Marek

You know those books where you go into it just knowing you're going to feel a certain way about characters and then you end up being completely wrong? Yeah this is one of those books.

At first glance you're really gonna not like Marek. He's just ugh. That won't last long, though. You'll definitely come to love him by the end because you just can't help it. The dynamic he has with Ellie definitely takes some turns you would NOT expect and it ends in the best way.

Dark, suspenseful, emotional, well worth the read.

Vanessa Ramirez

1,119 reviews9 followers

✨Review✨
***
Marek was amazing!!!! Bella Jewel did it again with this story. It was absolutely amazing! Emotional, sexy, hot, and a little bit dark. I loved Marek. He was so dark, cold, and broken that it instantly made you fall for him. Ellie was amazing. I loved her strength and her determination. The storyline was so good and easy to read. I was hooked from the start. The spice was amazing and all the hate/banter was so good. I highly recommend this novella and this whole series.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
***
Thank you to Bella Jewel for the ARC to review.
***

TheHiddenPostscript

60 reviews5 followers

February 6, 2024

ARC BOOK REVIEW: Marek by Bella Jewel

Marek is a novella, and continues the Prisoners of Purgatory MC series. I would recommend reading the series in order, beginning with “Nightmare”, in order to understand the characters better. However, this is not required and can be read as a standalone.

“I don’t make you weak Marek, I just make the darkest sides of you, a little lighter.”

Ella or Ella Mae (a.k.a. Dolly) is our FMC that has devoted her life to dance and is currently engaged to Carter. However, Ella is constantly berated and scolded by her teachers anytime she infuses her own ideas in the dance she is supposed to perform. Right after her most recent performance, Ella and her best friend go out to celebrate with drinks and while at the bar, she meets an enigmatic man with a Russian accent named Marek. With her head spinning, she realizes she’s been drugged and wakes up with the grass under her feet but surrounded by a metal cage. Taking a closer look at her surroundings, Ella observes at least 20 girls in similar cages all under a big circus tent. But instead of animals in the cages, it’s women. Now we finally meet our MMC, Marek, and he is known for his impressive shows that feature women flying through the air and twirling on ribbons. Marek, is the strong, demanding alpha-type male that always gets exactly what he wants. And what he wants if for Ella to be the new feature of his how, to which she forcefully refuses.

The story follows along the journey and dynamics of Ella and Marek’s push and pull relationship. While Ella is engaged, she can’t but feel a strong pull towards Marek even if he is monster. Ella describes this attraction to Marek as a wildness inside her, similar to the way she wants to break free and dance her way. But we also go on the journey with Marek as he slowly opens up to Ella and exposes his inner demons and struggles. The passion and chemistry between our main characters is steamy enough to make you breathless, and you’ll likely re-read a few chapters because the scenes are just that good.

This book has an edgy, raw feeling to it with undercurrents of darker themes, so read your trigger warnings beforehand. Overall, I highly recommend this book for a great, spicy quick read and look forward to more of the Prisoners of Purgatory MC series.

Tropes
• Forced Proximity
• Anti-Hero
• Kidnapping
• Redemption
• Revenge

*ARC courtesy of the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author and publisher for providing a copy.*

Renee

5,333 reviews76 followers

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is a dark book. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book.
This is the story of Ellie and Marek.
Ellie is a dancer and her parents basically have her entire life planned out for her. She is dancing were they want her to and she is engaged to a rich man that they absolutely approve of. You would think if you were looking from the outside in, that her life is very perfect. However it is far from it. There is no spark, no fire, nothing that she really cares about but her dancing and the reset is just as dry as toast. Little does she know that life is about to get much more interesting. In fact, more interesting than she ever thought she would want it to be and that's all thanks to Marek. He sees her dancing on night and the minute he does he knows that that girl has got to or is going to be his. What's a guy to do when he wants a woman that bad? Why take her of course. However no matter how long he holds he has picked the wrong girl. You might not know it from her and her life but Eillie is a fighter and while Marek wants her to dance for him she finally decides to and she fights him every step of the way. He is the devil she didn't know she wanted to know. He is a bad bad man but might just be the man that she needed but he won't get her without a fight and admitting his feelings. Will he do it and end up with what he wanted? You have to read to find out.
I really loved these characters. Yes, that includes the bad bad man. He is cold and dark and dirty and oh so broken. Ellie though is the opposite of him but strong and fierce and one heck of a determined woman. These two have some amazing chemistry too. You do not want to miss this book.

Sam

364 reviews10 followers

February 1, 2024

I was excited to read this - the blurb sounded great with a unique setting, plus Bella Jewel is a new-to-me author so I started with high expectations.

Overall, I'm really gutted to say, it just didn't hit the mark for me. I couldn't connect with either character or find the connection between them and I found the writing stilted and lacking emotion. I think the first couple of pages killed it for me when the FMC literally said she's not like other girls, and my antipathy carried through until the end - I'm not even convinced by the finish that Marek is that bothered by her. I couldn't see any reasons for the FMC to like Marek at all, except that he's hot, he barely shows her any emotion (good or bad) until about halfway through the book so I didn't find it believable that she felt drawn to him, except, as she suggests at one point, because of Stockholm syndrome.

So, what did I like? Well, I enjoyed having a mouthy, determined FMC that's not a virginal wallflower. She doesn't stand for any of Marek's nonsense nor does she give up on what she wants - often to the point of stupidity and risking her own and other people's lives. But still, it's a rare heroine and I admire that, she was interesting to read! And some of the steamy scenes were fairly spicy, albeit quite short.

It may seem counterintuitive given my review but I think this suffered from maybe being a bit too short - nothing had the space for the explanation it needed and everything was brushed over quickly. Perhaps with a longer word count more of that development would have been apparent and there would have been the opportunity for more depth.

I'm so disappointed I didn't enjoy this. Based on the other reviews I definitely think this is a me thing!

Arc provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.

arcs

Heather Douglas

475 reviews22 followers

February 9, 2024

Bella how can I immerse myself in this world you've created.

Marek is dark & disturbed while Ellie is bright and strong minded. Two very unlikely pairs forced together and became the perfect powerhouse couple.

Ellie has a love to dance. Unfortunately, the dance everyone is having her perform is not the one she wants to do. She wants to be free and show passion, not some basic old school style routine. That is until Marek entered the picture. He saw her one night and knew she'd be perfect for his show, he just wasn't taking no for an answer. What started off rough and uncalled for, quickly turned into something dark and unexpected.

Marek threw me through the loops. I was not expecting half the stuff Marek did but boy am I not complaining. He was dark and deeply disturbed. He clearly had a rough childhood and that left him with some issues that Ellie just had to push and explore. Sometimes you just need a little light in your darkness to see the way.

But also, Bella brought back some of my favorite characters from the Prisoners of Purgatory MC Series. You never know how much you miss a character until they show up in another series and you get giddy over it. Bonnie and Alexis make an appearance along with their men, and I would LOVE to know that back story with Marek and them. But there's also Marek's brother that gets me intrigued and I hope he gets a story of his own!

Melinda

2,185 reviews20 followers

February 1, 2024

Okay Bella Jewel has taken this reader to a world never expected to happen yet one filled with action, suspense and oh my gracious filled with so much lust had to fan myself couple of times. Marek is unlike anything little Ellie Mae expected to meet yet there is no questioning the chemistry between them. Have to applaud Ellie for the way she defies him full of stubborness and definitely a fighter all the way. Seeing her go up again Marek was the hottest thing and Marek at his breaking point at every turn was just wow. Bella Jewel shows us two sides of Marek that only a woman like Ellie can survive to tell. He says he is a monster but like all bad men there is a point in him that wants to be loved for once and redeemed. Filled with secrets, lies, two stubborn people till the end this book is not for the vanilla romantic but for the one who wants to see when you let the craving and lust mix. It is a combination that once it reaches the darkest point, where no matter how much you want to run the monster makes you see you want more of it. All in all this was most erotic tale I have read from Bella Jewel no words can describe this book but STEAMING.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Hanan

2,086 reviews20 followers

4.5 stars for this gripping book.
I was utterly intrigued by Marek from his appearance in the previous book.
He’s mysterious, dangerous and has a dark energy.
But he’s also interesting and something about him had me drawn.
If anyone can figure him out it’s Ellie Mae.
I loved that girl!
She’s feisty, strong willed, confident and so very brave and her courage knows no bounds.
She is exactly the type of heroine I adore.
One that doesn’t need a man to rescue her.
One that doesn’t want Prince Charming.
Only a Dark Knight will do for her.
Their story is thrilling and had me hooked from start to finish.
I appreciated how different their personalities were and that neither one drastically changed for the other.
While Marek and Ellie are so vastly opposite each other. Something in them called to the other.
Their romance isn’t flowers and chocolate. It’s intense and all consuming.
It’s not sunshine and rainbows. It’s dark and twisted.
They are hot together and their energy comes to life off the pages.
But there is so much more to them than their sexy and steamy chemistry.
They are both complex characters with depth.
There’s so much more to them than meets the eye.
Great read and I enjoyed Ellie and Marek’s story very much.

Robin ferguson

242 reviews5 followers

My name is Ellie.
Ellie Mae, if you will.
Before you ask, no, it’s not a cruel joke.
My parents thought the name suited me and, well, here we are.
That’s the mildest part of my story, though.
Oh, hell, it doesn’t even scratch the surface.
I’m a dancer, and a good one at that.
I have a fiancé—one my parents picked out just for me—and a blossoming career.
Everything was going well, until I caught the eye of the wrong man.
He saw something in me … something the rest of the world was overlooking.
A talent that runs deeper than the surface.
He wants to make me a star, only his show isn’t the kind you dream of.
It’s dark, twisted, and dangerous.
A world you could never begin to imagine.
Like a thief in the night, he takes me from everything I love.
He won’t let me go, not until I do the very thing he captured me for …
Dance.
Dance for a monster, live in a cage, be the perfect little puppet.
There is just one problem with that plan.
He has no idea who he is messing with.
But I can assure you, he’s about to find out.

Favorite quote
"Are you this intense with everyone you meet or am the lucky one?"

I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. It was so good and very emotional. I would definitely recommend it.

A. Adams

775 reviews13 followers

action-and-adventure bdsm dark

Ellie is a young girl who loves dancing. The problem with that is that Ellie is being forced to conform and dance the way her family and everyone else wants her to dance. However much Ellie longed to be "free" that never included being kidnapped. Marek is a grade A A-hole! You will absolutely despise him! It's no secret that Marek kidnaps women, keeps them in cages, and makes them perform in his traveling circus. Marek possesses no redeeming qualities, if you ask me. Even at the end of the book I still didn't like Marek. Ellie and Marek are constantly battling for control and fighting their attraction. It was like if Marek acknowledged he had a attraction to Ellie he was relinquishing his "power". Marek could certainly never be seen as weak! Ellie wasn't one to just bow down and take Marek's harsh treatment, though. “You’re as beautiful as the ocean, Ellie Mae, but as dark as the night. Show me how dark you are.” My favorite scene was on the boat during the hurricane. I just wish we had a little more insight into Marek's mindset and past.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.

World Of Books 65

3,385 reviews63 followers

January 29, 2024

He took me from my life, he stole my freedom, and then we created something incredible. He’s a coward and I won’t let him win.

In Bella Jewel's "Marek," readers are immersed in a dark and intense romance that challenges conventional expectations. Marek, the enigmatic MC, defies the typical book boyfriend, embodying danger and an unyielding nature. While the origins of Marek and Elle's connection may not align with conventional romance tropes, the exploration of their pasts adds a profound depth to the story,
their connection becomes increasingly captivating as Marek's intricate past unfolds and out of their twisted begins unfolds a dark yet magnificent partnership.

The novella skillfully explores the darker side of romance, offering a unique and enthralling storyline that defies traditional notions of love. I make no apologies for embracing the unconventional allure of "Marek".

Because, to the world he might be dreadful, but to me, he is the world. And I, his little dancer

2024-dark-read

Nickie Sale

942 reviews8 followers

I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading the Prisoners of Purgatory series and for some reason I can't put my finger, it didn't quite hit the spot in the same way as the series. That doesn't mean it's not s good book, it just means something didn't sit right with me personally.

There is most definately hot chemistry between Marek and Ellie which leads to incredibly steamy scenes. Both Marek and Ellie are very strong characters, but Marek is also a control freak, whilst Ellie is very focussed on getting what she wants. After Marek takes Ellie, her strength and determination shines through and she starts working on how she can out wit Marek and escape.

It's not long before Ellie realises that she holds power over Marek resulting in a lot of verbal sparring for control and Ellie bargaining to get what she wants. However, just when she thinks she's winning the battle Marek bites back, showing Ellie who truely has control. In a journey marked with battles for control and steam++ will Marek ever givein to the power Ellie has over in??

Danielle Graves

874 reviews29 followers

This was a really enjoyable read—dark and twisted as Marek captures women and keeps them in cages, forcing them to perform in his shows. He kidnaps Ellie because he’s enthralled by her dancing, but she isn’t like his other captives; she has fire and bites back at him at every chance, making for a delicious game as the two fight not only each other but their growing attraction to each other too.

It’s all told solely from Ellie’s point of view, and as great as that was, I would have loved to have seen things from Marek’s point of view too, just to give a bit of insight into his thoughts around Ellie, especially. We can clearly see he’s obsessed with her, but to get inside his mind and show the extent of those feelings would have really taken the book to a new level.

While there was violence, danger, and lots of threats, there is something about Ellie and Marek that just works amongst all the chaos; even when Marek punishes her for making him feel, there still seems to be an element of care surrounding his actions.

Maz

1,762 reviews31 followers

February 7, 2024

I loved the whole concept of this story, It had potential to be more. I love dark romance and the spicier the better. This was Spicy and dark but I was sad I couldn't connect with the couple. The chemistry was a bit choppy. Maybe because it was a short story and it was from just Ellie's POV. Don't really know what is going on with Marek.
My biggest let down he shows he is interested in her, has an s3xual encounter then weeks later he is bringing another lady abroad. Although it doesn't happen fully but still. It's so many mixed messages. Like he is very powerful and rich but at time he doesn't come across like that. I mean I understand a broken past can damage a character and his is painful. It's just certain choices he makes that didn't sit well for me.
I did love how Ellie was head strong and refused to be just a captive. She saw an opportunity and she tried to play it to her narrative. There was certainly plenty of drama, action and lots of spice, just lacked chemistry and connections.
Plenty of other readers have liked it, so give it a go and see.

Reading In the Red Room

3,508 reviews74 followers

January 25, 2024

Wow! Bella never disappoints when it comes to a dark romance. Ellie Mae is a dancer..an amazing dancer. She has big dreams for her dancing career, but she wants it on her own terms. Out dancing with her friend one night she meets Marek. Marek is not a nice person. He makes up his own rules and does whatever he wants. One of those things is taking Ellie Mae away from her life and making her part of his show…if she likes it or not. These two are a match made in writers heaven. Marek is mean, demanding and oh so controlling. Ellie Mae is a spunky, sassy little thing that is not going to let him control her. This was a great quick read. The story was dark, but had several laugh out loud moments. The characters were well written and had larger than life personalities. I have been a fan of this author for a while now and I’m never disappointed. I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Meigs

139 reviews4 followers

oh my goodness. i really wasn’t anticipating that i'd like this as much as i did. i always have hit or miss feelings with dark romances and this one was WILD.

there was so much back & forth between marek & ellie mae throughout the whole read. marek was DARK & i hated him most of the time for not being able to face his feelings head-on & constantly running away. he was consistent through and through

ellie mae was complicated. she was content in her previous life, but never TRULY happy - only making choices in her life that made others happy. when marek kidnaps her from her life, ellie has to figure out what makes him tick to hopefully escape.

but what happens when she cant help being attracted to this hot yet dangerous kidnapper?

Edie L

2,138 reviews13 followers

Hopelessly Addicted To Books

Marek by Bella Jewel

Oh boy I judged this book so wrong. I thought for sure I was not going to like Marek for sure. Then I kept reading and got to really know him as the more you read and he changes my mind. There is this thing about him that you are going to love in spite his dark cold demeanor. I think it’s his brokenness that won me over and made fall for him. Ellie you are going to love. She is strong and never lets her situation destroy her she fights him every step of the way. She had this and strength that you will absolutely love. I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

3,635 reviews151 followers

This was a quick read but an action packed one. Marek is the mysterious man Ellie has an encounter with in a bar but it is one that changes her life forever. Ellie is a dancer with big plans but so is Marek and he wants her to be the star of his show. I love dark reads and Marek fits right into this genre. He is cruel, controlling and does what he wants to achieve his goals. On the outside Ellie Mae looks like the good girl but she doesn't take her new circumstances lying down and plans a fight back. I enjoyed the dynamics between them, all the conflict, the fighting and pain and the sexual tension made this a great read.

MHT Books

608 reviews1 follower

Dark and Dirty Novella

This book is D-A-R-K. Ellie is at the top her game doing what her parents want her to do. She’s dancing the way her parents want her to. She’s engaged to the rich man her parents approve of. From the outside her life is perfect. But on the inside Ellie’s life is bland, no spark. Marek is a bad bad man, and after seeing Ellie dance he decides she is his. He takes her and holds her until she agrees to dance for him, he didn’t count on Ellie fighting him every step of the way. Will Marek ever admit his feelings for Ellie? Or will she get feed up and leave? You’ll have to read Marek to find out.

Shelley

1,956 reviews25 followers

Wow, this novel was so good! I have read other Bella Jewel novels and this novel did not disappoint. From the very first chapter I was hooked and was unable to put this novel down. This was a dark novel but it just touched my heart the relationship between Ellie and Marek. OH wow, their chemistry was explosive. I love when a novel keeps me on the edge of my seat reading because I need to know what is coming next. This novel did exactly that I loved it! I can't wait to see what this author has coming next.

Mindy Lopez

2,450 reviews14 followers

This is my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is a dark romance between Ellie and Marek. These flawed souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. What starts out as a kidnapping turns into something more. It is an intensely emotional journey with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, intrigue and suspense, and engaging secondary characters. A page turner.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Valentine PR and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Angela

3,563 reviews32 followers

November 8, 2024

A definite must read book and series

This story is meant to be read after reading the Prisoners of Purgatory MC series ~ trust me, you'll definitely want to start from the beginning.
I have to admit that I was extremely skeptical about Marek, and wasn't sure that he had any redeeming qualities. I should have known that this incredible author wouldn't dare leave the series or his story without plenty of drama, angst, suspense, and a bad azz girl who would turn his life upside down. It's certainly epic!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

Ladynorasrc

122 reviews2 followers

December 9, 2024

Bella Jewel did it again. This book is picks up where Fury ends. Ellie and Marek on on the run after a new article drops. This book is not what I thought it was going to be for sure. I hated Marek in Fury, hate so bad you get all Harry potter death spells ready just cause he's so evil. Then you have Ellie who reminds me of Emerson sharp . Ellie is amazing. I loved her strength and her determination. She has this desire to dance her own way and she's going to find a way to do it no matter the cost.

kindle own

Tammy

1,896 reviews14 followers

January 25, 2024

I knew i would hate Marek, i just didn't know I would grow to also really like this poor broken man. Ellie Mae is one tough girl, she knows what she wants and she goes right after it, even if it breaks her heart and kills part of her spirit for a short time. These two have some incredible chemistry, even if he wants to hide from it. There is alot more to Marek we find out and explains alot of why he is the way he is. What an amazing read!

Sammye

4,932 reviews34 followers

January 25, 2024

I really loved Marek’s and Ellie Mae’s love story. She is a truly amazing, resilient character and he is a very broken man. When they first met, I thought the story was going in a good way, but it took a quick turn to the dark side. I loved that Ellie pursued her dram of dancing career doing it her way instead of what was expected of her. This is a short, entertaining page turner. An excellent love story. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

Sara

474 reviews20 followers

February 6, 2024

**ARC** So again, going into this blind was a great way to start the book and finish it. I really liked being able to feel Ellie's confusion throughout the whole book and how she did everything to try to survive, only to realize that she was actually finding herself. Obviously, nothing about this love story was conventional but it was dark and i loved it. Would definitely recommend if someone is into dark romance!

Kelly DeHaan

175 reviews1 follower

I didn’t know what to expect when going into this book and I was truly surprised. The story was dark and twisted and it had my emotions swirling. The MMC is damaged and fighting a dark past. The FMC would rather live a life she was forced into than go back home to a fiancé and life she doesn’t want. There is one specific scene that took away from the plot for me and changed my overall feelings for the book. I did really enjoy the story and I thought the characters had great depth and their histories really added to their story. The drama was crazy and the story intense. A great read if you love dark romance.

arcs

Dimaris rossy

1,267 reviews18 followers