-con tropes thrown in there as well.
I think what makes me enjoy this book is the way the H, Mitchell handle the h Corina from the moment he kidnaps and manipulates her into accepting her fate with flowery words. And Corina caves in way too easy and fast in my opinion. She doesn’t fight enough; she cries for a couple of chapters and then they’re playing family the next. I guess the presence of Mitchell’s son Amos brings some sort of solace to Corina because she loves children. And oh the whole story is in Mitchell’s POV so we don’t really know what Corina feels before and after she’s taken.
There’s a plothole where no one’s looking for Corina eventhough she’s been kidnapped but she’s registered under her real full name when Mitchell married her so if her parents actually filed for a report, they should have managed to find her. I know he let her send letters to them but that’s a few weeks after she’s taken if I’m not mistaken. But in the end it doesn’t matter I guess because she ends up accepting her fate and she must’ve mentioned the flowery version of her fate to her parents. And oh she’s also taking classes for her degree so there’s that 🤷🏻♀️
Okay okayyyy in my defense the kid Amos is so darn cute and I can’t help but smiling whenever he’s in the chapters. Don’t know if I’ll still smile at him in the next book though because he’s the next Shay men to continue the tradition of hunting for their women 😶
Anyway back to this book. It has one of the tropes that I love which is forced seduction. Oh gawd I’m such a loser for this trope 🫣🫣
There’s also the dead wife trope but that’s the least of the problem when there’s also kidnapping and dub-con tropes thrown in there as well.
I think what makes me enjoy this book is the way the H, Mitchell handle the h Corina from the moment he kidnaps and manipulates her into accepting her fate with flowery words. And Corina caves in way too easy and fast in my opinion. She doesn’t fight enough; she cries for a couple of chapters and then they’re playing family the next. I guess the presence of Mitchell’s son Amos brings some sort of solace to Corina because she loves children. And oh the whole story is in Mitchell’s POV so we don’t really know what Corina feels before and after she’s taken.
There’s a plothole where no one’s looking for Corina eventhough she’s been kidnapped but she’s registered under her real full name when Mitchell married her so if her parents actually filed for a report, they should have managed to find her. I know he let her send letters to them but that’s a few weeks after she’s taken if I’m not mistaken. But in the end it doesn’t matter I guess because she ends up accepting her fate and she must’ve mentioned the flowery version of her fate to her parents. And oh she’s also taking classes for her degree so there’s that 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2022
3.5 Stars
This short story/prequel hit the spot for this morning - a quick read that combined tons of tropes I love. As someone who watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with my mom on a yearly basis as a child I have always been fascinated by the Sabine woman story and this prequel kicks off a series about a family of men - The Shays - who since the beginning have followed the Roman/Sabine tradition of taking their wives and keeping them captive until they fall in love. It sounds and can be written dark but that wasn't the case in this story - it really came over sweet, with the hero desperately wanting a woman for him and a momma for his sweet baby boy to love and dote on and protect forever. It was written well with only a couple proofreading errors so that was a pleasure for me, I just wish it was longer and without so many time jumps at the end, because I really would like an in-depth story with this plot and couple. However, at the same time right now I am drawn to shorter stories so it all worked out. I will definitely be reading the next book, which is the sweet son in this prequel all grown up and getting a woman of his own in the Shay tradition.
This short story/prequel hit the spot for this morning - a quick read that combined tons of tropes I love. As someone who watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with my mom on a yearly basis as a child I have always been fascinated by the Sabine woman story and this prequel kicks off a series about a family of men - The Shays - who since the beginning have followed the Roman/Sabine tradition of taking their wives and keeping them captive until they fall in love. It sounds and can be written dark but that wasn't the case in this story - it really came over sweet, with the hero desperately wanting a woman for him and a momma for his sweet baby boy to love and dote on and protect forever. It was written well with only a couple proofreading errors so that was a pleasure for me, I just wish it was longer and without so many time jumps at the end, because I really would like an in-depth story with this plot and couple. However, at the same time right now I am drawn to shorter stories so it all worked out. I will definitely be reading the next book, which is the sweet son in this prequel all grown up and getting a woman of his own in the Shay tradition.
September 28, 2021
This was an intriguing storyline with a little roman history mix of why Mitchell Shay and his ancestors abduct their wives the way they do. Mitchell feels that it's time to move on from being a widower and find to a mother to help raise his son, therefore Mitchell does things the old fashion family traditional way he only knows how. When Mitchell patiently finds and kidnaps his bride Corina, he does everything possible to keep her by showing her how much him and his son Amos love her and would do anything for her. As Corina slowly adjusts to her new life of being held captive, she reluctantly falls for both Mitchell and his son over a period of time. The author did a great job breaking down the time periods of what happened during their first year together. I’m looking forward to Amos story to hopefully see more of his parents journey and how he will find his future bride.
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.
October 6, 2021
When my friend suggested a novella I skeptical since novellas usually don't hold the punch that I need. Apparently, there are normal novellas, and then there are novellas featuring the Shay men. The series is based on the Sabine Women (like in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers) however the similarities end there. Mitchell is equal parts sweet and absolutely bananas in the best way. The best part is that it's a totally refreshing captive romance/forced marriage that manages to have an edge without being too dark. This is also the parents story so the time line is in the past, so there is some mentions of 1980s era things (payphones for example).
Perhaps the most surprising thing however, is that this is the debut novel by this author. She managed to pack a large punch into a novella. I look forward to what she does with the full book...
Perhaps the most surprising thing however, is that this is the debut novel by this author. She managed to pack a large punch into a novella. I look forward to what she does with the full book...
October 7, 2021
Shay men take what they want!
Interesting prequel to the series, enough so, where I’m interested to see more. Our MC Mitchell is part of family who take their brides, even if they aren’t exactly willing. It’s kind of dub-con/non-con although not dark? If that makes sense. So if either of those make you squeamish I wouldn’t recommend. But it has a very possessive but also caring captor? Lol it’s hard to explain but it was an interesting enough read, with some decent 🔥 scenes. I’ll be on lookout for book 2 when it release.
Interesting prequel to the series, enough so, where I’m interested to see more. Our MC Mitchell is part of family who take their brides, even if they aren’t exactly willing. It’s kind of dub-con/non-con although not dark? If that makes sense. So if either of those make you squeamish I wouldn’t recommend. But it has a very possessive but also caring captor? Lol it’s hard to explain but it was an interesting enough read, with some decent 🔥 scenes. I’ll be on lookout for book 2 when it release.
October 8, 2021
I Was So Here For This Concept
So I loved this! When I read the blurb, it completely sucked me in and I was totally there for the whole concept/idea of the men in this family capturing a woman and marrying her. Mitchell is a great family man who is trying to provide a mother for his son and ends up falling head over heels in love in the process. Can I just say how freaking cute Amos is?! He totally stole every scene he was in lol I do wish we would’ve seen Corina tell Mitchell she was pregnant in the last chapter or even an epilogue but I’m hoping we’ll find out if they had any kids when we get Amos’s book. Looking forward to the next book!
So I loved this! When I read the blurb, it completely sucked me in and I was totally there for the whole concept/idea of the men in this family capturing a woman and marrying her. Mitchell is a great family man who is trying to provide a mother for his son and ends up falling head over heels in love in the process. Can I just say how freaking cute Amos is?! He totally stole every scene he was in lol I do wish we would’ve seen Corina tell Mitchell she was pregnant in the last chapter or even an epilogue but I’m hoping we’ll find out if they had any kids when we get Amos’s book. Looking forward to the next book!
September 28, 2021
Please note that this book will not be for everyone. There is kidnapping involved, written in only one person pov with very little romance. Caught written by M.L. Marian is a novella and a introduction to the series.
Mitchell Shay lost his wife when he was only 20 years old, making him a single father to their son Amos. Five years has gone by and Mitchell decides that it’s finally time to find a woman to keep as not only his wife but as someone who will be a mother to his son. The moment Mitchell lays his eyes on Corina he knew she’d be the one, now that he has claimed her, he’ll need to tame her.
Lol Mitchell was crazy and I loved it. He was an amazing father and he was utterly obsessed and so sweet with Corina even though it was unwanted. Amos had my heart from the very first page and I cannot wait to read his book next!!
I can only imagine what Corina’s pov must have been like in this situation and although I wish that we did get to read her pov I’m glad we got to read from Mitchell’s perspective and learn more about the Shay’s family tradition. I also wish that we got to see Corina fall in love with Mitchell and Amos but also understand that this is a novella and that’s what the time skips were for.
I thought the writing flow was done very well which made it easy for me to follow along with the story. Can't wait for Claimed / Amos' story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mitchell Shay lost his wife when he was only 20 years old, making him a single father to their son Amos. Five years has gone by and Mitchell decides that it’s finally time to find a woman to keep as not only his wife but as someone who will be a mother to his son. The moment Mitchell lays his eyes on Corina he knew she’d be the one, now that he has claimed her, he’ll need to tame her.
Lol Mitchell was crazy and I loved it. He was an amazing father and he was utterly obsessed and so sweet with Corina even though it was unwanted. Amos had my heart from the very first page and I cannot wait to read his book next!!
I can only imagine what Corina’s pov must have been like in this situation and although I wish that we did get to read her pov I’m glad we got to read from Mitchell’s perspective and learn more about the Shay’s family tradition. I also wish that we got to see Corina fall in love with Mitchell and Amos but also understand that this is a novella and that’s what the time skips were for.
I thought the writing flow was done very well which made it easy for me to follow along with the story. Can't wait for Claimed / Amos' story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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