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Vodka Dreams

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What happens when you wake up in a strange house, in a dark room, bound to a bed? Lucy should be afraid, but she's been dancing with the devil a lot lately, and this just seems like her final act. She's ready to face her demise, until she see's him.

Dallas claims to be her self-proclaimed savior, but can his intense love and devotion mixed with his lifestyle be enough to drag Lucy out of her self-induced Vodka Dreams? Can they, together, help her heal from years of abuse? Can Lucy let go of the past enough to find her grip on the future? Determined to try, she puts her trust in Dallas and discovers how feeling truly loved can heal a a wounded heart and how making love can heal a wounded soul.

Join Lucy as she discovers a woman she thought was dead long ago and the man that loves her.

Unknown Binding

First published March 4, 2015

31 people want to read

About the author

Angie Merriam

27 books93 followers
I was born and raised in the small town of Klamath Falls. It is there that I met my husband and had my first two children. In 1999 we left Klamath Falls, headed towards Portland. I have since had one more child and have settled in Newberg. I worked as a waitress in a French Bistro for nearly five years before quitting to help care for my ill grandmother. It was during my care of her that I decided to go to school for Medical Assisting. I had planned on continuing onto nursing, but landed a job with a Dr. I highly admire in a practice that I love, that has trained me beyond my schooling. In the nearly five years that I have been employed there, I have spent a large amount of time commuting. During those times I would spin many stories in my mind with the intention of writing them down. I have always loved to write, but have ventured away from it due to lack of time and life. The story of Neveah and Lilly stuck with me and I decided to write it down. I never intended for it to go this far, or become a full fledged story that I would be so proud of. I look forward to seeing where this journey leads me!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
476 reviews13 followers
March 7, 2015
This was a very interesting book. Lucy became an alcoholic due to her husband's abuse and she was as low as she could possibly get. Then she goes on a blind date - and wakes up tied to a bed in a strange house. Her captor was a former customer at the restaurant where she had worked. She was at rock bottom, so she wasn't really even frightened, just confused. Dallas told her he was her saviour.
I loved Dallas and Lucy. The emotional rollercoaster Lucy takes us on really pulled me into the story. Recovering not only from abuse, but from an addiction. Dallas made a great hero as well. The secondary characters were good too, Lainey, Brooklyn, and Rome were all wonderful. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the sequel to tell Lainey's story (Lucy's sister).
Profile Image for Xavier Neal.
Author 132 books2,257 followers
March 8, 2015
Review: Great read if...you enjoy BDSM, sex, fighting inner demons, letting love find its way, excitement, fighting for what you love and a quick read with an HEA.

Side Note: Addiction books are always hit and miss. Sometimes they aren't realistic and sometimes they are too realistic and distract from the other things going on, this one was a hit. The balance between finding herself again, falling in love, and struggling to stay on the straight and narrow was beautiful. Dallas is the sexy hero you want on your side to help you through the kind of situation Lucy went through.
Profile Image for Krystin Sanchez.
16 reviews12 followers
March 9, 2015
Where do I begin?? Vodka dreams left me speechless!! This is most definitely not your typical love story....and not like any plot you have ever read before!! Angie's writing style had me captivated from the very first page. The emotion and pain in Lucy's story was so real, it just broke your heart and you wanted Dallas to save her. Her and Dallas were the perfect fit. Angie executed the story perfectly and I can not wait for the rest of the Distilled Love series!
Profile Image for Sultan * Baby Mama Smut-a-teer*.
703 reviews53 followers
May 11, 2015
Wow...what a great book! I really enjoyed Angie Merriam's writing style. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but I was defiantly impressed at what I got. This is the story of hitting rock bottom, and finding the strength in yourself to climb back up to the top a survivor.

Lucy is broken when we first meet her. She wakes up tied to a bed, in an unknown home, with and unknown man. The way he life has been spiraling out of control she is not surprised that this is where and how she would end up. She is not scarred to be there, though she knows she should be. You see Lucy gave up living a long time ago, and now she willingly welcomes death. She has lost everything she once held dear and loved. She fell into the wrong relationships with the most horrid of men, and let them take bits and pieces of her, till there was nothing left of the beautiful women she once was. Her self esteem is so low that she cant find anything worth living for, or saving in herself. But then her savior comes to rescues her and put her back together.

Dallas.....my god you are one incredible man. You are selfless, kind, sexy to boot, charming, caring, funny, and the list could go on and on. You saw that needed to be done in order to save Lucy and you did it, no questions asked. Through your ways are a little less traditional then most would try, but hey whatever gets the job done right? Right! You have to know that you my, wonderful, delicious man, you....saved her. She was worth it too wasn't she? *winks at Dalles*

This story was touches on so many hard topics that we as humans face daily. Some people are monsters, some people live to make others feel as small and miserable as they do, but we are stronger then they think, and we must always remember to get up and fight. Get up and survive. Get up and concur. Get up and live.

** ARC received by author in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for Tracey.
240 reviews
March 19, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect from Vodka Dreams but I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't quite like what I have read before. At first I was thinking that Lucy was kidnapped for entirely different reasons and by her not seeming to fear her captor or her prison I was caught off guard.

The story captured my attention from the very beginning and I was impressed with Dallas and his ability to see Lucy for the person she used to be and the person she was meant to become. However, Lucy has suffered more abuse than most in abusive situations. She doesn't know who she is anymore and would rather hide in her vodka dreams then to be in the reality of her life. She needs to start healing from the inside out to realize her potential and to grow secure in her own skin.

Lucy is more of flight than fight. Once she starts to feel more comfortable with Dallas something will happen and she doubts their feelings for each other and also never feels worthy of his feelings. What will happen when her past abuser catches up to her? What will happen with her and Dallas? Will she end up back with her abuser, Dallas, alone or possible dead?

I would recommend you read this amazing story. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what is to come next. I love the suspense, emotions it brings out and I just love the development of the characters who are relatable with their flaws and all. I can't wait until the next book is released!
Profile Image for Cat Elliott.
100 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book to read and review.

This book is AMAZING! I was hooked from the beginning. I cried like a baby a fair amount during it!
Lucy has not been lucky in her life, she gets to a point where the only way she can live with her troubles is to be numb through alcohol. She is in a very bad way when her saviour, Dallas, commits to helping her and making her see the person she is without Vodka.
This book isn't your typical romance, and that's what I loved about it!
It's a heartbreakingly beautiful story, it was interesting to read about addiction in this form, and I still can't get the characters and story out of my head!
This is obviously a subject that means a lot to the author, and all that emotion definitely comes through in the story, and I mean that in the best way!
It's also a very sexy, hot book! Dallas, phew he's literally the definition of perfect man, who has overcome a lot of problems himself but came out the other end even stronger.

I LOVED it and I look forward to reading more from this fantastic author!
Reviewer from Book reviews & take-overs :)
Profile Image for Kat Loves.
223 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2015
This story is not for anyone wanting a light fluffy read. It's a little on the darker side of romance but was ultimately a nice love story.
Lucy is an alcoholic who has had a very bad life and finds the only way to deal with life was at the bottom of a bottle or ten of vodka. She looses everything due to her addiction until Dallas kidnaps her and shows her how to return her life around. Dallas helps her get sober and makes her see that she is not the broken useless person she has been taught to believe she is.

I had a few issues reading this book because there are an awful lot of spelling errors. Normally I can just gloss over spelling issues, but I was getting a headache from the constant missing l in every word that contained ll, ie in the book Dallas is written as Dal as. I think if this issue could be fixed it would be a very enjoyable flowing book to read. Apart from this issue it was a great story that deals with not only on alcoholism but also domestic violence and the damage that it causes to a women's self esteem.
Profile Image for Sherry Haynes.
1,230 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2015
I was gifted a copy of Vodka Dreams in exchange for honest review.

Vodka Dreams is real. That is the easiest way to put what this book is about. It is about the struggles of a woman to deal with domestic violence by believing that the only way to keep from feeling is to live in what she calls Vodka Dreams. Alcoholism has put her on a very dark spiral and it takes kidnapping to final wake up. Kudos to the author for understanding and emphasizing how Lucy went from raising her sister to abandoning her own child. I could feel the emotions on many different levels. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Dani Hodge.
973 reviews
March 27, 2015
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

Wow, where do I start, this was a great dark, emotional read. I loved it! The characters where great, and the storyline just pulled me in. Lucy's journey is dark, and hard tale to tell, but with Dallas being the sexy dark man he is, you will find yourself not wanting to put this book down until you devoured it. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Tina.
291 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2015
WOW!! This is the first book I have read by Angie Merriam and it was amazing!! I read it in a couple of hours because I could not put it down. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I will definitely be reading more books by her. Thanks for the great read!
Profile Image for Leanne.
Author 5 books84 followers
May 2, 2015
This was a suspenseful, emotional read. Wonderfully written.

What happens when you wake up in a strange house, in a dark room, bound to a bed? Lucy should be afraid, but she's been dancing with the devil a lot lately, and this just seems like her final act. She's ready to face her demise, until she see's him.

Lucy is a woman hanging by a thin vodka sodden thread. She's been abused, she's broken. Enter Dallas...he's been watching her for a while. He sees through the alcohol fog, identifying the woman she is at her core. He has a plan in place and executes it—with a single minded determination to pull her from the depths of her despair, and help the strong confident woman he knows she can be emerge from her inner purgatory. He helps her heal, to recover from addiction and through his compassion, steadfast love and belief in her—she learns to trust once again.

Definitely not your typical fluffy romance, which I loved.
Angie Merriam is a very diverse and talented author. I've read another of her books: A Broken Forever (Neveah) which is fantasy romance, totally different to this one, but just as gripping.

Can't wait for the next in the series :)
Profile Image for Danielle Cordsen.
699 reviews11 followers
August 13, 2015
I reviewed this book as an ARC so reading was hard for me as the formatting was horrible Dal as (Dalas) type errors was so hard to get around. But I prevailed because the story was good and the writing was captivating.

I enjoyed the book very much, I don't believe in giving away the story line of a book because it would deter me from buying it if the story is in the review.

This is a book about healing, trust, forgiveness and allowing another person help lift you up and help you shine. The male lead was consistent and good natured through out the book. He helped put a family back together and loved unconditionally. There was a perfect amount of angst and alpha male and the females where not over the top needy. My biggest come away from this book was people can be vulnerable and strong all at the same time and one must want to get better to be healthy and there is work needed to do just that.

This is a great book with HEA add it to your read list was worth it. Plus we will get to see some of the the characters in the next book in the series.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Danielle Cordsen.
699 reviews11 followers
August 13, 2015
I reviewed this book as an ARC so reading was hard for me as the formatting was horrible Dal as (Dalas) type errors was so hard to get around. But I prevailed because the story was good and the writing was captivating.

I enjoyed the book very much, I don't believe in giving away the story line of a book because it would deter me from buying it if the story is in the review.

This is a book about healing, trust, forgiveness and allowing another person help lift you up and help you shine. The male lead was consistent and good natured through out the book. He helped put a family back together and loved unconditionally. There was a perfect amount of angst and alpha male and the females where not over the top needy. My biggest come away from this book was people can be vulnerable and strong all at the same time and one must want to get better to be healthy and there is work needed to do just that.

This is a great book with HEA add it to your read list was worth it. Plus we will get to see some of the the characters in the next book in the series.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Mariana Lee.
672 reviews18 followers
August 5, 2015
This is a very touching and emotional book, it's definitely not your typical love story. It's dark, sexy and emotional and incredibly gripping. Lucy has had a really difficult life so far, she always seems to end up with the wrong guy and even marries one that very nearly ended her life. She took to drinking and became an alcoholic to try to numb the pain and forget and block all the ugliness that surrounded her existence. But in a turn of fate she meets Dallas in a very unusual way and he becomes her knight in shining armour. He is strong, good looking sexy and successful and more than anything wants to rescue her and give her back the life she deserves.. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride and at times difficult to read. The story is so well written that you can almost feel Lucy's pain as the story unfolds. This is my first book by Angie and it definitely not be my last.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Justine Mcfadyen.
85 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2015
Where do I begin ??? If like me your a first time reader of Angie's book then what better way is there to start reading her books than with this story ?
Domestic violence is always a hard subject to cover as it sadly is an everyday occurrence in our society these days , but to add the BDSM lifestyle into the mix with alcohol and turn it into a love story is beyond brilliant .
The characters are mesmerising and you can't help but keep reading to see what happens next . But above all this is a story about survival , hitting rock bottom and learning to find the strength to climb back up to the top and along the way learning to let someone love you for who you are no matter what has happened in the past .
This is the first book and definitely will not be the last book by Angie Merriam that I will be reading .
Profile Image for Lisa Welch.
601 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2015
Review of Vodka dreams:
This book has shocked the pants of me in more ways than one, starting dark and dangerous, believing it to go one direction it does a complete 180 turning into something beautiful. Dallas I strong alpha male with the body of a god is every woman’s dream. Taking Lucy on a wild rollercoaster in a sort space of time, been the protector the teacher the healer and the lover.. Giving her the strength that she needs to overcome her “Vodka Dreams”.
This book is well written and draws the person reading it into the characters’ lives, it made me angry, sad and overwhelmed with joy, I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Shannon Mcfarland.
669 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2015
Great darker read!!! Lucy has had a hard life and she has given up. As we first see her, she is a captive, but she is resigned to her fate. Lucy has had to endure some terrible acts and nothing is different in her current situation. Now she has truly given up and is ready to die, but something happens and she is rescued. Dallas is Lucy's savior and brings her back from the brink. These two have a very hard journey, but the outcome is worth it in the end.

It is a great read with a great storyline. A darker edge. The characters are great and the whole story flows. Highly recommended.



Profile Image for Sue.
1,012 reviews10 followers
December 23, 2015
This was a totally absorbing read.
Lucy's alcohol addiction has taken over her life and is slowly destroying her forcing Dallas to take extreme measures to try and save the woman he loves, steadily the reasons for her dive into the alcoholic abyss unfold but has he waited too long, Is Lucy too broken to ever fix ?
This is a story of strength and empowerment all be it in an unconventional way. I was right there experiencing the range of emotions Lucy was going through, the fear, the heartbreak, the numbness, the anger and the happiness.
A positive story that portrays the fierce, protective personalities of the characters for family and those they love.
Profile Image for Keeana Bookalicious Babes Blog .
206 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is about fighting your inner demons and addictions and how, through love, anything is possible. This is my first book by Angie Merriam and it definitely will not be my last. She sucked me right into this story. It is short and sweet, yet touches on some serious topics. This isn't your typical 'heart and flowers' romance and that's what I love about this book. The sex in this story is hot and the hero in this story is swoon worthy. I cannot wait to read more from Angie Merriam.
Profile Image for Angela.
2,508 reviews10 followers
May 26, 2015
Received a free copy for my honest review.
Reviewing for Fallen for Books.

Wow. What an emotional roller coaster of a book. Where do I even start?
Lucy is an alcoholic who has been abused mercilessly at the hands of her husband. So she drinks to escape the pain. My heart breaks for her. To think that drinking and whoring is all she's good for.
Then in walks Dallas. Holy cow. He swoops in and tries to save the day. God love a man with such an open honest heart.
Very touching and heartbreaking book. Loved it.
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
September 4, 2015
this story is a powerful one, it takes you on a journey of a young woman who has only had bad experiences with men, abuse and domestic violence is sadly a regular thing and when she reaches the bottom of her despair her ex husband has gone and took her son away so to numb the pain she turns to vodka, that is until she wakes in a dark room tied to a bed, you would think this is where it turns really ugly but it's the opposite. You will shed a few tears at the heart breaking things but this is a lovely romance too and you will definitely want to read more.
Profile Image for Delanea.
68 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2015
This is an awesome read! Please do yourself a favor and 1-Click this title and all the available titles in the series. You will not regret it.

I very strongly identified with many of the themes of this book. It was a bit disconcerting at times. I know I am in for an experience when I get goose bumps in the first five lines of a book.

The Distilled Series is an excellent summer read on the beach, or a fall read by the fire. Add it to your library, now!
Profile Image for Judy.
1,791 reviews
August 7, 2015
WOW! What an amazing book this was!! It has everything going on! Alcoholism, sex, mystery, BDSM, and some violence to add to the mix, as well as surprises that'll you'll see when you read it! It's not a short read or a long read, it's the perfect length and doesn't leave you frustrated at the end! You'll fall in love with all the characters! A very well written story and I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,200 reviews39 followers
August 9, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review.
The story had so much potential, it was a wonderful love story, with some hot sex scenes. The characters were wonderful and Lucy was dealing with a LOT of issues, which were all dealt with very well. It did however feel a little bit stilted and rushed in places, especially the first half of the book.
333 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2015
I was gifted this book for an honest review. This book is a very emotional book and made me thankful for the husband that I've got. Lucy was abused both physically and mentally by her husband and Dallas kidnapped her to rescue her from the vodka. They fall in love and have to face her abusive husband in order to be a family.
Profile Image for Jill Bridgeman.
483 reviews17 followers
September 11, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. Although it may have had similarities to other books I've read, it had a nice story line to it and it was an easy read. Abuse of any kind is never ok, and this story shows you that if there is someone willing to help you get through it, you can overcome your demons and move on from the past and be able to have a future.
Profile Image for R.J. Nicolson.
Author 3 books32 followers
November 4, 2015
captures you attention from page one. lucy has been through hell but can her savior save her from hitting the bottle again and getting back the life that should have never been lost to her. i loved the storyline and the flow of this book. heartbreak but true love sing from the pages. if your looking for something with a gripping storyline but easy to read this book should be high on your list.
Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

It was a good book. Lucy is taken by a man she knows and he helps her get out of her Vodka Dreams. She has to face her past head on to overcome it and Dallas is there to support her threw it.
Profile Image for Andrea Turner.
300 reviews19 followers
June 4, 2015
I have got to say that I LOVED this book!!! Dallas is so amazing! He's loving, sexy as sin, and he will make your panties melt. The story line is fantastic, it is different than your normal BDSM book, and I loved that. I can't wait for Whiskey to come out!
Profile Image for Lisa Thomson.
24 reviews
August 8, 2015
Wow what can I say this book had me captivated right from the start loved the writing style and the fact that it wasn't your average love story fantastic writing you could literally feel all of Lucy pain would definitely recommend to anyone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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