I received a free copy of this book from Author for an honest review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.

Mafia Captive by Kitty Thomas
Series: Stand-alone
Published by Burlesque Press on April 17, 2013
Genres: Dark Romance, Erotica
Source: Author
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WARNING: This book contains sensitive material such as sexual content, abuse, and/or violence.

Faith Jacobson was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After witnessing a mob hit, she’s only moments from death when Angelo Raspallo decides to give his brother an unlikely gift.
Leo has avoided involvement with the family business, but it doesn't make him a saint. He’s troubled and ashamed by his darker sexual desires, one of which is to own a slave. But when his brother throws Faith at his feet, repainting the scenario to make Leo the hero rescuing her from certain death, his moral fortitude will be tested. If Faith were kinky, it would be easy to live out his fantasy, but she’s not—not even a little bit. Even the mildest spanking sparks terror in her that Leo can’t bear.
The gift soon becomes a burden as he fights with himself over how to handle the addition to his home. He could release her, but his brother doesn't do loose ends. The only thing keeping her out of the bottom of the harbor is Leo’s mercy. She’s like a beautiful piece of art he keeps in a glass case but can never touch. Is possessing her enough?

I wouldn’t say this book is “softer” than other Kitty Thomas’ titles. Surely it is different because there’s more romance in it, but it’s still all very dark and the psychological aspect that plays a huge role in every Thomas’ work is there, it’s strong and enthrals the reader as usual.

Now, I am Italian and I think the author did her homework well, especially in regards of holiday traditions. The family you see here is the Mafia stereotype you’re familiar with from what you can see on TV or at the cinema, so a bit extravagant and over the top. Still, there are certain things you would definitely expect to see in many everyday families during Christmas. I liked that and it kinda made me smile more than once.

I admit I had some concern over the constant back and forth of the two main characters, but then they’re very complex and of course I could see their issues and understand their thinking and rethinking over decisions that would totally change everything in other people’s lives and, most of all, in themselves. What I particularly liked without any doubt was the big jump I did towards the end! Something very (whoa!) unexpected happened . . .  I felt just a bit of rush after that, but I ended loving the very last line. So overall, another great job, Kitty Thomas!

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