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Captive #4
Wicked King
Carmen Ronaldo is my enemy and my obsession. I’ll conquer her and make her mine.
For years, Carmen has hated me. I seduced her to learn her family’s secrets, and then I used those secrets to fracture the Ronaldo cartel. I took half of their territory and made myself a king, but I’ve never been fully satisfied in my victory.
I’ve never experienced regret. The emotions that rule weaker men don’t affect me.
Until her.
I’ve waited far too long to claim Carmen for myself. My feisty little kitten might hate me for taking her as my captive, but she'll surrender herself to me. I’ll protect her from all her enemies.
Except me.
My cage will be her refuge, my rules her fortress.
Carmen is no longer my enemy. She's just mine.
For years, Carmen has hated me. I seduced her to learn her family’s secrets, and then I used those secrets to fracture the Ronaldo cartel. I took half of their territory and made myself a king, but I’ve never been fully satisfied in my victory.
I’ve never experienced regret. The emotions that rule weaker men don’t affect me.
Until her.
I’ve waited far too long to claim Carmen for myself. My feisty little kitten might hate me for taking her as my captive, but she'll surrender herself to me. I’ll protect her from all her enemies.
Except me.
My cage will be her refuge, my rules her fortress.
Carmen is no longer my enemy. She's just mine.
Unknown Binding
First published January 21, 2020
670 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sykes
137 books2,027 followersJulia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 19, 2020
4 STARS
This series has quickly become one of my favorite guilty pleasures. There's just something so satisfying about Julia Sykes intensely possessive antiheroes. And I mean INTENSELY POSSESSIVE. Kingpin's Property is the story of Carmen and Stefano's story.
Now I will say that pretty much every antihero in the Captive series is almost borderline sociopath with their lack of empathy and violent streaks, there's just something so charmingly enigmatic about Stefano. While the previous men in the series have been dark, broody, and utterly terrifying, Stefano is different. Well, he's still dark, broody, and utterly terrifying. But he's also charming, in a borderline sociopathic way. Does that even make sense here? Roll with me on this. What I mean is, the man knows how to layer on the charm, while still being the violent and menacing cartel boss that he is.
This story picks up immediately where Pretty Hostage ended, with the siege of the Ronaldo cartel. Carmen thought that in exchange for her help to get Sofia away from the clutches of her cruel brother, she'd make a deal with the devil. She promised Adrián to help his men access their territory, allow them to kill her brother so that she may take over as the head of the cartel. Unfortunately, Adrián's got a deal of his own with Stefano. And Stefano? He wants Carmen. To take her. To have her. To own her. But Carmen will not go easy.
What I really loved about this book was how fierce Carmen was. Faced with impossible odds and having survived horrors that still haunt her, the woman is a fighter until the bitter end. She gives as good as she gets and she's not afraid to goad and torture Stefano, even if she thinks it's to her death. Stefano is a bit of an enigma. He lacks empathy allowing him to be the deadly cartel boss that he is, but his feelings for Carmen confound him.
This was a delicious game of cat and mouse. Reaching the push and pull between these two was incredibly entertaining. There's also two new secondary characters that are introduced and I'm so excited to get their book next. But as for this one? Satisfying to the last page.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I won’t stop, not even when you beg me to. You will weep for mercy, and you’ll find that I have none. I will shatter you.”
This series has quickly become one of my favorite guilty pleasures. There's just something so satisfying about Julia Sykes intensely possessive antiheroes. And I mean INTENSELY POSSESSIVE. Kingpin's Property is the story of Carmen and Stefano's story.
Now I will say that pretty much every antihero in the Captive series is almost borderline sociopath with their lack of empathy and violent streaks, there's just something so charmingly enigmatic about Stefano. While the previous men in the series have been dark, broody, and utterly terrifying, Stefano is different. Well, he's still dark, broody, and utterly terrifying. But he's also charming, in a borderline sociopathic way. Does that even make sense here? Roll with me on this. What I mean is, the man knows how to layer on the charm, while still being the violent and menacing cartel boss that he is.
This story picks up immediately where Pretty Hostage ended, with the siege of the Ronaldo cartel. Carmen thought that in exchange for her help to get Sofia away from the clutches of her cruel brother, she'd make a deal with the devil. She promised Adrián to help his men access their territory, allow them to kill her brother so that she may take over as the head of the cartel. Unfortunately, Adrián's got a deal of his own with Stefano. And Stefano? He wants Carmen. To take her. To have her. To own her. But Carmen will not go easy.
What I really loved about this book was how fierce Carmen was. Faced with impossible odds and having survived horrors that still haunt her, the woman is a fighter until the bitter end. She gives as good as she gets and she's not afraid to goad and torture Stefano, even if she thinks it's to her death. Stefano is a bit of an enigma. He lacks empathy allowing him to be the deadly cartel boss that he is, but his feelings for Carmen confound him.
This was a delicious game of cat and mouse. Reaching the push and pull between these two was incredibly entertaining. There's also two new secondary characters that are introduced and I'm so excited to get their book next. But as for this one? Satisfying to the last page.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
September 18, 2020
4 stars
Wicked King is definitely an intense mafia romance, and it did get a little dark halfway through the story!
Stefano Duarte, a Mexican cartel kingpin, has been obsessing over Carmen Ronaldo (who happens to be the sister of his competitor ), for 12 years. His obsession for Carmen isn't a healthy one as he has the strong urge to possess and tame her, making Carmen his little pet.
Needless to say, the sexual tension between both is crazy. Carmen is no pushover and she possesses COURAGE . Yep! i truly enjoyed her character because she's so brave, didn't fall into temptation quickly aka Stefano and also the fact that she remained a woman of dignity when her attempts to escape from Stefano failed - after being kidnapped by him. Some might say that she's stubborn but I enjoyed her character especially in a Mafia setting.
"You don’t have to be angry and on your guard all the time, Kitten. You can relax with me. I’ll keep you safe.”
I loved how Stefano is always calling her Kitten because its SO appropriately used in this context 😋
4 stars! it's a captivating story that develops really well. characters are somehow connected in this series so i might need to learn to read series in order.
Wicked King is definitely an intense mafia romance, and it did get a little dark halfway through the story!
Stefano Duarte, a Mexican cartel kingpin, has been obsessing over Carmen Ronaldo (who happens to be the sister of his competitor ), for 12 years. His obsession for Carmen isn't a healthy one as he has the strong urge to possess and tame her, making Carmen his little pet.
Needless to say, the sexual tension between both is crazy. Carmen is no pushover and she possesses COURAGE . Yep! i truly enjoyed her character because she's so brave, didn't fall into temptation quickly aka Stefano and also the fact that she remained a woman of dignity when her attempts to escape from Stefano failed - after being kidnapped by him. Some might say that she's stubborn but I enjoyed her character especially in a Mafia setting.
"You don’t have to be angry and on your guard all the time, Kitten. You can relax with me. I’ll keep you safe.”
I loved how Stefano is always calling her Kitten because its SO appropriately used in this context 😋
4 stars! it's a captivating story that develops really well. characters are somehow connected in this series so i might need to learn to read series in order.
November 25, 2020
Recensione in Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBHjr6H-...
Per anni Carmen era stata la debolezza di Stefano, un impedimento ad abbattere la sua organizzazione rivale e stabilire il proprio dominio sul territorio controllato da suo fratello Pedro. Non aveva osato attaccare il cartello dei Ronaldo fino ad allora perché non voleva che lei restasse uccisa.
Ma le cose erano cambiate adesso, aveva già dato la sua parola e fedeltà ad Adriàn, e il massacro si sarebbe svolto di lì a breve perché Sofia doveva essere liberata ad ogni costo.
Non appena Carmen riconobbe Stefano Duarte tra gli invasori ai quali spontaneamente aveva aperto il portone di casa, il panico e la rabbia si erano impossessati di lei. Aveva passato più di un decennio a imparare a difendersi ma una sola occhiata a quell’uomo era stata così sconvolgente da farle dimenticare tutto il suo addestramento e renderlo vano.
«Nessuna parte di me avrebbe dovuto desiderare Stefano. Lui usava la propria bellezza per adescare le sue prede, e io avevo giurato che non sarei mai più caduta nella sua trappola».
Carmen non era più la ragazza ingenua che era caduta tra le sue braccia tanti anni prima. Aveva imparato a non fidarsi più degli uomini e Stefano era stato il primo ad impartirle quella dolorosa lezione.
Stefano non poteva lasciare che Adrián uccidesse la donna che era diventata oggetto della sua ossessione perversa. Sapeva che questo insolito attaccamento a Carmen stava sabotando i suoi obbiettivi spietati, ma nutriva dei sensi di colpa nei suoi confronti. Dopotutto anni addietro l’aveva manipolata per i suoi loschi piani.
Dunque l’unica cosa che gli restava da fare era reclamarla come sua.
«La voglio» dichiaró ad Adriàn, e il rimbombo selvaggio delle sue parole appena pronunciate lo scioccarono. La rude possessività mostrata nei riguardi di Carmen tradiva le maniere raffinate che negli anni aveva saputo coltivare.
Carmen si era convinta che Stefano Duarte non fosse propriamente sano di mente, soprattutto dopo quello che aveva osato farle e per cui aveva pagato un prezzo troppo alto, ma nulla poteva prepararla all’uomo spietato che si era trovata difronte:
«Ero fiera di essere un’abile stratega, ma come potevo complottare contro un uomo senza alcuna vera debolezza? Ero stata arrogante e ingenua nel credere di riuscire ad individuare le sue vulnerabilità. Invece, non ne aveva».
Carmen mi è piaciuta molto, una donna fiera, forte, e tanto coraggiosa da opporsi a suo fratello Pedro, un boss del carrello messicano alquanto pericoloso, pur di salvare Sofia dalle sue grinfie.
Alla fine, e col prezioso aiuto di Stefano, avrà la sua personale e tanto agognata vendetta.
La misura dell’ossessione di Stefano nei suoi confronti non l’ha mai disturbata, perché fin dall’inizio della loro convivenza forzata l’uomo le ha dimostrato rispetto e devozione, ricordando persino piccoli dettagli di quando si erano frequentati.
A dimostrazione del fatto che, proprio come lei, non aveva mai dimenticato la loro relazione.
«A quanto pareva lui aveva pensato a me con intensità appassionata, ma la sua fissazione non era mai stata alimentata dall’odio, bensì dall’amore».
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia digitale
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBHjr6H-...
Per anni Carmen era stata la debolezza di Stefano, un impedimento ad abbattere la sua organizzazione rivale e stabilire il proprio dominio sul territorio controllato da suo fratello Pedro. Non aveva osato attaccare il cartello dei Ronaldo fino ad allora perché non voleva che lei restasse uccisa.
Ma le cose erano cambiate adesso, aveva già dato la sua parola e fedeltà ad Adriàn, e il massacro si sarebbe svolto di lì a breve perché Sofia doveva essere liberata ad ogni costo.
Non appena Carmen riconobbe Stefano Duarte tra gli invasori ai quali spontaneamente aveva aperto il portone di casa, il panico e la rabbia si erano impossessati di lei. Aveva passato più di un decennio a imparare a difendersi ma una sola occhiata a quell’uomo era stata così sconvolgente da farle dimenticare tutto il suo addestramento e renderlo vano.
«Nessuna parte di me avrebbe dovuto desiderare Stefano. Lui usava la propria bellezza per adescare le sue prede, e io avevo giurato che non sarei mai più caduta nella sua trappola».
Carmen non era più la ragazza ingenua che era caduta tra le sue braccia tanti anni prima. Aveva imparato a non fidarsi più degli uomini e Stefano era stato il primo ad impartirle quella dolorosa lezione.
Stefano non poteva lasciare che Adrián uccidesse la donna che era diventata oggetto della sua ossessione perversa. Sapeva che questo insolito attaccamento a Carmen stava sabotando i suoi obbiettivi spietati, ma nutriva dei sensi di colpa nei suoi confronti. Dopotutto anni addietro l’aveva manipolata per i suoi loschi piani.
Dunque l’unica cosa che gli restava da fare era reclamarla come sua.
«La voglio» dichiaró ad Adriàn, e il rimbombo selvaggio delle sue parole appena pronunciate lo scioccarono. La rude possessività mostrata nei riguardi di Carmen tradiva le maniere raffinate che negli anni aveva saputo coltivare.
Carmen si era convinta che Stefano Duarte non fosse propriamente sano di mente, soprattutto dopo quello che aveva osato farle e per cui aveva pagato un prezzo troppo alto, ma nulla poteva prepararla all’uomo spietato che si era trovata difronte:
«Ero fiera di essere un’abile stratega, ma come potevo complottare contro un uomo senza alcuna vera debolezza? Ero stata arrogante e ingenua nel credere di riuscire ad individuare le sue vulnerabilità. Invece, non ne aveva».
Carmen mi è piaciuta molto, una donna fiera, forte, e tanto coraggiosa da opporsi a suo fratello Pedro, un boss del carrello messicano alquanto pericoloso, pur di salvare Sofia dalle sue grinfie.
Alla fine, e col prezioso aiuto di Stefano, avrà la sua personale e tanto agognata vendetta.
La misura dell’ossessione di Stefano nei suoi confronti non l’ha mai disturbata, perché fin dall’inizio della loro convivenza forzata l’uomo le ha dimostrato rispetto e devozione, ricordando persino piccoli dettagli di quando si erano frequentati.
A dimostrazione del fatto che, proprio come lei, non aveva mai dimenticato la loro relazione.
«A quanto pareva lui aveva pensato a me con intensità appassionata, ma la sua fissazione non era mai stata alimentata dall’odio, bensì dall’amore».
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia digitale
January 27, 2020
The 4th book in her Captive series, and this was just stunning!!! What a read!! A full on intense ride of emotions, that will have you biting your nails with the suspense and panting with the erotic scenes. A magnificent dark mafia tale with a captive theme and the most wonderfully dark anti-hero you just can't help falling for, and a heroine made of steel and intelligence and an instinct for pure survival.
12 yrs ago Stephano, a vicious and cruel drug cartel boss had a night of obsession and dominance with the sister of one of his enemies / competitors, Pedro, in order to gain cartel info from Carmen. He then left her high and dry, with her having to deal with the consequences of betraying her brother. For 12 yrs she has had to live on her wits and intelligence, plotting and scheming of ways she can wrestle control from her brother and take over the cartel, all the time hating Stephano for what he did to her. But one night of mega violence and her cartel is destroyed and she finds herself captive and held by Stephano.
Carmen is such a strong brave soul, she has lived through some horrors and has the scars to prove this. She has nightmares and some triggers that end up with her mind spiralling down into the darkness and depravity that she had to live through, all due to that one night long ago with Stephano. She is determined that Stephano will not break her, that if she uses her mind she can find his weakness and maybe free herself from his clutches.
Stephano is a sociopath, he feels no emotions, no regrets, no nothing about the horror that he wreaks. Nothing moves him, but for Carmen, who has been obsessed with for the past 12 years, and now he has her, he is going to break her and make her his.
I loved both these characters with a passion, their connection and chemistry, although dark, is very compelling. I loved Stephano's pet names for Carmen, always calling her Kitten, and you could really see the struggle in him as he tried his best in his own way to do the best for Carmen. The story is told from dual POV's which really helps in understanding them both and their connection and the way they both behave.
Don't get me wrong, it is a dark and violent read, but Stephano is just superb as a villain you love to hate, I just couldn't get enough of him! The story line is engaging and captivating from the start and I really felt for Carmen and everything she had been through and how both characters change and grow with the story as they learn more about one another. A brilliant and immersive dark read, highly recommended.
12 yrs ago Stephano, a vicious and cruel drug cartel boss had a night of obsession and dominance with the sister of one of his enemies / competitors, Pedro, in order to gain cartel info from Carmen. He then left her high and dry, with her having to deal with the consequences of betraying her brother. For 12 yrs she has had to live on her wits and intelligence, plotting and scheming of ways she can wrestle control from her brother and take over the cartel, all the time hating Stephano for what he did to her. But one night of mega violence and her cartel is destroyed and she finds herself captive and held by Stephano.
Carmen is such a strong brave soul, she has lived through some horrors and has the scars to prove this. She has nightmares and some triggers that end up with her mind spiralling down into the darkness and depravity that she had to live through, all due to that one night long ago with Stephano. She is determined that Stephano will not break her, that if she uses her mind she can find his weakness and maybe free herself from his clutches.
Stephano is a sociopath, he feels no emotions, no regrets, no nothing about the horror that he wreaks. Nothing moves him, but for Carmen, who has been obsessed with for the past 12 years, and now he has her, he is going to break her and make her his.
I loved both these characters with a passion, their connection and chemistry, although dark, is very compelling. I loved Stephano's pet names for Carmen, always calling her Kitten, and you could really see the struggle in him as he tried his best in his own way to do the best for Carmen. The story is told from dual POV's which really helps in understanding them both and their connection and the way they both behave.
Don't get me wrong, it is a dark and violent read, but Stephano is just superb as a villain you love to hate, I just couldn't get enough of him! The story line is engaging and captivating from the start and I really felt for Carmen and everything she had been through and how both characters change and grow with the story as they learn more about one another. A brilliant and immersive dark read, highly recommended.
December 6, 2020
I don’t think this series is for me. It started off promising, Carmen is part of the Ronaldo cartel and she is captured by Stefano. She’s ruthless and fierce and puts up a good fight at the beginning, there are some psychological mind games but ultimately despite the promise and potential at the beginning she easily capitulates with no real reason to and devolves into sadly quite a weak character.
She has every reason to despise Stefano. And I wish this had been more about revenge on Stefano and Miguel and that she’d actually fought for herself and her freedom. After a rage in which Stefano is holding his mother’s ring; that non-event seems to change the dynamic of their relationship which just makes no sense. The whole thing just came off demeaning and patronising. Stefano’s sociopathy could have been fun and entertaining to play with as a plot but again it just turned around almost instantly. I didn’t read the last hundred pages.
I don’t think I’ll be reading again from this author. The first book was a passable decent read. The rest have been total misses for me. I won’t be reading the next one.
Take a shot every time you read the word subjugate.
She has every reason to despise Stefano. And I wish this had been more about revenge on Stefano and Miguel and that she’d actually fought for herself and her freedom. After a rage in which Stefano is holding his mother’s ring; that non-event seems to change the dynamic of their relationship which just makes no sense. The whole thing just came off demeaning and patronising. Stefano’s sociopathy could have been fun and entertaining to play with as a plot but again it just turned around almost instantly. I didn’t read the last hundred pages.
I don’t think I’ll be reading again from this author. The first book was a passable decent read. The rest have been total misses for me. I won’t be reading the next one.
Take a shot every time you read the word subjugate.
December 6, 2020
4,5 Stars
Dopo l’irruzione nella villa dei Duarte alla fine del secondo libro, Stefano coglie al volo l’occasione per prendersi Carmen. Lei non glielo rende certo facile, lo odia e gli resiste più che può. Anche perché i due hanno un passato in comune, lui l’ha usata per prendersi metà del cartello della famiglia di lei. E Carmen ha pagato duramente per questo.
Riconobbi il profumo che mi ero illusa di aver dimenticato: tabacco intenso e terroso, enfatizzato da spezie esotiche. Riempì i miei sensi, e nel mio corpo si sprigionò un’ondata di calore che ricordai. Quella reazione involontaria alimentò la mia paura.
Questo l’ha resa più dura, ha perso fiducia nel resto del mondo, soprattutto in uomini come Stefano, privi di qualsiasi emozioni. Perché è così che appare il boss del narcotrafficante a chi si ferma a una prima impressione: benvestito, cordiale ma dallo sguardo calcolatore. Per lui conta solo quello che vuole, e deve tenere tutto sotto controllo. Qualcuno potrebbe dire che è egoista e poco empatico, ma a lui non importa nulla perché quello che conta è il potere e lui è un re.
E per essere un re degno, sa che deve avere al suo fianco una regina che renda il suo regno più forte.
Carmen non è più la donna che ha conosciuto anni prima, non sarà così facile conquistarla.
“C’è qualcosa di unico tra di noi. Qualcosa di intenso. Credo che nemmeno tu sia riuscita a replicare quell’ebbrezza. Io l’ho inseguita per dodici anni quando avrei dovuto semplicemente affondare dentro di te e non andarmene mai”
“Mi stai facendo male”
“No, invece. Mi sto semplicemente rifiutando di lasciarti nascondere dietro la tua rabbia, senza la quale non sai come fare a starmi vicino. Lascia che ti mostri quanto può essere bello tra di noi”
Ma anche Carmen non sa più cosa vuole da Stefano, vorrebbe andarsene via e guidare lei la sua famiglia, ma vuole anche amore da lui pur sapendo che non è in grado di darglielo. Perché l’ha già raggirata una volta e non vuole ricascarci di nuovo. Perché lui vuole solo approfittare di lei per avere il suo cartello.
Non le rimane altro che combattere per non perdere l’ultima parte razionale di se stessa. Ma Stefano le mostra lati che non sapeva possedesse, e questo rende resistergli più difficile. Perché lui sa come prenderla e come farla stare bene.
Le dinamiche tra i due sono molto emozionanti, sono dei personaggi molto diversi che si cercano, si stuzzicano e si amano. Mi piace molto lo stile di Julia Sykes, pulito, diretto senza mai perdersi in inutili scene erotiche. In questo libro, ma come in tutta la trilogia, la parte sensuale è bellissima, perfetta e da batticuore. Non l’ho mai trovata fuori luogo, rispetto ad altre serie dello stesso genere, e le storie migliorano di libro in libro. Ogni coppia è diversa, come le loro dinamiche e le loro problematiche. L’amore è il fulcro centrale su cui ruota tutto il resto, si parla di sentimenti forti, quelli che sono in grado di far cambiare le persone.
Se amate il genere, non dovete perdervi questi sexy boss della droga che perdono la testa per le loro donne. Ma amerete anche loro, così combattive e fragili allo stesso tempo.
continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
Dopo l’irruzione nella villa dei Duarte alla fine del secondo libro, Stefano coglie al volo l’occasione per prendersi Carmen. Lei non glielo rende certo facile, lo odia e gli resiste più che può. Anche perché i due hanno un passato in comune, lui l’ha usata per prendersi metà del cartello della famiglia di lei. E Carmen ha pagato duramente per questo.
Riconobbi il profumo che mi ero illusa di aver dimenticato: tabacco intenso e terroso, enfatizzato da spezie esotiche. Riempì i miei sensi, e nel mio corpo si sprigionò un’ondata di calore che ricordai. Quella reazione involontaria alimentò la mia paura.
Questo l’ha resa più dura, ha perso fiducia nel resto del mondo, soprattutto in uomini come Stefano, privi di qualsiasi emozioni. Perché è così che appare il boss del narcotrafficante a chi si ferma a una prima impressione: benvestito, cordiale ma dallo sguardo calcolatore. Per lui conta solo quello che vuole, e deve tenere tutto sotto controllo. Qualcuno potrebbe dire che è egoista e poco empatico, ma a lui non importa nulla perché quello che conta è il potere e lui è un re.
E per essere un re degno, sa che deve avere al suo fianco una regina che renda il suo regno più forte.
Carmen non è più la donna che ha conosciuto anni prima, non sarà così facile conquistarla.
“C’è qualcosa di unico tra di noi. Qualcosa di intenso. Credo che nemmeno tu sia riuscita a replicare quell’ebbrezza. Io l’ho inseguita per dodici anni quando avrei dovuto semplicemente affondare dentro di te e non andarmene mai”
“Mi stai facendo male”
“No, invece. Mi sto semplicemente rifiutando di lasciarti nascondere dietro la tua rabbia, senza la quale non sai come fare a starmi vicino. Lascia che ti mostri quanto può essere bello tra di noi”
Ma anche Carmen non sa più cosa vuole da Stefano, vorrebbe andarsene via e guidare lei la sua famiglia, ma vuole anche amore da lui pur sapendo che non è in grado di darglielo. Perché l’ha già raggirata una volta e non vuole ricascarci di nuovo. Perché lui vuole solo approfittare di lei per avere il suo cartello.
Non le rimane altro che combattere per non perdere l’ultima parte razionale di se stessa. Ma Stefano le mostra lati che non sapeva possedesse, e questo rende resistergli più difficile. Perché lui sa come prenderla e come farla stare bene.
Le dinamiche tra i due sono molto emozionanti, sono dei personaggi molto diversi che si cercano, si stuzzicano e si amano. Mi piace molto lo stile di Julia Sykes, pulito, diretto senza mai perdersi in inutili scene erotiche. In questo libro, ma come in tutta la trilogia, la parte sensuale è bellissima, perfetta e da batticuore. Non l’ho mai trovata fuori luogo, rispetto ad altre serie dello stesso genere, e le storie migliorano di libro in libro. Ogni coppia è diversa, come le loro dinamiche e le loro problematiche. L’amore è il fulcro centrale su cui ruota tutto il resto, si parla di sentimenti forti, quelli che sono in grado di far cambiare le persone.
Se amate il genere, non dovete perdervi questi sexy boss della droga che perdono la testa per le loro donne. Ma amerete anche loro, così combattive e fragili allo stesso tempo.
continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
February 24, 2020
Flawless. Just flawless IMO. This one SERIOUSLY hit every d*mn button I have.
Ms Sykes (again IMO) is phenomenally excellent at this dark kidnap/capture anti-Hero trope. Certainly as far as I am concerned. Since her 1st book in this series 'Sweet Captive' (I loooove Andres!) I've been enthralled by each subsequent book & couple & though I've greatly enjoyed Adrian & Valentina, Mateo & Sofia, Andres & Sam have maintained their fave position for me. But now Stephano & Carmen are firmly in 1st place in my heart WITH Andres & Sam.
The plot is gripping, for 12 years Stephano Duarte (anti-H) a vicious Mexican drug cartel kingpin has been obsessed with the sister of his closest regional competitor Pedro Ronaldo. Twelve years earlier Stephano had swept Carmen (heroine) off her feet for one intense night of erotic domination in order to obtain information to use against Pedro.
And then Stephano walked away leaving Carmen to reap what Stephano sowed.
For 12 years Carmen has hated Stephano, longed for his death & used her mind & wits to keep her head above the shark infested waters of her brother's cartel, waiting for any opportunity to kill Stephano & wrest control of the cartel from Pedro.
But then everything is radically obliterated in one night of explosive violence, leaving Carmen a captive of her hated sociopathic enemy, Stephano with no escape in sight . . . .
This one truly did hit all my buttons: a strong powerful frightening anti-H, a strong willed heroine with spirit, a spine of steel & intelligence; an intriguing plot that keeps the reader engaged & on tenterhooks; erotic interactions that make the reader bite their lip & read with breathless anticipation. And the reader is given both Stephano & Carmen's POVs in alternating chapters allowing us to understand their reactions, their attitudes, their unspoken feelings about each other.
And loving Stephano is a guilty pleasure I refuse to apologize for. Ms. Sykes has done a masterful job of fleshing out a character the reader would normally view as a villain & yet, the way he is portrayed, his actions, his thoughts revolving around Carmen feed us little peeks that just MAYBE there is something redeeming about him. He's incapable of emotion. He doesn't love anyone. And though he reminds Carmen frequently that she is HIS, OWNED by him, NEVER getting away, his Kitten. I MELTED each time he whispered or crooned 'Kitten' to her.
And Carmen was a strong heroine I actively liked: she had spirit, strength of will, strength of character, bravery but she USED HER BRAIN. No TSTL moments, she acknowledged the reality of her situation, what her options were, was realistic about how to accomplish saving herself & escaping Stephano. And she was honest with herself.
And how did this one make me feel? Like a huge pile of melted goo, that's how.
I found myself falling deeper & deeper into Stephano & Carmen's world, forgot I was reading words from a book. I was beyond captivated by, & enthralled with, their push & pull dance of wits & dominance, I was thoroughly invested in them & their story, I HAD to know how things turned out for them.
I felt Stephano's rage & Carmen's traumatic horror, I smiled & chuckled & held my breath, was seduced by the author's superb writing into another place far away & another reality. In short, I felt the true magic of an excellent book.
There are triggers in this one, past traumas, danger, violence, betrayal, suspense, tension. And erotic scenes that sizzle off the page. An uncertain journey the reader shares with Stephano & Carmen to see IF, & HOW, they are able to bridge 12 years of obsession & hate. But this is also one of the most emotionally pleasurable reads I've experienced & I sincerely thank the author for this wonderful literary work.
For those readers not afraid of some dark & who want to be submerged into a plot peopled with outstandingly rendered characters, read this one. READ THIS ONE.
I have placed this one firmly & permanently in my REREAD file.
Ms Sykes (again IMO) is phenomenally excellent at this dark kidnap/capture anti-Hero trope. Certainly as far as I am concerned. Since her 1st book in this series 'Sweet Captive' (I loooove Andres!) I've been enthralled by each subsequent book & couple & though I've greatly enjoyed Adrian & Valentina, Mateo & Sofia, Andres & Sam have maintained their fave position for me. But now Stephano & Carmen are firmly in 1st place in my heart WITH Andres & Sam.
The plot is gripping, for 12 years Stephano Duarte (anti-H) a vicious Mexican drug cartel kingpin has been obsessed with the sister of his closest regional competitor Pedro Ronaldo. Twelve years earlier Stephano had swept Carmen (heroine) off her feet for one intense night of erotic domination in order to obtain information to use against Pedro.
And then Stephano walked away leaving Carmen to reap what Stephano sowed.
For 12 years Carmen has hated Stephano, longed for his death & used her mind & wits to keep her head above the shark infested waters of her brother's cartel, waiting for any opportunity to kill Stephano & wrest control of the cartel from Pedro.
But then everything is radically obliterated in one night of explosive violence, leaving Carmen a captive of her hated sociopathic enemy, Stephano with no escape in sight . . . .
This one truly did hit all my buttons: a strong powerful frightening anti-H, a strong willed heroine with spirit, a spine of steel & intelligence; an intriguing plot that keeps the reader engaged & on tenterhooks; erotic interactions that make the reader bite their lip & read with breathless anticipation. And the reader is given both Stephano & Carmen's POVs in alternating chapters allowing us to understand their reactions, their attitudes, their unspoken feelings about each other.
And loving Stephano is a guilty pleasure I refuse to apologize for. Ms. Sykes has done a masterful job of fleshing out a character the reader would normally view as a villain & yet, the way he is portrayed, his actions, his thoughts revolving around Carmen feed us little peeks that just MAYBE there is something redeeming about him. He's incapable of emotion. He doesn't love anyone. And though he reminds Carmen frequently that she is HIS, OWNED by him, NEVER getting away, his Kitten. I MELTED each time he whispered or crooned 'Kitten' to her.
And Carmen was a strong heroine I actively liked: she had spirit, strength of will, strength of character, bravery but she USED HER BRAIN. No TSTL moments, she acknowledged the reality of her situation, what her options were, was realistic about how to accomplish saving herself & escaping Stephano. And she was honest with herself.
And how did this one make me feel? Like a huge pile of melted goo, that's how.
I found myself falling deeper & deeper into Stephano & Carmen's world, forgot I was reading words from a book. I was beyond captivated by, & enthralled with, their push & pull dance of wits & dominance, I was thoroughly invested in them & their story, I HAD to know how things turned out for them.
I felt Stephano's rage & Carmen's traumatic horror, I smiled & chuckled & held my breath, was seduced by the author's superb writing into another place far away & another reality. In short, I felt the true magic of an excellent book.
There are triggers in this one, past traumas, danger, violence, betrayal, suspense, tension. And erotic scenes that sizzle off the page. An uncertain journey the reader shares with Stephano & Carmen to see IF, & HOW, they are able to bridge 12 years of obsession & hate. But this is also one of the most emotionally pleasurable reads I've experienced & I sincerely thank the author for this wonderful literary work.
For those readers not afraid of some dark & who want to be submerged into a plot peopled with outstandingly rendered characters, read this one. READ THIS ONE.
I have placed this one firmly & permanently in my REREAD file.
January 4, 2021
I picked up Wicked King because it was free and it sounded good. I did not like the first book of this series which I read after this one. This one is about Carmen and Stefano.
Carmen has a hot night with Stefano years ago and spills her brother's secrets who deals in the drug industry. Later Carmen helps Stefano and other players take down her brother. In the take down of her brother, Stefano takes Carmen as his. Carmen has been through a lot since that night with Stefano but he is determined to know all her secrets and make her completely his. What I liked most about this book was Carmen's strength. The plot was engaging but it centered mainly around the MCs.
I'm all for a possessive alpha male. I'm ok with over the top and controlling. But for whatever reason the light BDSM element and the sociopathic nature of Stefano coupled with all of this didn't work for me the whole time. I liked this book, didn't love it.
Carmen has a hot night with Stefano years ago and spills her brother's secrets who deals in the drug industry. Later Carmen helps Stefano and other players take down her brother. In the take down of her brother, Stefano takes Carmen as his. Carmen has been through a lot since that night with Stefano but he is determined to know all her secrets and make her completely his. What I liked most about this book was Carmen's strength. The plot was engaging but it centered mainly around the MCs.
I'm all for a possessive alpha male. I'm ok with over the top and controlling. But for whatever reason the light BDSM element and the sociopathic nature of Stefano coupled with all of this didn't work for me the whole time. I liked this book, didn't love it.
August 31, 2021
Maria Antonietta - per RFS
.
Care fenici, ho letto Proprietà del boss immediatamente dopo Bellissimo ostaggio di Julia Sykes e la storia, anche se autoconclusiva, si intreccia alla precedente nel momento in cui Mateo Ignazio, affiancato dagli uomini del Signore della droga colombiano Adrián Rodríguez, si sta introducendo nella roccaforte del cartello di Pedro Ronaldo per liberare la bella Sofia.
Il finale adrenalinico ci aveva lasciati con un cliffhanger su Stefano Duarte, il boss della droga più potente del Messico, a cui veniva consegnata la vita di Carmen Ronaldo (la sorella di Pedro).
Si intuisce immediatamente che fra i due c’è stato qualcosa di interrotto e molto passionale.
Non nego che l’autrice è davvero brava a creare questi sotterfugi per attirare l’attenzione del lettore, e ci riesce bene!
Il libro su Stefano e la sua micetta mi è piaciuto molto. Quest’uomo è davvero intrigante e la sua personalità l’ho trovata incisiva e carismatica.
Lui è descritto come un sociopatico, ironico e machiavellico, non dimostra mai i suoi veri sentimenti, nascondendoli dietro una maschera di freddezza e leggerezza che lo caratterizzano.
La sua ossessione è stata, per molto tempo, proprio la donna che adesso è nelle sue mani e che ha già sedotto anni prima, infliggendole un tradimento le cui conseguenze sono state deleterie nel corso degli anni. Carmen lo odia e non sarà mai il suo animaletto domestico. Lui è intenzionato ad averla, anima e corpo, a costo di incatenarla al suo letto e privarla della sua libertà.
Inizia così questa prigionia, lei non è proprio una verginella impaurita, anzi è la degna erede della famiglia Ronaldo, una donna con le palle che ha imparato difesa personale e parla come uno scaricatore di porto. Il mistero sugli anni in cui è stata lontano da Stefano, dopo la loro prima e unica volta insieme, è sviscerato poco alla volta ed è il punto forte della storia.
Ho trovato questa accoppiata molto affascinante e divertente, nella trama ci sono tutti gli elementi giusti per tenere il lettore incollato alle pagine. La chicca che mi ha fatto proprio impazzire è il momento in cui vuole definitivamente domarla davanti a tutti i più potenti boss, esibendola con un collare elegante, sapientemente chiuso al suo collo, abbinato a delle manette d’oro. È una scena fantastica, l’autrice riesce a inserire queste perle di erotismo come se niente fosse, con nonchalance e simpatia, ma anche con grande sensualità.
La lettura è molto scorrevole e coinvolgente con un POV alternato e in prima persona.
Il finale promette un’altra storia, almeno lo spero, con la piccola Marisol che è scomparsa e con Raùl (il collaboratore di Stefano) che la sta cercando.
Vi auguro una buona lettura care fenicette.
.
Care fenici, ho letto Proprietà del boss immediatamente dopo Bellissimo ostaggio di Julia Sykes e la storia, anche se autoconclusiva, si intreccia alla precedente nel momento in cui Mateo Ignazio, affiancato dagli uomini del Signore della droga colombiano Adrián Rodríguez, si sta introducendo nella roccaforte del cartello di Pedro Ronaldo per liberare la bella Sofia.
Il finale adrenalinico ci aveva lasciati con un cliffhanger su Stefano Duarte, il boss della droga più potente del Messico, a cui veniva consegnata la vita di Carmen Ronaldo (la sorella di Pedro).
Si intuisce immediatamente che fra i due c’è stato qualcosa di interrotto e molto passionale.
Non nego che l’autrice è davvero brava a creare questi sotterfugi per attirare l’attenzione del lettore, e ci riesce bene!
Il libro su Stefano e la sua micetta mi è piaciuto molto. Quest’uomo è davvero intrigante e la sua personalità l’ho trovata incisiva e carismatica.
Lui è descritto come un sociopatico, ironico e machiavellico, non dimostra mai i suoi veri sentimenti, nascondendoli dietro una maschera di freddezza e leggerezza che lo caratterizzano.
La sua ossessione è stata, per molto tempo, proprio la donna che adesso è nelle sue mani e che ha già sedotto anni prima, infliggendole un tradimento le cui conseguenze sono state deleterie nel corso degli anni. Carmen lo odia e non sarà mai il suo animaletto domestico. Lui è intenzionato ad averla, anima e corpo, a costo di incatenarla al suo letto e privarla della sua libertà.
Inizia così questa prigionia, lei non è proprio una verginella impaurita, anzi è la degna erede della famiglia Ronaldo, una donna con le palle che ha imparato difesa personale e parla come uno scaricatore di porto. Il mistero sugli anni in cui è stata lontano da Stefano, dopo la loro prima e unica volta insieme, è sviscerato poco alla volta ed è il punto forte della storia.
Ho trovato questa accoppiata molto affascinante e divertente, nella trama ci sono tutti gli elementi giusti per tenere il lettore incollato alle pagine. La chicca che mi ha fatto proprio impazzire è il momento in cui vuole definitivamente domarla davanti a tutti i più potenti boss, esibendola con un collare elegante, sapientemente chiuso al suo collo, abbinato a delle manette d’oro. È una scena fantastica, l’autrice riesce a inserire queste perle di erotismo come se niente fosse, con nonchalance e simpatia, ma anche con grande sensualità.
La lettura è molto scorrevole e coinvolgente con un POV alternato e in prima persona.
Il finale promette un’altra storia, almeno lo spero, con la piccola Marisol che è scomparsa e con Raùl (il collaboratore di Stefano) che la sta cercando.
Vi auguro una buona lettura care fenicette.
January 22, 2020
Iseng banget tengah malem mau tidur malah baca beginian 😂 rasanya kupernah baca bukunya si Mbak ini deh. Lupa judulnya apa, tapi namanya memang nggak asing. Sebenarnya cerita sih b aja, nggak terlalu hawt gimana-gimana gitu. Tapi aku tuh lemah sama cowok "gila" yang punya soft spot. Atuh manis banget, bisa menenangkan. Sayangnya ngebut banget dah ini cerita. Belum kerasa jatcin, tau-tau kelar hadeuhhh.
January 22, 2020
5 KINGPIN's STARS!! Carmen and Stefano's story was so captivating from the beginning to the end. If you love dark twisted story this one will be in your wheelhouse. Julia Sykes knows how to suck us readers into her world and you never want to leave. I highly recommend this book and series.
February 4, 2020
Excellent
Want to read
June 20, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/5/2022)! 🎁
January 24, 2020
We are in book number four and every single one of these is different, suspenseful, twisted, and beautifully written. Julia brings you into Carmen's world and makes you bleed for her. Carmen is so strong and hard but when she is taken and put into Stefano's home she either has to fight or submit.
Stefano has wanted Carmen for almost a decade and he finally has her under his roof. He thinks he knows what she has been up to for the past ten years, but he has no idea. Carmen is not the woman he remembers. She is stronger and meaner than ever before.
Will Carmen be able to put her guard down with Stefano and let him her into her heart? Or will these two always fight with their feelings?
I couldn't put this story down. I had to know what Carmen went through and if things were going to work out. I loved how Julia drew me in. I can't wait for the next story!
January 20, 2020
This was another great dark romance read! Julia Sykes writes wonderfully dark anti- heroes that you can't help but fall for! If you like dark romance or mafia romance, you definitely need to read these books!
January 21, 2020
Stefano and Carmen are enemies from separate cartel families. Stefano is obsessed with Carmen and makes her his prisoner when he takes over her organization. This is such a delicious and dark read, I loved it and the other books in this series!
August 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 4, 2023
This one may just be the best one get in the series. 4.5 stars.
January 25, 2020
A dark mafia romance that will owned you right from the start!
Kingpin's Property is book 4 in the Captive series. This is Stefano and Carmen's story, and let me tell you, this book is intense, and absolutely outstanding. Is one of those books that makes you cry, angry, hold your breath, hot and bother, but you can’t put down.
Stefano Duarte is the devil, but being a Mafia/Cartel Boss what else can you expect, right? He's violent, ruthless, domineering, deadly, dark, and very obsess with possessing Carmen.
I love Carmen's strength, her courage, sassiness, and her will to overcome whatever adversities life had thrown her way, being one of them Stefano. The chemistry between this two characters is like none other. Do they love or hate each other? Well, you need to read to find out, and believe me, you won't be disappointed.
The storyline, the characters, the plot development, the sexual chemistry, and much more, makes of this book a great, captivating, and all-consuming read that'll keep you compulsively turning the pages wanting to know what'll happened next, while taking you on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions until you have turned the last page.
(Beware of sensitive themes and situations)
Kingpin's Property is book 4 in the Captive series. This is Stefano and Carmen's story, and let me tell you, this book is intense, and absolutely outstanding. Is one of those books that makes you cry, angry, hold your breath, hot and bother, but you can’t put down.
Stefano Duarte is the devil, but being a Mafia/Cartel Boss what else can you expect, right? He's violent, ruthless, domineering, deadly, dark, and very obsess with possessing Carmen.
I love Carmen's strength, her courage, sassiness, and her will to overcome whatever adversities life had thrown her way, being one of them Stefano. The chemistry between this two characters is like none other. Do they love or hate each other? Well, you need to read to find out, and believe me, you won't be disappointed.
The storyline, the characters, the plot development, the sexual chemistry, and much more, makes of this book a great, captivating, and all-consuming read that'll keep you compulsively turning the pages wanting to know what'll happened next, while taking you on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions until you have turned the last page.
(Beware of sensitive themes and situations)
January 19, 2020
Although this story can be read as a standalone, it begins as a takeover of the Rinaldo Cartel takes place. The Rinaldo Cartel is Pedro’s birthright. He is cruel, heartless and ambitious. To provoke a war with his enemy, he has abducted Sophia and plans to use her severely. To prevent his atrocities, his sister, Carmen, has arranged with a rival crime boss to allow him to invade her home in order to liberate Sophia. She agreed to give him access to in exchange for control of her brother’s cartel. Instead, Sophia is rescued, but Carmen is captured (actually saved) by Stefano, who has obsessed over her for years. He wants to tame her and calls her “Kitten.” She calls him “Sociopath.” Carmen has endured a painful, horrific past, but she is still intellectually strong and willing to use her strength to forge a new and better future.
This book is emotional, sensual, erotic, exciting and intriguing. Julia Sykes is an excellent writer, who has done it again. My own emotions were in a turmoil that moved from one end of the spectrum to the other. And, I will continue to read every single book this author writes.
This book is emotional, sensual, erotic, exciting and intriguing. Julia Sykes is an excellent writer, who has done it again. My own emotions were in a turmoil that moved from one end of the spectrum to the other. And, I will continue to read every single book this author writes.
March 18, 2020
3.5 Stars. So, I actually loved how Stephano and his sociopathic personality was written and I liked how Carmen understood him. This was a good book. I expected unoriginal characters and got at least one phenomenal one, Stephano and a heroine who could match him. I would have given this more stars if her past trauma was more consistent. I felt like Carmen had a few too many magical penis mental health overrides that went along with the "my body betrays me" moments that seemed really unlikely under all her circumstances.
January 22, 2020
I adored Carmen and Stefano's story. It was dark and suspenseful and although Stefano won't take no for an answer he truly wants her happy....on his terms. Perfection!
#MSBB
#MSBB
September 20, 2020
This is the fourth in Ms. Sykes's Captive series, but the first I've read. While it's a standalone in terms of the couple, the political machinations of the cartel and several secondary characters are from previous books: I wouldn't say that I was lost, but I was conscious of missing a few plot points.
Stefano has been obsessed with Carmen, the sister of a rival drug lord, since he seduced her to get information on her brother more than a decade ago. When an opportunity arises to crush his rival and capture his sister, he takes it. What he's not prepared for is just how much the sweet and vulnerable Carmen has changed in the intervening years.
I enjoyed this tremendously and highly recommend it, but I want to make clear that if you love "dark" -- that hopelessly useless and completely vague term that's supposed to mean everything -- you may be disappointed since it's really more a medium shade of gray. Yes, Stefano keeps Carmen captive, intending to train her as his pet, but he doesn't rape her, doesn't harm her, and genuinely wants what's best for her. In addition, the abuse that Carmen suffered in the past is thankfully not related in a Grand Guignol manner, luxuriating in all the horrific details as so many authors love to do. For me this was relief, but others may be disappointed.
Instead, we get two rather atypical characters for this genre. Carmen is a highly intelligent, highly capable woman who cares deeply for others, doesn't fold at her first spanking, and is never a doormat. Though Stefano is a sociopath, he...well, let's just say that no one with a cat can be all bad. While the facts that this book glorifies those who trade in drugs and the characters verge on Mexican stereotypes do give me pause, I did root for the couple and their HEA -- which is important because except for a few scenes, this is really a cabin romance.
I also appreciated the writing style, which was clear, grammatically correct, and free from typos. There are times when the author uses a memorable turn of phrase ("He was a sledgehammer to the face, whereas I was a knife in the back").
What keeps this from being 5 stars for me are some important plot points that either happen off the page () or aren't thought through deeply enough (I kept thinking throughout the entire book that Stefano's plans for Carmen were ultimately counter-productive to his end goals; the fact that he . The crisis at the end was particularly filled with plot holes since it's never explained why .
4 stars. Two of the characters who appear here will get their story next; I look forward to reading it. I really appreciated the attention to human trafficking and class in this book; I expect we'll hear more about it in the next.
Stefano has been obsessed with Carmen, the sister of a rival drug lord, since he seduced her to get information on her brother more than a decade ago. When an opportunity arises to crush his rival and capture his sister, he takes it. What he's not prepared for is just how much the sweet and vulnerable Carmen has changed in the intervening years.
I enjoyed this tremendously and highly recommend it, but I want to make clear that if you love "dark" -- that hopelessly useless and completely vague term that's supposed to mean everything -- you may be disappointed since it's really more a medium shade of gray. Yes, Stefano keeps Carmen captive, intending to train her as his pet, but he doesn't rape her, doesn't harm her, and genuinely wants what's best for her. In addition, the abuse that Carmen suffered in the past is thankfully not related in a Grand Guignol manner, luxuriating in all the horrific details as so many authors love to do. For me this was relief, but others may be disappointed.
Instead, we get two rather atypical characters for this genre. Carmen is a highly intelligent, highly capable woman who cares deeply for others, doesn't fold at her first spanking, and is never a doormat. Though Stefano is a sociopath, he...well, let's just say that no one with a cat can be all bad. While the facts that this book glorifies those who trade in drugs and the characters verge on Mexican stereotypes do give me pause, I did root for the couple and their HEA -- which is important because except for a few scenes, this is really a cabin romance.
I also appreciated the writing style, which was clear, grammatically correct, and free from typos. There are times when the author uses a memorable turn of phrase ("He was a sledgehammer to the face, whereas I was a knife in the back").
What keeps this from being 5 stars for me are some important plot points that either happen off the page () or aren't thought through deeply enough (I kept thinking throughout the entire book that Stefano's plans for Carmen were ultimately counter-productive to his end goals; the fact that he . The crisis at the end was particularly filled with plot holes since it's never explained why .
4 stars. Two of the characters who appear here will get their story next; I look forward to reading it. I really appreciated the attention to human trafficking and class in this book; I expect we'll hear more about it in the next.
March 16, 2022
🔥😰🤔 Complex reading
Gangsters Adrián Rodriguez and Stefano Duarte had just attacked Pedro Ronaldo’s estate.
What follows ?
They were going to burn everything...
But Stefano first wanted to kidnap Carmen, Pedro’s sister, because he had plans for her...
-------------------------
I had a little trouble immersing myself in the rest of the series, especially because the two main characters Stefano and Carmen are complex, Stefano being unsympathetic and rather cruel.
But there is a mystery to solve in the past of the two main characters from the first pages.
It intrigued me so much that I kept reading page after page.
However, some passages in the book are quite uncomfortable to read.
The author has outdone herself in the descriptions, a real maelström of emotions.
I couldn’t figure out Stefano’s character.
Is he playing the sadistic madman or is he really ?
Some very moving passages all the same.
A complex borderline reading.
I will read on the next book.
########################################################################################################$#
DANS LES GRIFFES DE LA MAFIA :
🔥😰🤔 Une lecture complexe.
Les mafieux Adrián Rodriguez et Stefano Duarte venaient d’attaquer le domaine de Pedro Ronaldo.
La suite ?
Ils allaient tout brûler...
Mais Stefano voulait d’abord enlever Carmen, la sœur de Pedro, car il avait des projets pour elle...
------------
J’ai eu un peu de mal à me replonger dans la suite de la série, d’autant plus que les deux personnages principaux , Stefano et Carmen, sont complexes ; Stefano étant peu sympathique et plutôt cruel...
Mais il y a un mystère à résoudre dans le passé des deux personnages, dès les premières pages.
Ça m’a tellement intriguée que j’ai continué à lire page après page.
Toutefois, certains passages du livre sont assez inconfortables à lire.
L’auteure s’est surpassée dans les descriptions.
Je n’ai pas réussi à cerner le personnage de Stefano.
Joue-t-il au fou sadique ou l’est-il vraiment ?
Quelques passages très émouvants tout de même.
Une lecture borderline complexe.
Je lirai la suite.
Gangsters Adrián Rodriguez and Stefano Duarte had just attacked Pedro Ronaldo’s estate.
What follows ?
They were going to burn everything...
But Stefano first wanted to kidnap Carmen, Pedro’s sister, because he had plans for her...
-------------------------
I had a little trouble immersing myself in the rest of the series, especially because the two main characters Stefano and Carmen are complex, Stefano being unsympathetic and rather cruel.
But there is a mystery to solve in the past of the two main characters from the first pages.
It intrigued me so much that I kept reading page after page.
However, some passages in the book are quite uncomfortable to read.
The author has outdone herself in the descriptions, a real maelström of emotions.
I couldn’t figure out Stefano’s character.
Is he playing the sadistic madman or is he really ?
Some very moving passages all the same.
A complex borderline reading.
I will read on the next book.
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DANS LES GRIFFES DE LA MAFIA :
🔥😰🤔 Une lecture complexe.
Les mafieux Adrián Rodriguez et Stefano Duarte venaient d’attaquer le domaine de Pedro Ronaldo.
La suite ?
Ils allaient tout brûler...
Mais Stefano voulait d’abord enlever Carmen, la sœur de Pedro, car il avait des projets pour elle...
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J’ai eu un peu de mal à me replonger dans la suite de la série, d’autant plus que les deux personnages principaux , Stefano et Carmen, sont complexes ; Stefano étant peu sympathique et plutôt cruel...
Mais il y a un mystère à résoudre dans le passé des deux personnages, dès les premières pages.
Ça m’a tellement intriguée que j’ai continué à lire page après page.
Toutefois, certains passages du livre sont assez inconfortables à lire.
L’auteure s’est surpassée dans les descriptions.
Je n’ai pas réussi à cerner le personnage de Stefano.
Joue-t-il au fou sadique ou l’est-il vraiment ?
Quelques passages très émouvants tout de même.
Une lecture borderline complexe.
Je lirai la suite.
January 21, 2020
This is the story of Carmen Ronaldo and Stefano Duarte, and the fourth book in Captive series, although this can be read as a standalone, and still be enjoyed I say reading at least book 3 beforehand is the way to go! After reading Pretty Hostage I knew I needed this book. This leaps in where book 3 sorts of left off.
Ms. Sykes throws me right back into a plot that had my mind on overdrive and spinning. In Pretty Hostage, Carmen made a deal with Mateo but in this book, we see that the deal she made with him was no longer up for grabs and Stefano has struck a deal himself. He wants Carmen. The feelings he has for this woman he can't seem to understand, and he's not exactly trying to understand them. But he knows he wants her and what he wants he will get. Carmen once had a place in her heart for Stefano, but she was young and dumb now older, she can see all that this man is, and the pain he brings along with him. But is she able to keep her old feelings in check and not fall for this man again? Will Stefano get what he wants, what he needs and be able to call her his?
There was so much to this story, it had my spinning in each direction, for most of the book I wanted to reach in and bang their heads together!
I loved this, I love Ms. Syke's style of writing her ability to keep me on the tips of my toes until the very end. She continues to show me why I love dark romances and her books are one of the many reasons I will never walk away from this genre.
This was gripping, intense, all-consuming, addictive and heat came off the pages! I can't recommend this enough!
5 Stars!
Ms. Sykes throws me right back into a plot that had my mind on overdrive and spinning. In Pretty Hostage, Carmen made a deal with Mateo but in this book, we see that the deal she made with him was no longer up for grabs and Stefano has struck a deal himself. He wants Carmen. The feelings he has for this woman he can't seem to understand, and he's not exactly trying to understand them. But he knows he wants her and what he wants he will get. Carmen once had a place in her heart for Stefano, but she was young and dumb now older, she can see all that this man is, and the pain he brings along with him. But is she able to keep her old feelings in check and not fall for this man again? Will Stefano get what he wants, what he needs and be able to call her his?
There was so much to this story, it had my spinning in each direction, for most of the book I wanted to reach in and bang their heads together!
I loved this, I love Ms. Syke's style of writing her ability to keep me on the tips of my toes until the very end. She continues to show me why I love dark romances and her books are one of the many reasons I will never walk away from this genre.
This was gripping, intense, all-consuming, addictive and heat came off the pages! I can't recommend this enough!
5 Stars!
January 20, 2020
Kingpin’s Property is book four in the Captive Series by Julia Skyes, picking up the story of Carmen Ronaldo, a woman who is trying to take over her brother’s cartel and gets caught in the crossfire and leading male character, Stefano Duarte who takes Carmen as his ‘pet’ whilst making sure her and her brothers cartel crumbles.
Through the story we see the strength that Carmen has and the challenges she faces. Facing Stefano is just another one of her challenges and she does it with poise and sass as there are certainly times when you want to give Stefano a smack across the head as he is quite arrogant and pig-headed. He also doesn’t seem to gauge emotions like the rest of the population and Carmen has to try and teach him how to be more ‘human’ when dealing with things.
There is certainly a lot of push and pull between these two characters and Stefano’s thoughts about Carmen border on obsessive but I think that is a good thing, especially in this instance. This book has slightly dark connotations but flows really well showing us drama, sexy scenes, heart-break and redemption in a short amount of time. As the characters knew each other previously, you didn’t feel like this was a brand-new relationship, Instead just a slow burn building of something that was on-going.
If you like your cartel romances a little dark, sexy and sassy with really good characters, then this is the one for you!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Through the story we see the strength that Carmen has and the challenges she faces. Facing Stefano is just another one of her challenges and she does it with poise and sass as there are certainly times when you want to give Stefano a smack across the head as he is quite arrogant and pig-headed. He also doesn’t seem to gauge emotions like the rest of the population and Carmen has to try and teach him how to be more ‘human’ when dealing with things.
There is certainly a lot of push and pull between these two characters and Stefano’s thoughts about Carmen border on obsessive but I think that is a good thing, especially in this instance. This book has slightly dark connotations but flows really well showing us drama, sexy scenes, heart-break and redemption in a short amount of time. As the characters knew each other previously, you didn’t feel like this was a brand-new relationship, Instead just a slow burn building of something that was on-going.
If you like your cartel romances a little dark, sexy and sassy with really good characters, then this is the one for you!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
January 22, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Captive Series and it can be read as a standalone although, I suggest reading book three first. I will also caution those with triggers to read with care.
Stefano is ruthless, domineering and in complete control but Carmen is no wallflower. A night long ago brought them together and then tore them apart. Neither forgot the other but where Stefano rose to new heights, Carmen met her devil and was fortunate to come out the other side but not unscathed. Fast forward twelve years and there is a new sheriff in town as Stefano has taken out Pedro, Carmen’s brother, to take over his cartel and finally get what he considers his, Carmen. However, there is another that will do what he has to and take what belongs to Stefano….Will Stefano be able to keep Carmen or will he lose her to another? Will Carmen succumb to her new position in life or take the bull by the horns and get her due? Ms. Sykes has once again created an enthralling read where she just takes her readers away to the point that it does not feel like one is reading a book but right there amidst the action. (Think about the George Clooney Nespresso commercial in reverse.) This is one storyline that will keep you holding on tight as you go through the drama, betrayal, and so much more. If you are in search of a dark romance with bite and is all-consuming, then this is one to pick up asap! I highly recommend.
Stefano is ruthless, domineering and in complete control but Carmen is no wallflower. A night long ago brought them together and then tore them apart. Neither forgot the other but where Stefano rose to new heights, Carmen met her devil and was fortunate to come out the other side but not unscathed. Fast forward twelve years and there is a new sheriff in town as Stefano has taken out Pedro, Carmen’s brother, to take over his cartel and finally get what he considers his, Carmen. However, there is another that will do what he has to and take what belongs to Stefano….Will Stefano be able to keep Carmen or will he lose her to another? Will Carmen succumb to her new position in life or take the bull by the horns and get her due? Ms. Sykes has once again created an enthralling read where she just takes her readers away to the point that it does not feel like one is reading a book but right there amidst the action. (Think about the George Clooney Nespresso commercial in reverse.) This is one storyline that will keep you holding on tight as you go through the drama, betrayal, and so much more. If you are in search of a dark romance with bite and is all-consuming, then this is one to pick up asap! I highly recommend.
January 21, 2020
I don’t believe I have ever read a book by Julia Sykes that I just didn’t devour. Kingpin’s Property is the latest in the Captive Series and it is tantalizing. Sykes style of writing is unique and entertaining and will leaving you wanting more. With an obstinate heroine and an obsessed villainous hero, the characters are hard not to fall in love with. There is a ton of action (gunfire, kidnapping, sex) that will keep you turning the pages. There is more to come in the Captive Series, and I can’t wait to one-click the next book. 5-stars for Kingpin’s Property.
Stefano Duarte has been obsessed with Carmen Ronaldo for twelve years. Since the night he seduced her and stole all her brother’s secrets to set himself up as the newest, biggest drug lord, Carmen hasn’t been far from Stefano’s mind. Carmen hates Stefano and his betrayal and has done everything she can to establish herself as an equal in the cartel, but her brother had a different idea of Carmen’s role in the family business. Now Stefano has gotten Carmen all to himself and what he wants is simple; to have her submit and be his everything. Stefano wants Carmen’s mind, body and soul and will do whatever it takes to make her the Kingpin’s Property.
Stefano Duarte has been obsessed with Carmen Ronaldo for twelve years. Since the night he seduced her and stole all her brother’s secrets to set himself up as the newest, biggest drug lord, Carmen hasn’t been far from Stefano’s mind. Carmen hates Stefano and his betrayal and has done everything she can to establish herself as an equal in the cartel, but her brother had a different idea of Carmen’s role in the family business. Now Stefano has gotten Carmen all to himself and what he wants is simple; to have her submit and be his everything. Stefano wants Carmen’s mind, body and soul and will do whatever it takes to make her the Kingpin’s Property.
January 21, 2020
*There are no spoilers for this book in this review. There are some spoilers for prior books this series.*
*This book should be read after the first three books in this series to understand the full back story.*
*Slight panic attack warning. (If reading about panic attacks make you panic.)*
Carmen is the strongest and most willful heroine that Julia Sykes has written in this universe of books. At the end of Pretty Hostage (book 3), I wasn't even sure if I would like her because she played a part in the prior heroine's kidnapping (which Carmen thought was a rescue, but still).
The couple in this book has a deep back story that fuels the heroine's hatred. Being able to see the story from Carmen's perspective gets the reader on her side quickly (especially since we may not have been at first).
Stefano, the dark hero, is super self-aware that he's obsessed with Carmen. It's intriguing to see how he tries to win her over and also how hard she clings to her hatred because of their past.
This is a story of growth for the heroine and how she works through a lot of her own issues without anyone's help at all. I was excited to read it, and I finished it quickly.
Of course, there were hints throughout the story about the next couple. Really can't wait to learn more about them!!
*This book should be read after the first three books in this series to understand the full back story.*
*Slight panic attack warning. (If reading about panic attacks make you panic.)*
Carmen is the strongest and most willful heroine that Julia Sykes has written in this universe of books. At the end of Pretty Hostage (book 3), I wasn't even sure if I would like her because she played a part in the prior heroine's kidnapping (which Carmen thought was a rescue, but still).
The couple in this book has a deep back story that fuels the heroine's hatred. Being able to see the story from Carmen's perspective gets the reader on her side quickly (especially since we may not have been at first).
Stefano, the dark hero, is super self-aware that he's obsessed with Carmen. It's intriguing to see how he tries to win her over and also how hard she clings to her hatred because of their past.
This is a story of growth for the heroine and how she works through a lot of her own issues without anyone's help at all. I was excited to read it, and I finished it quickly.
Of course, there were hints throughout the story about the next couple. Really can't wait to learn more about them!!
Read
January 22, 2020I am never disappointed when reading a Julia Sykes book. I have also enjoyed the Captive series up until this point. So I have been waiting for the newest book in the series for a little while, and I was not disappointed.
Stefano is the head of a drug cartel in business with Adrian Rodriguez. When he participated in getting back Adrian's love, Stefano requested one thing, Carmen Ronaldo. It was agreed and things went on from there. Carmen and Stefano shared one night together twelve years ago. He used her to gain information from her family's cartel, and this in turn created his cartel. The repercussions of his actions are not known to him for this time.
Carmen is intent on becoming the lead of her family's cartel when her brother is overthrown. Things don't quite work out for her though, and she becomes a prisoner to Stefano. She fights against his rein over her with everything that she has. But the demons of her past and the desires of her present work against her.
They both have a past, that is dark and shrouded in pain, desperation, and strength. But until they allow for themselves to open up to each other, they will not be able to be their best selves.
I am looking forward to the next book, and more from the previous couples from the series.
Stefano is the head of a drug cartel in business with Adrian Rodriguez. When he participated in getting back Adrian's love, Stefano requested one thing, Carmen Ronaldo. It was agreed and things went on from there. Carmen and Stefano shared one night together twelve years ago. He used her to gain information from her family's cartel, and this in turn created his cartel. The repercussions of his actions are not known to him for this time.
Carmen is intent on becoming the lead of her family's cartel when her brother is overthrown. Things don't quite work out for her though, and she becomes a prisoner to Stefano. She fights against his rein over her with everything that she has. But the demons of her past and the desires of her present work against her.
They both have a past, that is dark and shrouded in pain, desperation, and strength. But until they allow for themselves to open up to each other, they will not be able to be their best selves.
I am looking forward to the next book, and more from the previous couples from the series.
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