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The Devil's Pawn
A common enemy. A secret untold. One dark and handsome man determined to despises. One inexperienced, innocent, shy woman swept into a life she cannot control. Both pawns in a torturous game that will bind them together or tear them apart . . . forever.
When Ashton is left orphaned after her parents are murdered, her life becomes a hell she could never have imagined. Left to fend for herself, and responsible for a debt she doesn’t owe, she is swept into a life as a gentleman’s escort at a private men’s gaming hall. Her new manager makes it abundantly clear he doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her.
Derek can be “difficult,” she’s been told. And however dark and handsome he may be, he terrifies her in a way that chills her to the bone, but leaves her begging to understand him. As they are pulled along together, more secrets and threats than either one could ever conceive are revealed, and a common enemy emerges. This enemy will stop at nothing to bring Derek to his knees while using Ashton as the greatest pawn in his torturous game.
Will Derek be able to let down his shield of cold, harsh emotion before it’s too late? Will he be able to sacrifice himself to save Ashton, or will they both be destroyed by the secrets of their pasts?
When Ashton is left orphaned after her parents are murdered, her life becomes a hell she could never have imagined. Left to fend for herself, and responsible for a debt she doesn’t owe, she is swept into a life as a gentleman’s escort at a private men’s gaming hall. Her new manager makes it abundantly clear he doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her.
Derek can be “difficult,” she’s been told. And however dark and handsome he may be, he terrifies her in a way that chills her to the bone, but leaves her begging to understand him. As they are pulled along together, more secrets and threats than either one could ever conceive are revealed, and a common enemy emerges. This enemy will stop at nothing to bring Derek to his knees while using Ashton as the greatest pawn in his torturous game.
Will Derek be able to let down his shield of cold, harsh emotion before it’s too late? Will he be able to sacrifice himself to save Ashton, or will they both be destroyed by the secrets of their pasts?
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2012
19 people are currently reading
1778 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Finn
21 books1,181 followersElizabeth Finn is a multi-published contemporary romance author. Her passion is creating stories packed full of angsty believable conflicts, characters who leave you rooting for them, and romance that might just short-circuit your e-reader. She likes her characters flawed and scarred, but they always find the best part of themselves on their journey, and her readers find themselves devoted to her authentic, honest and heartfelt voice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 17, 2013
Minor SPOILERS -none will hinder your reading experience
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance -Erotica
WHOA!
This book had me high strung you hear me. HIGH STRUNG.
I could not put it down... My heart was shattered and I cried for the characters hoping they could find a way OUT.
'I’ve been left with an exorbitant debt, not my own, payable to ruthless animals who would see me dead before they see me fail them. But it is these very thugs who have recommended Trimbles as a way out for me. They see money, but I see security, safety, a warm, dry bed, and, perhaps at long last, freedom.' ~Ashton
Freedom of the debt comes with a price Ashton must pay with her body as a high priced escort.
“You’ll have six weeks to get her ready for the floor, and I expect you to do just that. Fuck her, train her, break her in. I expect her working and making money in a month and a half.” -Mr. Grayson
Mr. Pennington
This book crushed me, absolutely crushed me... Ashton is working as an escort to pay off her dead fathers debt. When she arrives at Trimbles she is a virgin and she cashes in her V card with her floor manager Mr. Pennington. He takes her rough, from behind bent over the dining room table, then kicks her out.
*Sniff*
I cried with her.
'This man is an enigma, and I want to know more. I chastise myself in my head, loudly admonishing myself for my stupidity. This can only bring me pain and disappointment, but I know that I’ll walk through the pits of hell to solve this mystery. Besides, what’s a little more disappointment and pain?
Mr. Pennington gives cruel a new name. He is cold, harsh and down right mean to Ashton. On her first day she meets Liz the floor senior escort. Liz takes her under her wing and explains the ins and outs of Trimbles, living with the other girls and Mr. Pennington.
The next day after losing her virginity Ashton gets a call and is told she has to appointments. One to get her clothes and a second one to see a gynecologist. Ashton slowly adjust to her new life; she is not on rotation on the floor so her days are less eventful and her nights are spent with Mr. Pennington. He continues his cold demeanor but breaks one of his rules while with Ashton. And I do not want to say what it is he does. But I will say this..His breaking of the rules becomes a recurrence. The girls start to talk and they all come to the same conclusion.. Mr. Pennington has not had sex with any of them since Ashton has arrived. Needless to say things get interesting.
'The man who doesn’t do intimacy is using his mouth to pleasure me. Me! And God what pleasure.' ~Ashton
Yup that's him breaking one of his rules...
Mass confusion
Because we only get Ashton's POV it is hard to figure out what Derrick aka Mr. Pennington is thinking. And actions speak louder than words so we get the impression that he is falling for Ashton yet he continues to be cold towards her.
'He refuses to lower his guard with me, but in the dark depths of his eyes, I can see an agonized man, not without feeling and emotion, desperate to get out … but he is unreachable. So, I revel in his touch instead, knowing that to whatever degree, it pleases him.' ~Ashton
Derrick and Ashton both have something to loose and that is why they are both trapped working at Trimbles. Both have secrets and carry those secrets around as if they are an extra weight laying on their shoulders. As feelings grow between the two Derricks cold exterior melts very very slowly.
'He continues to watch me with a look that borders on confusion. I know, though he holds so much back, that his confusion is at his response to me. Whatever little glimmer of humanity this might symbolize, I’ll take it. It’s enough. He feels. It doesn’t mean he’ll compromise; hell, it doesn’t mean he’s capable of ever fighting past his over-restrained soul tucked away and hidden from the world.' ~Ashton
Thoughts
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I don't know what it is but I love the ASSHOLES.
-Oh wait, does he treat her like shit? Yes. ME:Good god I LOVE HIM!
-Is he cruel daily with a dose of menace? Yes. ME:Good god I LOVE HIM!
-Does he put her down every chance he gets? Yes. ME:Good god I LOVE HIM!
As you can see this is a pattern with me and my books. But whatever I'm not alone.
These characters tortured my soul I just wanted to scream until my voice was raw. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Dark Duet series by C.J. Roberts.
Dear readers
I was unsure how to rate this I wanted to do 5 stars but as of lately I have been so darn stingy with the 5th star. In all honesty this was a damn good book that I highly recommend. And I know it is not for everyone so readers beware. Oh, and Ms. Elizabeth Finn I WANT MORE!!!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and maddening at times
Writing Style- Sexy, Raw, and Intense
Plot/Storyline- Attention grabbing it is utterly Unputdownable
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I freaking LOVED IT!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews go to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance -Erotica
WHOA!
This book had me high strung you hear me. HIGH STRUNG.
I could not put it down... My heart was shattered and I cried for the characters hoping they could find a way OUT.
'I’ve been left with an exorbitant debt, not my own, payable to ruthless animals who would see me dead before they see me fail them. But it is these very thugs who have recommended Trimbles as a way out for me. They see money, but I see security, safety, a warm, dry bed, and, perhaps at long last, freedom.' ~Ashton
Freedom of the debt comes with a price Ashton must pay with her body as a high priced escort.
“You’ll have six weeks to get her ready for the floor, and I expect you to do just that. Fuck her, train her, break her in. I expect her working and making money in a month and a half.” -Mr. Grayson
Mr. Pennington
This book crushed me, absolutely crushed me... Ashton is working as an escort to pay off her dead fathers debt. When she arrives at Trimbles she is a virgin and she cashes in her V card with her floor manager Mr. Pennington. He takes her rough, from behind bent over the dining room table, then kicks her out.
*Sniff*
I cried with her.
'This man is an enigma, and I want to know more. I chastise myself in my head, loudly admonishing myself for my stupidity. This can only bring me pain and disappointment, but I know that I’ll walk through the pits of hell to solve this mystery. Besides, what’s a little more disappointment and pain?
Mr. Pennington gives cruel a new name. He is cold, harsh and down right mean to Ashton. On her first day she meets Liz the floor senior escort. Liz takes her under her wing and explains the ins and outs of Trimbles, living with the other girls and Mr. Pennington.
The next day after losing her virginity Ashton gets a call and is told she has to appointments. One to get her clothes and a second one to see a gynecologist. Ashton slowly adjust to her new life; she is not on rotation on the floor so her days are less eventful and her nights are spent with Mr. Pennington. He continues his cold demeanor but breaks one of his rules while with Ashton. And I do not want to say what it is he does. But I will say this..His breaking of the rules becomes a recurrence. The girls start to talk and they all come to the same conclusion.. Mr. Pennington has not had sex with any of them since Ashton has arrived. Needless to say things get interesting.
'The man who doesn’t do intimacy is using his mouth to pleasure me. Me! And God what pleasure.' ~Ashton
Yup that's him breaking one of his rules...
Mass confusion
Because we only get Ashton's POV it is hard to figure out what Derrick aka Mr. Pennington is thinking. And actions speak louder than words so we get the impression that he is falling for Ashton yet he continues to be cold towards her.
'He refuses to lower his guard with me, but in the dark depths of his eyes, I can see an agonized man, not without feeling and emotion, desperate to get out … but he is unreachable. So, I revel in his touch instead, knowing that to whatever degree, it pleases him.' ~Ashton
Derrick and Ashton both have something to loose and that is why they are both trapped working at Trimbles. Both have secrets and carry those secrets around as if they are an extra weight laying on their shoulders. As feelings grow between the two Derricks cold exterior melts very very slowly.
'He continues to watch me with a look that borders on confusion. I know, though he holds so much back, that his confusion is at his response to me. Whatever little glimmer of humanity this might symbolize, I’ll take it. It’s enough. He feels. It doesn’t mean he’ll compromise; hell, it doesn’t mean he’s capable of ever fighting past his over-restrained soul tucked away and hidden from the world.' ~Ashton
Thoughts
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I don't know what it is but I love the ASSHOLES.
-Oh wait, does he treat her like shit? Yes. ME:Good god I LOVE HIM!
-Is he cruel daily with a dose of menace? Yes. ME:Good god I LOVE HIM!
-Does he put her down every chance he gets? Yes. ME:Good god I LOVE HIM!
As you can see this is a pattern with me and my books. But whatever I'm not alone.
These characters tortured my soul I just wanted to scream until my voice was raw. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Dark Duet series by C.J. Roberts.
Dear readers
I was unsure how to rate this I wanted to do 5 stars but as of lately I have been so darn stingy with the 5th star. In all honesty this was a damn good book that I highly recommend. And I know it is not for everyone so readers beware. Oh, and Ms. Elizabeth Finn I WANT MORE!!!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and maddening at times
Writing Style- Sexy, Raw, and Intense
Plot/Storyline- Attention grabbing it is utterly Unputdownable
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I freaking LOVED IT!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews go to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
October 3, 2013
From blushing virgin to a high skilled whore in less then 24h
What in a hell did I just read?!?!
First, I'll tell you why I picked up this book in the first place. I read review that got me thinking "How did I managed to overlook this book and why I haven't read this one yet?!" It gave me the impression that the story is going to be very dark, disturbing and very emotional. But all I got was irritation and annoyance. And that's not the feelings I'm looking for when I pick up a book.
As amazing as the review was, I decided to read first available chapter, just in case. I have been fooled before, by great reviews and thought "I won't fall for that again."
I don't think I'm gonna spoil the story by telling how the book started, since the first chapter is available for everyone.
The beginning was great. She have been brought to some place for the interview. She will become an escort in order to pay her fathers gambling dept. You ask what this have to do with her? I was asking myself the same question at the beginning. It was explained that she was harassed and threatened and she felt like she had no other choice. Like it was the question of life and death. As bizarre as the whole situation was, I got it.
Then, she undergoes this excruciatingly humiliating interview, where she is insulted, called ugly and stupid. She sits there, in the chair, looking at those men, crying, feeling humiliated and worthless.
The boss-man says to one of the guys that he have to take her under his wing. He has 6 weeks to make he into a proper whore and ready to make some money. And she is a virgin!
The guy starts spitting every insult in the book at her.
Later that day, they get to this luxurious place, where she ohs and ahs about how fancy it is. But she use to be poor, so I kind of get it. Then he calls her into his room, where he brutalizes her and tells her to f*** off (his exact words).
At that point I was looking around the room for some tissues, because I was ready to cry like a baby.
The chapter ends and I purchase the book. What a mistake that was!
- WARNING SPOILERS (but I recommend you to read it, because you are in for a treat ;-))-
She goes back to her room, balling her eyes out, hurt, both physically and emotionally, regretting the choices that she made. Feeling like she has no power over what's going to happen from now-on. But at the same time reminding herself that she is there willingly, that she has no other choice (?).
There are total of 8 women living on that flour, plus a guy that keeps an eye on them. The manager, as he calls himself (eye roll).
Let's call things what they are, shall we? It's not a high-end escort service and he is not a manager. It's a whorehouse and he's the pimp!
The things went south from there. The day after, she is informed by the "desk" that she has a dresser and doctors appointment. Limo is waiting for her outside, with her "manager" in it. Let me clarify, he is the guy that was the rudest of them all, during the interview, the day before.
There were some minor red flags before she got into the limo, but the big-ass one started waving in a front of my face when she got down on her knees in the front of him and felt so empowered (WTF????).
It's not a direct quote, but here is what she thought at that moment:
"OMG! I don't know what i'm doing, my hands are moving on their own. I've never done this before, but I'm amazing at this. Look at his face. I feel like I'm getting a little of my power back, that I lost last night. He looks so beautiful." He still looks down on her and is pissed or annoyed, it's hard to tell. This whole thing happens without a single word between them. Oh, I'm sorry, he told her to get down on her knees.
Now, tissues long forgotten, I'm looking around the room for something to trow at the wall!
They go to the dresser-guy, to the doctor, more angry stares and more insults from the "manager". But something happens, she starts liking him. She sees him as this puzzle that she feels the need to put together, she wants to figure him out.
Days go by, more humiliation, some insults here and there, little to none conversation between them, besides daily calls from him to order her to come to his room and f*** off afterwards.
Somewhere along the way she becomes BFF's with this Liz woman. They talk a lot, but we don't get in on their conversations. Apparently, author thought it would be enough with "We talked, for many long minutes, I told her everything, every little secret.". What is that?! And it happened a lot when she talks to others, too.
Anywho, the big day is getting closer. Somehow, she manages to soften him up and you see that he have developed feelings for her. You don't know exactly how that happened, because all you get is "We talked for many long minutes." *GROWL*. What is this nonsense with "many long minutes" or "extremely long seconds" anyway? She's describing time like a first-grader. The words "many, long, mere, torturous seconds/minutes, were used 51 time. I know that because the curiosity got the better of me and kindle search button "told" me. Keep in mind that the book is only 180 pages long.
The day before, before The Big Day, he takes her to a restaurant, in his uber-fancy SUV (which she goes on and on describing), which smell like "extremely expensive leather (I sh** you not, that is a direct quote)". Her thoughts distracted me. I wanted to start sniffing my own purses and shoes, just to find out the difference between leather, expensive leather and extremely expensive leather.
I think that that day was important to their relationship, because here when you start to wonder if he's going to be able to go through with it. They were in a good place at that time. I would have loved to read about their day and what they did, but all i got was "He took me to a restaurant, after he took me to the movies and after that, we took a walk (somewhere) holding hands." WHAT?! That's all I get? Tomorrow she will be screwing some stranger for money and that's all I get? Where did they go? What did they talked about? The whole day described with only few sentences. And here where things, that were in my reaching distance, may or may not, started flying around and hitting the walls of my apartment.
The Big Day is here, tum, tum turaaaaam! Me, biting my nails, waiting to see what he's going to do. And he says this:
"You and Liz are gonna go down and sit at the bar. If anyone approaches you two, you refer them to me. I talk to them first, before you take them up to your rooms." So they sit there, looking all whore-ish and stuff. Waiting. At this point I'm crushing on this guy like you have no idea, swooning my ass off (I do some more damage to the walls of my apartment, which lasts for many extremely-uber-super-duper long seconds and keep on reading).
When she takes a dude up to her room, all hope is lost that the story will redeem itself, because it's near the end.
The last 20% of the book goes on about her not wanting to do this (which is good, she finally comes to her senses, I thought).
But then, she goes to the hairdressing salon with Liz, she gets kidnapped, while she sits in the chair (bag over her head and the whole shebang) in a brought daylight, by 8 men. Where is Liz and the hairdresser when she is being dragged out of the salon? Were there any other customers in there? We will never know...
It turns out it's the man who killed her father and to whom she is paying back the debt (how she didn't know that I don't know. She was there and saw her father being killed by this man!). They threatened her, burned her with acid, just to warn her that she have to do her job properly.
10% left. The part that should have been properly told goes on like this:
They drop her off, at the Fancy Place. She regains the conciseness, her debt is paid (which was 5,6 millions b.t.w) plus, she overhears that nice 5 millions have been transferred into her account, by a mysterious donor (Hm... who might that be?).
So she is lying there, right, pumped up on morphine and some other drugs. He comes in, she asks him to make love to her, he does. Even though she is in pain and halfway into the coma, because of all the drugs, somehow she is in seven heaven. Romantic, I know. I was swooning like you have no idea.
Morning comes, he's gone.
Sh**, it's only a chapter or so left, I better wrap it up, but there is still so much to tell (wink). She takes her 5mil, rents a gigantic house in some fancy place by the beach, which is too big for one person (her words). While accusing him of abandoning her, being uncaring and unloving. Meets a neighbor, who she spills her guts to. Neighbor advices her not to be stupid and go back to her prince charming. She does. She goes to his house, meets his sister (she thought she was the woman he have moved on with, long story *eye roll*). His sister tells her a story about working in the same whorehouse... sorry, fancy escort place, getting into trouble, being blackmailed, her brother comes to the rescue and ends up working there. She apologizes for everything being her fault (but there is no connection whatsoever between two families). The "manager" tells her he cared about her from the moment he saw her (What about all the insults and humiliations?), that he will never share her with another man again. He asks her to marry him, she says "Yes. You never seem to amaze me." I do some more swooning. THE END!
Excuse me for repeating my self but:
y
What in a hell did I just read?!?!
First, I'll tell you why I picked up this book in the first place. I read review that got me thinking "How did I managed to overlook this book and why I haven't read this one yet?!" It gave me the impression that the story is going to be very dark, disturbing and very emotional. But all I got was irritation and annoyance. And that's not the feelings I'm looking for when I pick up a book.
As amazing as the review was, I decided to read first available chapter, just in case. I have been fooled before, by great reviews and thought "I won't fall for that again."
I don't think I'm gonna spoil the story by telling how the book started, since the first chapter is available for everyone.
The beginning was great. She have been brought to some place for the interview. She will become an escort in order to pay her fathers gambling dept. You ask what this have to do with her? I was asking myself the same question at the beginning. It was explained that she was harassed and threatened and she felt like she had no other choice. Like it was the question of life and death. As bizarre as the whole situation was, I got it.
Then, she undergoes this excruciatingly humiliating interview, where she is insulted, called ugly and stupid. She sits there, in the chair, looking at those men, crying, feeling humiliated and worthless.
The boss-man says to one of the guys that he have to take her under his wing. He has 6 weeks to make he into a proper whore and ready to make some money. And she is a virgin!
The guy starts spitting every insult in the book at her.
Later that day, they get to this luxurious place, where she ohs and ahs about how fancy it is. But she use to be poor, so I kind of get it. Then he calls her into his room, where he brutalizes her and tells her to f*** off (his exact words).
At that point I was looking around the room for some tissues, because I was ready to cry like a baby.
The chapter ends and I purchase the book. What a mistake that was!
- WARNING SPOILERS (but I recommend you to read it, because you are in for a treat ;-))-
She goes back to her room, balling her eyes out, hurt, both physically and emotionally, regretting the choices that she made. Feeling like she has no power over what's going to happen from now-on. But at the same time reminding herself that she is there willingly, that she has no other choice (?).
There are total of 8 women living on that flour, plus a guy that keeps an eye on them. The manager, as he calls himself (eye roll).
Let's call things what they are, shall we? It's not a high-end escort service and he is not a manager. It's a whorehouse and he's the pimp!
The things went south from there. The day after, she is informed by the "desk" that she has a dresser and doctors appointment. Limo is waiting for her outside, with her "manager" in it. Let me clarify, he is the guy that was the rudest of them all, during the interview, the day before.
There were some minor red flags before she got into the limo, but the big-ass one started waving in a front of my face when she got down on her knees in the front of him and felt so empowered (WTF????).
It's not a direct quote, but here is what she thought at that moment:
"OMG! I don't know what i'm doing, my hands are moving on their own. I've never done this before, but I'm amazing at this. Look at his face. I feel like I'm getting a little of my power back, that I lost last night. He looks so beautiful." He still looks down on her and is pissed or annoyed, it's hard to tell. This whole thing happens without a single word between them. Oh, I'm sorry, he told her to get down on her knees.
Now, tissues long forgotten, I'm looking around the room for something to trow at the wall!
They go to the dresser-guy, to the doctor, more angry stares and more insults from the "manager". But something happens, she starts liking him. She sees him as this puzzle that she feels the need to put together, she wants to figure him out.
Days go by, more humiliation, some insults here and there, little to none conversation between them, besides daily calls from him to order her to come to his room and f*** off afterwards.
Somewhere along the way she becomes BFF's with this Liz woman. They talk a lot, but we don't get in on their conversations. Apparently, author thought it would be enough with "We talked, for many long minutes, I told her everything, every little secret.". What is that?! And it happened a lot when she talks to others, too.
Anywho, the big day is getting closer. Somehow, she manages to soften him up and you see that he have developed feelings for her. You don't know exactly how that happened, because all you get is "We talked for many long minutes." *GROWL*. What is this nonsense with "many long minutes" or "extremely long seconds" anyway? She's describing time like a first-grader. The words "many, long, mere, torturous seconds/minutes, were used 51 time. I know that because the curiosity got the better of me and kindle search button "told" me. Keep in mind that the book is only 180 pages long.
The day before, before The Big Day, he takes her to a restaurant, in his uber-fancy SUV (which she goes on and on describing), which smell like "extremely expensive leather (I sh** you not, that is a direct quote)". Her thoughts distracted me. I wanted to start sniffing my own purses and shoes, just to find out the difference between leather, expensive leather and extremely expensive leather.
I think that that day was important to their relationship, because here when you start to wonder if he's going to be able to go through with it. They were in a good place at that time. I would have loved to read about their day and what they did, but all i got was "He took me to a restaurant, after he took me to the movies and after that, we took a walk (somewhere) holding hands." WHAT?! That's all I get? Tomorrow she will be screwing some stranger for money and that's all I get? Where did they go? What did they talked about? The whole day described with only few sentences. And here where things, that were in my reaching distance, may or may not, started flying around and hitting the walls of my apartment.
The Big Day is here, tum, tum turaaaaam! Me, biting my nails, waiting to see what he's going to do. And he says this:
"You and Liz are gonna go down and sit at the bar. If anyone approaches you two, you refer them to me. I talk to them first, before you take them up to your rooms." So they sit there, looking all whore-ish and stuff. Waiting. At this point I'm crushing on this guy like you have no idea, swooning my ass off (I do some more damage to the walls of my apartment, which lasts for many extremely-uber-super-duper long seconds and keep on reading).
When she takes a dude up to her room, all hope is lost that the story will redeem itself, because it's near the end.
The last 20% of the book goes on about her not wanting to do this (which is good, she finally comes to her senses, I thought).
But then, she goes to the hairdressing salon with Liz, she gets kidnapped, while she sits in the chair (bag over her head and the whole shebang) in a brought daylight, by 8 men. Where is Liz and the hairdresser when she is being dragged out of the salon? Were there any other customers in there? We will never know...
It turns out it's the man who killed her father and to whom she is paying back the debt (how she didn't know that I don't know. She was there and saw her father being killed by this man!). They threatened her, burned her with acid, just to warn her that she have to do her job properly.
10% left. The part that should have been properly told goes on like this:
They drop her off, at the Fancy Place. She regains the conciseness, her debt is paid (which was 5,6 millions b.t.w) plus, she overhears that nice 5 millions have been transferred into her account, by a mysterious donor (Hm... who might that be?).
So she is lying there, right, pumped up on morphine and some other drugs. He comes in, she asks him to make love to her, he does. Even though she is in pain and halfway into the coma, because of all the drugs, somehow she is in seven heaven. Romantic, I know. I was swooning like you have no idea.
Morning comes, he's gone.
Sh**, it's only a chapter or so left, I better wrap it up, but there is still so much to tell (wink). She takes her 5mil, rents a gigantic house in some fancy place by the beach, which is too big for one person (her words). While accusing him of abandoning her, being uncaring and unloving. Meets a neighbor, who she spills her guts to. Neighbor advices her not to be stupid and go back to her prince charming. She does. She goes to his house, meets his sister (she thought she was the woman he have moved on with, long story *eye roll*). His sister tells her a story about working in the same whorehouse... sorry, fancy escort place, getting into trouble, being blackmailed, her brother comes to the rescue and ends up working there. She apologizes for everything being her fault (but there is no connection whatsoever between two families). The "manager" tells her he cared about her from the moment he saw her (What about all the insults and humiliations?), that he will never share her with another man again. He asks her to marry him, she says "Yes. You never seem to amaze me." I do some more swooning. THE END!
Excuse me for repeating my self but:
y
September 15, 2014
4 Stars!!
I've been on an Elizabeth Finn kick as of late! She writes some good asshole hero's...and let's face it, who doesn't love a good asshole?
Despite their asshole nature, you can still see that they care about the heroines!
Ashton is forced to become a paid escort in order to pay back her deceased fathers debt. Ashton is a virgin and gets placed under Derek.
Derek makes it known from the get-go that he is not pleased with Ashton! Derek proceeds to take her virginity...
Ouchie!!!
...and get her prepared for the clients.
The more time they spend together, the more you can see Derek start to change. He starts breaking his rules for Ashton. He starts to care.
While Ashton has her reasons for being at Trimbles it becomes apparent quick that Derek does too.
As their feelings grow, the pressure to remain detached gets higher and higher. Ashton must fulfill her duties as an escort and there's nothing Derek can do to stop it.
It will take Ashton 5 years to pay off her debt. She's barely able to survive one week. Will Derek be able to save her? What are his obligations and debts? Is there a life for Derek and Ashton outside of Trimbles?
While pretty predictable, I still enjoyed this one! I would have killed for Derek's POV pretty much the whole book, not to mention a bit more dialogue! But the steam factor more than made up for that! This was another solid Elizabeth Finn read. It's safe to say, I'm definitely a fan!
I've been on an Elizabeth Finn kick as of late! She writes some good asshole hero's...and let's face it, who doesn't love a good asshole?
Despite their asshole nature, you can still see that they care about the heroines!
Ashton is forced to become a paid escort in order to pay back her deceased fathers debt. Ashton is a virgin and gets placed under Derek.
Derek makes it known from the get-go that he is not pleased with Ashton! Derek proceeds to take her virginity...
Ouchie!!!
...and get her prepared for the clients.
"I’ve given myself to a man who hates me. This isn’t what girls dream of when they grow up. They imagine falling in love and giving themselves to men whose love matches their own. "
The more time they spend together, the more you can see Derek start to change. He starts breaking his rules for Ashton. He starts to care.
While Ashton has her reasons for being at Trimbles it becomes apparent quick that Derek does too.
As their feelings grow, the pressure to remain detached gets higher and higher. Ashton must fulfill her duties as an escort and there's nothing Derek can do to stop it.
“I don’t ever want this to be easy for you. Not you.” “But I will always be here after they’re finished with your body, to reclaim every inch of what those disgusting men take from you. You belong to me.”
It will take Ashton 5 years to pay off her debt. She's barely able to survive one week. Will Derek be able to save her? What are his obligations and debts? Is there a life for Derek and Ashton outside of Trimbles?
While pretty predictable, I still enjoyed this one! I would have killed for Derek's POV pretty much the whole book, not to mention a bit more dialogue! But the steam factor more than made up for that! This was another solid Elizabeth Finn read. It's safe to say, I'm definitely a fan!
January 10, 2013
4.5 Stupid Stars, because I just can't give it any less.
This was a crazy, wildly disturbing kind of romance. I had skimmed a couple of reviews so I knew to expect this to be much darker than Elizabeth Finn’s two other books. Boy is that the understatement of the month!! I’m a romance reader…I love my happy ending. And while this has a nice little conclusion, I would call it more of a “start to a long recovery.” No freaking way that this couple walks happily off into the sunset…too much happened for the whole hearts and flowers routine.
Now, I can say without a doubt that even though this nearly broke through my limits in what I can accept, it is a fabulous story. If a book makes me feel this intensely, it deserves five stars from me. Rarely do I get this emotional. I’m telling you, I had to put the book down and give myself a break. I thought I was going to be sick a couple of times, and I couldn’t stop crying. Not sobbing, messy tears, but just a bone deep sadness and hopelessness. I couldn’t imagine finding my happy place had I been in Ashton’s place, or Derek’s for that matter. Each was in such a tough, horrible position.
Within the first five pages or so, the tone for the entire book is set. Ashton is sacrificing her body to pay off a debt that is not even her own…She’s been hounded for years, beaten mercilessly, and just can’t do it any more. This seems to be her only way out…so she becomes - basically a high class whore, working for some really bad people who expect more from her than she's ever willing to give. They own an upper class gaming hall, complete with lovely women and many types of gambling and drinks.
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Now the first hurdle is the fact that Ashton is a virgin. The second hurdle is that her new floor manager, Derek Pennington, seems to despise her. And yet it’s his job to rid her of that pesky hymen and prepare her for her new profession. She is to live with a handful of other women who work under Derek, who in turn works under an EVIL ASS HOLE who is truly the DEVIL!
While Finn’s other books have included both the male and female points of view, which I loved, this one did not. While I do wish I could have crawled inside Derek’s head for a bit, one of the most intriguing things about this book was the mystery surrounding this quiet, calm, and controlled man. What is he thinking? Why is he looking at her like that? Why in God’s name would he allow that? At times, he seems a monster…at times so vulnerable it made my heart hurt. I haven’t felt this conflicted over a “hero” in forever! Well, he’s really not much of a hero…he’s just as trapped as Ashton is.
I know that some may be disappointed in how little we really get to know Derek. For nearly three quarters of the book, he doesn’t do much talking. When he does, I wanted to punch him in his mouth. He could be so cruel!!!! But it really made his character for me, and his silence was more poignant for it.
"His cold, hard exterior is still firmly in place, but what lies hidden beneath it threatens to show itself every time he touches my body. I know now that whatever he thinks of me, it is not hatred. I can't guess how he regards me, and while I know he may not despise me, he's still desperate to push me away. But, he doesn't, and that is his vulnerability."
I think one of the things that made this book so much harder to take was that I felt very protective of Ashton. She’s a young, fairly naïve, little bitty thing who has no one to defend her, and she sure as hell can’t do it herself.
But the sex, holy WOW!
Once again, Elizabeth Finn knows how to titillate and seduce and then deliver some serious goods! I’m surprised her keyboard doesn’t catch on fire. This novel is more forcefully erotic than seductive. There’s no BDSM, but there are some of the same aspects of a D/s relationship between the shy, inexperienced Ashton and the high handed, proprietary Derek. Their relationship changes over time, but the undercurrent of control is always there.
I had a few issues with some things that once again felt unresolved by this author.
Ah the cover….this is one of the most awesome, most well thought out covers! This couple is exactly what was in my head for both Derek and Ashton. And I’m a bit of a cover whore…I totally judge a book by its cover!
While I absolutely cannot say that I loved this book, I can’t help but be moved by it. It was intense, so very intense and uncomfortable, and the characters made stupid decisions. But wow, was I captivated. It was the proverbial train wreck…I couldn’t stop reading!!! Well done, for the third time. Amazing story!!!
This was a crazy, wildly disturbing kind of romance. I had skimmed a couple of reviews so I knew to expect this to be much darker than Elizabeth Finn’s two other books. Boy is that the understatement of the month!! I’m a romance reader…I love my happy ending. And while this has a nice little conclusion, I would call it more of a “start to a long recovery.” No freaking way that this couple walks happily off into the sunset…too much happened for the whole hearts and flowers routine.
Now, I can say without a doubt that even though this nearly broke through my limits in what I can accept, it is a fabulous story. If a book makes me feel this intensely, it deserves five stars from me. Rarely do I get this emotional. I’m telling you, I had to put the book down and give myself a break. I thought I was going to be sick a couple of times, and I couldn’t stop crying. Not sobbing, messy tears, but just a bone deep sadness and hopelessness. I couldn’t imagine finding my happy place had I been in Ashton’s place, or Derek’s for that matter. Each was in such a tough, horrible position.
Within the first five pages or so, the tone for the entire book is set. Ashton is sacrificing her body to pay off a debt that is not even her own…She’s been hounded for years, beaten mercilessly, and just can’t do it any more. This seems to be her only way out…so she becomes - basically a high class whore, working for some really bad people who expect more from her than she's ever willing to give. They own an upper class gaming hall, complete with lovely women and many types of gambling and drinks.
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"/>Now the first hurdle is the fact that Ashton is a virgin. The second hurdle is that her new floor manager, Derek Pennington, seems to despise her. And yet it’s his job to rid her of that pesky hymen and prepare her for her new profession. She is to live with a handful of other women who work under Derek, who in turn works under an EVIL ASS HOLE who is truly the DEVIL!
While Finn’s other books have included both the male and female points of view, which I loved, this one did not. While I do wish I could have crawled inside Derek’s head for a bit, one of the most intriguing things about this book was the mystery surrounding this quiet, calm, and controlled man. What is he thinking? Why is he looking at her like that? Why in God’s name would he allow that? At times, he seems a monster…at times so vulnerable it made my heart hurt. I haven’t felt this conflicted over a “hero” in forever! Well, he’s really not much of a hero…he’s just as trapped as Ashton is.
I know that some may be disappointed in how little we really get to know Derek. For nearly three quarters of the book, he doesn’t do much talking. When he does, I wanted to punch him in his mouth. He could be so cruel!!!! But it really made his character for me, and his silence was more poignant for it.
"His cold, hard exterior is still firmly in place, but what lies hidden beneath it threatens to show itself every time he touches my body. I know now that whatever he thinks of me, it is not hatred. I can't guess how he regards me, and while I know he may not despise me, he's still desperate to push me away. But, he doesn't, and that is his vulnerability."
I think one of the things that made this book so much harder to take was that I felt very protective of Ashton. She’s a young, fairly naïve, little bitty thing who has no one to defend her, and she sure as hell can’t do it herself.
But the sex, holy WOW!
Once again, Elizabeth Finn knows how to titillate and seduce and then deliver some serious goods! I’m surprised her keyboard doesn’t catch on fire. This novel is more forcefully erotic than seductive. There’s no BDSM, but there are some of the same aspects of a D/s relationship between the shy, inexperienced Ashton and the high handed, proprietary Derek. Their relationship changes over time, but the undercurrent of control is always there.
I had a few issues with some things that once again felt unresolved by this author.
Ah the cover….this is one of the most awesome, most well thought out covers! This couple is exactly what was in my head for both Derek and Ashton. And I’m a bit of a cover whore…I totally judge a book by its cover!
While I absolutely cannot say that I loved this book, I can’t help but be moved by it. It was intense, so very intense and uncomfortable, and the characters made stupid decisions. But wow, was I captivated. It was the proverbial train wreck…I couldn’t stop reading!!! Well done, for the third time. Amazing story!!!
January 18, 2013
I'm gonna start this a bit confusing but trust me that is nothing what is going inside my head so I'll try to explain it on the simplest way I can :)
First I did not want to give it 5stars because I did not want to like it without his POV but damn I was seeing 5stars dancing in front of my eyes even though I hated the fact that I will never be inside his head.
But then from the middle of the book you really really badly need his POV, even though his actions speaks a lot.
The problem is that when you read a book that is dark and twisted like this, and has a main male character with such a struggle inside him, you really NEED to see what is going on inside his head even a tiny bit!
And not to write that is simply just cruel..... simply cruel.....
A BIG NO NO FOR ME!
The book starts with her being naked in front of four guys, evaluating her looks for becoming a whore. In that part she is shy, she is virgin and trust me I felt sick reading it but I needed to read more and more. And even though I did not know her whole story I felt really sorry for her. Then when she starts to tell you a bit of her story how she ended up in a situation like this, I had a feeling like that shy side simply evaporated.
She makes eye contact with one of the, the one that looks like he is disgusted with her looks, and even though she is afraid of him and hates him for making her feel like shit, she still thinks he is beautiful...
And he is the one that needs to prep her, take her virginity, and learn her in a month or so how to f*ck and do her job...
Ok, what we have here is INSTA HATE/LOVE RELATIONSHIP!
He makes everything bad so she could just give up, but he doesn't know that she can not do it! But basically from the moment he put his c@ck inside of her everything changes in him!
Do you see where I am going with this?!?!?!
Now, maybe the start of this review sounds only bad but trust me it is not! From the moment I start reading it i did not part from the book! I haven't slept all night because I needed to know everything! And even though you know some parts are ridiculous, you can't help but being sucked into the story, and in a second you need to know what will be with them, what bad part will happen to them, what secrets they both hide and how will their love function in a place where he needs to share her with johns...
YES, PRETTY F*CKED UP DON'T YOU THINK?!
As the story unfolds, you're gonna love Derek in every way! Trust me, even when you will hate him you will love him! The parts when he will be cold and disconnected, not wanting to give himself and her what he knows from the beginning, the parts when he will be ruthless, the parts when he will take care of her and be gentle, the moment when he surrendered... all that parts... you will want to die to see them from his POV!
When it comes to Ashton, I really felt sorry for her and how cards were dealt for her in her world but sometimes that woman (age 22 if I recall correctly) really annoyed me. Even though she was given a choice, she really had no choice but to do what she had to do. But sometimes I had a feeling like I was reading about some brat (maybe the reason for that was the way she was described i really don't know) and she wasn't that at all which makes it more confusing. And even though she was a virgin and has never seen a c@ck, when she did her first blowjob my only impression was that "some things obviously comes naturally to women like they were born to do it" which pissed me off more.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS BOOK F*CKED WITH MY BRAIN?!?
I did like the story a lot although I had a feeling like the end was a bit rushed. I had a feeling like the last two chapters were written just so it would end finally....
So the only reason I am giving it 4stars is lack of his POV and rushed last two chapters, pretty much like I am trying to rush and end this review.
First I did not want to give it 5stars because I did not want to like it without his POV but damn I was seeing 5stars dancing in front of my eyes even though I hated the fact that I will never be inside his head.
But then from the middle of the book you really really badly need his POV, even though his actions speaks a lot.
The problem is that when you read a book that is dark and twisted like this, and has a main male character with such a struggle inside him, you really NEED to see what is going on inside his head even a tiny bit!
And not to write that is simply just cruel..... simply cruel.....
A BIG NO NO FOR ME!
The book starts with her being naked in front of four guys, evaluating her looks for becoming a whore. In that part she is shy, she is virgin and trust me I felt sick reading it but I needed to read more and more. And even though I did not know her whole story I felt really sorry for her. Then when she starts to tell you a bit of her story how she ended up in a situation like this, I had a feeling like that shy side simply evaporated.
She makes eye contact with one of the, the one that looks like he is disgusted with her looks, and even though she is afraid of him and hates him for making her feel like shit, she still thinks he is beautiful...
And he is the one that needs to prep her, take her virginity, and learn her in a month or so how to f*ck and do her job...
"I want to see him, taste him, and I'm not sure what that means. He terrifies me, but I'm also drawn to his beautiful, strong body and his dark, intimidating eyes."
"For a man that terrifies me, I certainly do find the idea of touching him and tasting him extremely intoxicating."
Ok, what we have here is INSTA HATE/LOVE RELATIONSHIP!
He makes everything bad so she could just give up, but he doesn't know that she can not do it! But basically from the moment he put his c@ck inside of her everything changes in him!
Do you see where I am going with this?!?!?!
Now, maybe the start of this review sounds only bad but trust me it is not! From the moment I start reading it i did not part from the book! I haven't slept all night because I needed to know everything! And even though you know some parts are ridiculous, you can't help but being sucked into the story, and in a second you need to know what will be with them, what bad part will happen to them, what secrets they both hide and how will their love function in a place where he needs to share her with johns...
"But I will always be here after they're finished with your body, to reclaim every inch of what those disgusting men take from you. You belong to me."
YES, PRETTY F*CKED UP DON'T YOU THINK?!
As the story unfolds, you're gonna love Derek in every way! Trust me, even when you will hate him you will love him! The parts when he will be cold and disconnected, not wanting to give himself and her what he knows from the beginning, the parts when he will be ruthless, the parts when he will take care of her and be gentle, the moment when he surrendered... all that parts... you will want to die to see them from his POV!
"Oh God, Derek." He moves up my body, his own arousal still straining against his jeans, and when he leans toward my mouth, he speaks in a husky voice. "God, I love the sound of my name on your lips when you come."
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you when you needed to hear it most, but I do love you. I want you to have more than I can ever give you. I want you to have better than I can ever be. Please forgive me."
When it comes to Ashton, I really felt sorry for her and how cards were dealt for her in her world but sometimes that woman (age 22 if I recall correctly) really annoyed me. Even though she was given a choice, she really had no choice but to do what she had to do. But sometimes I had a feeling like I was reading about some brat (maybe the reason for that was the way she was described i really don't know) and she wasn't that at all which makes it more confusing. And even though she was a virgin and has never seen a c@ck, when she did her first blowjob my only impression was that "some things obviously comes naturally to women like they were born to do it" which pissed me off more.
DO YOU SEE HOW THIS BOOK F*CKED WITH MY BRAIN?!?
I did like the story a lot although I had a feeling like the end was a bit rushed. I had a feeling like the last two chapters were written just so it would end finally....
So the only reason I am giving it 4stars is lack of his POV and rushed last two chapters, pretty much like I am trying to rush and end this review.
January 18, 2013
“I forgive you.” They’re the only words I can give him, and I pray desperately they’re enough.
I need to gather my wits, my blown-away brain and my emotions to write a few words since I only just finished it.
Did I really think that Caleb and Livvie alone could turn me into a wreck? I did. And now here we are with Derek and Ash giving the final blow. And I loved every minute of it.
I literally could not stop reading. I read the first few pages and really thought of stopping because I began to see where this was going and I wanted to guard my emotional status. But instead I ended being completely sucked in and I rever every moment of it.
Ash. This beautiful, courageous girl. Surrendered to a fate she's incapable of escaping. Emotionally torn, physically tested, mentally tormented. Caged in a whirlwind of feelings so powerful her mind cannot grasp. Affection and passion for a man who seems to hate her.
“You and I … we’re nothing to one another.”
And there’s my fury. My mouth scrunched up in a mad grimace, I reach up, hitting him hard across the face with my open hand. The slapping sound is loud, and
instant shock registers on his face.
Revulsion and disgust for a profession she has no way out from.
But for all his kind words that are meant to sound endearing, he disturbs me. He doesn’t know me. He doesn’t
know that I’m sweet, so why should he call me “sweetie”? He’s never touched my body, so how does he know he’s going to make me “feel so good”? He has no right
to be romantic with me because he hasn’t earned my adoration. He has no business telling me how good he’s going to treat me when he hasn’t earned my respect. I
hate him for his words, and wish I could tape his damn mouth shut and make him shut up, and when that mouth kisses mine, I struggle not to cry. When his tongue
enters my mouth, I struggle not to bite it off.
And eventually love for this man who makes her his and gives her her happily ever after.
Derek. A man tortured by his inability to protect this girl he has fallen in love with. The inescapable pain, the gripping helplessness that will little by little destroy him until he can take no more.
“But I will always be here after they’re finished with your body, to reclaim every inch of what those disgusting men take from you. You belong to me.”
And then he starts yelling, and my body freezes at his outburst. “I was in love with you! And I sold your body to another man to fuck. How the fuck should I feel
about that? That I was doing my job? I loved you, and I still did it!”
But when forgiveness and love finally seal their scars and heal their wounds, they can finally set out for their peace. A peace that will make them whole.
As a lone tear breaks free
from my suddenly moist eyes, he asks, “Will you marry me, Ash?”
I nod, saying nothing at all. My tears are flowing freely now, and he pulls me into his arms as I continue to cry. When I finally calm enough to pull from him, I look
to his eyes. I still owe him an answer after all. “Yes.”
February 1, 2013
4.5 STARS.
Lets start out by saying this is not like Ms. Finn's other contemporary reads..... It's got a very dark basis to it. Which I loved. There's a lot of comparisons to this book and Captive in the Dark which I guess is justifiable in its dark qualities and redeemable anti-hero but that's about it. I don't feel it's fair to compare beyond that.
This is the story of sweet Ashton, brutally victimized by the thugs who are out to get payment for the 5 million plus dollars her dead father owes them. She's responsible to pay them back. They've killed her parents and now they'll kill her unless she starts paying. It starts right off with her in a room naked before a group of men who run an exclusive escort gaming club. They give her the option to escort there for her payment....or likely die. Not much choice. She's an innocent 22 year old modest girl in a room of violent mafia types. Not really a choice.
My Ashton....
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Across from Ashton sits the man with intense eyes that do not leave her gaze. He's cold, heartless. and gorgeous. He's the manager of one of the house floors of the club. His intensity clearly states he has no interest in a virgin in this place. He's demeaning- saying she has no tits....you get the point. But he can't stop staring at her. His name is Mr Peddington (Derek) and he get assigned to training her for six weeks prior to her working for them.
My Mr. Peddington...
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The first part of the book is pretty brutal. Derek's treatment of her is cold and aloof...he takes her virginity with brutal force and kicks her out before completion. He has rules for his girls. He can "take them" anytime, always from behind, you never are allowed to orgasm, always uses a condom, never finishes in your mouth....you get it. As time progresses, he breaks all his rules for Ash. His cold exterior is cracking.
It's a little hard in this book as it's only in Ash's POV. A lot of reviewers have disliked that and it does leave a lot more mystery behind this man and his thoughts but I think it needs to be this way in their story. It adds to the mystery.
The main reason for the deduction of a half star for me is I feel the ending was a bit rushed and unplausable. It was just too easy of a resolution to the conflict before them. I think it was 181 kindle pages and it's a story that really needed about 250 pages to feel complete to me. I still got my happy ending. I just thought it could've been drawn out and tweaked a bit. Seemed like the easy way out I guess.
I loved the characters. I love a flawed man. The steam factor was off the charts. Had great suspense. I love everything Elizabeth Finn these days. Bravo once again Ms Finn!
Lets start out by saying this is not like Ms. Finn's other contemporary reads..... It's got a very dark basis to it. Which I loved. There's a lot of comparisons to this book and Captive in the Dark which I guess is justifiable in its dark qualities and redeemable anti-hero but that's about it. I don't feel it's fair to compare beyond that.
This is the story of sweet Ashton, brutally victimized by the thugs who are out to get payment for the 5 million plus dollars her dead father owes them. She's responsible to pay them back. They've killed her parents and now they'll kill her unless she starts paying. It starts right off with her in a room naked before a group of men who run an exclusive escort gaming club. They give her the option to escort there for her payment....or likely die. Not much choice. She's an innocent 22 year old modest girl in a room of violent mafia types. Not really a choice.
My Ashton....
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Across from Ashton sits the man with intense eyes that do not leave her gaze. He's cold, heartless. and gorgeous. He's the manager of one of the house floors of the club. His intensity clearly states he has no interest in a virgin in this place. He's demeaning- saying she has no tits....you get the point. But he can't stop staring at her. His name is Mr Peddington (Derek) and he get assigned to training her for six weeks prior to her working for them.
My Mr. Peddington...
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The first part of the book is pretty brutal. Derek's treatment of her is cold and aloof...he takes her virginity with brutal force and kicks her out before completion. He has rules for his girls. He can "take them" anytime, always from behind, you never are allowed to orgasm, always uses a condom, never finishes in your mouth....you get it. As time progresses, he breaks all his rules for Ash. His cold exterior is cracking.
It's a little hard in this book as it's only in Ash's POV. A lot of reviewers have disliked that and it does leave a lot more mystery behind this man and his thoughts but I think it needs to be this way in their story. It adds to the mystery.
The main reason for the deduction of a half star for me is I feel the ending was a bit rushed and unplausable. It was just too easy of a resolution to the conflict before them. I think it was 181 kindle pages and it's a story that really needed about 250 pages to feel complete to me. I still got my happy ending. I just thought it could've been drawn out and tweaked a bit. Seemed like the easy way out I guess.
I loved the characters. I love a flawed man. The steam factor was off the charts. Had great suspense. I love everything Elizabeth Finn these days. Bravo once again Ms Finn!
January 15, 2013
Holy cow that was INTENSE! Sex, drama, scandal, intrigue! Craziness, flat out craziness!!
Ashton is a 22yr old girl (and a virgin!) who is forced to pay back her father's gambling debt by signing up as a professional escort. Derek is the man who ends up becoming her "manager." The journey... and to put it quite frankly, the HELL that these two have to endure, during their time at Trimbles (the gentleman's gaming club and living quarters for all the escorts) is insane! There is no easing into the story, it starts off with a jaw dropping bang and does not let up for the entire book. Derek was a mean and scary bastard and his treatment of poor Ashton in the beginning was awful..definitely a hard guy to like...then his softer side starts to show up, after that..gah!...it was hard not to fall for him! It was a little bit Fifty Shades of Grey and a LOT Dark Duets..again, crazy, intense and shocking are words that immediately come to mind..and of course HOT...HOT HOT HOT!
I think i have found myself a new favorite author! Her books are filled with romance and emotional drama galore. They're intense and sexy as all get out!..and even after being put through the emotional ringer, in the end you're left with a HEA. What more can a girl ask for!? ;)
**I do want to point out that even though i said that this was a little bit Fifty Shades of Grey and a lot Dark Duets...this by no means is a "copy cat!" Yes, Derek reminded me of Caleb, with how mean and hurtful he is in the beginning...and the way he holds himself back from Ashton so that he doesn't get emotionally involved, reminded me a little bit of Christian, but it was mostly the insane intensity (i know i'm being redundant using these two words over and over, but it's SO TRUE!) of the situations that brought on similar feelings i had while reading the other two series.
Ashton is a 22yr old girl (and a virgin!) who is forced to pay back her father's gambling debt by signing up as a professional escort. Derek is the man who ends up becoming her "manager." The journey... and to put it quite frankly, the HELL that these two have to endure, during their time at Trimbles (the gentleman's gaming club and living quarters for all the escorts) is insane! There is no easing into the story, it starts off with a jaw dropping bang and does not let up for the entire book. Derek was a mean and scary bastard and his treatment of poor Ashton in the beginning was awful..definitely a hard guy to like...then his softer side starts to show up, after that..gah!...it was hard not to fall for him! It was a little bit Fifty Shades of Grey and a LOT Dark Duets..again, crazy, intense and shocking are words that immediately come to mind..and of course HOT...HOT HOT HOT!
I think i have found myself a new favorite author! Her books are filled with romance and emotional drama galore. They're intense and sexy as all get out!..and even after being put through the emotional ringer, in the end you're left with a HEA. What more can a girl ask for!? ;)
**I do want to point out that even though i said that this was a little bit Fifty Shades of Grey and a lot Dark Duets...this by no means is a "copy cat!" Yes, Derek reminded me of Caleb, with how mean and hurtful he is in the beginning...and the way he holds himself back from Ashton so that he doesn't get emotionally involved, reminded me a little bit of Christian, but it was mostly the insane intensity (i know i'm being redundant using these two words over and over, but it's SO TRUE!) of the situations that brought on similar feelings i had while reading the other two series.
January 19, 2013
When I first started this book, this was definitely my reaction:
and it pretty much stayed that way throughout the whole book! It is very dark, gritty, intense and will probably make you uncomfortable at certain parts.
Ashton's been forced into a gentleman's club to pay back her father's gambling debt even though both her parents were killed. You don't find out everything right away and things are a bit shocking to say the least.
Derek is the manager of the house she's in and he's not happy about it. In fact, he is very cruel. You can't imagine that he can possibly be her love interest but there is just something about him that doesn't add up.
One of the problems is we only get the story from Ashton's POV and everyone has secrets! I found myself constantly guessing what was going on and even towards the end, I was still left with questions. But the great part of getting the story from Ashton's POV is that we get to learn a lot about Derek from her as she is learning them. She notices differences and sees little things that he does. It is not hard to see how she affects him.
One of my favorite parts was their time at the cabin...
we finally get to learn a bit more about Derek and just get to relax as they enjoy themselves and boy do they.
There are some other interesting characters in the story and one of my favorites is Liz. She's also one of Derek's girls and is the one Derek goes to for help with them. I was so happy that she was there for Ashton.
And then there's the little gray dress...
...the dress that made her feel like a girl.
...the dress that makes her smile.
...the dress that gets abused and ruined.
...the dress that gets replaced and cherished.
...and the dress that had the best note ever! (I loved that!)
The ending left me wanting. Everything seemed to get tied up so quickly and like I mentioned, still left me with questions. I missed having an epilogue! But I did enjoy the book and loved seeing two characters come together even in the worse of situations.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “You and I … we’re nothing to one another.”
♥ “I’ve wanted to make love to you all night, and I have no intention of letting you go before I have to.”
♥ “And here I thought you hated me…”
I return the mock. “I never hated you.”
and it pretty much stayed that way throughout the whole book! It is very dark, gritty, intense and will probably make you uncomfortable at certain parts.
Ashton's been forced into a gentleman's club to pay back her father's gambling debt even though both her parents were killed. You don't find out everything right away and things are a bit shocking to say the least.
Derek is the manager of the house she's in and he's not happy about it. In fact, he is very cruel. You can't imagine that he can possibly be her love interest but there is just something about him that doesn't add up.
One of the problems is we only get the story from Ashton's POV and everyone has secrets! I found myself constantly guessing what was going on and even towards the end, I was still left with questions. But the great part of getting the story from Ashton's POV is that we get to learn a lot about Derek from her as she is learning them. She notices differences and sees little things that he does. It is not hard to see how she affects him.
One of my favorite parts was their time at the cabin...
we finally get to learn a bit more about Derek and just get to relax as they enjoy themselves and boy do they.
There are some other interesting characters in the story and one of my favorites is Liz. She's also one of Derek's girls and is the one Derek goes to for help with them. I was so happy that she was there for Ashton.
And then there's the little gray dress...
...the dress that made her feel like a girl.
...the dress that makes her smile.
...the dress that gets abused and ruined.
...the dress that gets replaced and cherished.
...and the dress that had the best note ever! (I loved that!)
The ending left me wanting. Everything seemed to get tied up so quickly and like I mentioned, still left me with questions. I missed having an epilogue! But I did enjoy the book and loved seeing two characters come together even in the worse of situations.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “You and I … we’re nothing to one another.”
♥ “I’ve wanted to make love to you all night, and I have no intention of letting you go before I have to.”
♥ “And here I thought you hated me…”
I return the mock. “I never hated you.”
December 1, 2012
This one is kind of a puzzler for me. There were things I liked - Ashton was a very sympathetic character. I felt sad, sick, angry and humiliated right along with her. She was truly someone who was at the end of her rope, and scraping the bottom of the barrel for a solution. She doesn't realize she is a pawn in another game, another debt to be paid.
I was engrossed throughout the story. While I figured out some of the reasons that Derrick was where he was, the full story wasn't clear until the reveal at the end. The storyline was unique (at least to me), and certainly angsty enough if that is your thing.
However, there were several things that just didn't gel for me, and really limited my enjoyment. .
I was engrossed throughout the story. While I figured out some of the reasons that Derrick was where he was, the full story wasn't clear until the reveal at the end. The storyline was unique (at least to me), and certainly angsty enough if that is your thing.
However, there were several things that just didn't gel for me, and really limited my enjoyment. .
January 18, 2016
Elizabeth Finn is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors lately. This woman can spin a tale that feels so realistic. And the characters feel like real people too. I love a male lead who starts out as an asshole, but comes around as a much better guy through the story, and Derek fits the bill for this part. I loved the attraction between Ashton and Derek, and the slow burn as they started to fall for each other after each intimate encounter. And the sex scenes in this story were extremely hot! I got a little stressed out about half way through. Thankfully all turned out well for both characters, and everything in this story ended happily instead of horribly.
January 6, 2013
ANOTHER 5 STARS FOR ELIZABETH FINN
Well, I've found a writer who writes my favorite type of man.. I've read her other two books in the last couple of weeks and now finally this one. She perfects the alpha jerky asshole cavman perfectly.. However-- this time she made him so complicated that I often wondered throughout the book if I would be able to ever completely be on his side.. and it wasnt until the final 2 chapters until he won me completely over.
This book is far different from her other two books...Derek is dark and hateful at times and says and does such cruel things only to turn around and be considerate and caring. This one was a rollercoaster for sure but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Well, I've found a writer who writes my favorite type of man.. I've read her other two books in the last couple of weeks and now finally this one. She perfects the alpha jerky asshole cavman perfectly.. However-- this time she made him so complicated that I often wondered throughout the book if I would be able to ever completely be on his side.. and it wasnt until the final 2 chapters until he won me completely over.
This book is far different from her other two books...Derek is dark and hateful at times and says and does such cruel things only to turn around and be considerate and caring. This one was a rollercoaster for sure but I enjoyed every minute of it.
January 18, 2013
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, DAMN.
How does she do it? I am talking about Elizabeth Finn Y'all. She has a way of creating the most intimate and emotional scenes just by the words used. ALL her characters are like this. When I'm reading her books I feel everything the hero/heroine are feeling. It's a rush that's difficult to put in words, but I'm trying!
Devil's Pawn was definetely darker than her previous works. But I LOVED IT!!! I do love darkness in my romance especially when worked into erotica so this was right up my alley. A Goodreads friend had suggested it for those who liked the Dark Duet by C.J Roberts, and true to her word it was similar.
Everything about this book was intoxicating! I loved Ashton. She was strong and determined for someone who had gone through so much. She was so real to me. And her feelings? So poignant and resonating, it was crazy.
Derek. Damn. Holy shit. He was the sexiest character to me. Dark, mysterious, closed-off and full of dichotomous emotion. At first you think he hates Ash. He insults her enough and never leaves an opportunity to put her down. But as we read on his true emotions come to the forefront and it is incredible. He is INCREDIBLE. His pain and reluctance to let Ash in was excrutiating to watch. But nonetheless I loved every minute of it!
I love those stories that are so emotionally distraught that you are fighting conflicting emotions all the time. I seriously cried at several points--no word of a lie. I went from angry to resentful to happy to confused and conflicted....geesh. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me.
And the way the story played out and unfolded? COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
Damn. It was brilliant. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. Ash and Derek deserved so much more than what life had droned out and it was nice seeing the heavens shine down on them.
Great story, sexy-as-hell characters...actually, only Derek gets adorned with that one. HE WAS THE SHIT! If you haven't read Elizabeth Finn...What the hell are you waiting for?! :)
How does she do it? I am talking about Elizabeth Finn Y'all. She has a way of creating the most intimate and emotional scenes just by the words used. ALL her characters are like this. When I'm reading her books I feel everything the hero/heroine are feeling. It's a rush that's difficult to put in words, but I'm trying!
Devil's Pawn was definetely darker than her previous works. But I LOVED IT!!! I do love darkness in my romance especially when worked into erotica so this was right up my alley. A Goodreads friend had suggested it for those who liked the Dark Duet by C.J Roberts, and true to her word it was similar.
Everything about this book was intoxicating! I loved Ashton. She was strong and determined for someone who had gone through so much. She was so real to me. And her feelings? So poignant and resonating, it was crazy.
Derek. Damn. Holy shit. He was the sexiest character to me. Dark, mysterious, closed-off and full of dichotomous emotion. At first you think he hates Ash. He insults her enough and never leaves an opportunity to put her down. But as we read on his true emotions come to the forefront and it is incredible. He is INCREDIBLE. His pain and reluctance to let Ash in was excrutiating to watch. But nonetheless I loved every minute of it!
I love those stories that are so emotionally distraught that you are fighting conflicting emotions all the time. I seriously cried at several points--no word of a lie. I went from angry to resentful to happy to confused and conflicted....geesh. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me.
And the way the story played out and unfolded? COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
Damn. It was brilliant. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. Ash and Derek deserved so much more than what life had droned out and it was nice seeing the heavens shine down on them.
Great story, sexy-as-hell characters...actually, only Derek gets adorned with that one. HE WAS THE SHIT! If you haven't read Elizabeth Finn...What the hell are you waiting for?! :)
March 5, 2013
4.5 Stars
Edgy, dark, sexy and told by a fantastic and welcome new voice to the genre!! I <3 Derek and Ash, MADLY! Their chemistry, dialog AND non-verbal communication is absolute perfection. I did feel like it all wrapped up too neatly and quickly, but....honestly? Even that couldn't detract from how much I thoroughly enjoyed this story from Elizabeth Finn. I devoured this in record time!! I hope the author has much more like this in store for us!
Edgy, dark, sexy and told by a fantastic and welcome new voice to the genre!! I <3 Derek and Ash, MADLY! Their chemistry, dialog AND non-verbal communication is absolute perfection. I did feel like it all wrapped up too neatly and quickly, but....honestly? Even that couldn't detract from how much I thoroughly enjoyed this story from Elizabeth Finn. I devoured this in record time!! I hope the author has much more like this in store for us!
June 6, 2017
There are times when you read a book and as you turn each page you don’t fully believe what you are reading and when the end comes there is no immediate reaction – you just sit there - vacant.
The Devil’s Pawn by Elizabeth Finn did that to me. It is one of the most moving compelling novels I have read. It hooked me from page one and I knew that this was a read that would consume me; it did and I read the whole book in one sitting. I couldn’t get the characters or story out of my mind.
Elizabeth Finn has come up with an unbelievable story, plot and characters. Her writing is graphic, vivid and very emotive. You just want to hate some of the characters – they are so brilliantly written.
Previous reviewers provide a warning for a reason. It s not an easy read, it is heartbreaking, destructive, cruel and unbelievable at times but I absolutely loved it and I have found another great writer in Elizabeth Finn.
Despite the dark side to Devil’s Pawn it is an incredible touching love story, that will have you on the edge of your seat desperate to know will happen for Ashton and Derek. Will they defeat their common enemy? Will they have their happy ever after or will they remain pawns in a torturous game that will bind them together or tear them apart forever? Read it and see. The Devil’s Pawn is one book that I won’t forget soon and will stay in my thoughts for a long time.
The Devil’s Pawn by Elizabeth Finn did that to me. It is one of the most moving compelling novels I have read. It hooked me from page one and I knew that this was a read that would consume me; it did and I read the whole book in one sitting. I couldn’t get the characters or story out of my mind.
Elizabeth Finn has come up with an unbelievable story, plot and characters. Her writing is graphic, vivid and very emotive. You just want to hate some of the characters – they are so brilliantly written.
Previous reviewers provide a warning for a reason. It s not an easy read, it is heartbreaking, destructive, cruel and unbelievable at times but I absolutely loved it and I have found another great writer in Elizabeth Finn.
Despite the dark side to Devil’s Pawn it is an incredible touching love story, that will have you on the edge of your seat desperate to know will happen for Ashton and Derek. Will they defeat their common enemy? Will they have their happy ever after or will they remain pawns in a torturous game that will bind them together or tear them apart forever? Read it and see. The Devil’s Pawn is one book that I won’t forget soon and will stay in my thoughts for a long time.
February 10, 2014
**** 4 Intense Stars ****
Holy heck this was gut wrenching, intense, and nerve wrecking!! I had such strong feelings of overwhelming sadness and fury for all that Ashden endured. Derek comes off as coldhearted, unfeeling, and aloof....but looks can be deceiving especially where Ash is concerned.
I really enjoyed this quick read and there were a couple of great secondary characters that I really liked and plenty of coldhearted, cruel, scary, horrible villain's that I HATED!!!
° This would have been a 5 star read if we had an epilogue...I need epilogues!!!
* Thanks ~V~ for your gentle nudge encouraging me to read this!! xo
Holy heck this was gut wrenching, intense, and nerve wrecking!! I had such strong feelings of overwhelming sadness and fury for all that Ashden endured. Derek comes off as coldhearted, unfeeling, and aloof....but looks can be deceiving especially where Ash is concerned.
I really enjoyed this quick read and there were a couple of great secondary characters that I really liked and plenty of coldhearted, cruel, scary, horrible villain's that I HATED!!!
° This would have been a 5 star read if we had an epilogue...I need epilogues!!!
* Thanks ~V~ for your gentle nudge encouraging me to read this!! xo
February 22, 2013
I was rooting for Derek and Ashton from the first chapter, which made me feel bad because they didn't meet in the best of circumstances. From the beginning Derek was a dark and mysterious character, frankly I hated his guts in the beginning but I'm a romantic at heart so I new he would change. Ashton seemed so weak in the beginning, never putting up a fight if Mr Grayson told her to do something or maybe I'm being too hard on her. The sex scenes were hot which is always a plus. This is my first review so I'm not sure what else to write besides the fact that I read this book within a few hours and I will be reading the rest of Miss Finn's books and anything else she writes!
January 17, 2013
Ok WOW!
This book is definitely not for for everyone, but Oh My God is it good.
This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Finn...and I am so glad I decided to give this author another try.
I read Restoring Jordan first, but wasn't too thrilled with it. So why would I purchase another book from this author? Because the woman can write! My dislike of Restoring Jordan was due to my own personal preference and dislike of the main heroine...But I have to admit, the book was still amazingly well written. So I gave it one more go with Devil's Pawn.
I read the blurb to Devil's Pawn and it sounded promising. So here I sit, writing this author's praises after finishing this book in 4 hrs.
This is definitely a dark read. Ashton and Derek's story is not an easy one. It is filled with heartbreak and is not a happy go lucky Romance by any means. But you feel for them, you ache for them. Ashton is in an impossible situation, and as more and more is revealed about it, you can't help but feel it with her.
The entire book is written in Ashton's POV, but the author still does an amazing job at giving the readers an insight to Derek.
Now for those that are squeemish with certain situations, there is a doozy in this book.
It did not ruin anything for me. I was able to enjoy the story thoroughly.
This book is definitely not for for everyone, but Oh My God is it good.
This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Finn...and I am so glad I decided to give this author another try.
I read Restoring Jordan first, but wasn't too thrilled with it. So why would I purchase another book from this author? Because the woman can write! My dislike of Restoring Jordan was due to my own personal preference and dislike of the main heroine...But I have to admit, the book was still amazingly well written. So I gave it one more go with Devil's Pawn.
I read the blurb to Devil's Pawn and it sounded promising. So here I sit, writing this author's praises after finishing this book in 4 hrs.
This is definitely a dark read. Ashton and Derek's story is not an easy one. It is filled with heartbreak and is not a happy go lucky Romance by any means. But you feel for them, you ache for them. Ashton is in an impossible situation, and as more and more is revealed about it, you can't help but feel it with her.
The entire book is written in Ashton's POV, but the author still does an amazing job at giving the readers an insight to Derek.
Now for those that are squeemish with certain situations, there is a doozy in this book.
It did not ruin anything for me. I was able to enjoy the story thoroughly.
January 16, 2013
Loved it loved it loved it......Mr Pennington...holy mother of hotness! Loved the story, so different from anything else I have read, angsty, romantic in its own way until the end... Just wow!!! I will be thinking about this story for quite a while and will definitely read it again..
Want to read
January 15, 2013 Um, holy random WOW! I'm just noticing this book now and it looks kind of awesome! Maybe?
Has anyone who has read it think I'd like it? Thoughts?
Has anyone who has read it think I'd like it? Thoughts?
January 6, 2013
OK so every once in a while a book comes along that just sends you into a tantilising tailspin of really good storytelling and you guessed it, this is one such book.
I was shocked by the opening chapter, in fact by the first couple of pages I was raising my eyebrows, but oh boy the author had grabbed my attention hook line and sinker and that was it I was led into the world of depravity and shame that is Trimbles, the Gentlemans Escort Club.
I can't express at how well I thought the author wrote this book, she didn't hold back at the unpleasantness of what Ashton had to do but also had that touch to bring to life the compassion and feelings of falling in love without it detracting at all from the situation that Ashton and in deed Derek were in.
It had suspense riddling from the pages, is Derek going to let her on the floor? Is she going to cope with what she has to do? Will he save her? Can she survive it intact?
Just read this book if you are even remotely tempted like I was, I suspect you'll feel the same as me and absolutely love it, it's gone straight into my favourites shelf as I know I'll read it again.
I was shocked by the opening chapter, in fact by the first couple of pages I was raising my eyebrows, but oh boy the author had grabbed my attention hook line and sinker and that was it I was led into the world of depravity and shame that is Trimbles, the Gentlemans Escort Club.
I can't express at how well I thought the author wrote this book, she didn't hold back at the unpleasantness of what Ashton had to do but also had that touch to bring to life the compassion and feelings of falling in love without it detracting at all from the situation that Ashton and in deed Derek were in.
It had suspense riddling from the pages, is Derek going to let her on the floor? Is she going to cope with what she has to do? Will he save her? Can she survive it intact?
Just read this book if you are even remotely tempted like I was, I suspect you'll feel the same as me and absolutely love it, it's gone straight into my favourites shelf as I know I'll read it again.
January 14, 2013
4.5 stars!
Incredible, emotional, sensual, erotic story!
It's amazing how a well written book takes you on a journey, and even if some moments are bumpy, you just hang on for dear life to the very end.
I got hooked to both characters really quickly. This story is written solely in Ashton's POV. This may be a turn off for me but in this case, it made Derek's story more mysterious. The author's vivid descriptions of Derek makes his personality come to life in a very intriguing way. More questions asked than answered. I just can't put the book down.
There are some things that may be a "deal breaker" for some romance readers. Somehow, I moved past those and accepted the characters for what they are.
In the end, all questions were answered, and an HEA is wrapped up in a pretty little bow.
I could have used an epilogue..... Ha well, we don't always get what we want.
If you like romance and don't mind a train wreck in the middle of the story as long as you get an HEA, then yes, this book is for you.
Incredible, emotional, sensual, erotic story!
It's amazing how a well written book takes you on a journey, and even if some moments are bumpy, you just hang on for dear life to the very end.
I got hooked to both characters really quickly. This story is written solely in Ashton's POV. This may be a turn off for me but in this case, it made Derek's story more mysterious. The author's vivid descriptions of Derek makes his personality come to life in a very intriguing way. More questions asked than answered. I just can't put the book down.
There are some things that may be a "deal breaker" for some romance readers. Somehow, I moved past those and accepted the characters for what they are.
In the end, all questions were answered, and an HEA is wrapped up in a pretty little bow.
I could have used an epilogue..... Ha well, we don't always get what we want.
If you like romance and don't mind a train wreck in the middle of the story as long as you get an HEA, then yes, this book is for you.
December 23, 2012
Ashton, an orphan, being forced into excepting her fate of joining an escort agency to pay of her parent debt and a way out in staying alive from the Mob. Mr Derek Pennington being her manager, who has to teach her the ropes of being part of the Escort Agency in 6 weeks.
This book was a recommendation and what a great one it was. (Thank you Rae)!! This was an impressive, intense (some may say dark) erotic novel, I was hooked from page one to the end!!
considering
August 9, 2013dark and handsome? why yes please!
A common enemy. A secret untold. One dark and handsome man determined to despise. One inexperienced, innocent, shy woman swept into a life she cannot control. Both pawns in a torturous game that will bind them together or tear them apart . . . forever.
When Ashton is left orphaned after her parents are murdered, her life becomes a hell she could never have imagined. Left to fend for herself, and responsible for a debt she doesn’t owe, she is swept into a life as a gentleman’s escort at a private men’s gaming hall. Her new manager makes it abundantly clear he doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her.
Derek can be “difficult,” she’s been told. And however dark and handsome he may be, he terrifies her in a way that chills her to the bone, but leaves her begging to understand him. As they are pulled along together, more secrets and threats than either one could ever conceive are revealed, and a common enemy emerges. This enemy will stop at nothing to bring Derek to his knees while using Ashton as the greatest pawn in his torturous game.
Will Derek be able to let down his shield of cold, harsh emotion before it’s too late? Will he be able to sacrifice himself to save Ashton, or will they both be destroyed by the secrets of their pasts?
A common enemy. A secret untold. One dark and handsome man determined to despise. One inexperienced, innocent, shy woman swept into a life she cannot control. Both pawns in a torturous game that will bind them together or tear them apart . . . forever.
When Ashton is left orphaned after her parents are murdered, her life becomes a hell she could never have imagined. Left to fend for herself, and responsible for a debt she doesn’t owe, she is swept into a life as a gentleman’s escort at a private men’s gaming hall. Her new manager makes it abundantly clear he doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her.
Derek can be “difficult,” she’s been told. And however dark and handsome he may be, he terrifies her in a way that chills her to the bone, but leaves her begging to understand him. As they are pulled along together, more secrets and threats than either one could ever conceive are revealed, and a common enemy emerges. This enemy will stop at nothing to bring Derek to his knees while using Ashton as the greatest pawn in his torturous game.
Will Derek be able to let down his shield of cold, harsh emotion before it’s too late? Will he be able to sacrifice himself to save Ashton, or will they both be destroyed by the secrets of their pasts?
April 28, 2013
This is my third book written by Elizabeth and each one gets better and better!! The storyline is plays with your emotions the entire time, but it is a necessary evil to achieve the outcome you had hoped for all along. I do wish we could have had a glimpse into the male POV, but I loved the story all the same.
Thanks again Elizabeth for a heart wrenching story!!
My Derek
Thanks again Elizabeth for a heart wrenching story!!
My Derek
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December 30, 2012
I don't even know where to start with this book....I mean just....wow! This story so very different from her other 2 books that I read and loved. This story was sad and very heartbreaking at times to read about how 2 people can come together in the most unlikely of situations.
October 22, 2013
4.5 Stars another Elizabeth Finn that I couldn't put down. :)
February 23, 2013
4.5 stars
This book is beautifully written from one person POV. Ashley Monroe. She is an innocence woman who is left orphaned after the murder of her parents in front of her. Her life is a miserable one. She is forced into a life as high paid escort for her parent's debt. Through her POV we will see the creepy and dark journey of her new life as a soon to be highly paid whore.
Her new manager doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her. He's the one who guides, trains, and educated Ash to become a gentleman's escort.
Mr. Grayson gives one final order. “You’ll have six weeks to get her ready for the floor, and I expect you to do just that. Fuck her, train her, break her in. I expect her working and making money in a month and a half.”
“I’ve developed a deep resentment of him, and it is this anger that keeps me moving forward.” Ashton Monroe
Derek Pennington will be my epitome of dark and intense book boyfriend. Because I can't help but falling in love with him. And how in the hell I let myself to fall deeply with Derek while I supposed to hate and despise him, I don't know.
“Did it ever occur to you that, whether I like the idea of strange men touching you and fucking you, they will anyway? You’ll lap me many times over before the year is out, dear, and don’t you forget it. Whatever distaste you have for my lifestyle or this place, try to keep a marginal amount of perspective.”
I really enjoy reading from Ashton's mind. I pitied her, I cried for her, I grew on Derek with her.
“I note to myself that he just broke his rules. In all his control and tormenting dominance, he caved at my touch. I broke him. Even if only for a moment.”
Yes... There are explicit rules that they have to follow including how they manage vaginal, anal, oral sex, and orgasms. As the house manager, Derek also follows the house procedure though he's not required to.
“He fucks hard and always from behind, shocking given his oh-so-personable attitude. He will rarely, if ever, give his women permission to come. He uses condoms whenever he has sex with one of his women. He also refrains from coming in his women’s mouths, though as a manager, again he could choose to if he wished”
The sex scenes is HOT...
Even though some of them make me flinch but most of them are really good.
I love this book.... What I love the most is how this story being told. I love Ashton's mind. I really think that without Derek POV this is more interesting. We can only guess how he feels by the way he acts. And actions did louder than words.
I love how Derek melt slowly into Ashton......
“Whether he’ll look at me or not, I can tell he’s losing control; I can feel it in his erratic and trembling movements, and whether he wants it to be because of me or not, it is.”
And there's more secret about him that we don't know.... They're only pawn in the hand of their enemies.....
“We all have our reasons for being here, Ashton. Mine may not be money, but they’re just as valid as yours.”
Their journey together is like a dream on hell. A sweet dream actually.
“I forgive you.” They’re the only words I can give him, and I pray desperately they’re enough.”
I really consider this as a five stars book. But I found that the ending is a bit too rush. I need MORE. They have their happy endings but with so many things that happened before it won't be an easy one for them. The ending is actually makes me round it down to four stars.
But still.... This book will be a re read for me. I just can't get myself over Derek and Ashton!!
Elizabeth Finn ..... You really did a good job. I crave your books....
This book is beautifully written from one person POV. Ashley Monroe. She is an innocence woman who is left orphaned after the murder of her parents in front of her. Her life is a miserable one. She is forced into a life as high paid escort for her parent's debt. Through her POV we will see the creepy and dark journey of her new life as a soon to be highly paid whore.
Her new manager doesn’t appreciate her inexperience, innocence, and shyness. On the contrary, he despises everything about her. He's the one who guides, trains, and educated Ash to become a gentleman's escort.
Mr. Grayson gives one final order. “You’ll have six weeks to get her ready for the floor, and I expect you to do just that. Fuck her, train her, break her in. I expect her working and making money in a month and a half.”
“I’ve developed a deep resentment of him, and it is this anger that keeps me moving forward.” Ashton Monroe
Derek Pennington will be my epitome of dark and intense book boyfriend. Because I can't help but falling in love with him. And how in the hell I let myself to fall deeply with Derek while I supposed to hate and despise him, I don't know.
“Did it ever occur to you that, whether I like the idea of strange men touching you and fucking you, they will anyway? You’ll lap me many times over before the year is out, dear, and don’t you forget it. Whatever distaste you have for my lifestyle or this place, try to keep a marginal amount of perspective.”
I really enjoy reading from Ashton's mind. I pitied her, I cried for her, I grew on Derek with her.
“I note to myself that he just broke his rules. In all his control and tormenting dominance, he caved at my touch. I broke him. Even if only for a moment.”
Yes... There are explicit rules that they have to follow including how they manage vaginal, anal, oral sex, and orgasms. As the house manager, Derek also follows the house procedure though he's not required to.
“He fucks hard and always from behind, shocking given his oh-so-personable attitude. He will rarely, if ever, give his women permission to come. He uses condoms whenever he has sex with one of his women. He also refrains from coming in his women’s mouths, though as a manager, again he could choose to if he wished”
The sex scenes is HOT...
Even though some of them make me flinch but most of them are really good.
I love this book.... What I love the most is how this story being told. I love Ashton's mind. I really think that without Derek POV this is more interesting. We can only guess how he feels by the way he acts. And actions did louder than words.
I love how Derek melt slowly into Ashton......
“Whether he’ll look at me or not, I can tell he’s losing control; I can feel it in his erratic and trembling movements, and whether he wants it to be because of me or not, it is.”
And there's more secret about him that we don't know.... They're only pawn in the hand of their enemies.....
“We all have our reasons for being here, Ashton. Mine may not be money, but they’re just as valid as yours.”
Their journey together is like a dream on hell. A sweet dream actually.
“I forgive you.” They’re the only words I can give him, and I pray desperately they’re enough.”
I really consider this as a five stars book. But I found that the ending is a bit too rush. I need MORE. They have their happy endings but with so many things that happened before it won't be an easy one for them. The ending is actually makes me round it down to four stars.
But still.... This book will be a re read for me. I just can't get myself over Derek and Ashton!!
Elizabeth Finn ..... You really did a good job. I crave your books....
January 11, 2016
1 overtly repetitive star
OK so when I started this story, I was really looking forward to it, because the blurb was definitely interesting enough, and the story started pretty good too. But then when Derek and Ash started being "attracted" to each other, I felt like I was reading another Twilight or 50 Shades book. Oh yeah they are the same, but this is pretty much the same thing here.
I just feel disappointed that I spent last night reading this. The main character, Ash is a simple, naive, and shy girl and for some reason Derek, her floor master, is attracted towards her.
What I kept thinking the entire time they fall in love with each other is that, what is it about shy girls that attracts the broody possessive boys? Is there something fundamentally wrong with the character female being a strong person? Having an outgoing personality? And I refuse to believe that a shy virgin like Ash was such an excellent fuck that Derek refused the "professional" prostitutes.
I get it, I really do, Derek had a reason, but the entire time he acted like his reason for being there was so much greater than that. I honestly know that I am criticizing badly, but the story had such a good possibility, it got ruined by the lack of plot. The author clearly ran out of ideas, and by 70% I started skimming.
And the Devil's pawn? Who the fuck was the devil? Mr. Greyson or the crazy mafia boss Ash owes to? And what was so pawn like in this book excuse me? I mean a pawn is someone who is tied because of.. reasons, but it seemed like the moment Ash was returned Derek payed the 5.6m and they left. If he loved her from the beginning and was in fact having all that money just sitting around, then why did he not use it before hand itself? And don't give the Morgan sex tape thing. A seven year old tape? It's not going to create that big of a scandal, and if it does, then use that goddamn money to shut things down! This story was just all over the place for me.
The sex scenes were perhaps hot, but I was too unhappy by the lack of plot to enjoy them.
I can sum the story in a 10 lines:
•Girl in debt.
•Girl meets boy.
•Boy is asshole.
•Girl attracted. Boy attracted.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Boy bigger asshole.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Girl in love. Boy no no.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Girl dies/in life danger/kidnapped.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Boy in love. Boy no good. Boy leave.
•Girl freed. Girl sad.
•GirlXBoy.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex
Yup that's the story. Seen that plot somewhere people? Damn, I am so tired of this same fucking repetitive plot that I had actually given up on reading last year. Sigh.. can't expect anything else I guess. There is only so many things you can write about.
Beautiful lines this one..
OK so when I started this story, I was really looking forward to it, because the blurb was definitely interesting enough, and the story started pretty good too. But then when Derek and Ash started being "attracted" to each other, I felt like I was reading another Twilight or 50 Shades book. Oh yeah they are the same, but this is pretty much the same thing here.
I just feel disappointed that I spent last night reading this. The main character, Ash is a simple, naive, and shy girl and for some reason Derek, her floor master, is attracted towards her.
What I kept thinking the entire time they fall in love with each other is that, what is it about shy girls that attracts the broody possessive boys? Is there something fundamentally wrong with the character female being a strong person? Having an outgoing personality? And I refuse to believe that a shy virgin like Ash was such an excellent fuck that Derek refused the "professional" prostitutes.
I get it, I really do, Derek had a reason, but the entire time he acted like his reason for being there was so much greater than that. I honestly know that I am criticizing badly, but the story had such a good possibility, it got ruined by the lack of plot. The author clearly ran out of ideas, and by 70% I started skimming.
And the Devil's pawn? Who the fuck was the devil? Mr. Greyson or the crazy mafia boss Ash owes to? And what was so pawn like in this book excuse me? I mean a pawn is someone who is tied because of.. reasons, but it seemed like the moment Ash was returned Derek payed the 5.6m and they left. If he loved her from the beginning and was in fact having all that money just sitting around, then why did he not use it before hand itself? And don't give the Morgan sex tape thing. A seven year old tape? It's not going to create that big of a scandal, and if it does, then use that goddamn money to shut things down! This story was just all over the place for me.
The sex scenes were perhaps hot, but I was too unhappy by the lack of plot to enjoy them.
I can sum the story in a 10 lines:
•Girl in debt.
•Girl meets boy.
•Boy is asshole.
•Girl attracted. Boy attracted.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Boy bigger asshole.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Girl in love. Boy no no.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Girl dies/in life danger/kidnapped.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex.
•Boy in love. Boy no good. Boy leave.
•Girl freed. Girl sad.
•GirlXBoy.
Sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex sex
Yup that's the story. Seen that plot somewhere people? Damn, I am so tired of this same fucking repetitive plot that I had actually given up on reading last year. Sigh.. can't expect anything else I guess. There is only so many things you can write about.
Beautiful lines this one..
"Whatever little glimmer of humanity this might symbolize, I’ll take it. It’s enough. He feels. It doesn’t mean he’ll compromise; hell, it doesn’t mean he’s capable of ever fighting past his over-restrained soul tucked away and hidden from the world. What it does mean is there is a light buried somewhere deep inside, a light I desperately want to find."
November 27, 2012
I fell in love with her other novel, Brother's Keeper. I enjoyed her writing style so much that I immediately bought this one. This may not be for everyone but for the lucky ones that give it a chance will be blown away. It is dark, ugly, and sometimes disturbing. It broke my heart. Elizabeth Finn is an amazing story teller. She describes each character and each scene with such clarity that you feel like you are in the room. I could easily imagine myself sitting there watching the scenes unfold. Her writing is graphic and vivid and fabulous. She has a way of making you feel what they are feeling. I love when my emotions go to hell and back. This book took me there. I put it down for the night because I was terrified of what would happen next. I couldn't sleep because I had to know how it ended. I ended up staying up half the night finishing it. This is not your traditional HEA. I want a book to captivate me and draw me in and never let me go. My only complaint is that it ended. It ended beautifully but I just didn't want it to be over. I hate when I finish a book as excellent as this because I know that others will not compare.
I cannot wait for what she has next for me. I am a fan for life. If she writes it, I will buy it and recommend it to everyone I know!
I cannot wait for what she has next for me. I am a fan for life. If she writes it, I will buy it and recommend it to everyone I know!
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