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Pieces of Autumn #1
Pieces of Autumn
I wish I could tell you that I was stolen.
Kidnapped off the street in some third-world country, sold against my will, while a desperate family back home waited and prayed and talked about me on the news.
I wish I could tell you that, because then you might understand.
What really happened? I walked to my fate with my eyes wide open. But before you say I deserved whatever happened to me, you should know. I was desperate. I was alone. I was afraid for my life. You would have done the same thing.
I thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse.
But then, I woke up in darkness, unable to move. There was only one thing I was sure of: I wasn’t alone anymore.
And then I heard HIS voice...
Pieces of Autumn is a work of dark romance, intended for adult readers who will not be offended by themes of kidnapping, human trafficking, and violence.
Kidnapped off the street in some third-world country, sold against my will, while a desperate family back home waited and prayed and talked about me on the news.
I wish I could tell you that, because then you might understand.
What really happened? I walked to my fate with my eyes wide open. But before you say I deserved whatever happened to me, you should know. I was desperate. I was alone. I was afraid for my life. You would have done the same thing.
I thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse.
But then, I woke up in darkness, unable to move. There was only one thing I was sure of: I wasn’t alone anymore.
And then I heard HIS voice...
Pieces of Autumn is a work of dark romance, intended for adult readers who will not be offended by themes of kidnapping, human trafficking, and violence.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2014
58 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 15, 2014
3.5 Stars
I had a hard time rating this book. While I found the writing to be phenomenal, it wasn't quite what I expected and it wasn't nearly as dark as I thought it would be. As a debut novel, the author has definitely captured my interest and I will be reading any and all of her future books. There were some parts that didn't really make sense to me or I wished were different, but despite all that I did enjoy the story. It was different from anything I've read, and that alone was enough keep me reading to see how it will end. Don't go in expecting something quick paced or incredibly dark. It's neither. It's a slower paced story with dark elements, but I just wouldn't classify it as dark. Perhaps readers that want to be eased into the dark romance genre would want to start with this book, as I feel it would be perfect for that. Those that have read books by Pepper Winters, Lily White, Lili St. Germain, M.S. Willis, or the likes will not be quite as impressed by the "darkness" of the plot. Also, this is not set in present time. It has a dystopian, futuristic feel where food and water are sparse, money means nothing, and the only power to be had is influence. Influence which is mainly in the hands of the criminals and the corrupted.
This will be a SPOILER FREE review, and I would advise to go into this book blind. Do not read reviews as there are some details that while they aren't big spoilers, they're best to find out as you go along.
Autumn is living on borrowed time. She's running from someone that wants her dead, starving and alone, she's desperate. Seeing no other alternative, she sells herself to what she feels is the lesser of the evils. An organization that is known as Stoker. She may not know much about them, but she does know that they sell women and she may or may not be better off with her new master. But knowing the fate she's running from, she takes the chance, and is given to a man she comes to know as Tate. But will he be her salvation or her ruin?
I'm not going to give you any more about Tate. The author trickle feeds you information about him throughout the story, and it's best that you know next to nothing going in. His alter ego of The Viper was something that I struggled with, though. He has conversations with The Viper at times, and it always threw me. It's like he had a dual personality...yet they were one in the same. It was strange.
Now I love a good anti-hero, but I struggled to see Tate as one. I'm not sure what it was exactly, but his constant power struggle with The Viper and his back and forth with Autumn left me seeing him as more of a broken man than a truly dark one. But there were times where that darkness in him did come out, and I gobbled it right up.
It's obvious he has a story, and I really enjoyed the way that it was revealed bit by little bit. I suppose I just wanted something a little more from him. (But hey, that could just be me.)
Autumn's character I struggled with a bit as well. She was so up and down, it was hard to keep track. I didn't understand her almost instant "attraction" to Tate . But I did really like that she wasn't a weak heroine. While she may have been out on her luck, she did her a core of strength that at times was subtle and at times really prevailed.
The romance aspect is something that I really liked. Despite the quick connection that Autumn had to Tate, it was still a very slow build. I couldn't imagine it being any other way.
Though don't expect smooth sailing anywhere in the story with the relationship between these two...
I wanted a little bit more from the ending, but again, that may have been just me. . There were some things that wrapped up too neatly and almost too quickly.
But everything aside, I did like it quite a bit. The author definitely has an incredible talent, and I look forward to see what else she has in store. If this was her debut novel, I can only imagine how good her future books will be. So give it a try, I can tell you it will be different from anything you've read lately.
This is written in dual POV
**ARC gifted to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
Whatever you think you're doing, stop. I'm not your fucking knight in tarnished armor. I'm not a broken man with a heart of gold. I'm pure fucking evil, and you made the choice to shackle yourself to me.
I had a hard time rating this book. While I found the writing to be phenomenal, it wasn't quite what I expected and it wasn't nearly as dark as I thought it would be. As a debut novel, the author has definitely captured my interest and I will be reading any and all of her future books. There were some parts that didn't really make sense to me or I wished were different, but despite all that I did enjoy the story. It was different from anything I've read, and that alone was enough keep me reading to see how it will end. Don't go in expecting something quick paced or incredibly dark. It's neither. It's a slower paced story with dark elements, but I just wouldn't classify it as dark. Perhaps readers that want to be eased into the dark romance genre would want to start with this book, as I feel it would be perfect for that. Those that have read books by Pepper Winters, Lily White, Lili St. Germain, M.S. Willis, or the likes will not be quite as impressed by the "darkness" of the plot. Also, this is not set in present time. It has a dystopian, futuristic feel where food and water are sparse, money means nothing, and the only power to be had is influence. Influence which is mainly in the hands of the criminals and the corrupted.
This will be a SPOILER FREE review, and I would advise to go into this book blind. Do not read reviews as there are some details that while they aren't big spoilers, they're best to find out as you go along.
Autumn is living on borrowed time. She's running from someone that wants her dead, starving and alone, she's desperate. Seeing no other alternative, she sells herself to what she feels is the lesser of the evils. An organization that is known as Stoker. She may not know much about them, but she does know that they sell women and she may or may not be better off with her new master. But knowing the fate she's running from, she takes the chance, and is given to a man she comes to know as Tate. But will he be her salvation or her ruin?
I'm not going to give you any more about Tate. The author trickle feeds you information about him throughout the story, and it's best that you know next to nothing going in. His alter ego of The Viper was something that I struggled with, though. He has conversations with The Viper at times, and it always threw me. It's like he had a dual personality...yet they were one in the same. It was strange.
Now I love a good anti-hero, but I struggled to see Tate as one. I'm not sure what it was exactly, but his constant power struggle with The Viper and his back and forth with Autumn left me seeing him as more of a broken man than a truly dark one. But there were times where that darkness in him did come out, and I gobbled it right up.
It's obvious he has a story, and I really enjoyed the way that it was revealed bit by little bit. I suppose I just wanted something a little more from him. (But hey, that could just be me.)
Autumn's character I struggled with a bit as well. She was so up and down, it was hard to keep track. I didn't understand her almost instant "attraction" to Tate . But I did really like that she wasn't a weak heroine. While she may have been out on her luck, she did her a core of strength that at times was subtle and at times really prevailed.
The romance aspect is something that I really liked. Despite the quick connection that Autumn had to Tate, it was still a very slow build. I couldn't imagine it being any other way.
Though don't expect smooth sailing anywhere in the story with the relationship between these two...
I wanted a little bit more from the ending, but again, that may have been just me. . There were some things that wrapped up too neatly and almost too quickly.
But everything aside, I did like it quite a bit. The author definitely has an incredible talent, and I look forward to see what else she has in store. If this was her debut novel, I can only imagine how good her future books will be. So give it a try, I can tell you it will be different from anything you've read lately.
This is written in dual POV
**ARC gifted to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
October 14, 2015
The blurb did not give me much of an idea of what this book was about...at all. Yes, the female protagonist essentially sold herself into sexual slavery, but that was about all I was able to get from the blurb. I didn't expect a dystopian, post-apocalyptic type of story where anarchy seems to be the norm and people are living in squalor. This definitely wasn't a story about a sexually experimental girl that signed on for something, only to find out she had bitten off more than she could chew, which is along the lines of what I was expecting. So, if that's what you're looking for, be forewarned. That being said, it was a good story.
In an act of desperation, Autumn sells herself into sexual slavery for a warm meal and a chance at survival. In this gloomy new world, this seems to be a fairly common choice of the masses of girls trying to survive on the streets from day to day. Autumn is provided to the much-feared Tate as a gift from the crime organization to which she sold herself, Stoker. Rumored to be a cold-blooded murderer, she is terrified of what Tate's intentions are for her and questions whether or not she made a terrible mistake.
As the story progresses, Autumn discovers a different side of Tate and begins to question her own sanity as she fights her attraction to this sadistic and dangerous man. It turns out that Tate is not the only threat to her safety and she may be safer with him than anywhere else.
The story unfolds slowly and it takes quite a while to figure out why Autumn is in danger and who Tate really is. It was all very cryptic until about half way through, when the pieces start to fall into place little by little.
Had I not been expecting something else entirely, I might have liked the story more. It was good, just not what I was expecting. It took a while to get in a different state of mind. Once I did, I liked the story and can say it was definitely unlike anything else I usually read. I give it 3 stars.
In an act of desperation, Autumn sells herself into sexual slavery for a warm meal and a chance at survival. In this gloomy new world, this seems to be a fairly common choice of the masses of girls trying to survive on the streets from day to day. Autumn is provided to the much-feared Tate as a gift from the crime organization to which she sold herself, Stoker. Rumored to be a cold-blooded murderer, she is terrified of what Tate's intentions are for her and questions whether or not she made a terrible mistake.
As the story progresses, Autumn discovers a different side of Tate and begins to question her own sanity as she fights her attraction to this sadistic and dangerous man. It turns out that Tate is not the only threat to her safety and she may be safer with him than anywhere else.
The story unfolds slowly and it takes quite a while to figure out why Autumn is in danger and who Tate really is. It was all very cryptic until about half way through, when the pieces start to fall into place little by little.
Had I not been expecting something else entirely, I might have liked the story more. It was good, just not what I was expecting. It took a while to get in a different state of mind. Once I did, I liked the story and can say it was definitely unlike anything else I usually read. I give it 3 stars.
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August 2, 2014
Where to start with this hot mess?? First I got to 33% and dnf. This book was compared to Tears of Tess and I have to say that is so disrespectful to Pepper Winters. It was NO WHERE nearly as good! I was so confused from the beginning. There was nothing in the description nor a prologue telling us it was futuristic. At least that's what I call it when the world has basically lost most all water, electricity and food except for the very rich and corrupt. The books description taunted us with darkness and it just wasn't there. I saw glimpses of it but it never came to fruition. This was a total waste of time and money.
March 15, 2015
Amazing. Seriously amazing. The second I started this book, read this book from cover to cover in one sitting..I could not seem to bring myself to be able to put it down.
Highly recommend this book.
Highly recommend this book.
January 27, 2022
Didn't like it
September 6, 2014
“You belong to me now.”
★✩★✩★ 5 -Dark & Devious- Stars ★✩★✩★
~this review may contain minor spoilers~
I was their property, to abuse and barter as they pleased. All I could hope for was that my eventual owner would be merciful. But what were the odds of that?
What kind of man would buy a woman?
Autumn is on the run. Hunted. Alone, scared and starving; but she is a survivor and will do whatever it takes to stay alive. That is why she turns herself over to Stoker. She knows she is selling herself, she knows what will be expected of her, she knows. She tells herself she is doing it just to survive, to escape the monster hunting her, nothing or no one could be a worse fate than what she runs from....right?
Till she wakes in darkness, and hears his voice. She very quickly learns exactly what kind of man she has been turned over to, she should be terrified-and she is...but she isn't. She should hate and despise him-and she does...but she doesn't. If nothing else, at least she's safe now...right?! I guess it really all is about the devil you know...but does she, could she ever really know or even understand the man who now owns her...
I hated this girl, I hated her for shining a light on all the dark, private corners of my life. I hated her because she made me remember my weakness.
I'd been alone here for such a long time, nursing my anger, with no one but myself to take it out on. She'd finally given it an outlet. And for that, she would pay.
There really isn't much I can say without blowing the whole story out of the water. This really is a book you just have to go into blindly to truly experience the full effect. It is an emotional rollarcoaster full of semi-highs and extreme lows. You never know what Tate is gonna do next, how he will react, and most importantly; you will struggle to understand what Autumn is feeling and the changes that she goes through-the same way she struggles with it. You're just forced to feel it all; it's intense, a little scary, and yes-it does still manage to be hott as hell at times if you can believe that. This does have a distinct dystopian feel to it, it's set in the future which is something I didn't get from the synopsis, but it just adds to the story and the overall desperation of all involved. Be prepared, this is most definitely a dark romance; not the darkest I've read, but far from light and fluffy and it screams of the urgent need for redemption, along with the heartbreaking desolation that you feel when you realize that it's not always possible. All in all, it was a smashing debut for Mara Black; one that has solidly landed her on my 'One-Click Addiction List' and I for one cannot wait to see what she brings us next.
And that was the beauty of it, the incredible grace of my Autumn. She didn't try to pretend I was perfect. She didn't tell me that I'd done nothing wrong. She just accepted it. All of it.
Click HERE to check out my FULL Post @ Bookworm Betties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
★✩★✩★ 5 -Dark & Devious- Stars ★✩★✩★
~this review may contain minor spoilers~
I was their property, to abuse and barter as they pleased. All I could hope for was that my eventual owner would be merciful. But what were the odds of that?
What kind of man would buy a woman?
Autumn is on the run. Hunted. Alone, scared and starving; but she is a survivor and will do whatever it takes to stay alive. That is why she turns herself over to Stoker. She knows she is selling herself, she knows what will be expected of her, she knows. She tells herself she is doing it just to survive, to escape the monster hunting her, nothing or no one could be a worse fate than what she runs from....right?
Till she wakes in darkness, and hears his voice. She very quickly learns exactly what kind of man she has been turned over to, she should be terrified-and she is...but she isn't. She should hate and despise him-and she does...but she doesn't. If nothing else, at least she's safe now...right?! I guess it really all is about the devil you know...but does she, could she ever really know or even understand the man who now owns her...
I hated this girl, I hated her for shining a light on all the dark, private corners of my life. I hated her because she made me remember my weakness.
I'd been alone here for such a long time, nursing my anger, with no one but myself to take it out on. She'd finally given it an outlet. And for that, she would pay.
There really isn't much I can say without blowing the whole story out of the water. This really is a book you just have to go into blindly to truly experience the full effect. It is an emotional rollarcoaster full of semi-highs and extreme lows. You never know what Tate is gonna do next, how he will react, and most importantly; you will struggle to understand what Autumn is feeling and the changes that she goes through-the same way she struggles with it. You're just forced to feel it all; it's intense, a little scary, and yes-it does still manage to be hott as hell at times if you can believe that. This does have a distinct dystopian feel to it, it's set in the future which is something I didn't get from the synopsis, but it just adds to the story and the overall desperation of all involved. Be prepared, this is most definitely a dark romance; not the darkest I've read, but far from light and fluffy and it screams of the urgent need for redemption, along with the heartbreaking desolation that you feel when you realize that it's not always possible. All in all, it was a smashing debut for Mara Black; one that has solidly landed her on my 'One-Click Addiction List' and I for one cannot wait to see what she brings us next.
And that was the beauty of it, the incredible grace of my Autumn. She didn't try to pretend I was perfect. She didn't tell me that I'd done nothing wrong. She just accepted it. All of it.
Click HERE to check out my FULL Post @ Bookworm Betties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
August 31, 2014
** ARC REVIEW FROM ABIBLIOPHOBIA ANONYMOUS BOOK REVIEWS **
THIS BOOK IS RATED 3.5 STARS
After being broken for so long, can you even put the pieces back like they were?
Pieces of Autumn is a dark read, one that will have you guessing how it will all end.
Society has crumbled, life is nothing like it was.
Autumn signed herself away to Stoker, to keep herself safe from the man who's been chasing her for years. Being given to someone like Tate could be worse than living her life in constant worry and fear of being captured. Tate is cracked, dark, tortured, he's broken.
Autumn is broken too. Pieces lying all around her.
Tate and Autumn have one seriously messed up and weird relationship, if that's what you want to call it. He is master, she is slave. But with all that, they are both drawn to each other.
Tate has secrets, a dark pass that he isn't proud of... And the Viper.
I was scared for Autumn during this whole book. I didn't know what her outcome would be. She's with a sadist, who has a voice in his head. All the while hiding from someone who wants her dead. This girl has shitty luck, that's for sure.
Tate and Autumn's relationship was constant back and forth. It gave me whiplash!!! The same thing over and over, and I got bored, very bored of it. I felt like I was reading the same thing, just different chapters.
This book didn't pull me in, like a lot of other's do. I felt like I would never finish it. For me it was just repudiate, like I stated before. That's another reason I'm rating it like I am.
For someone who enjoys the back and fourths, ups and downs, they would totally like this book. I'm not saying it's horrible, because it's not. The plot is good, the writing is great, the sex is sexy. But, I didn't connect with it. And for that reason I had to push myself to finish it, and I'm glad I did. I liked how it ended. So this is why I give Pieces of Autumn 3.5 stars.
THIS BOOK IS RATED 3.5 STARS
After being broken for so long, can you even put the pieces back like they were?
Pieces of Autumn is a dark read, one that will have you guessing how it will all end.
Society has crumbled, life is nothing like it was.
Autumn signed herself away to Stoker, to keep herself safe from the man who's been chasing her for years. Being given to someone like Tate could be worse than living her life in constant worry and fear of being captured. Tate is cracked, dark, tortured, he's broken.
Autumn is broken too. Pieces lying all around her.
Tate and Autumn have one seriously messed up and weird relationship, if that's what you want to call it. He is master, she is slave. But with all that, they are both drawn to each other.
Tate has secrets, a dark pass that he isn't proud of... And the Viper.
I was scared for Autumn during this whole book. I didn't know what her outcome would be. She's with a sadist, who has a voice in his head. All the while hiding from someone who wants her dead. This girl has shitty luck, that's for sure.
Tate and Autumn's relationship was constant back and forth. It gave me whiplash!!! The same thing over and over, and I got bored, very bored of it. I felt like I was reading the same thing, just different chapters.
This book didn't pull me in, like a lot of other's do. I felt like I would never finish it. For me it was just repudiate, like I stated before. That's another reason I'm rating it like I am.
For someone who enjoys the back and fourths, ups and downs, they would totally like this book. I'm not saying it's horrible, because it's not. The plot is good, the writing is great, the sex is sexy. But, I didn't connect with it. And for that reason I had to push myself to finish it, and I'm glad I did. I liked how it ended. So this is why I give Pieces of Autumn 3.5 stars.
Read
November 2, 2014I'm not feeling this book. At all. It's got potential but I can't connect with the MCs. No rating as I didn't finish it.
August 13, 2014
Wow. Yet another fantastic book that I have been lucky enough to read lately.
When Pieces of Autumn started, I wasn't sure what to expect or if I would even like it. It was a little confusing and a lot was happening that I had to pay close attention to. Autumn lives in a world and time where things have changed considerably. I have no idea of what date, but things as we know them have changed and not in a good way. People are starving and money has no value anymore. Everyday essential items are like gold dust and acquired through various means. Not all good ways either. Influence, connections and power rule the world that we have come upon in Pieces of Autumn.
Autumn is a 18 year old girl, living on the streets. She has lost everyone close to her and is struggling to survive from day to day. There is people after her for the things that she has seen, so not only is trying to survive she is also trying to keep hidden. Not easy.
Above all the suffering, poverty, deception and chaos. There is an organisation that still seems to thrive. From their ivory tower sits 7 evil, twisted men who run Stoker. Stoker is an organisation who deals in slaves. They plant the seed of a better life into the minds of those who have nothing left. Once they take the bait, they come to stoker sign away their freedom and life and become a slave. Stripped of anything they once were, moulded into a toy and object for those who still have the money to pay, for the luxury of having a slave.
Autumn is one of those who can no longer put up with running and hiding. She wants out. Her only friend already went to Stoker, she has nobody left. Only Autumn is different, it would seem she is the best in the newest batch of recruits. Before there was even a chance to start training her, she is given as a gift. She is taken away and finds herself in yet another new and frightening place, all she knows is the whispers she hears surrounding her. Talk of how the person she is being given as a gift to, is the worst kind of person for any new slave to be given to. He is a monster and is well known for his cruelty. More reason for Autumn to be petrified.
Upon waking in a barn, Autumn meets her Master. Tate. Apparently the quiet recluse with sin and darkness in his eyes, is well known throughout Stoker. He was one of their best. A headhunter, someone who found the potential slaves, and broke them down and rebuilt them. Only he was ruthless and far too good at it. He also left in a rather dramatic way and still years later is talked about, by everyone. Also feared by many.
So begins the story of Autumn and Tate. I'm not going to say what happens between them, as that is what makes this book so amazing. The feeling of not knowing what will happen next, and what will become of the both of them is what made this story so captivating. The writing style painted a picture of a dark world, where small injections of colour came from Autumn. She was spreading the colour with her fiery nature. She remains strong throughout and keeps the reader in awe of what she goes through, yet still keeps the parts that make her unique. Tate is one of those perfect mixes of someone so bad and twisted yet so addictive. You can't help but want more. What will he do next and when?
Both of them have been broken in different ways, some worse than others. How this has effected them is shown in their actions towards each other.
I truly loved this story. It was a story that fascinated yet surprised me. A perfect mix of a subject I enjoyed yet with it's own unique and different twist on things. The characters were incredible and addictive. Although he ending was satisfying and I loved it, I still wanted more. I had unanswered questions and wanted to see what else they had to offer.
Fantastic book!! 5 dark stars.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review**
When Pieces of Autumn started, I wasn't sure what to expect or if I would even like it. It was a little confusing and a lot was happening that I had to pay close attention to. Autumn lives in a world and time where things have changed considerably. I have no idea of what date, but things as we know them have changed and not in a good way. People are starving and money has no value anymore. Everyday essential items are like gold dust and acquired through various means. Not all good ways either. Influence, connections and power rule the world that we have come upon in Pieces of Autumn.
Autumn is a 18 year old girl, living on the streets. She has lost everyone close to her and is struggling to survive from day to day. There is people after her for the things that she has seen, so not only is trying to survive she is also trying to keep hidden. Not easy.
Above all the suffering, poverty, deception and chaos. There is an organisation that still seems to thrive. From their ivory tower sits 7 evil, twisted men who run Stoker. Stoker is an organisation who deals in slaves. They plant the seed of a better life into the minds of those who have nothing left. Once they take the bait, they come to stoker sign away their freedom and life and become a slave. Stripped of anything they once were, moulded into a toy and object for those who still have the money to pay, for the luxury of having a slave.
Autumn is one of those who can no longer put up with running and hiding. She wants out. Her only friend already went to Stoker, she has nobody left. Only Autumn is different, it would seem she is the best in the newest batch of recruits. Before there was even a chance to start training her, she is given as a gift. She is taken away and finds herself in yet another new and frightening place, all she knows is the whispers she hears surrounding her. Talk of how the person she is being given as a gift to, is the worst kind of person for any new slave to be given to. He is a monster and is well known for his cruelty. More reason for Autumn to be petrified.
Upon waking in a barn, Autumn meets her Master. Tate. Apparently the quiet recluse with sin and darkness in his eyes, is well known throughout Stoker. He was one of their best. A headhunter, someone who found the potential slaves, and broke them down and rebuilt them. Only he was ruthless and far too good at it. He also left in a rather dramatic way and still years later is talked about, by everyone. Also feared by many.
So begins the story of Autumn and Tate. I'm not going to say what happens between them, as that is what makes this book so amazing. The feeling of not knowing what will happen next, and what will become of the both of them is what made this story so captivating. The writing style painted a picture of a dark world, where small injections of colour came from Autumn. She was spreading the colour with her fiery nature. She remains strong throughout and keeps the reader in awe of what she goes through, yet still keeps the parts that make her unique. Tate is one of those perfect mixes of someone so bad and twisted yet so addictive. You can't help but want more. What will he do next and when?
Both of them have been broken in different ways, some worse than others. How this has effected them is shown in their actions towards each other.
I truly loved this story. It was a story that fascinated yet surprised me. A perfect mix of a subject I enjoyed yet with it's own unique and different twist on things. The characters were incredible and addictive. Although he ending was satisfying and I loved it, I still wanted more. I had unanswered questions and wanted to see what else they had to offer.
Fantastic book!! 5 dark stars.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review**
August 5, 2016
Autumn and many other people are living in an extremely desperate situation. The world has changed, and there are a lot of people struggling to survive. There is a place where girls can go and be "taken care of", but the decision to enter into a life of being someone else's property should not be made lightly. After Autumn gives in to the offer of food and shelter, she is quickly given to a man with a serious reputation. She is terrified, but finds that there may be more to this person than she expected.
I struggled with this book. I think it is too light for a dark read, and too dark for a light read. Throughout the book, Tate and others basically refer to the extreme darkness and depravity of everything, but I never quite felt it. Obviously there are some horrific things going on in this book and it is clear that a lot of people, and girls especially, are suffering at the hands of this trafficking organization. When I really consider the reasons that I didn't really connect with this book, I think it comes down to potential and execution. I felt like there were so many really interesting story lines and possibilities here and then I found myself at the end of the book still waiting. I loved the idea of a near future where a lot has changed and deteriorated, but not so long ago that people can't remember what things used to be like. I also really liked the idea of this broken damaged sadist pushed to his own limits and seeking not to be the person he was turned into for others' gain.
Autumn's situations was decidedly pretty terrible, but there were a few times when her conflict about Tate didn't really make sense based on what his words or actions were. I really liked the moments where they realized that they were taking pleasure from the same situations, and gave into their desires. Tate's character in general was really interesting and I loved seeing him fight with the person he was forced to be and try to escape the life he lead. I think overall I felt like I was told more than I was shown so I struggled to really connect with the characters since I felt like I just had to take their word for what they were talking about rather than seeing it or feeling it myself. I think someone who has not read a lot of really dark books may have a different experience of this book than I did. When I think dark read, I think DARK read. This book had a lot of dark elements, but it didn't make me feel and take me way out of my comfort zone like other books in this genre have. That said, there were a lot of interesting elements to this story and I did enjoy the way it concluded.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
I struggled with this book. I think it is too light for a dark read, and too dark for a light read. Throughout the book, Tate and others basically refer to the extreme darkness and depravity of everything, but I never quite felt it. Obviously there are some horrific things going on in this book and it is clear that a lot of people, and girls especially, are suffering at the hands of this trafficking organization. When I really consider the reasons that I didn't really connect with this book, I think it comes down to potential and execution. I felt like there were so many really interesting story lines and possibilities here and then I found myself at the end of the book still waiting. I loved the idea of a near future where a lot has changed and deteriorated, but not so long ago that people can't remember what things used to be like. I also really liked the idea of this broken damaged sadist pushed to his own limits and seeking not to be the person he was turned into for others' gain.
Autumn's situations was decidedly pretty terrible, but there were a few times when her conflict about Tate didn't really make sense based on what his words or actions were. I really liked the moments where they realized that they were taking pleasure from the same situations, and gave into their desires. Tate's character in general was really interesting and I loved seeing him fight with the person he was forced to be and try to escape the life he lead. I think overall I felt like I was told more than I was shown so I struggled to really connect with the characters since I felt like I just had to take their word for what they were talking about rather than seeing it or feeling it myself. I think someone who has not read a lot of really dark books may have a different experience of this book than I did. When I think dark read, I think DARK read. This book had a lot of dark elements, but it didn't make me feel and take me way out of my comfort zone like other books in this genre have. That said, there were a lot of interesting elements to this story and I did enjoy the way it concluded.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2014
Unique Story and Great Find from a New Author
First and foremost - the description of the book does not clearly explain the book. The good news is that the story better and so much more than the description. Although this book is set in a slightly dystopian society, that's just the backdrop for the characters' pasts and current hardships themselves. This is one of those stories that is very dark in the beginning, but emerges slowly to the light. Both of the main characters are strong, independent, and a product of their circumstances. The plot flowed very well and the character development was surprisingly solid for this author's first book (and many authors' 10th books).
The heroine, Autumn, has to willingly sell herself to a mysterious group just for basic survival - food, shelter, water. When she if gifted to Tate (aka Viper), they have an immediate attraction. The sex scenes are extremely intense and sizzling hot!! What makes this story unique is that it isn't the normal "Stockholm Syndrome" woman falls in love with captor story. After reflecting on the book, the exact opposite is true. It's the captor, Tate, that is the one starts falling for his captive only because he is the one that was conditioned to feel that way, from a young age. I can't explain more without revealing spoilers.
The internal dialogue of these characters is very maturely written. The only thing that prevented a 5-star rating is that I would have preferred a little more interaction between the characters - either through less internal dialogue about what was happening or a longer book. Overall, a 4-star rating for a new author that will, quickly, become one of the top indie authors. Anxiously awaiting her next book.
First and foremost - the description of the book does not clearly explain the book. The good news is that the story better and so much more than the description. Although this book is set in a slightly dystopian society, that's just the backdrop for the characters' pasts and current hardships themselves. This is one of those stories that is very dark in the beginning, but emerges slowly to the light. Both of the main characters are strong, independent, and a product of their circumstances. The plot flowed very well and the character development was surprisingly solid for this author's first book (and many authors' 10th books).
The heroine, Autumn, has to willingly sell herself to a mysterious group just for basic survival - food, shelter, water. When she if gifted to Tate (aka Viper), they have an immediate attraction. The sex scenes are extremely intense and sizzling hot!! What makes this story unique is that it isn't the normal "Stockholm Syndrome" woman falls in love with captor story. After reflecting on the book, the exact opposite is true. It's the captor, Tate, that is the one starts falling for his captive only because he is the one that was conditioned to feel that way, from a young age. I can't explain more without revealing spoilers.
The internal dialogue of these characters is very maturely written. The only thing that prevented a 5-star rating is that I would have preferred a little more interaction between the characters - either through less internal dialogue about what was happening or a longer book. Overall, a 4-star rating for a new author that will, quickly, become one of the top indie authors. Anxiously awaiting her next book.
January 30, 2015
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Holy hell, this book is hawt. Right off the bat, this book screamed Tears of Tess to me which was one of my favorite reads last year.
The book started off great for me. It was way too reminiscent of Tears of Tess plot wise but the story and the flow kept me entertained. Then about halfway through the book I started losing interest. And I think this had a lot to do with the characters and with the inner dialogue. I didn't think the character development was very good. They weren't consistent as characters and that threw me off. Also, Autumn started to really annoy me as did their little game of going back and forth. And as I mentioned, the inner dialogue always felt too lengthy to me. I found myself skimming during the inner dialogue bits and I tried SO hard NOT to.
Tate is HAWT! With that being said, I was confused by his character. I felt that he was all over the place. Really, in the end what kept me reading was the SEX!!!! I loved the sexual tension. Yaaaaaaaas. Jesus take the wheel.
I like the back story of what's going on in the world. That's a cool twist. But the world building for this fell short. And towards the end I feel like stuff in the plot was just thrown together haphazardly. No real foundation and kind of rushed. Not believable.
Holy hell, this book is hawt. Right off the bat, this book screamed Tears of Tess to me which was one of my favorite reads last year.
The book started off great for me. It was way too reminiscent of Tears of Tess plot wise but the story and the flow kept me entertained. Then about halfway through the book I started losing interest. And I think this had a lot to do with the characters and with the inner dialogue. I didn't think the character development was very good. They weren't consistent as characters and that threw me off. Also, Autumn started to really annoy me as did their little game of going back and forth. And as I mentioned, the inner dialogue always felt too lengthy to me. I found myself skimming during the inner dialogue bits and I tried SO hard NOT to.
Tate is HAWT! With that being said, I was confused by his character. I felt that he was all over the place. Really, in the end what kept me reading was the SEX!!!! I loved the sexual tension. Yaaaaaaaas. Jesus take the wheel.
I like the back story of what's going on in the world. That's a cool twist. But the world building for this fell short. And towards the end I feel like stuff in the plot was just thrown together haphazardly. No real foundation and kind of rushed. Not believable.
September 18, 2015
I was pulled in by the blurb, then captivated by the first few chapters of this dark, psychological romance and then had to force myself to skip some long drawn out portions to get to the good stuff.
There was an interesting dystopian/futuristic world feel to this story but I got bored with a lot of the over-explained inner dialogue of the main characters Tate/Viper and Autumn...and it just seemed to take too much effort to get to their actual relationship.
Maybe I'm just too jaded and have read so many dark, gritty slave/Master books that I expect a lot from my reads (sometimes they are too similar), but it was still good and I did read until the very (not surprising) end. If you like a romance that is very full of mental games to go along with the physical ones, then you will probably like this book and right now it is 99 cents so it's a deal.
**** 3.5 **** "she is his because she wants to be" stars
There was an interesting dystopian/futuristic world feel to this story but I got bored with a lot of the over-explained inner dialogue of the main characters Tate/Viper and Autumn...and it just seemed to take too much effort to get to their actual relationship.
Maybe I'm just too jaded and have read so many dark, gritty slave/Master books that I expect a lot from my reads (sometimes they are too similar), but it was still good and I did read until the very (not surprising) end. If you like a romance that is very full of mental games to go along with the physical ones, then you will probably like this book and right now it is 99 cents so it's a deal.
**** 3.5 **** "she is his because she wants to be" stars
August 4, 2014
Okay, first, I'm going to say, wow, for a debut book, from a new author, I am completely impressed. I have to say, it is not as dark as I was anticipating, but I do think that just maybe because it's a new author, maybe she didn't want to scare people off to fast with an overly dark 1st novel. I would've enjoyed a bit more dark, for sure, there were many teases of dark. I know some are complaining of the "futuristic" or "dystopian" of the novel, but even though it was made clear to be in a different time, I think it didn't over-do in that aspect, and I think it complemented the story well. With all that being said, the story was great, not as dark as I would've liked, but the fact is, this is going to be an author to watch for, this book is extremely well written, I almost can't believe it's a debut book. I'm happy I gave it a chance, I will be watching for future releases!
August 11, 2014
This story takes place in the distant future where money is just useless paper. Influence is what is powerful now. Autumn has given herself to Stoker. She has lived on the streets and starving since her parents were killed. She is taken to Tate. He was a headhunter for Stoker at one time. He use to gather people to break them so Stoker could sell them to people that want slaves, sexual slaves. It is a good story but was slow at times but it explained the past it those times. Can Autumn accept her future with Tate? Will he let her escape? It is a dark and sometimes painful to read but I enjoyed it. This is a first for me by Mara Black and I can't wait to read more from her.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my hones review**
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my hones review**
August 12, 2014
I am impressed with this new author. This is a dark book. But, it does have an HEA I can't wait to read more!
August 8, 2014
I'm sorry I hate giving bad reviews but seriously I could even finish it.
August 10, 2014
Unexpected but so so good!
March 8, 2018
So I'm not really sure how to rate this. I enjoyed it enough to read it quickly which is usually indicative of at least 4 stars. But while I ate it up, the book/writing had its flaws. Sometimes I think authors can get a little carried away with trying to emphasize angst and internal struggles with their anti-heroes and it seems to me that Tate is no exception to this. The hot and cold, off and on between he and Autumn was enough to give you whiplash. Almost to the point where it became exhausting to keep reading! Then there was this whole
I agree with other reviews where I felt like the ending was a little rushed. And really, what happened to
Also, I had no idea this was a futuristic/dystopian type of book! I actually thought that brought quite an interesting element to the story line and I really enjoyed that aspect! Now, I know much of my review seems on the more negative side, but it really wasn't a bad book! The overall plot definitely sucked you in, and despite their flaws, the characters were actually likable. The writing wasn't the best, but it wasn't terrible by any means either. And I think that is ultimately how I'm going to rate the book. A 3.5 star book - wasn't flawless but was still enjoyable and was worth my time.
I agree with other reviews where I felt like the ending was a little rushed. And really, what happened to
Also, I had no idea this was a futuristic/dystopian type of book! I actually thought that brought quite an interesting element to the story line and I really enjoyed that aspect! Now, I know much of my review seems on the more negative side, but it really wasn't a bad book! The overall plot definitely sucked you in, and despite their flaws, the characters were actually likable. The writing wasn't the best, but it wasn't terrible by any means either. And I think that is ultimately how I'm going to rate the book. A 3.5 star book - wasn't flawless but was still enjoyable and was worth my time.
April 9, 2021
Boring and no darkness. It was so very slow, nothing but the heroine thinking the same handful of things over and over. She meets him at 9% and by 19% she had thought that 'he must care about her' like five times, that 'she was doing this to stay safe from the bad guy', at least five times, and thinks how she 'wants to know him' and how 'she lied to the him ', all again at least three four times and all repeated constantly in just 10% worth of pages! Made for very boring re-reading.
The second big problem was the author had the heroine constantly claiming he was dark, that he did dark things to her, treated her worse than she was doing to him. But he didn't treat her even slightly treat her badly. Like when she thinks it was wrong of her not to tell him about the bad guy coming, to use him for protection, but it was okay because he used her worse. How? He hadn't used her at all!
He only got her to dust his house and do the dishes, in exchange for giving her plenty of food to eat, clothes to wear and a safe place to stay. He saves her from a snake bite when she's stupid enough to run from the very cushy safe place he provided her. It was so bad it was actually rubbish. Gave up at 28%, just didn't want to read any more. Boring, repetitive and rubbish.
The second big problem was the author had the heroine constantly claiming he was dark, that he did dark things to her, treated her worse than she was doing to him. But he didn't treat her even slightly treat her badly. Like when she thinks it was wrong of her not to tell him about the bad guy coming, to use him for protection, but it was okay because he used her worse. How? He hadn't used her at all!
He only got her to dust his house and do the dishes, in exchange for giving her plenty of food to eat, clothes to wear and a safe place to stay. He saves her from a snake bite when she's stupid enough to run from the very cushy safe place he provided her. It was so bad it was actually rubbish. Gave up at 28%, just didn't want to read any more. Boring, repetitive and rubbish.
December 10, 2018
Excellent Read
This is a dark, post-apocalyptic novel, but it’s got a tremendous amount of heart and soul. In a world where currencies include enslaved people, live and survival look very different. I really enjoyed this book from o e of my favorite authors. My only complaint is that she doesn’t know the difference between complementary and complimentary. The first means an item that completes or coordinates well with another. The second is something given free to another, especially flattery or praise.
This is a dark, post-apocalyptic novel, but it’s got a tremendous amount of heart and soul. In a world where currencies include enslaved people, live and survival look very different. I really enjoyed this book from o e of my favorite authors. My only complaint is that she doesn’t know the difference between complementary and complimentary. The first means an item that completes or coordinates well with another. The second is something given free to another, especially flattery or praise.
January 5, 2019
Maybe 2.5 stars. The story started out strong, but seemed to get caught in many repetitive self questioning reflective dialogues by each character. I also felt that the portrayal of Tate and Autumn within the roles outlined in the story were “off” in some way. This partnered with how each character thought and behaved as the story progressed did not help me understand/relate to them in a meaningful way. On ok read at times, but I had to make myself finish reading the novel.
December 10, 2018
Wow so many conflicted emotions
Is worthy to read even just to feel the emotions . Good writing, subtile way to describe real life , even covert in this dark story , this is a real life , we are a dual persons each and everyone , it is important who is the leader ... thank you
Is worthy to read even just to feel the emotions . Good writing, subtile way to describe real life , even covert in this dark story , this is a real life , we are a dual persons each and everyone , it is important who is the leader ... thank you
April 3, 2019
Wow!
Wow! What a great book! It is a dark read but its still worth it! Beautifully written love story of two broken people who find the light in each other! I loved it! I highly recommend this one!
Wow! What a great book! It is a dark read but its still worth it! Beautifully written love story of two broken people who find the light in each other! I loved it! I highly recommend this one!
April 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It's dark, sinister and twisted. When you're held prisoner by a damaged dangerous man and you yourself are damaged there's not much hope for a future but there's always hope. Well,worth reading
January 20, 2022
Great read
A well written story and easy to read. Characters are well developed and the story line is great. Tate and Autumn are good together, all the darkness couldn't erase that. I loved reading this book.
A well written story and easy to read. Characters are well developed and the story line is great. Tate and Autumn are good together, all the darkness couldn't erase that. I loved reading this book.
October 12, 2014
I love dark romance books. I just absolutely adore them. The darker, and the more twisted they are, the more I love them. Seriously, they are my favorite books and genre, so when fellow dark romance lovers introduced me to this book, I immediately one-clicked it. I mean, the cover looks scary, the blurb sounded dark and to top it off, the main character walked into this dark life willingly. I've read a lot of books in this genre, yet in none of them had the MC willingly ventured into captivity. I was more than curious to read this book, and as soon as I had the chance, I started reading it.
This book takes place in the future, where the economy has collapsed and the world is falling to pieces. Everything we know today, everything we use and eat is no longer available and is considered luxuries even the rich can't get their hands on. In this world, Autumn, living on the streets while on the run for a very long time sings her life away to an organization called Stoker that promises young girls a life of luxury and comfort with rich men who would take care of them. But Stoker is far from what the world thinks of them, and soon, Autumn finds herself as a birthday present to Tate, The Viper, a man so dangerous even the biggest organization in the world wants to be on good terms with.
From the very first page and I was confused. While reading the blurb I saw no mention of economic collapse or the book taking place a few years in the future, which honestly would have been no problem for me. It would've probably made me want to read this book even more, but I ended up being just confused. I had no idea what was going on, I didn't understand that the world had, in fact, pretty much gone under and that everything had been destroyed. I was just confused and I didn't understand the world build until much later in the book and even then, my understanding was very little. I finished the book with as much knowledge about the world it was built in as I started it.
The first few chapters were the hardest to go through. I didn't understand why Autumn was selling herself to Stoker, I didn't understand whether she knew they were bad and lying or not because there was hinting at them maybe being not all they pretended to be and yet she was willingly going to them to sign herself up. I mean, yeah later on I kind of did get why she would do that, but the start of the book was just a big jumble, a blur that I just wanted to hurry through so I could come to the explaining part or to the action so I could understand anything.
And then we're introduced to Tate, and the second dose of confusion came, this time followed by frustration. I did not get Tate and Autumn relationship or feelings at all. In fact, the more I read, the more questions I had and the more I wanted to tear at my own hair. But I wasn't the only one confused. Tate and Autumn were more confused than me. One second Tate was this bad person, The Viper, and who thrived on pain and wanted to hurt Autumn and the next he was bandaging her and babying her. I mean yeah, I get that he didn't want to be The Viper and that the whole reason he pretty much isolated himself was so not to hurt anyone, but he seemed pretty nice to me and in control of 'Viper'. And then there is Autumn. Even though she had not been forced to give herself to Stoker, and that she was running away from a bigger danger, she felt like she had the ground to be picky and to try and run away from both Stoker and Tate when she had gone to them for protection in the first place, knowing, or maybe suspecting that they were not what they said they were. The part that really got to me though, was that she tried to run away because Tate was nice to her. Yep, you heard right. She nearly got herself killed because she didn't want nice Tate when just a few chapters earlier she was complaining about The Viper.
Confusing, right? Can you wrap your head around that? Because I'm getting even more confused writing this review and trying to sort through what I had read, but let's move on to the part where the problem gets solved and Tate and Autumn pretty much save the world and destroy Stoker, because yes, the two of them along with a small organization take down the biggest one and the one controlling the whole world in, what, two chapters? And a dinner. Really. That was another factor that had my jaw hanging in shock. And confusion.
All in all, the world that comes to mind whenever I think of Pieces of Autumn is confused. There are a lot of things in this book that are never explained, from actions and appearances of characters that just don't make sense and only mange to get to me to wonder how and why they happened, to the whole building of the world and how it came to be. While I found the world really interesting, that is the only reason this book is not getting one star, it was still not explained or explored as I would have liked. It would at least have been better if how, why, who and when the world came to be as it was were explained.
I think the author had a really good idea but that she did not know what to do with it.
This book takes place in the future, where the economy has collapsed and the world is falling to pieces. Everything we know today, everything we use and eat is no longer available and is considered luxuries even the rich can't get their hands on. In this world, Autumn, living on the streets while on the run for a very long time sings her life away to an organization called Stoker that promises young girls a life of luxury and comfort with rich men who would take care of them. But Stoker is far from what the world thinks of them, and soon, Autumn finds herself as a birthday present to Tate, The Viper, a man so dangerous even the biggest organization in the world wants to be on good terms with.
From the very first page and I was confused. While reading the blurb I saw no mention of economic collapse or the book taking place a few years in the future, which honestly would have been no problem for me. It would've probably made me want to read this book even more, but I ended up being just confused. I had no idea what was going on, I didn't understand that the world had, in fact, pretty much gone under and that everything had been destroyed. I was just confused and I didn't understand the world build until much later in the book and even then, my understanding was very little. I finished the book with as much knowledge about the world it was built in as I started it.
The first few chapters were the hardest to go through. I didn't understand why Autumn was selling herself to Stoker, I didn't understand whether she knew they were bad and lying or not because there was hinting at them maybe being not all they pretended to be and yet she was willingly going to them to sign herself up. I mean, yeah later on I kind of did get why she would do that, but the start of the book was just a big jumble, a blur that I just wanted to hurry through so I could come to the explaining part or to the action so I could understand anything.
And then we're introduced to Tate, and the second dose of confusion came, this time followed by frustration. I did not get Tate and Autumn relationship or feelings at all. In fact, the more I read, the more questions I had and the more I wanted to tear at my own hair. But I wasn't the only one confused. Tate and Autumn were more confused than me. One second Tate was this bad person, The Viper, and who thrived on pain and wanted to hurt Autumn and the next he was bandaging her and babying her. I mean yeah, I get that he didn't want to be The Viper and that the whole reason he pretty much isolated himself was so not to hurt anyone, but he seemed pretty nice to me and in control of 'Viper'. And then there is Autumn. Even though she had not been forced to give herself to Stoker, and that she was running away from a bigger danger, she felt like she had the ground to be picky and to try and run away from both Stoker and Tate when she had gone to them for protection in the first place, knowing, or maybe suspecting that they were not what they said they were. The part that really got to me though, was that she tried to run away because Tate was nice to her. Yep, you heard right. She nearly got herself killed because she didn't want nice Tate when just a few chapters earlier she was complaining about The Viper.
Confusing, right? Can you wrap your head around that? Because I'm getting even more confused writing this review and trying to sort through what I had read, but let's move on to the part where the problem gets solved and Tate and Autumn pretty much save the world and destroy Stoker, because yes, the two of them along with a small organization take down the biggest one and the one controlling the whole world in, what, two chapters? And a dinner. Really. That was another factor that had my jaw hanging in shock. And confusion.
All in all, the world that comes to mind whenever I think of Pieces of Autumn is confused. There are a lot of things in this book that are never explained, from actions and appearances of characters that just don't make sense and only mange to get to me to wonder how and why they happened, to the whole building of the world and how it came to be. While I found the world really interesting, that is the only reason this book is not getting one star, it was still not explained or explored as I would have liked. It would at least have been better if how, why, who and when the world came to be as it was were explained.
I think the author had a really good idea but that she did not know what to do with it.
November 16, 2019
I don't think I had any strong feelings towards this in either a bad way or a great way. This okay and a different take on the being sold into "slavery" dark romance that I have read thus far. I have no immediate plans to read more in the series at the moment, but I will check out more Mara Black books.
February 8, 2020
Good Read
Good read the the characters were good, the dark romance was good but the world building could have been more. I was confused in some areas.
Good read the the characters were good, the dark romance was good but the world building could have been more. I was confused in some areas.
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