The Token 3

The Token #3

by Marata Eros

Faren collapses, narrowly escaping discovery upon hearing traumatic news delivered by Thorn. When Thorn becomes her uneasy accomplice in the deception of Mick, Faren decides she needs to come clean with the truth. Shelving her pride might be the last thing she wants to do, but as facts and actions continue to contradict one another, her hands become tied in the lies she creates to survive. Faren only needs one last lap dance to erase the final debt that hangs over her mother's head like a cloud of doom. But when Ronnie Bunce circles closer to Faren and threatens the last sanctuary she possesses, circumstances unravel to reveal lies that run deeper than she knew. Can Faren and Mick consummate their passion before her deceit is discovered? Or will the last dance be the ultimate loss?

Genres: Dark, Erotica, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, New Adult, Dark Romance

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2014

About the author

NEW RELEASE ALERT: bit.ly/MarataNEWS

Marata Eros is the author of over ninety-five titles, including her NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novel, A TERRIBLE LOVE, and the #1 international bestselling erotic Interracial and African-American TOKEN serial. Marata writes a variety of dark fiction in the genres of erotica, fantasy, romance, suspense and sci-fi. She and her husband live in the midwest with their four sons and three disrespectful dogs. Marata's #1 hobby is reading; she loves interacting with her readers.

http://marataeroseroticaauthor.blogsp...
Tamara Rose Blodgett's Blog: http://tamararoseblodgett.blogspot.com/

FUTURE TITLES 2018:

TRAINER (Road Kill MC)
VIPER (Road Kill MC)
IN BROKEN LOVE
DRUID #11
SIREN #4
THE FIRST SPECIES

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★ 1/2! The Token, part 3 of 6. The plot thickens for Faren & mysterious Jared McKenna. Lies, deceit, mysterious pasts and dark forces work against them!

“It's a circle of madness and deception I can't decipher.”

There are 6 parts to The Token series. I recommend these novellas be read in order:
Part 1: The Token
Part 2: The Token 2
Part 3: The Token 3
Part 4: The Token 4
Part 5: The Token 5
Part 6: The Token 6

In The Token, part 1 we met physical therapist, Faren Mitchell as she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She ran out into the street and is hit by a Harley Davidson driven by billionaire Jared “Mick” McKenna. A month prior to help pay for her mom’s mounting medical care she started working grave yard at a strip club owned by Jared McKenna.

The Token, part 2 continues on the path of present time Jared trying to court Faren, and her past trauma unfolding. In addition to Mick not knowing that she is working at his strip club nor about her brain tumor and the fact that she is a virgin there is much standing in their way; Villains, Faren’s trauma, Mick’s secret… and counting…

The Token, part 3 opens up right after the shocking ending of part 2. We have already met one villain and now Faren is faced with what could be another. Caught up in her own lies she if forced to call a truce with one, while trying to negotiate avoiding the other. When her home is broken into and trashed we meet a person from Mick’s past who can very well turn out to be yet another villain. Are they connected?

The budding romance between Mick and Faren is overshadowed by her lies and past and his secrets yet they cannot stay away from each other. The sexual tension is off-the-charts leading to some sizzling foreplay only to come to a screeching halt when everything starts to unravel….



FAREN MITCHELL: 22 years/physical therapist, part-time exotic dancer/caramel blond hair/light gray eyes/5’9”/ex-ballerina/virgin.

Faren Mitchell is a very compelling heroine. Maybe it’s her brain tumor diagnosis or her slightly deformed hand. Or maybe it’s her innocence and she has secrets and trauma in her past. Seven words to describe Faren: Lonely, reflective, loyal, broken, innocent, strong and naïve.



JARED MCKENNA, “MICK”: ~30 years/Billionaire/Mogul/Owner of Gentleman’s clubs/$$$$/dark auburn hair/dark brown eyes/6’3”/tattoo.

Jared “Mick” McKenna is still enigma. But what I have seen so far I love. Seven words to describe Jared: Enigmatic, mysterious, noble, caring, jaded, elusive and determined.

Just like the previous installments of part 3 ends with a shocking cliffy! I am looking forward to part 4, The Token 4 for the continuation of their story. I predict this serial will continue to offer a roller-coaster of intrigue and sexual tension and… cliffys until a sweet HEA in part 6 later this spring.

Mysterious and enigmatic hero! Compelling heroine! Eclectic and poignant story-telling. Suspenseful plot! I’m hooked!

“I can keep him with me tonight like a seed of goodness in the awful garden of my choices. It's a lie I cling to without complaint.”

***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.



ARC provided to me by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Ange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my lordy lou! I am completely overwhelmed! What a devastating installment of this dark story! And another bloody cliff hanger! Grrr! Geez I love it! Lol
Ms. Eros has a knack for telling dark stories that leave you completely and utterly drained but craving more like an addict yearns for it's next hit! I feel like I've run a marathon! Marata is the Queen of Intrigue and Suspense! She never disappoints with the path her stories take, because everything happens for a reason. As I'm recovering from the brutal cliff hanger ending, I'm hoping that there is greener pastures on the horizon for poor Faren.

Faren's predicament just keeps getting worse and worse. There is so much this poor woman needs to worry about on top of her terminal illness...how she hasn't caved under the pressure has got me! What an amazingly strong, yet annoyingly prideful, woman she is!
The raw chemistry between Faren & Mick burns, it's so HOT. It just keeps growing as the tension between them does.
We discover there is more to this stud Mick, than meets the eye, getting some more background info, and god help me, I'm crushing on him more! We also get a little peak under Thorn's hard outer shell, revealing his soft and gooey interior....not likely!

I just can't express to you how emotionally this series has affected me. Ms. Eros is that good of a writer! I am absolutely freaking hanging for The Token 4. In the words of Veruca Salt: "Don't care how, I want it now!"

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rant: The Token 3 was exhilarating, captivating and action packed. The story took a complete shift and that shift made for an amazing twist. The plot thickens and you are not sure what going to happen next but there are some demented things going on in Faren’s life right now. Thorn has really surprised me. I am second guessing my feelings for him as a character. Marata exposes thorns secrets and I am completely floored by them. It seems what I thought about him is shifting and I am beginning to understand his position and why he acts the way he does, but I still think he acts like an A$$. Farens life is spiraling out of control. Someone is tormenting her in the worse way and the only solace she finds is within McKenna.

McKenna, does not take no for an answer and I love the way he demands what he wants. Mckenna is hot and ooz with sex appeal.How can you say no to a man like that with ultimate alpha attitude. I want to know more about Mckenna, you get a glimpse of back story and your heart stops for a brief moment.
When he and Faren get close there are electric sparks that fly. Faren and Mckenna fall deep into their romance and the plot shifts again. I am on edge; my heart is palpitating, there is a rush of action and fist are flying and all I can’t do was slouch down and duck. There is no turning back now we have hit the limit of no return. Hearts are broken and this won’t be an easy fix.

The authors writing style keeps you hooked. I am like the moth to the flame. I just could not put the book down. I love the characters and all of their roles except Ronnie. I hate Ronnie and I can’t wait until he gets what coming to him. There are so many players in the game I am not sure who’s going to get it first but I do know when it happens it’s going to be great. As I am nearing the end to The Token 3 , bam it happens again and ish is hitting the fan. Faren and I are left broken hearted and Thorns a little bruised but the betrayal in its self seems like it cannot be undone.
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My recommendation:

Overall I love this book and the Token Series. I rated this book 5 out of 5 Purple Rant Hearts and would recommend this book to anyone that loves a romance that is an emotional roller-coaster that is full of action. This book has all the elements of a great story with a gritty twist. Marata ability to drag a reader into a dark place and give them a glimpse of the perfect light makes her a genius at her craft. This series is definitely going on my 2014 favorites list.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author, editor, publisher, or Promo Host. This is my honest opinion about this book and I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one.

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[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

The following review and the star rating given pertain to the e-book version of THE TOKEN III. I received a free Audible audiobook copy of the TOKEN BOXED SET, VOLUMES #1-3 yet 70% into TOKEN 1, I switched to the e-book, no longer willing to suffer through the narrator's below-standard performance.

As with the entire series so far, this "book" was full of inconsistencies and aspects of the storyline that either made no sense or were ridiculous. I did quit reading this book at one point, putting it down in frustration when our female main character Faren's home was vandalized. *SPOILER AHEAD* Despite her excessive amounts of fear, for some silly, unknown reason, she refused to tell the police anything about her stepfather. She didn't have to tell the police where she worked or any of her other secrets but why the heck wouldn't she express her fear about her stepfather who was obviously after her? *SPOILER END* Once again, the potential was there yet stifled by the lack of quality editing.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eros once again leaves me breathless with her latest book The Token 3.

Faren's life continues to spiral downward, and she is clinging by a thread to hold it together. Mick is her light in the darkness, but her secrets threaten to destroy even that. Unexpected allies and new enemies emerge.

Teased with small insights into the characters' backgrounds, please, please, please give me more.

Completely pulling me into this dark and seedy underworld by Eros's descriptive writing style, I found myself utterly invested in her storytelling. Absolutely keeping me on the edge of my seat to till the very end, Eros genius shines through...and what an ending!!!

The Token 3 is a pulse-pounding plot that delves into the darker sides of passion, heartache ache and a struggle for survival.

This copy of The Token 3 was given to me by Marata Eros in exchange for an honest review.

[Rea Nicole ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more dance. That's what Faren holds onto while she prepares to finish paying the debt for her mother's care. It's just one dance- but as her and Mick's relationship becomes more intense it may cost her everything.

Wow. I devoured this one quicker than the first two! The Token 3 was fast-paced, full of action and a dash of passion. Each installment is proving to be better than the last!

In this installment, we learn more about Thorn and discover he does have a soft side. I am highly curious on his back story and the role he's beginning to play in Faren's life. Mick shows his protective side as he takes care of business and looks out for Faren. Faren sees the light at the end of the tunnel but bad luck doesn't seem to let her go.

Add all of this to one shocking ending- and wow! I'm blown away! 5 well-deserved stars.

[Caryn Ferraro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sit here……devastated. My heart shattered……I’m at a loss……
What a flawlessly written, dark, emotional, gut wrenching, heart breaking, pulse pounding, tormenting web Marata Eros has woven. These 94 pages of The Token 3 have left me shattered…….so shattered. I turn, and turn, and turn the pages through teary eyes, hoping with everything that I have that there is one more chapter……..Just. One. More. Chapter. I’m not sure that my heart can wait until March. Not that I have a choice, but I’m quite certain the anticipation of The Token 4 is going to put me over the edge. This series, so far, is just that good!! Another must read!!
~ 5 ~ Heart breaking ~ Brilliant ~ Stars !!!!

[Latisha Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! This series is soooo good!!!!! I cannot believe all the things going on I have not been able to stop reading!!! And just when I think things might come together I have to wait!! What a cliffhanger!!!

At least book #4 is out in March and Marata I can't wait to read it!!!!

[Maddison Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I cannot believe I have to wait till march for the fourth installment, I need it now. I need Mick to change his mind and come to the rescue and help faren.

[Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for March!!!!! I'm holding my breath that in the end it will all work out for Faren and Mick....is it March yet?!?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to see how Mick will handle Faren's situation,, now that the secret's out! Damn...it's gonna be a long wait until pt 4!

[Mariela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to post a review on this book instead of 1-3. The 3 books have too much going on omg I was trying hard to keep up. One the frustrating things about this book was the fact that there was barely any dialog! There was so much filler that I was trying to figure out how the main characters could possibly like eachother when they don't even talk. She talks more to her "Dancing pimp" than anyone else. I was like a bad soap opera rolled into one. She's a physical therapist paying off her mothers bills because the mother is in the hospital in a coma, put there by her stepfather who never got arrested. She becomes a stripper thanks to her bestfriend Kiki, but the money she makes is not enough to pay the hospital so she gets involved in a high rollers stripping gig where she makes alot more money. All she has to do is personal lap dances. While this is happening she finds out that she has a brain tumor and a short amount of time to live so she's under alot of pressure. She almost gets run over by a motorcycle as she leaves the hospital and it turns out it is the owner of the club she works at hes young and gorgeous. He asks her out and soon they're "dating" but again barely talk to eachother so i don't know how that's possible. Her stepfather comes back into the picture and tries to hurt her again. She doesn't want to tell the hottie boss anything that's going on until he finds out on the last night that she was going to do the lap dances. He beats the crap out of the guy he kissers her and walks away all hurt. Again how he could care about her with not alot of talking i dont know. I have this 2 stars because it was mostly fillers and i had to skim through to get to the actual dialog. don't think i can read the rest it's just too much

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought these in a box set, and all three volumes were intense! There were moments when I wanted to climb right into the book and shake some sense into Faren and Jared! It's a strange thing to see everything so clearly from the outside, like you're a part of all of it. That's what this felt like. The danger was palpable. The fear and sadness were disheartening. I kept thinking, if only she would open up, so many things could change. All of the details drew me in. I felt like, I knew each of the characters. You know, you're reading something meaningful when it brings out emotions. These definitely did. I was angry, frustrated, sympathetic and sad. It was intense and personal. I finished these first three at 1:30 am and turned on my computer to buy the next set. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[Connie Fogg-Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

flips of the coin

Karen and Mick dance around the stripper pole in a heated pursuit of justice and love. the layers of secrets they both have might stop their relationship but not much can kill the heat.

the locatio

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔸3.5 stars🔸

[Beachbaby]

In book - "The Token #1-3 Provocation"

[Ashley Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series starts out with Faren Mitchell finding out she has an inoperable brain tumor and runs out into the street, only to be hit by Jared McKenna who is riding his motorcycle. The story then goes back to a month prior to seeing that she is a physical therapist who is trying to make ends meet and pay for her mother’s care at a clinic. Because money is so tight, she decides to become a stripper to gain extra money without having to give up her day job, or her identity. She finds out that this strip club is owned by no other than the gorgeous Jared or “Mick” as her refers to himself. Faren finds out that there is more money to be made by dancing in one of his more exclusive establishments.

In book two, we start off right where we left off in book one. We finally meet Faren’s stepfather Ronald Bunce. The web of lies keep piling up for Faren as she tries to finish paying for her mother’s care at the clinic. This book is action packed. Just when Faren starts to find happiness, everything seems to be ripped away from her.
So book three picks up right where book two leaves off. Just when you thought that nothing worse could happen to Faren, we find out that yes it can. Her home is broken into and she starts to learn more about Jared’s past. It’s hard to figure out who the villains her besides her stepfather Ronnie. Deceit and lies start to strain Jared and Faren’s relationship,

I feel as though the underlying theme in this installment of The Token is blackmail. Faren is getting blackmailed by Thorn, who runs the exotic dances; and Jared seems to be getting blackmailed by Detective Tagger. Again we are teased with snippets of both character’s pasts, and I wish it were more. There is so much going on in Faren’s life, I was hoping for some of the conflicts to get resolved by this point in the series, but they seem to be getting worse. I would give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. As with the rest of the series we are left with another cliffhanger.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Awesome instalment from The Token Series.

What an action packed, plot twisting lot of goodness. I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment.

I love love love Faren I think she is an original character whose story must be told. Although still innocent in this instalment she really is growing as a character.

Mick is still hot and boy is his alphaness showing I love it!!!

Kiki is a HOOT and a serious must in this story I think her level of humour has brought the series above its already awesome status. All the doom and gloom of Faren is hard and interesting but Kiki brings a little light through the darkness. Her affection for Faren is what a best friend should be, as a friendship they make each other whole.

Thorn is getting really interesting and his story is a kicker. I love how Marata Eros makes you fall for the freaking villain especially after she has made you hate him with all that you have.

I love how all the instalments feel more important at each read not one is a filler.

There are some major Plot twists and revelations in this one so a definite must read.

I don't know how she does it but she (Marata Eros) makes you want to be a part of the story makes you want to be the character, she makes you envious. Her incredible knack to so blindingly make you feel what the character is feeling drawing you into the moment.

The ability to blind-side you with surprising twists is a rare gift you never know where the journey will take you.

Yes there is a cliff hanger but don't let it stop you there is more and its seriously brilliant.

All up another fantastic instalment,full of serious twists and turns and amazing characters, I recommend you read the first and second instalment before this one. I most definitely will be continuing on with this series.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far beyond the “average” dark romance, The Token 3 by Marata Eros is the heartbreaking tale of a young woman whose time in this world has been filled with pain and abuse, until she met Mick, a man whose very presence makes her feel safe and cared for, a man who owns her heart. But will the secrets she keeps from him push him away? For Faren, the clock is ticking down as quickly as her life is spiraling into an ugly nightmare of lies, uneasy alliances and the return of a monster from her past, as well as a new monster in her present.

Moving at a dizzying pace, Marata Eros gives us a heroine who continues to get few breaks in life, yet each time she is knocked down, she manages to pick herself up, a little more broken and bruised, but more determined to plow ahead. Ms. Eros has created a stark and brutal world; the underbelly of life where the powerful and wealthy go to indulge in their dirty little secrets, while still providing romantic passion that is, at times, both endearingly heartwarming and tortuously heartbreaking.

This series will grab you and wring every drop of every emotion from your heart.

I received an ARC edition from Marata Eros in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Token, Book 3
Publication Date: February 1, 2014
Publisher: Tamara Rose Blodgett
Genre: Dark New Adult Romance

[Clara Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was NOT disappointed in The Token 3 it was all action packed whilst still being exhilarating, sensual and downright sexually frustrating! This plot took a completely different road from what you were expecting, taking it to a deep dark place but this shift that you were not expecting made an amazing twist! At each and every point the plot thickens and  everything twists coming back on you, it's all about total misdirection, but with what is going on in Faren’s life right now, how else could it be?

Thorn has been really interesting in this book, he has really surprised me and I am second guessing my initial feelings for him as a character, he has layers which are beginning to be revealed but when the chips are down he does revert straight back into being an arse!! 

I am hooked to say the least!! and I cannot wait to read book 4!! 

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Cliffhanger!

This is by far my favorite book of the series thus far. Thorn's character whom we met earlier in the series comes more into play in this book. Thorn is Mick's best friend and confidant and is trusted in the running of his strip clubs. We learn why he is in power and why such a do gooder like Mick has such a business to begin with. Thorn is so crass, so it is interesting to find out his secrets and background, his softer side.

With Thorn running his side business of "Laps", you just knew it couldn't not come to light. Faren and Thorn are hiding now together her exotic dancing from the one man that might find it hard to forgive her-Mick.

[Dominus~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot! Oh God before I made a review I finished the first three books and it's freaking awesome! Oh God I need more! More! More! The ending, how could she?! How could she end it like that. Usuaully when things like this came up, I have someone to blame who is the reason the supposed awesome thing ended. But here, I have no one. Faren is amazing! And so is Mick! The way Thorn was eventually shown as one of the guys is also awesome too. The ending, oh god oh god I need more of this. AhhznvajxxjsnxhdkNxsjjd where can I get it?!
I'm quite sure the ending would be heartbreaking.

[Kelly Willcoxbrackeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGHHHHH

Did I ever mention how much I hate the dreaded cliffhanger? When they say these books are dark they really mean it too. This poor girl gets mistreated by every guy she knows. These three books keep me from getting anything done. I just couldn't put the damn things down because I had to know what happens now? Now to wait for the next book to come out!!! Dear author, you are killing me. Please end the suspense soon...
Keep on reading my fellow bookworms!

[Babel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where things go really bad, as black as sin, and spiral down to brutal violence, despair and impossible crossroads. There was so much anguish that it was hard to swallow. I felt so sorry for Faren. It's so unfair what she goes through, and even if part of what happens to her is due to her decisions, the horrible price she has to pay feels too much. The cliffhanger here is pure dynamite.

Need. More. Now.

[Michele Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lays the ground work for the conclusion of a few of the stories. You start to see compassion in Thorn and wonder what really lies below the surface. There is something more to him yet he puts on this shady front.

The book ends with a bang leaving the reader wondering if Faren and Mick will actually end up together.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

So crap has hit the fan, you knew it would! And this just got a little more exciting. I'm still not all in on the connection between Mick and Faren, but I really like her and I am rooting so hard for a mistake or something.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this installment!!! It was such a page turner and the way it ended! I immediately picked up the forth installment.

[★Winter★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

94 pages

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book and the series are incredibly. The story get you closer to the characters and their story. The book was awesome to read.

[Anna RBTL Book Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5