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I'm a captive, a pawn in a power play between two ruthless mafia men—my husbands...

Dante wants to be the Boss of our criminal organization, and he'll do awful, dark things to make Luca bow to him.

He promises he'll use me to break him.

As we both suffer in his hands, I find myself falling for Luca, bound to him by pain and fear.

But Dante is fiercely possessive, and in his own twisted way, he seems to care for me.

Outside of our gilded cage, a growing threat from the Bratva puts us all in danger.

Both men swear to protect me from their enemies, but who will protect me from them?

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

235 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Julia Sykes

138 books2,024 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Celia {Hiatus until August}.
750 reviews141 followers
January 22, 2023
description

•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,8 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•

Nora and Luca are Dante's prisoners, and targets for his devious games.
This is sexy, hot and bloody.
Dante is their master, they have to do everything he wants, or the two Lucas' best friends will be killed.

description

This one have a lot of bdsm scenes, and mfm interaction.
Nora is starting to feel something for Dante.
And now, with the Russians getting ground, Dante has to make a choice.

description

The scenes between the three of them are sexy as hell.
They are surrounded by enemies, and when Nora things she's safe, she's in more trouble than she was before.
Will the two men be able to rescue her?
And when the time comes, will Nora allow Dante to be killed?

description

I can't wait to see how it ends.
I'm hoping for Dante and Luca to become friends and both keep Nora.
Nora is already in love with Luca, and Dante is getting there too.
She needs him to protect her.
And she needs Luca to comfort her.

description

This ends with a cliffhanger that continues in this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...

description
Profile Image for Lu.
175 reviews1 follower
Read
February 3, 2023
ya…she doesn’t find her backbone. In fact she looses her entire spine
1,054 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2023
You can feel every nuance of emotion in this story. Nora's pain and heartbreak, Luca's shame and anger, and Dante's devotion and rage. Such an emotionally charged book, from beginning to end. Can't wait for the next installment in this series!
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,658 reviews10 followers
January 17, 2023
4.25⭐️/ 🌶🌶🌶

The power dynamics between Dante, Luca and Nora is explosive. This book picks up exactly where the last one ended and Dante is still controlling everything. What does he want, Nora’s submission and Luca’s total destruction. With two dominant males, this is a fight of wills and Dante has seemingly broken Luca…maybe. After getting Nora to submit it would seem he’s gotten what he wants from her as well…maybe. However, a night where the high of making sure Nora is never afraid again - collectively, Dante and Luca give Nora something she never expected…only to have it ripped away. He who holds the power and all. What happens when that power is taken away and your hand is forced? War.

Am I twisted because I love the power play going on here. I just hope it ends the way I want it to. This is dark and so delicious in my humble opinion and I can’t wait for the conclusion. Make it yummy Julia…make it YUMMMYYYY!!
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2023
In Their Power by Julia Sykes is book Two in Their Captive Bride Series. This continues the story of Nora, Dante Luca which started in the previous book 'In Their Hands'. So, you will need to read that book before starting this one. Dante is wanting to head the organization and is using Nora and Luca it seems to get his way. But a newer threat from a Bratva is putting them all in danger. This does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment.






3,243 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2023
This was non stop action that had my heart racing to see what Dante had planned next to capture Nora's attention. The emotions from Dante, Luca and Nora are explosive you can feel everyone of them but boy are they hot. I loved it and I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,919 reviews17 followers
January 14, 2023
Five Plus Plus! I was reading this story with my hands clenched while reading it. It's so intense. Slowly, the tides are shifting, but they sway back and forth like tides in the ocean. Luca and Dante dominating for power, but it's really only with one person right now, but so many external issues are closing in against them. Alliances are formed, but there's also betrayal. Wow, just Wow, can't wait for the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Ashley Ann Martin.
134 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2023
I will preface this review by saying, go read my review of book one (In Their Hands). All set? Alright, awesome. Let’s proceed.

In Their Power was very much anticipated after the cliffhanger in book one. And as per the norm, Ms Sykes did NOT disappoint! I re-read book one and this one in less than 12 hours, because the story is so good! I devoured it!

Anyway, we pick up literally where it ended in the previous book. The one thing that really cemented these three characters in my heart is the raw emotion that can be felt from all of their POVs. My heart aches for Nora and how she viewed her place in their world. The way Dante and Luca think, it’s such a beautiful contrast to each other. Because I felt these emotions so deeply, I felt myself being pulled between who I was rooting for.

In the beginning I hated Dante so so much. I loved Luca and wanted him and Nora to escape and have their HEA. It wasn’t until the last 2 or 3 chapters that my opinions started to shift. I won’t spoil it and tell you how BUT read it and find out for yourself!

As in the prior book, this one ends on a MAJOR plot twist and cliffhanger! But I know it will be worth the wait for the final book! (I’m hoping and looking forward to how the author will tie up loose ends!)

Ms Sykes, I’m constantly amazed by your continued growth in your writing. I’ve read all of your books and this trilogy is by far your best work yet! Can’t wait to see how you grow in future books!

NOTE: I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
2,553 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of IN THEIR POWER"
WOW!!! What an intense emotional Dark twisted rollercoaster ride full of danger, abuse, rape, angst, murder, steam, danger, suspense, intrigue, threats, twists you didn't see coming.
Nora has been abused all her life she tries to protect her sister Giana, the Bratva wanted to killed her as they raped & killed her mother but she's taken captive by two Ruthless Mafia men her husbands, Dante wants to be the boss of their criminal organization & he'll do terrible things to make Luca bow to him, promises he'll use her to break him.
Dante is fiercely possessive & in his own twisted way he shows Nora he cares for her, but outside their gilded cage the Bratva puts them all in danger.
I definitely recommend to get this excellent well written story to see how Dante, Luca & Nora make out the shocking cliffhanger makes you want the next book ASAP to see what happens next.
A MUST READ YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS 🖤 🖤 🖤
Profile Image for Gabriëlla Croes.
420 reviews36 followers
January 17, 2023
This is a fast paced continuation of the first story. Nora really is going through a lot. Both Dante and Luca want her. But being kept captive by Dante is tough. I really felt for her and Luca.

I am still not completely warmed up to Dante but towards the end of the book I was liking him more and more. He has a lot of making up to do though. His POV does give a good insight into his thinking, even if he is really dark.

The chemistry between them is there but I am missing a bit more spark. The suspense keeps the story going. I am very curious to see how this menage will work out.

That cliffhanger ending is such a twist. I am in anticipation of the third and final book. I need to know what happens next!

𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.

➛ Dark Mafia Romance
➛ Multiple 1st POV: Nora, Dante & Luca
➛ Tropes: Mafia, Kidnapping/Captive, MFM, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, BDSM, CNC
➛ Fast Paced/Spicy
➛ Cliffhanger
➛ Series: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲, this is book #2
➛ Next book: 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 (Releasing in March 2023)
1,278 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2023
In this second book in the series, the reader finds that Dante has "married" the Mafia wife of his rival Luca and is holding Luca prisoner by threatening to harm Nora or his best friends who have also been captured...but Nora refuses to let Dante get close to her although he has been playing with her emotions with pleasure and pain used equally to control his new obsession. Nora is relying on the continuing hope that she and Luca can somehow escape the madman Dante...but there are sharks in the water as the Russians know there is a power play going on in the Vitali Mafia and they are readying for a coup, could there be another player in the mix??? I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,121 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2023
In Their Power picks up the story immediately from where the previous one left off. Nora and Luca are still captives of Dante with Dante determined to do whatever he has to, to break Luca even using Nora if he has to do it. As with the first book I still have no idea who I feel Nora should choose to be with if she eventually has a choice in the matter. In an ideal world why shouldn’t she claim both men as hers but with two alpha anti heroes like Luca and Dante even if Luca could get past the treatment Dante has inflicted on him, I really can’t see either of them willing to share Nora. Here’s hoping Julia Sykes doesn’t decide to throw a Bratva boss into the mix or my head really might actually explode.
1,476 reviews
January 19, 2023
In Their Power picks up where In Their Hands left us on a cliffhanger and anxious to see what happens next. Dante's still on a quest to be the boss. He'll stop at nothing to ensure it happens, but that also means he has many enemies. We see more of Dante's controlling ways, the power he wields, explosive chemistry, action, suspense, and a twist I didn't see coming.

This was intense, gripping, and steaming hot. I need to know what happens next! This is book #2 & not a standalone. You must read book #1 first. They both end on shocking cliffhangers that leave you wanting more.
522 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2023
This 2nd installment was a fast read. Dante is tormentor to Luca by having watch what he does to Nora and his twisted games, but what he doesn't get is he is making things worse for himself that Nora will never be his like Dante wants this book I'd mostly sex scenes but at the end there is a twist. Will Luca and Dante and Nora eventually come together WE'LL have to sew in book 3
Profile Image for Renee.
954 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2023
Speechless

Julia Sykes has written a truly dark book. At the end of book one, I mentioned that I really didn't like either guy, Luca or Dante. I'm not sure it has changed much. Much. Which means I totally get Stockholm syndrome, becauseI get why she is falling, questioning, and continuing to fall. My anxiety was sky high while reading this. I cannot believe this cliffhanger! It's brutal! I cannot wait to read the conclusion of this story.

I read this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
Profile Image for Basak.
762 reviews42 followers
January 18, 2023
mindbl0wing🖤

Aghhhh! I can’t stand these cliffhangers! Especially when they are this brutal! Julia Sykes, you are an amazing writer. Your creative mind knows no bounds. You have made me fall in love with two d3ranged alphaholes, albeit not equally crazy maybe, and crave for more. I hope the next book is coming out soon cause after the last scene, I feel like I am itching in my own skin.
544 reviews
January 20, 2023
Dante, Luca, Nora Oh My!

If I thought I loved book one, I’m hyperventilating over book two. These two dominating men fighting over one woman is so hot, but Dante dominating Luca is even hotter.

This book ends in a Cliffhanger, but I’m so excited to see what Luca and Dante will do once they team up together to save Nora in the next book. All I can say is, let the sex and violence begin! 🌶️🌶️💥💥
Profile Image for Alex S.
10 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
Do we secretly like him? I’m not too sure. This was a roller coaster of emotions. Can Luca and Dante work together for Nora’s sake? Will she be safe? Who will win in the end? So many questions to be answered after reading this book. Beautifully written and keeps you on your toes. Can’t wait for the third and final book!
Profile Image for Victoria Wilson.
275 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2023
This not-your-typical love triangle continues in this second book of the series with some very intense moments. Thoughts and feelings between the characters are growing and shifting right alongside their overall dynamic. Throw in some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming with a massive cliffhanger and now I’m ready to read the next one to see where everything goes. It will be interesting to see just how much the relationships between these three characters will evolve.
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
978 reviews22 followers
January 16, 2023
In their hands was the first book in this trilogy and we picked up right where we left off. Dante still has Nora & Luca captive and he is trying to break her so she can be his willingly all the while Luca watches locked up in his cage.

It's a great story and it keeps you interested, my only issue are the books are short so there is no need for a trilogy. This story could easily be one large book or a duet.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
2,522 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2023
Absolutely loved book two. Dante is bound and determined to make Nora his pet and make Luca watch but Nora is determined to keep her love for Luca no matter what is done to her. Who will get her in the end?
Profile Image for Clara Martinez Turco.
770 reviews
January 22, 2023
The jury is still out there on Dante. But, after reading In Their Power, he is growing on me. He is still ruthless in his quest for power, trying to break Luca by tormenting Nora.

In Their Power picks up right where In Their Hands (book 1) ended and, as expected, finishes with a massive cliffhanger. So while I knew it was coming, I didn't see the plot twist. I'll be right here, still trying to process what happened.

Unlike the first book, this part of the story is full of raw emotions. Nora struggling and breaking down is heartbreaking. But we also see other sides of Luca and Dante. Steam level-wise? Scorching. It's hot, hot, hot!

I don't know what to expect next. But that's the beauty of Julia Sykes' writing, the unknown journey she takes readers on with her books.
Profile Image for andreasbooktea.
112 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2023
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨I feel the same as when a finished the last book, a bit like idk if I liked the book or not as a whole but the cliffhanger is pulling me back into the next(final) book. Felt like I was on a rollercoaster with this one.

Honestly I feel like Luca and Nora are carrying this book for me. Im sorta indifferent towards Dante. Usually in why choose romance there is one or two MMCs that are my favorite(s) but I generally like all of them for the FMC. But with this I could kinda care less what happens to Dante. He does have some redeemable qualities but I need more redemption for me to believe that at the end of this is going to be an HEA with the 3 of them, cause it’s very dysfunctional in there. 😂😂

I was very shocked by that ending didn’t see it happening that way at all! Love a good cliffhanger I don’t see coming! I’m looking forward to reading the next one though. It’s always the cliffhanger that keeps me pulled in!

Thank you so much Valentine PR for allowing me to read the e-arc copy of this book!
Profile Image for Renee.
5,211 reviews73 followers
January 17, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

I'm a captive, a pawn in a power play between two ruthless mafia me-my husbands. Dante wasnts to be the Boss of our criminal organization, and he'll do awful, dark things to make Luca bow to him. He promises he'll use me to break him. As we both suffer in his hands. I find myself falling for Luca, bound to him by pain and fear. But Dante is fiercely possessive, and in his own twisted way, he seems to care for me. Outside of our gilded cage, a growing threat from the Bratva puts us all in danger. Both men swear to protect me from their enemies, but who will protect me from them?

I thought this story was a super emotional one. I found myself rooting for and then yelling at characters through this book . You will feel everything when you are reading this book and I swear I could have thrown my kindle a time or two while reading this book. In this book Luca and Dante are in a power struggle for power and dominance. They only have one person to worry about right now but outside forces are closing in on them and you can be that isn't good. There are emotions flying all over the place too between these three. Nora has a lot of pain and heartbreak that she is dealing with. Luca has a lot of shame and anger to overcome. Dante is so full of devotion but really filled to the brim with some serious rage. This book will keep you reading trying to unravel it all.
3,157 reviews
January 16, 2023
Wonderful second book in this dark and depraved rivalry a monster and husband both want Nora

This is a read between two men that both have married the same woman Nora, Luca had first married her and then she had been taken by Dante who had been murderous in his intent, she had been abused by her father and family and Luca had learned all this about her.

Now she had been taken from Luca and Dante was making it known that she was his, he used Luca’s two oldest friends to control him by threatening to brutalize them. Now Dante was determined to take over Nora who he claimed was his, he was her Master and he would take over from the Russians.

Nora had suffered at the hands of so many and all of her life she had tried to keep her sister safe and Giana was the most important thing in her world, she had gone through so much in her effort to keep her safe. However, the Bratva were determined to kill Nora just as they had killed and raped her mother.

This was a simply riveting read and I guarantee that like me you will be left earnestly waiting to read the final book in this series.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Claire Cronin.
1,244 reviews20 followers
January 22, 2023
This is book 2 in Their Captive Bride trilogy, picking up straight after book 1 In Their Hands, so make sure you've read this first.

Dante has taken over the rule of the mafia as he feels Luca is not strong enough to rule and keep them safe from their Bratva enemies. He was promised Nora by her father before Luca stole her away and married her. Now he has stolen her back, she is his wife and belongs to him, and has also taken Luca who he holds prisoner, in order to break him.

Dante has complete control over them both, he promises he will never lie to Nora, and he will never force her like Luca did on their wedding night. He keeps his promises, but punishes her, using pain and bondage to gain her submission. He also uses Luca, using guilt and shame as motivation, as well as the threat to kill his friends and companions to keep him under his control.

Poor Nora, I feel for her, as she starts to feel free and uninhibited with Dante, making her forget about Luca even if he is there taking part in the threesome. But she desperately wants to be back with just Luca and feels hatred and confusion for Dante, who makes her second guess what she feels for Luca. A good read, who will end up the winner and gain their wife back? Looking forward to the final part of this trilogy.
760 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2023
Nora was chosen by her father to marry rough and sadistic Dante, who wishes to rule their mafia. Before the ceremony, she was stolen by Luca. Luca and Nora married and stayed together for one week before Dante kidnapped her from her loving husband.

After a battle whereby Luca sought to rescue his wife, Dante set a trap that quickly defeated Luca and his troops. Unfortunately, Dante still holds Nora and he has captured Luca and two of his closest friends. Now he controls them both. His goal is to humiliate and debase Luca or his friends will be tortured and die.

Dante is determined to demean Lucas in Nora’s eyes demonstrating to her how pathetic and useless he is as a leader and a husband. While trying to weaken Lucas, Dante is unwaveringly trying his best to seduce, punish and control Nora. Nora is overcome with her own humiliation and Luca is furious for being forced to watch Dante use, abuse and satisfy her.

This is a very deep, dark and thoroughly twisted story involving two rough and dominant husbands and one confused and submissive wife. Who will eventually claim her? When and how will this happen, and I cannot wait to find out.
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
897 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2023
I was really looking forward to part 2 of Nora, Luca and Dante's story and I was not disappointed. In Thier Power is about just the - Power - and it's not just about who will take over as Don of the local Mafia. This is about who has the power over who. Does Dante hold all the power? What power does Nora have? Does Luca have any power remaining?

Both Dante and Luca are brutal characters, have blood on their hands but both promise to protect and care for Nora. Both are very dominant males both in the bedroom and out. But the dominant male in the bedroom side of Dante and Luca is very very different. Dante thinks he can break Luca using Nora as his weapon. There are a lot of very heavy scenes which, if I'm going to call a spade a spade, amounts to sexual assult. You also get to see a soft side to Dante, but don't blink or you will miss it and the strength that both Nora and Luca somehow build up.

There are some twists and turns some you will see coming others maybe not, but the ending to this book is a really powerful cliffhanger which left me screaming for more !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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