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The only way I can describe this book is page turner! I was a little concerned I wouldn’t enjoy it when I first read the beginning, shrouded in mystery and confusing if you’re not patient. While the book has a slower start at times it’s definitely worth the wait!
The way the two main characters meet is intense and filled with potentially disastrous choices. The primal play was the catalyst for their connection and remains a significant aspect of the story throughout. Jake, Leo's brother, was a problematic character who caused nothing but trouble and didn't add anything to the storyline. I appreciated the gradual way the main characters revealed their past traumas. They eventually fall in love, and Abigail (FMC) is introduced to Leo's (MMC) son and sister.
Leo's brother Jake was insane and caused so much trouble throughout the story. However, the story could have been written without him and still be great. Leo could have shared the tragic event, his brother's involvement, and the fact that his brother had to be committed.
It's important to note that the book includes several trigger warnings for readers. While there are many spicy scenes, they tend to be violent. The main male character has piercings on his penis that could be painful, and the purpose of the primal play included consensual non-consent (CNC), along with instances of him stalking her. There was also a scene where a character pretended to start to SA but wasn't actually going to do it.
Leo's brother Jake was insane and caused so much trouble throughout the story. However, the story could have been written without him and still be great. Leo could have shared the tragic event, his brother's involvement, and the fact that his brother had to be committed.
It's important to note that the book includes several trigger warnings for readers. While there are many spicy scenes, they tend to be violent. The main male character has piercings on his penis that could be painful, and the purpose of the primal play included consensual non-consent (CNC), along with instances of him stalking her. There was also a scene where a character pretended to start to SA but wasn't actually going to do it.
Not into the writing style at all. It's All about bit over dramatic like it's trying to be gothic but it's just repetitive and dull.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Alcoholism
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 stars. This is a really good book. This is Abigail and Leo's story. Abigail has had a recurring dream since she was a little girl. She is being chased by a monster through the woods. As she grew older, the monster in her dreams gradually became a man, still chasing her in the woods. Abigail fantasizes about her monster and what sorts of sexy things happen when he finally captures her in her dreams. In real life, things have been pretty bad for Abigail. She had a horrible breakup and a terrible loss, so she moved from her hometown leaving her friends and family behind. She starts over in a new town with a new job. But she is barely surviving. She is depressed and has not gotten over her past problems mentally. She makes a personal ad on a hookup website looking to find someone to reenact her dream fantasy. There she meets Leo, or Phoenix as he goes by online. Leo also has been through a terrible time and a loss. He is also barely surviving and not living like he should. He and Abigail plan a one time meetup for her fantasy to come to life. It is everything they dreamed of and they find they can't keep from meeting up regularly. Gradually they begin a relationship. They find everything they are missing in each other and they help each other start living again. There is some suspense, lots of sexy times, some comedic relief and a cute kid in the mix, and they get their HEA.
This book has the best of everything that Jade West books have- the gritty, darker feeling, the dirty, sexiness, and the desperate emotions. Sometimes this author's books don't work for me, but this is one of the best ones I have read. I have read two other books by other authors that are "rape fantasy" books and this is definitely the best one. This one is more of a "running through the dark woods, being chased, ending in hot sex" fantasy, but I dug it. I really liked both Leo and Abigail. Both had been through so much in their pasts and really deserved the happiness they found in each other. They were a prefect match. The story was original and very interesting too.
Overall, this a sexy, engrossing book and I very much enjoyed it! I look forward to more to come from Ms. West!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book has the best of everything that Jade West books have- the gritty, darker feeling, the dirty, sexiness, and the desperate emotions. Sometimes this author's books don't work for me, but this is one of the best ones I have read. I have read two other books by other authors that are "rape fantasy" books and this is definitely the best one. This one is more of a "running through the dark woods, being chased, ending in hot sex" fantasy, but I dug it. I really liked both Leo and Abigail. Both had been through so much in their pasts and really deserved the happiness they found in each other. They were a prefect match. The story was original and very interesting too.
Overall, this a sexy, engrossing book and I very much enjoyed it! I look forward to more to come from Ms. West!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed this. It was fast paced, dark and steamy and the plot kept me wanting to read.