Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a series that is a spin-off series. It is recommended that you read the original series first in order to get the most out of the spin-off series. Here is this week’s offering:
The Captive Series is a spin-off of the Broken Series & Forbidden Series
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Series: Captive, The Bellanti Brothers
This is a spinoff of the Broken & Forbidden Series.
There is a spin-off of this series: Forbidden Offer
Author: Stella Gray
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama, Dark
Heat Rating: Hot (Kink: mild)
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: May 2022 – August 2022
Source & Format: Author–eARC
WARNING: If you have not finished the original series, this review may have spoilers!
My Expectations?
Much like its predecessor, The Forbidden Trilogy, Armani’s story has been building since the Broken Trilogy. I think I’ve wanted Armani’s book the most because he is the ruthless Bellanti brother who seems to have a soft spot for a particular lady. And I couldn’t wait to see how everything would unfold!
Can you Read the Forbidden Trilogy Without Reading the Broken and/or Forbidden Trilogies?:
Yes, you could but I really think you get more out of it by reading the Broken Trilogy first then reading The Forbidden Trilogy. There are a lot of overarching dramatic plotlines from those series that become together in this series, so it helps to know what is going on and why. Plus: I feel like you really need that context (why the families hate each other) to amplify the forbidden romance as well.
How Does It Compare To The Original?
–Tame but More Violence–
While I would label all of these Bellanti Brothers series as dark, Armani is the dark horse of the family. He is the enforcer in this mafia family and the one who doesn’t hold back when it comes to violence. So I was a little surprised by how tame this series was in the beginning. However, things pick up as the series and the plot evolves. That last book especially!
–Fantastic Chemistry–
WOWZA these two have some intense chemistry! Their moments of passion where everything I wanted it to be after waiting 6 books for their story. I loved watching them fight their connection while trying to remain loyal to their respective families. It’s forbidden romance at its finest!
Anything I Didn’t Like?
I think I expected more danger and violence at the start of this. However, I did appreciate that we got to spend more time developing our two lead characters instead as I think that helped strengthen this series as a whole.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Spin-off Forbidden Offer:
I’m very excited for the spin-off novel we are going to get set in this world. I can’t say much else because it is a spoiler but I’m glad we aren’t finished with this world quite yet!
Series Rating: 4/5
Captive Bride 4/5 | Captive Rival 4/5 | Captive Heart 5/5
Everything comes to a head in this final Bellanti Brother Trilogy! And Stella Gray has officially become a must read author for me!
Read if You Like: in love with the enemy; forbidden love
Avoid if You: darker romances
- The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy (Arranged Marriage Series #1)
- Bad Romance by Jen McLaughlin
- Indebted by Pepper Winters (Indebted Series #1)
- Furious Rush by S C Stephens (Furious Rush Series #1)
- Dirty Filthy Rich Men by Laurelin Paige (Dirty Duet Series #1)
Synopsis for Captive Bride (from Goodreads):
I was supposed to get close to him…but Armani keeps his secrets closer.
Everyone knows that Armani is the most dangerous Bellanti brother.
No one knows what he’s capable of.I do know there is nothing he won’t do for his family.
For months, I’ve interacted with the dark, broody man.
The way he looks at me moves the earth under my feet.
His touch makes my skin tingle.
But I’ve had my own agenda.Then after a night I can’t remember, I wake up naked in his bed.
He’s sitting at my side, a cruel smile on his face.Now I’m his captive–and his wife.
We might share his Bellanti name, but I’ll never share my heart.
