The Criminal Connections Series by M.M. Skipper

Lena thought she was prepared for anything when she left her old life behind to travel halfway across the world and start fresh. But getting kidnapped on her first day in a foreign country, and being locked in a basement with a group of dangerous criminals, was definitely not part of the plan. Now, trapped in a ruthless game of survival, Lena must navigate an unforgiving world where trust is scarce, and every decision could mean life or death... moreLena thought she was prepared for anything when she left her old life behind to travel halfway across the world and start fresh. But getting kidnapped on her first day in a foreign country, and being locked in a basement with a group of dangerous criminals, was definitely not part of the plan. Now, trapped in a ruthless game of survival, Lena must navigate an unforgiving world where trust is scarce, and every decision could mean life or death. As alliances form in the most unexpected places, Lena may not only find a way out—but also discover an unexpected love in the darkest of circumstances. less

Lena was in the wrong place at the wrong time.But somewhere between the chaos, the bruised trust, and the quiet pull of a man who never speaks, she started to belong.Just when the ground begins to steady beneath her feet, the past she buried claws its way back—dragging her old life into the one she's barely begun to claim.Now, with old enemies aligning and new bonds forming in the fire, Lena must run again, or stand her ground and fight for the only family that ever chose her.