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Capricious
**This is a short story**
Lacey Caldez is in a bind.
Her bills aren't paid, her mother is broken, and they're about to lose their house. Realizing she's low on options, she buries her pride and approaches the last person she ever wanted to owe a favor to.
Robbie Reynolds is brutal, demanding, and one hell of a mobster. He's also her ex. But despite his character flaws, he offers her a chance to avoid financial ruin—but can she stomach what he's asking of her?
Lacey Caldez is in a bind.
Her bills aren't paid, her mother is broken, and they're about to lose their house. Realizing she's low on options, she buries her pride and approaches the last person she ever wanted to owe a favor to.
Robbie Reynolds is brutal, demanding, and one hell of a mobster. He's also her ex. But despite his character flaws, he offers her a chance to avoid financial ruin—but can she stomach what he's asking of her?
28 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2014
8 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Jade Eby
27 books276 followersOnce upon a time there was a little girl who fell in love with books then she grew up to write her own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 8, 2014
Capricious is a short story.
This is my face after reading Capricious:
After reading the blurb, I new I had to read this book, I didn't care how short it would be!!!
Lacey Caldez is in a bind.
Her bills aren't paid, her mother is broken, and they're about to lose their house. Realizing she's low on options, she buries her pride and approaches the last person she ever wanted to owe a favor to.
Robbie Reynolds is brutal, demanding, and one hell of a mobster. He's also her ex. But despite his character flaws, he offers her a chance to avoid financial ruin—but can she stomach what he's asking of her?
Now after reading that my mind was on this kind of track:
But what I got was something like this:
I still can't believe what I just read! There has to be more!!!
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review
This is my face after reading Capricious:
After reading the blurb, I new I had to read this book, I didn't care how short it would be!!!
Lacey Caldez is in a bind.
Her bills aren't paid, her mother is broken, and they're about to lose their house. Realizing she's low on options, she buries her pride and approaches the last person she ever wanted to owe a favor to.
Robbie Reynolds is brutal, demanding, and one hell of a mobster. He's also her ex. But despite his character flaws, he offers her a chance to avoid financial ruin—but can she stomach what he's asking of her?
Now after reading that my mind was on this kind of track:
But what I got was something like this:
I still can't believe what I just read! There has to be more!!!
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review
November 17, 2015
This book threw me for a loop. It was very short but it sure packed quite a punch. I loved every second of it!!
Lacey Caldez is in a bind.
Her bills aren't paid, her mother is broken, and they're about to lose their house. Realizing she's low on options, she buries her pride and approaches the last person she ever wanted to owe a favor to.
Robbie Reynolds is brutal, demanding, and one hell of a mobster. He's also her ex. But despite his character flaws, he offers her a chance to avoid financial ruin—but can she stomach what he's asking of her?
What the heck, a kickass female bank robber!! Not that its unusual, but what she did sure is....
"I have to continually remind myself who my comrades think I am—Lacey Caldez, some stripper ditz cherry-picked for a job she has no business doing. They think it's because I have a pretty face. Sure, I'll just let them believe it."
Now on to book 2!! This book was a kindle freebie.
Lacey Caldez is in a bind.
Her bills aren't paid, her mother is broken, and they're about to lose their house. Realizing she's low on options, she buries her pride and approaches the last person she ever wanted to owe a favor to.
Robbie Reynolds is brutal, demanding, and one hell of a mobster. He's also her ex. But despite his character flaws, he offers her a chance to avoid financial ruin—but can she stomach what he's asking of her?
What the heck, a kickass female bank robber!! Not that its unusual, but what she did sure is....
"I have to continually remind myself who my comrades think I am—Lacey Caldez, some stripper ditz cherry-picked for a job she has no business doing. They think it's because I have a pretty face. Sure, I'll just let them believe it."
Now on to book 2!! This book was a kindle freebie.
January 16, 2014
I really like Jade Eby thus far. This was another short one. Hopefully, I still like her as much when I read a full length novel. I really like her characters and the way that she develops and tells a story. I'm not saying that she is re-inventing the wheel or anything but it's quality work. I liked that the heroine in this was super strong and while I was able to guess what was going to happen ultimately after the twist, it was still surprising. I won't say anything else since it is a short story but for 99 cents I definitely think you get more than you pay for. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!!!
January 14, 2015
*********Free on Amazon*********
3.5 STARS
Capricious is an extremely short read, hence my rating, it literally took me 15 minutes to read, maybe not even that, and it's hard to judge how good it is when it's so short.
It kicks of with Lacey & her Mum having money troubles, they owe a ton of money. Lacey works multiple jobs, including being a stripper, when her ex walks into the strip club, we discover she used to get up to very bad things with him, and he is also the guy she owes all the money to. Lacey is determined to get the money, and she goes back to being bad.
Expect loads of violence to come.
3.5 STARS
Capricious is an extremely short read, hence my rating, it literally took me 15 minutes to read, maybe not even that, and it's hard to judge how good it is when it's so short.
It kicks of with Lacey & her Mum having money troubles, they owe a ton of money. Lacey works multiple jobs, including being a stripper, when her ex walks into the strip club, we discover she used to get up to very bad things with him, and he is also the guy she owes all the money to. Lacey is determined to get the money, and she goes back to being bad.
Expect loads of violence to come.
August 14, 2014
3 dark twisted stars
Capricious was a short dark twisted story of a girl who tried to be good but was better at being bad. It had a total WTF ending that had my jaw dropping, but at least ended. This isn't a sugar coated love story, actually there is no love at all, just survival and instinct, leaving the strongest to survive. An interesting quick read when you want something on the darker side.
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
Capricious was a short dark twisted story of a girl who tried to be good but was better at being bad. It had a total WTF ending that had my jaw dropping, but at least ended. This isn't a sugar coated love story, actually there is no love at all, just survival and instinct, leaving the strongest to survive. An interesting quick read when you want something on the darker side.
January 16, 2014
2.75 ~ 3 Stars
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
A very short read about a stripper working two jobs to make money for her mother and herself, when her old boyfriend coerces her into being a part of a bank robbery.
The story has a twist which sadly I saw coming a mile away and since the story was very short, I really can't say much else other than it was an okay read.
Nevertheless, if your looking for a super short read this maybe for you.
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
A very short read about a stripper working two jobs to make money for her mother and herself, when her old boyfriend coerces her into being a part of a bank robbery.
The story has a twist which sadly I saw coming a mile away and since the story was very short, I really can't say much else other than it was an okay read.
Nevertheless, if your looking for a super short read this maybe for you.
January 28, 2014
Reviewed on: http://wp.me/p2WbFf-3OX
Gitte: Well this was another very short but high impact story from Jade Eby, wasn’t it Jenny?! It really astounds me just how much emotion and character connection she can achieve in such few words. Did I wish it was longer, absolutely, because the writing and the depth is flawless so would love a full story from this Author. I ended up feeling kind of satisfied but I wanted more, the ending was a tad abrupt albeit powerful. I thought our heroine had real strength and conviction whilst struggling in life and the snapshot we got was very compelling.
“I don’t know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better.” – Lacey
She’s an enabler and a provider with her wits fully aware. She sure packs a punch and I’d love to read more about her.
‘That’s the thing about power: it consumes you from the inside out. Races through your veins like a shot of crack, begging you for more….’ – Lacey
Jenny: Sure was Gitte! This author sure does possess a talent for packing so much into few pages and I honestly don’t know how she does it and yes I am desperately waiting to get my grubby little mitts on a full length novel by Jade Eby because if this is what she can do with 30 pages…what would she do with 300!!! It would be epic that’s for sure!!!
“You don’t have the luxury of quitting. I own, you remember?” – Robbie
What a heroine! I thought Lacey was going to be something very different to how we first met her and her strength and fortitude were commendable. Backed into a corner she shows off some real gumption that’s for sure and I really would like to know more about this kick arse character. Robbie was a complete dick who played on Lacy’s weaknesses.
“I was that heroin addict back for her latest fix” – Lacey
So yeah, I really enjoyed this one and whilst this may have been short it was anything but sweet. It was gritty and gripping and I inhaled it….I just would have loved more!! This is a great in between read when you want something quick and enthralling.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Gitte: Well this was another very short but high impact story from Jade Eby, wasn’t it Jenny?! It really astounds me just how much emotion and character connection she can achieve in such few words. Did I wish it was longer, absolutely, because the writing and the depth is flawless so would love a full story from this Author. I ended up feeling kind of satisfied but I wanted more, the ending was a tad abrupt albeit powerful. I thought our heroine had real strength and conviction whilst struggling in life and the snapshot we got was very compelling.
“I don’t know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better.” – Lacey
She’s an enabler and a provider with her wits fully aware. She sure packs a punch and I’d love to read more about her.
‘That’s the thing about power: it consumes you from the inside out. Races through your veins like a shot of crack, begging you for more….’ – Lacey
Jenny: Sure was Gitte! This author sure does possess a talent for packing so much into few pages and I honestly don’t know how she does it and yes I am desperately waiting to get my grubby little mitts on a full length novel by Jade Eby because if this is what she can do with 30 pages…what would she do with 300!!! It would be epic that’s for sure!!!
“You don’t have the luxury of quitting. I own, you remember?” – Robbie
What a heroine! I thought Lacey was going to be something very different to how we first met her and her strength and fortitude were commendable. Backed into a corner she shows off some real gumption that’s for sure and I really would like to know more about this kick arse character. Robbie was a complete dick who played on Lacy’s weaknesses.
“I was that heroin addict back for her latest fix” – Lacey
So yeah, I really enjoyed this one and whilst this may have been short it was anything but sweet. It was gritty and gripping and I inhaled it….I just would have loved more!! This is a great in between read when you want something quick and enthralling.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2014
Gitte: Well this was another very short but high impact story from Jade Eby, wasn’t it Jenny?! It really astounds me just how much emotion and character connection she can achieve in such few words. Did I wish it was longer, absolutely, because the writing and the depth is flawless so would love a full story from this Author. I ended up feeling kind of satisfied but I wanted more, the ending was a tad abrupt albeit powerful. I thought our heroine had real strength and conviction whilst struggling in life and the snapshot we got was very compelling.
“I don’t know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better.” – Lacey
She’s an enabler and a provider with her wits fully aware. She sure packs a punch and I’d love to read more about her.
‘That’s the thing about power: it consumes you from the inside out. Races through your veins like a shot of crack, begging you for more….’ – Lacey
Jenny: Sure was Gitte! This author sure does possess a talent for packing so much into few pages and I honestly don’t know how she does it and yes I am desperately waiting to get my grubby little mitts on a full length novel by Jade Eby because if this is what she can do with 30 pages…what would she do with 300!!! It would be epic that’s for sure!!!
“You don’t have the luxury of quitting. I own, you remember?” – Robbie
What a heroine! I thought Lacey was going to be something very different to how we first met her and her strength and fortitude were commendable. Backed into a corner she shows off some real gumption that’s for sure and I really would like to know more about this kick arse character. Robbie was a complete dick who played on Lacy’s weaknesses.
“I was that heroin addict back for her latest fix” – Lacey
So yeah, I really enjoyed this one and whilst this may have been short it was anything but sweet. It was gritty and gripping and I inhaled it….I just would have loved more!! This is a great in between read when you want something quick and enthralling.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
January 9, 2014
I did not see this short story coming, but it grabbed hold and kept me glued to the page for every delicious word. The story is fully realized and well plotted. The characters have depth and their motivations are ubiquitous. Every word, every sentence pulls back a new layer for the reader. It's not a long story so I won't go on and on about what a truly terrific piece of writing this is. I'll just say this: God damn, this girl's got skills.
August 10, 2016
Wow, first and foremost I gotta say I was NOT expecting that. Probably the greatest short story I've ever read. You know how some people say big things come in small packages? Capricious is a platinum diamond ring in a tiny velvet box. I hope she continues this. I'd love to read more about Lacey, her twisted mind and jacked up world. Looking forward to more from this author.
July 5, 2014
Jade Eby sure knows how to keep readers on the edge in less than one hundred pages. This novella was sexy, dangerous and violent. The ending left me with my mouth open. Very shocking, I definitely want more.
December 2, 2014
That ending! Did not expect that and honestly I loved it! It changed up what I thought was going to happen and what I assume many others have or will too.
December 19, 2014
Well, that was...awesome.
January 11, 2023
I was confused when I reached the end of this book. Is this supposed to be a romance? What happened between Lacey and Robbie for things to end the way they did? What happens now?
Come to find out, this book is part of a serial. And this is where I stop reading.
Come to find out, this book is part of a serial. And this is where I stop reading.
August 30, 2016
after reading some of the reviews that were posted I figured I was in for a great quick read but WOW... just WOW!! This is my first read from this author... WILL NOT BE MY LAST! Jade Eby has a way with words that drug me in and held on til the end!
We begin the read thinking that Lacey is a down on your luck young woman that cannot seem to catch a break but we admire her for the love she shows her mom and her determination to improve their situation at any cost - including reaching out to someone that she knows is no good for her. By the end of the read we know that she is an exceptional actress worthy of an Oscar caliber performance and she took my breath away!! (I DEDUCED THERE WAS A GREAT ENDING FROM THE OTHER REVIEWS - AND JADE STILL BLEW ME AWAY!)
We begin the read thinking that Lacey is a down on your luck young woman that cannot seem to catch a break but we admire her for the love she shows her mom and her determination to improve their situation at any cost - including reaching out to someone that she knows is no good for her. By the end of the read we know that she is an exceptional actress worthy of an Oscar caliber performance and she took my breath away!! (I DEDUCED THERE WAS A GREAT ENDING FROM THE OTHER REVIEWS - AND JADE STILL BLEW ME AWAY!)
December 30, 2013
As one of Jade's critique partners, I was lucky enough to read an early version of this story. Jade Eby is a new adult writer who takes incredible risks, and they absolutely pay off. Her books are intensely emotional and full of unique characters. She's not afraid to write characters with edge, or from the perspective of a villain.
CAPRICIOUS features a clever main character with a razor-sharp voice. I don't want to spoil too much about the plot, so I'll just say that the ending gave me chills. Definitely not what I was expecting, but I LOVED it. Plus, that cover is simply stunning!
CAPRICIOUS features a clever main character with a razor-sharp voice. I don't want to spoil too much about the plot, so I'll just say that the ending gave me chills. Definitely not what I was expecting, but I LOVED it. Plus, that cover is simply stunning!
January 11, 2014
Jade Eby can write. This is an incredible short story. I am blown away. I have read her other books, which I loved. This one took me by surprise. It is action packed and thrilling. I did not want to put it down. Every well written word is thought out and flows to tell us, the reader, this incredible tale. I found myself gasping at the end. POW!
This is one you will want to read.
I for one, hope there will be more to come from this story.
This is one you will want to read.
I for one, hope there will be more to come from this story.
January 18, 2014
I wasn't sure if I'd like this being I don't normally read stuff like this but wow, this girl can write. And the ending... DOUBLE WOW!! The only problem I had with this and it's a biggie is... it ended! I want more. I want the story to keep going. Lacey is a great character and I think this would make an awesome series!!
January 9, 2014
I was able to beta read Capricious and was blown away from this story. I've read Eby's other works and with each story she puts out I'm continuously amazed by her. This short is drama filled and will leave you with your jaw on the floor wondering what just happened, making you read it again just to make sure you didn't miss anything. You wont be disappointed.
January 16, 2014
I'm not sure where to start. This book is nothing like I thought it would be! I was captivated by Lacey's story from the moment I started reading. I loved that the heroine was strong minded and street smart. No damsel in distress here... :) A great quick read.
I've also read and loved Whiskey & a Gun by Jade Eby - she's a very talented storyteller. I can't wait to see what's next!
I've also read and loved Whiskey & a Gun by Jade Eby - she's a very talented storyteller. I can't wait to see what's next!
August 7, 2016
My good friend, Jade, has done it again with this sexy, well written and unpredictable short story. I found it incredibly easy to get into and she has a way with descriptors that really take you there. This is not a light read by any means. If you like your characters dark, gritty, dangerous and surrounded by dirty deeds, this crime/drama/thriller is a MUST READ! Loved it!
January 10, 2014
Short story but, really good! I wasn't at all expecting everything that happened. Surprised that such a short story could pull me in so far! Wish it were a full length novel, would love more of a back story to the characters and also to see what happens afterwards.
December 28, 2013
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW Jade Eby is such a writing beast! Review to come ASAP! <3
January 29, 2014
Short story with a surprising twist.
February 3, 2014
Short, tense, suspenseful, gripping, deviating, explosive story..
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
January 28, 2014
These 30 pages pack a mean ass punch!
March 6, 2015
I'm intrigued but I'm not quite sure where the story is going, if anywhere. I'll have to check out the next one.
March 20, 2016
Capricious
is the latest short story by Jade Eby that was released in mid-January 2014. I had it on my list of must read books for 2014 back in early January and it did not disappoint.
In just 32 short pages, Eby paints a tragic picture of the main character. Lacey is in a tough situation and she is forced to go back to an old "friend" for help. The story takes an unexpected turn in the end that will have you screaming, but it is worth the ride.
Eby does a great job showing the desperation of the characters and creating locales that seem very real. I've never stepped foot in a strip club, but with the vivid descriptions in the story, I could probably fake it if someone asked me and I wanted to seem cool. Jade also does a great job of building the suspense that doesn't get downplayed or overplayed in the end. It's a sweet spot that some authors who write this type of story can easily miss.
This is the second story by Jade that I've read. This one, like the first, gets a thumbs up. I'm looking forward to her second full length novel,
The Finish
, coming out later this year.
Read more reviews on my blog, Second Run Reviews.
February 28, 2015
For starters, this story has a lot of pent up emotions and bad-ass characters. Lacey is struggling with money problems so she starts back up at the strip club for some fast and quick cash. She has a sensitive side but when the numbers don't add up leaving her with a sense of dread, she knows what she has to do. She has to go back to being bad.
The beginning of this series caught me off guard. I didn't really know what I was expecting, but I did enjoy reading it none the less. My first assumption of Lacey was correct; she didn't really want to be there but felt she had no other choice. The author really captivated my attention with this character's personality. The flare that she possessed as well as the subdued rage and violence was unpredictable. This factor made the story irresistible; it was virtually impossible for me to put it down until I read its entirety.
I recommend reading this short story if you like action on impact. The author's writing style is almost flawless; however, it may not be for everyone. My personality happens to extend to being openly blunt about everything so I couldn't put it down. Lacie is fearless and doesn't take shit from anyone, which I happen to love in stories. I am not really into reading books with characters that victimize themselves. I give this one five stars because it was written well, straight-forward and extremely intoxicating. I can't wait to read more from this author!
The beginning of this series caught me off guard. I didn't really know what I was expecting, but I did enjoy reading it none the less. My first assumption of Lacey was correct; she didn't really want to be there but felt she had no other choice. The author really captivated my attention with this character's personality. The flare that she possessed as well as the subdued rage and violence was unpredictable. This factor made the story irresistible; it was virtually impossible for me to put it down until I read its entirety.
I recommend reading this short story if you like action on impact. The author's writing style is almost flawless; however, it may not be for everyone. My personality happens to extend to being openly blunt about everything so I couldn't put it down. Lacie is fearless and doesn't take shit from anyone, which I happen to love in stories. I am not really into reading books with characters that victimize themselves. I give this one five stars because it was written well, straight-forward and extremely intoxicating. I can't wait to read more from this author!
November 20, 2014
Well that was unexpected ...
I have said it a few times before but I will say it again - I really love short stories. As a busy working mother finding time to read full length novels can be a chore so these quick little stories work really well for me. I picked up Capricious for free on Amazon and had a great time reading it.
Lacey, who is already working herself into the ground as a stripper and a waitress still needs more money. She is about to lose her home, her mother is emotionally unstable and unable to contribute financially so Lacey makes the decision to go back to work for her ex, Robbie. A one time lover, Robbie makes his living doing lots of illegal activities and even though Lacey is hesitant to get back into that lifestyle she is desperate. What follows is some serious action.
For such a short story author Jade Eby did a great job at developing fully formed characters. You got just enough of their personalities to give the story depth and keep you invested in what was happening. Capricious was entertaining and I loved that deliciously wicked ending that I totally did not see coming.
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
I have said it a few times before but I will say it again - I really love short stories. As a busy working mother finding time to read full length novels can be a chore so these quick little stories work really well for me. I picked up Capricious for free on Amazon and had a great time reading it.
Lacey, who is already working herself into the ground as a stripper and a waitress still needs more money. She is about to lose her home, her mother is emotionally unstable and unable to contribute financially so Lacey makes the decision to go back to work for her ex, Robbie. A one time lover, Robbie makes his living doing lots of illegal activities and even though Lacey is hesitant to get back into that lifestyle she is desperate. What follows is some serious action.
For such a short story author Jade Eby did a great job at developing fully formed characters. You got just enough of their personalities to give the story depth and keep you invested in what was happening. Capricious was entertaining and I loved that deliciously wicked ending that I totally did not see coming.
"I don't know why I wanted to play good for so long when being bad feels so much better."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews