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Whiplash #1
Whiplash
I've got a story to tell - my story. It won’t always be a happy one, but I’m afraid that notion just isn't feasible, given my situation.
You see, I’m a slave – I have been since the day I was born. Being a slave has had bearing on every aspect of my life, so clearly I am limited in my ability to tell you anything but an often tragic and heartbreaking tale.
There have been moments of triumph for me, and I’ll tell you about those too. But, understand that for someone like me, victory usually comes at a cost higher than most people would be willing pay. This story is about my struggle to gain and maintain an identity without even really knowing who I wanted to be.
***This is a novella of about 34,000 words. The follow-up novel, Backlash, is coming soon!***
Author's Note: This novella, while fictitious, is set in the antebellum South of the United States. Every effort has been made to deliver a tale true to the time. This story contains scenes of violence, non-consensual and dubiously consensual sexual activity, as well as strong language.
You see, I’m a slave – I have been since the day I was born. Being a slave has had bearing on every aspect of my life, so clearly I am limited in my ability to tell you anything but an often tragic and heartbreaking tale.
There have been moments of triumph for me, and I’ll tell you about those too. But, understand that for someone like me, victory usually comes at a cost higher than most people would be willing pay. This story is about my struggle to gain and maintain an identity without even really knowing who I wanted to be.
***This is a novella of about 34,000 words. The follow-up novel, Backlash, is coming soon!***
Author's Note: This novella, while fictitious, is set in the antebellum South of the United States. Every effort has been made to deliver a tale true to the time. This story contains scenes of violence, non-consensual and dubiously consensual sexual activity, as well as strong language.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Yvie Towers
4 books24 followersI love to read all types of books and stories, so I love to write all types of books and stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 9, 2013
I think the writing was good in that it definitely made me feel as if I were there but couldn't connect emotionally. The shock of what I read kept me reading, more intrigued by how far the book was pushing the boundaries of most peoples hard limits.
As far as the other reviews, I think maybe they're being a little hard on the author. This is after all a first for the author. Everyone grows as artists. I know my first tattoo was a joke compared to what I can do now. Give her a break.
I gave three stars because of originality #1, shock and awe kept me captivated #2, Julian is hard and improper with his feelings towards Lily and it pisses everyone off Rebel #3.
October 8, 2013
**Revision: I will keep my original post up - but it appears Yvie did research when writing. Although the story is fictional it does have elements of historical fact that maybe not known to most. While there is evidence of brutality to slaves that would back up the accounts in the books. Now with that being said there are people (African Americans) who stand against such accounts saying that they aren't completely truthful and have other works to back up their findings. I guess we all may never know, and that's fine by me.
With that being said this book may entice Black Americans to be even angrier with the Caucasians because of their ancestors mis-doings. This bothers me as race relations are bad right now. I do not like books that are like this, or movies (Hate Spike Lee). I am a proud black woman and am tired of people using the past as a crutch for anything happening currently. Stand on your own feet and live life correct, treat others as you want to be treated.
I still give two stars based on not being able to emotionally appeal to any character. Character growth was not there because things just happened so fast. Slow down let me know the character. The baby thing (trying not to spoil) should have been slowed down so I could emotionally attach to it like I did with the mother.
Ending Revision now, original post below:
Somewhat disappointed in this book. Not erotica in the least, the sex was telling rather than descriptive but the violence was descriptive and disturbing. I've done my history and while life was bad, this... this... is not historically accurate.
Being fiction, I let that fall to the waste side. I'm a black woman and this book bothered me, the way Lily and her slave master seem to be lusting/falling for one another - no that's not right.
Then the fact that she looses her baby but that is barely touched upon but her mother's killing is something we delve into almost immediately at length.
Story is not solid and very, very disappointed.
December 29, 2016
I have had this book on my kindle for years now and I have only just now gotten around to reading it.
This is a book about slavery and what happens to two sisters when they lost their mother in horrific circumstances. This story is from Lilly's prospective.
There are parts of this book that had my month hanging open at the cruelty that is inflicted on the women in this story. If you are very sensitive then this is not the book for you.
After going through a couple of Masters Lilly ends up on Julian's plantation where he pursues her and they are immediately drawn to each other.
I would class this a dark read myself. I wanted to find out the end of the story so we have to move to the second and final part of this story.
This is a book about slavery and what happens to two sisters when they lost their mother in horrific circumstances. This story is from Lilly's prospective.
There are parts of this book that had my month hanging open at the cruelty that is inflicted on the women in this story. If you are very sensitive then this is not the book for you.
After going through a couple of Masters Lilly ends up on Julian's plantation where he pursues her and they are immediately drawn to each other.
I would class this a dark read myself. I wanted to find out the end of the story so we have to move to the second and final part of this story.
May 29, 2017
Couldn't put this down! Captivating story. Heartbreaking at times rape/violence. I don't know how I feel about the slave/master trope, but I'm starting book 2. *Woot Woot*
December 3, 2013
Very interesting and seemingly realistic account of some of the horrors of slave life for female slaves. The ending didn't seem as realistic to me and felt incomplete. Well written, although it could have been edited a bit better because there were several typos. Overall I found this to be a pretty good book.
Want to read
October 5, 2013Authors note: It's about a slave... a real one... as in, a black woman in the antebellum South. Here's the blurb:
I've got a story to tell - my story. It won’t always be a happy one, but I’m afraid that notion just isn't feasible, given my situation.
You see, I’m a slave – I have been since the day I was born. Being a slave has had bearing on every aspect of my life, so clearly I am limited in my ability to tell you anything but an often tragic and heartbreaking tale.
There have been moments of triumph for me, and I’ll tell you about those too. But, understand that for someone like me, victory usually comes at a cost higher than most people would be willing pay. This story is about my struggle to gain and maintain an identity without even really knowing who I wanted to be.
Author's Note: This book, while fictitious, is set in the antebellum South of the United States. Every effort has been made to deliver a tale true to the time. This story contains scenes of violence, non-consensual and dubiously consensual sexual activity, as well as strong language.
Not for the faint of heart (duh!), but really the subject matter is pretty sensitive, and there are some pretty graphic depictions of violence.
***********************************************************************
I've got a story to tell - my story. It won’t always be a happy one, but I’m afraid that notion just isn't feasible, given my situation.
You see, I’m a slave – I have been since the day I was born. Being a slave has had bearing on every aspect of my life, so clearly I am limited in my ability to tell you anything but an often tragic and heartbreaking tale.
There have been moments of triumph for me, and I’ll tell you about those too. But, understand that for someone like me, victory usually comes at a cost higher than most people would be willing pay. This story is about my struggle to gain and maintain an identity without even really knowing who I wanted to be.
Author's Note: This book, while fictitious, is set in the antebellum South of the United States. Every effort has been made to deliver a tale true to the time. This story contains scenes of violence, non-consensual and dubiously consensual sexual activity, as well as strong language.
Not for the faint of heart (duh!), but really the subject matter is pretty sensitive, and there are some pretty graphic depictions of violence.
***********************************************************************
October 3, 2013
The writing definitely immerses you into the era and evokes emotions from the depths of your person.
The subject matter of violence and sexual violence amongst slaves is not for the faint of heart. Amidst that you find the character strong in spirit fighting for her freedom. At times the story pace was fast but nearing the end it slowed down and the connection to the characters becomes stronger.
The undeniable connection between Lily and Julian is eerily haunting and make me want for more. I can't wait to read Backlash!!
Kudos Yvie Towers!!
My star review is on an upward curve, 3.5 stars is what I give it but that extra is earned because I can't wait for the next book!
The subject matter of violence and sexual violence amongst slaves is not for the faint of heart. Amidst that you find the character strong in spirit fighting for her freedom. At times the story pace was fast but nearing the end it slowed down and the connection to the characters becomes stronger.
The undeniable connection between Lily and Julian is eerily haunting and make me want for more. I can't wait to read Backlash!!
Kudos Yvie Towers!!
My star review is on an upward curve, 3.5 stars is what I give it but that extra is earned because I can't wait for the next book!
October 8, 2015
It is raw and violent you will cry for the main character and hate her tormentors want to throw it away before finishing it and yet it is good so good you are compelled to finish it if only to find out if the heroine finds her happy ending. It is an honest rendition of the slavery era, you need to be a strong person to read this. I had to stop a few times and take a walk so I could deal with the feelings it was evoking in me.
October 8, 2013
Whiplash is a fast paced novella that left me with tons of questions. All I can say is – Where is part two? I gotta find out what happens next.
October 11, 2013
I thought that the premise was very good. I wanted to see how the story would be navigated in the aspect of slavery with what was trying to be done as far as dark erotica. The beginning of the story was very good . It was hard for me to read the prologue because of the emotion that it evoked. It was very strong. The emotion fizzled in the middle after we were introduced to Julian. We saw the beginning of his cruelty and then he disappeared with intermediate appearances with Lily. Julian evoked strong emotion with Lily after that whipping and I could understand her hatred for her new master. Later we saw a glimpse of his softer side when he tended to Lily's wound that he inflicted on her. Then we didn't see him at all for quite some time. For him to be a main character and for them to develop a relationship, I didn't get a true connection. I felt the fear that Lily had towards Julian and that was understandable, but what attracted him to her? He wanted her, but he never talked to her. How did she know that willingly submitting to him would get the desired results? I don't think they had enough interaction for that. I don't have an opinion on Julian because he wasn't around enough. I truly liked Lily though. She had opinions. She had a strong will. She had passion and desires that I could see and feel. I understood her. She was developed beautifully. I would read the next story so I believe I would give the story 3 stars.
After emailing the author, she clarified that this story is basically a prelude to the novel, and she wanted to showcase Lily's strength. I did see that, so Ms. Towers accomplished what she set out to do. Is it dark? Not really. Is it disturbing? Yes, some parts will have you clenching your behind, literally. Well then, it may be a little dark. :)
After emailing the author, she clarified that this story is basically a prelude to the novel, and she wanted to showcase Lily's strength. I did see that, so Ms. Towers accomplished what she set out to do. Is it dark? Not really. Is it disturbing? Yes, some parts will have you clenching your behind, literally. Well then, it may be a little dark. :)
October 9, 2013
5 STARS - Whiplash evoked emotions, made me question why, who and how…all things I expect from a book.
This book is not for everyone….there is strong violence, sex and language that will make you cringe. Yvie will transport you back to “the antebellum South of the United States” through her vivid story telling of a young, strong and courageous slave, Lily.
Lily has experienced enough pain to last a life time. Will she regain peace of mind, spirit and just maybe freedom at the Devereaux Plantation? Julian Devereaux, master of the plantation and Lily’s newest master is a man who is struggling with his emotions. He is cruel to Lily but is also kind and loving in the only way he knows how to be.
Julian is not the only relationship Lily encounters. Beau is a strong flied slave who Lily meets on the Devereaux Plantation. Their bond is formed immediately after Lily is contemplating her future. He’s always there when she least excepts it.
Will Beau save Lily from her life on the plantation, from Julian?
Will Julian free Lily and if he does will he be able to let her go?
Will Lily forever be indebted to Julian if she is freed?
These are just a few questions you will have, as Whiplash ends on a cliffhanger! I look forward to reading Backlash Yvie Towers!!!
Yvie TowersWhiplash
This book is not for everyone….there is strong violence, sex and language that will make you cringe. Yvie will transport you back to “the antebellum South of the United States” through her vivid story telling of a young, strong and courageous slave, Lily.
Lily has experienced enough pain to last a life time. Will she regain peace of mind, spirit and just maybe freedom at the Devereaux Plantation? Julian Devereaux, master of the plantation and Lily’s newest master is a man who is struggling with his emotions. He is cruel to Lily but is also kind and loving in the only way he knows how to be.
Julian is not the only relationship Lily encounters. Beau is a strong flied slave who Lily meets on the Devereaux Plantation. Their bond is formed immediately after Lily is contemplating her future. He’s always there when she least excepts it.
Will Beau save Lily from her life on the plantation, from Julian?
Will Julian free Lily and if he does will he be able to let her go?
Will Lily forever be indebted to Julian if she is freed?
These are just a few questions you will have, as Whiplash ends on a cliffhanger! I look forward to reading Backlash Yvie Towers!!!
Yvie TowersWhiplash
November 29, 2013
Whiplash will definite evoke emotions it was everything I expect from a book. Whiplash may not be for everyone. There is strong violence, sex and language. Whiplash is a story of Lily, a young, strong and courageous slave.
Lily has experienced enough pain to last a life time. Julian Devereaux, master of the plantation and Lily's newest master is a man who is struggling with his emotions. He is cruel to Lily but is also kind and loving in the only way he knows how to be.
Julian is not the only relationship Lily encounters. Beau is a slave who Lily meets on the Devereaux Plantation. Their bond is formed immediately.
Whiplash ends on a cliffhanger. I look forward to reading Backlash will be the next book.
I loved the characters and the story line were very well developed
The story will capture your interest from the beginning and hold it until the end.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the author for an excellent story, I look forward to reading more from you.
Lily has experienced enough pain to last a life time. Julian Devereaux, master of the plantation and Lily's newest master is a man who is struggling with his emotions. He is cruel to Lily but is also kind and loving in the only way he knows how to be.
Julian is not the only relationship Lily encounters. Beau is a slave who Lily meets on the Devereaux Plantation. Their bond is formed immediately.
Whiplash ends on a cliffhanger. I look forward to reading Backlash will be the next book.
I loved the characters and the story line were very well developed
The story will capture your interest from the beginning and hold it until the end.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the author for an excellent story, I look forward to reading more from you.
January 15, 2014
I found this book through the Historical Fiction group on Facebook. Ms. Towers posted about and I thought it would be interesting. It is a good story, though heartbreaking. Lily is a child when the novella starts. Her mother is killed and she and her sister are sold. Then again. She ends up in a brothel on a plantation. Lily struggles to hold on to herself.
It is so hard for me to read a story like this because I am horrified by what was done to these people. the story is well written and the characters are believable. I cannot wait to read the next one titled Backlash.
It is so hard for me to read a story like this because I am horrified by what was done to these people. the story is well written and the characters are believable. I cannot wait to read the next one titled Backlash.
January 6, 2014
This is not the my typical kind of book that I would have read, this book was good from start to finish. I truly enjoyed this and can't wait until Backlash comes out. Lily had many obstacles that stood in her way from day one from being a slave until basically you can say selling her soul to the Devil for her freedom. I just hope the next book in the series answers the questions that I need to know. I hope she isn't selling her soul for nothing.
June 28, 2015
I have read many books on slavery and this I must say is one of the most emotional, tumultuous rides I have been on. At first, I kept reading just to see what would happen next! Then, I realized that the author was giving us little slivers of hope and kindness in the form of Beau! I cant wait to read Book 2.
Read
October 30, 2013Currently free on amazon. Pissed me off before I even got to the 1st chapter. Confusing at times. Still can't wait for book 2.
June 10, 2019
What they were doing to the slaves was horrible. And the whole thing with Julian seemed very mysterious. Still, the book was interesting and engaging. I think I do want to read the next book because this ended on a semi-cliff hanger.
Also Julian was pretty cruel to her in the beginning and he seemed much older than her and not very attractive.
Also Julian was pretty cruel to her in the beginning and he seemed much older than her and not very attractive.
July 6, 2023
Books I've read and provided detailed reviews over the years but all data is lost after accidental deletion and GD refuse to restore it back.
Adding books back to my library for my own reference and tracking purposes
Adding books back to my library for my own reference and tracking purposes
May 18, 2017
Really Good
I liked this book. It had enough historical elements in it to keep me satisfied and the story kept me hooked. This was really good.
I liked this book. It had enough historical elements in it to keep me satisfied and the story kept me hooked. This was really good.
August 3, 2020
The writing was good. This is not a romance. And not recommended for sensitive readers. The book ends midway through the story so you will have to read part 2 to see how it ends.
October 12, 2013
I wrote an extensive review of this book, and it seems to have disappeared. I don't want to re-create another review, so I'll just give the facts as I remember some of it.
Even though I have read many books on slavery,I found this book different from others that I have read. The focus on a brothel is a change and an uncharted area of the times. Other authors have avoided it. I have no doubt that such a thing existed, I just have not known of an author exploring the topic. I thank you for shining light on the topic.
The book did leave me with many questions:
1. Disconnected characters
2. Unexplained backgrounds of characters
3. Lack of involvement and emotion for the loss of a mother and baby
4. Background of the twins, explanation of their power on the plantation, and the allowance of their cruelty, unexplained.
5. Who was Julian, and his power in the community?
6. What are his historical facts?
7. What did the slave who was beaten to death do, and what did she do to the twins?
8. Who were the folks in the white coach, and what connection did the other woman have to Julian, other than what she said?
9. Explanation of the mixed race event. Was this the norm of the area?
There were other questions and comments, however, it's too much to recall. I know from other posts, that you plan to explain more in future books. However, readers, I for one, dislike to read future books, and reread or review what was read in the first book. A little review is understood, but your book left out too much to be included in those that follow. Please do leave something to pique my interest, but please do not rewrite the entire first book in the second.
Thanks for highlighting a subject that has been overlooked for the era. This is a subject that makes the past connected with the present. That is, however another story.
May I also suggest the reading of The Treason of Mary Louvestre by My Haley. This is the book that rekindled my interest of the era. Again, many attitudes of the past, have re-emerged. Thanks for letting me know about your book. I look forward to further reading of your work. It seems to be a great time to be writing about slavery, as there is great interest of late. Several books are coming to the big screen, one even this month. Who knows, you could be next!
Even though I have read many books on slavery,I found this book different from others that I have read. The focus on a brothel is a change and an uncharted area of the times. Other authors have avoided it. I have no doubt that such a thing existed, I just have not known of an author exploring the topic. I thank you for shining light on the topic.
The book did leave me with many questions:
1. Disconnected characters
2. Unexplained backgrounds of characters
3. Lack of involvement and emotion for the loss of a mother and baby
4. Background of the twins, explanation of their power on the plantation, and the allowance of their cruelty, unexplained.
5. Who was Julian, and his power in the community?
6. What are his historical facts?
7. What did the slave who was beaten to death do, and what did she do to the twins?
8. Who were the folks in the white coach, and what connection did the other woman have to Julian, other than what she said?
9. Explanation of the mixed race event. Was this the norm of the area?
There were other questions and comments, however, it's too much to recall. I know from other posts, that you plan to explain more in future books. However, readers, I for one, dislike to read future books, and reread or review what was read in the first book. A little review is understood, but your book left out too much to be included in those that follow. Please do leave something to pique my interest, but please do not rewrite the entire first book in the second.
Thanks for highlighting a subject that has been overlooked for the era. This is a subject that makes the past connected with the present. That is, however another story.
May I also suggest the reading of The Treason of Mary Louvestre by My Haley. This is the book that rekindled my interest of the era. Again, many attitudes of the past, have re-emerged. Thanks for letting me know about your book. I look forward to further reading of your work. It seems to be a great time to be writing about slavery, as there is great interest of late. Several books are coming to the big screen, one even this month. Who knows, you could be next!
March 28, 2014
This novella is a first person narrative about Lily, a 24 year old Negro slave girl. It is historical fiction set in America in the days of horses and carts. There is plenty of back story as this book starts off with a prologue about when Lily was 8 years old and growing up with her sister Mercy.
Whiplash is a very moving story about slavery in America and how people were bought and sold just like dogs are today. Puppies will look up at you hoping that they will be able to trust you and give them a good home rather than be mistreated like other dogs they have heard about in the kennel. These Negro slaves also hoped they would be lucky.
Life was hard for Lily as she was just a number and was called "Number 10" by her master. Lily went through many painful experiences as she was bought not to work the land or be a household help but to become a whore in a new brothel. Yes, Whiplash is a gritty novel with it's share of rough sex and violence.
Whiplash is a thrilling story that is simply a joy to read. Yvie Towers has the knack of telling a great story which is full of colour and explores the culture of those times. All her characters are well developed and such a vivid picture is painted in your mind, you could imagine you were there. The story is told in a mature way with a great and very full use of language. This is an exciting read, with wonderful editing and no dull bits or padding. Her writing is very good and Yvie Towers is a new author to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Whiplash and I will vote it the top score of 5 stars. Readers of a nervous nature will be pleased to know that this book has a happy ending.
If by any chance, you saw the title Whiplash and the words "slave girl" thinking this could be an adult erotic BDSM story with some casual racism thrown in, you will NOT be disappointed. Either way, have the tissue box close to hand.
Whiplash is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2013.
Whiplash is a very moving story about slavery in America and how people were bought and sold just like dogs are today. Puppies will look up at you hoping that they will be able to trust you and give them a good home rather than be mistreated like other dogs they have heard about in the kennel. These Negro slaves also hoped they would be lucky.
Life was hard for Lily as she was just a number and was called "Number 10" by her master. Lily went through many painful experiences as she was bought not to work the land or be a household help but to become a whore in a new brothel. Yes, Whiplash is a gritty novel with it's share of rough sex and violence.
Whiplash is a thrilling story that is simply a joy to read. Yvie Towers has the knack of telling a great story which is full of colour and explores the culture of those times. All her characters are well developed and such a vivid picture is painted in your mind, you could imagine you were there. The story is told in a mature way with a great and very full use of language. This is an exciting read, with wonderful editing and no dull bits or padding. Her writing is very good and Yvie Towers is a new author to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Whiplash and I will vote it the top score of 5 stars. Readers of a nervous nature will be pleased to know that this book has a happy ending.
If by any chance, you saw the title Whiplash and the words "slave girl" thinking this could be an adult erotic BDSM story with some casual racism thrown in, you will NOT be disappointed. Either way, have the tissue box close to hand.
Whiplash is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2013.
May 24, 2014
In general, I'm not too fond of novels that come in installments, end with huge cliff hangers, and are set up so as to induce you to buy the next installment of the story.
Whiplash has a cliffhanger and contains several story lines that may turn out to be loose ends or pivotal episodes. As a reader I can't tell, because Whiplash is the #1 novel in an intended series of two, and the sequel is not available yet.
However. Whiplash is one of those novels that did not disappoint on its own and actually made me *want* to read the sequel.
It is a dark tale that Ms. Towers tells in this novel. Set in the antebellum South of the United States, this story "contains scenes of violence, non-consensual and dubiously consensual sexual activity, as well as strong language", to quote the book blurb. The story is told from Lily's point of view, a young woman owned by three subsequent masters. Not an easy subject, and on top of that, this novel explores an aspect of slavery that I was not familiar with at all.
And I loved the writing, the voice of the novel. I really liked the story and pacing. I was impressed with the seemingly emotionless, detached manner in which Lily describes the horrific losses she suffers in the very beginning of the story - bloodchilling. I loved the way her character gushes out in some of the episodes. But overall, I liked the subtle understated story telling and character development. To be savoured slowly...
Conclusion: Even though this novella is the first part of a story, there is plenty to make the reading of it very worthwhile and enjoyable. Recommended!
October 23, 2013
There are a lot of things to like about this story despite the sensitive nature of the content. The author has a great gift for putting the reader directly in the scene she is describing, and connecting with the era and emotions of the characters is effortless, which makes the pages fly as you read. This is a really short story so before you know it you’ll be at the end, and when you reach the end it’s so sudden that it leaves you wanting to know what happens next, which is great for a series. I’m anxious to read part two.
As I stated, the content of this story is graphic and for some controversial. The story centers around a slave named Lily who describes the events in her life, most of which are extremely horrible and heinous. Towers is very vivid in her depiction of the harshness of slavery, and with her keen ability of putting the reader in the scene, in this case it is a very uncomfortable spot more often than not.
There were a few drawbacks for me. Since it is such a fast paced story some of the actions and emotions went on without explanation. Lily’s feelings towards some of the other characters changed pretty quickly too. At the very least this left me wanting to know more. But given the fact that this is a part of a series I anticipate these questions will be answered in the up-coming installments. All in all this is a captivating read that will keep you until the last page, and then leave you wanting more.
As I stated, the content of this story is graphic and for some controversial. The story centers around a slave named Lily who describes the events in her life, most of which are extremely horrible and heinous. Towers is very vivid in her depiction of the harshness of slavery, and with her keen ability of putting the reader in the scene, in this case it is a very uncomfortable spot more often than not.
There were a few drawbacks for me. Since it is such a fast paced story some of the actions and emotions went on without explanation. Lily’s feelings towards some of the other characters changed pretty quickly too. At the very least this left me wanting to know more. But given the fact that this is a part of a series I anticipate these questions will be answered in the up-coming installments. All in all this is a captivating read that will keep you until the last page, and then leave you wanting more.
July 30, 2021
This book, like its name, gave me a bit of whiplash but not in a good way. The writing has promise but the storyline was disjointed and too rushed. The author I think, tried to set up a bit of mystery, with the way the Master stared at her in the beginning and his sister's cryptic comments, but did not develop it enough to get the reader into the story or even to show that this was a story aside from just being disjointed, random pieces of information. There was no build up to their sexual relationship and aside from her being physically attracted to Julian, it made no sense that she would be open to pursuing an offer given his treatment of her and the other slave women. Everything just seemed so rushed from the start, the being sold to the whorehouse, the awful treatment, leading to a brief fling with another slave (that came out of nowhere and then easily vanished right after) to being a whore and then being "saved" by Julian but she wasn't even really saved. Everything just happened so quickly with no character development for either party and then suddenly he offered her freedom and to be with him. Whiplash I tell you.
This is by no means meant to discourage the author. I think with slowing down the storyline and focusing more on character development this novella would have been much better and see much promise for future works.
This is by no means meant to discourage the author. I think with slowing down the storyline and focusing more on character development this novella would have been much better and see much promise for future works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2014
Yvie did a good job bring the Antebellum South to life. I wanted to see how a BDSM relationship would work in this setting. Unfortunately, this story is stronger in the historical department than the romance department. Lily is afraid of Julian after she is whipped which is understandable, but I never felt the romance. Lilly is a strong woman and Jillian lusts after her. I just didn't know why in the world she was attracted to him. This failed connection might have been fixed if Julian had been in the book more. Most of this story talks about Lilly's experience.
I found out that there will be a book after this telling more of the story. I will give it a try since I want to know more about their relationship.
I found out that there will be a book after this telling more of the story. I will give it a try since I want to know more about their relationship.
June 25, 2015
Undecided on this story, looked promising, a lot of things were happening and we weren't really given enough time to get used to the characters. Lily - she's a slave, had bad things happen to her which should have made her more compliant, instead we saw that beneath everything, she had a spark of spirit.
Julian - can't make my mind up with this one, at one time I thought he was sadistic (him and his whip) then he showed random acts of kindness towards Lily, but then one can't help but think the pain Lily experienced, was caused by him and his actions in the first place.
Definitely need to read part 2 to get more grasp on the situation.
Julian - can't make my mind up with this one, at one time I thought he was sadistic (him and his whip) then he showed random acts of kindness towards Lily, but then one can't help but think the pain Lily experienced, was caused by him and his actions in the first place.
Definitely need to read part 2 to get more grasp on the situation.
March 10, 2015
An Unusual Read- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB
Someone asked me if this book was historical fiction and I was frankly unable to answer that. While it dealt with slavery, it was not the traditional stories I'm accustomed to reading.
Having said that, it was a story that evoked strong emotions from beginning to end. This is primarily Lily aka Ruby's story. From witnessing her mother's murder to all the trauma, rape and abuse she endured.
I really love stories that makes me think and is different. This certainly did not disappoint, as it was totally unexpected. I would certainly recommend this book although I must caution that it has some behavior that some may find unacceptable.
Someone asked me if this book was historical fiction and I was frankly unable to answer that. While it dealt with slavery, it was not the traditional stories I'm accustomed to reading.
Having said that, it was a story that evoked strong emotions from beginning to end. This is primarily Lily aka Ruby's story. From witnessing her mother's murder to all the trauma, rape and abuse she endured.
I really love stories that makes me think and is different. This certainly did not disappoint, as it was totally unexpected. I would certainly recommend this book although I must caution that it has some behavior that some may find unacceptable.
January 4, 2014
I admit that I had apprehensions about reading this book. I'm not a fan of books or movies about slavery. This is not that! It's the tale of a young woman's determination and grit to survive. She went from terrible beginnings to what one can consider the best situation available to her.
This book was extremely well written and offers an in-depth look at the atrocities of slavery. It is not for people who can't deal the harshness of life. I can't wait to read the next installment.
This book was extremely well written and offers an in-depth look at the atrocities of slavery. It is not for people who can't deal the harshness of life. I can't wait to read the next installment.
January 1, 2020
Oh, my... I was not a fan of this book. It was a lot to take in. And this being said as a fan of historical fiction. He was sadistic, not the type of character that somehow becomes the hero at the end of the book. The book's title delivered on the promise of a whiplash however, I couldn't stop myself from reading the next book in the series... I just had to know how it all ended. I will say that the second book was a bit better than this one.
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