He awoke something inside me I hadn’t dared to feel for many years, hope.
He’s here to take down my family and I’m ready to help him do whatever it takes to take end the Volkov Bratva.
I shouldn’t crave him, love the way his touch sparks a fire inside me but after years of feeling nothing but despair, I latch onto him and refuse to let go, even when he betrays me.
Gage
I promised my family I could end this.
This is my last chance to prove to them I am good enough to be more then Tony’s bastard.
I’ll burn the Bratva to the ground and prove to them all I am just as worthy of the last name Murdoch.
Getting in is easy, getting out is going to be nearly impossible because I found something worth fighting for. She is someone I shouldn’t want to keep, the enemy’s heir, her father and uncle killed my brother.
I see my Redemption in her eyes, the hardest part of all of this is I need to use her in order to win the biggest game of my life.
I’m just a Pawn in this game of chess but make no mistake, I’m the pawn that will turn you.
Turned by the PAWN By Samantha Barrett ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
SAMANTHA BARRETT!? We need to have some serious words!!! These cliffhangers are starting to kill me! I lovedddd this book!! I’ve always had a soft spot for Gage and I’m glad he got to have his HEA!
This is book FIVE of @Samantha Murdoch Mafia series. As with the others in this series, There are some dark and twisty moments and definitely some content that some should take into consideration so check those triggers warnings!
“"Quit your shit. I liked you better when you were silently brooding in the corner," that sass 🤣🤣🤣
Gage gets his HEA but it doesn't come easily. He has something to prove. He needs to show the world that he is a Murdoch through and through since people seem to underestimate him. He is on a deadly mission to take down the Bratva but he didn't anticipate finding his other half along the way.
Anya hates everything her family stands for and has decided to help Gage in bringing down the Bratva. Gage fought and protected Anya in the same manner he does all the women in his life. Anya went through a horrific, unimaginable ordeal but it didn't stop her from helping Gage restore all that he thought was lost.
Gage and Anya's HEA was not easy. It was a fight for survival, a fight for revenge and a fight to love. This story was triggering AF and the trigger warnings need to be taken seriously.
I will say the thing that brought me overall joy was Rook. He has been broken and is currently a shadow of himself. No longer is he the funny, happy go lucky Murdoch. He is a broken man and I absolutely cannot wait for his comeback because I know he's coming with a vengeance.
Dark!! Dark!! Not this dark!!! I didn't expect this book to be this dark. And oo man i loved it so much. My heart goes out for Anya! And the power she gets from Gage!! I love it. Gage!! I have no words to express how i feel about him!! It's perfection!
I have to say that this book contains WAY more vivid sexual abuse than I am comfortable with. I guess I should have expected it after King and Ally’s book but there wasn’t as much description with theirs, it eluded to it but this was a lot more than I would have liked to read. If there is a TW on this I must not have seen it, if there isn’t, there definitely should be. I really felt bad for Anya and all that she went through. I’m so glad they found Rook and will read his book, hoping there isn’t as much S/A in this one. Im glad that Gage found his HEA
Turned By The Pawn by Samantha Barrett is a suspenseful and intense romance filled with complex characters, high-stakes situations, and thrilling intrigue. Barrett masterfully weaves a story of power, manipulation, and emotional turmoil, making this a gripping read for anyone who loves a romance tinged with danger.
The quote, "What exactly is it that you want my help with? Vlad has tasked me with bringing you in. I have lost my leverage here, Gage," sets the tone for the underlying tension that runs throughout the story. The protagonist finds themselves caught in a dangerous game of power, where loyalty is questioned and alliances are fragile. Barrett skillfully builds a world of uncertainty, where trust is a luxury and survival is a priority.
The dynamic between the characters is fraught with tension, and the chemistry between the leads keeps the plot moving at a fast pace. Gage’s inner conflict and the protagonist’s dilemma make for a compelling emotional journey, as they navigate through dangerous situations while trying to protect what matters most. The push and pull between them adds layers of complexity to their relationship, keeping readers engaged with every twist.
Barrett excels at creating moments of suspense and heart-stopping drama, all while keeping the romance front and center. The dialogue is sharp and smart, with enough intrigue to keep you guessing until the end. The balance between the emotional stakes and the action-packed plot makes this novel a page-turner.
Overall, Turned By The Pawn is a thrilling romance with plenty of suspense, passion, and unexpected twists. If you enjoy stories where love and loyalty are tested in high-stakes situations, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Turned By The Pawn, the fifth book in the Murdoch Mafia series by Samantha Barrett was the perfect addition to this series and finally the story we’ve all been waiting for (well at least I have!) and that is Gage’s story! And who would be more perfect for him then Anya, the enemy princess and heir. This is the ultimate story of revenge, redemption and star crossed lovers at its finest!
I absolutely fell in love with Gage in the very first story and waited oh so (im)patiently for his story and Barrett did NOT disappoint! Going in, Gage had one mission—destruction and revenge for the deaths of his family memebers, and had no qualms to use anyone along the way to reach his goal. Anya included. However, one thing we can always count on with Gage is his heart and support of all the women in his life, and he soon finds that Anya is no different. And underneath her rough exterior lurks the heart of a fellow fighter and Gage is
This story was utterly captivating and kept me in the edge of my seat all the way through the various ups and downs, and bumps along the way. And while we got brief glimpses of who Anya might have been, what we knew was just a scratch upon the surface and I absolutely loved her story, her strength, her dedication and her perseverance to just simply survive.
Overall if you love your mafia romances dark, deadly full of spice my heat and featuring a sexy BA fighting alpha MC and a fierce heroine that knows how to give as much as they take, then no one does it better than Samantha so grab this one now!!!
Some people may think the Pawn is the weakest piece on the board…but those people obviously haven’t met Gage ;)
The way I was ridiculously excited to finally get Gage’s story? Absolutely unhinged — and I have no regrets. He’s been a quiet favorite of mine from the earlier books. Gage is everything. Protective, gentle, fiercely loyal — the kind of man who could burn the world down for the people he loves, but with Anya, he’s tender in a way that made me melt. The contrast between his brutal mafia world and the softness he has for her was perfection. And Anya? I adored her. She’s strong in a way that isn’t loud — she’s endured so much, and still manages to keep this quiet strength and resilience that made me root for her from the moment she appeared. She’s not just Gage’s match — she completes him. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their spicy scenes? Next level. But more than that, there was real emotional depth to their connection. You could feel every ounce of love, pain, and desperation between them. This book delivered on every front — mafia politics, betrayals, lies, danger, and a romance that hit hard. Samantha Barrett has me in a chokehold once again. Gage may be top-tier book boyfriend material, but something tells me Rook might come in swinging. Thank god the final book is out, because that cliffhanger was lethal. I’m off to dive into the last Murdoch Mafia book, already mourning the fact that this series is almost over.
This book holds one of the most triggering and emotionally devastating R*** scenes I’ve ever encountered in my reading journey. It was extremely hard to listen through, raw, brutal, and unforgettable. But despite the intense discomfort, I can’t deny the brilliance of this story.
The suspense, dark Mafia elements, the build-up leading to this story has been crazy! I’m blown away by how incredible this series has become, each book darker, more intense, more emotionally gripping than the last.
Anya and Gage’s story isn’t a normal love story. It’s twisted, violent, and deeply fractured… but the way their brokenness is portrayed, how they somehow survive each other in shattered pieces is haunting and unforgettable.
I’m scared. Genuinely. Going into the next book, I’m on the edge of my seat, bracing myself, because this story is only spiraling deeper into the dark and I can’t look away. Samantha has become one of my new favorite authors once I’m done with this series I will be continuing on. Her storytelling is brilliant.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Includes sexual violence, emotional trauma, and graphic abuse. Please take care of yourself.
“Turned by the pawn” is the 5th book in “murdoch mafia” series.
I’ve only recently discovered this series and this fantastic author. Samantha Barrett is an amazing author who will pull you right from the very beginning. I devoured this story and I did not want it to end.
Gage and Anya were absolutely perfect for each other. Anya has not had an easy life but she shows her strength in this story. Anya is definitely one of the most strongest female characters I have come across to date. Gage was fiercely protective and is definitely one of my favourite characters in this series. Their romance was undeniable their souls spoke to each other.
“Turned by the pawn” is a dark mafia romance. I would advise to check the trigger warnings before reading. This story is full of twists and turns with nail biting suspense that you won’t want to stop reading. I am addicted to this series and I never want it to end.
Omg this was truly amazing. If you have been reading The Murdoch Mafia Series by Samantha Barrett , then you know about Gage. He is the stepbrother to the rest of the family. He’s never truly been trusted , especially by Bishop the eldest brother and boss. So he goes to Russia to get in with the Bratva to try and help take out the boss Vladimir. Anya is Vlad’s daughter and heiress to the family. She may look like a spoiled brat, but she is far from it. In the end of Carlina’s book Queen , Gage meets Anya and asks for his help. So now here they are in Russia trying to get all info they can on the Bratva to take them down once and for all. This book was so emotional and well written. Gage tries to fight his feelings for Anya and vice versa. She’s been through hell and back from all the abuse she’s had to endear through the hands of her father and others. I applaud you on this Samantha Barrett well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Turned by the Pawn. That's what Gage has felt his whole life has been, simply a pawn to be moved around when necessary without feeling like he really fitted in the Murdoch family as a real brother.
This book was so emotional dark and at times detressing about the level of suffering that accured with the ruthless Russian mafia world.
Anya has never had control over her existence she has simply been a bargaining tool that her father Vlad has used when required to ensure that his always gets what he wants.
Both of them start out by using each other to gain what they need to survive and get what's required.
There are many dark moments throughout, however keep reading you also read about passion strength resilience and the will to survive. Humour and forgiveness sprinkled with such passion.
I loved reading more about all the characters and how their storylines are developing into more.
Turned by the Pawn is filled with action and jaw dropping moments.
We finally get to see Gage prove himself to his family and hopefully earn the Murdoch name. Gage really stepped out and became this awesome person. Yes I said awesome. He’s not like the other Murdoch brothers. He’s little more level headed but don’t cross him!
Anya she’s my favorite after Kiara and I’m sort of surprised by that. I wasn’t really expecting her. She was a character I wasn’t sure how her story would play out. My heart hurt for her.
Each book is darker and darker. Each story has lead up to a epic conclusion and I’m so ready for it. I can’t end this review without mentioning the end of this one….. one word Rook! My jaw was on the floor and I just know Samantha is going to bring her A game with this next book!!!
Gage will do anything to help his family, including infiltrating the enemy, what he didn’t expect was that he would have feelings for the enemy’s daughter, or that she could lead them to Rook. Anya despises her father with everything she has, she doesn’t like what the family does, and her one hope is to change things, the only problem her father wants her dead, he may not say it but his actions prove it. The more that Gage sees what Anya goes through the more he realises that she really is nothing but a game that her father plays with. Before he realises, he has feelings for her feelings he shouldn’t have for the enemy’s daughter. Anya quickly learns that Gage will have her back, even against his brothers, but she’s worried with everything that’s happened and what her father did to her will he still want her.
At the front of each book there's a few sentences about the books being 'dark' now I'm sure everyone has their own limit and understanding of the term,I do. This book needed specific trigger warnings, I've checked each book and the authors website and I don't find specific TWs and this book 100% needs them. I have enjoyed the series and I just don't feel like every book needed a victim of sexual assault, I do feel like they're there for shock value. They don't bring anything to the books enjoyment, I've read lots of books that have mentioned sexual assault and they haven't needed to be so descriptive. I do also think the author could add helplines for victims who may want help. Just a little thought. I've seen other authors so it. So just be warned before reading this you need a thick skin.
5th book of the Murdoch Mafia Series... Gage, to me, has always been the guy that fits in everywhere and anywhere. He is brother to the Murdochs and best friend to all their ladies. He is a fighter, literally, and is loyal to no end. Where Bishop has my heart, Gage is a very close 2nd! He met Anya, and even though she was the "enemy," he just had to protect her. He has Questions and only she can answer them
Anya- She's a beast, I call her KARMA..her father Vlad is a terrible person and pretty much sets her up in cage fights that she really shouldn't come out of alive, but she still does. Her Uncle Ivan ( cringy bastard) is worse than her Father in more ways than one. The fact she never let the things they said or did to her break her spirit she's definitely a champion in my book!!
Turned by the Pawn is the 5th book in the Murdoch Mafia series by Samantha Barrett. This book is action-packed. A lot of issues that have been building in the previous books are getting some resolution. I am excited to see what happens in the 6th and final book!
I was really excited about this book because I have loved Gage's character in the previous books so I loved having a focus on him. This book only made me love Gage even more. I wasn't sure about Anya when the book started but I ended up really enjoying her. She is not your typical Bratva princess; she has had a hard life which has only made her stronger.
I am so excited for this final book! I need this story after everything that happened in this book.
O.M.G!!!! Turned by the Pawn by Samantha Barrett was the mind-blowing, torture-filled story of Gage and Anya. He is poised to infiltrate the Bratva and finally earn his brothers’ respect. There he finds, Anya…daughter of the Bratva leader. Things aren’t always as they seem…and he is shocked when he learns the truth. Anya has her own agenda, and it doesn’t really include Gage.
This story really had me squirming at times…definitely not for the faint of heart!! The pain and torment are excruciating. The triumph and survival are elating!! Total anguish throughout this read and your heart just aches for these two amazing characters!!! Absolutely outstanding read!!!
Omg this book is soooo good. Once i started i couldn't put it down. Anya has earned my love and respect. That character is extremely strong and unbreakable with all the stuff she went through. Gage is his usual character. He took and cared for Anya the same as he did all the previous female leads. The strength that Gage and Anya gave each other is awesome. Am so glad that Gage was matched up with another fighter. Anya is everything in a woman that could see Gage with. This book is the darkest one so far out of the series.
Turned by the Pawn is Gage and Anya's story, it is dark, full of angst, violence and secrets, the bad guys are so evil and depraved that I was struggling to keep reading, I have a very good imagination the very detailed at times descriptions of violence and rape and the suspense and angst made it almost like watching a horor movie at times. Brilliant writing, every page will get you closer to knowing all the secrets, love how the characters grow and the dynamics within the Murdoch family become stronger and less guarded
I enjoyed this one. It picks up where the last one left off and Gage is in Russia, as part of the Bratva in order to find a way to take them down and ends up meeting Anya. This story definitely has that darker vibe and bad stuff goes down this time (more on the page than previous books in series, though not overly explicit). This story flowed well and had me engaged from beginning to end. I loved watching these two find a way to work together and fight. I can’t wait for the next book.
OMG! I loved this book. It was well written. It grabbed my attention quickly and held it to the end.
I loved the characters. They were well developed! Anya is a strong person. She went through so much from her father and uncle but she never let the things bring her down. Gage was a very friendly guy especially to the ladies. He wants to protect Anya even though she is considered the enemy.
I would highly recommend this book. I would recommend the whole series.
I was so excited to read Gages book and I was not disappointed. Please do not take this story lightly read the TW. The story continues on from the end of Queen where Gage is in Russia and we get to meet the badass Anya been the pankan daughter She takes no shit from no one Gage included. She tests his cool calm personality you have loved in previous books. This series has been pure fire!!! Watch out the the cliffhanger at the end though it’s a biggy
Another brilliant book in this series. This one didn't slow down at all, constant action and tension. This book is a lot harder to read with regards to trauma etc. What both Anya and Rook went through was horrific and I felt it all. I loved how Gage was with Anya, he was a true gentleman whilst still getting the job done to save his brother. I cannot wait for Rooms book, I think this one will be tough. Another great book by Samantha Barrett.
I couldn’t put it down!! This book took me less than a day to read… Oh this family! Sign me up!!! I am already going on to Rook’s story and I am just going to say… i am not ready for the series to be done!! The banter and chemistry between the family members is so well written! I love where the stories take you and how she writes them all in together! One of my favorite series!!!
Gage was my fave brother, and deep in enemy territory in Russia he is working to protect his family … and when a bratva princess slips him a photo of Rook, beaten, starved, broken - he will stop at nothing to find his brother and being him home … but how will he react if its all a lie?
Another excellent audio book. This one is a bit darker. Its got triggers guys. Bad stuff. Check the triggers on the authors website before diving in.
Book 5!! This series is brilliant. You can’t help but love all the characters. As the series grows the stories get darker, this is not for the faint hearted but the reward is worth it. Gage and Anya’s story is dark heart breaking and beautiful. Again Samantha Barrett has written an amazing story of strength and survival!! 5 ⭐️