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Savage Empire #2
Captivate
It was supposed to be a business arrangement: marry Kira Baranov, take over the Russian mafia, live separate lives.
Until Lyon Antonov fell in love.
Kira Baranov had a plan: marry Lyon Antonov and find a way to claim a power of her own. Then business became pleasure and pleasure became love. When tragedy forced Kira to admit she’d gotten too close, she did the only things she could do — run.
But she should have know there was no running from the Lion. When he finds her and brings her home, it’s not to revisit their passion, but to make her pay for her betrayal.
Then the bratva tips into a deadly war for control, and betrayal is revealed from another corner. Now Lyon needs all the help he can get — and his most powerful ally may be the one woman he can’t afford to trust again.
Until Lyon Antonov fell in love.
Kira Baranov had a plan: marry Lyon Antonov and find a way to claim a power of her own. Then business became pleasure and pleasure became love. When tragedy forced Kira to admit she’d gotten too close, she did the only things she could do — run.
But she should have know there was no running from the Lion. When he finds her and brings her home, it’s not to revisit their passion, but to make her pay for her betrayal.
Then the bratva tips into a deadly war for control, and betrayal is revealed from another corner. Now Lyon needs all the help he can get — and his most powerful ally may be the one woman he can’t afford to trust again.
354 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2022
90 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Michelle St. James
117 books586 followersMichelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 20, 2022
Part 2
3 💘⚡️⚡️⭐️s
My pov will be posted in the last part of the series.
(if I only knew...🤬
BE AWARE!!! Up to date, there will be 4 books in this savage series)
3 💘⚡️⚡️⭐️s
My pov will be posted in the last part of the series.
(if I only knew...🤬
BE AWARE!!! Up to date, there will be 4 books in this savage series)
March 2, 2022
Lyon and Kira are back. After finding Kira, Lyon is doing all he can to prove to Kira that their marriage is nothing more than the business arrangement it was meant to be. Kira is doing the same. Underlying, neither wants to admit to the other the feelings they still have. Will they admit them?
Lyon’s dream of becoming pakhan comes to fruition, but he still has to prove he is worthy by killing his enemy. It’s not so easy when he is in hiding. After, a vicious attack on Kira, he does find him and does what he vows to do.
Captivate is filled with suspense and thrills, and will keep you wanting more.
The cameos of some of our beloved other characters only adds to the book.
Michelle St James has outdone herself with Captivate. The next book in the series, Claim can’t come soon enough.
Lyon’s dream of becoming pakhan comes to fruition, but he still has to prove he is worthy by killing his enemy. It’s not so easy when he is in hiding. After, a vicious attack on Kira, he does find him and does what he vows to do.
Captivate is filled with suspense and thrills, and will keep you wanting more.
The cameos of some of our beloved other characters only adds to the book.
Michelle St James has outdone herself with Captivate. The next book in the series, Claim can’t come soon enough.
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March 18, 2023Rating and review coming soon!
February 24, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and I couldn’t put it down! It had all the action and angst that Capture had but this took it to another level. MSJ was very clever in including characters from her other series into Captivate (no spoiler here but if you haven’t read those series, they are a must read!) I am rooting for Lyon & Kira as a couple and I can’t wait to read Claim which is the 3rd book in this series.
February 25, 2022
Holy Fuego 🔥! Someone call the fire department because that was the best damned book I have ever read! The sexual tension between Lyon and Kira had me giddy and turned on the whole time! And let’s talk about those cameos 😍! Hands down Michelle best book you’ve ever written! I can honestly say I can’t wait to read it again!
March 8, 2022
There are unspoken words that need to be spilled.
Throughout this book we see Lyon being extremely possessive over Kira. He's also hard ass over anything in regards to her, leaving Kira probably feeling suffocated.
Kira was still reeling in the aftermath of her father's death and Lyon becoming the ruler of the Russian bratva. What she needed from Lyon wasn't the controlling, heartless husband and partner, she needed the soft and doting side.
They both push back and forth not seeking to give up control over whatever control they had with one another. But they do need to come to the middle on things and how to make this arranged marriage work.
Will these two be able to see this more than a business arrangement?
Throughout this book we see Lyon being extremely possessive over Kira. He's also hard ass over anything in regards to her, leaving Kira probably feeling suffocated.
Kira was still reeling in the aftermath of her father's death and Lyon becoming the ruler of the Russian bratva. What she needed from Lyon wasn't the controlling, heartless husband and partner, she needed the soft and doting side.
They both push back and forth not seeking to give up control over whatever control they had with one another. But they do need to come to the middle on things and how to make this arranged marriage work.
Will these two be able to see this more than a business arrangement?
February 26, 2022
OMG! Could not put it down!
When I read book 1 in this series - Capture - I just knew that Lyon & Kira could and would rule the world. But then she left... she thought it was best... noooo! But now Lyon has found her, brought her home, and is going to make her pay for leaving him and not fulfilling her marriage contract. But definitely not going to tell her he loves her.
These two are so stubborn and so prideful that neither will budge to admit they love each other and need each other for more than business related matters.
But now that Lyon has been appointed pakhan, he needs to eliminate his dangerous rival and cement his leadership of the bratva. Lyon & Kira need each other now more than ever!
Omg this jaw dropping ending has me dying with anticipation for part three!! It can't come soon enough!!!
When I read book 1 in this series - Capture - I just knew that Lyon & Kira could and would rule the world. But then she left... she thought it was best... noooo! But now Lyon has found her, brought her home, and is going to make her pay for leaving him and not fulfilling her marriage contract. But definitely not going to tell her he loves her.
These two are so stubborn and so prideful that neither will budge to admit they love each other and need each other for more than business related matters.
But now that Lyon has been appointed pakhan, he needs to eliminate his dangerous rival and cement his leadership of the bratva. Lyon & Kira need each other now more than ever!
Omg this jaw dropping ending has me dying with anticipation for part three!! It can't come soon enough!!!
March 7, 2022
Kira and Lyon have prowled back in my reading clutches and I was not disappointed in the wait. These two burn hot and quick for each other. It’s a shock people near them don’t feel the heat.
Lyon doesn’t want to trust the feelings that he has, Kira is guilty of the feelings that she has for him and is scared it will take her away from the power she seeks. Are trust issues common among Russians? I kid, I kid…
I’m loving this series because it’s not all lusty and mushy, the action build up and twist at the end make it so worth waiting for the next one. And I will wait, love me some dark, mafia drama with a dirty side.
*I voluntarily accepted an advance reader copy for my honest review*
Lyon doesn’t want to trust the feelings that he has, Kira is guilty of the feelings that she has for him and is scared it will take her away from the power she seeks. Are trust issues common among Russians? I kid, I kid…
I’m loving this series because it’s not all lusty and mushy, the action build up and twist at the end make it so worth waiting for the next one. And I will wait, love me some dark, mafia drama with a dirty side.
*I voluntarily accepted an advance reader copy for my honest review*
March 7, 2022
Lyon and Kira's story continues in this book. I was hoping to see the HEA of their story since they both have been through a lot, but you don't get to see much of their happiness in this book. But their story continues and I'm grateful for that, since I'm not ready to let them go... I can't wait for the next book of their story!
March 8, 2022
I am not sure why this is trilogy.
This installment's ending is a soft cliffhanger.
I like that the author focused more on rebuilding Kira and Lyons' relationship than the mafia suff while skillfully keeping us interested.
We knew about Musa, but the other villain is a surprise. A shocker even.
Great read.
This installment's ending is a soft cliffhanger.
I like that the author focused more on rebuilding Kira and Lyons' relationship than the mafia suff while skillfully keeping us interested.
We knew about Musa, but the other villain is a surprise. A shocker even.
Great read.
March 8, 2022
Captivate was a great read. I think I liked it better than the first book.
Lyon and Kira are my new favorite mafia couple.
The twist and turns of this book are easy to follow
I can’t wait to read the next one!
Lyon and Kira are my new favorite mafia couple.
The twist and turns of this book are easy to follow
I can’t wait to read the next one!
February 28, 2022
5 STARS for Captivate by Michelle St James
This is not a standalone and is Book 2 in the Savage Empire Series.
I highly suggest reading Book 1 Conquer it is such a great read also !
I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. I am a big fan of this author but I think this series is some of her best work and here is why :
Loved this cover and book blurb , also a great visual of Lyon Antonov
Arranged marriage
Bratva and Mafia settings
Kira Baranov wants to find a way to reclaim her power even if she goes on the run to do so
Excellent storytelling and plot twists I did not see coming
Characters that pop up from past series - Murphy Investigative Services Family and Syndicate Families
Sizzling chemistry
I read this book in just one day could not put it down. There is some angst in this book as both characters are struggling emotionally as well as encountering major trust issues.
I don’t know how Kira and Lyon’s story is going to play out in Book 3 but I cannot wait to find out.
I highly recommend this book , series and author ! Great Read !
This is not a standalone and is Book 2 in the Savage Empire Series.
I highly suggest reading Book 1 Conquer it is such a great read also !
I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. I am a big fan of this author but I think this series is some of her best work and here is why :
Loved this cover and book blurb , also a great visual of Lyon Antonov
Arranged marriage
Bratva and Mafia settings
Kira Baranov wants to find a way to reclaim her power even if she goes on the run to do so
Excellent storytelling and plot twists I did not see coming
Characters that pop up from past series - Murphy Investigative Services Family and Syndicate Families
Sizzling chemistry
I read this book in just one day could not put it down. There is some angst in this book as both characters are struggling emotionally as well as encountering major trust issues.
I don’t know how Kira and Lyon’s story is going to play out in Book 3 but I cannot wait to find out.
I highly recommend this book , series and author ! Great Read !
March 2, 2022
The continuation of this hot, suspenseful mafia romance is truly a page turner. It’s hot, primal, angsty and thoroughly captivating. A savage empire indeed, mixed with betrayal, violence and mistrust, I couldn’t wait to see what each page revealed. In this second installment, Lyon and Kira have so much more to lose while navigating the uncertainty of where their loyalties lies. It’s a push and pull with their pure, raw chemistry that drives them crazy and I can’t get enough of them. It’s a perfect mafia romance storm and I’m salivating for more. Michelle St. James I’m definitely hooked on this series!!
March 1, 2022
This book will have you looking forward to more.
Kira and Lyon are finding themselves again, but still with that nagging question, “Can I trust again, can I love again fully.”
Then there is the business end which brought them together in the first placeI, is it going to work? There are some people out there who have their eyes on the Chicago Bratva. One of them is a complete surprise to Lyon. Who can he trust?
With Kira’s help he gets to meet with Ronan Murphy and Nico Vitale from the Syndicate. What good can come of these two rival organizations meeting.
There is so much in this part of Kira and Lyon’s story that I hated to see it end. I am waiting on pins and needles to see what the next book holds for us.
Kira and Lyon are finding themselves again, but still with that nagging question, “Can I trust again, can I love again fully.”
Then there is the business end which brought them together in the first placeI, is it going to work? There are some people out there who have their eyes on the Chicago Bratva. One of them is a complete surprise to Lyon. Who can he trust?
With Kira’s help he gets to meet with Ronan Murphy and Nico Vitale from the Syndicate. What good can come of these two rival organizations meeting.
There is so much in this part of Kira and Lyon’s story that I hated to see it end. I am waiting on pins and needles to see what the next book holds for us.
March 2, 2022
Riddled with guilt because she feels indirect responsible for her father’s murder, Kira escapes to a small town on an island to get away from Lyon and their marriage. Kira feels she does not deserve to be happy and being away from Lyon is the punishment she deserves. On her way back home from doing shopping in town, she is taken captive and drugged. While Kira and Lyon are determined to be indifferent and cold toward each other, an unknown enemy is lurking in the shadows. This second book in the series hooks the reader from the first page till the very end with loads of tension, secrets, and sizzling romance.
March 5, 2022
From the first page, I couldn’t put it down. I was so engrossed in the story I couldn’t believe the book ended! I love Kira and Lyon together and am looking forward to the next book in the series Claim!
March 4, 2022
Consuming !!
The second book in the Savage Empire is positively alluring and gripping.
Lyon and Kira are captivating and passionate characters! This storyline is so very intriguing, intense and engaging.
Michelle’s writing is entrancing and outstanding.
A remarkable addition to her impressive collection.
An awesome and definite MUST read.
The second book in the Savage Empire is positively alluring and gripping.
Lyon and Kira are captivating and passionate characters! This storyline is so very intriguing, intense and engaging.
Michelle’s writing is entrancing and outstanding.
A remarkable addition to her impressive collection.
An awesome and definite MUST read.
February 26, 2022
This story is Riveting! Lion and Kira's tumultuous relationship continues as Lion has her brought back after she ran from him. Needless to say, Lion is pissed off at Kira for leaving him. This story kept me on the edge guessing who the bad guys are and who wants Lion out of the Bratva. Who can you trust? That is the number one question. Kira and Lion need to get their act together in order to come out on top. I love Bratva stories and this one has lots of Bratva "business" going on. I couldn't wait to get to the end and see who wants Lion out and guess what? You will have to read this book to find out. But make sure you read Conquer, book 1 first so you know what's going on and who's who. Another phenomenal series by Michelle St, James.
March 2, 2022
Can't get enough of the Lion
2nd book kept me reading late into the night!
My 2nd favorite characters and series.
Lyon and Kira's stubbornness and their combative personalities.... the sex scenes
😃😃😃 and battling their inner demons to not show weakness and hurt that she had done to him, to continue the marriage arrangement done for the Bratva.
Michelle has done it again with these characters; she did not disappoint!
2nd book kept me reading late into the night!
My 2nd favorite characters and series.
Lyon and Kira's stubbornness and their combative personalities.... the sex scenes
😃😃😃 and battling their inner demons to not show weakness and hurt that she had done to him, to continue the marriage arrangement done for the Bratva.
Michelle has done it again with these characters; she did not disappoint!
February 27, 2022
The continuation of Lyon and Kira’s story. I love the constant push and pull of their relationship and the drama of the Bratva and now (gasp) Syndicate. I couldn’t put the book down and it leaves off with such a cliffhanger I can’t even stand knowing I have to wait for the next one. This author KNOWS how to get you interested and KEEP you interested. And don’t get me started on the bonus epilogue. Whew bring on book 3!
February 28, 2022
Book 2 of Lyon and Kiras story, Savage Empire
Lyon has found Kira. The tension and sexual angst is as high as the bratva stakes!
This is fast becoming my favourite series of Michelle's. I need book 3!!!!
Lyon has found Kira. The tension and sexual angst is as high as the bratva stakes!
This is fast becoming my favourite series of Michelle's. I need book 3!!!!
February 27, 2022
Captivate is the 2nd book in the Savage Empire Series. Lyon Antonov & Kira are in an arranged marriage . They both have power and combined can be a power house together. They won’t admit that each one loves the other so they can come together and be the most powerful couple in the syndicate. The book has twist and turns and I really enjoyed it. Michelle St.James never disappoints in her writing.
February 27, 2022
Captivating
The second book in the series will keep you captivated. I read it from cover to cover in one day! Lion and Kira have a chemistry you can feel through the page.
The second book in the series will keep you captivated. I read it from cover to cover in one day! Lion and Kira have a chemistry you can feel through the page.
March 7, 2022
Kira has left Lyon & is staying on a island, she misses him a lot but she won't go back. Lyon hates her for leaving him when he fell in love with her. Will they be able to reunite or did the letter that Kira left be the end!!!
February 25, 2022
What happens when you put to dynamic personalities together in a game of love and hate? Explosive heat! The tension between Kira and Lyon is so fiery I devoured this book in one morning. Add the unexpected twists into the mix, and I didn’t want the book to end.
February 26, 2022
Wowsers, another gripping book following on from the first. Stakes are high with Lyon and trying to find Musa, also trying to find his wife and deciding if he can trust her. Kira wants Lyon but she’s not sure if things can work out.
February 22, 2022
This was an exciting and action packed read. There was also sexy times and love
March 29, 2022
Oooh! So good!!
I enjoyed book one, but I think book two is even better.
This one has all the things you want and need from a Mafia/Bratva story...
The violence, lies, family loyalties and betrayals and all the steamy parts between two strong characters! These pages turned themselves and I was sad to reach the end of this book quicker than I wanted to be.
This author has left this story on a cliffhanger (again) and while that really makes me frustrated, I am certainly going to read this story to its conclusion. It is easy to read and enjoy, and I can't wait for the next book.
I enjoyed book one, but I think book two is even better.
This one has all the things you want and need from a Mafia/Bratva story...
The violence, lies, family loyalties and betrayals and all the steamy parts between two strong characters! These pages turned themselves and I was sad to reach the end of this book quicker than I wanted to be.
This author has left this story on a cliffhanger (again) and while that really makes me frustrated, I am certainly going to read this story to its conclusion. It is easy to read and enjoy, and I can't wait for the next book.
April 17, 2023
Wasn’t really my cup of tea and I found myself skipping some bits just to get through it. This is the second book though so maybe I missed something in the first book (which I haven’t read) that might have helped me connect with the characters more.
Dual POV, med spice, 18+
Dual POV, med spice, 18+
March 18, 2022
More from Lyon and Kira! After the explosive cliffhanger in the first book, I was very intrigued to see what happened next for this couple, as well as Lyon’s standing in the bratva. These characters continue to battle over proving to each other that their marriage is only a business arrangement and nothing more, while in the background you can see that these two clearly care for each other and have feelings more than just an arrangement. Lyon also finally achieves his dream of being the top person in the bratva, but with that comes more responsibility and a larger target on his back, as well as a target on Kira’s as well. I can’t wait for the finale of this couple to see what happens after Kira’s attack and Lyon’s vengeance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews