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thequeerbookish's review against another edition
3.0
This book is dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking. It is dark erotic romance. Our main character gets kidnapped and tortured. She developeds Stockholm syndrome (in my eyes), which is no suprise considering the genre. But it doesn't feel real because it happens so fast. Sadly I'm kind of used to too fast developing feelings in books, so let's but that aside, shall we?
I don't think I eyerolled this hard at another book. There is much talk about asses... I know your butt is hurting, you don't have to remind me every few senteces. Kayne is an ass-man but this is just ridiculous. And since I am talking about repetitions right now, there is another thing which is happening way too often. Her clothing. Stilettos and see-through panties. Next day? Stilettos and see-through panties. The day after that? I think you can guess it.
And another thing that bothered me: Apparently it's only rape if you put your dick in the body of another person. Touching them against their will and inserting other things into them, is not rape. Sure. Oh and she was 'really' raped and 10 minutes later she begged the love interest to f*ck her.
Kayne's story just seemed cheap to me. Very cliched and the easy way out, but at least I liked the ending of this book. And if you forget about all things and take the sex scenes on their own, they are hot.
I was provided a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I don't think I eyerolled this hard at another book. There is much talk about asses... I know your butt is hurting, you don't have to remind me every few senteces. Kayne is an ass-man but this is just ridiculous. And since I am talking about repetitions right now, there is another thing which is happening way too often. Her clothing. Stilettos and see-through panties. Next day? Stilettos and see-through panties. The day after that? I think you can guess it.
And another thing that bothered me: Apparently it's only rape if you put your dick in the body of another person. Touching them against their will and inserting other things into them, is not rape. Sure. Oh and she was 'really' raped and 10 minutes later she begged the love interest to f*ck her.
Kayne's story just seemed cheap to me. Very cliched and the easy way out, but at least I liked the ending of this book. And if you forget about all things and take the sex scenes on their own, they are hot.
I was provided a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
nbiblioholic's review against another edition
5.0
This book was exceptionally good. I love when the characters are described in a way in which I can actually picture them. Each scene was detailed enough that I felt like a voyeur. I was a little bit bothered by Ellie's defiance. I guess it confused me because she kept denying that she was submissive but that's exactly how she was described. Nothing about her behaviour prior to or during her interactions with Kayne hinted at a dominant personality. I understand not accepting or wanting the hand that was dealt to her, I just believe she could have fought against it in another way.
I knew it!! I knew Kayne was hiding something. I had a strong inkling that he was an undercover good guy. I appreciate getting his POV because I would fail to realize how wonderful he truly was if his character had to rely solely on how Ellie perceived him. I feel really bad for him in the end. I hope Ellie quickly realizes how unappreciative she has been in the next book.
Glad Javier met his maker. Damn bully!!
Anyway, these two love each other so I hope book 2 has more romance.
I knew it!! I knew Kayne was hiding something. I had a strong inkling that he was an undercover good guy. I appreciate getting his POV because I would fail to realize how wonderful he truly was if his character had to rely solely on how Ellie perceived him. I feel really bad for him in the end. I hope Ellie quickly realizes how unappreciative she has been in the next book.
Anyway, these two love each other so I hope book 2 has more romance.
bookwifereviews's review against another edition
1.0
This is maybe the 3rd book I've read where the relationship is master/slave or in this case master/pet and I am just not a fan of them. I try because in theory it sounds good but when I'm reading I just want to scream at the helplessness of her situation. Especially with this book where Ellie was kidnapped and made into a pet by someone she actually liked. So I think Im going to stop reading trying to read them. I forced myself to finish this book because I needed to know why Kayne was doing what he was doing. Even though I don't agree in anyway that there wasn't another way to save her. Off the top of my head I can think of 7 different ways he could have protected her without making her a slave. And I'm sure if I sat here and thought about it there would be a lot more. So I HATE that his reasoning was protection.
So the storyline wasn't great. I mean I wanted to know what was going on so thats something. I honestly skimmed a lot of the sex scenes towards the end. I hate that Ellie was starting to like it. I hate that her freewill was taken away from her and she was starting to be okay with it. She was falling in love with a man who kidnapped her, chained her while she slept, put a collar on her, abused her repeatedly (and more than once just because he was frustrated with someone else), he didn't technically rape her.. but he did touch her without her permission and he got off on that shit. I am okay with all the dominating stuff as long as there is consent and the is zero consent in this book. But to be fair, the author does warn you about the slave relationship. I just always go into thinking it won't be as bad as it is.
I think I probably will read the next book because I've read a few reviews and it seems that the relationship goes to a sub/dom role and that I like. I really, really hope that's true. Otherwise I won't push myself to finish it like I did with this book.
So the storyline wasn't great. I mean I wanted to know what was going on so thats something. I honestly skimmed a lot of the sex scenes towards the end. I hate that Ellie was starting to like it. I hate that her freewill was taken away from her and she was starting to be okay with it. She was falling in love with a man who kidnapped her, chained her while she slept, put a collar on her, abused her repeatedly (and more than once just because he was frustrated with someone else), he didn't technically rape her.. but he did touch her without her permission and he got off on that shit. I am okay with all the dominating stuff as long as there is consent and the is zero consent in this book. But to be fair, the author does warn you about the slave relationship. I just always go into thinking it won't be as bad as it is.
I think I probably will read the next book because I've read a few reviews and it seems that the relationship goes to a sub/dom role and that I like. I really, really hope that's true. Otherwise I won't push myself to finish it like I did with this book.
flordeliz315's review against another edition
5.0
Holy cow this book is HOT
I think I been leaving under a rock because I have never heard of M. Never until I read this book. I really enjoyed this book can't wait to read more of M. Never books.
I think I been leaving under a rock because I have never heard of M. Never until I read this book. I really enjoyed this book can't wait to read more of M. Never books.
lucyamar's review against another edition
2.0
I've read and enjoyed dark romance, including non-con. It's a difficult subject on which to write well. So why did I have issues with this particular story?
I think it was mainly the main male character, Kayne. I can appreciate a "bad" alpha male lead, but don't try to convince me that actually he's a good person and he just had no other choice but to do what he did to Ellie. That Javier is the bad guy (that part isn't debatable) and Kayne's just the hero protecting the world from the bad guy.
Speaking of Kayne and Javier, why did the narrator have to keep talking about Javier eating tortillas and having rice and beans (oh noes international foods!) in his kitchen?? There were just constant references to Javier being Mexican and to tortillas in particular ("that tortilla-eating motherfucker"), like it's one thing to mention it as part of the character's identity and another thing to keep calling him Mexican alongside other insulting words (an actual quote: "Just what we need: a drunk, belligerent, abusive Mexican") and all the stereotyping. The casual racism really jumped out and was very distracting, it was totally unnecessary and didn't add anything to the story, unless the point was to show that Kayne's a bit racist on top of his other (SERIOUS) flaws. SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S NOT A GOOD PERSON.
The funny thing is the actual sex scenes were not bad (IMO; I don't fault anyone who did not enjoy them). It really was the characters and the overall plot that I didn't care for.
The plot started out interesting enough and showed some promise, I wanted to see what everything was leading up to, what Kayne's end game with Javier was and why he had to stay on Javier's good side. Then the end was really fast and abrupt, there were a couple "oh shit" moments but they didn't last long enough to create any real tension. It really was a let down. And then the GASLIGHTING of Ellie when she learns the whole truth, "he did it for you, he doesn't just love you, he's OBSESSED with you!!!" Just hell no.
The only reason this got 3 stars from me was for Sam Crowley (male narrator), he was amazing. I'm pretty sure that he was the only reason I kept listening...that and the plot being just good enough to want to find out what happens. EDIT: three stars was too high: two stars and both of them are for Sam Crowley lol
I think it was mainly the main male character, Kayne. I can appreciate a "bad" alpha male lead, but don't try to convince me that actually he's a good person and he just had no other choice but to do what he did to Ellie. That Javier is the bad guy (that part isn't debatable) and Kayne's just the hero protecting the world from the bad guy.
Speaking of Kayne and Javier, why did the narrator have to keep talking about Javier eating tortillas and having rice and beans (oh noes international foods!) in his kitchen?? There were just constant references to Javier being Mexican and to tortillas in particular ("that tortilla-eating motherfucker"), like it's one thing to mention it as part of the character's identity and another thing to keep calling him Mexican alongside other insulting words (an actual quote: "Just what we need: a drunk, belligerent, abusive Mexican") and all the stereotyping. The casual racism really jumped out and was very distracting, it was totally unnecessary and didn't add anything to the story, unless the point was to show that Kayne's a bit racist on top of his other (SERIOUS) flaws. SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S NOT A GOOD PERSON.
The funny thing is the actual sex scenes were not bad (IMO; I don't fault anyone who did not enjoy them). It really was the characters and the overall plot that I didn't care for.
The plot started out interesting enough and showed some promise, I wanted to see what everything was leading up to, what Kayne's end game with Javier was and why he had to stay on Javier's good side. Then the end was really fast and abrupt, there were a couple "oh shit" moments but they didn't last long enough to create any real tension. It really was a let down. And then the GASLIGHTING of Ellie when she learns the whole truth, "he did it for you, he doesn't just love you, he's OBSESSED with you!!!" Just hell no.
The only reason this got 3 stars from me was for Sam Crowley (male narrator), he was amazing. I'm pretty sure that he was the only reason I kept listening...that and the plot being just good enough to want to find out what happens. EDIT: three stars was too high: two stars and both of them are for Sam Crowley lol
habibaaibrahim's review against another edition
5.0
Some books are just meant to live forever. This series is one of them!
It's my second time reading it and here I am, drooling and surprised just like the very first time.
This book got me in the mixed feelings zone. I hate it, but I love it. He makes me mad, wait no he is sensitive and sweet.
Too much feelings and conflict in one book.
“I don’t think he’s capable of love,” I bitterly retort.
“Of course he is. Everyone is capable of love.”
“He’s a monster.”
“Maybe, but even beauty loved the beast.”
The chemistry in this book is out of this world! Ellie is a fireball. I loved her. Despite everything that is happening to her, she never forgot who she was at heart.
I loved how she accepted her feelings by the end. She surrendered willingly, but because she believed in it, not because she was forced.
She wanted this lifestyle from the start, but she didn't know she had it in her. And reading about her self discovery and exploring was beautiful.
"She’s quickly become the solace in my tumultuous life. With her, I’m the best part of all my sides. All my faces. With her they blend into one cohesive man. She’s the glue."
I didn't know a man could have so much passion inside. Kanye surprised me. I thought he would be an asshole. But he was far from it -only when needed-.
Although sometimes I think he approach it all wrong, but he was discovering himself too.
I understood his actions, and I respected him for wanting to protect her, even though he went over the top. Like really really over the top!
“Forgive me.” He drops his head. “Forgive me for every wrong I have ever done to you.”
The request sidelines me. Forgive him? Forgive him for kidnapping me? Forgive him for forcing me into sexual slavery? For beating me and humiliating me? For not protecting me and letting some scumbag accost me?
Forgive him for penetrating my heart, because even after everything, I want to remain his?"
This book was like a race, that I didn't want to finish.
Kayne uncovered his desires and set Ellie's desires and fantasies free. He thought he owned her, but he didn't count on being owned.
It's my second time reading it and here I am, drooling and surprised just like the very first time.
This book got me in the mixed feelings zone. I hate it, but I love it. He makes me mad, wait no he is sensitive and sweet.
Too much feelings and conflict in one book.
“I don’t think he’s capable of love,” I bitterly retort.
“Of course he is. Everyone is capable of love.”
“He’s a monster.”
“Maybe, but even beauty loved the beast.”
The chemistry in this book is out of this world! Ellie is a fireball. I loved her. Despite everything that is happening to her, she never forgot who she was at heart.
I loved how she accepted her feelings by the end. She surrendered willingly, but because she believed in it, not because she was forced.
She wanted this lifestyle from the start, but she didn't know she had it in her. And reading about her self discovery and exploring was beautiful.
"She’s quickly become the solace in my tumultuous life. With her, I’m the best part of all my sides. All my faces. With her they blend into one cohesive man. She’s the glue."
I didn't know a man could have so much passion inside. Kanye surprised me. I thought he would be an asshole. But he was far from it -only when needed-.
Although sometimes I think he approach it all wrong, but he was discovering himself too.
I understood his actions, and I respected him for wanting to protect her, even though he went over the top. Like really really over the top!
“Forgive me.” He drops his head. “Forgive me for every wrong I have ever done to you.”
The request sidelines me. Forgive him? Forgive him for kidnapping me? Forgive him for forcing me into sexual slavery? For beating me and humiliating me? For not protecting me and letting some scumbag accost me?
Forgive him for penetrating my heart, because even after everything, I want to remain his?"
This book was like a race, that I didn't want to finish.
Kayne uncovered his desires and set Ellie's desires and fantasies free. He thought he owned her, but he didn't count on being owned.
bianca89279's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn't go on further than 60%. All along it felt like I had read this book before. There was no plot, only sex, sex.... and the allusion that there was more to the story than a dominant trying to make some poor girl his submissive. Skayne's inner monologues and his discussions with Jett - his best friend - were just ridiculous. I just couldn't go on reading. Sorry, but the fuckwit Kayne had no redeeming qualities, and his "she means so much to me" wasn't enough to hold my interest, it just pissed me off.
snooty1's review against another edition
4.0
I suppose the best kind of review when it comes to a series is to say...I don't have time to write this review...I started the second book already.
ssirrah's review against another edition
4.0
I don't normally go for dark reads, and I'm usually a little let down when I venture to them. However I liked this book. When I say this book was dark, I mean it. I read BDSM with no problems, and this book isn't like what I'm used to. The Hero was more of a sadist and the heroine was a masochist. He liked spanking her, and she liked being spanked. Hard. So if you can't handle that skip this book. Otherwise enjoy!
mslizalou's review against another edition
4.0
Very different from anything I've read before. I liked the story and the characters. Think I will read the rest of the trilogy, but will have to take breaks between each book.