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The Collection #1
Snatched
“Why are you all so pretty?”
It all started when I was six years old.
I was homeless.
They were held prisoner.
I saved them. Even though it put me in the system.
They believed we built an unbreakable bond forged by trauma.
These beautiful, damaged boys saw me differently than the rest of the world.
As much as I wished I could feel the same. I couldn’t.
These boys–men–had too much anger. Too much hate.
They wanted to burn down anything and everyone who had wronged them.
It was eating them up inside. I tried to warn them.
Instead of listening to me, they were set on destroying themselves.
And me in the process.
It all started when I was six years old.
I was homeless.
They were held prisoner.
I saved them. Even though it put me in the system.
They believed we built an unbreakable bond forged by trauma.
These beautiful, damaged boys saw me differently than the rest of the world.
As much as I wished I could feel the same. I couldn’t.
These boys–men–had too much anger. Too much hate.
They wanted to burn down anything and everyone who had wronged them.
It was eating them up inside. I tried to warn them.
Instead of listening to me, they were set on destroying themselves.
And me in the process.
336 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2024
About the author
Blake Blessing
41 books511 followersBlake Blessing is just a working mom that loves art in all forms, and all genres of romance. Although she enjoys writing romance of the steamier variety.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 29, 2024
idk
Nothing happens and the characters are annoying. Not even sure what the plot is tbh. I wanted to like it but it just wasn’t there for me
Nothing happens and the characters are annoying. Not even sure what the plot is tbh. I wanted to like it but it just wasn’t there for me
March 3, 2024
Whew... this book was pretty good. I loved the diversity in it. I will say that there is so gaps between Beasty and her men and why she ran out on them the first time as well as some other details that got Beasty to where she is now, that I am interested in finding out because the 1st book didnt provide it for me.. it gave me some information, but I feel like I need more information to be able to fully grasp the characters reaction to her.
March 9, 2025
2.5
Not quite enough forward growth/progress. Started to get a little repetitive.
Not quite enough forward growth/progress. Started to get a little repetitive.
April 1, 2026
I made it halfway through before I gave up. I'm still rating it because it was stupid and frustrated the fuck out of me. The biggest issue is that the story is told through time jumps/flashbacks, and Blake Blessing doesn't know how to write them! I needed a freaking flowchart to keep up with things and even with that it was a fucking mess. They would flash to "present day" but you have no idea when that is. Ugh... it's a mess - just like this review is going to be.
Cressida aka "Beasty" lives with her drug-addicted aunt down by the river in a tent. She's browsing the trash cans for food when she comes across a dilapidated house and sees 4 young boys playing in the yard.
Lake (white), Joaquin (Hispanic), Atlas (black), and Kim (Asian, formerly known as Isaac) were all kidnapped and are being held hostage by a child molester. Stuff happens and Cress goes to report it and that lands all of them in the same foster house.
You'd think that would be good, except that the boys decide they don't want to be her friend, even though they say she's "theirs". It actually pissed me off because the boys all had each other and they were content to just watch Cressida be alone with no friends at the age of 6-yo. She was all alone being bullied, and they just followed her around and only intervened when someone was beating her up. Like WTF. That doesn't sound like you care for her at all.
The childhood flashbacks provided a lot of useless information. One entire chapter was about how one of the guys started gambling in school by playing dice or cards in the hallway and how he got in trouble by the teacher. WHO FUCKING CARES?!?!
Then the story jumps to PRESENT day, but we have no idea when that is or how old the characters are.
This starts with Cressida working and going to school when she gets a call from her fuck buddy saying he was sorry and was in trouble and for some unexplained reason, the mafia is now coming after her.
Lake shows up at her place and says he's taking her to safety.
All of the guys are living together. Two of them have managed to become professional models and they're all rich.
We learn that Joaquin and Atlas fuck each other. J says to Atlas:
Kim says:
We don't know what happened to cause Cressida to leave them. At one point she says it's her fault and at another time says it's their fault.
Then we learn that at some point, she lived with the guys, and they were all fucking each other, but don't know when that was in their lives.
We also learn the guys are tangled up in the mafia.
Multiple times the guys have said that she's "theirs", yet they've been fucking all these other people. If she's supposed to be their true love, then why the fuck are they such whores?
When I started to write this review, I couldn't remember what I thought about the audio. Book 1 wasn't available, so I had to get Book 2. It starts with the guys going to Cressida's graduation day from high school. So, the time jumps are just dragging out for fucking ever.
AUDIO: It's not a duet, so I wouldn't purchase it. If you just need an audiobook to enjoy, then you'll be good with this. Both Rachel Leblang and Connor Brown sound good, it's just the material they have to read that sucks.
In case it's unclear - I think the book is stupid and don't recommend it.
Cressida aka "Beasty" lives with her drug-addicted aunt down by the river in a tent. She's browsing the trash cans for food when she comes across a dilapidated house and sees 4 young boys playing in the yard.
Lake (white), Joaquin (Hispanic), Atlas (black), and Kim (Asian, formerly known as Isaac) were all kidnapped and are being held hostage by a child molester. Stuff happens and Cress goes to report it and that lands all of them in the same foster house.
You'd think that would be good, except that the boys decide they don't want to be her friend, even though they say she's "theirs". It actually pissed me off because the boys all had each other and they were content to just watch Cressida be alone with no friends at the age of 6-yo. She was all alone being bullied, and they just followed her around and only intervened when someone was beating her up. Like WTF. That doesn't sound like you care for her at all.
They went to my school, but they were all older than me. I wanted to be their friend after I helped them. We could have been while I was at that Ramey Home with them, but they refused to talk to me. Wouldn’t even look at me for the most part. Now that hurt. I even cried one night, but I never told anyone.
Then like I wasn’t standing right there, they walked off together. Toward school. “You’re jerk faces too!” I screamed after them as I dusted myself off. I would have ran after them to continue screaming, but I didn’t want to be ignored anymore. No one else could hurt me. But when they ignored me, that burned inside my chest like nothing I had ever felt before.
The childhood flashbacks provided a lot of useless information. One entire chapter was about how one of the guys started gambling in school by playing dice or cards in the hallway and how he got in trouble by the teacher. WHO FUCKING CARES?!?!
Then the story jumps to PRESENT day, but we have no idea when that is or how old the characters are.
This starts with Cressida working and going to school when she gets a call from her fuck buddy saying he was sorry and was in trouble and for some unexplained reason, the mafia is now coming after her.
Lake shows up at her place and says he's taking her to safety.
All of the guys are living together. Two of them have managed to become professional models and they're all rich.
We learn that Joaquin and Atlas fuck each other. J says to Atlas:
"She's not who I thought she was. I don't want her here. I don't want any fucking thing to do with her. And if you take her to that floor, you can move all of your stuff out of my room."
Kim says:
She’d left me. It had been eighteen months. No calls, no texts. After everything she gave to me, she took it all away. Like it didn’t even matter to her.
We don't know what happened to cause Cressida to leave them. At one point she says it's her fault and at another time says it's their fault.
Then we learn that at some point, she lived with the guys, and they were all fucking each other, but don't know when that was in their lives.
We also learn the guys are tangled up in the mafia.
Multiple times the guys have said that she's "theirs", yet they've been fucking all these other people. If she's supposed to be their true love, then why the fuck are they such whores?
When I started to write this review, I couldn't remember what I thought about the audio. Book 1 wasn't available, so I had to get Book 2. It starts with the guys going to Cressida's graduation day from high school. So, the time jumps are just dragging out for fucking ever.
AUDIO: It's not a duet, so I wouldn't purchase it. If you just need an audiobook to enjoy, then you'll be good with this. Both Rachel Leblang and Connor Brown sound good, it's just the material they have to read that sucks.
In case it's unclear - I think the book is stupid and don't recommend it.
June 2, 2024
missed the mark for me
I thought I’d like this more than I did but at about the halfway point, it became difficult to finish. My first issue is the lack of character progression here. I realize this is book one and I thought the flashbacks were helpful in the storytelling but they didn’t really reveal any meaningful information. There wasn’t a lot of character differentiation or development between characters other than their looks and they weren’t particularly likable as individuals with the only real redeeming qualities that they saved her from bullies at times. We don’t get enough of the present behavior to experience the bond between any of them.
We also learn a little about Atlas, Joaquin, Kim, Lake and Beasty’s history but still doesn’t make sense why they were pissed she wasn’t giving them everything they wanted from her when they spend so much time avoiding her. Lake and Atlas seem almost indignant and very self-righteous in their behavior towards her and what they want from her despite emotionally ostracizing her for over a decade.
I also disliked how there was very little progression as to the why Beasty had to leave her place other than vague whispers of mafia. Seemed like an underdeveloped storyline and not really interesting or compelling. The supposed cliff hanger at end didn’t h e me wanting to read the next book but relieved that it was over. It think this story could have been better had their been more emotionally interactions between the characters separate from the few sex scenes and more solid storyline about the guys’ illegal business dealings.
I thought I’d like this more than I did but at about the halfway point, it became difficult to finish. My first issue is the lack of character progression here. I realize this is book one and I thought the flashbacks were helpful in the storytelling but they didn’t really reveal any meaningful information. There wasn’t a lot of character differentiation or development between characters other than their looks and they weren’t particularly likable as individuals with the only real redeeming qualities that they saved her from bullies at times. We don’t get enough of the present behavior to experience the bond between any of them.
We also learn a little about Atlas, Joaquin, Kim, Lake and Beasty’s history but still doesn’t make sense why they were pissed she wasn’t giving them everything they wanted from her when they spend so much time avoiding her. Lake and Atlas seem almost indignant and very self-righteous in their behavior towards her and what they want from her despite emotionally ostracizing her for over a decade.
I also disliked how there was very little progression as to the why Beasty had to leave her place other than vague whispers of mafia. Seemed like an underdeveloped storyline and not really interesting or compelling. The supposed cliff hanger at end didn’t h e me wanting to read the next book but relieved that it was over. It think this story could have been better had their been more emotionally interactions between the characters separate from the few sex scenes and more solid storyline about the guys’ illegal business dealings.
February 29, 2024
The blurb of this book reeled me in and the book itself left me reeling.
Raised among the streets, Cressida “Beastly” has grown up with nothing. Running into a chain link fence, she notices four boys and realizes something’s wrong. Getting the police involved was just the beginning as the five end up in foster care.
All she wanted was a friend, and yet she still feels like she’s on the outside looking in. Lake, Atlas, Kim, and Joaquin consider themselves unworthy and until they feel “clean”, protecting Beastly is all they’ll do.
Oh boy! This book was a doozy. The back and forth in time got a little bit confusing, however, I can see the need since it brought forth each character’s pain and vulnerability.
These characters will break your heart and this is just the first in the emotional rollercoaster, that is The Collection series.
3.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
MMFMM ✔️⚔️
Cliffhanger
⛔️Trigger Warnings
Raised among the streets, Cressida “Beastly” has grown up with nothing. Running into a chain link fence, she notices four boys and realizes something’s wrong. Getting the police involved was just the beginning as the five end up in foster care.
All she wanted was a friend, and yet she still feels like she’s on the outside looking in. Lake, Atlas, Kim, and Joaquin consider themselves unworthy and until they feel “clean”, protecting Beastly is all they’ll do.
Oh boy! This book was a doozy. The back and forth in time got a little bit confusing, however, I can see the need since it brought forth each character’s pain and vulnerability.
These characters will break your heart and this is just the first in the emotional rollercoaster, that is The Collection series.
3.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
MMFMM ✔️⚔️
Cliffhanger
⛔️Trigger Warnings
December 4, 2024
I feel conflicted about this one. I thought the story was interesting, but the storyline was a little hard to follow/ confusing at times. So we are following 2 timelines, where the present is supposed to be the second chance romance and the past is explaining who they all were as kids and their backgrounds. But we're missing the third timeline of the first romance and why there's a need for a second. I felt like I was constant missing information and waiting for the pieces to connect, but I'm just lost. I get there's a lot of set up for the next book, but this first book doesn't feel complete. If this was a stand alone, I'd give it 2 stars, but I want to have faith that the next book explains a lot.
June 27, 2024
3.5 stars for now
First of all, I thought this was a duet, so I read it after Edged was released. This review is based on the first 2 books.
I think it's kind of hard to rate and also to review. I felt the two books could have been just one. So much of the story dragged without anything really happening. It got boring and a bit of struggle to get through.
I don't think miscommunication is the correct term for what was going on between the characters. More like failure to communicate at all and unwillingness to look outside of their own view. The guys were assholes, and not in a good way. More like in an emotionally abusing way. The thing is, I understood it, why they were that way. But their severe lack of growth and placing blame with the fmc got old real fast.
And then, Edged ends in a cliffhanger... Just when, after 2 books, things finally started to happen...
As interesting as this story is, by the time the next book is released, I'll have probably already forgotten exactly what happened and not willing to read the first 2 in the series again. And as heartwrenching as their stories are, I felt no connection with any of the characters. Their thinking is too skewed for that.
First of all, I thought this was a duet, so I read it after Edged was released. This review is based on the first 2 books.
I think it's kind of hard to rate and also to review. I felt the two books could have been just one. So much of the story dragged without anything really happening. It got boring and a bit of struggle to get through.
I don't think miscommunication is the correct term for what was going on between the characters. More like failure to communicate at all and unwillingness to look outside of their own view. The guys were assholes, and not in a good way. More like in an emotionally abusing way. The thing is, I understood it, why they were that way. But their severe lack of growth and placing blame with the fmc got old real fast.
And then, Edged ends in a cliffhanger... Just when, after 2 books, things finally started to happen...
As interesting as this story is, by the time the next book is released, I'll have probably already forgotten exactly what happened and not willing to read the first 2 in the series again. And as heartwrenching as their stories are, I felt no connection with any of the characters. Their thinking is too skewed for that.
February 27, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
I love a second chance love story where there is a dual timeline! These are some of my favorite types of books. This one was fast paced and an easy read. It was a solid introduction to a why choose romance. I did find myself wanting more in terms of the guys and their individual personalities, but I would hope that will come later in the series.
This is slightly inspired by beauty and the beast where she is the beastly one and the four guys are gorgeous models. I did really like this aspect of the book, but I wasn't a huge fan of the guys calling her beastie. It wasn't my favorite nick name and it kinda pulled me out of the story to some degree.
I am also excited for more of the plot line. A lot of this story was focused on their past, so a little bit of the present day storyline felt a little underdeveloped, but that can be expected when it is the first book of a series. I am excited to continue reading this series!
I love a second chance love story where there is a dual timeline! These are some of my favorite types of books. This one was fast paced and an easy read. It was a solid introduction to a why choose romance. I did find myself wanting more in terms of the guys and their individual personalities, but I would hope that will come later in the series.
This is slightly inspired by beauty and the beast where she is the beastly one and the four guys are gorgeous models. I did really like this aspect of the book, but I wasn't a huge fan of the guys calling her beastie. It wasn't my favorite nick name and it kinda pulled me out of the story to some degree.
I am also excited for more of the plot line. A lot of this story was focused on their past, so a little bit of the present day storyline felt a little underdeveloped, but that can be expected when it is the first book of a series. I am excited to continue reading this series!
February 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
🌶️🌶️
I'm Quilliam's biggest fan 🦔
”She’d already saved us once. Why make her do it again? No, if someone needed saving, we were going to be the heroes.”
I had so much fun getting to know these characters and their unique stories. Beasty and the Fashion Boys are just 🔥 Snatched is a wonderful blend of multi-POV past and present that explains how these characters tick. I'm a first time Blake Blessing reader, and I will be back for more!
Dark romance 🖤
Bonded by traumatic pasts ⛓️
Why choose with MM 👬
Forced proximity 🥵
Lotsssss of tension 🔥
Frenemies to lovers ♥️
Possessive men 🫠
Check TW
🌶️🌶️
I'm Quilliam's biggest fan 🦔
”She’d already saved us once. Why make her do it again? No, if someone needed saving, we were going to be the heroes.”
I had so much fun getting to know these characters and their unique stories. Beasty and the Fashion Boys are just 🔥 Snatched is a wonderful blend of multi-POV past and present that explains how these characters tick. I'm a first time Blake Blessing reader, and I will be back for more!
Dark romance 🖤
Bonded by traumatic pasts ⛓️
Why choose with MM 👬
Forced proximity 🥵
Lotsssss of tension 🔥
Frenemies to lovers ♥️
Possessive men 🫠
Check TW
February 27, 2024
I loved this! I was so excited to get to know the fashion boys. From the bits i had seen of them in the brothers of carnage books, i knew I'd love them! And I do! It broke my heart seeing how they were feeling as young people. I've never wanted to dive into a book and hug people more than I did reading this! I can't wait to see how their story unfolds. Highly recommend!
May 26, 2025
The best thing about this book was the flashbacks. It gave everyone such a unique personality.
I get the nickname and why it stuck, but Beasty and Cressida are just both terrible names in my humble opinion.
So the story begins with Beast age 6 digging into the dumpster of her local butcher, she’s looking for food. At this point in time she’s homeless, living with her aunt in a tent down by the river. As the butcher runs her off she runs into the woods. Strolling the woods she comes across a house and two boys playing in the yard.
Beasty’s excited as these might actually be some kids to play with and become friends with since the towns people don’t let her play with their children. Turns out their are two more boys in this hidden away home.
The boys strike up a short convo with Beasty, until they hear the Curator, aka Mr. Gates, arrive. The boys tell her to run and she returns to the woods. From the woods she can hear the anguished cries of the boys and is desperate to help.
She runs into town and gets the butcher to help by calling the police. The police arrive, the Curator is taken away, the boys are taken the the hospital and then a group home. At this point the police also captures Beasty and take her to the group home.
The boys want to be friends with Beasty but are ashamed of the abuse and rape experienced at the hands of the Curator. They decide to watch over Beasty but never to be her friend as they don’t want to “dirty” her.
Shortly there after, Beasty is placed into a foster home and then another foster home. Her foster father is a sicko who has eyes on Beasty, but Beasty stands up for herself with a knife and a threat to tell the police should he do anything. Beasty remains at this foster home till she ages out in book 2.
The boys spend years watching her from afar and when other kids try to mess with Beasty they send them a clear message that it won’t be tolerated.
All the while Beasty also fights anyone who talks bad about the four boys, and this keeps her Beasty nickname around town.
As desperately as Beasty wants to know the boys, the boys turn her away each and every time.
Eventually the childhood flashbacks turn into flashbacks of the kids all being older. Lake ages out of foster care, gets an apartment, the boys are all working, and the day the boys are approached by a talent scout. We see the boys make the decision to leave Beasty and make something “worthy” of themselves.
The boys return at Beasty’s graduation and offer her the opportunity to live with them. She accepts. The story ends here for now.
I almost forgot to mention that in this book we’re also introduced to Books who is a loan shark and good guy. More to come with Books in the rest of the series.
I get the nickname and why it stuck, but Beasty and Cressida are just both terrible names in my humble opinion.
So the story begins with Beast age 6 digging into the dumpster of her local butcher, she’s looking for food. At this point in time she’s homeless, living with her aunt in a tent down by the river. As the butcher runs her off she runs into the woods. Strolling the woods she comes across a house and two boys playing in the yard.
Beasty’s excited as these might actually be some kids to play with and become friends with since the towns people don’t let her play with their children. Turns out their are two more boys in this hidden away home.
The boys strike up a short convo with Beasty, until they hear the Curator, aka Mr. Gates, arrive. The boys tell her to run and she returns to the woods. From the woods she can hear the anguished cries of the boys and is desperate to help.
She runs into town and gets the butcher to help by calling the police. The police arrive, the Curator is taken away, the boys are taken the the hospital and then a group home. At this point the police also captures Beasty and take her to the group home.
The boys want to be friends with Beasty but are ashamed of the abuse and rape experienced at the hands of the Curator. They decide to watch over Beasty but never to be her friend as they don’t want to “dirty” her.
Shortly there after, Beasty is placed into a foster home and then another foster home. Her foster father is a sicko who has eyes on Beasty, but Beasty stands up for herself with a knife and a threat to tell the police should he do anything. Beasty remains at this foster home till she ages out in book 2.
The boys spend years watching her from afar and when other kids try to mess with Beasty they send them a clear message that it won’t be tolerated.
All the while Beasty also fights anyone who talks bad about the four boys, and this keeps her Beasty nickname around town.
As desperately as Beasty wants to know the boys, the boys turn her away each and every time.
Eventually the childhood flashbacks turn into flashbacks of the kids all being older. Lake ages out of foster care, gets an apartment, the boys are all working, and the day the boys are approached by a talent scout. We see the boys make the decision to leave Beasty and make something “worthy” of themselves.
The boys return at Beasty’s graduation and offer her the opportunity to live with them. She accepts. The story ends here for now.
I almost forgot to mention that in this book we’re also introduced to Books who is a loan shark and good guy. More to come with Books in the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5 (though you know more is coming)
Holy smokes. What a ride this book was, and I was here for it! Please check TW's before diving in as there are some dark elements to this one.
Snatched is the beginning of a new series from Blake Blessing. It has links to her Cardinal Sins and Bastard Brothers of Carnage series, though you do not need to read to understand the world Blessing has created (I personally hadn't read them, and felt it did not hinder my reading experience at all).
This was definitely more of a set up/exposition novel for the series, but did not lack in it's own action and drama. Cressida (Beasty) and her boys, Lake, Kim, Atlas and Joaquin were amazing to read about in this way as I feel you really got to know them, to understand them, whilst also having them all keep an air of mystery to them. The depth of their characterization was amazing, and the diversity in the leading cast - to me - absolutely made this story. I've honestly not read something like this (in sense of diversity) and I loved it - and Blessing wrote it in a way where it was needed to be diverse, not just a throwaway addition to the story.
The set up of the book, with it's time skips and POV changes absolutely helped move the narrative along, whilst exposing little snippets of background and plot devices without giving us too much in one go. There were a few occasions where I got a little lost - four males and one female, with chapters from their childhood to present day does get a little confusing. But it also added to the experience in a way that made you want to keep reading, to find out what was going to happen and if the issues would ever resolve.
I love Beasty and her strength. Her passion for helping the boys and just wanting to get to know them. Wanting to escape the world that she was thrown into but doing it on her own terms. And the boys... yeah, they're rough around the edges. Mildy (okay, very in some cases) toxic. But also very misunderstood and with a past that makes it understandable why they act the way they do.
I loved little Quilliam. Seriously, that was a cute little highlight for me and now I want a Quill of my own.
The book was definitely left on a cliffhanger, but not one that makes you want to throw the book across the room. In saying that, I'm already hooked and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5 (though you know more is coming)
Holy smokes. What a ride this book was, and I was here for it! Please check TW's before diving in as there are some dark elements to this one.
Snatched is the beginning of a new series from Blake Blessing. It has links to her Cardinal Sins and Bastard Brothers of Carnage series, though you do not need to read to understand the world Blessing has created (I personally hadn't read them, and felt it did not hinder my reading experience at all).
This was definitely more of a set up/exposition novel for the series, but did not lack in it's own action and drama. Cressida (Beasty) and her boys, Lake, Kim, Atlas and Joaquin were amazing to read about in this way as I feel you really got to know them, to understand them, whilst also having them all keep an air of mystery to them. The depth of their characterization was amazing, and the diversity in the leading cast - to me - absolutely made this story. I've honestly not read something like this (in sense of diversity) and I loved it - and Blessing wrote it in a way where it was needed to be diverse, not just a throwaway addition to the story.
The set up of the book, with it's time skips and POV changes absolutely helped move the narrative along, whilst exposing little snippets of background and plot devices without giving us too much in one go. There were a few occasions where I got a little lost - four males and one female, with chapters from their childhood to present day does get a little confusing. But it also added to the experience in a way that made you want to keep reading, to find out what was going to happen and if the issues would ever resolve.
I love Beasty and her strength. Her passion for helping the boys and just wanting to get to know them. Wanting to escape the world that she was thrown into but doing it on her own terms. And the boys... yeah, they're rough around the edges. Mildy (okay, very in some cases) toxic. But also very misunderstood and with a past that makes it understandable why they act the way they do.
I loved little Quilliam. Seriously, that was a cute little highlight for me and now I want a Quill of my own.
The book was definitely left on a cliffhanger, but not one that makes you want to throw the book across the room. In saying that, I'm already hooked and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
February 27, 2024
"The good, the bad, and the depraved?"
'On the outside looking in...'
This book was different. I think I am still processing it all. Cressida aka Beastly grew up with nothing. Raised on the streets, dirt and hungry knew her best. When she stumbles upon a chain-link fence with the prettiest boys she's ever seen, something doesn't seem right. When the Curator comes home and Beastly discovers how he "treats" the boys, she gets help. Saving the boys and setting herself up for a life in the system.
The book is continuous with present day and flashbacks to their young age through adolescence of multiple years.
The boys owe Beastly everything but don't want to show their generosity until they can give her what she deserves...so for now, they lurk. They are her knights in the dark where she never sees them. When that time does happen, many years later, something happens. We don't even know what. The book builds up to it the entire time, but then we don't actually get everything that went down.
The book definitely shows the effects of being in the foster care system and being abused at an early age, whether that's physical or emotional. The guys seemed to have grown up dangerous, not trusting anyone else and have since laid down with the mafia for some reason, being successful models and now club owners. Its full of questions and minimal answers. The biggest part they all feel is, unworthy.
Will Cressida ever feel like she is apart of them? Will she ever be fully able to trust them and can the guys show her the darkness they have kept hidden from her for all of these years or will she always be on the outside looking in?
This very different spinoff was inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was not a fan of the guys being so beautiful and Cressida being "Beastly." I hope book two plays out much different. I hope we get answers and we see some actual romance. This book made it seem like more of a duty to each other than anything. I want to know more of what happened after graduation, who Stevo was and what part they ALL play in it together. Will they ever love Cressida for real, or is this one big, "I owe you one," kind of a deal.
*Overall 3.5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Slow Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*MMFMM
*Ends on cliffhanger
'On the outside looking in...'
This book was different. I think I am still processing it all. Cressida aka Beastly grew up with nothing. Raised on the streets, dirt and hungry knew her best. When she stumbles upon a chain-link fence with the prettiest boys she's ever seen, something doesn't seem right. When the Curator comes home and Beastly discovers how he "treats" the boys, she gets help. Saving the boys and setting herself up for a life in the system.
The book is continuous with present day and flashbacks to their young age through adolescence of multiple years.
The boys owe Beastly everything but don't want to show their generosity until they can give her what she deserves...so for now, they lurk. They are her knights in the dark where she never sees them. When that time does happen, many years later, something happens. We don't even know what. The book builds up to it the entire time, but then we don't actually get everything that went down.
The book definitely shows the effects of being in the foster care system and being abused at an early age, whether that's physical or emotional. The guys seemed to have grown up dangerous, not trusting anyone else and have since laid down with the mafia for some reason, being successful models and now club owners. Its full of questions and minimal answers. The biggest part they all feel is, unworthy.
Will Cressida ever feel like she is apart of them? Will she ever be fully able to trust them and can the guys show her the darkness they have kept hidden from her for all of these years or will she always be on the outside looking in?
This very different spinoff was inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was not a fan of the guys being so beautiful and Cressida being "Beastly." I hope book two plays out much different. I hope we get answers and we see some actual romance. This book made it seem like more of a duty to each other than anything. I want to know more of what happened after graduation, who Stevo was and what part they ALL play in it together. Will they ever love Cressida for real, or is this one big, "I owe you one," kind of a deal.
*Overall 3.5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Slow Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*MMFMM
*Ends on cliffhanger
February 27, 2024
Snatched was both painful and emotional. It was beautiful in the way pain can be sometimes. In it we follow multiple POVs both in the present and in the past. Beasty (Cressida) is a homeless child when she wanders deep into the woods and finds a house where four boys are playing in a fenced in yard. After getting a bad feeling about the situation she runs and tells an adult which in turn brought the police onto the scene. Turns out those four boys had been kidnapped by The Curator and they had all experienced severe abuse (and yes some of that abuse was sadly sexual). Beasty had saved these four boys from further abuse but sadly they all end up in foster care. And while the boys stay away from forming any friendship with Beasty, they are never far from her. She saved them so they appoint themselves her protectors.
Snatched shows the lingering effects of abuse and being in the foster care system. It doesn’t hide away from showing the reader all the gritty, dangerous, toxic, and raw sides of growing up feeling unlovable, unwanted, and unworthy. These characters are just trying their best day to day to overcome what they all went through while also trying to balance a romance that is finally being allowed to bloom.
This read hurt plain and simple but it resonated with me quite a bit. It made my heart ache for these kids who are struggling still emotionally and mentally as adults. They were never shown what love is but that doesn’t mean they can’t have it now.
4.5⭐️
3.5🔥
What to expect:
-Diverse RH (Hispanic, Black, Asian, White)
-Club with a secret sex club hidden inside
-Trauma bonds
-Stalking
-Voyeurism/Exhibitionism
-She saved them when they were kids
-Bondage
-Flogging
-Choking
TW/CW: the author has a great list of these at the beginning of the book and I highly recommend you check it out before reading. Some of these include CSA, CA, racial slur towards the Asian MC when he was a minor (it only happens once in Chapter 10), etc. Again check the author’s list
Snatched shows the lingering effects of abuse and being in the foster care system. It doesn’t hide away from showing the reader all the gritty, dangerous, toxic, and raw sides of growing up feeling unlovable, unwanted, and unworthy. These characters are just trying their best day to day to overcome what they all went through while also trying to balance a romance that is finally being allowed to bloom.
This read hurt plain and simple but it resonated with me quite a bit. It made my heart ache for these kids who are struggling still emotionally and mentally as adults. They were never shown what love is but that doesn’t mean they can’t have it now.
4.5⭐️
3.5🔥
What to expect:
-Diverse RH (Hispanic, Black, Asian, White)
-Club with a secret sex club hidden inside
-Trauma bonds
-Stalking
-Voyeurism/Exhibitionism
-She saved them when they were kids
-Bondage
-Flogging
-Choking
TW/CW: the author has a great list of these at the beginning of the book and I highly recommend you check it out before reading. Some of these include CSA, CA, racial slur towards the Asian MC when he was a minor (it only happens once in Chapter 10), etc. Again check the author’s list
February 29, 2024
I am hooked...
WOW! Mind blown! Snatched even cause a reading slump as nothing compared to the rawness of these characters.
Cressida (Beasty) finds four boys behind a chain link fence, and all she wants is to play with them. But it's not safe, realising these boys are being hurt, she finds help. Placing them all in the foster care system.
Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim are grateful for Beasty's save, but they don't feel 'clean' enough and can't offer her anything of value, keep their distance, and keep her safe. Beasty only wants to be friends, but instead, she grows up lonely and separate. Except one time after school and it went wrong.
Now saving her is opening old wounds and enemies knocking is keeping everyone on edge...
Wonderfully written story, jumping back and forth in time brings the pain and vulnerability of each character to the surface, leaving you reeling and feeling more and more. So easy to love these toxic fashion boys. They need it. The loneliness and hurt of Beasty is so beautiful that it breaks my heart. Blake Blessing has an uncanny ability to create characters you root for no matter how morally grey they are. And Snatched is only the beginning of a guaranteed emotional roller-coaster read. Not to mention the delicious quirks that will be uncovered. An excellent start to series.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers. Pretty boys. Beastly girl. Exhibitionism. Smex club. BDSM. MM. Diversity. Toxic. Forced Proximity. Found family. Trauma survivors. Triggers. Angst.
Quotes:
"Do you know how much I wanted to be your friend when we were kids? I needed you, and I wasn't worth your time. If I had been, then maybe... maybe..."
"We weren't too good for you. You were too good for us. We were dirty. You were not. And we didn't want to make you that way."
"Shh. Shut your eyes, Beasty. Don't worry about anyone else but me. You're proving to me that you want to be here with us, right? And you won't walk away empty- handed. I promise you'll get off just as much as I do."
WOW! Mind blown! Snatched even cause a reading slump as nothing compared to the rawness of these characters.
Cressida (Beasty) finds four boys behind a chain link fence, and all she wants is to play with them. But it's not safe, realising these boys are being hurt, she finds help. Placing them all in the foster care system.
Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim are grateful for Beasty's save, but they don't feel 'clean' enough and can't offer her anything of value, keep their distance, and keep her safe. Beasty only wants to be friends, but instead, she grows up lonely and separate. Except one time after school and it went wrong.
Now saving her is opening old wounds and enemies knocking is keeping everyone on edge...
Wonderfully written story, jumping back and forth in time brings the pain and vulnerability of each character to the surface, leaving you reeling and feeling more and more. So easy to love these toxic fashion boys. They need it. The loneliness and hurt of Beasty is so beautiful that it breaks my heart. Blake Blessing has an uncanny ability to create characters you root for no matter how morally grey they are. And Snatched is only the beginning of a guaranteed emotional roller-coaster read. Not to mention the delicious quirks that will be uncovered. An excellent start to series.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers. Pretty boys. Beastly girl. Exhibitionism. Smex club. BDSM. MM. Diversity. Toxic. Forced Proximity. Found family. Trauma survivors. Triggers. Angst.
Quotes:
"Do you know how much I wanted to be your friend when we were kids? I needed you, and I wasn't worth your time. If I had been, then maybe... maybe..."
"We weren't too good for you. You were too good for us. We were dirty. You were not. And we didn't want to make you that way."
"Shh. Shut your eyes, Beasty. Don't worry about anyone else but me. You're proving to me that you want to be here with us, right? And you won't walk away empty- handed. I promise you'll get off just as much as I do."
February 28, 2024
You know a story and the wiritng is great when you were a mood reader and in a slump but the books sucks you all the way in immediately and keeps you there.
This book takes place in the present along with flashbacks to the past. The main characters grew up together in the same town and in the Foster system. A connection is formed when the FMC helps the guys out when first meeting them. At the story progresses in the present The flashbacks give more meaning to the characters relationships and perceptions of each other and past actions. There are layers and depth to their relationships. And it's so interesting to see the different characters perceptions. And how it comes together.
In the present day the guys seem to be in a criminal organization after coming out of the fashion world. And they "retrieve" or "snatch up" the fmc after she gets herself into some trouble.
You quickly find out that in their adult life they had lived together before but she left two years prior as well as sharing a childhood in the same town.
Through the book we are figureing out why she felt she had to leave the first time and what happened, as she very reluctantly moves in and finds out more about them then she has ever known and more than they ever let her know.
There is def spice. And multiple povs. RH. Lots of layers & depth. The author has a great note in the beginning about the characters their past trauma and not realizing that in things that they currently do, which may have to do with that.
This author always put layers and depth into her stories. Whether it's ethics, philosophy, motives, all kinds of things are explored within this and her other dark romance stories. The characters are always challenged in her books. I loved this book. It's an ongoing series and the second book is up for pre-order now. Highly recommend. Check triggers
This book takes place in the present along with flashbacks to the past. The main characters grew up together in the same town and in the Foster system. A connection is formed when the FMC helps the guys out when first meeting them. At the story progresses in the present The flashbacks give more meaning to the characters relationships and perceptions of each other and past actions. There are layers and depth to their relationships. And it's so interesting to see the different characters perceptions. And how it comes together.
In the present day the guys seem to be in a criminal organization after coming out of the fashion world. And they "retrieve" or "snatch up" the fmc after she gets herself into some trouble.
You quickly find out that in their adult life they had lived together before but she left two years prior as well as sharing a childhood in the same town.
Through the book we are figureing out why she felt she had to leave the first time and what happened, as she very reluctantly moves in and finds out more about them then she has ever known and more than they ever let her know.
There is def spice. And multiple povs. RH. Lots of layers & depth. The author has a great note in the beginning about the characters their past trauma and not realizing that in things that they currently do, which may have to do with that.
This author always put layers and depth into her stories. Whether it's ethics, philosophy, motives, all kinds of things are explored within this and her other dark romance stories. The characters are always challenged in her books. I loved this book. It's an ongoing series and the second book is up for pre-order now. Highly recommend. Check triggers
April 19, 2025
*Thank you Blake for a copy of the audio! Per usual my review and opinions are 100% my own*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay admittedly I was confused for a good portion of this book. I feel like that was almost intentional though? This is the first of a series and the back and forth between present day and the flashbacks (multiple POV’s) kind of confused me right until the very end. And even then that cliffhanger! Going to have to read the next book ASAP to see how everything pans out.
This is a dark why choose romance. If you’re not into that, then here’s your warning now. I, for one, am a fan and already like Blake’s writing from her Bastard Brothers of Carnage series. Love that this series is based in the same world but with a whole new cast of characters. You do not need to have read BBoC to enjoy this though.
Cressida aka Beasty is “snatched” in the lightest definition of the term. She’s been through the wringer in her life and is an absolute survivor. Been through the foster system and has been around / friendly with / saved / been saved by four boys who are the definition of found family that were in foster care together. When one of them re-enters her life and plucks her out of her home, the ever loving confusion ensues. The boys feel betrayed by her but also want to possess her, while she is 1000% confused about what she possibly could have done. Be prepared to continue to be confused throughout this entire book, because by the end you still don’t QUITEEEE know exactly what happened although you do understand the broader history. Blake keeps you guessing and much like Beasty and her boys, feels like a love/hate relationship you can’t get enough of!
I read this on kindle with the audio (love me an immersive read) and it was the perfect experience. The narrators were well matched and I thought it really enhanced the whole story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay admittedly I was confused for a good portion of this book. I feel like that was almost intentional though? This is the first of a series and the back and forth between present day and the flashbacks (multiple POV’s) kind of confused me right until the very end. And even then that cliffhanger! Going to have to read the next book ASAP to see how everything pans out.
This is a dark why choose romance. If you’re not into that, then here’s your warning now. I, for one, am a fan and already like Blake’s writing from her Bastard Brothers of Carnage series. Love that this series is based in the same world but with a whole new cast of characters. You do not need to have read BBoC to enjoy this though.
Cressida aka Beasty is “snatched” in the lightest definition of the term. She’s been through the wringer in her life and is an absolute survivor. Been through the foster system and has been around / friendly with / saved / been saved by four boys who are the definition of found family that were in foster care together. When one of them re-enters her life and plucks her out of her home, the ever loving confusion ensues. The boys feel betrayed by her but also want to possess her, while she is 1000% confused about what she possibly could have done. Be prepared to continue to be confused throughout this entire book, because by the end you still don’t QUITEEEE know exactly what happened although you do understand the broader history. Blake keeps you guessing and much like Beasty and her boys, feels like a love/hate relationship you can’t get enough of!
I read this on kindle with the audio (love me an immersive read) and it was the perfect experience. The narrators were well matched and I thought it really enhanced the whole story!
March 4, 2024
OMG! I loved this story! It was dark, twisted, angsty and incredibly emotional, keeping me glued to the pages with tears slowly falling down my face. It kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages quickly to see what sort of answers we were going to get.
These men, Atlas, Lake, Joaquin and Kim, had my heart in a chokehold over the horrific trauma they went through as kids and it had me aching for them wanting to just hold them all. Each man was an enigma and I can’t wait to dive deeper into each one of them. As they are all unique and bring something different to the relationship.
Cressida (Beasty) is such a fierce spitfire of a woman and I couldn’t get over how much of determination and resiliency she had. I completely understood her frustration with these men over never getting a straight answer from any of them.
The back and forth banter between the five of them was filled with intense anger, pain, sarcasm, sadness, frustration and just so much hurt that it just oozed off the pages. But underneath all of that was this underlying feeling of desire, craving, passion and love between them all. There is just a lot of secrets and truths that need to be revealed before they can move forward in their unique relationship.
I loved this story. It was an incredible start, and set the stage for what is sure to be one hell of an amazing series!
This one ends is in a cliffhanger, not a bad kindle bashing one, but has definitely left me waiting on bated breath for the next book!
These men, Atlas, Lake, Joaquin and Kim, had my heart in a chokehold over the horrific trauma they went through as kids and it had me aching for them wanting to just hold them all. Each man was an enigma and I can’t wait to dive deeper into each one of them. As they are all unique and bring something different to the relationship.
Cressida (Beasty) is such a fierce spitfire of a woman and I couldn’t get over how much of determination and resiliency she had. I completely understood her frustration with these men over never getting a straight answer from any of them.
The back and forth banter between the five of them was filled with intense anger, pain, sarcasm, sadness, frustration and just so much hurt that it just oozed off the pages. But underneath all of that was this underlying feeling of desire, craving, passion and love between them all. There is just a lot of secrets and truths that need to be revealed before they can move forward in their unique relationship.
I loved this story. It was an incredible start, and set the stage for what is sure to be one hell of an amazing series!
This one ends is in a cliffhanger, not a bad kindle bashing one, but has definitely left me waiting on bated breath for the next book!
March 1, 2024
Phenomenal
I devoured this book. It is just so good. This is a why choose book. You have Beasty, who is the FMC, and you have four boys/men, Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim. Beasty grew up poor and pretty much lived on the streets. Nobody really talked to her and they all called her Beasty. She was just walking around one day and heard some kids. She saw the Boys at a house in a fenced area. She started talking to them and they talked back but wouldn't let her come over because they said the man they were with would not be happy. When the man showed up, they told her she needed to leave. While leaving, she heard what sounded like the man was hurting them so she went to get help. The boys got out in a foster home after that and so did Beasty.
As time went on, the Boys felt like she saved them and they watched out for her and protected her as much as they could but never really talked to her. All she wanted was to be their friend.
Present time has Beasty in trouble because of a guy she had been involved in. Two of the boys were now famous models and they other two were involved in their business in some way. They still kept track of her and came to protect her. Some things happened in all of their past with Beasty and she didn't want to be with them. Lots happen in this book and don't want to give away but read this book. It is so good. That cliffhanger was something and cannot wait for next book.
I devoured this book. It is just so good. This is a why choose book. You have Beasty, who is the FMC, and you have four boys/men, Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim. Beasty grew up poor and pretty much lived on the streets. Nobody really talked to her and they all called her Beasty. She was just walking around one day and heard some kids. She saw the Boys at a house in a fenced area. She started talking to them and they talked back but wouldn't let her come over because they said the man they were with would not be happy. When the man showed up, they told her she needed to leave. While leaving, she heard what sounded like the man was hurting them so she went to get help. The boys got out in a foster home after that and so did Beasty.
As time went on, the Boys felt like she saved them and they watched out for her and protected her as much as they could but never really talked to her. All she wanted was to be their friend.
Present time has Beasty in trouble because of a guy she had been involved in. Two of the boys were now famous models and they other two were involved in their business in some way. They still kept track of her and came to protect her. Some things happened in all of their past with Beasty and she didn't want to be with them. Lots happen in this book and don't want to give away but read this book. It is so good. That cliffhanger was something and cannot wait for next book.
March 3, 2024
Absolutely Loved It!
This book was so good I loved the darkness of it and how it grew with the characters finding family within themselves.
The characters are so great I love how they all develop throughout the story. Flipping back and forth between them as kids and the present was great to understand their thoughts and actions as adults.
The diversity within them all was a nice change from the past books I’ve read it gave it a fresh perspective for me. The FMC I love her fierceness to survive regardless of what anyone thinks.
It was great to read the realism of how kids actually react and behave in situations because kids are cruel at any age. The guys protecting Beasty was touching an her doing for them as well.
The story is dark but as you read you really get into their headspace an understand their emotions. To be honest I’m glad it was more story and not a lot of the smut it’s great to read more on the development sometimes. You’re going to get sucked in regardless it’s that good you definitely won’t miss that aspect. There is some smut though so you definitely get some spiciness.
Definitely check the TW in the front this book has a few. I can’t wait for book to a see how that cliffhanger is going to play out.
There is also MM in this book an I loved it. The two characters that it involves are two of my favorites. Can’t wait to see how things develop between them and Beasty.
This book was so good I loved the darkness of it and how it grew with the characters finding family within themselves.
The characters are so great I love how they all develop throughout the story. Flipping back and forth between them as kids and the present was great to understand their thoughts and actions as adults.
The diversity within them all was a nice change from the past books I’ve read it gave it a fresh perspective for me. The FMC I love her fierceness to survive regardless of what anyone thinks.
It was great to read the realism of how kids actually react and behave in situations because kids are cruel at any age. The guys protecting Beasty was touching an her doing for them as well.
The story is dark but as you read you really get into their headspace an understand their emotions. To be honest I’m glad it was more story and not a lot of the smut it’s great to read more on the development sometimes. You’re going to get sucked in regardless it’s that good you definitely won’t miss that aspect. There is some smut though so you definitely get some spiciness.
Definitely check the TW in the front this book has a few. I can’t wait for book to a see how that cliffhanger is going to play out.
There is also MM in this book an I loved it. The two characters that it involves are two of my favorites. Can’t wait to see how things develop between them and Beasty.
February 24, 2024
*Why Choose
*Contemporary
*Multi-PoV
*Dark Themes
*Traumatic pasts
*Second Chance
*Friend-enemies?
*possessive men
*mid burn/high heat
*established harem (4)
*includes MM
*1/?
Tension, Angst and Chemistry 😍
Ooofftt the tension between Beasty and ‘the Collection’ is off the charts! 🌶️🔥 you can tell there is a lot of unresolved hurt feelings amongst them and it’s affecting how they are towards each other now 😬 but there is no denying that there’s a connection between them that’s been created through an intricate past!
I love how the narrative has been told in both the present and the past giving an insight into their backgrounds (please check TWs!!) and how they came to be who they are now - it provides a great depth to the story 😀
Lake is the leader of their group and is wanting his girl back although he has a possessive controlling way to his obsession; Kim is the softest of their quad and is undoubtedly in love with Beasty wanting her but struggling to get over the hurt; Atlas is determined to punish Cressida for what she’s done to them by leaving yet cannot deny the chemistry between them; and then there’s Joaquin who isn’t quite sure where he stands with Beasty and Atlas stirring up trouble 😜 they want their girl back but she wants all of them…the good, the bad and the ugly - can’t they give it her trusting she’ll stay? Or is she one foot out the door already?!
*Contemporary
*Multi-PoV
*Dark Themes
*Traumatic pasts
*Second Chance
*Friend-enemies?
*possessive men
*mid burn/high heat
*established harem (4)
*includes MM
*1/?
Tension, Angst and Chemistry 😍
Ooofftt the tension between Beasty and ‘the Collection’ is off the charts! 🌶️🔥 you can tell there is a lot of unresolved hurt feelings amongst them and it’s affecting how they are towards each other now 😬 but there is no denying that there’s a connection between them that’s been created through an intricate past!
I love how the narrative has been told in both the present and the past giving an insight into their backgrounds (please check TWs!!) and how they came to be who they are now - it provides a great depth to the story 😀
Lake is the leader of their group and is wanting his girl back although he has a possessive controlling way to his obsession; Kim is the softest of their quad and is undoubtedly in love with Beasty wanting her but struggling to get over the hurt; Atlas is determined to punish Cressida for what she’s done to them by leaving yet cannot deny the chemistry between them; and then there’s Joaquin who isn’t quite sure where he stands with Beasty and Atlas stirring up trouble 😜 they want their girl back but she wants all of them…the good, the bad and the ugly - can’t they give it her trusting she’ll stay? Or is she one foot out the door already?!
March 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this start to this new series by Blake Blessing!
This is a reverse harem, reverse beauty and the beast-ish retelling, and I ate it up!!
Lake, Kim, Atlas, and Joaquin were snatched and abused as boys. Their one saving grace, Beasty, who, after meeting these four beautiful young boys through a fence as a little girl and hearing what was happening, ran for help. This saved them, and they are forever grateful and never want to stop showing her how much that meant. They watch her, and they step in at every bad turn when she needs it (although she's so effing tough she can handle herself). They keep her at arms length, never feeling worthy of her. But they are all older now, and she belongs with them.
I fell in love with all these characters. Each has been through something terrible, but having each other was so endearing to read. The way each of them care for Beasty is everything. The back and forth timeline and multiple POVs were written so freaking well. I didn't think I'd like it, but it worked perfectly for this gripping story. My emotions were often all over the place, and there are so many more secrets to unfold.
The diversity of this story was amazing. I'm glad Blake wrote these characters as they clearly should be. I've been left wanting so much more, and I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
This is a reverse harem, reverse beauty and the beast-ish retelling, and I ate it up!!
Lake, Kim, Atlas, and Joaquin were snatched and abused as boys. Their one saving grace, Beasty, who, after meeting these four beautiful young boys through a fence as a little girl and hearing what was happening, ran for help. This saved them, and they are forever grateful and never want to stop showing her how much that meant. They watch her, and they step in at every bad turn when she needs it (although she's so effing tough she can handle herself). They keep her at arms length, never feeling worthy of her. But they are all older now, and she belongs with them.
I fell in love with all these characters. Each has been through something terrible, but having each other was so endearing to read. The way each of them care for Beasty is everything. The back and forth timeline and multiple POVs were written so freaking well. I didn't think I'd like it, but it worked perfectly for this gripping story. My emotions were often all over the place, and there are so many more secrets to unfold.
The diversity of this story was amazing. I'm glad Blake wrote these characters as they clearly should be. I've been left wanting so much more, and I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
March 4, 2024
SNATCHED
By: Blake Blessing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the story of Beastly (Cressida) and Lake, Atlas, Kim, and Joaquin who make up the four fashion boys who are very diverse. They share an incredible bond formed by growing through trauma together and their deep bond with Beasty who saved them from a terrible home.
I loved how the POVs from Beasty and the guys went from present to past and how it told the story in such a way that made it unique, I couldn't predict what would happen next. Blake was able to craft this story in a way that in the past you seen the fear and worries through the eyes of the child and you watched them grow page by page into the men they are today.
From start to finish you get the tension, steam, mysteries, hot hot times, but you also get a little girl who had nothing save four boys who also had nothing, then they step in when she needed saving and I'm a sucker for it. Protecting her from afar, rather she wants them to or not!
Blake left us with that cliffhanger, I need the next book now but will be waiting quietly for her next book of absolute perfection! Don't wait on this series go start it now!!!!
Congratulations to Blake Blessing on this release day! Your a BEAUTIFUL person and I hope today is such a reminder that your readers stand behind you and are cheering you on all the way!!!! (Now please 🙏 go write book 2😂)
By: Blake Blessing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the story of Beastly (Cressida) and Lake, Atlas, Kim, and Joaquin who make up the four fashion boys who are very diverse. They share an incredible bond formed by growing through trauma together and their deep bond with Beasty who saved them from a terrible home.
I loved how the POVs from Beasty and the guys went from present to past and how it told the story in such a way that made it unique, I couldn't predict what would happen next. Blake was able to craft this story in a way that in the past you seen the fear and worries through the eyes of the child and you watched them grow page by page into the men they are today.
From start to finish you get the tension, steam, mysteries, hot hot times, but you also get a little girl who had nothing save four boys who also had nothing, then they step in when she needed saving and I'm a sucker for it. Protecting her from afar, rather she wants them to or not!
Blake left us with that cliffhanger, I need the next book now but will be waiting quietly for her next book of absolute perfection! Don't wait on this series go start it now!!!!
Congratulations to Blake Blessing on this release day! Your a BEAUTIFUL person and I hope today is such a reminder that your readers stand behind you and are cheering you on all the way!!!! (Now please 🙏 go write book 2😂)
March 9, 2024
Seppy's 5 + Review:
Cressida (Beasty) is a homeless girl who finds four boys (Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim) behind a fence and befriends them. But soon realizes that these boys are in trouble and saves them by finding help. The boys and Cressida/ Beasty end up in foster care. The boys are very thankful for her help but also feel that they are good enough for Beasty. So they keep their distance but always lurking around and keeping her safe in return. But they never talk to her so she has no idea how they truly feel. Beasty only wish is to belong and be friends with them. She is lonely with no one and never belongs or fits in. What is going to happen next?
I love Blake Blessing books and this one doesn't disappoint. The book is set up to go from past to present and there are multiple POVs. I was hooked from the beginning. The boys were abused and then put in foster care where they only had themselves and Beasty was always on the outside looking in. They did a lot to protect her but never let her join them. She was put on a pedestal that she was untouchable. But she longed to belong with them and they longed for her but didn't feel they were enough. It is heartbreaking to read some parts. I wish I could scream at the boys to include her that she needs you. I can't wait to see what happens next in book 2. I love this series already! One-click this one!
Cressida (Beasty) is a homeless girl who finds four boys (Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim) behind a fence and befriends them. But soon realizes that these boys are in trouble and saves them by finding help. The boys and Cressida/ Beasty end up in foster care. The boys are very thankful for her help but also feel that they are good enough for Beasty. So they keep their distance but always lurking around and keeping her safe in return. But they never talk to her so she has no idea how they truly feel. Beasty only wish is to belong and be friends with them. She is lonely with no one and never belongs or fits in. What is going to happen next?
I love Blake Blessing books and this one doesn't disappoint. The book is set up to go from past to present and there are multiple POVs. I was hooked from the beginning. The boys were abused and then put in foster care where they only had themselves and Beasty was always on the outside looking in. They did a lot to protect her but never let her join them. She was put on a pedestal that she was untouchable. But she longed to belong with them and they longed for her but didn't feel they were enough. It is heartbreaking to read some parts. I wish I could scream at the boys to include her that she needs you. I can't wait to see what happens next in book 2. I love this series already! One-click this one!
March 11, 2024
Snatched by Blake Blessing is a great combination of using such a hard topic of child trafficking and abuse and mixing it together to form a group who knows what they want and stop at nothing to get it. I love how the main guy characters were written, all completely different backgrounds bound together by loyalty and brotherhood. Who didn't let their pasts define them and actually came out on top of the world for a much better future. Beasty was a little different to me to the point that I wish I could ask why she was making such crazy choices. I do love though how she's just as tough and never wants pity or handouts, wants to form her own path and stick to her plans of being her own hero.
What's really unique about Snatched is the back and forth between past and present and you get everyone's POV of how they were coping. Beasty and the guys have been circling each other for years since the initial meet, them the silent guardians and her pretending she doesn't know anything. The present day chapters were quite thrilling with all the little plot twists concerning Beasty and how she got on everyone's radar once again after trying her best to stay invisible. I didn't want to reach the end of the book so thankfully this is a series and I'm absolutely looking forward to jumping back in.
What's really unique about Snatched is the back and forth between past and present and you get everyone's POV of how they were coping. Beasty and the guys have been circling each other for years since the initial meet, them the silent guardians and her pretending she doesn't know anything. The present day chapters were quite thrilling with all the little plot twists concerning Beasty and how she got on everyone's radar once again after trying her best to stay invisible. I didn't want to reach the end of the book so thankfully this is a series and I'm absolutely looking forward to jumping back in.
February 25, 2024
I thought I was ready for this story but, oh my gosh, I was NOT. Once I picked up this book I absolutely could not put it down. Everything got put on hold because I was instantly captured by these incredible characters and their stories both separately and together. This book has such a unique storyline that I’ve honestly never come across before! I loved that it wasn’t predictable and it kept me entranced and needing to know what was going to happen next. Beasty is unique, powerful, and unapologetic which makes her the FMC I didn’t even realize I needed. I absolutely love her and her resilience. The diversity in this book is absolutely incredible as well. Lake, Atlas, Kim, and Joaquin are all so different, but they share an incredible bond formed by overcoming trauma and their deep bond with Beasty is absolutely incredible. I loved that the story is told through alternating POV. I have found that sometimes that style can get a little confusing to me with so many main characters, but Blake does an incredible job of making it all flow, and I never found myself struggling with it. This book does end on a cliffy but it’s not the gut wrenching kind, more of the "I need to know what happens next" type! I absolutely can not wait for the next book in this series!
February 27, 2024
Weehoo what a ride this book was. I had been looking forward to the Fashion boys’ story ever since reading Blake’s other series the bast’rd brothers of Carnage and these men being mentioned briefly. It got me intrigued.
Worth it. This is a new series so you do not need to have read any other books by Blake.
The story has multiple POVs from both Beasty and the guys, from their adulthood and their childhood. The guys are very diverse in both ethnicity and their personalities, which makes this type of RH story so interesting when it comes to seeing the relationships build.
Blake did amazing at making their voices sound their age. The story keeps you enthralled with trickling in some tidbits from the past, filling in gaps as you read and you can’t help turning the pages wanting to know more.
I love beasty as a fmc. She’s trying to protect herself from the toxicity of the fashion boys but they just won’t stop inserting themselves in her life. But this time, things are different. Beasty isn’t as above reproach as they thought…
This had the tension i go feral for, steam, some mysteries to discover, the toxic angry shemggsy times you literally end up panting over…
Go! Don’t wait. Read this.
Worth it. This is a new series so you do not need to have read any other books by Blake.
The story has multiple POVs from both Beasty and the guys, from their adulthood and their childhood. The guys are very diverse in both ethnicity and their personalities, which makes this type of RH story so interesting when it comes to seeing the relationships build.
Blake did amazing at making their voices sound their age. The story keeps you enthralled with trickling in some tidbits from the past, filling in gaps as you read and you can’t help turning the pages wanting to know more.
I love beasty as a fmc. She’s trying to protect herself from the toxicity of the fashion boys but they just won’t stop inserting themselves in her life. But this time, things are different. Beasty isn’t as above reproach as they thought…
This had the tension i go feral for, steam, some mysteries to discover, the toxic angry shemggsy times you literally end up panting over…
Go! Don’t wait. Read this.
February 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this! Beasty (Cressida) has absolutely had a rough, neglectful, and abused life. Her bright point? Saving four boys (Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, and Kim) from a kidnapping child rapist when they were all young. However, no matter how much she tried to be their friend she never felt like enough. Ironically, the boys watched over her but tried to keep their distance because they didn’t feel like enough. But now? She’s in trouble and they’re going to save her whether she wants them to or not. The chemistry? It’s amazing. The plot? Holy wow. The characters? Man, Beasty is a strong woman who only wants to be loved, or at least to feel like she belongs. The guys? All sorts of emotions- Kim is the sweetest, Lake has Daddy vibes, Atlas is the mischievous one, and Joaquin shows more anger than the rest. None of them trust anyone but can Beasty trust them & can they trust her? I legitimately just read this in about 3 hours curled on my couch without moving- I fell quicker here than I did with Carnage which was unexpected. That cliffhanger has me ready for the next book but I know I need to be patient. 5 ⭐️ 2.5🌶️
February 27, 2024
I am OBSESSED!!!
Snatched is book #1 in The Collection series. This is a dark why choose romance. Make sure to check the trigger warning.
I am a Blake Blessing fangirl and have read every single book by this author. If you have read them all too, then you know of these guys already from The Cardinal Sins series (The Curator and his Around the World Collection) and the Bastard Brothers of Carnage series (The Fashion Boys) and you might even catch of a glimpse of a familiar character. It made my heart so happy to hear this series was coming, with characters I was dying to know more about and it did not disappoint, like always!!
Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, Kim and Beasty have me hooked and I love their story so much. Blake brings all the emotion and feeling and I'm here for it all. There is a lot of history between these characters and let me just say, I would love to have men as obsessed with me like these guys are with Beasty 😂
This story will have you dropping everything and reading it the whole way thru. Once I started I couldn't stop and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is an incredible start to this new series and I can't wait for more!!!
Snatched is book #1 in The Collection series. This is a dark why choose romance. Make sure to check the trigger warning.
I am a Blake Blessing fangirl and have read every single book by this author. If you have read them all too, then you know of these guys already from The Cardinal Sins series (The Curator and his Around the World Collection) and the Bastard Brothers of Carnage series (The Fashion Boys) and you might even catch of a glimpse of a familiar character. It made my heart so happy to hear this series was coming, with characters I was dying to know more about and it did not disappoint, like always!!
Lake, Atlas, Joaquin, Kim and Beasty have me hooked and I love their story so much. Blake brings all the emotion and feeling and I'm here for it all. There is a lot of history between these characters and let me just say, I would love to have men as obsessed with me like these guys are with Beasty 😂
This story will have you dropping everything and reading it the whole way thru. Once I started I couldn't stop and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is an incredible start to this new series and I can't wait for more!!!
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