Caged by the Ruthless Thief

Veiled City #3

by Ellie Pond

Thrust into a realm of mystery and allure, doctoral student Annabelle confronts the dual reality of curse and blessing that her mermaid blood brings, as she navigates the intrigues of the Veiled City.

Eros, the enigmatic thief caged by his dark past and ruthless decisions, stands at the crossroads of redemption and ruin. Blackmailed into an assassin's shadowy embrace, he’s tasked with a deadly mission—eliminate Nico, the merman commander whose calloused hands and tender heart awakened the mermaid within Annabelle. Torn between lethal duty and burgeoning obsession, Eros must decide whether to embrace the shadows or fight for love.

As Nico embarks on a perilous quest in treacherous waters, the bonds of love and loyalty are tested. Holter, the steadfast geminae, and Castor Drakos, a scion balancing power and passion, are entwined in the dance of destinies, each harboring secrets that could either strengthen the bonds of love or shatter the foundations of their world.

Genres: Paranormal, Mermaids

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

About the author

Ellie Pond is an author of Paranormal Romance. Ellie’s had many professions, including costume designer, contract archeologist, organic farmer, fabric store owner, and airline gate agent. She’s happy to be a full-time writer now. She lives in New England with her three teenage sons, husband, and father. It’s a lot of testosterone. To combat all the Axe body spray in the house, Ellie likes to travel. You can follow her on social media for her travel adventures, when we can do that kind of thing again.

Reviews

[BecReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not disappointed with this book. I stumbled across it when looking into different paranormal romance worlds, found Dark Commander, and fell in love immediately! I then went on to read the entire series in 1 sitting 😅

Absolutely loved the pod system, and the drama they were faced with. Made reading each chapter more fun!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s just add more politics to the drama!

Okay so now I love Eros and Holter the best!! Nico is my favorite grump but he and Castor got to figure it out. Learning what Nico and Holter’s mom were working on, who hurt their dad and how the heck does Eros get out of his position are only some of the things we navigate in book 3.

I love the relationship between Annabelle and her sharks. That always makes me smile when I read it!!

Looking forward to the final book.

Reverse harem - no MM
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Natalia Nickels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Okay, this one was a bit better than the first two. Most of my thoughts are the same as before, but there are a few developments.

What I like:
More Eros, less Nico-
Our third MMC is finally coming into the picture, and he’s absolutely the comedic relief we needed. Eros seems to have more depth to him than the others, and it’s great seeing how he moves from this playboy bachelor into a partner.

Mystery-
We knew there was something fishy (😏) going on from book 1, but now we really are starting to get somewhere with this. I have my thoughts on who the culprit(s) are, but we’ll find out in the next book.

Character development-
Nico is no longer unbearable, Holter isn’t such a pushover/not working for what he wants, Eros is still Eros but now all about Annabelle, and Annabelle is starting to grow into her own.

What I don’t love:
Pace-
There are still some moments that are unbearably slow, and we see some continuity problems. Mainly in any smut scenes (clothes off, but wait they’re on, but wait they’re off actually), but it’s minimal compared to the first two books.

MMCs-
Don’t get me wrong, I like them more than before. I just still don’t ~like~ them. I struggle to see how they all fit together and actually support Annabelle

[LittleBookLoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's official--I dislike how Annabelle as a character has been written. How can she be both dumb and smart? This continues to be her character arc in this series. Someone trying to abduct her and dispose of her mates, literal danger constantly, and all she keeps saying is that she wants to return to her mates to be with them but then later we're reminded that she was in college and loves science (though her initial focus was on sociology). Like...girl, they sent you away because the council is literally trying to murder Nico, Holter has zero power, and you have no other mates so why are you in a rush to get back to them. Can you let them survive first and then come up with a plan?! Also, I'm over reading repeatedly that she thinks Caster doesn't want her--he literally shows how much he wants her pretty much as frequently as all of the other MMCs. Also, the plot is in the chasm and on life support because it is all over the place. Also, why even have Atlas show up saying he wants to meet Annabelle and then we literally don't see him again in this book at all but it's mentioned that he grew up close with Nico, Holter, Caster and Eros.

At this point I'm only continuing to read this series to see if the MMCs get their HEA. I could care less if Annabelle gets a HEA.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged by the Ruthless Thief - Their Moon and Tide

‘Thoughts of Annabelle pierce through the dread. Her face, radiant and ethereal, stands in stark contrast to the dark, heated prison I find myself in. Memories of her laughter, the gentle touch of her hand, and the love and trust in her eyes fill my mind. I’m glad we let her be free. If she’ll have me, I will follow her. She’s my moon and tide. This is not over. We are not over. I have to survive, not just for me, but for her.’

Eros, the assassin/thief, joins Nico, Holter and Castor as important men in new mermaid Annabelle’s time in her new underwater home. Danger is everywhere, so each male is attempting to keep her safe in their own way.

Ellie Pond does a fabulous job keeping this story going in the third book in her Veiled City series. I am thrilled that this series will continue!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting settled in, or not?

Multiple 1st person pov, Veiled City, Mediterranean Sea, and Athens. Cliffhanger, sort off, only one side person is in any kind of true danger, and about 3 peppers spice. Some annoying editing issues like sentences that don’t run properly, or the wrong possessive adjectives, but not too many. Annabelle is headed back to Boston, but changes her mind last minute. Eros helps her, but with Nico in the Chasm for his misdeeds, Holter not officially her mate, Castor unable to act on his desire in order to remain eligible for the choice of King in a couple of years, and someone attacking Alder for unknown reasons, damaging the Glyden dome, most likely to get to Annabelle, and who knows what else, it’s safer for her to remain hidden for the time being. It takes a lot for them to try to get out of this messed up situation.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Read

Super Steamy, Super Sexy, Super Erotic with adventure, action and some secrets about to be revealed is how I would describe the third book in this series.

Nico is on his quest to claim the Trident to prove his innocence, meanwhile Eros has Annabelle. Holter and Castor are trying to find her to keep her away from danger!

What an amazing action packed read with wonderful characters! There is so much going on within this storyline it will keep you glued to each page.

A fantastic addition to the series, I cannot wait for the final book to complete the series!

Recommended Read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underwater, spicy adventure.

🔸️This part of series has definitely more action comparing to previous one. The storyline is fast paced and full of plot twists. I really enjoyed it! ❤️

🔸️ I loved new addition to the pod. A morally grey, bad boy with sweet smile and kinky side. 🔥 A total heart breaker but finally a guy who at least try to fill blanks to Anabelle!

🔸️ 2 side characters deserves appriciation.
Mickey - the cutest, fireball shark puppy 😍
Alder - at least one guy with properly working brain cells!

🔸️Nico, Holster and Castor frustrates me beyond reason. I hope Anabelle will show them in final part how a mermaid should be adored and listened to. 🤞

🔸️Overall, I enjoyed this part 3 more than previous two.
Well written, spicy, adventurous, page turner.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story focuses more on Annabelle’s interactions with Eros. Don’t get me wrong, you still read plenty about Nico, Holter and Castor and boy are those scenes yummy, but you get to find out way more about Eros.
This is another great book and it is soooo well written.
It has so many funny, cute, romantic and sexy scenes. It depicts a full world, filled with interesting, sweet, and sometimes ruthless people who will stop at nothing to control everything.
This story is not your standard story which flows in the expected direction and this makes the final book all the more anticipated.
This series has been great so far and I cannot wait for the final chapter.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great third book. Eros saves Arabelle and returns her back to the Veiled City. He keeps her hidden while trying to save Nico when he enters the chasm. Holt and Nico are furious when they find that Eros has mated with Arabelle without their consent. Nico and Eros are not friends and they have to learn to work together in the pod. Eros will reveal that he is not a thief and that he has no choice but to accept one more job. We will be left hanging to see what will happpen to Eros and will Carter act on his emotions for Arabelle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle and her mates are up to their necks in intrigue. Except, they don’t know it yet. There is a big mystery surrounding Nico and Holter’s parents I can’t wait to see unraveled.

The whole series centers around Annabelle. So, this installment ended in another cliffhanger. She got her Eros only to lose him, maybe. I think in the next book we get to see Castor pull it together and finally join the pod. Who knows.

Whatever the outcome, I’m loving the intrigue, the spice, and all the adventures. Great read. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Babies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now we’re talking. Annabelle makes a decision, Eros comes into the picture, and Nico goes to the trench. It’s all working a lot better because I like Nico and his character development. Yes, he’s still possessive and cranky, but he openly cares for Annabelle and isn’t cranky towards here. Steps in the right direction. Eros follows in Nico’s shoes by removing Annabelle’s choice a number of times, but she seems okay with it because she likes him. Not the picture of female empowerment, but you do you, girl. However, we finally get the comic relief we needed with Eros, the continued steady presence of Holter, a better version of Nico, and Castor’s on deck!

[Aimee Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Caged by the ruthless thief is book 3 of the veiled city series and it had me completely hooked the entire time that I was reading.

Annabelle and her adventures in the veiled city had me on edge with all that was going on.
Nico's exile, being secretly mated to Halter, Castor's inner fight and Eros' secrets lead for an action packed story.

I am anxiously anticipating book 4 of this series to find out what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the ongoing saga of Annabelle a human who was turned into a mermaid and Nico her merman commander. Not everyone is happy at the Veiled City about Annabelle and her mates: Nico, Holter and Castor so when Eros, the enigmatic and devious thief is blackmailed to assassinate Nico, Eros must decide to follow his heart or his duty. This is a twisted, engaging, action-filled, steamy read that drew me in. I loved the characters and the drama that unfolded as I read this entertaining copy I'd received and volunteer to review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enthralling addition to Annabelle's story and I enjoyed the reading ride the author took me on. This story focuses more on Annabelle’s interactions with Eros but Nico, Holter and Castor are swirling around her and bringing all the heat ;P Expect to get caught up in the fascinating world that Annabelle finds herself in while getting engaged with all the adventure, danger, cute and spicy times she experiences. I can't wait for the next and final book to come out to give us the last of the details and let us see how her journey will end. Good fun!

[Andrea Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once introduced to a new culture and fundamental changes begin, how do you hold on to what makes you...you? Annabelle’s got her hands full with that, sorting out her feelings from her mermaid instincts while trying to understand them, too. Can she forgive? Can they all play nice?
I was pulled into the immersive world Ellie Pond continued to create in this book of the series, and I want more! Looking forward to book 4!

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series at times is so frustrating and yet so interesting. Ellie Pond does an incredible job bring a whole new world to life.
From everything to the civilization to the communication between the mermen and a kraken.
The characters never stop being interesting either they continue to grow and change, evolving right along with the pages of the book.
It's like learning a new language but way more fun.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. While there is a lot of good news in this book there is danger hinted at the end. Annabelle has three mates and one she wants as her fourth. Nico is victorious on surviving the chasm. Eros may not have followed protocol but he is her mate now but for how long? I look forward to the next book for answers as all the players are moving together.

[Sara Speck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers!

Another male who decides for her, as to who is going to mate with her. But will she return the mating bite? Nico is recovering well. Holter is ready to register his mating yet government looks down upon it still, so it's kept in secret. Annabelle is semi-kidnapped again. This time she willing leaves with him but he takes her to his home not where they agreed. Castor wants to be there but politically can't. Some thing big is happening.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of Veiled City starring Annabelle, mermen Nico, Holter, Eros, and Castor. This is an incredibly third story with the adventure taking on more in-depth characters background and the danger surrounding this pod group. I couldn’t put this book down and every page pulls you into the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book I've read written by Ellie Pond; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Veiled City Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Annabelle, Eros & her mates, Castor, Holter, Nico.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm totally invested in this series.

Drama, intrigue, sex, mystery; this series has it all. The story, although chaotic at times, moves at a good pace. Sometimes the sex seems a bit superfluous & quite detailed. The real interest is the story. I'm invested & want all the details. Can't wait for the next book.

[Meshell Brannin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it, but needs some editing

Feel like? What does it feel like? Some continuity issues, like when clothing is removed or not removed, but is suddenly the opposite of what she said. Some spelling and miss used words, or me where it should be my or something like that.
But loving the story line and characters.

[Vallenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation of the series

This was a good read, the whole series is good. As the third in the series it continued with the good pace and plot line. The mix of story, spice, and action were constant which is good, and I found the intrigue really ramped up in this book. It kept me engaged and continued the series well.

[Tina Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story. At first I didn’t think I would like it but I ended up loving it. A definite must read. Easy to read and easy to understand.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle and her mates have an exciting adventure. This is so wonderfully written and detailed. It was so easy to get lost in the story. Their story is filled with danger, action and heat. There is also humor, fun and some cuteness. I enjoyed this addition to the Veiled City series.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like mermaids/mermen this is definitely up your alley. Annabella and Eros what a fun interesting couple they turned out to be. I'm not big on the mer but this author has never let me down. very well developed story, characters, plot, and we'll development. Can't wait to see what's next.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of suspense as well as a steamy romance - this third part of Annabelle's story left me wondering so many things about what would happen next!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best book of the series so far

This book had more action than the rest, and I really enjoyed that. The guys are OBSESSED with Belle, and the corrupt government is really unbelievably bad.

This one ends on a bit if a cliffhanger, but overall it was a pretty goid book.

[Becca (book_lover_xoxo_) Hofmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ooh Eros is definitely my favorite! I really am enjoying this story! The writing is still weird to me but the story has kept me hooked! These Merman 🥵 and who doesn’t want to be turned into a mermaid???