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Bellanti Brothers #8
Captive Rival: Armani
I thought I could walk away…but Armani Bellanti wants me for keeps.
My intentions were good.
I thought I was on the side of angels.
But all my plans led me straight to hell.
There’s nowhere for me to turn.
My whole world is his cage.
I have no one.
No one but him.
He silences me with cruel kisses.
I taunt him with his desire for me.
We don’t trust each other, but we can use each other.
Armani can take what he wants from me.
And I can keep pretending I’m not falling for the devil.
Book Two of Three in the all-new angsty, sizzling Captive Series.
My intentions were good.
I thought I was on the side of angels.
But all my plans led me straight to hell.
There’s nowhere for me to turn.
My whole world is his cage.
I have no one.
No one but him.
He silences me with cruel kisses.
I taunt him with his desire for me.
We don’t trust each other, but we can use each other.
Armani can take what he wants from me.
And I can keep pretending I’m not falling for the devil.
Book Two of Three in the all-new angsty, sizzling Captive Series.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2023
262 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Stella Gray
64 books746 followersStella Gray has always had her head in the clouds and has been writing since she was in high school. A contemporary romance author, she loves dark romances with morally gray men. When she’s not writing, she’s either in the kitchen testing out a new baking recipe or spending time in the great outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 3, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🥵🥵
💋💋
👿
Mafia/ Wine country series.
Great characters and great action
🥵🥵
💋💋
👿
Mafia/ Wine country series.
Great characters and great action
skim-read
April 28, 2023Well. I skim read this one. The author’s second books are never the best. But Armani is still dangerous and powerful, and Candi now has her cards out so she’s a little scared he’ll kill her (he likes to frighten her but he’d never hurt her). I still like Armani and I still like Candi.
Candi going undercover from the direction of one mafia family to another is so interesting. It’s obvious now that Candi was groomed and tricked by her best friend Jules to infiltrate a mafia family without knowing what she was going to wind up dealing with. And I’m curious how this will end.
The other characters from the other books do feature heavily in this trilogy so I would say at least read Dante’s books to get a lay of the land about what happens with the plot and who’s who. But I skipped Marco’s books and I still managed to piece together the plot with no issues.
Candi going undercover from the direction of one mafia family to another is so interesting. It’s obvious now that Candi was groomed and tricked by her best friend Jules to infiltrate a mafia family without knowing what she was going to wind up dealing with. And I’m curious how this will end.
The other characters from the other books do feature heavily in this trilogy so I would say at least read Dante’s books to get a lay of the land about what happens with the plot and who’s who. But I skipped Marco’s books and I still managed to piece together the plot with no issues.
March 2, 2023
Perfection
Armani and Candi are probably my favorite Bellanti couple.
We really get to see Candi grow a spine here and sticking up for herself instead of being pushed around back and forth between who she thought was a best friend, and the family she was supposed to be collecting information on.
The new found confidence really allows Armani to see her worth and allows him to fall deeper for her and allows her back into their world little by little after essentially being banished.
Towards the end is where Candi redeems herself substantially as she comes clean while offering up her knowledge and eventually, learning some wild information with a cliffhanger you absolutely didn’t expect.
It sucked me in, eye glued as I binged the heck out of it. The character development is so good, I cried. A lot. I mean, I cried a lot in the previous book too.
Thrilling, riveting and filled with twists you just don’t expect this is what I expected and more. I absolutely can’t wait for the conclusion of their story together in the third novel of the trilogy.
Armani and Candi are probably my favorite Bellanti couple.
We really get to see Candi grow a spine here and sticking up for herself instead of being pushed around back and forth between who she thought was a best friend, and the family she was supposed to be collecting information on.
The new found confidence really allows Armani to see her worth and allows him to fall deeper for her and allows her back into their world little by little after essentially being banished.
Towards the end is where Candi redeems herself substantially as she comes clean while offering up her knowledge and eventually, learning some wild information with a cliffhanger you absolutely didn’t expect.
It sucked me in, eye glued as I binged the heck out of it. The character development is so good, I cried. A lot. I mean, I cried a lot in the previous book too.
Thrilling, riveting and filled with twists you just don’t expect this is what I expected and more. I absolutely can’t wait for the conclusion of their story together in the third novel of the trilogy.
November 13, 2023
edited to include audiobook review
I remember reading this trilogy for the first time before it was released. For real, listening to it now makes me remember how much I enjoyed it the first time around.
...and so the plot thickens. I was not expecting that cliffhanger twist. I'm so excited to see it through and what the Bellanti Brothers think about this new information.
Candi and Armani are now further developing their relationship now that they're married. Armani does try to open up to her, and she does too. But the tension between them -- and his family -- is palpable as Candi was placed in their lives as a spy for the Bruno family, their rivals. When another spy is found, they begin to lift that restrictive approach to her.
But nothing is gonna stay happy.
Now, Candi's friend is arranged to marry another one of their rivals (they have connections to the Bruno family). This has set off Candi. She spends a lot of time in turmoil and Armani begins to be suspicious of her. Slowly, Candi begins to open up to him and his brother's wives as they begin to not be so apprehensive of her. Candi is determined to make them see that she is on their side, even if she doesn't know what's right or wrong anymore.
Armani does his best to make her feel safe -- but not always with the best intentions. As he grows to know more about her and she confides in him, he begins to change the way he treats her in and out of the comforts of their privacy.
❈•≫────≪•◦ 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 ◦•≫────≪•❈
• billionaire romance
• boy + girl obsessed
• light bully romance
• captive romance
• consent
• dark and broody mmc
• dark romance
• dubcon
• enemies with benefits
• forced marriage
• forced proximity
• hate to love
• mafia romance
• morally grey
• former office/workplace romance
February 22, 2023
Captive Rival: Armani
(Bellanti Brothers Book 8)
By Stella Gray
We are back where we left off, at the celebration/reception for Candi and Armani, and as a surprise contingent of Bruno soldiers arrive chaos ensues. How much worse can it get?
It’s known to everyone in the Bellanti family that Candi has been the mole they are looking for and this marriage is nothing more than a way to control what she gives to Bruno. Keep your enemies closer! What shouldn’t have been a surprise was Armani whisking her away for a supposed “honeymoon.” Candi is given little to know information about what is happening, of course that keeps her on her toes because is she in danger, possibly.
The suspense that Author Stella Gray has written into book two is amazing. She keeps readers glued to their seats with questions and we often get a partial answer as Armani is even keeping readers guessing, he is giving up nothing. His family is in danger and he will protect them.
As their story unfolds readers learn a bit more about Candi’s best friend Juliana who is the unknown contact to Sergio Bruno. Bruno has plans and those plans are to get rid of every Bellanti family member. As we get further into the story we learn so much more about Candi and her best friend and what we find is suspicion which leads to loss of trust.
When everything starts to come together and the brothers are getting ready for war, except Candi who has just uncovered the shocking surprise that will rock the Bellanti family!
I could not put this down, the suspense grew by the chapter, the family comes together and the last few lines are jaw dropping! I cannot wait for the final book Captive Heart – when everything will come to light, will love be enough for Armani and Candi to stay together?
(Bellanti Brothers Book 8)
By Stella Gray
We are back where we left off, at the celebration/reception for Candi and Armani, and as a surprise contingent of Bruno soldiers arrive chaos ensues. How much worse can it get?
It’s known to everyone in the Bellanti family that Candi has been the mole they are looking for and this marriage is nothing more than a way to control what she gives to Bruno. Keep your enemies closer! What shouldn’t have been a surprise was Armani whisking her away for a supposed “honeymoon.” Candi is given little to know information about what is happening, of course that keeps her on her toes because is she in danger, possibly.
The suspense that Author Stella Gray has written into book two is amazing. She keeps readers glued to their seats with questions and we often get a partial answer as Armani is even keeping readers guessing, he is giving up nothing. His family is in danger and he will protect them.
As their story unfolds readers learn a bit more about Candi’s best friend Juliana who is the unknown contact to Sergio Bruno. Bruno has plans and those plans are to get rid of every Bellanti family member. As we get further into the story we learn so much more about Candi and her best friend and what we find is suspicion which leads to loss of trust.
When everything starts to come together and the brothers are getting ready for war, except Candi who has just uncovered the shocking surprise that will rock the Bellanti family!
I could not put this down, the suspense grew by the chapter, the family comes together and the last few lines are jaw dropping! I cannot wait for the final book Captive Heart – when everything will come to light, will love be enough for Armani and Candi to stay together?
April 3, 2023
3.00 - A very slow moving trilogy that feels drawn out; should have been two books.
I had high hopes that book two of his series would get better in order to justify reading the final installment of Candi and Armanti's story, which for me; has clearly not been as good as Dante's and Marco's stories. I will read the final installment because I am invested in the series, not necessarily Candi and Armani's story. This story could have been so much better with a h that wasn't so indecisive, was a take charge, no nonsense type of character. Candi's character is not a bad person, just a extremely naïve one. The saying "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me; should have been printed on Candi's T-shirt.
Book two was another mix of frustration (some skimming) that came as a result of both main character's actions. They spend the first 50% of this book sniping, arguing, trying to one-up each other and having hate-sex when they are unable to communicate like normal people do; which is often.
The second 50% of the book picked up a bit and gave me snippets of hope that these two would stop with the sniping, lies, deceit, and the on again off again game of chess. Their erratic behavior/attraction for one another became weary and repetitious. I still wasn't convinced that they completely trusted one another (for obvious reasons). The last few days A&C spent on the island was as close to a real romantic interlude that took far too long to happen, and was too short lived.
Candi's character continued to devolve as she goes from team Armani to team Juliana still not committing to either the Bellanti's or the Bruno's. Watching her character go one step forward and two steps backward was exhausting. Her character feels so disingenuous because she can't be an adult and tell the truth to Armani, still protecting a gf from college whose banter and allegations she has suspected for sometime. Candi begins to sense that Juliana is not what she appears to be, but still doesn't want to hurt her. Ugh...get a clue girl. Candi's future and life is being held together by a thread and she can't see the forest from the trees.
Armani's character wants to believe Candi, but trusting her is very difficult considering how long it has taken her to be somewhat truthful. Her dribbles of the actual truth vs., how she chooses to spins things has been a painful process and one that has made me grow tired of this character.
Armani is having his own issues of conscious with Candi because of who he believes himself to be (just like daddy dearest who told him women were only for using and then discarding ) to whom he actually is. He still sees himself as his father even though Candi has brought out other feelings he never new he had which has only made him walk an emotional tight rope of his own making.
If you are an avid reader of this genre as I am, you will have already figured out the surprise ending to book 2. The author did a decent job of leaving bread crumbs throughout book one and two that would lead eventually to this revelation.
I can only hope this trilogy redeems it self in book three.
I had high hopes that book two of his series would get better in order to justify reading the final installment of Candi and Armanti's story, which for me; has clearly not been as good as Dante's and Marco's stories. I will read the final installment because I am invested in the series, not necessarily Candi and Armani's story. This story could have been so much better with a h that wasn't so indecisive, was a take charge, no nonsense type of character. Candi's character is not a bad person, just a extremely naïve one. The saying "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me; should have been printed on Candi's T-shirt.
Book two was another mix of frustration (some skimming) that came as a result of both main character's actions. They spend the first 50% of this book sniping, arguing, trying to one-up each other and having hate-sex when they are unable to communicate like normal people do; which is often.
The second 50% of the book picked up a bit and gave me snippets of hope that these two would stop with the sniping, lies, deceit, and the on again off again game of chess. Their erratic behavior/attraction for one another became weary and repetitious. I still wasn't convinced that they completely trusted one another (for obvious reasons). The last few days A&C spent on the island was as close to a real romantic interlude that took far too long to happen, and was too short lived.
Candi's character continued to devolve as she goes from team Armani to team Juliana still not committing to either the Bellanti's or the Bruno's. Watching her character go one step forward and two steps backward was exhausting. Her character feels so disingenuous because she can't be an adult and tell the truth to Armani, still protecting a gf from college whose banter and allegations she has suspected for sometime. Candi begins to sense that Juliana is not what she appears to be, but still doesn't want to hurt her. Ugh...get a clue girl. Candi's future and life is being held together by a thread and she can't see the forest from the trees.
Armani's character wants to believe Candi, but trusting her is very difficult considering how long it has taken her to be somewhat truthful. Her dribbles of the actual truth vs., how she chooses to spins things has been a painful process and one that has made me grow tired of this character.
Armani is having his own issues of conscious with Candi because of who he believes himself to be (just like daddy dearest who told him women were only for using and then discarding ) to whom he actually is. He still sees himself as his father even though Candi has brought out other feelings he never new he had which has only made him walk an emotional tight rope of his own making.
If you are an avid reader of this genre as I am, you will have already figured out the surprise ending to book 2. The author did a decent job of leaving bread crumbs throughout book one and two that would lead eventually to this revelation.
I can only hope this trilogy redeems it self in book three.
April 11, 2023
And the plot thickens… All’s fair in love and war, right? I was not expecting that cliffhanger! But what happens when a supposedly loved one looses his pawn, Candi, and she is ensnared between Armani, Juliana, and Sergio who would kill to possess her and the lines soon become blurred? Candi was just starting to be trusted by the Bellanti family, but she also trusted her BFF, Juliana, who she has known for quite some time. Your best friend would not steer you wrong to hurt you or put you in harms way, right? So, who should Candi believe—her BFF or Armani, the person she has always had a crush on and now her husband? What could go wrong if she tried to please her BFF and do what she requested of her? Armani and Candi’s journey is full of deception, hurt, trust, secrets, betrayal, and lies. Lines will be crossed, secrets will be revealed. Despite their differences, these two share an intense and sizzling chemistry that is off-the-charts hot! Armani has a relentless obsession to keep Candi safe. They push and pull through the whole story, and they will fascinate you and frustrate you at the same time. Who will Candi prove her loyalty to—Armani or Juliana? What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out—you won’t regret it! There are several twists and turns within the story that will tempt the characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Stella Gray delivered a no holds barred dark romantic Mafia suspense story that grips you to the core as she unleashed an unfiltered, powerful, intriguing, and calculating love story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 2, 2023
**I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
My fears of this book being simply a bridging book were put to rest pretty early on. Tensions and the suspense is high in the first few chapters as Candi and Armani navigate their new arrangement...and the feelings that have never truly gone away.
Their forbidden love story is perfection! The will-they-won't-they with their smoldering glances heat up these pages and I adore any scene they share together. You can't fight the inevitable, but these two sure will try!
As for the drama, this is a bridging book, building up to the big climax. There are a lot of interesting plot developments but I felt like we reached a slight lull in the middle as the focus shifts to Candi's personal growth and dilemmas. However, I did appreciate watching her character evolve as she navigates her mess of emotions after everything that has happened.
I CANNOT wait to see how this will all end!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review:
Actual Rating: 4/5
My fears of this book being simply a bridging book were put to rest pretty early on. Tensions and the suspense is high in the first few chapters as Candi and Armani navigate their new arrangement...and the feelings that have never truly gone away.
Their forbidden love story is perfection! The will-they-won't-they with their smoldering glances heat up these pages and I adore any scene they share together. You can't fight the inevitable, but these two sure will try!
As for the drama, this is a bridging book, building up to the big climax. There are a lot of interesting plot developments but I felt like we reached a slight lull in the middle as the focus shifts to Candi's personal growth and dilemmas. However, I did appreciate watching her character evolve as she navigates her mess of emotions after everything that has happened.
I CANNOT wait to see how this will all end!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review:
Actual Rating: 4/5
February 26, 2023
I really enjoyed Captive Rival (Bellanti Brothers #8), the second book telling Armani and Candi's story! The tension and suspense from the start really pulled me into their story and kept me wanting more. Candi was a hot mess in this book, and I LOVED her! Her emotions were all over the place, as well they should have been considering everything that was happening. Armani, all Alpha-male of him, was a bit much at times. I just wanted to smack him! Of course, he probably would have enjoyed that, lol! There's so much chemistry oozing off the pages when it comes to these two, I needed a fan at times to cool down. By the end of this book, it appears they may be making some progress on the relationship front while facing down the evil that is Sergio Bruno. I can't wait to read the next book, Captive Heart! I'm truly hoping for a HEA for this couple. With all they've been through to date, they sure do deserve it! Captive Rival was a fast and flirty, down and dirty read. Grab your copy and enjoy!
March 11, 2023
This second installment in Armani and Candi's story continues to deliver on the first book's steamy romance, action, and drama, with even more twists and turns that kept me engaged. Candi's character continues to develop, with her being forced to play a dangerous game of double agent and standing up for herself amidst all the chaos. The tension and chemistry between Armani and Candi also seem as strong as ever, with their passion and connection being a central part of the story. Armani struggles to accept his feelings for Candi, even as their relationship becomes increasingly intense. The fact that he takes out his frustrations on her shows that their relationship is far from perfect, adding complexity and depth to the story. This is a must-read for fans of steamy romance novels who enjoy a healthy dose of suspense and angst. It will be exciting to see how Armani and Candi's love story unfolds in the next one. I can't wait to read it!
March 19, 2023
This second book of Armani and Candi is top notch.
Armani and Candi’s continuing story is a web of confusion. Can Armani start trusting Candi again, after her being a mole for the Bruno family? Now she has to work both sides. Who does Candi believe, her best friend from the Bruno family or Armani, her husband and the Bellanti family? Armani is starting to look at his wife differently because of feelings starting to come to the surface. Candi is already in love with him. Candi has a decision to make about her best friend; is she telling Candi the truth or is she being played by her uncle Sergio? The end of this second book has left the readers hanging with a surprise that Candi finds out. Will she tell Armani? I can’t wait to find out. I know the next book, the conclusion of their story will be fantastic!
Armani and Candi’s continuing story is a web of confusion. Can Armani start trusting Candi again, after her being a mole for the Bruno family? Now she has to work both sides. Who does Candi believe, her best friend from the Bruno family or Armani, her husband and the Bellanti family? Armani is starting to look at his wife differently because of feelings starting to come to the surface. Candi is already in love with him. Candi has a decision to make about her best friend; is she telling Candi the truth or is she being played by her uncle Sergio? The end of this second book has left the readers hanging with a surprise that Candi finds out. Will she tell Armani? I can’t wait to find out. I know the next book, the conclusion of their story will be fantastic!
November 15, 2023
🎧Audio Review🎧
Narrators: Stephanir Rose & Aaron Shedlock
Holy crazy hotness!!! These 2 are frustrating AF! The addition of Esme (a former lover of Armani) was intersting.... I wanted to slap her! And I was glad that Candi got territorial with her! The story takes a turn for the cliffy that just blew me away. I was also getting quite irritated with Juliana (Candi's friend) because she was the reason that Candi was in this whole situation to begin with and while she would sometimes show the slightest bit of concern for Candi's safety, it just didnt feel all that sincere to me! And Armani is so back and forth with his feelings that I just want to shake some sense into him...... I am ready for the next book!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
Narration 👏👏👏👏👏
Narrators: Stephanir Rose & Aaron Shedlock
Holy crazy hotness!!! These 2 are frustrating AF! The addition of Esme (a former lover of Armani) was intersting.... I wanted to slap her! And I was glad that Candi got territorial with her! The story takes a turn for the cliffy that just blew me away. I was also getting quite irritated with Juliana (Candi's friend) because she was the reason that Candi was in this whole situation to begin with and while she would sometimes show the slightest bit of concern for Candi's safety, it just didnt feel all that sincere to me! And Armani is so back and forth with his feelings that I just want to shake some sense into him...... I am ready for the next book!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
Narration 👏👏👏👏👏
November 1, 2023
Captive Rival by Stella Gray is book 2 of the Captive Bride trilogy series. I wish I would have been prompted to have read Dante and Marco’s trilogies prior to reading/listening to Armani and Kandi’s trilogy. I would have enjoyed the series a bit more. It took me until chapter 4 to figure out this was a mafia series. The characters needed a bit more back story development. Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Rose narrate all 3 stories in the trilogy. I had a very difficult time listening to Stephanie Rose as Kandi. Her voice was almost robotic with forced emotion not a natural sound/rhythm. Aaron Shedlock was better but he seemed like he was forcing the sternness because Armani is a mafia boss. I wanted to know the end of the story so I continued and finished the trilogy.
December 1, 2025
Ain’t no way boyyy, ain’t no way. There is nothing I hate more than a door mat fmc and Candi is one of the worst I have ever seen. It’s not even worth my time writing this review but I’m annoyed enough. Bro there is not one single redeeming quality about Armani - hate the name btw - for Candi to be whipped the way she is. No dick could ever EVER be good enough for a person to forgive and forget such extreme manipulative behaviour. But Candi is happy to be treated like utter shit, get her pussy ate and act like Armani is the sun, moon and stars. I don’t even think the word sorry was uttered once by that ass wipe. In my best Adele voice, the only sensible ending for these two “divorce, divorce babe”.
March 3, 2023
This is the second book in Candi and Armani's trilogy and you do need to read the first book to understand this one.
Stella Gray kept me glued to my book as I was seeking answers that I was left with after the first book and I have come away from reading it wanting more answers than I received.
The book starts off where the first one ended and there is a lot of suspense as more of Candi and Armani's story unfolds.
I was pleased to see Candi's character grow and develop as she is faced with truths as well as some potential untruth's.
This book ends with a cliff hanger and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
Stella Gray kept me glued to my book as I was seeking answers that I was left with after the first book and I have come away from reading it wanting more answers than I received.
The book starts off where the first one ended and there is a lot of suspense as more of Candi and Armani's story unfolds.
I was pleased to see Candi's character grow and develop as she is faced with truths as well as some potential untruth's.
This book ends with a cliff hanger and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
March 6, 2023
Who to believe? That is the question going round and round in Candi's head. When she first agreed to try and glean information on the Bellanti family, Candi didn't imagine her personal life would be turned upside down and her emotions in a constant state of tug-of-war. She went in thinking the worst of Armani and his family, but what she's feeling about him and what she's seen doesn't seem to be matching up. The more time she spends with Armani, the more involved her heart becomes. She wants to do the right thing for the right family, but which family is telling the truth? This book ends on a bombshell revelation so I can't wait for the conclusion!
March 24, 2023
Paranoid much!?! Candi and Armani's story continues. Their wedding has been sabotaged and Candi's loyalty is in question. Best solution...Take her out of the equation for a time. So Armani steals her away for an impromptu "honeymoon." Candi doesn't know what to think. Does he feel something for her or is this just a ruse to eliminate her permanently? She is paranoid about everything. A dinner party on a yacht with an old enemy and some really questionable characters doesn't help her paranoia! Lots of twists and turns and a really big twist at the end. Wow! Must read next book now!!!
December 24, 2023
My Rating: 5/5
My Thoughts: Armani and Candi's story continues right after the previous book's ending. This book continues to be filled with drama, spice, twists, and turns. Armani and Candi internally struggle with their perception of each other while fighting their growing feelings. Armani shows how ruthless he can be and Candi is not prepared. However, even with his ruthless behavior, she keeps falling harder for him. Something about these Bellanti men pulls these women in. These two were moving in a lighter direction as truths were revealed. I felt for both of them. I can't wait to finish this series in the final book after another cliffhanger ending.
My Thoughts: Armani and Candi's story continues right after the previous book's ending. This book continues to be filled with drama, spice, twists, and turns. Armani and Candi internally struggle with their perception of each other while fighting their growing feelings. Armani shows how ruthless he can be and Candi is not prepared. However, even with his ruthless behavior, she keeps falling harder for him. Something about these Bellanti men pulls these women in. These two were moving in a lighter direction as truths were revealed. I felt for both of them. I can't wait to finish this series in the final book after another cliffhanger ending.
October 10, 2023
The lies are piling up!!
This is book two in Armani and Candi's story and you should definitely be ready for a OMG cliffhanger ending. Candi is caught between her best friend, Juliana, and the man she is falling in love with, her husband Armani. so many lies have been spread that Candi is not sure if she can trust her friend or if her friend is just a pawn as well. I am looking forward to the last book in their story, Captive Heart. The story itself is truly captivating and I can't wait to find out how it concludes.
This is book two in Armani and Candi's story and you should definitely be ready for a OMG cliffhanger ending. Candi is caught between her best friend, Juliana, and the man she is falling in love with, her husband Armani. so many lies have been spread that Candi is not sure if she can trust her friend or if her friend is just a pawn as well. I am looking forward to the last book in their story, Captive Heart. The story itself is truly captivating and I can't wait to find out how it concludes.
February 23, 2023
Captive Rival Stella Gray
The continuation of the series...the story picks up where the first book left off... Armani and Candi are now on honeymoon. As usual, the story is fast-paced... there are lots of actions, suspenseful, sexy scenes and many, many angst... Candi and Armani are amazing together. There are also some surprising twists and big, big cliffhanger! Really enjoyed this. Can't wait till the conclusion.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
The continuation of the series...the story picks up where the first book left off... Armani and Candi are now on honeymoon. As usual, the story is fast-paced... there are lots of actions, suspenseful, sexy scenes and many, many angst... Candi and Armani are amazing together. There are also some surprising twists and big, big cliffhanger! Really enjoyed this. Can't wait till the conclusion.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
March 3, 2023
Book two in Armani and Candis story and it's all going on!
The Bellantis now know about what Candi has really been up to but Candi is quickly discovering that everything she thought was going on - isn't!
These two are fire together! More secrets are revealed, more questions are asked and then a massive cliffhanger! I can't wait for the finale!!!!!!
4stars
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review
The Bellantis now know about what Candi has really been up to but Candi is quickly discovering that everything she thought was going on - isn't!
These two are fire together! More secrets are revealed, more questions are asked and then a massive cliffhanger! I can't wait for the finale!!!!!!
4stars
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review
April 19, 2023
Captive Rival continues Armani and Candi’s story which shows the mistrust between them as well as Candi’s
doubts about her BFF, Julia, who has her spying on the Bellanti family. Armani begins to realize his feelings are changing toward Candi but he knows his family’s security comes first. This well written book has unpredictable twists, more questions, and a jaw dropping cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book from Paige Publishing LLC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
doubts about her BFF, Julia, who has her spying on the Bellanti family. Armani begins to realize his feelings are changing toward Candi but he knows his family’s security comes first. This well written book has unpredictable twists, more questions, and a jaw dropping cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book from Paige Publishing LLC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 19, 2023
I wasn't sure where I wanted to see the story go and I was along for the ride of these characters. I love how the whole Bellanti family is involved and represented in this. The heat certainly got turned up in this part of the story between emotional connection and heated circumstances there was bound to be combustion. Darn Armani and his ridiculously stubborn nature.
Once again the narrators blew this story away with their inflections of emotion and tone.
Once again the narrators blew this story away with their inflections of emotion and tone.
November 21, 2023
Holy cliffhanger, Batman! This book was intense! Candi and Armani are learning to cohabitate. The chemistry between them is strong but the communication between them is still lacking. But their pasts contribute to this. Neither one of them were planning on being married so this is new territory for them. I enjoyed their growth in this book and watching them open up to one another. And I didn't see this ending coming! On to Captive Heart!
February 18, 2023
Armani and Candi's story continues in Captive Rival. Stella Gray is an amazing writer. This story had me swooning at times and on the edge of my seat at other times. This book has romance, suspense and twists and turns you won't expect. I cannot wait to read the next story to see where she takes us! If you've never read a story by Stella Gray, I highly recommend that you do.
March 2, 2023
OMGEEEEE! Can’t we start with that ending because y’all!! Hello plot twist😱
Ok ok now that I’ve had a moment to collect myself I’ve decided that I need Captive Heart sooner rather than later. No pressure Stella but if you could not leave us hanging too long that would be fabulous.
Family Honor Power! Armani has it tattooed on him & it’s the code he lives by but he’s seconding guessing himself with Candi…who is also second guessing who & what to believe.
One thing they gave figured out is that they are smoking hot together🔥
Ok ok now that I’ve had a moment to collect myself I’ve decided that I need Captive Heart sooner rather than later. No pressure Stella but if you could not leave us hanging too long that would be fabulous.
Family Honor Power! Armani has it tattooed on him & it’s the code he lives by but he’s seconding guessing himself with Candi…who is also second guessing who & what to believe.
One thing they gave figured out is that they are smoking hot together🔥
March 2, 2023
This is book two (of three) in Candi and Armani's story, and what a scorcher! The tension, twists, and turns had me hooked, and the chemistry between Candi and Armani is off the charts. As expected, Captive Rival ends on a huge cliffhanger, and I can't wait for book three to see if Candi and Armani get the HEA I'd love them to have.
November 27, 2023
Audiobook
A continuation of Armani and Candi’s story performed by Aaron and Stephanie had me wanting to rip my earbuds out. The angst was definitely more prominent in this book. The couple was frustrating but kudos to the narrators for making me feel the emotions. The cliffy… binge this series because if you don’t you will be left feeling all sorts of ahhhh!
A continuation of Armani and Candi’s story performed by Aaron and Stephanie had me wanting to rip my earbuds out. The angst was definitely more prominent in this book. The couple was frustrating but kudos to the narrators for making me feel the emotions. The cliffy… binge this series because if you don’t you will be left feeling all sorts of ahhhh!
August 17, 2024
I knew it!
Yeah, I kind of figured out in book 1 of Armani and Candi’s story that Juliana is actually their presumed dead little sister, Liliana. But why the heck did Candi not just blurt it out once she put the pieces together after seeing the photo; would have been more believable because the shock would have been evident on her face.
Yeah, I kind of figured out in book 1 of Armani and Candi’s story that Juliana is actually their presumed dead little sister, Liliana. But why the heck did Candi not just blurt it out once she put the pieces together after seeing the photo; would have been more believable because the shock would have been evident on her face.
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