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Deceit #1
Bought Deceit
He was trained to obey. He never expected to be seen.
In a world where slavery is law and humanity is currency, Dakota has never known freedom. Raised in a system that broke boys young and sold them off even younger, he was taught to serve, submit, and disappear. Hope is a myth. Dignity, a luxury he was never meant to touch.
Then Allister buys him.
Cold. Controlled. Dangerous. Allister is nothing like the men Dakota was trained for. He doesn’t demand obedience. He doesn’t punish failure. He watches. He waits. And he treats Dakota like he’s something more than property.
But kindness feels like a trap. Touch feels like betrayal. And Dakota doesn’t know how to exist without chains.
As the lines blur between ownership and care, control and connection, Dakota is forced to confront the one thing he was never allowed to feel: want.
Is Allister just another master with a softer hand—or something far more dangerous?
Author’s Note: This novel contains themes of human trafficking, forced control, rape, age gap romance, and psychological trauma. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
In a world where slavery is law and humanity is currency, Dakota has never known freedom. Raised in a system that broke boys young and sold them off even younger, he was taught to serve, submit, and disappear. Hope is a myth. Dignity, a luxury he was never meant to touch.
Then Allister buys him.
Cold. Controlled. Dangerous. Allister is nothing like the men Dakota was trained for. He doesn’t demand obedience. He doesn’t punish failure. He watches. He waits. And he treats Dakota like he’s something more than property.
But kindness feels like a trap. Touch feels like betrayal. And Dakota doesn’t know how to exist without chains.
As the lines blur between ownership and care, control and connection, Dakota is forced to confront the one thing he was never allowed to feel: want.
Is Allister just another master with a softer hand—or something far more dangerous?
Author’s Note: This novel contains themes of human trafficking, forced control, rape, age gap romance, and psychological trauma. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
ebook
Published September 7, 2023
45 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Winchester
30 books177 followersI’ve always been passionate about storytelling and impressed by the influence it has on people and the decisions they make in life. My novels are something that won't be found anywhere else.
I live in a small town in Colorado. I have 4 kids, 4 dogs, and a cat.
I love to write. I am more than just an author; I'm a storyteller.
I live in a small town in Colorado. I have 4 kids, 4 dogs, and a cat.
I love to write. I am more than just an author; I'm a storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 4, 2023
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
AMAZING!!
This was such an emotional read, but worth every tear.
Extremely dark, so take heed of the trigger warnings, Bought Deceit is about a trafficking victim, Dakota, whose new owner Allister seems different from all the previous.
Autumn Winchester doesn’t shy away from showing the trauma Dakota goes through, and as hard it is to read sometimes, the caretaking and loving make up for all the hurt.
I would’ve liked more of these two together, maybe an epilogue for a glimpse of their future. The ending does feel a little abrupt, but still pretty satisfying.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I feared that once he found his voice, he’d find out just how easy he’d get me to give him the world if I could.
AMAZING!!
This was such an emotional read, but worth every tear.
Extremely dark, so take heed of the trigger warnings, Bought Deceit is about a trafficking victim, Dakota, whose new owner Allister seems different from all the previous.
Autumn Winchester doesn’t shy away from showing the trauma Dakota goes through, and as hard it is to read sometimes, the caretaking and loving make up for all the hurt.
I would’ve liked more of these two together, maybe an epilogue for a glimpse of their future. The ending does feel a little abrupt, but still pretty satisfying.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
January 11, 2024
All hurt, no comfort. Jk, there's comfort but goodness, there's a lotta hurt to get through first.
If you came here for sexy-fun-times, look elsewhere. This book is about trauma and healing. (okay, fine, a smidge of spiciness but it's spiciness painted in the shade morally-grey) It's emotional and sad but also so, so, sooo sweet because it's also about finding unconventional love in the darkest of circumstances.
Dakota and Allister's characters were written beautifully! I'm so glad that it's dual POV because getting both of their inner thoughts and seeing how they viewed the other and how their relationship developed was so charming.
If you're a fan of hurt/comfort and you want a book that is essentially just hurt/comfort from cover to cover, this is the book for you. But for the love of god, check your triggers.
If you came here for sexy-fun-times, look elsewhere. This book is about trauma and healing. (okay, fine, a smidge of spiciness but it's spiciness painted in the shade morally-grey) It's emotional and sad but also so, so, sooo sweet because it's also about finding unconventional love in the darkest of circumstances.
Dakota and Allister's characters were written beautifully! I'm so glad that it's dual POV because getting both of their inner thoughts and seeing how they viewed the other and how their relationship developed was so charming.
If you're a fan of hurt/comfort and you want a book that is essentially just hurt/comfort from cover to cover, this is the book for you. But for the love of god, check your triggers.
January 26, 2024
2 stars story.
The way the author executed this story, really annoyed and pissed me off. She focused more on Dakota's abuse and suffering than she did on his rescue and healing and character growth. There was no gradual relationship development between the MCs, which ruined the chemistry between them for me. The sex scenes were horribly placed, they happened too soon. So they came off as disgusting.
She described the rapes and torture in great detail but heaven forbid she gave detailed description of the MCs. All she gave were their eye colors. And that Dakota had messy hair and Allister had some grey hairs. *rme*
I couldn't even finish the epilogue, because it was basically just a dragged out sex scene. I don't think I will be reading anymore books by this author.
The way the author executed this story, really annoyed and pissed me off. She focused more on Dakota's abuse and suffering than she did on his rescue and healing and character growth. There was no gradual relationship development between the MCs, which ruined the chemistry between them for me. The sex scenes were horribly placed, they happened too soon. So they came off as disgusting.
She described the rapes and torture in great detail but heaven forbid she gave detailed description of the MCs. All she gave were their eye colors. And that Dakota had messy hair and Allister had some grey hairs. *rme*
I couldn't even finish the epilogue, because it was basically just a dragged out sex scene. I don't think I will be reading anymore books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
Dakota was convinced he would die after being raised as a slave, abused, tortured, starved, and neglected he was glad the time came, finally, he’ll find his rest.
Wrong! He was just handed over to the next master.
What follows is most confusing for a slave like him. He can’t seem to please his new Sir.
“I could clean and be used to ten ways to Sunday”, - “I was just a toy to be used and played with.“
Allister gave this tortured and abused young man shelter. How on earth could he convince him he wasn’t his slave and wanted nothing from him other than to keep him safe from dangerous people?
When he fails it will be the end of the boy.
Be aware of the trigger warnings!
When you are looking for a slave, and utterly hurt comfort, story. Stop here!
My heart almost couldn’t handle it. What goes on in Dakota’s head is devastating.
Autumn Winchester excels in writing dark disturbing stories and also finds a way to give it a satisfying end.
——SPOILER——
Warning – Trauma due to human trafficking, slavery. abuse, kidnapping, depression, rape, drug use.
Wrong! He was just handed over to the next master.
What follows is most confusing for a slave like him. He can’t seem to please his new Sir.
“I could clean and be used to ten ways to Sunday”, - “I was just a toy to be used and played with.“
Allister gave this tortured and abused young man shelter. How on earth could he convince him he wasn’t his slave and wanted nothing from him other than to keep him safe from dangerous people?
When he fails it will be the end of the boy.
Be aware of the trigger warnings!
When you are looking for a slave, and utterly hurt comfort, story. Stop here!
My heart almost couldn’t handle it. What goes on in Dakota’s head is devastating.
Autumn Winchester excels in writing dark disturbing stories and also finds a way to give it a satisfying end.
——SPOILER——
Warning – Trauma due to human trafficking, slavery. abuse, kidnapping, depression, rape, drug use.
January 27, 2025
Sadly this wasn't for me.
After reading a great series where human trafficking is also a part of the story, I was desperately looking for books with the same vibe. And although I got what I asked for this was a story I had major problems with.
I could rationalise the choice Allister made in the beginning of their story but the more it continued and things evolved, the more issues I had with him keeping important information from Dakota.
Secondly, the way the Sir/slave gets fetishized and what I can only guess must become a BDSM relationship, gave me major red flags. There was no communication at all about this part of their 'relationship'. And in my opinion far from the way a D/s relationship should be portrayed to make it make sense for Dakota's past.
The one star goes to Dakota and his story cause he was the only reason that kept me reading.
Tropes:
Undercover cop x human trafficking victim
Hurt x comfort
Age gap (10 ish years)
Spice: 🌶️.5
After reading a great series where human trafficking is also a part of the story, I was desperately looking for books with the same vibe. And although I got what I asked for this was a story I had major problems with.
I could rationalise the choice Allister made in the beginning of their story but the more it continued and things evolved, the more issues I had with him keeping important information from Dakota.
Secondly, the way the Sir/slave gets fetishized and what I can only guess must become a BDSM relationship, gave me major red flags. There was no communication at all about this part of their 'relationship'. And in my opinion far from the way a D/s relationship should be portrayed to make it make sense for Dakota's past.
The one star goes to Dakota and his story cause he was the only reason that kept me reading.
Tropes:
Undercover cop x human trafficking victim
Hurt x comfort
Age gap (10 ish years)
Spice: 🌶️.5
November 29, 2024
Was this entertaining? Yes. Did it feed my very specific superiority complex involving a scenario where I would have to pretend to buy a human trafficking victim and could handle the situation a thousand times better than whatever baffling choices were made in this book? Also yes.
September 7, 2023
Captured into being a slave, Dakota knew no other life except one of pain and doing whatever he was told.
When he changes hands and is sold to a new Master, he does not understand the treatment and care that he now receives from Allister.
Having an undercover alias is how Allister gets to help boys like Dakota, but Dakota was someone who touched Allister on a level unlike any of his previous rescues.
As he works with Dakota to change his mindset he realises that some qualities are ingrained and the draw between him and Dakota cannot be ignored.
A gripping read with darker themes, explicit scenes and two characters who draw you in on their journey to finding a relationship that works for them.
Please do heed the trigger warnings.
When he changes hands and is sold to a new Master, he does not understand the treatment and care that he now receives from Allister.
Having an undercover alias is how Allister gets to help boys like Dakota, but Dakota was someone who touched Allister on a level unlike any of his previous rescues.
As he works with Dakota to change his mindset he realises that some qualities are ingrained and the draw between him and Dakota cannot be ignored.
A gripping read with darker themes, explicit scenes and two characters who draw you in on their journey to finding a relationship that works for them.
Please do heed the trigger warnings.
October 7, 2023
Dakota
I really liked the story but it could have been much better. The writing was choppy and I had to read many sentences a few times to figure out what was being said. A little editing would make this a much better book.
I really liked the story but it could have been much better. The writing was choppy and I had to read many sentences a few times to figure out what was being said. A little editing would make this a much better book.
February 11, 2024
wow
Holy cow this book was a journey of healing. Please mind your TW’s with this. This book is more of Dakota’s journey of healing and finding himself. There is some moral gray in here also to be aware of that. This is Dakotas story. I wanted to wrap him up, protect him and light the world on fire for him. I would love to know more about the side characters. This doesn’t have smexy smexy in it but once again it’s on of healing and after what D went through your will understand why there wasn’t much. Great book Asher will be next.
Holy cow this book was a journey of healing. Please mind your TW’s with this. This book is more of Dakota’s journey of healing and finding himself. There is some moral gray in here also to be aware of that. This is Dakotas story. I wanted to wrap him up, protect him and light the world on fire for him. I would love to know more about the side characters. This doesn’t have smexy smexy in it but once again it’s on of healing and after what D went through your will understand why there wasn’t much. Great book Asher will be next.
September 11, 2023
Pay attention to the trigger warnings. This definitely is not for the faint of heart but it was definitely worth reading. It is dark and very intense but with a good story overall.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 5, 2023
This book broke my heart. Definitely not a light read. There are two POV Dakota (the victim of human teafficking) and his "rescuer" (I found this character to be morally grey, not the perfect hero) I got this book as an ARC through gay romance reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 15, 2024DNF 29%
I enjoy books about sex trafficked victims. I love watching people experiencing love and healing from the worst imaginable. So I was along with this even though I was a little concerned. BDSM behavior is common in these books as a healing tool, but without any discussion I felt uncomfortable with the way Allister treated Dakota. Still Dakota felt better being treated that way, so okay... I'm rolling with it.
Dakota couldn't/wouldn't dress himself or even pee without direction. Allister decided Dakota should cook. Then he told Dakota That is nothing less than cruel. But I sucked it up, maybe Allister was just really super anxious over a boy who was terrified of him and responded without thinking. The final bit was when
The author did warn about dub/non con. I had just assumed they were talking about the sex traffickers. I suppose this situation could be sexy to some people. I'm still leaving this review for others who may prefer the clarification. Outside of my personal feels, I thought the writing was very good.
I enjoy books about sex trafficked victims. I love watching people experiencing love and healing from the worst imaginable. So I was along with this even though I was a little concerned. BDSM behavior is common in these books as a healing tool, but without any discussion I felt uncomfortable with the way Allister treated Dakota. Still Dakota felt better being treated that way, so okay... I'm rolling with it.
Dakota couldn't/wouldn't dress himself or even pee without direction. Allister decided Dakota should cook. Then he told Dakota That is nothing less than cruel. But I sucked it up, maybe Allister was just really super anxious over a boy who was terrified of him and responded without thinking. The final bit was when
The author did warn about dub/non con. I had just assumed they were talking about the sex traffickers. I suppose this situation could be sexy to some people. I'm still leaving this review for others who may prefer the clarification. Outside of my personal feels, I thought the writing was very good.
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed reading Bought Deceit it was captivating from the start and at times a very difficult read.
My only issue was I couldn’t really connect with the characters especially Allister it’s like he has no personality besides being gruff, he’s extremely closed off.
My only issue was I couldn’t really connect with the characters especially Allister it’s like he has no personality besides being gruff, he’s extremely closed off.
October 10, 2024
This made me smile -the sad smile.
The ending not being the perfect HEA was what made this book perfect and special for me. All the terror and hurt he went through couldn't just vanish into thin air. He was broken and remolded so so sooo many times, he couldn't find all the discarded pieces that easily. It had to be a long journey of search that might never truly end. He couldn't just magically stop being what they forced him into, and I found it beautiful and captivating that the author didn’t try to gloss over that reality.
The lack of sexual acts felt comforting and realistic. Asher added such a breath of fresh air, I’m excited to read his story next!
The ending not being the perfect HEA was what made this book perfect and special for me. All the terror and hurt he went through couldn't just vanish into thin air. He was broken and remolded so so sooo many times, he couldn't find all the discarded pieces that easily. It had to be a long journey of search that might never truly end. He couldn't just magically stop being what they forced him into, and I found it beautiful and captivating that the author didn’t try to gloss over that reality.
The lack of sexual acts felt comforting and realistic. Asher added such a breath of fresh air, I’m excited to read his story next!
“Is what’s in here.” He placed a hand over where my heart was beating in my chest. “What you want needs to pass this test. If it doesn’t feel like it’s right, then don’t do it. Let your heart show you the way to things you not only want but things to try.”
“It wants you.” The words were out before I caught them. Still, they were as accurate as anything else I’ve ever spoken about. “It beats for you, Sir. You own me.”
“Dakota,” he sighed. I could see his thoughts going a million miles a minute.
“Not because you bought me,” I cut him off before he could tell me I was crazy. Pushing his hand away, I all but crawled into his lap, straddling his legs. “My heart wants you. My soul wants you. I want you, Sir. I...care for you.”
September 12, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s well written and the trigger warnings are accurate. I knew it was going to be dark, but I made the mistake of letting my guard down after Dakota was rescued by Allister. It was hard knowing what happened previously, but to have it happen again when I thought he was safe almost had me not finishing. To be honest I skimmed the horrible part. I absolutely loved Dakota and would have willingly ended all of his abusers if I could. I liked Allister but he wasn’t quite the savior I thought he was. First he sends Dakota away when he knows how fragile he is, then he puts him in an unsafe position that allows him to be further abused. I did blame him and especially April, for every ounce of hurt that poor boy received the second time. I was glad Dakota healed and seemed happy with Allister but I would have liked the ending better without the boy/sir dynamic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
10 stars if I could, because it is such a real story! OMG! there are people in the world who should all be rounded up and something really hurtful and bad happen to them and they don't survive after it. When someone like Dakota is so brainwashed/trained into thinking he is nothing but a slave to whoever his master is at the time, then I worry that so much of this type of story follows truth way too much. Allister and his team do as much as they can but, one boy or girl at a time is so hard. Allister tries so hard not to fall but Dakota is just, "his boy". There is so much pain inflicted in this story and Dakota just keeps living through it. I hate that this happens but I loved how this story was told with such amazing characters. So worth reading, even if it is difficult to take at times. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 20, 2025
Reading MM Challenge 2025 | Symbology ~ June
6 | Tree ~ Oak.....the stabilizer. You are a great defender of people or a person who does not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is a crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog.
Read a book where the MC works in a profession that is a defender of people/creatures. Examples: lawyer, social services, law enforcement, etc
Choice: "Bought Deceit" by A. Winchester - Allister / Master is an undercover cop trying to bust the human trafficing ring. He can't help it to shelter some of the kids he rescues for a while, despite the risk of getting noticed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
Not really much to say. I liked the characters and the story but I think I would have liked more mystery around Dakota's "Master", because us knowing that Allister is a good guy kinda took some of the suspense for me right away.
6 | Tree ~ Oak.....the stabilizer. You are a great defender of people or a person who does not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is a crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog.
Read a book where the MC works in a profession that is a defender of people/creatures. Examples: lawyer, social services, law enforcement, etc
Choice: "Bought Deceit" by A. Winchester - Allister / Master is an undercover cop trying to bust the human trafficing ring. He can't help it to shelter some of the kids he rescues for a while, despite the risk of getting noticed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
Not really much to say. I liked the characters and the story but I think I would have liked more mystery around Dakota's "Master", because us knowing that Allister is a good guy kinda took some of the suspense for me right away.
September 6, 2023
‘Bought Deceit’ was just a fantastic book - actually it was so great I read twice in 3 days! I’m not even capable of putting in to words how much this book just floored me. And to write a review that would do it justice - I don’t know how! It was an effortless read in the way that it grabbed me immediately - but the story is emotional, raw and in parts gruesome. I absolutely loved Bought Deceit and can’t recommend it enough.
Read
October 30, 2023How to rate a book that doesn't bring you any joy, is not pleasant at all, every page is the same cycle of violation, abuse, torment and hurt? What is the point? The plot? Where is the plot? I could understand the idea, to serve a higher purpose if the book would have a captivating, deep storyline but here, all the pain and ugliness feels just empty and shallow. No fulfilment, no redemption. Quoting Dakota, why? Just why?
September 5, 2023
4.5 stars. A really intense and difficult but excellent story about someone so terribly abused that there was no way he could cope with anything resembling a normal human life. Allister was really impressive in that despite his own flaws and misgivings he still continued to try to give the best support he could to Dakota. Not a normal relationship between two people by any means, but very special.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
September 7, 2023
Dakota was convinced he would die after being raised as a slave being abused tortured and starved plus neglected. He was glad that the time came he can finally rest but he was wrong. He was handed over to the next master. What follows is most confusing for a slave for him. He can't please his Sir. Allister gave Dakota shelter. Allister wanted to keep him safe from dangerous people
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2023
I really liked this book and was sad it was over. I so wish this was a series. This is a story I will reread as I really liked Dakota. He went through so much and still ended up being so sweet. He deserves nothing but happiness. But I feel like we missed a pretty decent chunk between the last chapter and the epilogue.
September 13, 2023
Amazing! This book is a showstopper! Amazing story! Complex characters with a very emotional story! I loved it and I could not put it down! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
January 26, 2024
Dakota has been in "training" for the past 4 years to be the perfect slave. He has no thoughts or emotions, his only job is to serve and do what his master wants. He gets sold at an auction to Allister, who was not looking to buy anyone, but couldn't help but to buy the broken and abused boy. Allister has to figure out that Dakota will only respond to commands. Questions like "are you hungry?" get no response but "sit down at the table and eat" will get Dakota to follow the command and eat.
Allister falls for the boy without meaning to and Dakota never being with someone who wasn't using or abusing him, latches on to Allister like a raft in the middle of the ocean.
Dakota never saw a therapist. After all he's been through, I think that would have been Allister's first call to set up.
"You'll be safe here"
"Again with that word. Safe. It held no meaning to me whatsoever."
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Allister falls for the boy without meaning to and Dakota never being with someone who wasn't using or abusing him, latches on to Allister like a raft in the middle of the ocean.
Dakota never saw a therapist. After all he's been through, I think that would have been Allister's first call to set up.
"You'll be safe here"
"Again with that word. Safe. It held no meaning to me whatsoever."
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 29, 2025
This is a 3.5 stars for me, though I am rounding it up to 3. It was a heavy book since it shows cruelty on page, but it was a journey that I was glad to finish for MC. Now, the one thing I wasn't feeling was the romance. I felt there was care and adoration, but even after the epilogue, I just did not see it. I wanted it to go in a different way, wasn't really a fan of , it wasn't developed enough. I would be into it if it showed that, but it was more telling than showing. It left me craving for something more from the couple. Anyway, that was the one thing that did not sell it completely for me, I think the plot and writting was well done. I will definitely be checking out more works from this author, I really liked their style.
July 6, 2025
3.75⭐️ 1.75🌶️
📝 Review & thoughts:
This was a very emotional read. Reading through Dakota’s pov was truly heartbreaking at times. Such a sweet sweet broken boy, who was a traff!cking victim.
It was a good book, although I was hoping to see more healing. We got that, don’t get me wrong, but at some point I saw I was at 70% and I was thinking, damn where’s the healing? 😭 I was hoping for more of it. I felt the focus of the story is more on the trauma and the hurt. I was hoping to see more of Dakota becoming a human again, making his own decisions and more healing.
The ending feels a little abrupt, I would’ve loved an epilogue, but it’s still a good ending that shows part of the progress Dakota has made.
If you came here for smut, don’t read this book. While there is some, it’s not really a book that focuses on the smut.
This is an extremely dark story. Not really dark romance between the MCs, although their situation is definitely on the morally grey spectrum.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Hurt/comfort (so much hurt)
Undercover cop x sl@very victim
Sweet, needy and broken boy
Age gap (19/~30)
Trauma trauma trauma (did I say trauma?)
POV: 1st person, dual
Angst: high
Vibe/mood: dark, heartbreaking, emotional
Pet names: Sir / pet, boy, honey
HEA: yes, more like a HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
M/s dynamic, praise, frotting, handj*bs, oral (not till completion)
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 3 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: yes (only because of the situation, Dakota initiates though)
Noncon: yes (r@pe scenes on page, not by MC)
Human traff!cking, themes of sl*very, r@pe (on page), depression, hostage, lack of love and care, starvation, parents selling their k!d (MC), mild homophob!a (slurs), feelings of abandonment, violence
💬 Quotes (possible spoilers):
“I was trained never to look at anyone in their face, but this one loved to make me. And then he’d punish me when my brain couldn’t keep eye contact.”
“P-p-please.” My heart cracked at the word, broken and filled with the emotion Dakota tried so hard not to let take over. “Everything is going to be okay. I promise, sweetie.” April spoke softly, pulling the boy up to stand. He didn’t exactly go willingly. “No. I’m a good boy. P-p-please. S-sir.” “You will go with this nice lady. No more crying. It’ll be good for you.”
“Why did he bring me back here if he didn’t want me? Why did he still have me at all, for that matter? Wouldn’t I be better off if he just tossed me out like the trash I was? I didn’t know what to do.”
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
📝 Review & thoughts:
This was a very emotional read. Reading through Dakota’s pov was truly heartbreaking at times. Such a sweet sweet broken boy, who was a traff!cking victim.
It was a good book, although I was hoping to see more healing. We got that, don’t get me wrong, but at some point I saw I was at 70% and I was thinking, damn where’s the healing? 😭 I was hoping for more of it. I felt the focus of the story is more on the trauma and the hurt. I was hoping to see more of Dakota becoming a human again, making his own decisions and more healing.
The ending feels a little abrupt, I would’ve loved an epilogue, but it’s still a good ending that shows part of the progress Dakota has made.
If you came here for smut, don’t read this book. While there is some, it’s not really a book that focuses on the smut.
This is an extremely dark story. Not really dark romance between the MCs, although their situation is definitely on the morally grey spectrum.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Hurt/comfort (so much hurt)
Undercover cop x sl@very victim
Sweet, needy and broken boy
Age gap (19/~30)
Trauma trauma trauma (did I say trauma?)
POV: 1st person, dual
Angst: high
Vibe/mood: dark, heartbreaking, emotional
Pet names: Sir / pet, boy, honey
HEA: yes, more like a HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
M/s dynamic, praise, frotting, handj*bs, oral (not till completion)
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 3 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: yes (only because of the situation, Dakota initiates though)
Noncon: yes (r@pe scenes on page, not by MC)
Human traff!cking, themes of sl*very, r@pe (on page), depression, hostage, lack of love and care, starvation, parents selling their k!d (MC), mild homophob!a (slurs), feelings of abandonment, violence
💬 Quotes (possible spoilers):
“I was trained never to look at anyone in their face, but this one loved to make me. And then he’d punish me when my brain couldn’t keep eye contact.”
“P-p-please.” My heart cracked at the word, broken and filled with the emotion Dakota tried so hard not to let take over. “Everything is going to be okay. I promise, sweetie.” April spoke softly, pulling the boy up to stand. He didn’t exactly go willingly. “No. I’m a good boy. P-p-please. S-sir.” “You will go with this nice lady. No more crying. It’ll be good for you.”
“Why did he bring me back here if he didn’t want me? Why did he still have me at all, for that matter? Wouldn’t I be better off if he just tossed me out like the trash I was? I didn’t know what to do.”
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
October 19, 2023
4.5 stars - This is the story of Dakota, a human trafficked at a young age who has spent a good portion of his life trained to be a slave. After he is bought by Allister, it quickly becomes clear just how much brainwashing has been ingrained into Dakota’s makeup.
Spoiler alert, although we figure it out very quickly, is that Allister is an undercover agent attempting to take down the big wigs of the human trafficking scene. In the course of his job, he encounters and wins Dakota in one of the auctions. He has apparently saved numerous others in similar ways, and takes care of them for a short time until they can be found new homes.
Dakota is a total sweetheart and it’s difficult not to fall for him right away. He has been through so much and clearly doesn’t understand what is different with Allister and why he isn’t treating Dakota the way he is accustomed. Allister, on the other hand, finds out that Dakota isn’t like the others he has helped. He is far more “damaged” than he realized and comes to rely heavily on Allister as their relationship grows. They are clearly a good fit for each other and Allister seems to be exactly what Dakota needs to evolve into a more normal life.
The only issues I really had with this story and what kept me from that final half star centered around keeping the truth about Allister and his job a secret, or failing that, if it would be detrimental to Dakota’s understanding and mental well-being, how he never had any therapy to cope with everything. That aside, this story ended up being a real page turner and I found myself disappointed it was coming to an end and really wished it was part of a larger series. Regardless, I really enjoyed this new-to-me author’s writing and will definitely be looking at more of her books.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
January 29, 2025
I was curious to see if the premise could hold, and I found my suspension of disbelief running away from me. The book was a bit too graphic for me, but my problem was actually Allister.
Dakota is okay, and the novel is written well, but I abandoned pretty early. It might be a me problem, but I found that books that have a situation like slavery have to convince me really really hard that the person acting as the "owner" is who we are meant to believe they are.
For example, if you are introducing an "owner" who is cruel or indifferent, then I would expect them to not mind being an owner, and I would expect certain actions from them. It will be harder to convince me that the romance is happening, but at least I find it coherent.
An "owner" that is introduced as someone who supposedly is a good person, and in this case someone who is undercover for the law - then I expect something completely different. Allister buys Dakota, and "saves" him, takes care of him, let a doctor help him - but he does nothing to let Dakota know he is safe. Literally nothing. He calls him "boy" even, and does not volunteer any information. Even if Allister wanted (for some reason) to keep Dakota as a cover, or trick him, he could still easily act different.
I dropped it the moment Dakota entered into the shower with Allister and he was like sure why not, wash me. I am supposed to believe this man is going to "save" anyone?
Dakota is okay, and the novel is written well, but I abandoned pretty early. It might be a me problem, but I found that books that have a situation like slavery have to convince me really really hard that the person acting as the "owner" is who we are meant to believe they are.
For example, if you are introducing an "owner" who is cruel or indifferent, then I would expect them to not mind being an owner, and I would expect certain actions from them. It will be harder to convince me that the romance is happening, but at least I find it coherent.
An "owner" that is introduced as someone who supposedly is a good person, and in this case someone who is undercover for the law - then I expect something completely different. Allister buys Dakota, and "saves" him, takes care of him, let a doctor help him - but he does nothing to let Dakota know he is safe. Literally nothing. He calls him "boy" even, and does not volunteer any information. Even if Allister wanted (for some reason) to keep Dakota as a cover, or trick him, he could still easily act different.
I dropped it the moment Dakota entered into the shower with Allister and he was like sure why not, wash me. I am supposed to believe this man is going to "save" anyone?
September 15, 2023
"The heart is...well, the heart. It loves what it wants."
Full emotional gauntlet
By the end of the first chapter, I was heavily invested in saving Dakota at any cost
He is such a sweetheart. Despite the hades level of abuse he has experienced and survived - Not only from strangers but from those who were supposed to protect him - he still held a piece of himself and a small ray of hope
It was buried pretty deep but it was there
"The men in the past can't get us here. No matter how many nightmares we may wake up from covered in sweat and tears at night, they can't reach us where we are any longer."
Allister did not plan on participating in the auction but something about Dakota called to him
He knew his desires were wrong
He knew he was supposed to fight them
He tried
Now he would protect Dakota with his life
This has some dark elements (read the warning), high angst, a touch of suspense, and some questionable characters
The tension and emotional connection between these two -
Off the charts!
I was captive from the beginning to the end
There are some editing issues - read the final copy on Kobo
And I would have liked a bit more detail regarding certain events and characters
Despite that, this held me captive from the first page to the last - five stars
Full emotional gauntlet
By the end of the first chapter, I was heavily invested in saving Dakota at any cost
He is such a sweetheart. Despite the hades level of abuse he has experienced and survived - Not only from strangers but from those who were supposed to protect him - he still held a piece of himself and a small ray of hope
It was buried pretty deep but it was there
"The men in the past can't get us here. No matter how many nightmares we may wake up from covered in sweat and tears at night, they can't reach us where we are any longer."
Allister did not plan on participating in the auction but something about Dakota called to him
He knew his desires were wrong
He knew he was supposed to fight them
He tried
Now he would protect Dakota with his life
This has some dark elements (read the warning), high angst, a touch of suspense, and some questionable characters
The tension and emotional connection between these two -
Off the charts!
I was captive from the beginning to the end
There are some editing issues - read the final copy on Kobo
And I would have liked a bit more detail regarding certain events and characters
Despite that, this held me captive from the first page to the last - five stars
September 18, 2023
The story is dark and gritty, but incredibly well written. I recommend reading the trigger warning at the beginning, because the content is already intense.
As soon as I started reading, I was very quickly captivated by the plot and the characters. I was rooting along and hoping that Dakota would get better soon.
Dakota is a victim of human traffickers and has been through so much abuse that all he wants to do is die. Allister works undercover with the FBI and buys Dakota at an auction. It is heartbreaking to witness Dakota's behavior with Allister. Allister wants to give Dakota a semi-normal life without abuse, but Dakota has been in the hands of traffickers for too long. Living together becomes a challenge for both of them.
The storyline is already heavy and very emotional and I had to gulp a few times. I loved the characters Allister and Dakota. Allister who only wanted the best for Dakota and every time you thought it couldn't get any worse, the author stepped it up a notch. This was quite a roller coaster ride of emotions and I couldn't put the book down. As I said very well written and quite emotional.
There is also a great secondary character, Asher, who brings some light and hope alongside Allister. My heart shattered into a thousand pieces while reading and it was halfway put back together in the end.
As soon as I started reading, I was very quickly captivated by the plot and the characters. I was rooting along and hoping that Dakota would get better soon.
Dakota is a victim of human traffickers and has been through so much abuse that all he wants to do is die. Allister works undercover with the FBI and buys Dakota at an auction. It is heartbreaking to witness Dakota's behavior with Allister. Allister wants to give Dakota a semi-normal life without abuse, but Dakota has been in the hands of traffickers for too long. Living together becomes a challenge for both of them.
The storyline is already heavy and very emotional and I had to gulp a few times. I loved the characters Allister and Dakota. Allister who only wanted the best for Dakota and every time you thought it couldn't get any worse, the author stepped it up a notch. This was quite a roller coaster ride of emotions and I couldn't put the book down. As I said very well written and quite emotional.
There is also a great secondary character, Asher, who brings some light and hope alongside Allister. My heart shattered into a thousand pieces while reading and it was halfway put back together in the end.
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