The Silver Chain

The Silver Chain Series #1

by Primula Bond

Bound by passion, she was powerless to resist.

The Silver Chain is the first in the sexy, passionate and addictive Unbreakable Trilogy by Primula Bond.

One dark evening in London, photographer Serena Folkes is indulging her impulsive side with a night-time shoot. But someone is watching her – mysterious entrepreneur Gustav Levi. Serena doesn’t know it yet, but this handsome stranger will change her life forever…

Serena is fascinated by Gustav, the enigmatic owner of the Levi Gallery, and she soon feels an irresistible pull of attraction. The interest is mutual, and Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career at his gallery, but only if Serena agrees to become his exclusive companion.

To mark their agreement, Gustav gives Serena a bracelet to wear at all times. Attached to it is a silver chain of which he is the keeper. With the chain Gustav controls Serena physically and symbolically – a sign that she is under his power.

As their passionate relationship intensifies, Gustav’s hold on the silver chain grows stronger. But will Gustav’s dark past tear them apart?

A seductive and beautifully written novel perfect for fans of erotic romance.

Genres: Erotica, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Adult

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Oxford educated mother of three boys masquerading as respectable pillar of society but harbouring secret ambition to be considered a MILF. Writer of freelance features on single motherhood, older parenthood, MS and erotica. Published erotica author of 'Country Pleasures' 'Club Creme' and 'Behind the Curtain' for Black Lace; 'Random Acts of Lust' and 'Out of Focus' for Xcite Books'; and 'Sisters in Sin' for Mischief. First part of trilogy 'The Silver Chain' out in August 2013 for Mischief/Avon.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★! The aloof Gustav Levi, entrepreneur & gallery owner extraordinaire takes on a protégé photographer & strikes a deal to control her career, body, mind & soul!

“Think of it as a symbol. Here’s the chain, joining us together. I know it’s a symbol of captivity. Slavery, even. But I also like to think it represents an anchoring. You know, like the rope thrown over the side of a ship.”

The Unbreakable Trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: The Silver Chain
Book 2: The Golden Locket
Book 3: Untitled

The Silver Chain (book 1) opens up with country bumpkin, Serena Folkes, traveling by train to London. She is leaving her ex-boyfriend and a painful past behind in hopes of starting anew as a photographer in the big city. On her first night out with her camera she happens upon a posh neighborhood and some kids trick-or-treating. While taking photographs she is approached by a mysterious stranger, Gustav Levi.

As it turns out Gustav is an enigmatic and aloof entrepreneur and owner of Levi Art Galleries. When he sees Serena’s photographs he offers to launch her career, but she has to agree to be his for a period of time. To symbolize that union, she must wear a silver bracelet and when Gustav is near he attaches himself to her via a silver chain.

Their story takes off from there following Serena’s career as they delve into an unconventional relationship filled with sexual exploration, seduction, battle for control, uncovering of hidden and painful pasts and teaching each other about letting go….

“Good girl. So. Are you ready to do this? You and me, working and playing together?”

Gustav Levi played the part of the very complex, hot-cold, and aloof hero to perfection! Book 1 will only scratch the surface of this remarkably handsome and broken man. Seven words to describe Gustav: Aloof, captivating, elusive, flawed, dominant, moody and enigmatic.



Serena Folkes is also a complex person, but for me she came across as having two very opposite personalities. The side I loved was the innocent, abused, unloved, neglected reflective and driven Serena whereas in stark contrast the sexually semi-obsessed and skilled part of her did not connect with me.

The Silver Chain ended on a good note albeit a surprising revelation. Gustav and Serena are in a good place while awaiting book 2. Excellent storytelling and plot. A very memorable hero. A promising start for a trilogy!

“‘Remember, you’re free to leave whenever you wish. But I guarantee by the end of our time together you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the attention I’m going to lavish on you.”

***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


(GIF approved by GR 10-2013)

[Mia Searles (The Muses Circle) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review and more can be viewed on my blog: The Muses Circle

My Review: I'm going to try not to let this review turn into a full blown rant, but I can't promise anything. I really dislike giving a book anything lower than 3 stars because no matter how I feel, I try to always keep in the back of my mind that this story is someone's baby, something they poured time and effort into. But I am nothing if not honest, and sadly, there are so many things I found wrong with The Silver Chain by Primula Bond. Riddled with contradictions, awkward wording/scenarios, and a hero/heroine that were down right unappealing and unsympathetic, I'm still in shock that this book is being compared to the likes of Sylvia Day's sizzling Crossfire series. Yes, it does share the formula: a younger woman leaves behind a troubled past by moving to a big city to also attempt to make it on her own. Millionaire, dominant older man with a dark side meets said younger woman and wants total possession, ownership, etc. But that is where the similarities end and not all for the good.

Here is what I did like. Since so many erotic novels are following in the footsteps of series like 50 Shades of Grey and Crossfire, the actual setting of The Silver Chain was quite refreshing. The majority of the story takes place in London, England, on a completely different continent from which I am used to reading about. The author, Primula Bond, is also from the UK and it is quite noticeable in her writing which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it did come with some challenges, such as learning different words like "skint" which means not having much money. And not laughing when the author uses "knickers" instead of panties, etc.

I also liked that the book's hero, Gustav Levi, is the owner of an art gallery. Yes, he is an entrepreneur, but the main focus of the novel centers around the Levi gallery. It's a nice change from other book millionaire heroes that we know. The art aspect of the novel was just about the only thing I could truly relate to. I not only minored in Art History in college, but I also interned at an art gallery so it was nice to delve back into that world.

So here is what I had issues with, starting with our main characters. I didn't like Serena at all. I give her a lot of credit for rising above her horrific childhood, but that's about the only compliment I can give her. I thought she was immature, selfish, and a bit hypocritical. There are so many examples to prove my point, but the biggest one is how she treats Gustav when it is his turn to try to find closure from his troubled past. Once she makes the deal with Gustav, she travels back to her village to finish selling her childhood home that held so many troubled memories for her. She also spies on her ex-boyfriend, Jake, having sex with another woman and takes photos of the encounter. She even meets up with him later-- my point is, she went back to find some closure for herself. After spending some time with Gustav and learning that many of his control and trust issues stem from his horrible marriage, he asks Serena to travel with him to the estate he shared with his ex-wife, Margot, in Switzerland to find closure. He didn't have to do that. He could have left her. But he trusted her to go with him, needing her support. Serena is even told by people that are close to Gustav (Crystal and Dickson) that she is the first girl he has ever taken back there, that this was a huge deal for him, and to try to be patient. So you would think she would go with an open mind, right? Nope, instead she flips. The very first day they arrive, actually. Serena sees the chapel where Gustav and his ex-wife Margot got married and literally freaks out. Really??? Why??? She knew by going with him that she was going to be seeing things that Gustav shared with his ex-wife. So why is it such a shock when she sees the chapel they got married in??? Serena yells at him, runs away-- makes it about her instead of giving him a chance to even try to find closure.

Gustav Levi just didn't do it for me as a hero. This could partially be the way he is described which would be the author's doing. Primula Bond has a habit of describing things that are supposed to come across as sexy but just doesn't work. Here is an example: "...the subtle flex in his forearm as he twirls his swizzle up and down his fingers like a cheerleader's baton." Umm, okay? Like comparing him in any way to a cheerleader is supposed to make him more manly? If anything it is a turn off. Also, the majority of the novel Gustav either spends hooking Serena to him with the silver chain (which totally annoyed me, I'll get to that later) or disappearing without letting her know where he's gone off to. He is more controlling than he is dominant which are two completely different things. I think the thing that bothered me the most about Gustav is that he didn't show much concern for Serena when it was really needed. Prime example is when they are horseback riding. Serena falls off her horse and injures her ankle really bad. By the time he figures out what happened, instead of kneeling down beside her to check on her ankle, he just stands there! She's literally in tears and asks him to help bind her ankle or take her to a doctor. What does Gustav do? He asks her if she wants to go get some hot chocolate. Umm, WHAT??? Oh, it gets better. When Serena stupidly agrees (totally makes no sense if she is that hurt) instead of picking her up and carrying her, he just walks slowly next to her while she hobbles. WTF? Wow, what a freakin' gentleman.

My other major issue is the slew of contradictions or inconsistencies throughout the book. I'm going to try to go through a few of the ones that stood out the most. 1) Serena accidentally left her camera after her first meeting with Gustav. We listen in on the phone call when he tells her where to meet him to pick up the camera. When she arrives, Gustav says, "You told me to guard it with my life, and that's exactly what I did...I told you I had a proposition for you, so I'll get straight to the point." What??? During their phone conversation she NEVER said to guard her camera with his life NOR does he mention anything about a proposition. 2) During their first sexual encounter, he asks her, "Please would you kneel down, Serena." Her response: "Hands and knees, you say? You want me to scrub the floor now?" What??? He told her to KNEEL, not to get on her hands and knees! 3) When Gustav arrives at the opening night of Serena's gallery exhibit, his, "...black hair is slicked back like the Godfather, making him look positively sinister and intimidating." A few pages later his, "dark hair falls against his eyebrow." So WHICH IS IT? Slicked back hair or loose in his face??? 4) The next morning after her sprained ankle incident, Serena wakes up to find that she must have been undressed in the middle of the night. She fantasizing about both Gustav and Dickson (Gustav's driver). She wonders, "Did the men undress me together?...Did they grow hard looking at me, dare the other to make a macho remark about the sleep of the innocent or did they deny the bulge in their trousers?...Did they have their way, the two of them exploring me with tongues and fingers and other parts..." Several pages later, Serena is looking through Gustav's telescope and sees Dickson kissing a woman. Her response? "Eww. Think I'll leave them to it." What??? She just fantasized about Dickson taking advantage of her in her sleep yet she is disgusted by him when she sees him kiss another woman??? It just totally doesn't make sense.

My last gripe is with the silver chain. I was first okay with it. This is obviously not my first book where the male character wants to mark his woman in some way, or to wear something that shows she belongs to him. I've read previous novels where men have made women wear collars, nipple clamps, even butt plugs all day. So I figured the silver chain between Serena and Gustav would be the same thing. At first it starts in private. He makes her wear a bracelet that is nearly impossible to get off, hooks the chain to it, and holds the other end to basically control the distance between them depending on his mood. Okay, I can deal with that. What totally turned me off and made it feel somewhat unbelievable was: 1) During opening night of her exhibit in a room full of people he hooks the chain up and tugs her around! I don't give a crap that the chain was so thin that you could barely see! It just doesn't seem realistic at all. Isn't it enough that she is wearing the bracelet? Isn't that symbolic enough? 2) Serena wakes up to find Gustav gone (yeah, like I said, he disappears all the time) and when she gets up off the bed, she notices that he had attached a longer chain on her wrist. Wait, get this. The chain is not only attached to her wrist, but to the wall and is so long that she can basically walk around the majority of the house. But essentially she is bound to the house and is unable to get dressed since she is attached to the chain. WTF! That's supposed to be a turn on??? I honestly don't blame her for breaking loose!!!

The Silver Chain is the first novel in a long time that I just wanted to stop reading, but because I had an obligation to review it, I forged ahead. It had an interesting premise and hey, any erotic romance being compared to Sylvia Day's Crossfire series is definitely worth a shot. But sadly, the story was a hot mess, filled with contradictions and characters that I honestly couldn't wait to forget. Gustav can't even light a candle next to the likes of Gideon (Crossfire series), Gabe and Jace (Breathless series), or Remington (Real, Raw, & Ripped series). These men would eat Gustav up and spit him out. And while I get the symbol of the silver chain, Primula Bond went a bit overboard with it. I don't think I will be reading any more books in this series but all I can hope is that the author hires some beta readers or finds a better editor to help point out the inconsistencies before any future novels are published.

Mia @ The Muses Circle

[Laurie (barksbooks)]

This was the oldest book on my IPad. I was determined to get it read but I couldn't do it. I had to DNF or it may have taken up all of my reading time for the next five years or so. The writing is ridiculously cluttered. Here's a little sample for your delight.

"It’s like the portrait of a different girl. Her face is pale, cheeks flushed with red. Her eyes, her Halloween cat’s eyes, are sparking with anticipation. The mouth with its pillowy lips is open, as if I’m out of breath. Those lips earned the nickname Fishy, taken up by every bully at school. Here’s my tongue, running along the lower lip, catching on the curve because the surface is so dry. I giggle into the silence and bite my finger. There’s a drip, drip of water from one of the cubicles. I press my hands on my head to try to calm myself down. It doesn’t work. I press my palms against my hollowed cheeks like Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Do I want to kiss Gustav? Is that it? Do I want him to kiss me? I don’t know. Not yet. I’m off men, remember? Too much going on in my head for that. So, no. I just want to get near him. He’s deadly, the way he pins you like a butterfly. I’ve followed him here without question, but what’s going to happen next? "

Now imagine reading a full novel of this. I couldn't do it. Holy hell, my head hurts.

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well well well, I have a love/hate relationship with this book. At times I felt as if I was going to give up on it and at others, it was a captivating 5 star read. So, here are my thoughts.

Gustav Levi is a very handsome, dark, rich, successful businessman in London. However, he's got very deep emotional baggage he's carried the past five years. These demons he fights are all related to his ex-wife Margot. I won't delve deep as this is a very complicated storyline and shouldn't be spoiled in any way. Let's just say since they split, he's never opened himself up to another woman emotionally....basically living a lonely life as a gallery owner (amongst other things).

My Gustav-



When he stumbles upon a boyish looking "voyeur" taking photographs of children outside his mansion in London, he approaches her. Only after a bit of chit chat does she release her "Rapunzel" hair from her ball cap and he's awestruck by her. Her name is Serena, a 20 year old photographer who's just moved from her hometown of Devon to start a new life. She was abandoned as a child and raised by very abusive people. Her childhood was littered with ridicule and physical abuse and neglect. When her "parents" pass away and she's left with an inheritance. Using that money, she ventures from city to city capturing life on film.

My Serena-



Gustav and Serena have a draw to each other. He's almost forty but she has stirred something within him he's not ready to walk away from. He offers her a contract of sorts. He will showcase her portfolio in his gallery but she is to be "his" until the last picture is sold....or by Christmas, whichever comes first. Serena has no problem accepting. This is a huge opportunity for her career growth and being with Gustav is NOT a hardship. She's been with one man her entire life and it was mediocre at best. The title of the book is related to a silver bracelet he gives her at the beginning of their contracted period. When they are together Gustav attaches a silver chain to it and links them together. A sign of their commitment. This book has the elements of D/s but not stated as such. No Master, slave etc. She's "his" during this contracted period and there's a bit of BDSM but it's more erotic than hardcore.

What I loved about this book-
-The writing style is very eloquent, almost poetic. It makes most books I've read seem elementary. As a college graduate, there's multiple words even I was unfamiliar with. It's clearly based in the UK and there's a fair amount of British-isms that I was clueless to their meaning.
-When things heat up between Gustav and Rena, the scenes are very angsty and fidgety. She can definitely put you in the scene where you feel the emotions of this extremely torn man.
-Even as an arc, the editing was near perfection.

What I didn't love about the book-
-Some parts seemed almost too wordy and drawn out for me. This is a book I couldn't read with a lot of distractions. So in that respect, it's the cause of my love/hate. It's written beautifully but sometimes I almost got lost in the translation of what her point was trying to be portrayed. Some of the lags in the storyline, parts that I wished had some "happenings" were so boring, I almost gave up entirely. I'm very happy I held on as all the "stuff" adds up to a strong development of who Gustav is and why he's the guarded character he portrays.



Cliffy alert-
Although the book ends on a HFN note, something happens at the very end that's completely unexpected. It's not the worst cliffhanger but it'll set you up to anxiously await the sequel to the book, named The Golden Locket.
*ARC courtesy of Harper Collins UK, Avon, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Mei]

ARC courtesy of Harper Collins UK, Avon, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

DNF AT PAGE 50

I wouldn't rate a book I didn't finish - it wouldn't be fair.

I strated reading even if I knew it was not a book for me, because I received it through Netgalley and I feel that it was fair to give it at least a try.

Unfortunately, my feeling was confirmed - this book is not for me! I don't like a submissive-dominating relationship and here it was the case, so it just irked me more and more and I just couldn't go on.

I would like to thank Harper Collins for giving me the book, even if I didn't liked it!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 but so-much-potential-for-more stars

The Silver Chain is the first book in Primula Bond’s The Unbreakable Trilogy and not a bad start to this semi-open ended happily ever after. I say semi-open ended because it is a trilogy and we know going in that the relationship will not be fully developed in the first - or likely second - book. And I’m hoping Ms. Bond doesn’t pull a last minute need to extend the trilogy beyond just that – a trilogy.

Cover:

Bound by passion, she was powerless to resist.

One dark evening in London, photographer Serena Folkes is indulging her impulsive side with a night-time shoot. But someone is watching her – mysterious entrepreneur Gustav Levi. Serena doesn’t know it yet, but this handsome stranger will change her life forever…

Serena is fascinated by Gustav, the enigmatic owner of the Levi Gallery, and she soon feels an irresistible pull of attraction. The interest is mutual, and Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career at his gallery, but only if Serena agrees to become his exclusive companion.

To mark their agreement, Gustav gives Serena a bracelet to wear at all times. Attached to it is a silver chain of which he is the keeper. With the chain Gustav controls Serena physically and symbolically – a sign that she is under his power.

As their passionate relationship intensifies, Gustav’s hold on the silver chain grows stronger. But will Gustav’s dark past tear them apart?

My Review:

I wish I could be more excited about this trilogy but honestly, it just seems like more of what the market is being inundated with. There were times I thought I’d DNF it and other times I thought I’d love it. In the end, it took me a couple months of picking it up and putting it down before I finished. The thing is, to really “wow” me these days, a story has to be compelling, exciting, and gripping, but most of all fresh and unique. And sadly, this story, in my opinion, was not.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. There was, and is, a lot of potential here. Ms. Bond is talented and able to write engaging, complex characters, but with The Silver Chain I just wasn’t left dying to know what might happen next. That’s not to say I won’t read more, should the mood strike me.

My thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Duchess Nicole]

DNF. No rating. I honestly think this is just not what I'm in the mood for. The plot is somewhat scattered at first, and it takes a long time to understand each and every scene set up. Example: the beginning scene is of this girl at a train station, but instead of just explaining why she's at a train station, she describes in lengthy detail her surroundings, her state of mind, her physical well being, and then explains what happened last night, a little about her childhood, and then you're back at the train station for more descriptions.

First person present tense...gah!!! I can take first person, but add in present tense, and it's very hard to be an observer of the story. I'd much rather observe than try to relate to a narrator that I don't know or like. It's like you're forced to be someone, whether you want to or not.

Each time there is some dialogue, it takes forever to actually read an entire conversation. Someone will say something, and the narration starts up to explain what the girl thinks about that or how she feels, something about her surroundings, etc. Two paragraphs later, she replies, and the same thing happens. Really, it was a very tedious book to read, but I think more so for readers of romance. Most of us tend to want action and movement, a lot of dialogue and intricate characterization, which wasn't in this book up to the point that I gave up.

Copy provided by the publisher for review

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh silly silly book. Let me summarize it for you while re-enacting the story.

Serena: I am an inexperienced photographer who has only slept with 1 guy at the ripe old age of 20.
Gustav: I am creepy vampire-esque man who waits for women outside my house.
Serena: You must have sex with me.
Gustav: You must have a drink with me.
Serena: Fine. Oops I have to go to a party and be a cock tease while thinking of you.
Gustav: You forgot your camera when you left. I looked through your pictures. I own a gallery. You will be my sex slave until all your pictures are sold and I will give you 50% of the profit.
Serena: Okay. Sounds reasonable.
Gustav: You will wear this chain everywhere.
Serena: Okay. I take naughty pictures and will tell everyone about them.
Gustav: I will make you move into my house with the room full of things that remind me of my terrible ex-wife.
Serena: I love you. I hate you. I love you. I hate you.
Gustav: I can't live without you.


Stacie: Meh, this book had some hot scenes but overall, was just kind of silly.

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted at SoManyBooksSoLittleTime

[AH]

This is a DNF review. I tried. I tried twice to read this book. I got up to the middle of the second chapter and I just couldn't do it any more. Maybe I'm not in the mood for this, maybe I just didn't drink enough wine. This book is not for me.

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not even going to dignify this with an actual review. I stopped reading somewhere around the 33% mark and then just skimmed the rest. I did not like the characters or the writing style. The way the author wrote, with the heavy inner/descriptive monologues between dialogue, made it insanely hard to keep interest in the conversations. This is one series that I will not be continuing.

I have never flounced a book before, but this seriously tested me.

ARC courtesy of Harper Collins UK, Avon, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRIMULA BOND - THE SILVER CHAIN
The Unbreakable Trilogy - Book 1
Release Date - July 4 - 2013
(AVON - Harper Collins, UK)





After reading the blurb I was prepared for Sadie Matthews' Fire After Dark Trilogy meets Vina Jackon's Eighty Days Series. And after reading a few pages I still felt that way. And I mean that in a positive way - I loved those books. But just like with the Eighty Days Series, I'm afraid they are going to put this little round sticker on the cover of The Silver Chain Books saying: For Fans Of Fifty Shades & Crossfire.

And that's just wrong! As Admin of a FSOG FanPage on Facebook I know that 95% of all Shadies do NOT like the Eighty Days books. A lot more liked the Fire After Dark Series, but still not the majority. But those books are just a touch too hard and there's not enough 'Hearts and flowers' for FSOG-Fans. So, if I could suggest a sticker for The Silver Chain books: For Fans of Fire After Dark & Eighty Days!



Twenty-year-old Serena Folkes has a life to start living. That's why we start the book with her on a train from her little sea-side town in Devon to London. After her adoptive parents passed away and left her some money she packs up her cameras and pictures to move to the big city, where she plans on handing out her CV to art galleries. She will stay at her cousin Polly's flat. (Polly left to go to work in New York with her new boyfriend Pierre).

On the night of Halloween she's taking pictures of little kids in a little gated park - that's when we meet Gustav Levi. A dark and handsome stranger with a vampirical vibe.

A modern-day Dracula. A swarthy Edward Cullen.

They're instantly attracted to each other, even though he's almost twice her age. After some intense moments in the cold and dark park they're having a drink at a hotel bar and when she gets called away to a party, she forgets her cameras at the bar. That's how she finds herself in the Levi Building the next morning where she finds out that Gustav owns the whole building, including the gallery on one of the upper floors.

Because he was curious, he checked out the pictures on her camera, and he's very interested in her work. In exchange for an exhibition of her photographs she will have to sign a contract that says she will be his until all her pictures are sold. He later gives her a silver chain - bracelet, with her name engraved on it, to bind her to him......


I won't say much more - I don't want to spoil too much - only this:

- she has an ex-boyfriend - Jake
- he has an ex-wife - Margot
- he has a chauffeur, pilot, cook, bodyguard - Dickson
- he has an assistant - Crystal
- her past plays a big part in the book - the 'people' who raised her were horrible, unloving idiots.
- his past, of course, plays an important part too - his wife hurt him really bad.
- her silver 'bracelet' obviously plays a huge part - plus the chain he attaches to it - to keep her close ☺
- no idea for what it's supposed to stand, but his red scarf has lots of appearances in the book ☺
- his brother - the only family he had - is not in the picture anymore - there's a story there ;)
- we're flying to Switzerland - to stay at his chalet for a bit
- there's LOTS of sublte sex - and alone-sex - not much 'real' sex ☻
- there's spanking!
- voyerism plays a big part in the book - Peeping Tomasina!
- there will be Nuns ☺
- there will be a CLIFFHANGER ending!!!! I. DID. NOT. EXPECT. THAT.



I really loved the book - it was different - but good different. Compared to other books in the erotic genres, there was a lot of written stuff to read ☺ WORDS - endless lines of words, with no breathing space in between ☺

There is this huge connection between Serena and Gustav, but it takes them forever to finally get it right. It was a bit too slow for me. It felt like the two of them didn't have that much time together in the book. Serena was alone too much, talking to us too often. I CAN'T WAIT for book 2 - the cliffhanger really left me hanging! I want to know what happens with Serena and Gustav and why and what and everything ☺




GO BUY THE BOOK!

[Shirley Frances · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.25 stars (0.25 because I enjoyed the London setting.)

I don't know where to start with this review, so I'll outline it for you.

1. The Characters

a. Serena - self-centered, immature and emotionally incompetent. I didn't like her AT ALL. When she was recounting her past, I felt for her and even understood where some of her pain was coming from. Her thoughts were scattered every which way, leaving a mess for me to figure out. Just...no.

b. Gustav - interesting man. Quiet, strong. I was intrigued to know more about him. I wouldn't say he was dominant, he was more of a control-freak with a Hudini fetish. The man was a master at disappearing. Now, don't get me wrong. I like my men as mysterious as the next gal, but Gustav was ridiculous. Hell, I read the whole book and still don't feel like I don't know shit about him other than he's controlling, likes to use a chain as a leash and disappears faster than a fart.

2. The Story

So Serena leaves her hometown and old boyfriend behind to make a new start in the city. She's photographer (which I loved and admit was what drew me to the read the story in the first place) and is out taking photos on Halloween when she meets a mysterious man in an alley. (This is where I should have been aware that this story was not for me. That encounter was just *shivers* strange.)

After meeting for drinks with the stranger Serena receives a call from her cousin asking her to meet her at a party. (ohhh, a costume party! How fun is that?!) Turns out it wasn't fun at all. Everything that took place there was confusing and added NOTHING to the story.

Fast forward to her meeting with Gustav when she goes to retrieve her camera (yeah, because a serious photographer would forget her equipment. NOT!). Once there, Gustav proposes an arrangement with Serena. Kind of a kinky business deal of sorts. He will feature her work in the gallery and she will serve him until the last piece is sold. (hmmm, nice deal! I'm not opposed.)

So that's how it all began.

Now the middle, I can't tell you much about it because really it was a mix of events, facts and circumstances that didn't make any sense to me.

- There was the story behind the photos featured in the gallery (not related to Gustav and Serena's story in my opinion- zzzzzz).

- Serena servicing Gustav (anti-climatic, at best - been there, read that, have the Crossfire series to prove it).

- Gustav disappearing who knows where and leaving Serena alone.

- Serena venturing back home, spying on her ex-boyfriend and 'finding' closure (questionable, in my opinion).

- Gustav opening to Serena by sharing with her some of his past and have Serena think only about herself (typical Serena making it about herself and Gustav disappearing - again).

- All this while Serena was mostly led by a chain bracelet attached to Gustav, except when he disappeared (of course). But not to worry, he was resourceful and would attach the other end to another, longer chain.

3. Conclusion

To tell you the truth I don't know why I continued reading. I guess my type-A personality wouldn't let me NOT finish it. But it was a struggle. Nothing against the author, I don't know of her writing and a lot of people have liked this story, but it just wasn't for me.

The Silver Chain is the first book in The Unbreakable Trilogy. Sadly, I won't be reading The Golden Locket , the next book in the series.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.

[Paranormal Kiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Silver Chain is the first book in the Unbreakable trilogy by Primula Bond. It’s an okay read. I had several issues with this book. The most notable is the excessive inner dialog. The Silver Chain is told solely from the point of view of the heroine, Serena. It is long winded and rambling. The plot moves at a snail’s pace because you have to slog through pages and pages of inner dialog. So much time is spent on Serena’s inner musings that it fails to give depth to the plot, the romance, and to the hero, Gustav.

Additionally, I didn’t find it sexy or erotic. I’m not a prude in any way and have read and enjoyed more erotic and kinky books but the erotica in this book felt forced, awkward and at times ridiculous. The flow is off as well, it jumps from one scene to the next in a jarring fashion. The overall plot is interesting but there isn’t much progression and it ends in a cliffhanger. I’m sorry to say that I have absolutely no interest in reading the next book.

[Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.

The Silver Chain (The Unbreakable Trilogy #1) is an Erotic Romance written by Primula Bond. I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review by HarperCollins UK, Avon through NetGalley.

2.5 Acceptable Stars!
Sensual and Colorful Yet Slow and Complicated!

Reviewers Rant: I just wanted to say that I am skeptical (and frankly, tired) when seeing all these books compare themselves to the Fifty Shades or Crossfire series. I wish authors/publishers would allow the book to stand on it's own merit instead of leaching off the popularity of others, especially when there's no comparison. Its an overly used, tiresome selling gimmick to get the reader interested and I have yet to see a book who compares itself to these popular series, actually live up to the hype. End of Rant!

The Rundown:
Serena Folkes is just starting to live. In a desperate attempt to be free of a haunting past, she takes the plunge and moves to London, away from her small seaside village and against the wishes of her first love who has turned bitter at her need for more. Stifled in a childhood of neglect and outright cruelty, Serena intendeds to hit the streets of London and peddle her pictures in an attempt to make a living. On her first night out, while she’s taking pictures of little witches and ghosty goblins for her Halloween layout, she attracts the attention of a dark, mysterious man. Gustav Levi is intense, compelling and everything she never knew she craved and he’s about to take her places she never knew existed.

The Review:
This read was different. It was a good story. It was intense, sensual with a slight BDSM theme and it was a bit whimsical and I could see where the author was trying to go with it and she accomplishes it to a degree, but here's the rub. For all the character building and clever charm, the writing was steeped in flamboyant metaphors and quizzical analogies which only distracted from the essence of the main story.

The author has a certain creative and dramatic flair in her writing style. The visuals are appealing but overly descriptive, pulling the reader out of the setting and out of the book. I found my mind wandering, getting lost in all the flowery words and hard as I tried, it became a challenge to stay focused and connected to the story. A lot of the time, I felt like I was at a Mad Hatter Tea party and the guest were all knackered and running amok with cartoon bubbles floating above their heads with wild images and fanciful dreams attracting and distracting my attention.

However, though the flair continued throughout all the pages, it did tame itself after the first 55% and the story became more intriguing, more involved and I was able to look past a lot of the fluff to see the journey underneath. I started to enjoy and really dig my teeth into this read.

Characters...
As a character, I was taken by Gustav immediately upon meeting him. He was sexy and alluring and there was something mysterious and broken lurking behind his dark eyes.

Serena and Gustav both have trust issues and pasts they wished were cleaner, less riddled with pain and ugliness. They have a hard time coming together, especially Gustav, who I liked but wouldn’t fancy as a romantic interest. He seems cold and aloof most of the book and though we know differently by his actions and his reaction to Serena’s tempting, his demeanor and his words seem disinterested, like Serena is just a luxury item he’s happened upon.

My biggest complaint though goes to Serena. I didn’t care for her character. She has this armor built around her and is almost dead inside or so she thinks, because really, someone who’s dead inside, couldn’t see and capture the beauty around them in pictures. But to her, the world is a bad temper and cruel words and a quick, unemotional romp in a caravan but within the first hour of meeting Gustav, she’s telling him her tale of woe and does so openly. And when she’s telling Crystal about her past, its the same thing, an open book and she isn’t shy about it. She just came off as desperate and needy, begging for compassion in an unattractive way. She was also a bit over-the-top hysterical on many occasions and her dour attitude was cringe worthy.

Sub-Characters.,.
Crystal changed over the course of the book from this indifferent shrew to a fairly carefree woman and it was thanks to her friendship with Serena but also, I think, because Gustav changed and the atmosphere became less sterile and harsh. A lightness was reintroduced into their lives.

However... I found it incredibly invasive that both Crystal and Dickson knew so much about Gustav and Serena’s personal lives and what they did together. It was creepy.

The Wrap Up:
This book wasn't bad but it wasn’t my favorite. I put it down several times in the beginning, almost deciding to not finish it. But I barreled through and finally found an agreeable story buried under a pile of eccentric. There is a cliffy at the end and I may go on to read book two when its released, but it won't be a priority.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Silver Chain is an enjoyable read, though a little slow at times. Serena is a small town girl running from her past. She hopes to start over and make a name for herself as a photographer in London. On her first night out with her camera, she encounters a mysterious stranger, Gustav Levi, owner of the Levi Gallery. Even though he’s nearly twice her age, Serena is fascinated by him. He proposes an unconventional business deal of sorts. He will feature her photographs in his gallery and she will be his until the last one sells. To symbolize their union, Gustav gives Serena a silver bracelet to wear at all times. When Gustav is near he attaches himself to her with a silver chain.

I had mixed feelings about this book. At the beginning, I felt the storyline progressed too slowly and lacked flow. I also struggled with some of the British references. Overall though, it was a pretty decent read and I liked it.

[Tess ✨]

I got about 2/3 of the way through this book and could not be bothered to finish. I never connected with any of the characters, truly couldn't care less about their fates. It's time for me to stop trying to enjoy erotica, it seems to be a lost cause.

It was my mistake to accept this title for review. I was uninterested in this book and struggled to finish it. There was just nothing that made me care about the characters, they felt flat and one dimensional. Without being able to connect to the characters I found it difficult to care about anything that happened in the book.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley.

Off the bat, I was happy to see that we didn't have a young business woman meet our mysterious, dominating millionaire in an elevator. Still, having a young aspiring photographer who happens to run into a mysterious, dominating millionaire gallery owner on a foggy London sidewalk isn't wandering far from the current post-Fifty Shades formula. That said, both leads were given a traumatic past (hers much more traumatic than his, really) that caused them to have trust issues, so dealing with those issues provided a bit more depth to this story than many others in the same vein.

Overall, I enjoyed it--it made for a good bit of escapist brain candy. However, I felt Gustav's control issues went a bit too far to the extreme; his many instances of just running off and leaving Serena were hard to take and borderline ridiculous in some cases. Also, for a piece of dominant/submissive erotica, Serena sure did spend a lot of time in solo escapades (see above re: Gustav randomly disappearing). The titular silver chain was fine as a symbol initially, but became rather odd eventually--at one point he fastened them together and then they got undressed...how does that work exactly??? I kept picturing the clothes just dangling in the middle of the chain somewhere, accidentally dragging their hands back at inconvenient times...

But I'll admit I don't tend to overanalyze books such as this, so I mostly let things go if it's not out-and-out annoying. Also, as such things go, it wasn't overly crude, which was nice. And I was interested enough in where the story left off that I can see myself reading the next book.

Update: The more I've thought about it, the more I'm aggravated by one other chain incident (noted by other reviewers as well)--the giant chain that was long enough for her to wander through the house but not get outside. How long was this chain anyway?? And how do you move through various rooms with furniture without getting it tangled up? And how did she get dressed that time, too? I thought all these things at the time and decided to let it go, but I don't think I can--that was pretty stupid. Symbolically, fine. Realistically? Ridiculous. Ok, I'm done now.

[♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow… I'm trying to figure out what to say… Actually I know what to say, but I'm going to try and tone it down. The author has the potential to be amazing… Her descriptions are spot on good. The story itself was great. I would actually read another one of her books!

With all that said, I think this author had a couple problems.

The very last page was GREAT & it wasn't about Gustov or Serena… Just a Hi! How are you kind of thing. I actually guessed this right away for some reason, I just had a feeling… A totally random one. You'll know when you cut to the last page…

Hmm… There is nothing that bothers me more than having to read about every little thing that runs through someones mind. This book was written in first person, which isn't a big deal, but HOLY…COW! This was a book of slowly progressing thoughts. For the most part, her thought process continues to drag forEVERRR! It's all inner dialog & inner turmoil that drags on. BUT the descriptions are good, just maybe to lengthy! The last 18% was really good. It was getting there that drove me a little crazy. I just start picturing a totally antisocial personality disorder with all the inner dialog.

Another problem this book had was the sudden drop offs & scene changes. A lot of times I had to go back & reread sections to figure out if I missed something. There weren't many smooth transitions. I am not sure if it was on purpose or if it was an editing problem. For such a descriptive author I found several times where transitional information was missing. Major scene changes. For example: Waking up alone, not knowing where Gustov is, having not seen him at all, then stepping out on a balcony looking down at a driver who is looking up tapping his watch. Next paragraph, it's afternoon & she's in the office with Gustov. Well… Like what the hell happened to him & why is everything so normal now? I dunno.

I do enjoy reading UK writers & the slang. It's totally fun. If it wasn't for the schizophrenia…( inner dialog going on forever, but not the psycho kind), I think I would have LOVED this book.

[Lariza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished! I was at odds with story as I began to read it; the pace was very slow and I wasn't sure if would be able to endure through it. This is the story of Serena and her chance meeting with Gustav Levi. The story has a very somber, almost ominous tone- Gustav is a dark character, hiding many things. Serena has left her old life behind for London. She sees the world through her camera lens. She meets Gustav on Halloween which is quite fitting for the story as she describes him almost vampiric in nature- dark hair, pale skin and eyes that are as dark as bottomless pits. It's obvious that both feel instantly intrigued by one another and would like to further their interaction. Gustav is a mystery, one that the lovely Serena would like to solve. Gustav proposes to Serena an arrangement of both business and pleasure that she cannot refuse. As the story progressed, I liked it more and found myself wanting to know more about Gustav and how he became this damaged creature that found hope for more in Serena. Both Serena and Gustav were complex characters with damaging pasts and scars- they found in each other a yearning for something more. The story is well written- the descriptions of the places, past events, the weather, Serena's photographs it felt as if I was seeing them for myself. The ending was not what I was expecting - wow!!! I didn't see that coming and can't wait to read the next installment. I give the story 3.5 stars.


*ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 1 out of 5]

.5 bites
DNF @4%

Book source ~ NetGalley

The narrator, a woman of 20, dumps her boyfriend and leaves her small town for the big city of London. She wants to be a photographer and that’s not going to happen back in Hicksville with Billy Bob. Or whatever the equivalent is in Britain. Her thoughts ramble on in such a pretentious and annoying fashion that I had to give up or go insane. For a 20-yr-old she sure sounds like a 50-yr-old. In any case, I tried to continue but when I got to the part where she meets the creepy guy in a dark alley and her thoughts take 5 million years to describe how hot and interesting he is (but never once thinking he might be a rapist or serial killer or maybe she did and I missed it in her multi-page rambling drivel) and then she says his stubble is frustrated and his cheekbones are snow-piste. Wtf?! Now she’s the really creepy one. Seriously? I was out of there. Nope. Good-bye. I kill them both in my head. The end.

PS: There are probably people who eat this purple prose shit up. I am not one of them. As you can probably tell.

[Nikki]

I've been trying to read this book for at least two weeks. I've only gotten to around half way. I'm bored out of my mind. It seems to be going exactly nowhere...like a nightmare where you're trying to get to the end of the hallway where the door to salvation waits(aka me being done with this book)...and yet the more I try the further it seems. I think I could find a needle in a haystack before I could finish this book.

DNF

[Nancy❤The❤Bookaholic]

DNF @ 14%

I can't do it! I can't go on. I can't absorb anything that's going on in this book. This book is just not for me.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serena and Gustav

Strange but very compelling book. Full review on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

The very first romance novel I read featured a ring that once worn by the woman would never come off. No matter how much she tried the thing would magically tighten up and refused to be removed. I was probably 13 years old and wore the heck out of that pb book. It was falling apart by the time I was done reading it. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the book and have obsessively searched for it since my teenage years. The blurb for the Silver Chain sounded like it could be similar so I decided to give it a try.

Serena has moved to London to finally make her life happen. She is a photographer and she needs to be where the big galleries are if she is to ever be a success. One night there and she is in trouble though. While she is out taking pictures of Halloween she attracts the notice of Gustav Levi. Gustav is rich, famous and owns multiple galleries. After some dancing around he offers her a contract. Become his until Christmas time or upon the time her work sells out and he will provide the showcase she needs to launch her career.

Serena cannot resist the pull of the man nor can she say no to her dream. She agrees to his terms and assumes they will be together right away. But Gustav has a dark past and a lack of trust in people. He will not kiss her and he will not sleep with her despite the explosive chemistry between them. What Serena finds is that Gustav is a man deeply wounded by his ex-wife and the loss of his family. But where that leaves them and their deal she just isn’t sure.

The sliver chain that is listed in the title is a bracelet that Gustav gives Serena. The bracelet, once clasped, does not come off and has a hook on it that will allow Gustav to clip her to him. It sounds a little odd but when used in sexual scenes it is kind of hot. Gustav has serious control issues because of his ex and uses little things like the chain to calm himself. The chain doesn’t have anything to with slaves or BDSM or anything 50 shades, it is just part of the story that worked.

There were two sides of this book for me. There were the times when Gustav and Serena were together and then everything else. Everything else held little appeal. There were pages and pages of description and going ons and more than one odd scene of self-pleasuring. This is a long book so those parts were very frustrating and frankly a bit weird. But then when they are together, magic jumps off the pages. The scenes with both of them are filled with mystery, possession and lust. It got to the point where if Gustav and Serena were not together I would jump to the next scene where they were together. I am not sure if that is good or bad, jumping to the next scene.

Even though there are large parts of the book I would page past, I was held captivated until the end. There is an air of menace and darkness that covers the story and begs for an answer. Gustav is so troubled and closed off and we know that if he were to just tell Serena everything she would be in. But even down to the final pages, we don’t know if she is in. Instead we are given a cliffhanger that while it made me say, “ohhhhh, didn’t see that coming!”, I still felt was very appropriate to how the whole book read.

So yes, I had my problems with this book. It is so long and overly dramatic in the details and telling but I will be the first person in line when the next book releases. The overall story is one mixed with angst and seduction and enough to keep this reader happy! Final grade- B-

Favorite Quote:

“I think it’s a case of suck it and see.”

[multitaskingmomma · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Silver Chain
Primula Bond
Erotica/Romantic Fantasy
2 out of 5 Stars

Any comment (for me) comparing a new release to either 50 Shades of Grey or Crossfire is a red flag. One, I wouldn't want to compare my novel to these bestsellers on the chance it may be weighed and come up short. Two, it sets an expectation. Not good.

Bound by passion, she was powerless to resist.

One dark evening in London, photographer Serena Folkes is indulging her impulsive side with a night-time shoot. But someone is watching her – mysterious entrepreneur Gustav Levi. Serena doesn’t know it yet, but this handsome stranger will change her life forever…

Serena is fascinated by Gustav, the enigmatic owner of the Levi Gallery, and she soon feels an irresistible pull of attraction. The interest is mutual, and Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career at his gallery, but only if Serena agrees to become his exclusive companion.

To mark their agreement, Gustav gives Serena a bracelet to wear at all times. Attached to it is a silver chain of which he is the keeper. With the chain Gustav controls Serena physically and symbolically – a sign that she is under his power.

As their passionate relationship intensifies, Gustav’s hold on the silver chain grows stronger. But will Gustav’s dark past tear them apart?

An erotic romance novel perfect for fans of 50 Shades of Grey and Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series. The Silver Chain is the first in the sexy, passionate and addictive Unbreakable Trilogy by Primula Bond.

The story starts out slowly, really sloooowlyyyy. Here and there are bits of the two aforementioned trilogies: the tall, dark, mysterious billionaire benefactor, the virginal beauty who doesn't believe she is one, abuse haunting the past, the more knowledgeable best friend, the car/chauffeur constantly in the background, an obsession with the arts... you name it, it's there. Finally, about halfway through the book, Serena and Gustav make a more tenuous move to be together. It's the first time the bracelet comes into play, the first time Gustav voices his intentions, the first time Serena looses some of her secrets. Why did it have to take so long?

This is also where it takes a turn from the sweetness of 50 and Crossfire and somewhat morphs into the Story of O.

I do however like the movie comparisons used. But while I can picture a twenty-something Serena likening Gustav to Edward Cullen/Zorro or her life to Harry Potter's with the Dursleys, I cannot reconcile their almost sexual encounter to being like Richard Gere and Julia Roberts' sexy piano scene in Pretty Woman. No. No newly graduated teen would have watched that movie nor would she have had the means to have done so when she was younger. Then quoting Apocalypse Now? It jars me badly.

And Gustav! Lord and Master of Delayed Gratification would be a suitable title for him.

I do wish the "comparison" marketing ploy could be changed. This is a haunting tale in its own right, albeit a little too leisurely in pace and prosy for me. But the foundations are solid, believable even, and would have made it interesting without the unfortunate shadows of the other trilogies fluttering over it.


Review based on ARC sent by Netgalley


Contributed by Ramona
Blog: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Silver Chain, the first book in The Unbreakable Trilogy was, indeed dark and dangerous with an edgy feel to it. Author Primula Bond has created a tale of damaged people who meet by chance and something just clicks between them, although the worlds they live in are so different. Serena has what Gustav needs and he in turn, gives her what she is looking for. They both have dark pasts and trust issues, so between them the silver chain is a symbol of power, dominance, control and trust, all things that they have issues with.

There are erotic books that make you feel involved with the characters, make you understand how they became the people they are. You get to know the characters, see how the Dom/Sub rolls actually are their form of therapy or release, how they learn to overcome their trust issues of the past. I tried to feel and understand Serena and Gustav and I just couldn’t connect. Serena’s character seemed almost whiny, making me think that their ‘arrangement’ was the worst thing for her. Gustav’s past makes him have his own set of issues that seemed magnified by his silver chain antics. I could not reconcile their relationship as having enough depth for a close Dom/Sub relationship.

A review copy was provided by NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Avon, in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: July 4, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins UK, Avon
Series: The Unbreakable Trilogy, #1
ISN: 9780007524150
Number of Pages: 400
Genre: Erotic Romance
Age Recommendation: Adults
My Rating: 3 stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena Folkes is a budding photographer, intent on getting her first break in London. She’s putting her traumatic childhood behind her and moving on. One night while taking photos she meets Gustav Levi. She’s attracted to him, but goes off to a party with her cousin. She meets Gustav again when she realizes she’s left her camera behind. Gustav is taken by Serena too, and he offers her an arrangement where he’ll arrange a show for her, and in exchange she’ll give him her time until the end of the year or until her photos all sell.

Serena and Gustav are both damaged characters who need to get over events in the past. Their past is a large part of this story and comes between them while they explore their relationship. They’re an interesting match—the young inexperienced girl and the world-weary gallery owner. I think they were good together and a great match.

The language used is very descriptive and visual, the prose lyrical and I found it better to read in small bites rather than a huge gulp. The emotion poured off the page, and sometimes it became too much.

On the whole I enjoyed this story a lot. I had a couple of small niggles. Serena was prone to asking lots of rhetorical questions, and they became irritating. There were also a few scenes that dragged a little because of the lyrical language. I also thought the story ended abruptly with the arrival of the new character, setting up a cliffhanger for the next story. I wanted just a tad more resolution.

This book was received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first by this author and I liked many aspects of this book. First the use of the silver chain was a cute idea and simple but elegant form of a collar. I liked the artist angle too, their seems to be a genre opening with this type of book. I didn't, like the chemistry between Gustav and Serena though. He chose her but pushes her away which fizzles the chemistry for her. The author goes into Serena's past but doesn't really go into Gustav. You can see what shapes Serena but Gustav being formed by what happened with his ex is unsatisfactory for me. I don't like cliffhanger endings either. I think a decision should have been made at the end.

[Steph]

The one thing I'm sure of is that The Silver Chain is not for me. I have tried on multiple occasions to complete the book, but I now recognize the futility of it. Not only was the prose difficult for me to endure, but, try as I might, I could not connect with any of the characters.

I appreciate NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Avon giving me the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review, however, in this case, it was not a good fit and I am unable to do so. I was only able to read 35% and, for this reason, I am not rating the book.

[Naomi]

I struggled to read the first Five chapters of Silver Chain, before I decided that I couldn't read any more. I couldn't really connect to Serena, she was quick to go off with Gustav, even meeting him in the dark... I would've ran for the hills... it was a little creepy! I didn't really like Gustav either, seems like a weird arrangement.

Unfortunately, after reading 26% of the book, I decided this one wasn't for me.

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.