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The Darkness of Perfection
He desired perfection. She already was perfect. Can two people build a love forged in the fires of hell?
Nicholas comes from a world of darkness where women are no better than slaves. He believes the secret to true happiness is for his wife to be molded to perfection. He had the promise of perfection in the bright eyes and innocent smile of a childhood friend long since lost to his world. He never gave up his dreams of their perfect life together. An accidental meeting brings him face to face with his dream. Will he realize that true happiness can only be found in the beauty of imperfection before it's too late?
Nicholas comes from a world of darkness where women are no better than slaves. He believes the secret to true happiness is for his wife to be molded to perfection. He had the promise of perfection in the bright eyes and innocent smile of a childhood friend long since lost to his world. He never gave up his dreams of their perfect life together. An accidental meeting brings him face to face with his dream. Will he realize that true happiness can only be found in the beauty of imperfection before it's too late?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 22, 2014
IMPORTANT: If you identify with Jayden and in a relationship like the one depicted in this book, please know that there is a way out. I urge you to reach out for help and call or email the Abuse Help resources below.
In the US call:
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224, (PST) by videophone (855-812-1001), instant messenger (DeafHotline) or email (deafhelp@thehotline.org).
Outside the US call:
Stopfamilyviolence.org
1- 866-USWOMEN email: crisis@866uswomen.org
~~~~
I have had the great misfortune of reading this "book" in it's original (fan fiction) version. I'm horrified that anyone would even contemplate, much less actually write and sell a book that romanticizes the relationship between a victim of domestic abuse and her abuser.
It's irresponsible and it also makes for some extremely unrealistic characterizations. Which, is one of my biggest technical criticism of this book. The distinct difference in Bella err... Jayden's internal monologue and her outward actions pulled me out of the story constantly. It didn't read right, and made the whole story feel kind of forced. Like I wasn't reading a story as much as being told horrific second hand gossip.
I also felt it was a very manipulative choice to give the reader a safe distance from the horror of what happens to the heroine. Giving this sense that while the heroine is being brutalized in graphic detail, she is also very aware of how fucked up the situation is and that makes the reader feel more secure in their voyeurism. Which is kind of disgusting and fucked up when you really think about it. It's like the author shows you a graphic slide show of domestic abuse, holds your hand the whole time and reassures you that it's all going to be okay in the end, because deep down they really do love each other.
I swear to god, I wish I was making this up, but I am not.
By all means, if you find non-consenting victimization of women, domestic abuse and reenforcement of the destructive belief that abusers are the true victims of their own evil that deserve forgiveness and LOVE from their victims, this is totally the book for you. Enjoy.
*dry heaves as she walks away*
In the US call:
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224, (PST) by videophone (855-812-1001), instant messenger (DeafHotline) or email (deafhelp@thehotline.org).
Outside the US call:
Stopfamilyviolence.org
1- 866-USWOMEN email: crisis@866uswomen.org
~~~~
I have had the great misfortune of reading this "book" in it's original (fan fiction) version. I'm horrified that anyone would even contemplate, much less actually write and sell a book that romanticizes the relationship between a victim of domestic abuse and her abuser.
It's irresponsible and it also makes for some extremely unrealistic characterizations. Which, is one of my biggest technical criticism of this book. The distinct difference in Bella err... Jayden's internal monologue and her outward actions pulled me out of the story constantly. It didn't read right, and made the whole story feel kind of forced. Like I wasn't reading a story as much as being told horrific second hand gossip.
I also felt it was a very manipulative choice to give the reader a safe distance from the horror of what happens to the heroine. Giving this sense that while the heroine is being brutalized in graphic detail, she is also very aware of how fucked up the situation is and that makes the reader feel more secure in their voyeurism. Which is kind of disgusting and fucked up when you really think about it. It's like the author shows you a graphic slide show of domestic abuse, holds your hand the whole time and reassures you that it's all going to be okay in the end, because deep down they really do love each other.
I swear to god, I wish I was making this up, but I am not.
By all means, if you find non-consenting victimization of women, domestic abuse and reenforcement of the destructive belief that abusers are the true victims of their own evil that deserve forgiveness and LOVE from their victims, this is totally the book for you. Enjoy.
*dry heaves as she walks away*
March 22, 2012
It is appalling to think that the horrific fanfiction called The Perfect Wife was made into a published novel. The notion that a young woman could possibly fall in love with the man that abused her, beat her and basically bought her to train her into his version of a perfect wife is ludicrous.
No, I didn't read this book. I don't need to nor do I want to. Save yourself the comments on this review that point this out.
No, I didn't read this book. I don't need to nor do I want to. Save yourself the comments on this review that point this out.
August 18, 2011
Author Michael Schneider deserves a 100% STANDING OVATION. I would beg "her" to write a sequel. SEQUEL SEQUEL SEQUEL !!!!
This story had me on the edge the entire read.
He was a teen when the six (6) year old girl was brought to his home to live. Nicholas secretly protected Jayden when his father cruelly punished her. She had been sold to his father, a powerful and influential man who earned most of his riches from white slavery. He had promised Jayden to his son Nicholas when she grew up.
Knowing Jayden's future, her mother took her young child and escaped. She refused to see Jayden in the hands of a man that would train her to do as she was told; to become a woman without freedom or independence and to do the total bidding of her husband. Nicholas never gave up on finding Jayden after all, she was promised to him.
Now at the age of 18 and in college, Jayden is kidnapped and forced into a world that will take away all of her freedom by the protector that had loved her since she was a little girl.
***THIS BOOK HAS BEEN DIVIDED into chapters that go from Nicholas thoughts to Jayden's thought with various situations i.e., chapter 5 might be Nicholas thoughts on how to handle Jayden in a particular way and chapter 6 might be Jayden's thoughts on being handled. This writing style continues throughout the book**********
This story had me on the edge the entire read.
He was a teen when the six (6) year old girl was brought to his home to live. Nicholas secretly protected Jayden when his father cruelly punished her. She had been sold to his father, a powerful and influential man who earned most of his riches from white slavery. He had promised Jayden to his son Nicholas when she grew up.
Knowing Jayden's future, her mother took her young child and escaped. She refused to see Jayden in the hands of a man that would train her to do as she was told; to become a woman without freedom or independence and to do the total bidding of her husband. Nicholas never gave up on finding Jayden after all, she was promised to him.
Now at the age of 18 and in college, Jayden is kidnapped and forced into a world that will take away all of her freedom by the protector that had loved her since she was a little girl.
***THIS BOOK HAS BEEN DIVIDED into chapters that go from Nicholas thoughts to Jayden's thought with various situations i.e., chapter 5 might be Nicholas thoughts on how to handle Jayden in a particular way and chapter 6 might be Jayden's thoughts on being handled. This writing style continues throughout the book**********
November 9, 2012
Published as a Twilight fan fiction The Perfect Wife. P2P fan fiction is a no-no.
September 1, 2011
I was intrigued by the blurb for The Darnkess of Perfection. It is the story of a young girl, Jayden, who was born into a life of slavery only to be kidnapped away by her mother when she was a child. She has blocked the memories of her childhood, and grown up in a loving, supportive family with her mom, step-dad, and step-brother. Unbeknownst to Jayden, Nicky, the boy whom she was given to as a child, has never stopped looking for her. When the grown-up Nicholas finally finds and reclaims his possession, Jayden is thrust back into the world of white female slavery where Nicholas is prepared to pick up her training as his wife where he was forced to leave off twelve long years ago. Jayden must either accept her fate, and training, and settle into the world she was born in, or fight for her freedom. Only fighting for her freedom will only make her situation even worse. The feelings she had for Nicky as a child, when he was her protector and savior, only complicate the matters worse.
I have always been curious about the darker sides of life, the sides that we don't want to believe can exist in modern days. The fact that this story deals with human trafficking sparked my interest, and I knew it would be disturbing just from the nature of the topic. What I was not prepared for was how real my reactions would be. I read the first chapter one night before bed and was so disturbed by what I was reading that I had to put it down. I stepped away for a day and came back to it the next evening. As I continued reading, I discovered that the author handles the topic very well. She is able to weave a believable (or unbelievable?) tale in such a way that you can't turn from it. The story is gripping and the characters are consuming. I was able to become Jayden and feel everything she felt, right down to the confusion over her emotions and feelings for Nicholas. In one blurb I read, it said "the enemy has never been so easy to love". I kept looking for that small break that would reveal the loving, nurturing child Nicky was in the cold, demanding man that was Nicholas.
The author switches back and forth between Jayden's point of view and Nicholas', also alternating between past and present. While this may be confusing to some readers, I found it to be highly enriching to the story. Hearing Nicholas' side straight from his own mind allows us an inside view of the world he grew up in and how being raised in the world of human trafficking effects his dealings with Jayden even as he struggles to deal with his growing feelings for her. Jayden's point of view and flashbacks are vital to the story, they add depth and emotion to a world where the main focus is that on breaking the human spirit.
This wasn't a hot and steamy romance, but it was a highly emotional read. When I picked it back up after that first chapter, I immediately got drawn in and could not put it down. I was in turns horrified and sad, confused and hopeful. My only complaint is that the ending left me reeling. Surely Ms. Schneider does not plan to leave things there?! We need a more detailed epilogue - a sequel - a slice of life set 5 years in the future - anything! Please don't leave us there!
I have always been curious about the darker sides of life, the sides that we don't want to believe can exist in modern days. The fact that this story deals with human trafficking sparked my interest, and I knew it would be disturbing just from the nature of the topic. What I was not prepared for was how real my reactions would be. I read the first chapter one night before bed and was so disturbed by what I was reading that I had to put it down. I stepped away for a day and came back to it the next evening. As I continued reading, I discovered that the author handles the topic very well. She is able to weave a believable (or unbelievable?) tale in such a way that you can't turn from it. The story is gripping and the characters are consuming. I was able to become Jayden and feel everything she felt, right down to the confusion over her emotions and feelings for Nicholas. In one blurb I read, it said "the enemy has never been so easy to love". I kept looking for that small break that would reveal the loving, nurturing child Nicky was in the cold, demanding man that was Nicholas.
The author switches back and forth between Jayden's point of view and Nicholas', also alternating between past and present. While this may be confusing to some readers, I found it to be highly enriching to the story. Hearing Nicholas' side straight from his own mind allows us an inside view of the world he grew up in and how being raised in the world of human trafficking effects his dealings with Jayden even as he struggles to deal with his growing feelings for her. Jayden's point of view and flashbacks are vital to the story, they add depth and emotion to a world where the main focus is that on breaking the human spirit.
This wasn't a hot and steamy romance, but it was a highly emotional read. When I picked it back up after that first chapter, I immediately got drawn in and could not put it down. I was in turns horrified and sad, confused and hopeful. My only complaint is that the ending left me reeling. Surely Ms. Schneider does not plan to leave things there?! We need a more detailed epilogue - a sequel - a slice of life set 5 years in the future - anything! Please don't leave us there!
January 4, 2012
I loved this story - it was intense and the character development was excellent. My heart went out to Jayden, but at the same time was sad about the family life that Nicholas experienced. Had no idea how this story would end, but author Michael Schneider wrote such an emotional ending that I was in tears at her apt conclusion. So happy to hear that Michael will be writing a sequel because this story needs to continue. Definitely recommend!
November 20, 2011
This story was oddly compelling, in that it was all too easy to believe that Nicholas could view his life as normal and see nothing wrong with kidnapping Jayden and forcing her to marry him. After all, his family are human traffickers! Given to him as a child, he firmly believes that Jayden belongs to him and has no choice in the matter. He has built her up in his mind as the perfect mate, and is determined that they will have the perfect life together.
Rescued from a horrible future by her mother, they find sanctuary in a small town and build a new life. I found it a little difficult to believe that once they found safety, Jayden's mother didn't raise her to be able to protect herself. It's understandable that they would want a normal life, but shouldn't you provide the tools to protect your child just in case she was ever found? Have her learn self-defense, take karate classes, or something! At least have a talk with her before she leaves for college, don't just send her off on her own! Seemed irresponsible and unrealistic. If Jayden's mother was so fiercely protective and risked so much to rescue Jayden from a life of slavery, then she should have done a better job of preparing her for going off to college on her own.
It also bothered me how Nicholas found Jayden after all these years. Didn't ring true, as I couldn't see him taking the same sort of cruise that Jayden's parent would be able to afford. If his family was so rich and powerful, he would probably have chartered a private yacht if he wanted to go cruising. Seemed forced.
Don't mean to suggest that I didn't enjoy the story, as I really did! The narration switched back and forth between Jayden and Nicholas, so we could see things from both of their perspectives. I think that Nicholas really loved her (or at least the idea of her) and honestly didn't understand that what he was doing was wrong in any way. Jayden cried way too much in my opinion, but she was only 18 and had led a sheltered life.
Was torn between giving this book a 3/5 or 4/5, as some of the inconsistencies bothered me. Ultimately decided it was worth a 4/5 as I really enjoyed he story while reading and it was only afterwards that some of the plot points started to bother me. The author does a fantastic job of giving us a glimpse into the life of a human trafficker, as well as the confusion Jayden experienced while coming to grips with her situation. Will be looking for more from Michael the future, as he's very talented!
Rescued from a horrible future by her mother, they find sanctuary in a small town and build a new life. I found it a little difficult to believe that once they found safety, Jayden's mother didn't raise her to be able to protect herself. It's understandable that they would want a normal life, but shouldn't you provide the tools to protect your child just in case she was ever found? Have her learn self-defense, take karate classes, or something! At least have a talk with her before she leaves for college, don't just send her off on her own! Seemed irresponsible and unrealistic. If Jayden's mother was so fiercely protective and risked so much to rescue Jayden from a life of slavery, then she should have done a better job of preparing her for going off to college on her own.
It also bothered me how Nicholas found Jayden after all these years. Didn't ring true, as I couldn't see him taking the same sort of cruise that Jayden's parent would be able to afford. If his family was so rich and powerful, he would probably have chartered a private yacht if he wanted to go cruising. Seemed forced.
Don't mean to suggest that I didn't enjoy the story, as I really did! The narration switched back and forth between Jayden and Nicholas, so we could see things from both of their perspectives. I think that Nicholas really loved her (or at least the idea of her) and honestly didn't understand that what he was doing was wrong in any way. Jayden cried way too much in my opinion, but she was only 18 and had led a sheltered life.
Was torn between giving this book a 3/5 or 4/5, as some of the inconsistencies bothered me. Ultimately decided it was worth a 4/5 as I really enjoyed he story while reading and it was only afterwards that some of the plot points started to bother me. The author does a fantastic job of giving us a glimpse into the life of a human trafficker, as well as the confusion Jayden experienced while coming to grips with her situation. Will be looking for more from Michael the future, as he's very talented!
May 15, 2014
I read all the time but rarely write reviews. I absolutely LOVE this book! I've read dark erotica books before, some good, some bad. These were the best book characters for dark erotica that I've read. Everything was so realistic including the characters (flaws included). Nicholas grew up in a family where they sold women as sex slaves. Because of this his thought process went back and forth between his own upbringing and his conscience. He was not a character that changed over night. You could see his growth throughout the book. He did not change over night! I'm tired of seeing that in books about sex slavery. It was a gradual change brought about because of his love for Jayden. Also because of his remorse for what he did to her. I could see how Jayden loved and hated him at the same time. Also I might add that Nicholas's actions at the end of the book was the greatest love that I've seen. He knew he was wrong and he was punished because of it. He did everything he could to fix it including punishing himself. Such an amazing story!
I sooooo want a sequel! I can't believe I'm saying that because I typically hate them. I thought the ending was to abrupt in the darkness...maybe I just didn't want it to end. lol However I want to read about these characters more. I would like to see more of Jayden's character when she is not afraid to get more of her personality as well.
I sooooo want a sequel! I can't believe I'm saying that because I typically hate them. I thought the ending was to abrupt in the darkness...maybe I just didn't want it to end. lol However I want to read about these characters more. I would like to see more of Jayden's character when she is not afraid to get more of her personality as well.
March 4, 2015
Loving the enemy has never felt as right as it does in Michael Schneider’s sophomore novel, The Darkness of Perfection, a gripping tale of one young woman’s struggle against a powerful criminal family who see her as nothing more than one of their chattels.
Jayden White has lived her life in fear – of the man who “bought” her from her father and of the possibility that one day he will find her again – but just when she thinks her future looks bright, she is violently drawn back into that world by the one person she thought was her friend.
Schneider writes from both Jayden and Nick’s points of view, giving the reader a greater insight into the true motivations of her characters. We see Nick as a boy, caring so tenderly for his five-year-old wife-to-be and feeling those same feelings as an adult, although his warped upbringing makes him conflicted about admitting them to her out loud.
It feels so wrong to be rooting for a bad guy who condones kidnapping and sexual enslavement, but by the end of this book you will undoubtedly be a little bit in love with Nicholas Harrison. I certainly was!
The last few chapters carry you along on an emotional rollercoaster to a truly surprising conclusion. Schneider has produced a complex, fast-paced, sexy thriller which will leave you begging for more. Definitely a five-star read.
Jayden White has lived her life in fear – of the man who “bought” her from her father and of the possibility that one day he will find her again – but just when she thinks her future looks bright, she is violently drawn back into that world by the one person she thought was her friend.
Schneider writes from both Jayden and Nick’s points of view, giving the reader a greater insight into the true motivations of her characters. We see Nick as a boy, caring so tenderly for his five-year-old wife-to-be and feeling those same feelings as an adult, although his warped upbringing makes him conflicted about admitting them to her out loud.
It feels so wrong to be rooting for a bad guy who condones kidnapping and sexual enslavement, but by the end of this book you will undoubtedly be a little bit in love with Nicholas Harrison. I certainly was!
The last few chapters carry you along on an emotional rollercoaster to a truly surprising conclusion. Schneider has produced a complex, fast-paced, sexy thriller which will leave you begging for more. Definitely a five-star read.
August 9, 2011
I'm yet another reader who expected a completely different genre. Nothing in the blurb for this book led me to expect a contemporary story of slave trafficking. Once I got past my shock at the genre, I found the book to be an excellent, though brief, study of how this system is perpetuated by the people trapped in it. My biggest complaint was the handling of the romance portion of the story. We're told, more than shown, of the "hero's" change of heart. The ending also felt a bit dropped, as if the author had no idea how to deal with the change in situation for any of the characters, much less the supposedly "new and improved" version of the hero.
January 16, 2012
I'm torn on the star rating for this one. 3.5 stars would have been my choice if I could do it, and I would have chosen 4 stars if the ending was different. I honestly thought that my e-book didn't download the whole file, and I was missing the ending. When I realized THAT was the ending, it was a big let down. I'm not a big fan of having to wait for another book to find out the rest of the story about a romance I just spent hours reading about. I think concluding the story about this relationship and writing about a new couple with the same 'world' for the next book would have gotten a five star rating and a great review from me.
December 31, 2012
This is different and very dark "romance" book with some horrific scenes , an anti "hero" and "heroine", and an unsatisfying ending. Thus I have categorized it as horror. Be forewarned not for the faint of heart.
The main theme and intention of the author is anti-sexual slavery / human trafficking as well as anti general suppression and molding of women for their use in a society of men.
Another Twilight Fan Fiction that I read and was frankly shocked by - and not 50 Shades shocked! As with 50 Shades, I would recommend it for adults only and am glad to see the author recognized for their original work.
Love it or hate it, you will never forget it
The main theme and intention of the author is anti-sexual slavery / human trafficking as well as anti general suppression and molding of women for their use in a society of men.
Another Twilight Fan Fiction that I read and was frankly shocked by - and not 50 Shades shocked! As with 50 Shades, I would recommend it for adults only and am glad to see the author recognized for their original work.
Love it or hate it, you will never forget it
August 10, 2018
**Edit** I'm so sad she never wrote the second book on this series!!
As soon as I started reading this book I knew I will like it.... I made the mistake of reading a bad review and almost lost interest in it..... not knowing how wrong that bad review was.... this story is sad at some point when it describes the bad experience she had as a child, and him having to participate in them... but just like I though.... it was love at first baby sight, and Nicky prove himself that he wasn't a Dark man..
As soon as I started reading this book I knew I will like it.... I made the mistake of reading a bad review and almost lost interest in it..... not knowing how wrong that bad review was.... this story is sad at some point when it describes the bad experience she had as a child, and him having to participate in them... but just like I though.... it was love at first baby sight, and Nicky prove himself that he wasn't a Dark man..
September 16, 2011
Once I got started, I couldn't put this book down...no really I mean that. Nicolas was just as damaged as Jayden: he because of his family's lifestyle and she because of the life she would be forced to live. This book kept me riveted right up to the end at which point I completely lost it. Michael Schneider had me seeing the events as Jayden and Nicolas described them as well as the locations. This book was definitely worth the price and the time I devoted to reading it.
May 22, 2012
I read this a long time ago on fanfic when it was called "The Perfect Wife" this would have to be thee hardest and sickest books that I've ever read and I'm shocked and a little appalled that it was published. But I have to admit that once I started this fic I couldn't stop reading. It's like a train wreck or a natural disaster. I couldn't look away.
I can't say that I enjoyed this book, but years later, I still remember it.
I can't say that I enjoyed this book, but years later, I still remember it.
rewritten-fanfic
November 22, 2013I've not read this book but I did read the twilight fan fiction. Readers should be aware that if this is still so heavily based on the FF work, this is an extremely graphic story involving incest, rape, abuse (both verbal and physical) and torture.
May 17, 2015
mixed feelings with this one. I liked it but I didn't like the way the hero went about things. The story had me gripped. I do feel cheated about how it ended!!. I wanted to see if they got their HEA! expecially with what happened right at the end.
September 28, 2012
3.5 stars
Read this a while back. Might be kinda sorta slow for a book about a guy who kidnaps someone in order to shape them as their wife. I liked it though.
Read this a while back. Might be kinda sorta slow for a book about a guy who kidnaps someone in order to shape them as their wife. I liked it though.
February 20, 2013
What the hell. That's not a freaking ending. I loved the story but it could've been so much better... My expectations were too high.
April 10, 2013
This was a compelling story. You must understand that human trafficking is real. Abused women exist. Abused women are not cowards, they are strong in their own right. Abusers are a product of their upbringing. If you cannot understand these things, this is not a story you should read.
When reading the reviews, I can understand why there are mixed feelings. It's tough to identify with an abused/kept woman when you haven't been one. What people don't understand is that it takes an incredible amount of strength to live through it. It isn't cowardice that keeps these women there. Don't mistake them for being a coward. Some bide their time to gather the added strength needed to get out. Others understand if not them, then who? There is a purpose in everyone and everything, and for every purpose there is someone with the knowhow to activate the force needed to act.
Spoilers ahead so turn back now if you don't want to know what's in store. They are only hints, but it's enough ;)
Jayden exhibits a lot of strength throughout the story and you can easily see how that strength makes Nicholas' adoration and goodness come to the surface when they are alone. Jayden uses her strength to understand how to deal with her situation-such as it is. She may give in to some demands, but she is always thinking, planning a move of escape. She is focused, strong, and knows how to manipulate her way through her day.
Katherine shows her strength in her small defiant acts. Reaching out to her son, speaking to Nicholas even though it is forbidden, disobeying an order in even the slightest of movements, and putting herself in the line of fire to save another. She is courageous and has an incredible amount of strength to do what she does for her husband...her warden.
I liked the way Schneider told the story, but I felt as though some content was missing. It could just be my own selfish need to keep reading, but I felt as though some things were left unfinished. I understand there is a need to leave some things to the imagination of the reader, but... I just felt as though there was a huge hole left in the story.
When reading the reviews, I can understand why there are mixed feelings. It's tough to identify with an abused/kept woman when you haven't been one. What people don't understand is that it takes an incredible amount of strength to live through it. It isn't cowardice that keeps these women there. Don't mistake them for being a coward. Some bide their time to gather the added strength needed to get out. Others understand if not them, then who? There is a purpose in everyone and everything, and for every purpose there is someone with the knowhow to activate the force needed to act.
Spoilers ahead so turn back now if you don't want to know what's in store. They are only hints, but it's enough ;)
Jayden exhibits a lot of strength throughout the story and you can easily see how that strength makes Nicholas' adoration and goodness come to the surface when they are alone. Jayden uses her strength to understand how to deal with her situation-such as it is. She may give in to some demands, but she is always thinking, planning a move of escape. She is focused, strong, and knows how to manipulate her way through her day.
Katherine shows her strength in her small defiant acts. Reaching out to her son, speaking to Nicholas even though it is forbidden, disobeying an order in even the slightest of movements, and putting herself in the line of fire to save another. She is courageous and has an incredible amount of strength to do what she does for her husband...her warden.
I liked the way Schneider told the story, but I felt as though some content was missing. It could just be my own selfish need to keep reading, but I felt as though some things were left unfinished. I understand there is a need to leave some things to the imagination of the reader, but... I just felt as though there was a huge hole left in the story.
February 18, 2017
I couldn't put my kindle down, my heart broke for Jayden and her mother. I hated Nicholas and everything he stood for but found myself feeling sorry for him in the end. I loved and hated the way it ended, there is something in me that needs to know if their story goes on.
April 21, 2014
Let me start by saying, I was completely torn when trying to rate and review this novel. It was an extremely dark novel. I won't say it was graphic, because the author doesn't go over the top when describing the "dark situations", but they definitely leave enough room for the imagination to run wild.
This story is not for the faint of heart.
The story starts off promising, switches point of view, and then jumps through time a couple of times. That was all done really well, and I liked each point in time the author stopped at, just so we could see how our characters came to their current situations.
Then...the climax happened, and while I should've known it was the climax of the story...I guess I just thought the story was still building. I personally felt the second part of the story was lacking. Everything from the climax on was very fast paced and not very well detailed or explained. The character development beyond that point was hard to follow, and the story seemed really rather short and abrupt. I also was not a fan of the end. I looked to see if there was a sequel and there wasn't.
The male main character was very hard to find redeeming, under ANY circumstances, and the second half of the book was just a jumbled fray.
It did start off promising, though.
Also - abuse of this nature, should never be condoned or glamorized, no matter how ruggedly good looking the dude is.
Great writing - poor follow through.
This story is not for the faint of heart.
The story starts off promising, switches point of view, and then jumps through time a couple of times. That was all done really well, and I liked each point in time the author stopped at, just so we could see how our characters came to their current situations.
Then...the climax happened, and while I should've known it was the climax of the story...I guess I just thought the story was still building. I personally felt the second part of the story was lacking. Everything from the climax on was very fast paced and not very well detailed or explained. The character development beyond that point was hard to follow, and the story seemed really rather short and abrupt. I also was not a fan of the end. I looked to see if there was a sequel and there wasn't.
The male main character was very hard to find redeeming, under ANY circumstances, and the second half of the book was just a jumbled fray.
It did start off promising, though.
Also - abuse of this nature, should never be condoned or glamorized, no matter how ruggedly good looking the dude is.
Great writing - poor follow through.
July 16, 2011
the characters we intense and intriguing, i had no problem being swept along with them in the events and feeling all of the emotions that the heroine felt as she was forced to deal with an intolerable situation. the hero was harder for me to see as a hero because although he also was raised in this system he knew what he was doing was wrong,i couldn't help but feel that it was to little to late to try and make amends to the heroine by the time the hero decided to try. at that point i was to much into the i really don't like this guy and i realy had a hard time with the concept of a family using their servants as currancy in business deals not to mention fathers doing that to their daughters.
i know that even in this day and age we sadly still have such things like white slaving and selling children/women for sex toys(as suggested by the facility talked about in the book)but for a husband to think this was okay and to use this as a brainwashing tool on a young girl just because he thought he "OWNED" her left me very disturbed by this book. i guess i am just glad this is fiction and not a case of based on a true story.
if the author wanted to reach the emotions of the reader then you succeded 100 %
i know that even in this day and age we sadly still have such things like white slaving and selling children/women for sex toys(as suggested by the facility talked about in the book)but for a husband to think this was okay and to use this as a brainwashing tool on a young girl just because he thought he "OWNED" her left me very disturbed by this book. i guess i am just glad this is fiction and not a case of based on a true story.
if the author wanted to reach the emotions of the reader then you succeded 100 %
June 7, 2016
Books like this remind me how completely off GR's' ratings and reviews can be. This book was blah. I'm not sure I've ever said that about a book, but there it is. I DNF'd at 73%...still waiting/hoping for something, anything to actually happen. The other reviews for this book are mind boggling to me. There is nothing dark, abnormally violent/abusive, suspenseful, interesting, disturbing, taboo, romantic or sexual at all. Perhaps the story was edited into oblivion from the original version. Either way, BIG WASTE of time.
August 28, 2011
I had this book glued to my hands for about 5 hours. Could not put it down! I questioned everything as I read it and then in the very next page it was explained to me in a way that only a twisted mind (or a visit to one) could clear up. Excellent story and I hope that there is another one to follow up because the end was left wide open. Lovely job!
July 28, 2012
This was a much easier read than the fanfiction is was based on.
I wanted to read this book because I felt that no one was held accountable in the original fic. This gave me some satisfaction in that some jail time was served.
I wanted to read this book because I felt that no one was held accountable in the original fic. This gave me some satisfaction in that some jail time was served.
February 23, 2015
I loved the book. I went into it knowing there was human trafficking in it, so it didn't bother me any. But I hated the ending. I had to check page numbers to make sure that I wasn't missing some pages, it just ended to abruptly and left you hanging.
August 7, 2011
This book was a quick and enjoyable read taking me a couple of hours to devour; however, I am hoping there is a sequel as the ending left me wanting more!
not-for-me
January 18, 2012See comments.
Want to read
May 2, 2012Holy cow I had no idea this had been published! I remember the fanfic -- it was intense. I might actually have to read this one...
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