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Nico Carfano walked back into my life at the worst possible moment. Or, perhaps the best possible moment if I wasn't so stubborn...

Cassandra f*cking Connelly is my fantasy girl I let walk away.
I promised her a weekend of fun, nothing more, but that was before I found out how addictive she was.

It was easier to keep my distance when I was in New York, but when I have to go back to Atlantic City, it takes every ounce of strength I have to not show up at her door so I can remind her how good we were.

I thought I’d be safe going out with my cousins while they’re in town, since the last place I expected to find her was on stage, dancing in my family’s club. But there she was.
Even with her back to me, I know it’s her.
I know how her body moves because I spent three days memorizing it.
I know the exact shade of her red hair because I saw it splayed out on my pillows and had it wrapped around my fist every chance I got.
I know the script of her tattoo on the back of her thigh because I spent hours tracing it, trying to decipher the language.

She shouldn’t be here.

I’m the one the family relies on to always be in control of my emotions. But if anything is going to make me lose that, it’s everyone getting to see what should be mine, and mine alone, put on a show that has me ready to spill blood.

Cassie just stepped into my world, and I make the rules here.

She keeps her heart guarded and her secrets buried deep. She doesn’t want me meddling in her life, and made it clear she doesn’t want my help even when I know she needs it.
Despite trying to hold me at a distance, she keeps taking steps towards me, only to take three back when she realizes how close she’s getting.
But I'll win this war.
There's no other option.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2024

About the author

Rebecca Gannon

14 books167 followers
Rebecca is a dreamer through and through with permanent wanderlust. She's a lover of all things romance and writes what she loves to read, which is a little of everything.

She promises to always bring ALL the heart, heat, and happy endings to her books, and hopes you'll fall in love with the characters and places she's created as much as she has.

Rebecca is a Jersey girl and a lover of all seasons, but hopes to one day live somewhere with freezing cold winters and lots of snow! When she's not writing, you can find her sipping an iced coffee or margarita and planning her next road trip!

🖤How you can connect with her:
Website and blog - https://www.rebeccagannon.com
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Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/RebeccaGannon_
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Facebook reader group - https://facebook.com/groups/rebeccaga... or Rebecca's Romantics
Pinterest book boards - www.pinterest.com/rebeccagannonauthor
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signed books and swag - www.etsy.com/shop/RebeccaGannonAuthor

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5 stars
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19 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Carmella.
654 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2024
Our couple in this story is Nico & Cassie. When they initially met, there was an immediate attraction between them and they ended up spending 3 days together, agreeing it was a one time thing and it wouldn't happen again. But it ended up that 3 days wasn't enough...

Cassie is used to taking care of her younger brother Sean since their father died, then living with an Aunt,until she passed away. Sean has gotten himself into trouble with his gambling and Cassie is determined to get him out of this mess too.She needs money and needs it fast so she applies at a club to dance.

This is where she sees Nico again as Nico's family owns the club. He is determined not to let her go again.

Even though Nico is from a Mafia family and Cassie is from the Irish Mafia, the story is focused on them alone as a couple. Cassie is used to taking care of her family issues and Nico wants to help her but she refuses. Her pride won't allow it. Nico is controlling and dominant and Cassie likes it to a point.

Will Cassie finally give in and let Nico help her? Will she let him love her?

I liked their story. I could definitely identify with Cassie's need to fix her own problems but she was a bit over her head, dealing with the Irish Mafia. She really needed a clean slate to start over and finally be happy.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
703 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2024
Nico’s thunderstruck by a redheaded beauty!
I loved Nico Carfano. He’s confident, cares deeply for his family, and when he falls in love, he goes all in. The family members Nico works closest with are “actual” family and are all caring, business-minded men. When Nico first meets Cassandra (Cassie) Connelly he is gobbed smacked. She is his dream girl and the three days they spend together, in bed, are other world. Why did he let her go? He regrets not staking his claim then. With all her family dead, Cassie has had to be serious. She studies psychology in college and cares for her 18-year-old brother, Sean. Life has been ok until her idiot brother got in trouble with the Irish mob by acquiring a large gambling debt. Cassie learns of the trouble Sean’s in when he comes home beaten to a pulp. Cassie needs a friend… and then she bumps into Nico. What Nico and Cassie had before is still burning hot. She’s too proud to ask for help but Nico senses something is up and comes to her aid. Cassie and Nico are a perfect, beautiful, young HOT couple and have a forever love. I received an advanced copy of Captivated from Booksprout and these are my thoughts. Linda
Profile Image for Xratedreads .
182 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2024
ARC REVIEW

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5

This is Book 6 of The Carfano Crime Family Series, and after bingeing the first five books last year, I've been eagerly anticipating this one. Cassandra and Nico's story begins in "Wild Ace," and this book picks up a month after their initial meeting. Cassie is a strong, sassy, and independent character who doesn't hold back, which is exactly how I love my female main characters. Nico is a sexy, alpha, possessive, and sweet man who becomes obsessed with Cassie after seeing her again at a strip club.

The chemistry between Cassie and Nico is electric, and I absolutely loved this book. Rebecca never disappoints with her portrayal of the Carfano men or the female main characters. This book was fast-paced, and I devoured it in one sitting. The only reason I rated it 4.5 stars instead of 5 was because I wished we had more time to see Cassie and Nico as a couple.

I hope the next book catches us up with more of the family, and I can't wait for Mia's story next. I love Rebecca's books and highly recommend this one. Although it's set in a mafia 'family,' the mafia aspect is light and plays only a minor role in the story.
Profile Image for D. L. Foley | My Last Romance.
614 reviews16 followers
July 1, 2024
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and BookSirens.

Reading Order: Interconnected standalone series. But the character's relationship starts in the prior book. While you can pick it up here, I'd recommend reading at least the prior one.

General Series Thoughts: Available on KU. I am obsessed with this series. It is one of my favorite and highest rated mafia romance novels. If you like this genre, check this series out. Rebecca writes fast, thrilling, intense, sexy, and romantic stories that I devour each and every time. I have given most in this series a 5 because they are that good.

This wasn't my favorite in the series due to some character decisions, but it was solid, and I loved it all the same. If Rebecca writes it, I'll read it.

Steamy, dynamic, and addicting series. I'll be anxiously awaiting to see what comes next.

Steam Meter: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Scorching!

Tropes
-dual POV
-Italian mafia
-dark romance
-one night to more

You can read more of my reviews at @mylastromancenovel.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
110 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2024
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for this one.

The blurb on this is so enticing and the storyline did not disappoint, however I wish it were longer with more plot development. The story moves quickly and is about 50% smut, which is FINE and expected (by me, anyway) in this genre, but the characters to me felt very flat and without conflict. The plot is something different in this genre and I liked the idea, just wish it were more fleshed out overall.

Cassandra plays herself up as a very strong woman but often falls back on being more submissive and timid, which is not what I was expecting. She is very in over her head though with her brother, which probably adds to that feeling.

Nico is strong but almost too controlling. His jealousy is a little much for me, honestly.

This is not my usual trope in this genre which is why I rounded up and I did enjoy the story for sure (I have not read the others in this series and had no issue figuring out what was going on) but maybe not quite my cup of tea. Came for a Cora Reilly style mafia book and left with something else entirely. Not bad, just a different vibe.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
302 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2024
After reading the blurb for Captivated, I knew that I had to read the book to see if it was just good as the overview was. After getting halfway through the book, I was completely captivated by the story of the book. My heart went out to Cassandra who is wanting to do the right thing for her younger brother, even though that means she pushes away people who are wanting to help her like Nico. Before long Cassandra knew she had fallen in love with Nico, but didn’t know how to express it to him, that is till he came and saved her again. That is all the details I’m going to give on the book because I don’t want to completely spoil it for future readers on this book. I found Captivated to be suspenseful and a page-turner. This book kept my attention throughout the book to where I couldn’t set my kindle down before finishing the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,269 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2024
Nico is the 3rd in command in the Carfano family. Cassie is a strong woman who could be submissive at some points, but also very aggressive when pushed even a little bit. Nico and Cassie had a weekend marathon in Atlantic City. They both left an impression on each other, but agreed this was a one-time thing only. One month later, Nico walks into his cousins club to find Cassie dancing on stage. Jealousy consumes Nico and he makes everyone leave. Another wonderful night is spent with the two, but when Cassie finds out that Nico has her fired and she is livid. She is trying to help her younger brother out of some trouble, and Nico is keeping her from doing that.

Cassie refuses to take Nico’s help and will not tell him what is going on. Stubbornness could get her in trouble and could cause some tension with Nico. I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
476 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2024
This is book #6 in this series but you don’t need to have had read the prior books to be able to enjoy this book (it does help though to understand the characters a bit and because there are references to those people). This book is Nico and Cassie’s story and while it does references to a wild weekend from before, you can easily fill in the blanks. Cassie is trying to help her brother out of a tough situation when Nico spots her dancing. Sparks fly hotter than before and their banter will have you wanting more. Both are fiercely protective of loved ones and will do what is necessary. Be prepared to pull an all nighter if you start this book close to bedtime as you will not be able to set it down until you are done it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,147 reviews31 followers
June 12, 2024
I missed out on reading Wild Card but I didn’t feel like I was left out of anything other than the first meeting of Cassie & Nico. This is a month later after their 3 day/night screw fest to get them out of the others systems, or was it. Now a month later, Cassie has a job as a pole dancer and helping her brother, Sean, out of the trouble he gambled himself into, still remembering the man she can’t forget no matter what. Nico is not like he was before his Cassie feast, but thinking about her day in and day out and close to hunting her down. But a stop at their family’s dance club brings Cassie back into Nico’s headlights and he’ll fight like hell with his fiery spicey redhead.
Will Nico win over Cassie or will the Irish lassie put to Italian man down his knees???
5,302 reviews26 followers
June 13, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was absolutely amazing book to read, the story was written well and the characters were really sensational. This book was about Nico Carfano, and Cassandra Connelly, they had a fling after a wedding, they live in different states and their chemistry was hot Fahrenheit hot. Cassie is working at a Club dancing in a cage wearing sexy clothing, it was just one way to get money fast. Nico was in town again for a family meeting, a few of the men decided to continue with their night and went to a club they own then looks up at the cage and that's when he sees her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,785 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2024
Nico and Cassie's weekend together left them both wanting more, and when Nico sees her a month later, he decides he is not ever letting her get away again. This man is all in! Cassie, however much she is attracted to Nico, has some big problems that she wants to handle on her own, without Nico's help, so she tries to keep her distance but it's a losing battle.

I love that Cassie is a strong fmc but she is stubborn to a fault, which puts her in danger; and Nico - I loved how protective and caring he was for her. This is a great book with an engaging, never boring, mafia lite story and I enjoyed it as much as I did the previous books of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,917 reviews20 followers
June 10, 2024
Such a great book. Hot, steamy, romantic with loads of danger, suspense and intensity.

This was about Cassie who had a three night stand with Nico, a Mafia man who owns the club he sees her in when they meet again.

I really liked Nico and Cassie. She took no prisoners and even though she was in family financial trouble she wasn't letting Nico get away with anything. He was all alpha, very intense and dangerous but dodgy for her. Their chemistry was so amazing with the steam at an all time high.

Well done on all levels. This was a first from this author for me but I can't wait for more.

Great book and highly recommended.
517 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2024
This is Book 6 of The Carfano Crime Family Series.
This is Nico and Cassie's story who meet in Book 5 but you don't need to read Book 5 to enjoy this book. But trust me this is a phenomenal Series so trust me indulge in all of them!
I just love Nico's character, sexy, posessive and sweet what's not to love! And Cassie so strong and independent, determined to go it alone but has a soft spot for Nico.
This book will make you blush with the steaminess and has a fabulous storyline as well.
Definitely a Must Read book and Series!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rebecca Jones.
182 reviews
June 15, 2024
I will be reading the rest in series!


Oh man! I love Cassie. She is so badass, and confident. I loved watching her turn from a confident, independent girl to a bad-ass, strong, confident woman. She was good as a single girl,but she grew up with Nico.

As for Nico,I imagine this tough guy player and when he met Cassie all that went away. I love how he knew she was the one from the get go and he guided her there as well.

I love love love the smut! I had to stop reading several times to take care of myself haha also I love that it made me cry towards the end of the book too. Great writing, a few spelling errors but nothing too bad.
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
2,824 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2024
This is a Mafia Romantic Suspense, and this is the 6st book in the Carfano Crime Family series. I have read the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do feel you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I got pulled into this story really quickly, and I loved slowly getting to know these characters. There was a great mix of romance and action/suspense in this book. There was also family drama that also kept me wanting to keep reading. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
837 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2024
A Captivating Read!

Cassandra was his one obsession, seeing her again, this time he wouldn’t leave!

Nico was totally obsessed with Cassandra, he was so possessive about her that he didn’t want her dancing for anyone but him!

Cassandra was on a mission, and had secrets she had never told anyone. She was an independent person, more than happy to take all the sexual pleasure Nico gave her as long as he didn’t pry into her life!

A sexy hot steamy read with a determined mafia man! He would move heaven and earth to claim the one woman he couldn’t live without.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for LibraryofMaze.
58 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2024
Oh I love Nico! I love how he was willing to do what he needed to do for Cassie. He knew after their weekend together that he needed more and he was more than willing to do what he needed to get her. I didn’t even really mind his jealousy. It did get to a point where I wouldn’t deal with that but Cassie needs to be our first.

Cassie was a little wild card! I found it weird he was calling her spicy at first but it fit her so well! I’m glad she won’t have to be by herself and fighting her own battles any longer.

And the spice as always by Rebecca Gannon was so freaking good.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 reviews
June 13, 2024
Cassie and Nico’s story was everything I hoped for and more. After the snippets in Lexi and Vinny’s story of them I was eager for there story and it did not disappoint. Although they were both determined to have no strings attached we can see from the start how that was not gonna work. Nico was obsessed and honestly so was Cassie even if she did fight it. I loved how intricate Cassie’s background was it added a lot to the story. One of my favorite parts about this series is how each couple is so different yet, they still captured your attention.
273 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2024
Nico Carfano...dominant, self-assured, protective. What every self-respecting male should be.

Cassandra Connelly...damaged, beautiful, insecure but sassy.

Put these two together and you have friction. That friction turns into sparks, and the sparks start a fire.

This is an extremely well-written story with realistic, intelligent dialog and captivating (pun intended) characters.

I love Ms. Gannon's writing style and her ability to tell a story in a way that makes the reader feel a part of it. I enjoyed this story so much that I'll definitely be reading more of her work.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
2,745 reviews53 followers
June 16, 2024
Captivated is Cassie and Nico's steamy, gritty story and is completely consuming just as the rest of the series is. Cassie finds herself in a bit of a sticky situation thanks to her brother. Having no choice but to take a job dancing puts Cassie right back in the sights of Nico. After their few days together earlier, neither of them can completely forget the other. Nico finding her in the club is just what he's been hoping for. Their journey is intense, smokin hot and the chemistry between them explosive. Captivated is a great addition to the Carfano Crime Family series and a must read!
106 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2024
another Carfano Crime family gem

This was the sixth book in Rebecca Gannon’s Carfano Crime Family series.
This was Nico and Cassandra’s story.
It was well paced and interesting, and the two main characters have definite heat and passion.
The plot wasn’t quite as intricate as some of the prior books, but I still enjoyed reading about the Carfano family. We get to see some interactions with other members of the family.
Good read!
2,033 reviews13 followers
July 9, 2024
Nico can't stop thinking about the beautiful and feisty Cass after a no-strings-attached fun for a weekend, but has told himself to stay away from her. Nothing good can come to her life with him in it. But when Nico walks into his family's strip club and sees Cass dancing, all bets are off. Too bad for Nico, Cass insists that what they had was for one weekend only. Captivated is a mafia romance full of action, suspense, drama, steam that sucked me in!
14.3k reviews79 followers
June 9, 2024
He will see her again for the first time in a long time and he would recognize her anywhere, even seeing her from the back. He knows he needed to keep his distance as he wanted so much more from her than the one night stand he had with her. Will he try again? Will she allow him in? See how it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
115 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2024
Caught up

Cassie and Nico are back! I'm so glad they get a story because it is absolutely perfect. I can't think of another couple that gets so caught up in one another the way they do. But in true Carfano form things are never easy staking claim to your happiness. Nico has his work cut out for him. Rebecca does not disappoint with the Carfano men ever. What a fantastic read.
9,385 reviews54 followers
June 11, 2024
The author has given us a fast-paced older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Nico and Cassie/Cassandra. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, secrets and steam. This is a Mafia lite story and the "Family" plays a minor role.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for S.
1,466 reviews36 followers
June 12, 2024
Captivated is the sixth book in the Carfano Crime Family series , but can be read as standalone. I have read all the previous stories in this series and have enjoyed them and this one is no different. It’s a fast paced, age gap romance. The plot was well written and I was invested in Nico and Cassie’s character. It was a fantastic read.
6,577 reviews40 followers
June 12, 2024
months after Nico and Cassies 3 nights together he finds her dancing in one of the families clubs and this time he wont let his temptress go, shes danced into his world and he plans on keeping her, despite the troubles ahead. well written steamy, desires action and more a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
822 reviews
June 19, 2024
I loved Nico and Cassie's story! I knew they would be hot when we had met them previously, and they did not disappoint. Nico was a man obsessed. He knew what he wanted, and he went right after it—no miscommunication, no second guessing. I love him! Cassie was the perfect fmc for him. She was independent, strong, and challenged him. This has become one of my go-to series of favorites. It is already on the reread list.
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,514 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2024
You will like CAPTIVATED if you like those gobsmacked alphas romances with the sassy and independent female main character. You’ll agree Nico has possessive mastered when you see how he handles himself when he finds Cassie dancing in his club.

The story is heavy on the mutual infatuation and spice. The intrigue with her brother could have played a greater role, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Jill.
396 reviews41 followers
June 26, 2024
This was my first book by the Author. I really enjoyed her way of writing. The characters kept me interested and invested. I liked reading about Nico & Cassie. This story had a little of everything that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. Looking forward to reading more from the Author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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