A shadow meets the light … When someone needs to disappear, the Chicago mob calls on Joe Rossi. A man who can move without a sound, and kill without a word, they don’t call him the Shadow for nothing. This time, it’s a New York crime family in need of his skills, but it takes one glimpse of her to make him agree to the job. Liliana Marcello is every inch a principessa della mafia. Her life has … della mafia. Her life has taught her to be wary of strangers, yet her ballet career contradicts everything by putting her on display.
It’s a man with a dark smile and a constantly changing demeanor that makes her feel safe again, but it’s the unknown that holds her back.
It takes one look …
One dance …
One word …
One smile to captivate a man.
And one second to kill a woman because of it, too.
Not all monsters hide in the shadows.
How are you supposed to see them coming?
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Mama Mia!! Marchello’s and Rossi/De Luca’s together.. It’s a dream came true. I can never get enough of the Rossi/ De Luca and the Marcello Families.
This characters… they touched my soul, my heart…
Joe was charming, handsome, dominant, confident, intelligent, kind, respectful,sexy, serious, loving. Liliana wasn’t a typical mafia princess, she had her own dreams and ambitions apart from her family. She was a great mix of softness and strength.
Liliana became Joe’s world, his curse and his blessing, he was happier with her than he has ever been.
The mafia elements worked perfectly with the romance, adding to the depth and intensity of Joe and Liliana’s story.
And the Queen of mafia romance has done it again! I don’t know how she does it, but Bethany-Kris has once again outdone herself. How does she constantly give me exactly what I need? She gives me these characters that grab at my freaking soul! They touch some part of me that I didn’t even know existed. She evokes emotions that I didn’t even know I had in me. And every time I pick up one of her books, no matter the subject, no matter the consequences, no matter what she puts me through, all I ever feel is an almost overwhelming outpouring of love. I love you, woman! For gifting me with your words, your incredibly well-thought out and amazingly constructed plots, and for the beauty of the characters that you create.
I have so much to say about Joe, so let me deal with Liliana first.
She played her character beyond just the dancing, and perhaps even, took the persona on for the moments she was on stage.
It was amazing.
She was beautiful.
He thought, at first sight, she had kind of captivated him. And seeing her like this only added to that strange enchantment, really. – Joe
I loved that she was a ballerina and was serious about her art, however she acknowledged that it wasn’t going to be her life and that she had a plan for her future. Girl had goals! Okay, she’s obviously a principessa della mafia and the much loved daughter of Lucian and Jordyn. So she’s already ahead in points. Lucian was always my favorite Marcello (don’t tell Dante or Gio). Add in the fact that she’s John’s sister (and you already know how much I flove me some John) so my love for her is pretty much guaranteed. And then she had to be not only a survivor, but an all around amazing person. How could I not love her? She was completely self-aware, had no issues admitting when she was wrong or unsure, and had the gigantic heart that was always a winning feature of her family. What’s not to love? And the way she loved Joe?
Alright, so Joe. How can I sum up how I feel about Joe? How can I make you understand how incredible this character was for me? I’m sure I won’t even do him justice, but that’s okay because you’re going to get this book and find out for yourself.
Joe was the epitome of what all heroes (anti-heroes) created by this author encapsulate. He was charming, handsome, dominant, confident, intelligent, observant, considerate, kind, respectful, assertive, to-the-point, sexy, serious, funny, and loving. There are so many more adjectives I could list out, but I think you get the point. He. Was. Awesome!! What first drew me to him was how much he reminded me of his father, Damian Rossi. Now I so easily fell in love with Damian when I read Deathless and Divided. He was just so easy to love! I adored his silence, his integrity, his honor, his love, his everything. He was a feared assassin, The Ghost, and his son Joe (The Shadow) was like a mini-D and I couldn’t have been happier.
From the moment his eyes met hers, Joe was all about Liliana. He didn’t rush, he didn’t push, he didn’t press. He knew she was his person and she knew he was hers. They were meant to be and it was obvious to everyone. I loved how he didn’t fight it, but rather embraced the inevitability of it. I loved so much about this man. He was a cold-blooded killer and yet he had so much warmth to him. It was evident in the way he treated his parents, his brother, his sister, his peers, his elders, but most importantly, it was clear in how he treated Liliana. Very quickly, she became his world, which was both a blessing and a curse. She was a distraction in the best of ways. He was happier than he’d ever been. And for someone who never did relationships, he was confused by how eager he was to shackle himself to her. LOVED HIM!!
There were tons of issues that Joe and Liliana had to work through in order to achieve their happy ending but I was so happy to see that the issues didn’t stem from them. Lives are in danger and thankfully these two had armies made up of the Marcellos and the Rossis to have their backs. This story was at once sexy and romantic with plenty of thrills and terror to shake things up. I have no clue what’s going to happen to these families or whose story will turn up next on my kindle, but I can absolutely assure you that I will always stay tuned!
3.5 Swoon worthy stars!
Joe Rossi is a man who swept me up with his charm from the moment he appeared on the page. A man who knows his place and shows respect without a second thought at the same time as projecting a fearless persona to all he meets regardless of their place in the world.
What struck a chord for me when it came to Liliana was her closeness to her sister Cella. The time that is shared between the sisters in the book showed the depth of their friendship and how connected they were. Similarly Joe’s bond with his young brother came through just as strong, except the way they interacted was not via quality time at a day spa!
It’s not often I launch straight into what I thought about the main characters before I talk about what moved me within a story. What is leaping out at me as I write my review is Joe and Liliana’s relationship is what I loved most about Captivated. The plot was good but it didn’t surface instantly within the story.
I was caught off guard with the overall quietness of the story, while remaining conscious of the mystery surrounding why Joe was called in the first place. Being so captured by the romance meant the suspense that I missed didn’t impact on my enjoyment of the story. Some situations were just dealt with swiftly and left me craving more details.
Liliana’s career as a ballerina and Joe’s need to remain discreet and unseen placed them with limited opportunities for dating. The obstacles they encountered to being together were more about timing than that of a forbidden nature. Be prepared to be captivated by a romance set within the complicated world of organised crime that’s unhindered by the usual trappings of family drama.
Captivated by Bethany-Kris is the story of Joe Rossi and Liliana Marcello.
Joe had come into the Marcello family to do a job but he met Liliana and she took his breath away. Joe is known as the ‘Shadow’ since he is quick and quiet in his kills. Joe has always been focused yet caring to his family never feeling the need for a romantic relationship. But things slowly start to change as his feelings for Liliana grow. Liliana too has grown up in a mafia family and has some hardships in life but is focused now on being a ballerina. But the emotions she starts feeling for Joe are ones that neither can ignore.
Chicago mobster Joe Rossi is called in to take care of a problem in New York for the Marcello’s. Joe agrees to the job but when he meets Liliana Marcello, he is intrigued. Lilliana is beautiful and the daughter of one of the men he is working for. She is a ballerina and Joe finds himself watching her. A threat against Liliana has Joe’s job changing and now he is guarding her, problem is she doesn’t know. Will the woman he wants reject him when she finds out?
The chemistry between Joe and Liliana crackles with each moment they are in each others company. I thought this was wonderful and was pulled in right away. Eager to read some of the other books in the series.
Captivated is my first book from Bethany Kris and it won’t be my last. I enjoy a good mafia romance and with Captivated the author has created a very entertaining story. I was immersed immediately thanks to her writing which was straight to the point, no holding back, and intriguing characters. Joe and Liliana caught my attention from the start and their connection was instant. Joe is a fascinating man who kills or make people disappear. One would think his soul would be very dark but he has mastered the skill of being a killer. Knows how to separate the two. Joe and the other persona who kills which he names Shadow.
Liliana who’s part of the mafia environment thanks to her father is not scared or dumb when it comes to Joe. Their relationship is exciting, thrilling and very sexy. After being introduced to Joe and Liliana’s family and can’t wait to read their stories. A wonderful introduction to this new to me author.
4 Tesoro Stars
A perfect title to this book because as soon as you start this book you will be captivated with the story all the way until the end. I loved this book and can’t wait to find more from this author.
This book is aptly titled. It had me captivated right from the get go. Joseph Rossi is the son of Damian and Lily Rossi from the Chicago Wars series and Liliana Marcello is the daughter of Lucian and Jordyn Marcello from the Filthy Marcellos series.
Bethany-Kris never disappoints her readers with her stories. There is plenty of suspense, action and romance to keep the reader hooked. Strong male and female characters, family loyalty and love, humour and plenty more will have you addicted or like I said captivated.
Joseph Rossi aka Joe or the shadow is sent to New York to complete a job for the Marcello Family. He is curious when it comes to the beautiful, graceful Liliana Marcello. Circumstances unknown to Joe has him watching Liliana. A bond is formed during his stay in New York. I’m not one who enjoys reading spoilers in reviews so I don’t plan on leaving any in mine. Let’s just say things happen but we all know Bk loves her happy endings.
This is definitely a must read. 5+ solid stars for Joe and Liliana’s story!!
4 Tesoro stars!! Such a sweet story !! A great combination of Marcello’s and Chicago Outfit!! I really love those books of Bethany Kris!! Excellent read!!
Joes gets sent to New York to work for the Marcello Family, he wasn’t expecting to meet Liliana, or for them to have such chemistry with her at first sight. As a member of the Rossi Family, Joe knows that he just can’t date Liliana and talks to her father. Joe’s known as the shadow and can get the job done, although he wants to know why the marks were chosen, Liliana’s father won’t tell him.
Liliana doesn’t understand why Joe won’t tell her some things and lets him know how angry it makes her, although she realises that being part of a family he can’t tell her everything.
When Joe realises exactly why the marks were chosen, he decides to take them out quickly. When he sees Liliana uncomfortable talking to a man, he lets her father know and they realise that there is still a threat to her.
Joes realises that keeping Liliana safe is all that matters and as much as he wants to be with her she needs to be away from everything, which is working until the threat goes missing.
Joe realises that it’s time to tell Liliana everything about what he does, Liliana knows what her family is involved in, but is she going to want to have anything to with him when she knows exactly what he does as a made man. Is he going to be able to keep Liliana, who he realises is his person, safe from the danger coming.
New author to me but going to look up the rest of the books about the other family members.
Let’s start off by saying that this is a new author for us and we are really enjoying her stories.
I really enjoyed this tale it was griping suspenseful and a really great love story.I have to say I really loved the main characters Joe and Liliana were complete opposites yet fit each other so well.One thing they do have in common is that they are are both from powerful crime families.
Liliana’s career as a ballet dancer keeps her very busy which keeps her away from the family business although she is not naive about her father and brother’s she is not privy to how they conduct their business and I really feel she doesn’t really know just how powerful and dangerous they really are.
Liliana and Joe form and instant connection he to is from a Mafia family based in Chicago.This story reminded me a little bit of the story Beauty and the Beast.
I loved the chemistry and the connection that was their between these to as they made a cute couple their courtship was somewhat of a train wreck waiting to happen yet ,they were super sexy and hot together when they came together for some hot and dirty sex. lol Joe is keeping secrets their entire courtship first because it was family business and then to protect her.How do your court the girl you are crazy about without her realizing in actuality you are guarding her and not just a job ?
I have to say that I haven’t really read a lot of the Mafia romance gene but, I have to say that the story kept me interested and turning the pages until the very end.The story had a great cast of characters and some twists and turns and a few surprises.
I loved both Liliana and Joe from the onset of the story but, Joe became my favorite character this time around.Joe just kept surprising me at every turn because he kept doing things out of his comfort zone and out of character for him and also kept straying from the plan and then gets involved with finding out more about the job he was hired to do things he never ever does.The cool and collected man is everything but, as Liliana has him totally off his game. Lol
“Grinning”
Overall we enjoyed this story as I found the characters to be love-able,intriguing,mysterious and that it had just the right amount of drama and suspense .I also loved the author style of writing and would love to read more books by her and will have to start with one of her mafia series for sure.
We loved it !
I love reading a book but I love listening to a book. I swear I can see and feel everything that is happening on each and every page. This book is so beautifully written that the moment it started with this is a book from audible I was hooked. The narrator Daniel James Lewis did an AMAZING job reading us this mafia love story.
The two main characters Joe and Liliana are both from Mob families and when Joe is asked to come to New York to do a job he meets Liliana and he knows right from the minute they meet that his life is about to change. There is something about that angelic ballerina that calls to Joe in a way he has never known. He is so sexy, smart, loving and everything in between and them some. He is ferocious in protecting Liliana and I loved that about him.
Liliana oh man she is a princessa but she is not stuck up and snotty. She is loving and caring and loves to dance on stage. She knows that is not going to be her career but she is enjoying it while she can. When she meets Joe she is done for. Her heart beats fast and she knows she has to have him. The love scenes between these two were steamy and I needed a glass a very tall glass of ice because they were off the charts. Plus I loved when Joe spoke italian to her.
This is a must read love story that does not come easily for them. They have to work at their relationship and they have their ups and downs but when they work together they make the perfect couple.
Amount of sex 3 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Captivated is a steamy standalone romance written by author Bethany – Kris. I listened to this story on audio, which was narrated by Daniel James Lewis. I especially enjoyed the narrator’s accent, but I could not pin down the exact type of accent. It seemed similar to a Boston accent, which I thought went perfectly with this mafia romance. Mr. Lewis voiced the characters well, and I quickly became engrossed in the story.
Captivated tells the story of Joe Rossi, who is a member of the Chicago mob. Joe and his father travel to NY City to meet with the head of the New York Mob. They offer Joe a job which requires him to stay in NY for some time. While there, he gets to know Liliana Marcello, the daughter of the boss and a principal ballet dancer.
The story was fascinating, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. The sex scenes were steamy, and I truly enjoyed Joe’s dominance. He was definitely a delicious anti-hero and I loved when he spoke Italian.
A definite add to your TBR list.
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
I love the Marcello family. If I had to be raised in the life, I would want to be a Marcello. There are two things which mean the most to a Marcello. They are family and God. They give unconditional love like no other.
Marcello way could clearly be seen throughout the story. Lucian who I saw within Loyalty and Disgrace showed up again in Captivated. He didn’t play the role of dad. He was a father figure like no other.
I couldn’t wait to start Captivated. Not only because of the Marcello family but being able to read about how a Marcello met her man. Joe Rossi… hot damn… he was bleeping amazing. He was such a demanding a-hole in the bedroom, which made me love him even more. Liliana Marcello… She was quite the fighter on and off the stage. This couple made me fan myself, laugh a little and cry a little.
If Bethany-Kris writes it, I read it. I’m always up for mafia blood shed, the dialogue she writes so well, and the sexy moments the characters share when the world isn’t all guns and action. Captivated has been a long-awaited book for me, I’ve been dying to know about the ballerina Bethany-Kris has been writing about since she first started hinting about her. Liliana Marcello, daughter of Lucian Marcello, is graceful, delicate, and fairly naive when it comes to her family’s name and profession. Aware of her role as principesa, she doesn’t ask questions, she doesn’t snoop, and up until the arrival of Joe she’s never been curious. Joe Rossi, son of Damien and Lily Rossi of the Chicago Outfit, is as handsome as he is strong. He reveals to Liliana a side of himself that he keeps closed off when amongst made men, showing that he is soft and sweet.
“He was the worst kind of sinner. It never seemed to matter.”
In New York on business for the Marcellos, Joe knows better than to reveal his interest in Lucian’s daughter, but something about her calls to him. Whether it is her graceful way of walking, her captivating way of dancing, or the strength she reveals when avoiding the advances of a former flame, he cannot stop thinking about her. Distraction is dangerous though, especially when you’re the Shadow, a hitman no one can detect with two marks to be had in New York. When they are pushed together by circumstance the two give in to the chemistry, though the past and secrets have a way of pushing them apart. Joe wants Liliana for himself, but more than anything, he wants to protect her from the darkness that is trying to haunt her once again.
“Liliana saw Joe. She has deen him. That was enough for her.”
I LOVED Joe and I loved Liliana. They are young characters, one very aware of his role in the Chicago Outfit and one principesa who has embraced her family none-the-wiser of their roles in the New York mafia. Joe is immature in many ways, but also so mature in ways he seems to young to be. He has seen things, yet he holds onto his faith and his hope. Liliana has been dealt a bad had in recent past, thriving most when she’s on stage dancing and left cowering and withering when the name connected to her recent past is brought up. The two share instant chemistry, the kind of chemistry that should be ignored due to the nature of Joe’s visit, and yet it works for them. It’s a hot push and pull, filled with blush-worthy smut. While it is a complicated connection, built on lust and secrets, it is still a relationship you root for.
“Liliana saw Joe. She has deen him. That was enough for her.”
Captivated is classic crime family romance, but with a youthful touch that I really enjoyed. Joe’s view of his role as the Shadow for the Outfit is unique and Liliana’s distance from her own family was very different from previous Bethany-Kris principesa characters. There was just the right amount of suspense, crime, and romance to make this mafia fiction lover happy.
Jesus, I loved this book. Captivated brings you a story about two mafia families the Chicago and New York families. Joe Rossi is brought into New York to work for the Marcello Family on a job. He is to get it done quickly and quietly. He is known as the Shadow for a reason. But when he meets Liliana Marcello things go a little haywire.
Liliana is a dancer also the princess of the Marcello family. She is aware of her family but her father lets her live her life. When Joe is brought in for whatever reason all she knows is that she wants him. And it has been a long time since she has had feelings for someone. But when a man shows up and flowers start showing up she knows she needs help. Will Joe be able to help? Or will he make things worse?
This book may be about the mafia, but it goes so much deeper than that. This book is beautifully written and talks about some deep emotional things. I could honestly not put this story down. I am hoping we get more about these families.
Lord! Bethany-Kris’ mafia is life!!! I am seriously so addicted and can not get enough of her words. I absolutely love her unique storylines and the fiery connection between her heroes and heroines. Captivated was AMAZING!! I loved Liliana and Joe. They were sexy and combustible and their story had edge!!
This story is a complete standalone, but if you have read other books by this author they will ring a bell. Without giving away any spoilers just know that this story makes you feel. I laughed, I cried and loved the emotions they evoked in me. Liliana was sexy and strong and sassy af. She gave as good as she got and was the perfect match for Joe. Likewise Joe was alpha and dominant to a tee but was also sweet, determined and headstrong. I loved the banter between these two and could not get enough of them. And their chemistry?! Pure fireworks!!
I seriously loved this story and did not want it to end! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I have to say that reading CAPTIVATED left me feeling like a bit of a voyeur. The way in which Bethany Kris created an almost cocoon-like world for the main characters made me feel like an interloper to their intimacy.
Chicago based hit man, Joe Rossi, is in New York to complete a job when he meets Liliana Marcello at her family home. The immediate attraction between Joe and Liliana is evident and it takes little time for them to gravitate toward one another. Their story is not one of grand romantic gestures or wild escapades; instead it’s a quiet and understated experience. It’s lush and rich. The looks and words they share, their focus on each other when they’re alone makes for great reading.
However, Joe’s come to complete a job, one that must remain under a cloak of confidentiality. Before he can even consider a life with Liliana, he needs to finish what he came for. Imagine his astonishment when he discovers that his job crosses paths with events in Liliana’s life. And this is where I stop before I reveal any plot spoilers.
CAPTIVATED definitely held my attention. As well as our couple, I once again enjoyed the author’s depiction of these families. Their closeness, the love they have for each other and the burdens they are willing to carry and avenge for their loved ones all plays in making this book a well rounded read.
Every time I read a Bethany-Kris novel I’m like oh that is my favorite couple of hers then she writes another book and then that couple takes the lead. Loved loved loved this couple, Joe and Liliana are perfect, love, good sex, excellent suspense are all packed in this great story. And while this is a standalone you get some interesting tidbits about and from other characters in the Marcello family arc.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Joseph “Joe” Rossi knows the score when it comes to the family. When I “listen” to him talk, he seems so much older than he actually is. I feel the same about his job. But as I get into the story I forget all about that. Liliana Marcello’s life is about to change – especially after Joe walks through the door.
I’m waiting for the time when videos can be inserted into a book. There were certain scenes that had me wishing there was a button I could push so that I could watch the video that was playing out in my head. Joe always seems so serious but there were times, when Liliana was involved, that I had no choice but to chuckle. But when the heat gets too much I’m glad there is no video because I think it would burn out my e-reader – I did have to turn the fan on though.
This was a story that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. I’m not saying that I liked Joe’s job and what that job entails but I did enjoy his interactions with Liliana. I know that Liliana’s job is a tough one and you have to be a special person in order to keep it. But responsibilities can be stressful when it comes to these two. How are they going to make a relationship work? What I loved about this was that the story kept me guessing right up until the end, which was a pleasant surprise. I can’t wait to see where we go from here.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.