Vengeful Captor

Hostile Kingdom: Vengeful Empire #1

by Autumn Archer

I woke up in a stranger’s bed—now I’m his prisoner in the Amazon jungle.

My captor owns an invitation-only resort that isn’t the paradise it pretends to be.
It’s a fortress. A hideout.
And the man in charge is plotting bloody revenge against the cartel that destroyed his life.

When a tropical storm wrecked my camp, I fired a flare into the sky.

I thought rescue was coming.
Instead, I got him—a mountain of muscle with sun-browned skin, eyes like a predator, and a wildcat tattoo slashing across his back.

He is not my savior.
He’s my captor.
And he watches me—through the trees, in the shadows, even when I’m alone at night.

There’s no escaping his prison.
No one knows I’m alive. No one is coming for me.

But the more time I spend here, the more the air between us thickens, turning humid, dangerous, and charged with something I shouldn’t want.
Because surrendering to a man like him doesn’t end in an happily-ever-after.

It ends in ruin.

This trilogy is perfect for fans of the dark romantic suspense drama.

Are you ready to enter the dangerous and powerful empire of el Fantasma? Kick start the trilogy with the story of two enemies turned lovers.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Novella

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2021

About the author

Autumn is a USA Today bestselling Author from Northern Ireland who romances the darkness.
Welcome to her deliciously dark books, a place where you can escape into a thrilling and gritty world of romance and suspense. Whether it's a mafia family saga, an organized crime romance, a captivating steamy suspense, or a complex anti-hero, she's passionate about creating stories that leave readers hungry for more.
Every story is crafted with raw emotion, compelling characters, and a heart-pounding plot. Her goal is to deliver page-turning stories that scorch your fingertips. So dive in and explore the depths of the darkness.


Reach out to her:
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• Website: https://www.autumnarcher.com/
• Twitter: ttp://tiny.cc/AutumnArcherTwitter

Reviews

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark and intense story pulled me deep into the pages. Iris is living her dream until it turns into a nightmare. Dante is a man that lives within the darkness but even as enemies the chemistry that sparks between the two is electric. A story filled with mystery and suspense that will leave you teetering on the edge and holding your breath for the next book.

[TMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fever is coming (In the Tangled Sheets Anthology).

A billionaire who apparently lives in the jungle to avoid the world's scrutiny meets a struggling, single 23 year old ecologist trapped in the jungle alongside him after an unfortunate adventure which ends disasterously in the jungles of Rio.

The billionaire won't make it easy, but she's not gonna give up that quickly either.

Holy shit I loved these two, so so much. The billionaire vs the ecologist, who would've thought. And in the jungle too?

My my, but it doesn't stop the enemies to lovers trope happening, can't defy the chemistry, and the banter that sizzles in between them.

I loved the character development, their chemistry, their banter, the way she doesn't give up in wanting to escape the jungle and the reluctant billionaire who helps her.

Autumn has done it again with creating characters that you'd love no matter how different in temperament they may be, you just know you're gonna get a HEA no matter what.

Overall, a wonderful, steamy, jungle like story between two unlikely protagonists you'll ever read, with a guaranteed HEA.

Until the next read,

-TMR

[Julie's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark romance leaves on a massive cliffhanger. I absolutely loved the characters . Their chemistry is undeniable. Now I definitely can't to see how this continues on in the next book.

[Ms Cat's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feverish Flor

Billionaire, Dante Valdez, El Fantasma, the one that criminals go to to start a new. Headquartered in his kingdom, a sanctuary, for those that need to disappear. All the whole, plotting the demise of those that wronged him.

Iris, evo-scientist, in The Amazon studying and monitoring endangered flora, feverishly stumbles unwittingly onto his property after a storm decimates her camp and mentor. Forced to surrender her existence in order to live.

Trust is everything - gained and lost.

This adjective and analogy laden read had me disliking Dante's character, but pulled into the same list driven way as Iris.

[C 10]

Absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next instalment. I was invested in the characters and the storyline from the beginning and literally screamed No! When I realized it was a cliffhanger and Dante asked for his gun with Iris on her knees.
What is he going to do!!
Please next installment

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of three in the Jungle Oasis Trilogy. Iris, is an ecologist, is on a professional trip of a lifetime to the Amazon rainforest with her mentor, Bruce. A storm quickly changes everything, Iris is left with minimal survival skills and alone when the rain stops. El Fantasma is a blessing and a curse, to Iris, he becomes both. This story is just getting started but the hatred these two characters have for each is real and it fuels their attraction. Iris continues to ask for trust, El Fantasma grants it and Iris loses it. What is the cost? I am hooked for more. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. In this billionaire, enemies to lover’s dark read, we meet Iris. Iris is an ecologist and living her dream by studying in the Amazon rainforest. When she wanders into the wrong area, she is taken by Dante. Sparks fly between them but he has no plans to ever let her go. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. Plenty of twists and turns and an entertaining story. I loved it.

[Brandy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oohh , this was a very entertaining book!!! It's suspenseful, dark and I loved the characters. There was definitely some thick tension between Dante and Iris. Iris found herself in a troublesome situation and Dante holds her fate. I thought Dante seemed scary, yet appealing at the same time and I was always trying to guess his intentions. It ends on a huge cliffhanger. A lot still remains a mystery as to what is going to happen and I can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read .

My review is of Fever, by Autumn Archer.

This dark story blew me away . I willingly fell down the rabbit hole , alongside the character of Iris , and I gladly moved to the dark side with Dante.

Iris is living her dream .... Until that dream turns into a nightmare.
Dante is her captor, her enemy, her saviour, her punisher , her pleasure.

Dante only lives for revenge, he has been planning it for years .
By helping others ,they become his pawns without knowing .
His hearts becomes colder, and darker , and his need for revenge becomes life consuming.

Then the man with the unforgiving, untrusting heart has a woman turn up on his doorstep .

I seriously can't wait for more.

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wow...!!! I was seduced by Ms Archer’s unique writing style in this story.... steeped in passion, hate, pain, guilt.... the sexual tension just fizzes off the pages of this intoxicating read.
Wholly at the mercy of this man, power radiates from him, her worst nightmare....Iris is determined to beat her captor....with her feisty Highland blood she won’t back down... The Ghost is blindsided by this firecracker... a slip of a woman determined to challenge him at every turn.... how dare she...? How can she be trusted and does she speak the truth?
Fantastically descriptive and completely mesmerising.... you will feel every emotion along with these intriguing characters and then the end.....Oh Iris.....😳!

[Tiffany Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante Valez is known as El Fantasma. He's a billionaire with an interesting career...but what he's really living for is revenge. When a mystery woman stumbles in unexpectedly, he automatically assumes he can't trust her and she becomes his captive.

Iris Kitson is an ecologist on the expedition she's always dreamed of. She's in the Amazon jungle when tragedy strikes. She ends up being taken by El Fantasma. Now, she is his prisoner with no hope for escape.

WOW! This book! What did I just read? This book is the epitome of the fine line between love and hate!

Dante...he's so consumed by revenge and trusts no one. One second he's softening a little and the next he's an enemy. The things he says can be cruel. When we learn some about his past, you can see why he is the way he is. When he's around Iris, you can see a little bit of "normal" come out. Just enough to get you hooked.

I felt so bad for Iris. Her luck is downright horrible. She's a little firecracker when she gets going around Dante though. There's something about him that just sets her off and sometimes not in a good way. She's being held captive and she hates him but can't help but feel something else for him.

Their chemistry is off the charts! Somes scenes...🔥🔥. The ending...that cliffhanger...whew! Thankfully we don't have to wait too long for book 2. 🖤

[KarenLou NorthandSouthBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

wowww

I always love reading anything autumn writes.

This is no exception. I was lucky enough to read a few chapters before it was released and I have been waiting for what feels like an eternity for the trilogy to be released omg! It’s amazing!

I love this story so far. Autumn has a way of painting such a vivid picture you can’t help but be dragged into the book and it completely consuming your mind.

Iris. She is so strong willed but she knows her best bet to surviving and getting free is to keep Dante in her side. Which isn’t easy considering he is keeping her from her life.

Dante. The ghost. He hides from the world only bringing people he can watch to his island. So when he finds iris he is convinced she has ulterior motives.

What a cliffhanger to end book one on. I’m so glad I have book tel to go straight into!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Jungle Oasis series. Just as a heads up, this book ends with a big cliffhanger. So if you hate cliffhangers you may want to wait until all the books are released before starting this series. It’s a steamy dark enemies to lovers romance.

Wow this book is dark and intense. I’ll be the first to admit I generally don’t like dark romances but I absolutely could not put this book down. It’s well written and the story just pulls you in. Dante holds Iris captive because he can’t let his secrets get out and Iris has seen to much. Iris hates Dante but at the same time there’s this attraction that keeps pulling them together. There is a lot of push and pull between each other. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new series. I really love this author and I read everything from her, therefore I was really excited to pick up this one. I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story, this is a deal breaker for me. Iris was a lovely character and I loved her voice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fever is an intense story that will grab you from the first line and keeps you on the edge wanting more.

Dante is rich but does not trust, Iris ends up being the wrong place. This is only the start of their emotional journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lori Updike · Rating 5 out of 5]

She walked into him running from animal and bugs and death only to become a prisoner in paradise in the middle of the jungle. Everyone she knows think she is dead all she knows is she wants freedom And to not loose her heart . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to curl up with, this is the first one I have read but I will be checking out the rest of this author's books. I was sucked right into this book and could not wait to see what happened next, I would definitely recommend it I did not want to stop reading.

[Mand Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she came crashing through his jungle little did he know little did he know just how much she was going to make him feel... And I don't just mean rage.
Not only could I not put this book down I had to continue right through the other set. Atmospheric,

[Sofia´s Beddable Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars...

Noooo....
I need more, like now.
Oh my God, the cliffhanger!

"Flabbergasted" is a word I don't think I've ever actually used before but it definitely fits the circumstances.


I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started reading "Fever" but I'm beginning to feel like I've bitten more than I can chew, and I mean that in the best, most amazing way possible.


Well, it being a story by author Autumn Archer, I knew to expect beautiful writing and unique styles of storytelling
No surprise there.

Also, when it comes to darker storylines, I've witnessed how masterfully she can do them and how powerful and impactful they can be.

So imagine my shock when that's exactly what I got.
Pure. Dark. Romance.
"Intense" it's a fitting word for it, too.
So. Freaking. Good.


I say "shock" because, for whatever reason, my brain didn't immediately connected the dots when I first read the blurb.
Duh..., I know.


Dante is... intoxicating.
Troubled.
Torn.
And you can feel it all through the pages.
He's a combination of things you should steer clear from but can't help but feel drawn to.

Iris is strong, feisty.
Unbending.
Well, mostly.
She certainly tries her best but her captor is too much of a mystery.
She's both fascinated and repelled by him.

Their chemistry is off-the-charts, their connection undeniable and their bond keeps on growing stronger.

Right now, my head is a mess, my heart's in shambles, and I fear they will stay like this.
At least until book 2.
After that, who knows?

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I’ve never read anything like it and I enjoyed every moment of it! Be prepared for a cliffhanger but it’s a cliffhanger that’s well worth it. I’m not usually a reader of duets or trilogies because I need a resolution, but for this book it is worth it.

Autumn does an amazing job writing this story and it’s characters!! Dante is a dangerously broken man but he takes care of Iris after finding her in the jungle. She views him as her enemy and captor and will do anything to escape. Just when she may be seeing him in a different light, something happens and leaves us at our cliff. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!!!!!!! Read this today and grab the second book while you’re at it!!

I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ “I’ve wiped their slate clean.” ~ el Fantasma ★

—>>> Rules to maintain the tightest of control and hard-worn trust, these are the two qualities Dante Valez revers while he spends his time, years chasing the revenge he is after. Until a female with hair the color of a flame collapses at his feet in his territory and burns her way into his soul. The suspense, the descriptions - I can practically feel the humidity on my skin - and the palpable chemistry between the dangerous and dominant captor and the innocent ecologist, all this is incredibly woven in this first installment. There is a worthy cliffhanger, and I am on the edge of my seat for the next set of events to come, but I suspect already the only acceptable way out of this predicament for Iris and anticipating yet another emotional trial for her.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more! Iris and Dante have a near-compulsive need to be near each other. He saved her, but he doesn’t want her around. He won’t let her leave, but he doesn’t want to see her. He stalks her, but he doesn’t want to want her. And yet, Dante can’t stay away. He can’t just let Iris pay her penance for something beyond either of their control. And he also can’t trust her. Or can he?

Iris doesn’t want Dante. Or, that’s what she keeps trying to convince herself she really feels. Because admitting she wants him may mean more than she’s ready to admit to herself or anyone else. Yet she feels the pull. Every glimpse she gets of Dante leaves her wanting more. To know more. To have more. Maybe even to be more with him.

This story kept me guessing so far and really gave me some serious Portuguese food cravings along the way. And then the very last pages made me waffle between wanting to scream or cry, and I’m still not sure which will win out. Because holy wow, I need more. So badly.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me all kinds of twisted up. One minute had me thinking Dante could be a likable guy, the next I knew he must have been the devil incarnate. Dude was absolute mind fu**…well you understand.

The sexual chemistry was raging. Like a total inferno. There was zero romance just pure lust and need. Buuuut I have a feeling that romance will eventually make itself known in the coming books. After all, that’s what I am here for.

This story had me all over the place and my heart took an absolute beating. I wanted to think that maybe some kind of relationship and trust would form before the end of the book, sating my need for a romantic connection between both Dante and Iris. But I got an amazing, excellent written story instead that satisfied my book loving needs. And I am holding out hope, however twisted it seems, that I will get my romance and a happily ever after. 5 Stars!!

[Amber - TBR Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris and Dante are so WOW! I can't think of how else to put it. When there is a "bad" guy in a story, they really have to sell me on their personality and reasoning on why they have done what they've done. Dante is definitely worth it! He has won me over! And Iris as well.

Iris is a scientist in the Amazon, studying endangered plants when a tropical storm chases Iris onto Dante's property. She must rely on Dante to help her, even if he is her enemy. He represents what she cannot like but she still has an amazing attraction to him.

I can't wait until the next book!!!

[Jackie Vescio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning novel by Anne Archer! The romance and suspense in this novel is beyond amazing and was such a rush to read. The dichotomy between the two main characters, Iris and Dante, could not be more profound. Yet, the attraction, sexual chemistry, and obvious distrust these two have for one another makes this novel an even more tantalizing read. It gave me a serious head rush and am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what transpires between these two engrossing characters.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I was not sure where the author would take me but this book really was something I did not expect. A very different concept with Dante who is very much a larger than life figure and Iris who is too nice for Dante’s world. Iris is a very strong woman who will not be intimated by Dante at all. Can these two who obviously hate each other become more? So much sexual chemistry even though they are both in denial. Can Iris break through Dante’s tough exterior and find a way into his cold heart? Cannot wait for the next book. The cliff hanger had me balancing on a knife’s edge. A great read that is a must.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Archer's new Jungle Oasis series and WOW, what a read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down! This is a well written, dark and intense read that will have you eager for the next in this series with the cliffhanger we're left with. The chemistry with our main characters Dante and Iris and the love/hate is phenomenal. Read this in one sitting as I just couldn't stop and was left gasping and needing more!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

[Maggie Tideswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

This is the second time I read this book, and it was even better. I can't wait to get stuck into the next book!

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... did not expect this.
This book took me by surprise and I loved every minute of it. This story was so different.
Dante is such an enigma and Iris is so sweet and out of her depth... but she has a fighting spirit you just can’t help but admire.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts... even if they don’t want to admit what is happening between them.
The cliffhanger on this one had me screaming for more... I need the next book now!!!
Autumn... I’m sure Dante is gonna break me.
Must read .

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a brilliant dark read that you won't be able to put it down until you have finished but then you get a cliffhanger.
Iris is doing her dream job until it all goes wrong and she is struggling to stay alive.
Dante is hell bent on revenge but when Iris stumbles into his oasis he can't stay away from her.
Can she find a way out of her prison and will he ever let her go when the chemistry between them is electric.
A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.