Carmen Ronaldo is my enemy and my obsession. I’ll conquer her and make her mine.For years, Carmen has hated me. I seduced her to learn her family’s secrets, and then I used those secrets to fracture the Ronaldo cartel. I took half of their territory and made myself a king, but I’ve never been fully satisfied in my victory.I’ve never experienced regret. The emotions that rule weaker men don’t … rule weaker men don’t affect me.
Until her.
I’ve waited far too long to claim Carmen for myself. My feisty little kitten might hate me for taking her as my captive, but she’ll surrender herself to me. I’ll protect her from all her enemies.
Except me.
My cage will be her refuge, my rules her fortress.
Carmen is no longer my enemy. She’s just mine.
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Julia Sykes has a 99 cent sale out to go with her NEW audio release of this title! I’ve got the audio on my audible wish list!
Another incredibly intense read from Julia Sykes, which features her determined ruthless anti-hero Stephano, and the wonderfully strong Carmen. With tension, fraught situations, an adorable cat, nasty men who just want to take what is not theirs, Julia has succeeded in creating a story which matches thrills with love and personal growth. With more to come, we can continue to enjoy the world of cartels and the people who are strong enough to survive and win a slice of happiness
Excellent part of a trilogy really good read
The 4th book in her Captive series, and this was just stunning!!! What a read!! A full on intense ride of emotions, that will have you biting your nails with the suspense and panting with the erotic scenes. A magnificent dark mafia tale with a captive theme and the most wonderfully dark anti-hero you just can’t help falling for, and a heroine made of steel and intelligence and an instinct for pure survival.
12 yrs ago Stephano, a vicious and cruel drug cartel boss had a night of obsession and dominance with the sister of one of his enemies / competitors, Pedro, in order to gain cartel info from Carmen. He then left her high and dry, with her having to deal with the consequences of betraying her brother. For 12 yrs she has had to live on her wits and intelligence, plotting and scheming of ways she can wrestle control from her brother and take over the cartel, all the time hating Stephano for what he did to her. But one night of mega violence and her cartel is destroyed and she finds herself captive and held by Stephano.
Carmen is such a strong brave soul, she has lived through some horrors and has the scars to prove this. She has nightmares and some triggers that end up with her mind spiralling down into the darkness and depravity that she had to live through, all due to that one night long ago with Stephano. She is determined that Stephano will not break her, that if she uses her mind she can find his weakness and maybe free herself from his clutches.
Stephano is a sociopath, he feels no emotions, no regrets, no nothing about the horror that he wreaks. Nothing moves him, but for Carmen, who has been obsessed with for the past 12 years, and now he has her, he is going to break her and make her his.
I loved both these characters with a passion, their connection and chemistry, although dark, is very compelling. I loved Stephano’s pet names for Carmen, always calling her Kitten, and you could really see the struggle in him as he tried his best in his own way to do the best for Carmen. The story is told from dual POV’s which really helps in understanding them both and their connection and the way they both behave.
Don’t get me wrong, it is a dark and violent read, but Stephano is just superb as a villain you love to hate, I just couldn’t get enough of him! The story line is engaging and captivating from the start and I really felt for Carmen and everything she had been through and how both characters change and grow with the story as they learn more about one another. A brilliant and immersive dark read, highly recommended.
Well, oh my! I’m so all over the place with this one. Carmen… she’s strong minded, strong willed, she’s been bent to the point of snapping in two but she’s pushed and pushed to put herself back together. My heart ached for her. I don’t hate Stefano. He’s definitely a twisted man but under that there’s so much more. I enjoyed getting to dig into those layers. As always, the story telling pulls me in. Even during moments that I’m frustrated, angry, sad… I can’t stop reading.
A dark mafia romance that will owned you right from the start!
Kingpin’s Property is book 4 in the Captive series. This is Stefano and Carmen’s story, and let me tell you, this book is intense, and absolutely outstanding. Is one of those books that makes you cry, angry, hold your breath, hot and bother, but you can’t put down.
Stefano Duarte is the devil, but being a Mafia/Cartel Boss what else can you expect, right? He’s violent, ruthless, domineering, deadly, dark, and very obsess with possessing Carmen.
I love Carmen’s strength, her courage, sassiness, and her will to overcome whatever adversities life had thrown her way, being one of them Stefano. The chemistry between this two characters is like none other. Do they love or hate each other? Well, you need to read to find out, and believe me, you won’t be disappointed.
The storyline, the characters, the plot development, the sexual chemistry, and much more, makes of this book a great, captivating, and all-consuming read that’ll keep you compulsively turning the pages wanting to know what’ll happened next, while taking you on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions until you have turned the last page.
(Beware of sensitive themes and situations)
We are in book number four and every single one of these is different, suspenseful, twisted, and beautifully written. Julia brings you into Carmen’s world and makes you bleed for her. Carmen is so strong and hard but when she is taken and put into Stefano’s home she either has to fight or submit.
Stefano has wanted Carmen for almost a decade and he finally has her under his roof. He thinks he knows what she has been up to for the past ten years, but he has no idea. Carmen is not the woman he remembers. She is stronger and meaner than ever before.
Will Carmen be able to put her guard down with Stefano and let him her into her heart? Or will these two always fight with their feelings?
I couldn’t put this story down. I had to know what Carmen went through and if things were going to work out. I loved how Julia drew me in. I can’t wait for the next story!
Carmen and Stefano are like a match to a firework. It’s an explosive read.
Stefano kidnaps Carmen with one thought in mind. To make her his pet.
They are each other past, present but can they have a future?
This is a story of passion. You will be sucked in. Loved it.
This is the fourth book in the Captive Series and it can be read as a standalone although, I suggest reading book three first. I will also caution those with triggers to read with care.
Stefano is ruthless, domineering and in complete control but Carmen is no wallflower. A night long ago brought them together and then tore them apart. Neither forgot the other but where Stefano rose to new heights, Carmen met her devil and was fortunate to come out the other side but not unscathed. Fast forward twelve years and there is a new sheriff in town as Stefano has taken out Pedro, Carmen’s brother, to take over his cartel and finally get what he considers his, Carmen. However, there is another that will do what he has to and take what belongs to Stefano….Will Stefano be able to keep Carmen or will he lose her to another? Will Carmen succumb to her new position in life or take the bull by the horns and get her due? Ms. Sykes has once again created an enthralling read where she just takes her readers away to the point that it does not feel like one is reading a book but right there amidst the action. (Think about the George Clooney Nespresso commercial in reverse.) This is one storyline that will keep you holding on tight as you go through the drama, betrayal, and so much more. If you are in search of a dark romance with bite and is all-consuming, then this is one to pick up asap! I highly recommend.
This next installation in the Captive Series, was a wonderfully dark, delicious addition. It picks up where Pretty Hostage left off, and continues with Carmen and Stefano.
Stefano is such a fantastic anti-hero, ruthlessly dangerous, sociopathic, and yet knows how to lure in those around him with his charm, disarming them, for if/when he strikes. I loved how fierce and strong Carmen was. She had faced some torturous moments, stuck in nightmares, but continued to fight for herself, and her freedom. The push and pull between Stefano and Carmen was fun to read, as they pushed each others buttons, while also discovering more about each other.
This book was fantastic and I highly recommend it. I’m so excited for the next installation, with some minor characters we got to know a little in this book. I can’t help but fall for these anti-heroes, just like their strong female counterparts, and look forward to more.
5 KINGPIN’s STARS!! Carmen and Stefano’s story was so captivating from the beginning to the end. If you love dark twisted story this one will be in your wheelhouse. Julia Sykes knows how to suck us readers into her world and you never want to leave. I highly recommend this book and series.
I don’t believe I have ever read a book by Julia Sykes that I just didn’t devour. Kingpin’s Property is the latest in the Captive Series and it is tantalizing. Sykes style of writing is unique and entertaining and will leaving you wanting more. With an obstinate heroine and an obsessed villainous hero, the characters are hard not to fall in love with. There is a ton of action (gunfire, kidnapping, sex) that will keep you turning the pages. There is more to come in the Captive Series, and I can’t wait to one-click the next book. 5-stars for Kingpin’s Property.
Stefano Duarte has been obsessed with Carmen Ronaldo for twelve years. Since the night he seduced her and stole all her brother’s secrets to set himself up as the newest, biggest drug lord, Carmen hasn’t been far from Stefano’s mind. Carmen hates Stefano and his betrayal and has done everything she can to establish herself as an equal in the cartel, but her brother had a different idea of Carmen’s role in the family business. Now Stefano has gotten Carmen all to himself and what he wants is simple; to have her submit and be his everything. Stefano wants Carmen’s mind, body and soul and will do whatever it takes to make her the Kingpin’s Property.
Kingpin’s Property is #4 in the Captive Series. This book can be read as a standalone but it would probably make your read better by knowing some of the characters. This is Carmen Ronaldo and Stefano Duarte’s story.
Stefano takes down his rival Pedro Ronaldo and then all he can think about is Pedro’s sister Carmen. He intends to make Carmen his whether she wants it or not. Stefano is obsessed with Carmen and this sexy story continues from here.
Stefano isn’t a nice man but he is a different person with Carmen. I think this book is the best yet of this series. I highly enjoyed the telling of Stefano and Carmen’s story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series it will be Marisol and Raul’s turn. FYI here is the reading order for the Captive Series.
#1 Sweet Captivity
#2 Stealing Beauty
#3 Pretty Hostage and now
#4 Kingpin’s Property
Kingpin’s Property is book four in the Captive Series by Julia Skyes, picking up the story of Carmen Ronaldo, a woman who is trying to take over her brother’s cartel and gets caught in the crossfire and leading male character, Stefano Duarte who takes Carmen as his ‘pet’ whilst making sure her and her brothers cartel crumbles.
Through the story we see the strength that Carmen has and the challenges she faces. Facing Stefano is just another one of her challenges and she does it with poise and sass as there are certainly times when you want to give Stefano a smack across the head as he is quite arrogant and pig-headed. He also doesn’t seem to gauge emotions like the rest of the population and Carmen has to try and teach him how to be more ‘human’ when dealing with things.
There is certainly a lot of push and pull between these two characters and Stefano’s thoughts about Carmen border on obsessive but I think that is a good thing, especially in this instance. This book has slightly dark connotations but flows really well showing us drama, sexy scenes, heart-break and redemption in a short amount of time. As the characters knew each other previously, you didn’t feel like this was a brand-new relationship, Instead just a slow burn building of something that was on-going.
If you like your cartel romances a little dark, sexy and sassy with really good characters, then this is the one for you!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
This was epic with wonderful characters and the writing perfection filled with so many mixed feelings as we step into Stefano Duarte and Carmen Ronaldo world it’s a dangerous place to be.
Stefano is intense to the max and his obsession to the fierce Carmen to make her his pet a kept woman does not go well but he gets what he wants always and their history and her secrets and boom!!! You have a intense situation.
I could not get enough of these two and watching the growth and work with sacrifice was beyond anything I could ever of hoped for, these two will actually melt your heart and set the pages on fire.
Flawless. Just flawless IMO. This one SERIOUSLY hit every d*mn button I have.
Ms Sykes (again IMO) is phenomenally excellent at this dark kidnap/capture anti-Hero trope. Certainly as far as I am concerned. Since her 1st book in this series ‘Sweet Captive’ (I loooove Andres!) I’ve been enthralled by each subsequent book & couple & though I’ve greatly enjoyed Adrian & Valentina, Mateo & Sofia, Andres & Sam have maintained their fave position for me. But now Stephano & Carmen are firmly in 1st place in my heart WITH Andres & Sam.
The plot is gripping, for 12 years Stephano Duarte (anti-H) a vicious Mexican drug cartel kingpin has been obsessed with the sister of his closest regional competitor Pedro Ronaldo. Twelve years earlier Stephano had swept Carmen (heroine) off her feet for one intense night of erotic domination in order to obtain information to use against Pedro.
And then Stephano walked away leaving Carmen to reap what Stephano sowed.
For 12 years Carmen has hated Stephano, longed for his death & used her mind & wits to keep her head above the shark infested waters of her brother’s cartel, waiting for any opportunity to kill Stephano & wrest control of the cartel from Pedro.
But then everything is radically obliterated in one night of explosive violence, leaving Carmen a captive of her hated sociopathic enemy, Stephano with no escape in sight . . . .
This one truly did hit all my buttons: a strong powerful frightening anti-H, a strong willed heroine with spirit, a spine of steel & intelligence; an intriguing plot that keeps the reader engaged & on tenterhooks; erotic interactions that make the reader bite their lip & read with breathless anticipation. And the reader is given both Stephano & Carmen’s POVs in alternating chapters allowing us to understand their reactions, their attitudes, their unspoken feelings about each other.
And loving Stephano is a guilty pleasure I refuse to apologize for. Ms. Sykes has done a masterful job of fleshing out a character the reader would normally view as a villain & yet, the way he is portrayed, his actions, his thoughts revolving around Carmen feed us little peeks that just MAYBE there is something redeeming about him. He’s incapable of emotion. He doesn’t love anyone. And though he reminds Carmen frequently that she is HIS, OWNED by him, NEVER getting away, his Kitten. I MELTED each time he whispered or crooned ‘Kitten’ to her.
And Carmen was a strong heroine I actively liked: she had spirit, strength of will, strength of character, bravery but she USED HER BRAIN. No TSTL moments, she acknowledged the reality of her situation, what her options were, was realistic about how to accomplish saving herself & escaping Stephano. And she was honest with herself.
And how did this one make me feel? Like a huge pile of melted goo, that’s how.
I found myself falling deeper & deeper into Stephano & Carmen’s world, forgot I was reading words from a book. I was beyond captivated by, & enthralled with, their push & pull dance of wits & dominance, I was thoroughly invested in them & their story, I HAD to know how things turned out for them.
I felt Stephano’s rage & Carmen’s traumatic horror, I smiled & chuckled & held my breath, was seduced by the author’s superb writing into another place far away & another reality. In short, I felt the true magic of an excellent book.
There are triggers in this one, past traumas, danger, violence, betrayal, suspense, tension. And erotic scenes that sizzle off the page. An uncertain journey the reader shares with Stephano & Carmen to see IF, & HOW, they are able to bridge 12 years of obsession & hate. But this is also one of the most emotionally pleasurable reads I’ve experienced & I sincerely thank the author for this wonderful literary work.
For those readers not afraid of some dark & who want to be submerged into a plot peopled with outstandingly rendered characters, read this one. READ THIS ONE.
I have placed this one firmly & permanently in my REREAD file.
KINGPINS PROPERTY by Julia Sykes is book 4 in the Captive Series. This is the story of Carmen Ronaldo and Stefano Duarte. I have read the previous book which did help me to enjoy this one but you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
In the last book Carmen made a deal with Mateo to help him overtake the Ronaldo Cartel and kill her brother Pedro who took his Sofia. Pedro was a cruel person and Carmen paid along with everyone else under his thumb. But this book opens to show that the deal she had with Mateo is not on the table because Stefano has his own deal. Stefano wants Carmen who he has feelings for that he doesn’t understand nor does he try to embrace them but he knows he must have her. Carmen was young when she had feeling for Stefano but along with the hurt since then she knows he is nothing but pain.
This is a great Dark Romance. I am in love with this author’s writing!
Although this story can be read as a standalone, it begins as a takeover of the Rinaldo Cartel takes place. The Rinaldo Cartel is Pedro’s birthright. He is cruel, heartless and ambitious. To provoke a war with his enemy, he has abducted Sophia and plans to use her severely. To prevent his atrocities, his sister, Carmen, has arranged with a rival crime boss to allow him to invade her home in order to liberate Sophia. She agreed to give him access to in exchange for control of her brother’s cartel. Instead, Sophia is rescued, but Carmen is captured (actually saved) by Stefano, who has obsessed over her for years. He wants to tame her and calls her “Kitten.” She calls him “Sociopath.” Carmen has endured a painful, horrific past, but she is still intellectually strong and willing to use her strength to forge a new and better future.
This book is emotional, sensual, erotic, exciting and intriguing. Julia Sykes is an excellent writer, who has done it again. My own emotions were in a turmoil that moved from one end of the spectrum to the other. And, I will continue to read every single book this author writes.