I had to DNF at 31%. I really wanted to liked this story but I just couldn’t get past Angel’s abusive nature towards Emma. I understand that he was taught to be ruthless and not gentle and this is realistically how these types of relationships work, but personally, in the books I read, I would love for him to love her and be gentle with her despite being taught to be ruthless. Also, I wasn’t buying that Emma still wanted Angel even with his abusive treatment. I tried hard to continue in hopes that it will get better but I couldn’t get past those points.

I can see that other people will find appeal to this dark romance but I unfortunately didn’t.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Two novellas for the price of one!

Both books, following brothers Omar and Angel, are packed with suspense, romance, spice and peppered with great characters. It was so easy to dive straight into the storyline and I didn't really put this down once I'd started!
I hope there's more to come from the Castillo family, I'd love Lili's book!

I loved this bind up of the two books, it was a whirlwind the whole time but in the best way. You really grow to love each of the characters and I now need a book for everyone.

Title: Captive

Author: Bella Ash

Rating: ★★★★☆

This book, the first in the series, introduces us to a dark romance filled with tension, passion, and power struggles that left me eager for more.

In "Captive," we meet Angel Castillo, a cold and ruthless ruler whose word is law in his brutal domain. When he forces Emma to choose between becoming his wife or facing death, she finds herself trapped in a golden prison. Despite her deep-seated hatred for Angel, Emma is irresistibly drawn to him. His touch ignites a fire within her that she can't deny, even though she knows he could ruin her.

On the other hand, Omar Castillo, known as The Beast, is a brutal enforcer who controls every aspect of life with an iron fist. When he locks up another captive, the tension between them is palpable. She has always been underestimated, seen as a mere pawn in a deadly game. But she is determined to escape and burn everything down before giving in.

What I Loved:

1. Intense Characters: The characters in "Captive" are complex and deeply flawed, making them fascinating to read about. Angel and Emma's chemistry is electric, and the dynamic between them is charged with both danger and desire. Omar, as the brutal enforcer, adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue.
2. Dark Romance: This book excels in its portrayal of dark romance, blending elements of power, control, and forbidden desire. The relationships are intense and often volatile, keeping readers on edge and invested in the outcome.
3. High Stakes: The stakes in this story are incredibly high, with life and death hanging in the balance. The constant threat of violence and betrayal adds a thrilling sense of urgency to the narrative.
4. Engaging Plot: The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. As Emma navigates her captivity and the dangers of her new world, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
5. Steamy Scenes: The romantic and intimate scenes are well-written and add depth to the characters' relationships. The heat between Angel and Emma is ecstatic, making their interactions both captivating and addictive.

"Captive" by Bella Ash is a gripping and steamy start to a promising series. With its ruthless characters, high stakes, and intense romance, it's a book that dark romance fans will find hard to put down. Angel and Emma's story is a wild ride of passion and peril, making it an unforgettable read. I
f you enjoy stories filled with danger, desire, and complex relationships, "Captive" is definitely worth adding to your TBR list.

Thank you to The Publisher Relay Publishing ,The Author Bella Ash & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Not for me I'm afraid. Couldn't finish the book. I'm sure others would like it.
The front cover is enticing.

Captive by Bella Ash was a really great read!
This is a well written and very entertaining story.
Wonderful characters, suspense, action, secrets and chemistry.

Thank You NetGalley and Relay Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Two great stories put together in one book. Angel is finding his way to talk over the family business and of course finds some complications along the way. When things head south fast his brother Omar is determined to level the playing field by removing some of their competition. Omar is thrown lots of challenges along the way. Will Angel and Omar make things good for their family while also finding some happiness themselves? I was given a copy through NetGalley for an honest review.

Considering I read this whole thing in a day, I think it's safe to say I liked it. I believe this was originally released as two separate novels and combined into one and I have to say thank goodness because the first Volume ends on a pretty big cliffhanger. The first Volume focuses on Angel and Emma. Emma saves Angel's life and so he owes her a life debt. Insert Angel's dad who makes him marry Emma and all hell breaks lose when enemies become lovers. I did get a bit annoyed that even though Emma was captured she was like...it's ok because he's hot so I guess we'll just fight when we aren't having sex. I'm like girl, no. (But since it's a book I was like girl, yes.)

The second volume focuses on Angel's brother, Omar and a warring cartel member's fiancee, Lyse. Once again the FMC is captured and it becomes an enemies to lovers situation but Omar is hiding her from her his family as well. Gee, what could go wrong?

In summary, I really liked both of these volumes and thought they were done well despite some minor annoyances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book 1 & 2 of The Castillo Cartel. Vicious Heir & Brutal Enforcer.

This series is UN.PUT.DOWN.ABLE!!

Vicious Heir is just WOW! I love Angel & Emma's clashes back and forth. It's definitely an 'I hate you but I want you but I certainly don't want to love you' situation. Neither will back down nor admit defeat until someone - or both of them - is broken. Ahhhhh! So good!!

Brutal Enforcer is all about revenge and it being a bittersweet double-edged sword. Omar is out for revenge on the Rojas family for ambushing his brother. He wanted death and destruction but never intended to take a hostage. Lyse Rojas, the daughter of the head of the Rojas family, is his captive. Let's just say things don't exactly go as planned or unplanned.
Holy moly things are fiery!

Book 1 ends on a pretty big cliffy so it's perfect that this is book 1 & 2 together so there's no waiting!
Excellent collection!