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Brenna

I’ve been the property of the Ruffino crime family for so long, I can’t remember the last time I made a decision for myself. The most gorgeous virgin they’d ever bagged, they said. The one that would earn them millions at auction, they said. Now today, on my nineteenth birthday, the highest bidder will get me…and my virginity. I’d rather be dead than spend a lifetime as a man’s plaything, so tonight? It’s kill or be killed.

Axe

The second I laid eyes on her, it was game over. They wanted two million dollars for her, and that was a bargain. I’d have paid ten times that if I had it. Because the thought of another man’s hands on her? Made me want to tear the place apart, brick by brick. But the Capestrana family business relies on me doing my part and making nice with the Ruffinos, who own this angel. Do I want to risk all that…my family, my business, my life, to save her?

F*%k yeah, I do.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2016

227 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

Savannah Skye

74 books275 followers

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5 stars
164 (36%)
4 stars
146 (32%)
3 stars
99 (22%)
2 stars
30 (6%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,836 reviews496 followers
August 23, 2018

This is a very light sweet mafia romance.

I read this because I wanted to read Breaking Colt and while it states that can be read as a stand-alone I like to read from the beginning if possible.

There’s nothing much to say about this it’s a pretty average read. With the exception of the baddies everyone is very nice.
Axe and Brenna aren’t the brightest of individuals but they’re both attractive and nice enough.

This was going to be a 3* read all the way until the huge TSTL moment. I was left shaking my head in despair and that moved this down to 2*.
Profile Image for May Reads Books.
684 reviews
February 19, 2017
4/5

Darker themed
Mob family
And 100% safe
No cheating
Only separation is when she gets kidnapped
No OW drama
Insta connection> Love
Not a man whore
H is super alpha & super sweet
loved this mob family!!
Another book is coming out January 2017 about one of his brothers
HEA.... but no epilogue
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,000 reviews44 followers
January 2, 2017
Really good, but wrapped up fast

Good read. I had trouble putting it down, because I wanted to see what was going to happen. There was nothing really "dark" about the story except for the human trafficking and the author really didn't get into the details all that much. It was implied how bad it was. So the summary isn't really true to its word.

Axe was not "dark" and you didn't have to hate him first to like him. His heart was golden from the outset. He was a sweet guy in a tough world and it seemed like his family knew it

The pull between Axe and Brenna was undeniable. It was somewhat insta-love on his part, which is interesting that the guy fell first.

Brenna at times was annoying, but I have to say her reactions seemed normal and not unrealistic.

The supporting characters were interesting and a group you can get lots of stories from.
Profile Image for 🅙𝔲𝔩𝔷.
970 reviews62 followers
January 5, 2017
This wasn't bad but it lacked a certain intensity. The story was sweet and both hero and heroine were nice. I just wanted a bit more grit with the story.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,096 reviews622 followers
December 12, 2016
Strictly an average book.
When Brenna is kidnapped and her virginity is auctioned, she is forced to comply. Who ends up buying her is Axe, who instantly falls for her.
They have a sweet connection and how the people he rescued her from want her back forms the rest of story.
The couple seemed more YA than adults and the only reason I semi liked it is because of the mild angst.
It ends in a HFN.
It didn't grip me like I thought it would- but I wanted to know what happens to this couple which we don't come to know.
Safe read
2.5/5
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
January 17, 2020

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/17/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,341 reviews17 followers
March 10, 2017
This was my first Mafia romance, and I honestly couldn't see the appeal. It felt like the characters fell in love under extreme pressure and their relationship didn't have much chance of success. I did like the idea of an honorable Mob family, but I had a hard time both connecting to the characters and believing their romance. I'll check out the next book in the series, but I'm not so sure I like this trope.
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,459 reviews289 followers
January 30, 2017
Breanna is in a dark place....about to be sold to a cruel man,she's ready to fight her way out when Axe outbids him. Can she trust this man to keep her alive? Can she trust him,a mobster....at all? With the enemy on their heels,will they make it out of this mess? Fast paced and well written,i enjoyed this story very much.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,600 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2017
A fairly average mafia story, very low on actual mafia grudges/fighting/feuds. I actually wanted more grit. Loved Axe and Brenna but I wanted a bit more pai. And angst. It was all a bit neat and tidy for me.
Profile Image for Cecilia.
602 reviews
June 28, 2018
So first off- is this series is not dark. I was hesistant to read it because I don't like super dark romances.

I liked how Axe saved Brenna. And, I liked how she was not trusting at him at first.
I also loved the love story between the two and Axe's italian family.


I haven't rad any type of mafia romance book until now, but I like it.
Basically in this book Axe saves Brenna from a human trafficking place and then is on the run with her because he didn't have the money to pay the people, but he bought her to keep her safe not to use her.

Also, some people said this couple seem more YA than adult. And, I think that's okay. Just bc the two MC wre adults doesn't mean they have to be having sex all the time. There were a few sex scenes but they weren't over the top. once you read a few sex scenes they really are all the same in books.

Profile Image for Kecha Brown.
208 reviews39 followers
September 13, 2021
To me, this is the same plot most mob books go through. It was nothing too big for me. He found a girl he was possessive of and wanted her because the thought of her with someone else would kill him. But he didn't want to admit that at first. he just wanted to help her and make her feel safe once again. However, in order for her to be really safe is to pay the money or always be on the lookout. Family always helps family. So, what happens next is no mystery. The part that did make me very proud was how he was willing to leave that part of the family and become legit for the woman he can't live without. Just so he doesn't stress her out again. There are parts I am not commenting on because you can read and find out what happens. It was an ok book to read for me. Wish there was more drama, more action, and more loving and nasty dance.
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,611 reviews57 followers
April 21, 2020
💗💗

Woah.This ride was part sweetness in a rough kinda way and part action filled. Even though Axe belongs to a mafia family but that man has a heart of gold. He knew how much dangerous it was yet he doesn't hesitate I'm saving a totally going girl even when that girl tries her best to get ride of him. But you can't fault with brenna for not trusting anyone especially when she's been on her own all her life and the one time she did trust someone her life was completely upended.
I loved their journey together. How honorable Axe is as a man of his word and how brenna finally starts to come out of her shell. Axe's family is totally amazing with how United they stand no matter what. That ending though squeezed my heart and was totally🔥🔥🔥. Loved this one.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,236 reviews46 followers
February 7, 2017
This is a great story! We start with Brenna in a room to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. It is a dark theme but not discussed in dark detail. I immediately liked her. Strong willed, in a horrible situation and willing to fight to the end. Her story is full of pain and I was right there with her the entire time. Axe is that strong, hot alpha, trying to do as the family requests yet something pulls at him. I enjoyed both of the characters, their connection, the danger and intensity. It's a hot read and I am looking forward to more from this family!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
December 14, 2017
Axe to Grind (Capestrana Crime Family, #1) by Savannah Skye is an excellent read. Packed with heat, danger, passion and excitement. This well written story will suck you in as you are introduced to Axe and Brenna. Axe should be tending to business when he first lays eyes on Brenna. She is being sold by a rival family and Axe knows he must have her at any cost. High drama and intensity enrich this entertaining, heat filled mafia romance. I'm posting a voluntary review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
1,024 reviews9 followers
December 15, 2017
Brenna is kidnapped. The ruffino family is going to auction Brenna off. Brenna is a virgin and they'll get a lot of money from the sale. Axe is told that he has to attend this auction since his brother Colt is called away. Axe buys Brenna. Axe also tries to reassure Brenna that he's not going to harm or touch her. Great storyline. I enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Brittany Hames.
159 reviews
January 16, 2017
Damn

That was a good book I had to give it 5 stars loved the plot of the story loved the characters all of them and loved the details through out the hole book great love story for sure and talk about a turn on.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
698 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2018
Axe and Brenna are yummy

Woza! This took me a few chapters to get into, but once there,I couldn't put it down. I've sat here for the last four hours reading non-stop. And now I get to the end, and brother Colt has a story too, well I may never leave this chair again!
Profile Image for Suzy Bagshaw.
436 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2017
AMAZING!!

I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This book is so Hot and Sexy! Fast paced, hard to put down.
Profile Image for Searcy.
382 reviews70 followers
May 21, 2018
2.5 stars

Not bad if you are into the crime family trope. Nothing great either. But a fun, light read.
Profile Image for SansaReads.
618 reviews50 followers
January 8, 2017
Definitely loved the insta aspect. It wasn't really a "dark" read, but I loved it.
Profile Image for Scrap.
882 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

OMG OMG I could not believe how much I LOVED this book
I could not put it down, I actually fell asleep last night trying to finish the book it was so good,
Axe Capestrana has been "asked" by his father to go to a "meeting" with Emilio Ruffino but what he sees
makes him sick, it is actually and auction of girls, and when he sees Mary on stage and hears what is said
about her, and sees the sick Russian Vincent try to buy her for 1.5 million dollars Axe knows he has to save
her.
Brenna has been kidnapped and held by Emilio Ruffino for over a year. On her 19th birthday she is to be auctioned
off as a untouched virgin to the highest bidder. Brenna is strong, so strong, when you read her story, her back history
what she has tried to do to get free you see she is so so strong,
This book is so good, I LOVED all the Capestrana family members! From Axe (Angelino) Colt his older brother, Santino their father
Uncle Leo and Uncle Joe, and Dante, oh and there is Mama Ange and Axe's 3 sisters as well, I just cant wait to continue reading about this family. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book, as others said Axe is not your typical Dark and damaged mafioso, even though he feels
that he has no heart anymore and that he is damaged, the way the author wrote about him you will fall HARD for Axe.
Profile Image for Andi.
1,192 reviews
February 15, 2017
I was hooked from the very start. I couldn't put this book down. Such a great storyline. Axe & Brenna had such a crazy meeting. I enjoyed all of the characters & cannot wait for Colt's book.
1,916 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2017
This Brenna and Axe's story.
Brenna has no one. her mother died when she was young and she passed through the system never finding her forever home. When she is eighteen and on her own she needs to make money to support herself and takes a job at a strip club. One night on her way home she is kidnapped by one of the mafia families. Her nightmare begins. They have decided to auction her off on her nineteenth birthday as the virgin Mary.
Axe has one job to do attend the Ruffino family's event. While Axe had heard what happens at these events seeing young girls sold was more than he could stomach. Then the virgin Mary comes on stage and he knows he needs to save her. Axe takes a big chance.
The story follows Axe and Brenna as they flee from the Ruffino family. Brenna must learn to trust a man and Axe must learn to trust his gut.
This is a sweet love story between to people who met by chance and who's lives were forever changed.
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
1,080 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2017
Normally Mafia related books aren't my thing but I decided to give this book a try. It was truly a great love story. Brenna was kidnapped over a year ago and kept alive to be put on the auction block, as a virgin no less. Axe was there on orders from his father to talk and observe. When it came time to auction off Brenna (or Mary as he initially thought) he couldn't stop himself from bidding 2 million dollars to save her. On the run from the Ruffino family Brenna and Axe finally succumb to each other in heart and soul. He would do anything for her, can she deal with his family being mobsters and what it all entails? I love a true HEA. In my opinion no book is complete without one. This book didn't fail me. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for the Capestrana family.
Profile Image for Amy Plank.
375 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2017
Great read! I loved Axe, he is caring, sweet, but also has an alpha side. Brenna was put through a lot but still didn't lose her self, she was a good fit for Axe. The story is he was sent in his brother's place to make nice with a rival. At first he doesn't realize that the party is for buying women, and then at first thinks it is a consensual thing, that their women who are voluntarily doing it for the money. Eventually he realizes he's wrong. He spots Brenna and that's it, he can't stop thinking about her or helping her. This is when things start to happen. It was filled with characters from his family who I really want to read about. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Susan Foulkes.
995 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2017
I couldn't put this book down...I had to know what happened next.

Brenna and Axe are great characters who don't instantly fall in love...it grows as they spend time together.

The background to the story is the trafficking of sex slaves, but the abuse is implied rather than "in your face".

Axe "buys" Brenna at an auction...but has no intention of paying, thus setting the scene for a showdown between the Ruffino and Capestrano families.

The "family" scenes are well written and authentic, as is the moderate amount of violence.

I wouldn't classify Axe as a bad boy....he's a sweetheart.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
191 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2016
Great book!!!

What a great book!!! I loved it!! I saw this book and it sounded interesting so I figured why not?! Wow I was completely surprised how great it was! It had the heart pounding moments, the sex was awesome lol and it had a great story to boot!! I definitely recommend this book!! I can't wait for colts book!! I was so hoping she would continue with the rest of the family! Thank you savannah Skye for a great book!! I read your rocker one right before this one and thoroughly enjoyed that one also!!
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2017
Great mafia romance. Author was very thorough in telling their story before all the hot & heavy stuff which helps to connect with characters. Axe was more than willing to do anything to keep her safe. Brenna was so strong considering her current situation and her past. Although mafia romances tend to be somewhat dark, this one wasn't too hard so I was able to read all of it and not skip reading the tough scenes. This held true to the mafia concept that the family is most important and always stick together.
742 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2017
LOVE AXE

I enjoyed the hell out of this story
the characters were well written and had depth
Axe goes to an event because his brother is taking care of something else for the family
Brenna is at this "event" about to be auctioned off as a sex slave
the minute Axe sees her he feels... next thing he knows he's bidding so the Russian can't have her
and now trouble ensues
this is a great book - definitely a keeper
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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