Bound to Darkness

Doubeck Crime Family #3

by J.L. Beck, Monica Corwin, Meghan Kelly (Narrator)

They call me a playboy.
Society's pretty pet.
What they don’t know is I’m so much more.
My only directive was to keep her hidden, and safe.
After everything she’s been through I’m the last person to offer comfort and care.
I have little experience with either. Both of us have been broken by our pasts.
But mine is catching up to me, and I would deal with it as I usually do: with total decimation.
But that puts her in the crosshairs, and that’s unacceptable.
Old wounds are peeled back for both of us, and it’s time to face the darkness or she’ll never be able to find the light.
As for me, nothing but darkness waits.
It’s what I want.
It’s what I deserve.
**This is book 3 in the Doubeck Crime Family Series. It is a complete standalone, and contains material suitable for adults only. **

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Erotica, Contemporary

7 pages, Audible Audio

Published September 13, 2022

About the author

J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

Reviews

[TMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: violence, drug use, rape, child trafficking, politics, murder, kidnapping, agoraphobia, social anxiety.

NOTE: DO NOT READ THIS AS A STANDALONE. YOU WILL MISS OUT ON THE CONTEXT IF YOU DO NOT READ IN ORDER. THANK YOU.

So...

So first we get a heroine by the name of Rose - she's been r***ed, (it is hinted in this book - discussed in previous books), assaulted, kidnapped, basically every moraless sinful crime you can do to an innocent soul. Now she is under protection of her cousin's hired bodyguard friend (her cousin's story is the first two books in the series). But as usual fiends are at play and nothing will stop them to get to her.

Hero comes by the name of Kai - he's been also through r***, so prison is exactly what they say in movies - protecting his friend and friend's wife, and her cousin, at all costs. Which brings to his many traumatised moments and often downright risk-taking behaviour.

Of course, this doesn't stop sparks flying between them, and outside as enemies are not far.

And so chaos ensues, and sparks, bloodshed, murder vengeance, battling your own demons, depending on your loved ones.

You know the usual when it comes to a mafia romance. But still fun and engaging, I won't lie.

So this was new for me in the sense - that this was my first time reading a Monica Corwin novel as well. I understand this was a collab, so I was pleasantly surprised. I have read J.L Beck's books before, so no surprise there. But yeah Monica's writing was surprising as well intriguing, in creating the two leads. More on that later.

And depicting that both of them showed that they still hadn't gotten over their demons, and were having a difficult time dealing with mental health issues was something I found intriguing. Usually we have heroines/heros who instantly recover after being in a relationship/or suppressed. But here we had an exploration of negative feelings, difficulty with mental health issues. Which I was there for all the way. So thanks for that.

However, I still had a few objections. Seems J.L Beck is often fond of writing r*** in stories, despite there being a lot of traumas in the world for one to experience and grieve. But of course her thinking must be truly something horrific to get a reaction out of a reader it seems. Oh well. But I do need me a breather from time to time. So maybe easing up on her novels might be a start.

Also I didn't enjoy the few instances of a fatphobic joke - I am a curvy (could be considered big in size) female, so having to hear those jokes was distressing for me. So please...kindly don't include them as a suggestion to the authors. But still I loved how the heroine stood for herself when anyone tried to make fun of her.

Kinda wish they would include the trigger warnings beforehand- getting sick and tired of having to explain this fact constantly and having to put those warnings myself. Sigh...I wish they would learn.

But, I did enjoy this novel, compared to the last one. An actual sassed and fiery heroine (with actual issues), an antihero (who's unconventional as hell), the banter as well, villains to be actually despised, and the lingering distrust to be true (as even family members in this book are not to be trusted), the side characters were fun (the previous main couple's behaviour in this one made me definitely want to read their story), also the many plot twists, hair pulling moments, and steamy chemistry was something I definitely enjoyed - helping to root hard for the FMC and MMC real hard later and enjoy the book real good too.

As well as the cliffhanger ending - with a new couple getting introduced. Michail and Serena, are at your doors already. But will you take a risk to know them and lose your heart? Find out today! In Bound For Cruelty - already on every other retailer.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alina Kravets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ну книга мені не дуже сподобалось. Очікувала щось інше. Особливо як в кінці 2 книги , говорили про те зо Кай піклувався про Роуз весь цей час. Але по ітогу він просто підводив її до краю кожного разу, не дивлячись на те що вона пережила згвалтування і майже вбивство. Не розумію його вчинків від слова взагалі.
Тут вона затворниця яка не виходить з квартири, і нікому не дозволяє до себе торкатись, в іншу секунду її зажимає Кай і їй добре.
Що мені сподобалось так це травма Кая, те що його накачала накротиками жінка і гвалтувала, ця тема дуже рідко підймається в книгах, тому мені було цікаво читати це, і дивитись на те до чого це призведе.
Тому трієчка. І я не буду продовжувати серію.
Бо як я уже подивилась наступна книга про сестру Кая, і вона мені вже не сподобалась саме в цій книзі.

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

hated their past...both raped etc.
It was a slow burn, which was fine with me ...but then unfortunately when they started messing around i didn't feel it natural...you know, it was kind of forced..dunno.
The build up wasn't good...also for the one's who didn't read Val's and Adrian's book would miss a lot of info about Kai and Rose..like what happened to them in the past...in this one, it's barely said..
Unfortunately this one didn't work for me, i knew already i wouldn't like it cuz their past BUT i hoped the author would give them a proper connection ..but nope :'(

[C. Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story that was beautiful, steamy, captivating, angst, head spinning and so delicious! I could not put it down.

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Kai

Heroine : Rose

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 4/10

Heat Rating : 4/10

Triggers Involved : Kidnapping , Past Trauma , Rape , Non Con

Overall Opinion :
Life has never been easy for Kai but the last thing he expects of himself is to be looking out for a woman. Not any woman. The woman he has wanted all along. Rose is someone who has been through a lot. She has her dark moments and now it is upto Kai to look for her and live with her.

Living with an unknown man should be a nightmare for Rose because of what she has been through but it is not. Kai is someone she knows and he makes her feel protected. Her demons won't hurt her as long as he is with her. But what if he is the very demon she has been running all along?

I loved this installment in this series. I have read the previous books and this curve about Kai and Rose intrigued me a lot. I am so excited for the next book now! That couple made me even more excited. This book is a standalone with a HEA about Rose and Kai but there is so much more to come. Definitely recommending this book to all the mafia romance loving people out there.

Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter

[Lindsey Davis]

This story is so unbelievably amazing and had me flipping pages faster and faster to find out what happens next! It was definitely one I couldn’t put down and now I’m needing the next book more then ever. This book had my heart twisted and hurting, it’s dark, twisted, crazy and emotional on another level. It was so unpredictable you don’t see what’s coming until you do. It will definitely keep you wanting more and more. This is one dark romance you don’t want to miss!!!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Kai and Rose’s story was explosive, emotional, action packed, filled with drama, danger and a whole lot of steamy moments. There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

It is a crazy and wild rollercoaster ride that you never want to end.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 AMAZING STARS!! This one was amazing....I was so addicted to the story. I was sitting on the edge of my seat all the way through. These two authors did a great job with there storytelling.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two were meant to be!!

Kai was asked to keep Rose safe and hidden away. After everything she's been through he must push her just to make her want to live. What Rose doesn't realize is Kai has secrets too, things he wishes he could forget. These two are absolutely perfect for each other and their story is fabulous!

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book says it is a stand-alone I will admit I was missing huge chunks of the story. Rose is under the protection of Kai as he keeps her safe from the society. While she is battling her demons, Kai is battling his attraction to her. This story takes a turn when Rose starts to feel comfortable with Kai and things turn physical.
The story was fast paced and steamy. I would recommend reading the prior two books in order to get the entirety of Rose's story and why she is so closed off.
I am writing this review with my own personal opinion in exchange for an advanced copy of the story voluntarily.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Love this mafia family
Broken dark twisted heartstopping love story of Kai and Rose
All the feels
Ready for more
Need Selena and Mikhail

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I really enjoyed this story. The author did a good job writing this story. I highly recommend this book. Five stars from me!

[Dianne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound To Darkness is book three in the series, whilst it can be read as a stand-alone I would suggest reading the two previous books. This will give some context to the characters as well as the dynamics within the Council and the Season.

This book picks up where Promise To Keep leaves off and it is Kai and Rose's story.

Wow what a story this is, it’s fair to say I’ve been counting down the months for this and the book definitely doesn’t disappoint. This book does cover some dark themes for both of the main characters but these are integral to the story. Both Kai and Rose have had to endure very traumatic abuse and both are quite damaged souls but it is clear from their interactions that Kia and Rose have something special to fight for. Kai can be a very ruthless and decisive man but the patience he has with Rose was wonderful to read. That being said while initially Rose for a very good reason appeared a shell of her former self she found her feet and could in Kai’s words be quite the Wildcat. Neither she nor Kai were willing to be a victim again and fought for what they believed in. I loved the how they could push each other’s buttons but would always always have each other’s back no matter the cost.

You really felt for Rose who was constantly being moved about by Kai to keep her safe. I loved how her personality and confidence was returning. Also she was definitely more bloodthirsty than her cousin in terms of exacting her revenge and defending herself and those she loves. It seems that Kai always puts his ‘Family’ first so when Rose proposes a solution to their problem to keep them both safe you can see how conflicted Kai is. It’s his job to ensure the safety of his Family and those he care about not the other way around. His relationship with Rose surpasses all others but can he really have this bit of happiness.

The storytelling was pacy with plenty of twists and turns, the characters were multi dimensional. I loved how despite being sensitive to what Rose has been through Kai does push Rose to her limits to keep her moving forward and not locked in the past. Helping her heal and maybe himself in the process. It was clear the authors were invested in telling the best story they could for Kai and Rose.

It was a brilliant read and I can’t wait for the next book. You did see a bit if an insight to Kai’s family so hopefully the next book in the series will delve into this deeper as it focuses on Michail and Kai’s sister.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kai’s story begins when Adrian and Valentina bring him home from the councils cold prison cell where he’s been held in nothing but underwear for the convenience of the ‘council bitch’ as Kai calls her. Too ashamed to mention that he’s been repeatedly raped by being dosed with viagra and tied to the bed, he’s a lot of healing to do but his first priority is Rose. He needs to check on her and see how she’s doing before they get out of dodge.
Rose has had a lot of healing to do. First physically from when Sal left her for dead, and then emotionally and psychologically. She’s been speaking to a therapist but things aren’t progressing quickly. The slightest thing can get her out of sorts. Kai missing his visit last week being one. She hates being locked up but she never wants to set foot out of the house. Apart from the housekeeper who sticks to a rigid routine and doesn’t speak to her, Kai is her only human contact. So when he turns up a week late, stays overnight and tells her that they’re leaving in the morning, it doesn’t go down so well. She’s been lashing out for months, smashing things and now full on fighting with him. Kai was hoping things would have made more headway, so he’s going to have to change tactics, plus he desperately needs to get them both out of the councilwoman’s crosshairs. So one way or another he’s leaving and Rose is coming with him…
This was a well written and brilliant addition to this series. The story can be read as a standalone but you do both the authors and yourself a disservice by not reading Adrian and Valentina’s sort first. Kai and Rose’s story is gut wrenching at times. Kai feels so much shame for what he endured in prison and Rose feels it just as much. She endured the abuse she suffered under Sal’s hands for so long because it protected her cousin. She will always have her demons and the last attack seriously damaged her. But together, Kai and Rose begin to heal. The passion between them is slow burning, creeping up on them. Rose will go out of her way to help Kai after everything he has done for her., especially when she discovers the truth. The story keeps you riveted and does not disappoint. Fantastic.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑩𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑱𝑳 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒊𝒏
𝑎𝑟𝑐 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤

I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is book 3 in the Doubeck Crime Family series. This can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading In order. This is the first book from this series that I read and I could tell there was some backstory that would have been helpful for me to have read prior to this book.
Rose is being held in Kai’s house for her protection after being previously attacked. Initially the two of them have very little interaction, until Kai decides that they need to relocate to a different safe location. She begins to trust him more and they get to know one another. The more time they spend together the more the chemistry between them becomes obvious to one another. While they are forced into close proximity to one another, Kai tries to fight his attraction to Rose. Once they both give in to their feelings, there is no turning back. Things between them are hot, intense and will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I loved the character development between these two characters. Each chapter is told in alternating point of views, which really lets you get into each of their heads and get to know them on a deeper level. It was amazing to see the change in Rose as her character developed and what a strong and bold woman she becomes. This book is intense, thrilling, and so so hot. I fell in love with these two, and hated it to end. I definitely recommend, but if I read it again, I would read the first two in the series first for better background understanding.
4⭐️

[loubie bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and though it was described as being a totally standalone book with no need to have read the previous books, I found that yes it is a separate story but not having a clue what had happened before left me at a disadvantage. The previous books and characters feature heavily in this book and I was left clueless and still am to a certain extent. I still don’t know what happened to Rose in the previous books. I honestly think you need to read them in order to be able to enjoy this book as much as it deserves, because I really liked this book. It was brilliant, had a totally different power play than I was expecting especially with a certain councilwoman, though I don’t know quite how she featured in the other books. In this book you get to see her as she really is: sexually warped and insane, especially at the end of the book when you realise this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Reading this book breaks your heart for both Rose and Kai who are both trying to heal from huge trauma while also staying hidden and alive. Not easy to do, let alone when despite everything they’ve been through they start wanting each other. The way this book is written is so damn good, I soon got lost in the world I was reading. I just wish it made more sense in some places. It’s definitely a 5 star book but my advice would be to ignore the fact it says it’s a standalone with a separate story and don’t need to have read previous books to enjoy this one. Please read the other books so you can enjoy this book properly.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[platypus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I prefer the first two books to this one.

The rain style was obviously very very sore and I actually loved the characters throughout, so it wasn’t necessarily that I didn’t like it. I just prefer the other two

Rose annoyed me basically throughout the entire book, so I can’t argue that she’s not a good character. She is very much Girlboss, and certainly Gaslight gate keep herself, but I just she slightly drove me up the wall. I felt I had to turn around the transition from being super traumatised to moving on with not developed as well enough as it was was Valentina in the first book.

Kai was a good guy, so he lacked a certain quality. The Adrian had in the first book. I thought he just kept running, and while I understood why it felt he was so flippant with her trauma at the beginning, like she had been through such a horrible situation, and yet he continued to make threats that implied the same thing, and it made me uncomfortable though later on we saw against that, so it just felt unnecessary.

I expected Valentina and Adrian to have a blowup fight over the fact that Rose was alive, and they just didn’t, and I was shocked, because a key part of their relationship was that they couldn’t keep secrets from each other, but then there was this massive secret, then never addressed between them

Overall, it was still a good book, but I would only re-read the first two of the series and not this one and I doubt I’ll read the rest of the series primarily because I think the characters that are in the following books haven’t been developed enough for me to be interested in them

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book said standalone, but i'll say you should read from the previous two books to know completely whats going on.
My fault i didn't do that so i was coming in blind on what happened to Rose. What kind of brutal abuse she endured. What's with the council and all. Who is Kai really in this council world the author created. What happened that send Kai to prison and to the hand of that rapist councilwoman.
So many questions i should have known if i just read the previous books.

So, i'll say this book is interconnected standalone that should be read from the start to get the fully experience.

Leaving all that behind, Kai and Rose's chemistry does standalone in this book. İts rocky at first consdering what happened to Rose and the abuse Kai endured him self and hide so well from Rose.
Love how Rose slowly change from her victim state then getting stronger with Kai keep pushing her to her edge. İt show how strong Rose is despite everything has happened.
The smegsi scenes between them are combustible. But also healing. For everytime it mean claiming power for them self again.
And then the scene toward the ending with Kai and and his abuser... That's the darkness i waited from this duo author. Vivid detail so chilling, i was angry, scared, furious, heartbreak, and angry again for Kai.
Perfect ending for me in that scene.
Love the darkness the authors bring for it bring out the light for Kai and Rose HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

They call me a playboy. Society's pretty pet. What they don't know is I'm so much more. My only directive was to keep her hidden and safe. After everything she's bee through I'm the last person to offer comfort and care. I have little experience with either. Both of us have been broken by our pasts. But mine is catching up to me, and I would deal with it as I usually do: with total decimation. But, that puts her in the crosshairs and that is unacceptable. Old wounds are peeled back for both you, and it's time to face the darkness or she'll never be able to find the light. As for me, nothing but darkness waits. It's what I want. It's what I deserve

This is the third book in the Doubeck Crime Family it says that it is a standalone but I really think that you need to go back and read Vow to Protect and Promise To Keep. You would understand the characters and the back story so much better if you did that. Those other two books are really good. but this one really keeps you on your toes and one the edge of your seat for the entire thing . It is a dark romance series that you really need to read. I know that I am so glad I read thee three books in this series.

[BLOODY BLOGGER JO · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ‼ MY GAWD WHAT AN AMAZING STORY‼🔥❤📖📖😍
JL Beck and Monica Corwin knock this out of the ball park‼ The heat between MCs is unmeasurable🔥 The suspense just adds hotness to their chemistry. This book had me glued to the pages as I read and read nonstop‼ My God, the world build, the drama, suspense, action and storyline is interwoven with such precision that makes this unputdownable. It has the feels as well, at least for me. I was captivated, lol. All the characters were portrayed vividly exactly as the part they were written for. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a well written smooth read. I can't wait for the next installment of this terrific book‼🔥❤🤩😍😶📖📚
Note: this is a 3rd installment so I highly recommend book 1 & 2👍 Review for you 2 great authors!!!

A MUST READ‼ MY GAWD WHAT AN AMAZING STORY‼🔥❤📖📖😍
JL Beck and Monica Corwin knock this out of the ball park‼ The heat between MCs is unmeasurable🔥 The suspense just adds hotness to their chemistry. This book had me glued to the pages as I read and read nonstop‼ My God, the world build, the drama, suspense, action and storyline is interwoven with such precision that makes this unputdownable. It has the feels as well, at least for me. I was captivated, lol. All the characters were portrayed vividly exactly as the part they were written for. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a well written smooth read. I can't wait for the next installment of this terrific book‼🔥❤🤩😍😶📖📚
Note: this is a 3rd installment so I highly recommend book 1 & 2👍

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is book three in the Doubeck Crime Family series but can be read as a standalone. But I do feel like I was missing a lot of the backstory here so I may have to go and download the first two books

Rose is under the protection of Kai, he is protecting her from the society. Rose has her demons she's struggling after what she went through and Kai is struggling with his attraction to her. Rose is having nightmares because of the abuse she went through, she's clearly traumatized and never really got help about what happened to her. Gosh my heart was broken reading her story and you can fully understand why she's just so angry all the time and the rage she feels too. Kai only wants to help her of course but while she pushes him away she is also intrigued by him and knows in her heart that he's desperately trying to help her and stop her from hurting herself.

As the story unfolds they become close and things do get steamy, they both have been through hell, Rose with her never feeling real pleasure and real intimacy, her only experience with sex is pain and hurt. Kai on the other hand he's struggling too with his past and what happened to him. This book is fast paced and a lot happens, there are more twist and turns a lot of secrets and lies are revealed. I didn't want this story to end, I actually felt empty when I finished it.

Please strap yourself in cause you're in for one bumpy ride!!! I can guarantee you won't be disappointed!!!

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was overall an Ok read. I felt for Kai and what he went through in the previous books and how he was dealing with the trauma that it caused him. And the bond that him and Rose had based on their similar situations gave them an extra connection in their relationship. This was for sure a slow burn with the first spicy scene starting just over 50% into the book. But once it hit it hit hard and kept going. I felt as though the story building and story line was in-depth and interesting for the first half of the book. Then after the spice that happened half way through I felt like someone new was writing the book. Which very well may have been the case with this being a co-written book. The last quarter of the book was confusing as I felt the writing style changed slightly and the characters were revealing little things about themselves that felt like I should have known from the beginning but it was never previously mentioned. Which was odd. Almost as if they were contradicting information about the characters. Overall not my favourite by this author by far as I’m usually speed reading her books and can’t stop talking about them. This is not a bad book at all. It just wasn’t my favourite, but it does have the potential to be someone’s favourite for sure. And maybe if I read it at a different time I could have loved it. But I’m 100% a mood reader. And I just wasn’t in the mood for this today.

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound To Darkness is book three in the Doubeck Crime Family series by J.L. Beck and Monica Corwin. This time we get Kai and Rose’s story. It could be read as a standalone but I totally recommend reading the previous two books first because it will help you know who everyone is and also understand the situations the characters have been through. This is a dark mafia story which is very intense, emotional and full of suspense.

It continues straight on from Promise To Keep with Kai imprisoned by the evil Councilwoman and Adrian negotiating for his release. Kai Aquila is one of Adrian Doubeck’s five trusted men, they are best friends and he is his wife Valentina’s bodyguard. Rose is her cousin and best friend who suffered horrendous abuse by Valentina’s fiancé and father, while she lived with them. Valentina has just found out that Kai saved Rose and has been secretly looking after and protecting her at a safe house. The story really starts when to keep Kai and Rose safe, they have to move to a new safe house.

Rose is still terrified and has nightmares over what happened. She afraid to talk to people or go outside but is recovering slowly. Kai wants her to let him in and talk to him but she thinks he pretending to like her as it’s his job to protect her. She feels someone like him would never be interested in someone like her especially after what she has been through. She is struggles with having no closure when she finds out Adrian and Kai have had their revenge which has taken hers away. She is desperate to learn how to cope and return to the girl she was before. She is so full of anger and rage that he interactions with Kai often become violent even though she realises he would never hurt her. She is intrigued by him and knows he is trying to prevent her hurting herself.

Their forced proximity makes them have to interact more and Kai decides that to help her, he needs to touch her as she hates being touched. This brings new feelings to both of them. She has never experienced pleasure from intimacy only pain so is shocked and confused. He also struggling to being around a woman after all he endured while held captive but weirdly he feels safe with Rose. He isn’t prepared for the feelings of desire and want that surface when he around her.

More secrets and lies are revealed plus questions to answers left over from the previous books.
There are lots of twists and turns especially when its revealed there is more to Rose than anyone knew. We get to see how Kai plays being a monster so Adrian doesn’t have to and how people think he is something he really isn’t. I loved how patient he was with Rose and how they both showed such strength not to be victims again. I was amused by Rose’s solution to their situation and loved her determination in the end, how she didn’t care what she did to get the result she wanted. We find out more about him, his loyalty and his relationship with his family. The most intriguing member is his little sister Selena and we will learn more about her in the next book.
You can tell this couple would love some peace and quiet after all they have endured. They are both broken and traumatised by their pasts so will they be Bound To Darkness?









Merged review:

Bound To Darkness is book three in the Doubeck Crime Family series by J.L. Beck and Monica Corwin. This time we get Kai and Rose’s story. It could be read as a standalone but I totally recommend reading the previous two books first because it will help you know who everyone is and also understand the situations the characters have been through. This is a dark mafia story which is very intense, emotional and full of suspense. It continues straight on from Promise To Keep with Kai imprisoned by the evil Councilwoman and Adrian negotiating for his release. Kai Aquila is one of Adrian Doubeck’s five trusted men, they are best friends and he is his wife Valentina’s bodyguard. Rose is her cousin and best friend who suffered horrendous abuse by Valentina’s fiancé and father, while she lived with them. Valentina has just found out that Kai saved Rose and has been secretly looking after and protecting her at a safe house. The story really starts when to keep Kai and Rose safe, they have to move to a new safe house.
Rose is still terrified and has nightmares over what happened. She afraid to talk to people or go outside but is recovering slowly. Kai wants her to let him in and talk to him but she thinks he pretending to like her as it’s his job to protect her. She feels someone like him would never be interested in someone like her especially after what she has been through. She is struggles with having no closure when she finds out Adrian and Kai have had their revenge which has taken hers away. She is desperate to learn how to cope and return to the girl she was before. She is so full of anger and rage that he interactions with Kai often become violent even though she realises he would never hurt her. She is intrigued by him and knows he is trying to prevent her hurting herself.
Their forced proximity makes them have to interact more and Kai decides that to help her, he needs to touch her as she hates being touched. This brings new feelings to both of them. She has never experienced pleasure from intimacy only pain so is shocked and confused. He also struggling to being around a woman after all he endured while held captive but weirdly he feels safe with Rose. He isn’t prepared for the feelings of desire and want that surface when he around her.
More secrets and lies are revealed plus questions to answers left over from the previous books.
There are lots of twists and turns especially when its revealed there is more to Rose than anyone knew. We get to see how Kai plays being a monster so Adrian doesn’t have to and how people think he is something he really isn’t. I loved how patient he was with Rose and how they both showed such strength not to be victims again. I was amused by Rose’s solution to their situation and loved her determination in the end, how she didn’t care what she did to get the result she wanted. We find out more about him, his loyalty and his relationship with his family. The most intriguing member is his little sister Selena and we will learn more about her in the next book. You can tell this couple would love some peace and quiet after all they have endured. They are both broken and traumatised by their pasts so will they be Bound To Darkness?

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Kai this fierce protector and loyal friend in the previous books, but now we get his story. I would read the first two prior to this one because it does have a lot of the characters in the previous books and touch on things that happened before. Kai has been the most loyal friend/family to Adrian for a long time and when he was responsible for keeping Val safe he took that job extremely serious even went as far as saving her cousin and protecting her with his all. This is how he met Rose and when she was so fragile and healing he was the one who helped her through the darkness. Now they are both wanted and on the run from the council, while trying to survive not only them but their growing attraction for each other. Rose has endured horrific things and she is trying to find herself again but when she lashes out at Kai she realizes she needs him because he brings her out of her shell she has created. As they navigate this survival situation others are out for them but can they survive each other? This was such a steamy great story full of emotion and action. I’m curious to what will happen next because right now not a fan of Serena unless she betrayed her brother for a certain reason.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series about the Doubeck Crime Family. In the last book it left with the biggest surprise of all... Rose was alive. All this time Valentina thought that she was dead and was living with that. I love that in this story we finally get to learn about Rose, whom we were first introduced to for a brief moment in book 1. We also get to learn more about Kai, Adrian's right-hand man.

For starters if you haven't read books 1&2 I highly recommend. Those books are just as fantastic has this one, but it gives you background on each of the characters that without you might feel a little lost.

Rose is trying to move on from her past to get over all that has been done to her, and Kai is not only trying to get over some of his past but wants to be seen as more than what he is.

Kai trying to stay hidden from the council, and also keeping his mission to keep Rose safe from anyone finding out that she is alive then begin to get closer when he is forced to move them from his apartment.

There is something about this novel that the other two didn't have and it is a sense of suspense. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat figuring out what was going to happen with these two characters.

I loved seeing Rose's growth, and at the end how strong she actually became.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOA, HOLY SMOKES, WHAT !?!?!
What an incredible continuation of the Doubeck Crime family series and storyline that will keep your heart pumping and on the edge of your seat till the very end. It will have you aahing, oohing, nail biting, cussing, wanting to more than punch a few people and having you change your panties and take a cold shower all by the time it's finished. Lord this is one heck of a ride I didn't want to end. What an emotionally intense, dark, dirty, dangerous and sexually charged rollercoaster ride we go on with Kai and Rose. They are struggling to deal with their dark broken past while navigating their budding feelings all the while keeping a step ahead of the Society. Then we get a glimpse of what's to come at the end of the book with a h3!! of a tease!
I have so much I want to say but can't. So many emotions, questions, and expletives come to mind!!!!

Lord be still my racing heart!

Another amazing storyline from these two authors.

I received an ARC from the authors and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I can't wait to see what happens next in Bound To Cruelty, Michail and Selena story.

Five+🖤🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alejandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose and Kai story draws you in from the moment you begin reading their story. Its a dark and heartbreaking , some topics maybe hard to digest but heartfelt and funny moments are share by both. The chemistry they share is undeniable.

Rose past haunts her and she has the scars to remember what she has endured. She is too scare to face the world and she no longer believes in fairy tales. Her life has been a living nightmare. How could it be possible to overcome what she has endured.

Kai is Adrain’s second in command everyone sees him as society's playboy but their is so much more to him. he vows to protect Rose but in the midst of it all he begins to feel more than what he should. A vow to protect has been made but that is not all he is doing he helps her heal and show her that she can overcome her gruesome past. He not only face his past demons but as well as present. He is being hunted.

In the end will They save one another or would they drown in despair and will their fears and demons overshadow their future? Read to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D'Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to darkness is the third book in the Doubeck Crime Family series and can be read as a stand-alone but, speaking as a first time reader, I definitely recommend you go back and read the first two to the series for a better understanding of the backstory. I will be going back to read the first two books after being drawn to these authors’ exceptional writing and expertise plotting. I have to admit that regardless of me going in blind, I was immediately sucked into this world and found myself wanting to heal both Kai and Rose. The authors mastered the character development and perfectly narrating what was going on with both Kai and Rose. I appreciated the growth Rose flows through, with Kai’s help, of overcoming her traumas and finding strength in herself. Kai himself has been through enough horrors but with Rose they both help each other heal. The chemistry between both of these characters was off the charts and paired with a thrillingly dark plot, this book is a force to be reckoned with.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is book 3 in the series of the Doubeck Crime Family. I absolutely loved reading this book and one I would highly recommend. This was one hot dark romance, cruelty, enemies, drugs, fear, trauma,children smuggling, survival, chaos, turmoil, courage, trust, strength, healing, happiness, passion, romance, harmony and love. Kai is trying to avoid being caught by the council woman, the last time she had had him she drugged him and used him and when he didn't cooperate he would end up being black and blue. He has a dark soul after all the trauma and chaos, when it comes out in open season to kill. Rose had a rough time with scars and things. She wanted to feel safe but after all the trauma she ended up trusting Kai when he took her to a safe house, the chemistry between them was so hot, it was a push an dhb you could fry an egg, it was so hard for Rose she finally trusted someone and the chemistry between these two just kept growing hotter and hotter. Loved the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that this book was well done, the writing style was easy to follow and the plot was well organized. I felt the character development was well described over the course of the book, giving a more organic flow that was more natural.
I felt that the two main characters were a perfect match with each other and were poetic. I really liked that they seemed to be similar but opposite as well, creating a perfect coexistence. I really liked that they essentially avenged each other throughout the course of the book. I like that he killed her assailant, and in the end she killed his, allowing for both to have a sense of revenge while avenging their love interest.
I like how blood thirsty the FMC was, that she didn't want to hold back, that she kept pushing forward to avenge herself and the MMC. I like that no matter what side the MMC showed her, the darkness, the death, the blood, she didn't turn away from it. I liked how sassy she was even when held at gun point. I like that the MMC felt confident enough in her, that no matter the dark parts of him that existed, he knew she wouldn't run. They were a perfect match.