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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
4.5 STARS! A dark, dark, very dark, twisted, depraved, captive romance that grabbed onto me nearly right from the start and didn’t let go all the way to the end. It also touches on some very dark and difficult topics, so it’s a good idea to check your TWs on this one, because they are heavy.
In the beginning, Gemma practically manifests Kassen as she ponders an online dating profile, ultimately not posting, but typing out her desire for a dominating man who will bring her to her knees. Unfortunately, Kas is deeply, deeply broken by his nightmarish history, so their story is hardly a fairytale. However, there are strong undercurrents of Beauty and the Beast running throughout.
The book weaves a thick thread of tension throughout the entire story. Kas’ extreme self loathing wars with his reawakening lust. He is constantly battling with his past demons, dreams and memories he doesn’t want that terrorize him constantly. Gem desperately wants to escape, but as she sees cracks in Kas’ terrifying facade she begins to war with her own growing, unexpected, and often unwanted lust towards him. Her self preservation has her doing things she feels she has to do to survive, and she tries and tries to make him see her as a person, not just something in his way. There’s a constant push and pull, and there really isn’t a point here were either of them ultimately gives in. As this is book 1 of a trilogy, there is obviously going to be so much more to their story, and this book is their conflict and passion colliding, and neither of them knows what to do with it.
Is this book without its issues? No. Gem does some things that just made me shake my head - like how she somehow expects the man who has kidnapped her and locked her up to provide her with basic needs, like a bed and bathroom and sunlight. Um, honey, he KIDNAPPED YOU! However, it also kept up a decent pace, the story moving at such a clip that it was difficult to put down, and kept me hooked. And that ending! Things were moving so quickly and them BAM! CLIFFHANGER! I will be finding my way to the next book as soon as I can. I have a feeling that this story is just going to get darker and spicier.
In the beginning, Gemma practically manifests Kassen as she ponders an online dating profile, ultimately not posting, but typing out her desire for a dominating man who will bring her to her knees. Unfortunately, Kas is deeply, deeply broken by his nightmarish history, so their story is hardly a fairytale. However, there are strong undercurrents of Beauty and the Beast running throughout.
The book weaves a thick thread of tension throughout the entire story. Kas’ extreme self loathing wars with his reawakening lust. He is constantly battling with his past demons, dreams and memories he doesn’t want that terrorize him constantly. Gem desperately wants to escape, but as she sees cracks in Kas’ terrifying facade she begins to war with her own growing, unexpected, and often unwanted lust towards him. Her self preservation has her doing things she feels she has to do to survive, and she tries and tries to make him see her as a person, not just something in his way. There’s a constant push and pull, and there really isn’t a point here were either of them ultimately gives in. As this is book 1 of a trilogy, there is obviously going to be so much more to their story, and this book is their conflict and passion colliding, and neither of them knows what to do with it.
Is this book without its issues? No. Gem does some things that just made me shake my head - like how she somehow expects the man who has kidnapped her and locked her up to provide her with basic needs, like a bed and bathroom and sunlight. Um, honey, he KIDNAPPED YOU! However, it also kept up a decent pace, the story moving at such a clip that it was difficult to put down, and kept me hooked. And that ending! Things were moving so quickly and them BAM! CLIFFHANGER! I will be finding my way to the next book as soon as I can. I have a feeling that this story is just going to get darker and spicier.
A dark and twisted story
This book takes place over a very short time span, yet their connection is overwhelming. It steals their common sense for self preservation.
This book takes place over a very short time span, yet their connection is overwhelming. It steals their common sense for self preservation.
It feels strange not giving a book by Pepper Winters a 5 star. Her way with words and the characters she creates are always so captivating its hard not to get lost in her words. But this one just didn't suck me in like the others and I've been stuck in the middle of this book for months with no real urge to continue. Don't get me wrong this book is very well written, it's the characters I'm struggling with.
So many people were hyping up Kassen so I had high hopes that maybe, just maybe I might love him more then Jethro, I should have known that was an impossible feat but I went in with an open mind regardless. To be honest, if Kassen died I wouldn't shed a single tear because I think death would be a kinder ending for him after all the shit he's endured. It is hard to read and I give big props to Pepper for the scenes she wrote but it's just not for me.
I am in a bit of a book funk as of late so maybe down the track I will pick it back up, but until then it's a DNF for me.
So many people were hyping up Kassen so I had high hopes that maybe, just maybe I might love him more then Jethro, I should have known that was an impossible feat but I went in with an open mind regardless. To be honest, if Kassen died I wouldn't shed a single tear because I think death would be a kinder ending for him after all the shit he's endured. It is hard to read and I give big props to Pepper for the scenes she wrote but it's just not for me.
I am in a bit of a book funk as of late so maybe down the track I will pick it back up, but until then it's a DNF for me.
“YOU’RE MINE NOW. WHY WOULD I LET YOU GO BEFORE KNOWING HOW YOU FEEL?
WHY WOULD I LET YOU RUN BACK TO WHOEVER ELSE IS OUT THERE?
WHY WOULD I GIVE YOU THE CHANCE TO RUIN ME?”
A stunning and beautifully crafted story. Pepper Winters knows how to captivate and hold her readers.
As you indulge further into the story you find clues as well as seeing memories of his that give you a better in-depth reason to the way he is. Even our heroine is learning along side us, trying to work out the complex way of Kassen. Gemma and Kassen’s story is truly like no others. How she can write the extreme dynamic and growth of a character is absolutely mind blowing. Also did anyone see her mention of sparrows? “Two sparrows squabbles on the windowsill, hopping through the ivy vines and bouncing in the leaves.” My heart clenched with happiness at the off mention of sparrows.(For Q, at least that’s where my mind lead me too.)
Now most of her stories are connected in some way or other, and while I was hoping there was a possible connection, I found at least within this one there wasn’t….SO FAR. While I was a bit saddened at the thought of not even hearing about Jethro, Q, or even Sully, I was happy Pepper created this world for us to learn about and love.
Is there a way to be so eternally grateful you received an ARC but yet be so mad at yourself that not only must you wait to release day but also to wait for the next book in continuation? Reeling and beyond anxious for the next book?
Also can I just say YES A MICHIGAN GIRL!!! ” My own slice of suburbia in the middle of Michigan.”
As a Michigan girl born and raised I totally felt a kinship towards our strong and ferocious heroine. One thing I will say is, Pepper has a BIG knack for writing about strong, powerful, and vigorous ladies. You don’t always find that in our genre, and for that I have an immense amount of respect towards her for. Now HOLD ON and buckle up for an immensely enthralling story that will have you hooked from the first chapter. I know I’ll be on a cliffs edge waiting for the second one.
WHY WOULD I LET YOU RUN BACK TO WHOEVER ELSE IS OUT THERE?
WHY WOULD I GIVE YOU THE CHANCE TO RUIN ME?”
A stunning and beautifully crafted story. Pepper Winters knows how to captivate and hold her readers.
As you indulge further into the story you find clues as well as seeing memories of his that give you a better in-depth reason to the way he is. Even our heroine is learning along side us, trying to work out the complex way of Kassen. Gemma and Kassen’s story is truly like no others. How she can write the extreme dynamic and growth of a character is absolutely mind blowing. Also did anyone see her mention of sparrows? “Two sparrows squabbles on the windowsill, hopping through the ivy vines and bouncing in the leaves.” My heart clenched with happiness at the off mention of sparrows.(For Q, at least that’s where my mind lead me too.)
Now most of her stories are connected in some way or other, and while I was hoping there was a possible connection, I found at least within this one there wasn’t….SO FAR. While I was a bit saddened at the thought of not even hearing about Jethro, Q, or even Sully, I was happy Pepper created this world for us to learn about and love.
Is there a way to be so eternally grateful you received an ARC but yet be so mad at yourself that not only must you wait to release day but also to wait for the next book in continuation? Reeling and beyond anxious for the next book?
Also can I just say YES A MICHIGAN GIRL!!! ” My own slice of suburbia in the middle of Michigan.”
As a Michigan girl born and raised I totally felt a kinship towards our strong and ferocious heroine. One thing I will say is, Pepper has a BIG knack for writing about strong, powerful, and vigorous ladies. You don’t always find that in our genre, and for that I have an immense amount of respect towards her for. Now HOLD ON and buckle up for an immensely enthralling story that will have you hooked from the first chapter. I know I’ll be on a cliffs edge waiting for the second one.
Finally reveling in the final conclusion that is Kassen and Gemma’s story.
This series is tormented and heartbreakingly beautiful.
You get to delve into the excruciating psyche of survivors, while basking in the light of those who love them without fault.
Pepper never fails to evoke all the raw emotions from you simply by putting words to paper.
Their story is not a simple one, yet rather one that grips you by the throat and takes you every step of the way.
I highly recommend this series, especially if you aren’t afraid of dipping your toe into the darker and more agonizing type of romance that can leave you bleeding.
This series is tormented and heartbreakingly beautiful.
You get to delve into the excruciating psyche of survivors, while basking in the light of those who love them without fault.
Pepper never fails to evoke all the raw emotions from you simply by putting words to paper.
Their story is not a simple one, yet rather one that grips you by the throat and takes you every step of the way.
I highly recommend this series, especially if you aren’t afraid of dipping your toe into the darker and more agonizing type of romance that can leave you bleeding.
A bit too much
I think there the main female character, Gemma, was too easily forgiving. There are two more books and the relationship could have developed in a more realistic timeline.
I think there the main female character, Gemma, was too easily forgiving. There are two more books and the relationship could have developed in a more realistic timeline.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced