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The Syndicate: Crime and Passion #1
His Captive
His code was simple: no witnesses.
He broke it for me, saved my life.
Kept me by his side, but never made me his.
Now I want more.
Want the only thing he would ever deny me.
His heart.
He broke it for me, saved my life.
Kept me by his side, but never made me his.
Now I want more.
Want the only thing he would ever deny me.
His heart.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
326 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Blue
83 books513 followersHello, I'm Kaye, and I write hot, gritty, suspenseful romance that features alpha males and the curvy women they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 23, 2016
This is one of those books where you are reading it, it is going along ok. But then when you finish it you're like "Wait...what?"
Maxim is he hero. He is the head of The Syndicate. What is The Syndicate you ask? Well it is a crime organization that does crime-y like stuff. The book doesn't exactly say what the criminal organization deals in...drugs? prostitution? guns? smuggling Pokemon cards? I dunno. But it requires lots of 'muscle' and people have territories and people die.
As the book begins a member of The Syndicate named Santo has just murdered a man and his wife in their home and is about to kill their daughter who has fought him off. Why did Santo kill these people? Uh... cuz he's crazy and just decided to kill an innocent man and woman in their home for reasons, I guess.
The daughter, Senna, is also supposed to be killed just because she is a witness. But Maxim decides to keep her alive.
Fast forward ten years. Maxim is now head of The Syndicate and Senna is still with Maxim as his... what? I dunno. They aren't lovers, she isn't his secretary or assistant. She has no job, really except... cooking? Just hanging around? Basically we learn in the past ten years she's just been accompanying Maxim everywhere he travels, that's it. Honestly, her role in his life sounds like she's a pet or something.
She of course hasdeveloped Stockholm Syndrome fallen in love with Maxim so is just content to be with him.
Maxim is a little more enigmatic about his feelings toward her. He's an alpha crime boss so he's possessive and lusts after her but would never touch her.
Frankly not much happens in this book. Their relationship undergoes a change in the course of the book. He decides definitively that he wants her and she decides she wants a normal life. But why now after ten years? I didn't' feel there was a believable trigger for the change.
The book is very internal, with lost of musings and inner dialogue. It is very low on plot and action.
The writing was clean and very engaging which is why I probably didn't really notice how ... unsatisfying the story was until it was over.
Maxim is he hero. He is the head of The Syndicate. What is The Syndicate you ask? Well it is a crime organization that does crime-y like stuff. The book doesn't exactly say what the criminal organization deals in...drugs? prostitution? guns? smuggling Pokemon cards? I dunno. But it requires lots of 'muscle' and people have territories and people die.
As the book begins a member of The Syndicate named Santo has just murdered a man and his wife in their home and is about to kill their daughter who has fought him off. Why did Santo kill these people? Uh... cuz he's crazy and just decided to kill an innocent man and woman in their home for reasons, I guess.
The daughter, Senna, is also supposed to be killed just because she is a witness. But Maxim decides to keep her alive.
Fast forward ten years. Maxim is now head of The Syndicate and Senna is still with Maxim as his... what? I dunno. They aren't lovers, she isn't his secretary or assistant. She has no job, really except... cooking? Just hanging around? Basically we learn in the past ten years she's just been accompanying Maxim everywhere he travels, that's it. Honestly, her role in his life sounds like she's a pet or something.
She of course has
Maxim is a little more enigmatic about his feelings toward her. He's an alpha crime boss so he's possessive and lusts after her but would never touch her.
Frankly not much happens in this book. Their relationship undergoes a change in the course of the book. He decides definitively that he wants her and she decides she wants a normal life. But why now after ten years? I didn't' feel there was a believable trigger for the change.
The book is very internal, with lost of musings and inner dialogue. It is very low on plot and action.
The writing was clean and very engaging which is why I probably didn't really notice how ... unsatisfying the story was until it was over.
April 22, 2016
This is an ARC of Possess (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion Book 1) gifted to me through Book Funnel for an honest review.
As readers were briefly introduced to stoic Maxim and personable and cheery, Senna in Priest (Nikolai) and Milan story, "War (Romanian Mob Chronicles #5)" I immediately knew that "Possess (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion # 1), was going to be a memorable read and a worthwhile ride to a new series! And true to form, Kaye Blue didn't disappoint and gave me exactly what I expected and the possibilities of what was to come in future books!
Maxim, our brooding hero was on his way to becoming the leader of 'The Syndicate' but not to cause conflict, he allowed a brutal man, Santo Carmelli to go on a rampage and kill. The one person Maxim protected was a young and scared Senna who immediately became his responsibility/liability.
Ten years later as the brooding boss man who seldom lost control, Maxim had created an even stronger empire with strong soldiers and even powerful connections but it was now time to take down loose ends - Santos!
Senna, his liability remained by Maxim's side --- loyal but secretly lusting after him as well as acting as his cook, quasi assistant while staying in the background of anything illegal. Little did sassy but sweet Senna know that she was Maxim's achilles heel that he had learned to accept it because he wanted to possess her without giving her everything she needed.
Wrong move Maxim because Senna has claws and was no pushover when something she wanted entered the picture unexpectedly! And what she wanted was the very thing Santos has taken from her ten years earlier...
I highly recommend this book to readers of her other series . Blue is a crafted writer who dots every "I" and crosses every "T" yet makes room for memorable beginning, midpoint and ending to her tales.
Now I am awaiting cheeky and sometimes comical Sergei's story and maybe even the driver, Adrian's story as well.
Keep them coming Kaye Blue!
5++ ADDICTIVE AND ENGROSSING Stars ***** (less)
As readers were briefly introduced to stoic Maxim and personable and cheery, Senna in Priest (Nikolai) and Milan story, "War (Romanian Mob Chronicles #5)" I immediately knew that "Possess (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion # 1), was going to be a memorable read and a worthwhile ride to a new series! And true to form, Kaye Blue didn't disappoint and gave me exactly what I expected and the possibilities of what was to come in future books!
Maxim, our brooding hero was on his way to becoming the leader of 'The Syndicate' but not to cause conflict, he allowed a brutal man, Santo Carmelli to go on a rampage and kill. The one person Maxim protected was a young and scared Senna who immediately became his responsibility/liability.
Ten years later as the brooding boss man who seldom lost control, Maxim had created an even stronger empire with strong soldiers and even powerful connections but it was now time to take down loose ends - Santos!
Senna, his liability remained by Maxim's side --- loyal but secretly lusting after him as well as acting as his cook, quasi assistant while staying in the background of anything illegal. Little did sassy but sweet Senna know that she was Maxim's achilles heel that he had learned to accept it because he wanted to possess her without giving her everything she needed.
Wrong move Maxim because Senna has claws and was no pushover when something she wanted entered the picture unexpectedly! And what she wanted was the very thing Santos has taken from her ten years earlier...
I highly recommend this book to readers of her other series . Blue is a crafted writer who dots every "I" and crosses every "T" yet makes room for memorable beginning, midpoint and ending to her tales.
Now I am awaiting cheeky and sometimes comical Sergei's story and maybe even the driver, Adrian's story as well.
Keep them coming Kaye Blue!
5++ ADDICTIVE AND ENGROSSING Stars ***** (less)
August 3, 2016
Another great book by Kaye Blue! This was Maxim and Senna's Love Journey. Maxim it's a cold-blooded murder in fact he's the one who teaches the assassins. To do what they do. Senna was going to die along with her parents but one look into her face and Maxim could not do it. He didn't know it then but he fell in love with her that fateful day. I don't want to give anything else away but it was a very good book as usual I recommend this book to you.
May 2, 2016
DNF @ 39%.
So the H rescued the h the she is a teen and keeps her with him for years. He is cold to her and this airhead is content with doing small things for him. She is so happy lusting after him and being satisfied with whatever small crumbs the H throws at her. It was pathetic.
So the H rescued the h the she is a teen and keeps her with him for years. He is cold to her and this airhead is content with doing small things for him. She is so happy lusting after him and being satisfied with whatever small crumbs the H throws at her. It was pathetic.
May 10, 2016
Oh my god this book had so much potential! Too bad I didn't care for the 10-year-waiting. Sorry ya'll but how come he gets to be with other women while she has to be celibate? Why even wait that long? I thought that was pretty messed up.
June 14, 2017
3.5 *
I liked Maxim and Senna, but there was more anal sex and ass play than I'm comfortable with, also Maxim was Dead set against children, but guess what.....no condoms, no other forms of birth control. I groaned audibly at that. Liked the characters. Would read more books in the series. No child abuse triggers. Just a controlling crime boss in love. :)
I liked Maxim and Senna, but there was more anal sex and ass play than I'm comfortable with, also Maxim was Dead set against children, but guess what.....no condoms, no other forms of birth control. I groaned audibly at that. Liked the characters. Would read more books in the series. No child abuse triggers. Just a controlling crime boss in love. :)
April 28, 2016
This is a start to a new series (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion ) by author Kaye Blue. In this book we meet Maxim and Senna. Maxim was on his way to being the head of the Syndicate but because he let a horrible and brutal man, Santo Carmelli go on a spree and kill tons of people. Maxim ended up protected the girl, Senna, who is scared but she is also a witness. He wants to protect her so he takes over and keeps her safe from Santo for the next 10 years. The attraction between them is there but they didn’t push the attraction/boundaries until something happens which tips the scales into their favor .
Senna sees that Maxim isn’t the monster that he thinks he is and Maxim sees that Senna isn’t as helpless as she thinks she is due to the traumatic incident from 10 years ago. Senna doesn’t like how Maxim says horrible things yet he does nice things for her. There are so many twists and turns in this book that had me hooked; I did love how the book wrapped up the Santo storyline.
Senna and Maxim had this electric chemistry and I loved how they wrapped up everything. I do hope there is a book on the secondary characters highlighted , like Sergei. This is a great new series that is started from the Romanian Mob series.
My rating: 4.7 stars *****
Senna sees that Maxim isn’t the monster that he thinks he is and Maxim sees that Senna isn’t as helpless as she thinks she is due to the traumatic incident from 10 years ago. Senna doesn’t like how Maxim says horrible things yet he does nice things for her. There are so many twists and turns in this book that had me hooked; I did love how the book wrapped up the Santo storyline.
Senna and Maxim had this electric chemistry and I loved how they wrapped up everything. I do hope there is a book on the secondary characters highlighted , like Sergei. This is a great new series that is started from the Romanian Mob series.
My rating: 4.7 stars *****
April 29, 2016
Maxim and Senna's story book 1 in the new "The Syndicate Series by this author. All I can say is I absolutely loved it. Read it in one sitting. The stories just keep getting better and better. I cannot wait for the next book.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 31, 2022
First time reading this author's work and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the writing style, but I think others may find it having too many commas. That's what my husband's input was when I had him read an excerpt.
This was angsty/melancholic and full of unrequited love. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick read that will evoke such emotions. I loved Senna's as she saw things with such clarity and accepted her situation, but also knew her worth and wasn't a doormat. I'm glad we got dual POVs as Maxim was a man of few words; if it was only Senna, I don't think this story would have been as enjoyable.
I know the next story is Sergei's, and he already won me over with his friendship with Senna. I look forward to his as well as Adrian's story.
This was angsty/melancholic and full of unrequited love. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick read that will evoke such emotions. I loved Senna's as she saw things with such clarity and accepted her situation, but also knew her worth and wasn't a doormat. I'm glad we got dual POVs as Maxim was a man of few words; if it was only Senna, I don't think this story would have been as enjoyable.
I know the next story is Sergei's, and he already won me over with his friendship with Senna. I look forward to his as well as Adrian's story.
freebie-to-read
March 27, 2017
May 22, 2017
Senna, saved during a home invasion that killed her parents, is the companion of Maxim, head of The Syndicate, though many wonder why as it's obvious their relationship isn't sexual. It's widely known though that to show any personal interest in Senna will result in death. Senna's by Maxim's side and that's all anyone needs to know.
Senna knows her life could have been different if Maxim hadn't saved her the night her parent's were killed and thus has her loyalty and utmost affection. Affection that could be more if only he would see her as he does the escorts he periodically hires.
When Maxim's business interests bring the couple to the city where her parent's killer lives, Senna takes the first step in changing status quo. Will her newly emerging independence change Maxim's treatment of Senna or will it be the breaking point in the two separating. All this while a killer is looking to finish a job he left uncompleted.
* * * *
Lately I've been looking for dark mafia/mobster reads that push the envelope in terms of adult content romance with a meaningful story line that compliment each other. I found that in this book so encourage those fans of dark romance who gravitate to the dark alpha male persona sort of reads to check it out.
Maxim. Not a warm, cuddly character though can't blame the author for portraying him that way. He runs a syndicate and thus not only has a target on HIS back but also thos he shows any sort of affection for. His manner of mitigating that is to distance himself in all ways.
Senna. I guess in a broad out of context summation her character is one who relies on a sugar daddy though it's not and never has been sexual. She wants to change that but doesn't know how as she's a gasp Makes it difficult to vamp out wouldn't you say. Yet, she is a modern thinking female who knows about technology and has normal feelings so she does the self gratification route fantasizing.....
The actual romance between the two does cross into the adult content though not to any overly graphic degree. I think I got more chills from the mafia/syndicate violence scenes. Regardless, there is enough heat to be of interest for one and all.
The secondary cast of characters do add value to the story and support the main characters. Two stand outs are Adrian (who features in the #4 installment Conquer) & Sergei (who features in the #2 installment Reign ). Loyalty such as theirs was not only a seal the deal to being a fan but also added more alpha testosterone to look forward to.
My issues with this book and story are more from the "over thinking reader" side of things. There were parts of this story that opened the door for me to debate on various scenes. Of course sharing which scenes would be spoiler content so can't. Vague thought though which pretty much is a no brainer. Maxim doesn't want close relationships yet he kept Senna as his constant companion for a long period of time. Hello? Does anyone else see the problem here? In more ways than one?
Overall this was a good start to a new series if you like dark romance themed stories. I do plan on continuing to read other installments and parallel dark romance series written by this author as I'm liking her writing style even though I felt some problematic conflicts in her story line. Thus is why I'm a reader/reviewer and not an actual author......
Senna knows her life could have been different if Maxim hadn't saved her the night her parent's were killed and thus has her loyalty and utmost affection. Affection that could be more if only he would see her as he does the escorts he periodically hires.
When Maxim's business interests bring the couple to the city where her parent's killer lives, Senna takes the first step in changing status quo. Will her newly emerging independence change Maxim's treatment of Senna or will it be the breaking point in the two separating. All this while a killer is looking to finish a job he left uncompleted.
* * * *
Lately I've been looking for dark mafia/mobster reads that push the envelope in terms of adult content romance with a meaningful story line that compliment each other. I found that in this book so encourage those fans of dark romance who gravitate to the dark alpha male persona sort of reads to check it out.
Maxim. Not a warm, cuddly character though can't blame the author for portraying him that way. He runs a syndicate and thus not only has a target on HIS back but also thos he shows any sort of affection for. His manner of mitigating that is to distance himself in all ways.
Senna. I guess in a broad out of context summation her character is one who relies on a sugar daddy though it's not and never has been sexual. She wants to change that but doesn't know how as she's a gasp Makes it difficult to vamp out wouldn't you say. Yet, she is a modern thinking female who knows about technology and has normal feelings so she does the self gratification route fantasizing.....
The actual romance between the two does cross into the adult content though not to any overly graphic degree. I think I got more chills from the mafia/syndicate violence scenes. Regardless, there is enough heat to be of interest for one and all.
The secondary cast of characters do add value to the story and support the main characters. Two stand outs are Adrian (who features in the #4 installment Conquer) & Sergei (who features in the #2 installment Reign ). Loyalty such as theirs was not only a seal the deal to being a fan but also added more alpha testosterone to look forward to.
My issues with this book and story are more from the "over thinking reader" side of things. There were parts of this story that opened the door for me to debate on various scenes. Of course sharing which scenes would be spoiler content so can't. Vague thought though which pretty much is a no brainer. Maxim doesn't want close relationships yet he kept Senna as his constant companion for a long period of time. Hello? Does anyone else see the problem here? In more ways than one?
Overall this was a good start to a new series if you like dark romance themed stories. I do plan on continuing to read other installments and parallel dark romance series written by this author as I'm liking her writing style even though I felt some problematic conflicts in her story line. Thus is why I'm a reader/reviewer and not an actual author......
April 29, 2016
This is an ARC of Possess (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion Book 1) gifted to me through Book Funnel for an honest review.
As readers were briefly introduced to stoic Maxim and personable and cheery, Senna in Priest (Nikolai) and Milan story, "War (Romanian Mob Chronicles #5)" I immediately knew that "Possess (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion # 1), was going to be a memorable read and a worthwhile ride to a new series! And true to form, Kaye Blue didn't disappoint and gave me exactly what I expected and the possibilities of what was to come in future books!
Maxim, our brooding hero was on his way to becoming the leader of 'The Syndicate' but not to cause conflict, he allowed a brutal man, Santo Carmelli to go on a rampage and kill. The one person Maxim protected was a young and scared Senna who immediately became his responsibility/liability.
Ten years later as the brooding boss man who seldom lost control, Maxim had created an even stronger empire with strong soldiers and even powerful connections but it was now time to take down loose ends - Santos!
Senna, his liability remained by Maxim's side --- loyal but secretly lusting after him as well as acting as his cook, quasi assistant while staying in the background of anything illegal. Little did sassy but sweet Senna know that she was Maxim's achilles heel that he had learned to accept it because he wanted to possess her without giving her everything she needed.
Wrong move Maxim because Senna has claws and was no pushover when something she wanted entered the picture unexpectedly! And what she wanted was the very thing Santos has taken from her ten years earlier...
I highly recommend this book to readers of her other series . Blue is a crafted writer who dots every "I" and crosses every "T" yet makes room for memorable beginning, midpoint and ending to her tales.
Now I am awaiting cheeky and sometimes comical Sergei's story and maybe even the driver, Adrian's story as well.
Keep them coming Kaye Blue!
5++ ADDICTIVE AND ENGROSSING Stars *****
As readers were briefly introduced to stoic Maxim and personable and cheery, Senna in Priest (Nikolai) and Milan story, "War (Romanian Mob Chronicles #5)" I immediately knew that "Possess (The Syndicate: Crime and Passion # 1), was going to be a memorable read and a worthwhile ride to a new series! And true to form, Kaye Blue didn't disappoint and gave me exactly what I expected and the possibilities of what was to come in future books!
Maxim, our brooding hero was on his way to becoming the leader of 'The Syndicate' but not to cause conflict, he allowed a brutal man, Santo Carmelli to go on a rampage and kill. The one person Maxim protected was a young and scared Senna who immediately became his responsibility/liability.
Ten years later as the brooding boss man who seldom lost control, Maxim had created an even stronger empire with strong soldiers and even powerful connections but it was now time to take down loose ends - Santos!
Senna, his liability remained by Maxim's side --- loyal but secretly lusting after him as well as acting as his cook, quasi assistant while staying in the background of anything illegal. Little did sassy but sweet Senna know that she was Maxim's achilles heel that he had learned to accept it because he wanted to possess her without giving her everything she needed.
Wrong move Maxim because Senna has claws and was no pushover when something she wanted entered the picture unexpectedly! And what she wanted was the very thing Santos has taken from her ten years earlier...
I highly recommend this book to readers of her other series . Blue is a crafted writer who dots every "I" and crosses every "T" yet makes room for memorable beginning, midpoint and ending to her tales.
Now I am awaiting cheeky and sometimes comical Sergei's story and maybe even the driver, Adrian's story as well.
Keep them coming Kaye Blue!
5++ ADDICTIVE AND ENGROSSING Stars *****
February 6, 2017
This was a bit different than I expected. I thought the heroine would be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, but it was quite the opposite. After Senna's family is brutally murdered, Maxim takes her home with him because he feels he is protecting her. The only reason the reader is given that Senna's family was murdered was for sport, which was odd. If there had been some connection between her family and Maxim's organization, that would have made more sense to me. Also, Senna lives with Maxim for about 10 years, but only now does he realize he loves her. Again...odd. I would have liked to see this book start off after Maxim took Senna from her home and see how their relationship progressed from hate to love. I felt lost reading this, like I was missing a chunk of their lives together. I also would have liked more character description. It was mentioned in the very beginning that Senna was black, but I couldn't picture her because no further descriptions were given in the rest of the story. The same goes for Maxim. He was frequently just described as muscular. The couple did have really good sexual tension and chemistry, but I wanted to see their relationship develop and not come barreling into their lives 10 years after they've met.
April 27, 2016
I received this for a honest review. Kaye Blue done an amazing job. I love how this series was connected to another series. Don’t worry this is a standalone.
Maxim was no one to mess with. When he spoke people listen and did not ask questions, well except for Senna. Maxim was head of the Syndicate. He kept Senna at a distance. Though he was in love with her and wanted her with ever breathe he knew it was best not to act on those feelings. Senna was a liability.
I cannot imagine what it was like for Senna to have witness her parents murder and know the man that killed them was not punished. Maxim saved her life. She had grown to love him over the years. She hated that Maxim did not return those feelings.
I loved reading about the romance, jealousy, and coming to realization of love between these two. Maxim would do anything for her, but if he ever had to let her go would he? There are a few surprises along the way. Some of those surprise might be hard for Maxim to handle. Trust me you are going to want to read and see how this plays out.
Maxim was no one to mess with. When he spoke people listen and did not ask questions, well except for Senna. Maxim was head of the Syndicate. He kept Senna at a distance. Though he was in love with her and wanted her with ever breathe he knew it was best not to act on those feelings. Senna was a liability.
I cannot imagine what it was like for Senna to have witness her parents murder and know the man that killed them was not punished. Maxim saved her life. She had grown to love him over the years. She hated that Maxim did not return those feelings.
I loved reading about the romance, jealousy, and coming to realization of love between these two. Maxim would do anything for her, but if he ever had to let her go would he? There are a few surprises along the way. Some of those surprise might be hard for Maxim to handle. Trust me you are going to want to read and see how this plays out.
May 4, 2016
I recieved this ARC for an honest review. It was good I was happy to see Senna stick up for herself even though you could tell from the beginning that Senna and Maxim truly loved each other. There were times when I wanted to hit Maxim with a log or maybe even kick him in the knee, because he knew what he had with someone like Senna but was to dumb to go after what he wanted. But in the end I was happy the way it turned out.
April 10, 2017
It was hard to follow and couldn't hold my interest, but I did finish reading, the ending was great though
could-not-finish
June 15, 2017I really tried but this book felt like it was going nowhere extremely slow.
April 16, 2022
I liked this a lot more than I expected to! Maxim is so moody and is used to Senna doing whatever he asks of her. She really comes into her own and starts to assert herself in this book. I loved seeing that. Their spicy scenes were amazing too.
April 22, 2016
*** Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review ***
All I can say is wow!! I loved to read and feel the author's thoughts flowing smoothly through their writing. I want to say that Kaye reached down in her heart and pull out the inner lining on this one. This is the story of Maxim and Senna unusual circumstances in meeting. At the age of 21 or 22, Senna's family was being brutally killed by Santo Carmelli, a paranoid, cold-blooded killer, mafia boss and she was attack but fought for her life ( I especially love the bleach scene). Maxim is a ruthless cold hearted apha-male and also a boss who steps in to save a helpless Senna from Santos's destructive intentions toward her life and kept her safe for ten years, never to leave his side except for mafia business. The attraction was there from the first meeting but Maxim lives by a strict ritual and never detoured from it. After so many years together, Maxim feeling begins to grow but again the strict ritual was inevitable. This book was fast paced and I truly enjoyed the scenes between the two of them as they got more and more involved with each other. I have no intention of spoiling your reading pleasure by telling you the story, I highly recommend this one because it's so so GOOD! I want me a Maxim! Man not Car:)
All I can say is wow!! I loved to read and feel the author's thoughts flowing smoothly through their writing. I want to say that Kaye reached down in her heart and pull out the inner lining on this one. This is the story of Maxim and Senna unusual circumstances in meeting. At the age of 21 or 22, Senna's family was being brutally killed by Santo Carmelli, a paranoid, cold-blooded killer, mafia boss and she was attack but fought for her life ( I especially love the bleach scene). Maxim is a ruthless cold hearted apha-male and also a boss who steps in to save a helpless Senna from Santos's destructive intentions toward her life and kept her safe for ten years, never to leave his side except for mafia business. The attraction was there from the first meeting but Maxim lives by a strict ritual and never detoured from it. After so many years together, Maxim feeling begins to grow but again the strict ritual was inevitable. This book was fast paced and I truly enjoyed the scenes between the two of them as they got more and more involved with each other. I have no intention of spoiling your reading pleasure by telling you the story, I highly recommend this one because it's so so GOOD! I want me a Maxim! Man not Car:)
July 4, 2018
So, a cold, emotionless crime boss prevents a girl from being killed because he falls instantly for her but denies it to himself for the next ten (ten!) years. She, as per bloody normal in this type of story, develops Stockholm Syndrome and loves him even though he shows her less affection than you’d show to a pet goldfish, because obviously, she can see something to him no one else can.
Then for some reason they get it together (I’ve just finished reading it and I can’t remember what prompted their actions) but he’s still cold and emotionless. He’s possessive to the point of treating her like a slave - she’s not allowed to have friends, or lock doors, or have a will of her own - but naturally she loves this. She then gets pregnant, to the surprise of both of them (clearly neither of them went to sex ed classes), and he gets even more possessive and she leaves. But comes back, obvs...
Also, no one appears to have reported her missing, she just disappears for ten years after her parents are murdered and the police apparently do nothing!
Safe to say I won’t be reading the next book, and I may have to move away from this genre altogether, I can’t cope with the ridiculousness of the ‘heroines’.
Then for some reason they get it together (I’ve just finished reading it and I can’t remember what prompted their actions) but he’s still cold and emotionless. He’s possessive to the point of treating her like a slave - she’s not allowed to have friends, or lock doors, or have a will of her own - but naturally she loves this. She then gets pregnant, to the surprise of both of them (clearly neither of them went to sex ed classes), and he gets even more possessive and she leaves. But comes back, obvs...
Also, no one appears to have reported her missing, she just disappears for ten years after her parents are murdered and the police apparently do nothing!
Safe to say I won’t be reading the next book, and I may have to move away from this genre altogether, I can’t cope with the ridiculousness of the ‘heroines’.
April 29, 2016
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
3.45 stars.
As always this was an enjoyable read. The story is well written and edited. I loved reading about Senna and Maxim's reluctant love and seeing their relationship grow.
So why then 3.45 stars?
If this was the first book of Kaye Blue that I'd read, I would have been very excited, and as it is I am but at this point I'm finding the characters blending together in my mind because I've seen the exact same characters in almost the same situation in most, if not all of her books. It's beginning to get frustrating. Plus there is the addition of her hero's talking big game that they never really live up to. Don't tell me that you're this big ruthless guy. Just show me.
Will I continue this series? Yes. I'm curious about the other men introduced in this book.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely.
Would I read it again? Eh, not really.
3.45 stars.
As always this was an enjoyable read. The story is well written and edited. I loved reading about Senna and Maxim's reluctant love and seeing their relationship grow.
So why then 3.45 stars?
If this was the first book of Kaye Blue that I'd read, I would have been very excited, and as it is I am but at this point I'm finding the characters blending together in my mind because I've seen the exact same characters in almost the same situation in most, if not all of her books. It's beginning to get frustrating. Plus there is the addition of her hero's talking big game that they never really live up to. Don't tell me that you're this big ruthless guy. Just show me.
Will I continue this series? Yes. I'm curious about the other men introduced in this book.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely.
Would I read it again? Eh, not really.
October 9, 2016
Is this supposed to love?
**contains spoilers**
Is this what romance novels have come to now? Men with money using women as toys? I could get past the fact that Maxim and Senna had been in a "relationship" for ten years when it seemed they barely spoke to each other. I could get behind the fact that in his line of work he had to be detached and unfeeling, but I draw the line at calling someone a whore and disguising it as love. I didn't know if Senna had some form of Stockholm Syndrome, but her life depended on a man that showed her no respect whatsoever. She lived in the bubble that Maxim created without question. She had no self worth and no sense of self preservation. She stayed with him on the off chance that he would give her some scraps. And scraps they were. By the middle of the book I was skimming and almost didn't finish it however, I soldiered on. I almost wish I hadn't.
**contains spoilers**
Is this what romance novels have come to now? Men with money using women as toys? I could get past the fact that Maxim and Senna had been in a "relationship" for ten years when it seemed they barely spoke to each other. I could get behind the fact that in his line of work he had to be detached and unfeeling, but I draw the line at calling someone a whore and disguising it as love. I didn't know if Senna had some form of Stockholm Syndrome, but her life depended on a man that showed her no respect whatsoever. She lived in the bubble that Maxim created without question. She had no self worth and no sense of self preservation. She stayed with him on the off chance that he would give her some scraps. And scraps they were. By the middle of the book I was skimming and almost didn't finish it however, I soldiered on. I almost wish I hadn't.
April 30, 2016
Enjoyed this one. I've been curious about the Syndicate, so I'm glad that Kaye Blue has given them a series.
Good story, although the fact that it took Maxim and Senna 10 years to get together was mind boggling. 10 years??!!! That's crazy! I'm glad they finally come to their senses. Maxim was a bit...crude, but he was also very sweet and thoughtful in his own way. I really, really, really wanted another ending to the Santo situation, but I'm glad that Maxim respected Senna's wishes. Senna seemed a little lonely to me, so I hope that as the series progresses she gets some friends (random, I know LOL).
So, what's next? Do we get a continuation of Maxim and Senna's story? Sergei? Or maybe Adrian? Looking forward to whatever it is.
Good story, although the fact that it took Maxim and Senna 10 years to get together was mind boggling. 10 years??!!! That's crazy! I'm glad they finally come to their senses. Maxim was a bit...crude, but he was also very sweet and thoughtful in his own way. I really, really, really wanted another ending to the Santo situation, but I'm glad that Maxim respected Senna's wishes. Senna seemed a little lonely to me, so I hope that as the series progresses she gets some friends (random, I know LOL).
So, what's next? Do we get a continuation of Maxim and Senna's story? Sergei? Or maybe Adrian? Looking forward to whatever it is.
February 16, 2017
I completed this book but, at the end, it felt like something was missing. She spent 10 years with him doing what I do not know - oh yes she volunteered in a "soup kitchen". Only by the end of the book did things become involved with the two characters. And at this point, after 10 years together, she left him. Glad to see how positive and active she was as she was never a 'prisoner' - not.
April 1, 2017
Way too slow
Thankfully the book wasn't ended on a cliff hanger. Hence the 2 stars... Though I would have jumped off a cliff to add some spice to this read. Love Senna, wanted to beat Maxim. Lots of unanswered questions. I'm sure the rest of the series would answer but honestly I'm not interested in finding out.
Thankfully the book wasn't ended on a cliff hanger. Hence the 2 stars... Though I would have jumped off a cliff to add some spice to this read. Love Senna, wanted to beat Maxim. Lots of unanswered questions. I'm sure the rest of the series would answer but honestly I'm not interested in finding out.
April 30, 2016
***1.5 Stars***
B-O-R-I-N-G
Nothing happens. No action. Story is very monotonous. Got tired of reading the main character's boring internal narrative. Read to 30% mark then skimmed the rest because story was so blah.
B-O-R-I-N-G
Nothing happens. No action. Story is very monotonous. Got tired of reading the main character's boring internal narrative. Read to 30% mark then skimmed the rest because story was so blah.
July 17, 2016
Nice loving Maxim
Oh what a great book! I read all of the Romanian Chronicles and this new series takes it to the next step! From start to finish very interesting! The surprise was there was always love there! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Oh what a great book! I read all of the Romanian Chronicles and this new series takes it to the next step! From start to finish very interesting! The surprise was there was always love there! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 9, 2016
Too short! I liked it nonetheless.
April 1, 2017
DNF ugh i just couldn't get into this. female lead was just not doing it for me
May 13, 2022
No indication at time of purchase that this was a surprise pregnancy in the reviews, though let’s be honest.. how fucking surprising is it after raw dogging for months? As the unprotected sex continued, I knew that’s where this was going.
Another strike, what is the damn trend with miscommunication? Who wants that in real life? Who wants that in fiction? So many plots could be bumped up a star if they displayed healthy communication.
Honestly, walking away (and when I wanted to DNF) the impression was that Senna 1. Knew she wouldn’t ever change his mind 2. Did nothing to discourage that “progress” 3. Did nothing to ensure safe sex knowing #1 4. Got pregnant, got the piece of Maxim she wanted, and then walked away.. without communication? Like. This is a crime organization and these people are resigned to live a certain way. Do you think your pussy is so powerful that one night of sex is gonna make him say fuck The Syndicate???? Uh???? A man who’s never processed fucking emotions in his life and quite possibly needs therapy for his “past” that’s so mysterious he was Syndicate material at 11?!?! Let’s just step back and use that MC thinking that never occurs. “You let me walk away!” Uh yeah, because you were so dead set on not being there, I’d have let you leave too… and stayed gone…
And speaking of The Syndicate… what.. why? What’s your mission statement? Company objectives? Reason for existing? That speaks to weak planning and fleshing out background. You actually could have slapped a regular CEO job on to this book.
Saving this is the writing honestly. The author is a talented storyteller with use of language and such, I had no issues with its flow.
Another strike, what is the damn trend with miscommunication? Who wants that in real life? Who wants that in fiction? So many plots could be bumped up a star if they displayed healthy communication.
Honestly, walking away (and when I wanted to DNF) the impression was that Senna 1. Knew she wouldn’t ever change his mind 2. Did nothing to discourage that “progress” 3. Did nothing to ensure safe sex knowing #1 4. Got pregnant, got the piece of Maxim she wanted, and then walked away.. without communication? Like. This is a crime organization and these people are resigned to live a certain way. Do you think your pussy is so powerful that one night of sex is gonna make him say fuck The Syndicate???? Uh???? A man who’s never processed fucking emotions in his life and quite possibly needs therapy for his “past” that’s so mysterious he was Syndicate material at 11?!?! Let’s just step back and use that MC thinking that never occurs. “You let me walk away!” Uh yeah, because you were so dead set on not being there, I’d have let you leave too… and stayed gone…
And speaking of The Syndicate… what.. why? What’s your mission statement? Company objectives? Reason for existing? That speaks to weak planning and fleshing out background. You actually could have slapped a regular CEO job on to this book.
Saving this is the writing honestly. The author is a talented storyteller with use of language and such, I had no issues with its flow.
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