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We Were One Once #1
We Were One Once
A DARK EROTIC ROMANCE
She offers herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.
OBSESSION BECOMES A MYSTERY
Simon Lamb is a hunter at heart—taking women, training them, selling them. He has a new girl in his sights. Grace Martin is ripe for the picking—withdrawn, secretive, sheltered. She’s so broken already, and that’s just the sort of challenge Simon enjoys.
MYSTERY BECOMES AN OBSESSION
Gillian Starck’s violent past threatens to catch up with her. Once upon a time, Miles Vanderson could have been her savior. Until she fled. He’s a determined man, though, used to getting what he wants. Miles won’t give up the chase easily.
One story, two men. Who survives may be the real mystery.
***As of 3/28/2016, this version has been professionally edited with additional material included***
Excerpt:
I want to be clear with you. I’m not playing a game. I’m not pretending or fantasizing. I’ve never been this honest with a woman before. When I say I won’t be nice…it’s closer to the truth to say that I will be cruel. I’m not offering you safety or love; I’m not offering you romance with tender kisses. What I offer most consider sadistic and brutal; the best of what I offer is my respect if you can be what I want, what I demand.
She offers herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.
OBSESSION BECOMES A MYSTERY
Simon Lamb is a hunter at heart—taking women, training them, selling them. He has a new girl in his sights. Grace Martin is ripe for the picking—withdrawn, secretive, sheltered. She’s so broken already, and that’s just the sort of challenge Simon enjoys.
MYSTERY BECOMES AN OBSESSION
Gillian Starck’s violent past threatens to catch up with her. Once upon a time, Miles Vanderson could have been her savior. Until she fled. He’s a determined man, though, used to getting what he wants. Miles won’t give up the chase easily.
One story, two men. Who survives may be the real mystery.
***As of 3/28/2016, this version has been professionally edited with additional material included***
Excerpt:
I want to be clear with you. I’m not playing a game. I’m not pretending or fantasizing. I’ve never been this honest with a woman before. When I say I won’t be nice…it’s closer to the truth to say that I will be cruel. I’m not offering you safety or love; I’m not offering you romance with tender kisses. What I offer most consider sadistic and brutal; the best of what I offer is my respect if you can be what I want, what I demand.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
16 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Willow Madison
10 books271 followersFor new release info, sign up for her (never spammy) newsletters:
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 20, 2016
This is a hard review for me to write because I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I feel about it. Did I like it? Kind of. Was it interesting? Mostly. However, it was missing that extra something that takes a story to the next level.
Despite having a unique storyline, I often found myself bored while reading this story. It just didn't move along quickly enough to keep me happy. It wasn't until past the halfway mark that the story started to pick up for me. An abbreviated version of the first half would have been greatly appreciated.
Yet, once this story took off, it had my attention. It wasn't like anything that I've read before. In fact, it was flat-out bizarre most of the time.
The story focuses on Grace, a girl trying to outrun her past. She unwittingly catches the eye of Simon, a man who is in the business of trafficking women for the sex trade. When she slips away from Simon before he can kidnap her, she becomes his obsession.
When their paths cross later, Simon hardly recognizes the confident seductress that used to be afraid of her own shadow. He quickly realizes that there is more to Grace than he gave her credit for. She is a chameleon and heis more determined than ever to possess her.
Meanwhile, another man from Grace's past is also determined to have her back under his control. Her stepbrother, Neil, has spared no expense to have his runaway ward hunted down and returned to his home. He has the best private detectives scouring the country to find her.
While my heart went out to Grace, I never felt a strong connection to her. Similarly, I never felt bonded to Simon or Neil. It was clear that Grace had a horrific childhood, but the story failed to evoke the level of emotion that I'd expect when dealing with such content.
On the other hand, the story was original, albeit odd. It did pique my interest enough to pick up the second book. There were a few twists at the end that compelled me to keep reading. All in all, it was a middle of the road read for me.
Despite having a unique storyline, I often found myself bored while reading this story. It just didn't move along quickly enough to keep me happy. It wasn't until past the halfway mark that the story started to pick up for me. An abbreviated version of the first half would have been greatly appreciated.
Yet, once this story took off, it had my attention. It wasn't like anything that I've read before. In fact, it was flat-out bizarre most of the time.
The story focuses on Grace, a girl trying to outrun her past. She unwittingly catches the eye of Simon, a man who is in the business of trafficking women for the sex trade. When she slips away from Simon before he can kidnap her, she becomes his obsession.
When their paths cross later, Simon hardly recognizes the confident seductress that used to be afraid of her own shadow. He quickly realizes that there is more to Grace than he gave her credit for. She is a chameleon and heis more determined than ever to possess her.
Meanwhile, another man from Grace's past is also determined to have her back under his control. Her stepbrother, Neil, has spared no expense to have his runaway ward hunted down and returned to his home. He has the best private detectives scouring the country to find her.
While my heart went out to Grace, I never felt a strong connection to her. Similarly, I never felt bonded to Simon or Neil. It was clear that Grace had a horrific childhood, but the story failed to evoke the level of emotion that I'd expect when dealing with such content.
On the other hand, the story was original, albeit odd. It did pique my interest enough to pick up the second book. There were a few twists at the end that compelled me to keep reading. All in all, it was a middle of the road read for me.
April 29, 2015
****4 Twisted Stars****
(BR with the lovely L.C Moon)
This was a very interesting read; dark and complex. My brain is a bit of a mess after that shocking cliffhanger and I'm filled with desperation for the next book.
Simon is a self proclaimed monster, his beautiful appearance lures women into his twisted and dark world. He preys on the weak and broken, takes them away from their lives and trains them to become sexual slaves and then sells them to the rich and depraved man of the high societies. He's been watching Grace for a few weeks now and has become obsessed with her, she's the perfect candidate for what he needs. She she's a loner, no friends or family and is impossible not to notice her broken spirit. Just when Simon is ready to take her, she suddenly disappears.
Months later he sees her again but he can hardly believe his eyes, he's sure is his Grace; he recognizes her voice, her hair, even the way she smells but the woman he sees now seems like a complete stranger, an enigma he's determined to decipher.
This woman has become Simon's addiction, she makes him weak and loose control and he hates that about her but he can't seem to be able to let her go. Everything about Grace is a mystery, her life has been nothing but pain and darkness and without intending to, she can be the destruction and salvation of any man who so much as looks her way.
In this book nothing is what it seems; the predator becomes the prey, pain becomes love and the past is very much present in the lives of these characters. I really fell in love with the uniqueness of the story, not the blur or any review you read will ever prepare you for what you'll encounter in this twisted tale. I pretty much had a love/hate relationship with every character and apart from the heroine, which totally blew me away, I'm still not really sure what to make of the other characters. If you like dark reads with unexpected twists by all means pick this one up. The story ends on a cliffhanger and has light BDSM content. Even though I loved reading this book, I couldn't rate five stars because I have this feeling that something in the story could have been much more. You know when you read a book that has tremendous potential and the whole time you are reading it you are convinced that it will be a five star read but in the end it didn't quite flourished?. That was my experience, which only adds to my desperation for the next book, I heard it releases in May.
I can't conclude my review without thanking my lovely BR friend L.C Moon. She's incredibly funny and smart and reading this book with her made the experience so much more enjoyable. I can't wait for our next Dark Read. Besos!!!
(BR with the lovely L.C Moon)
This was a very interesting read; dark and complex. My brain is a bit of a mess after that shocking cliffhanger and I'm filled with desperation for the next book.
Simon is a self proclaimed monster, his beautiful appearance lures women into his twisted and dark world. He preys on the weak and broken, takes them away from their lives and trains them to become sexual slaves and then sells them to the rich and depraved man of the high societies. He's been watching Grace for a few weeks now and has become obsessed with her, she's the perfect candidate for what he needs. She she's a loner, no friends or family and is impossible not to notice her broken spirit. Just when Simon is ready to take her, she suddenly disappears.
Months later he sees her again but he can hardly believe his eyes, he's sure is his Grace; he recognizes her voice, her hair, even the way she smells but the woman he sees now seems like a complete stranger, an enigma he's determined to decipher.
This woman has become Simon's addiction, she makes him weak and loose control and he hates that about her but he can't seem to be able to let her go. Everything about Grace is a mystery, her life has been nothing but pain and darkness and without intending to, she can be the destruction and salvation of any man who so much as looks her way.
In this book nothing is what it seems; the predator becomes the prey, pain becomes love and the past is very much present in the lives of these characters. I really fell in love with the uniqueness of the story, not the blur or any review you read will ever prepare you for what you'll encounter in this twisted tale. I pretty much had a love/hate relationship with every character and apart from the heroine, which totally blew me away, I'm still not really sure what to make of the other characters. If you like dark reads with unexpected twists by all means pick this one up. The story ends on a cliffhanger and has light BDSM content. Even though I loved reading this book, I couldn't rate five stars because I have this feeling that something in the story could have been much more. You know when you read a book that has tremendous potential and the whole time you are reading it you are convinced that it will be a five star read but in the end it didn't quite flourished?. That was my experience, which only adds to my desperation for the next book, I heard it releases in May.
I can't conclude my review without thanking my lovely BR friend L.C Moon. She's incredibly funny and smart and reading this book with her made the experience so much more enjoyable. I can't wait for our next Dark Read. Besos!!!
April 12, 2017
We Were One Once #1, by Willow Madison: 4.5 Total Mindf**k Stars
Other men stroll and amble; Simon circles and stalks. Instead of listening and talking, he examines and calculates. He relishes the scent of fear. He has a taste for tears. He’s the maestro of screams.
Women are “Product” or “Toys” to him. Their flesh a canvas for his bruises and lash marks. Their bodies receptacles for pleasure and pain. He takes them. He breaks them. He remakes them. He sells them. He moves on to the next one.
This time, the next one is Grace.
Other women giggle and chatter, but Grace is quiet. And tiny. So quiet and tiny she’s practically not there at all. Her scent is heavenly: bleach and soap. Her look is plain: white panties and no makeup. Her manner is detached: cold and distant.
She’s weak, meek, docile, and broken. A natural submissive. An ideal sex slave. The perfect prey.
And when Simon goes to take her... She's already gone.
AND FIFTEEN MONTHS GO BY.
Other women attract attention, but she knows men. She knows how they think, what they want. Her clean, earthy scent entices them. Her red dress says: “Fuck me if you dare". Her banter is provocative but allusive.
Cat-like, she prowls about the room, evaluating her options, ready to pounce. But she knows men like the hunt, so she presents herself as quarry. She’s a predator disguised as prey.
Simon thinks of her Red. But her name was Grace.
Red is Grace, but she’s different.
She’s no longer monochromatic, one dimensional, and predictable. She’s contradictory but harmonious: self-assured and acquiescent, out-going and deferential, cheeky and congenial. Her unique brand of assertive submissiveness fascinates Simon. It draws him in. It’s the flame to his moth.
He’s obsessed with her. Becoming attached to her. Developing feelings for her. And with each passing day, the line between predator and prey gets blurrier. Because he has absolutely no idea who She really is. Is she the bold Red? Or the shy Grace? Both, maybe? Neither? He doesn’t know. His investigations come up empty, and she evades most of his questions. The only thing she’ll say is: “I can’t belong to you when I already belong to another.”
As it turns out, her “another” is even more dangerous than Simon.
Part one of Willow Madison’s, We Were One Once duet, is told almost entirely from Simon’s point of view. As a self-proclaimed predator and sadist, and an admitted kidnapper and sex slave broker, it’s difficult to trust Simon’s interpretation of events. So when Grace disappears for fifteen months, then suddenly pops up with a whole new identity, Simon may not think it’s suspicious, but it is.
I mean, what the hell is going on with this girl? Is she hiding from someone? Or did she know someone was stalking her, so she fled? A little of both? Or is Grace also a predator? Is she just using Simon? Maybe Grace needs a predator to prey on “another” predator? It’s hard to know, because Simon is an unreliable narrator.
We Were One Once #1, by Willow Madison, is a well crafted, intelligently executed psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Which, I warn you, is the mother of all cliffhangers. Thank God part two is out already, because I would have an aneurysm if I had to wait to find out how the story ends.
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
Link to my review of WWOO #2: Click Me Baby!
Other men stroll and amble; Simon circles and stalks. Instead of listening and talking, he examines and calculates. He relishes the scent of fear. He has a taste for tears. He’s the maestro of screams.
Women are “Product” or “Toys” to him. Their flesh a canvas for his bruises and lash marks. Their bodies receptacles for pleasure and pain. He takes them. He breaks them. He remakes them. He sells them. He moves on to the next one.
This time, the next one is Grace.
Other women giggle and chatter, but Grace is quiet. And tiny. So quiet and tiny she’s practically not there at all. Her scent is heavenly: bleach and soap. Her look is plain: white panties and no makeup. Her manner is detached: cold and distant.
She’s weak, meek, docile, and broken. A natural submissive. An ideal sex slave. The perfect prey.
And when Simon goes to take her... She's already gone.
AND FIFTEEN MONTHS GO BY.
Other women attract attention, but she knows men. She knows how they think, what they want. Her clean, earthy scent entices them. Her red dress says: “Fuck me if you dare". Her banter is provocative but allusive.
Cat-like, she prowls about the room, evaluating her options, ready to pounce. But she knows men like the hunt, so she presents herself as quarry. She’s a predator disguised as prey.
Simon thinks of her Red. But her name was Grace.
Red is Grace, but she’s different.
She’s no longer monochromatic, one dimensional, and predictable. She’s contradictory but harmonious: self-assured and acquiescent, out-going and deferential, cheeky and congenial. Her unique brand of assertive submissiveness fascinates Simon. It draws him in. It’s the flame to his moth.
He’s obsessed with her. Becoming attached to her. Developing feelings for her. And with each passing day, the line between predator and prey gets blurrier. Because he has absolutely no idea who She really is. Is she the bold Red? Or the shy Grace? Both, maybe? Neither? He doesn’t know. His investigations come up empty, and she evades most of his questions. The only thing she’ll say is: “I can’t belong to you when I already belong to another.”
As it turns out, her “another” is even more dangerous than Simon.
Part one of Willow Madison’s, We Were One Once duet, is told almost entirely from Simon’s point of view. As a self-proclaimed predator and sadist, and an admitted kidnapper and sex slave broker, it’s difficult to trust Simon’s interpretation of events. So when Grace disappears for fifteen months, then suddenly pops up with a whole new identity, Simon may not think it’s suspicious, but it is.
I mean, what the hell is going on with this girl? Is she hiding from someone? Or did she know someone was stalking her, so she fled? A little of both? Or is Grace also a predator? Is she just using Simon? Maybe Grace needs a predator to prey on “another” predator? It’s hard to know, because Simon is an unreliable narrator.
We Were One Once #1, by Willow Madison, is a well crafted, intelligently executed psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Which, I warn you, is the mother of all cliffhangers. Thank God part two is out already, because I would have an aneurysm if I had to wait to find out how the story ends.
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
Link to my review of WWOO #2: Click Me Baby!
March 6, 2017
Dark and intoxicating 4.5 stars...but beware huge cliffhanger
This is an interesting book and it's so much more than I expected it does take a little while to settle into it but it's worth it....trust me it's an intoxicating addictive read.
On the surface Simon Lamb is everything a woman could want, he's rich, tall, good looking and charming and yes that's all true but he's also a sadist and since he's a trust fund boy he doesn't need to work but he does, he procures women and trains them using whatever methods he sees fit, he kidnaps women to order and trains them to be exactly what their new masters require, and while this job pays well he doesn't do it for the money.
It's while he's looking around that he spots Grace for the first time, and she's perfect, just what he's looking for and so he watches her, learns her routines and gets ready....now, don't worry I'm not going any further I'll just say that Simon's in for a surprise because Grace has secrets of her own.
What makes this book so intriguing is that interspersed with Simon and Grace is another story, the story of Miles and Gillian and it all comes to a head in a huge cliffhanger and now I'm left waiting for the next book and hoping the wait isn't too long.
This is an interesting book and it's so much more than I expected it does take a little while to settle into it but it's worth it....trust me it's an intoxicating addictive read.
On the surface Simon Lamb is everything a woman could want, he's rich, tall, good looking and charming and yes that's all true but he's also a sadist and since he's a trust fund boy he doesn't need to work but he does, he procures women and trains them using whatever methods he sees fit, he kidnaps women to order and trains them to be exactly what their new masters require, and while this job pays well he doesn't do it for the money.
It's while he's looking around that he spots Grace for the first time, and she's perfect, just what he's looking for and so he watches her, learns her routines and gets ready....now, don't worry I'm not going any further I'll just say that Simon's in for a surprise because Grace has secrets of her own.
What makes this book so intriguing is that interspersed with Simon and Grace is another story, the story of Miles and Gillian and it all comes to a head in a huge cliffhanger and now I'm left waiting for the next book and hoping the wait isn't too long.
March 28, 2016
Wow!
One of the craziest books I have ever read.
Dark as fuck
I've never gave a thought about how a person, being abused from early age, could develop different personalities, splitting on itself to compartmentalize the experiences as a defense mechanism. I am truly impressed by the way the multiple personality disorder was portrayed by the author.
She did an amazing job. I am completely heartbroken for Grace.
July 13, 2021
2.5 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the We Were One Once series and ends on a cliffhanger. This was my first read by this author and unfortunately, it wasn’t really good. I got bored to death. All in all, it fell flat for me and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the We Were One Once series and ends on a cliffhanger. This was my first read by this author and unfortunately, it wasn’t really good. I got bored to death. All in all, it fell flat for me and hope you enjoy it more than me!
July 23, 2016
**Received a copy of an ebook from the author for an honest review.**
This is my first book by the author and definitely will not be the last one. The story was indeed very interesting. It was dark and that cliffhanger... I need to read the next part as soon as possible. The story is written in such a way that keeps you on the edge and may keep guessing what might the next suspense. All the three characters were very interesting.
""Now I find myself obsessed again. It’s not my usual obsession either. That I can handle. Finding a new product, finding a way to break down a girl’s resistance, finding a way to build her back up to an obedient singularity, finding a way to not be bored with doing all of the above—that I’m used to.
No, my new obsession has been to find out everything I can about Grace. And I am going mad with failing. I have only come up with a paltry sum of details.""
This is my first book entirely from male POV's which is written excellently. I mean at every chapter the author kept on increasing the anticipation for the story. This physiological thriller is executed very well undoubtedly. Though the entire story is from male POV but the emotions of Grace could be felt throughout the story which is outlined by the author marvellously. The story has kept me on the edge all the time. And the cliffhanger....omg ... I need the second part as in now to end my curiosity.
""Her tears were the ink that dried all too quickly after each new grim fable. Her mind was shattered with too many tales to be held together in one volume.""
""I can’t help but laugh at this answer. “You want me to love you, Grace?” The thought crossed my mind that she might be perfect for me, but love isn’t something I’ve felt before. It’s not something I’m open to.
She raises her eyes to mine again, and it’s the fear I see that takes my breath away as much as her words. “If you’re not too broken.”"
Grace is so broken that sometimes I wondered she is beyond repair. The multi faceted personalities of the characters was fascinating and interesting. Grace's mother was so cruel I just wanted to smack her on the face for treating Grace in such a inferior way. Overall I would say the story was a good read and I'm looking forward to read the second part.
This is my first book by the author and definitely will not be the last one. The story was indeed very interesting. It was dark and that cliffhanger... I need to read the next part as soon as possible. The story is written in such a way that keeps you on the edge and may keep guessing what might the next suspense. All the three characters were very interesting.
""Now I find myself obsessed again. It’s not my usual obsession either. That I can handle. Finding a new product, finding a way to break down a girl’s resistance, finding a way to build her back up to an obedient singularity, finding a way to not be bored with doing all of the above—that I’m used to.
No, my new obsession has been to find out everything I can about Grace. And I am going mad with failing. I have only come up with a paltry sum of details.""
This is my first book entirely from male POV's which is written excellently. I mean at every chapter the author kept on increasing the anticipation for the story. This physiological thriller is executed very well undoubtedly. Though the entire story is from male POV but the emotions of Grace could be felt throughout the story which is outlined by the author marvellously. The story has kept me on the edge all the time. And the cliffhanger....omg ... I need the second part as in now to end my curiosity.
""Her tears were the ink that dried all too quickly after each new grim fable. Her mind was shattered with too many tales to be held together in one volume.""
""I can’t help but laugh at this answer. “You want me to love you, Grace?” The thought crossed my mind that she might be perfect for me, but love isn’t something I’ve felt before. It’s not something I’m open to.
She raises her eyes to mine again, and it’s the fear I see that takes my breath away as much as her words. “If you’re not too broken.”"
Grace is so broken that sometimes I wondered she is beyond repair. The multi faceted personalities of the characters was fascinating and interesting. Grace's mother was so cruel I just wanted to smack her on the face for treating Grace in such a inferior way. Overall I would say the story was a good read and I'm looking forward to read the second part.
November 9, 2015
4 stars!
This is a hard review because there isn't a lot about the book I can say wo giving it away.
Very early we are introduced to Miles, Simon, Grace and Gillian.
Miles is desperate to find Grace who ran away from him 4years prior and he will stop at nothing to find her. He is completely in love w her and devastated at losing her. Throughout the book we come to learn that things aren't exactly as he wants them to seem.
Grace is a product of horrific abuse both mentally, physically and sexually. I was on pins and needles wanting to understand why she ran.
Simon....Simon, Simon, Simon...he's a hot as sin, rich ass hole who takes orders for a specific type of girl and then stalks, kidnaps and trains them to be the ultimate submissive for their Master.
Gillian is the reclusive current object of Simons obsession.
As the story unfolds it is hard not to fall for Simon. yes he has done horrible things to women, he is abusive and cruel....but he just has that 'it' factor ;) He is obsessed over Gillian and when he loses her suddenly and then finds her in the least likely place he makes it his mission to own her.
I feel like it was easy to figure out who Grace and Gillian are to one another. Early on we get their stories and although we don't know the why's or the how's we...just know.
This has several unique twist but they were fairly obvious. I was happy with the way Simon handled things as he put the pieces together. It was very interesting to watch it play out...we were moving right along and then BAM! Damn that ending!!! Talk about a cliffy from hell, I will be reading book 1 ASAP!
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book, I do wish we had more BDSM or descriptive scenes that I know Simon and Red had :)
My only complaint was that as the POV changed between Simon and Miles I wish they were marked. Yes it was a new chapter but at times I felt I has whiplash trying to figure out who I was reading when.
Book provided by author for honest review! Thank you!
This is a hard review because there isn't a lot about the book I can say wo giving it away.
Very early we are introduced to Miles, Simon, Grace and Gillian.
Miles is desperate to find Grace who ran away from him 4years prior and he will stop at nothing to find her. He is completely in love w her and devastated at losing her. Throughout the book we come to learn that things aren't exactly as he wants them to seem.
Grace is a product of horrific abuse both mentally, physically and sexually. I was on pins and needles wanting to understand why she ran.
Simon....Simon, Simon, Simon...he's a hot as sin, rich ass hole who takes orders for a specific type of girl and then stalks, kidnaps and trains them to be the ultimate submissive for their Master.
Gillian is the reclusive current object of Simons obsession.
As the story unfolds it is hard not to fall for Simon. yes he has done horrible things to women, he is abusive and cruel....but he just has that 'it' factor ;) He is obsessed over Gillian and when he loses her suddenly and then finds her in the least likely place he makes it his mission to own her.
I feel like it was easy to figure out who Grace and Gillian are to one another. Early on we get their stories and although we don't know the why's or the how's we...just know.
This has several unique twist but they were fairly obvious. I was happy with the way Simon handled things as he put the pieces together. It was very interesting to watch it play out...we were moving right along and then BAM! Damn that ending!!! Talk about a cliffy from hell, I will be reading book 1 ASAP!
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book, I do wish we had more BDSM or descriptive scenes that I know Simon and Red had :)
My only complaint was that as the POV changed between Simon and Miles I wish they were marked. Yes it was a new chapter but at times I felt I has whiplash trying to figure out who I was reading when.
Book provided by author for honest review! Thank you!
May 14, 2017
This book felt like a chore to read and I just had to tell myself that it is okay that I couldn't be bothered to finish reading it. I get being confused at the start of a book within the first few chapters. But if I get to the double digit chapters and I am still confused then I am done.
I blame some of this on the story's summary. It just talks about Simon being interested in a girl named Grace who is suppose to be a timid, little sheltered girl. He's suppose to capture her, train her and sell her to people but apparently he will end up falling in love with her.
Yeah well i call bull. After chapter one I was just lost. I mean in the first chapter it's in his point of view and he is following her and talking about how she is being shy and not looking people in the eye and wearing shirt three sizes too big and then we go to some unknown point of view. some guy is looking for some girl named Gillian.
Then we go back to Simon's POV and he is waiting for her to come to her pathetic apartment but she never does. Then we switch over to the other unknown guy who is still ranting and monologue-ing about his Gillian and then we go back to Simon who finally sees Grace but not in her pathetic apartment. Apparently she is now some sexy, seductress who can and will flirt with any guy.
And then this mystery guy is still looking for Gillian and then Simon is acting like a normal guy who simply can't get a cute girl off his mind. Goes to a bar, has a threesome with his cousin. Later sees Grace and vows to not let her go. Then lets some guy hit her to see what her reaction is and then-
I close my kindle, get on Amazon and return the book for a refund.
I lost interest long before that though. I knew I didn't like the book by yesterday at least because I went the whole day not bothering to read it.
This book made no sense to me. It clearly made sense to everyone else but not me. I had to go back at least twice to chapter two to understand what was going on with the second unnamed POV and still did not get so I told myself to continue the story and it will make sense as the story progresses but it hardly progress because he was just waiting for information to finding this girl all the while just talking about her and I didn't understand how it was suppose to tie into this whole Simon and Grace thing unless she is the Gillian he is looking for and Simon ends up liking her and is torn between turning her in to him or being with her.
Even so I am not interested. My interest has left the building and I don't think it will ever come back to this book.
I blame some of this on the story's summary. It just talks about Simon being interested in a girl named Grace who is suppose to be a timid, little sheltered girl. He's suppose to capture her, train her and sell her to people but apparently he will end up falling in love with her.
Yeah well i call bull. After chapter one I was just lost. I mean in the first chapter it's in his point of view and he is following her and talking about how she is being shy and not looking people in the eye and wearing shirt three sizes too big and then we go to some unknown point of view. some guy is looking for some girl named Gillian.
Then we go back to Simon's POV and he is waiting for her to come to her pathetic apartment but she never does. Then we switch over to the other unknown guy who is still ranting and monologue-ing about his Gillian and then we go back to Simon who finally sees Grace but not in her pathetic apartment. Apparently she is now some sexy, seductress who can and will flirt with any guy.
And then this mystery guy is still looking for Gillian and then Simon is acting like a normal guy who simply can't get a cute girl off his mind. Goes to a bar, has a threesome with his cousin. Later sees Grace and vows to not let her go. Then lets some guy hit her to see what her reaction is and then-
I close my kindle, get on Amazon and return the book for a refund.
I lost interest long before that though. I knew I didn't like the book by yesterday at least because I went the whole day not bothering to read it.
This book made no sense to me. It clearly made sense to everyone else but not me. I had to go back at least twice to chapter two to understand what was going on with the second unnamed POV and still did not get so I told myself to continue the story and it will make sense as the story progresses but it hardly progress because he was just waiting for information to finding this girl all the while just talking about her and I didn't understand how it was suppose to tie into this whole Simon and Grace thing unless she is the Gillian he is looking for and Simon ends up liking her and is torn between turning her in to him or being with her.
Even so I am not interested. My interest has left the building and I don't think it will ever come back to this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2019
The sadist and the crazy chick walk into a bar...
I am deeply impressed with the writing of WM, she managed to create the feel of angst that must live in the five female characters. I though the heroine was a very lovable person (although you know what is going on with her as from chapter 6), it is still an amazing story. As for the hero, as tough as is, it is so nice to see him change to a fierce protector. I liked the pace of this (way too short) story.
But the cliffhanger ending gave me goosebumps and I am looking so forward to the second book.
Part of the We Were One Once Series and had to be read in order:
January 6, 2016
The sadist and the crazy chick walk into a bar and...
Oh, you wanted the punchline?
Guess you'll have to read the book :)
Unique POV
I've read a few books with an entirely male POV, most of them being epic fails.
This book is told from two separate male POVs, one predominately in San Fran and one predominately in Seattle.
It's absolutely brilliantly done.
On one side,
the author is taking the pages of the story to show us how this complex piece of origami that is the female MC was spawned.
On the other,
the author is constructing a house of cards between three characters that's under the constant threat of collapse as each new card is placed.
The story interlaces the suspenseful past and the fascinating present in such perfect choreographed synchronization.
This author has a writing style and storytelling ability that makes reading from word to word so effortless.
Characters
As with the author's "True" series, the storyline pivots around the characters vs the characters pivoting to fit the story. They lead this journey! I positively hate reading a story where I feel the character's personas and actions are stitched and tailored to
a plot line.
Grace...
As the story begins, the female MC is like a smoky shadow filling the edges and ceiling of a room. She's there and very central to both storylines. Yet, you can't quite grab her the way you so desperately want, or fully know her just yet. Good thing because it would be like grabbing a live wire straight off the power line pole to know her fully and immediately.
Despite not having a POV, I was surprised how well I was able to feel with and for her throughout the book, especially in the closing chapters.
Readers often talk about "broken characters," but this young lady has been shattered.
"Her tears were the ink that dried all too quickly after each new grim fable. Her mind was shattered with too many tales to be held together in one volume."
Her cracks are so deep and long from the most vile, sinister, & evil of touches that I'm not sure any nourishment would ever be suffice for the cracks to remotely find healing.
Simon....
Have you ever wondered what it would look like if 50 shades of grey fuck'd'up'id'ness got throat punched and body slammed by 1 shade of calculating, calm black?
Well, the splatter left would be Simon.
Is he a nice guy? No. Is he vile, depraved, manipulative, sadistic, selfish, brutal, narcissistic, predatory, etc etc etc? Hell yes. He's basically a checklist of all the "bad" attributes you want to nutpunch a guy over.
I won't lie; there are times I cringed at his level of sadism and unfeeling, sometimes to the point I verged on calling him a sociopath.
He calls the women he "takes," trains, and literally whoops into shape to be pets for the rich his "products."
He has a snide, dark sense of humor that I relate to, however. I think this was important in softening the blow of his true-to-form cruelty in actuality.
"I'd made a plan to slowly knock down her resistance and make her completely submissive to me. Not drag her away like a whipped bitch from a pile of shit she made on the floor. I haven't done anything to make her this submissive. And it's really starting to piss me off."
He also makes some key decisions throughout the series which serve to separate him from the type of evil 'devoid of feeling' traits of psychopaths and serial killers -vs- people that are sexually sadistic, but not evil.
I personally needed that distinction. I didn't need him to be redeemable in the sense that he's going to suddenly poop pretty rainbows. No, I just needed to know he had feelings beyond his own and that he had lines that he wouldn't cross. I got that. He often tries to deny me them, but his actions prove he did feel & have some moral and ethical code.
For example, he has a girl that got herself into a drunken state where he could very easily do anything he wanted and he didn't touch her. Likewise, he could've easily taken advantage of the female MC's state of mind and not cared about her wellbeing, but he proves another side that even he didn't know he was capable of having.
Is ^^^it^^^ where my line would be? Uhm, no. But, part of the thrill in these types of books, for me at least, is in that discovery and understanding the how's, why's, what ifs, and so forth of it.
I think he's convinced himself that he's a monster, evil because he has 'perverse' sexual needs and doesn't feel the emotions "normal" people feel. Again, he's not a nice guy, but he's not evil. Which brings me to our next character.
Miles...
Miles is the past searching for the future. You may think you know Miles. In the beginning, you may think you know his wrongs. You may even root for him to find the MC... Save her from sadist Simon. After all, Miles professes love, forbidden, but still love. I guess the preying mantis thinks that mate looks pretty and loving, too, huh~?
Five minutes later...
Plot
There's honestly not a lot that I can further say from the above and the blurb without giving away key plot points that need to be read in context to be appreciated.
Simon is questionably obtaining women and training them to be perfect pets. He claims they're all now compliant and happy in their new lives with their new masters. The details of how this all works are vague - are they agreeable to all this from point a-z? I dont know?! It's another one of Willow's infamous grey areas whereby it will test you seeing things purely right or wrong.
Grace is to be his next "product."
" She's not what anyone would call an ideal candidate for sex slave of the year."
"No one gets past the blank looks and unemotional eyes of my girl. I liked that from the beginning too. It's what drew me to her. I want to see those dark eyes opened wide with emotion, specifically pain and fear."
As circumstances prevent him from taking her, she becomes a mystery, an obsession, possibly even an ideal for himself.
Meanwhile, we learn more about young Grace from Miles. These are the hardest sections to read. When the details are laid out, it's from a secondary POV, not Grace. There is one scene that's detailed, explicit & will be hard for victims of childhood abuses to read. It is not done for shock value. It's pivotal in understanding the female Mc.
When Simon and Grace cross paths again, it's under very different circumstances and neither are exactly the same people from before. For one, the exterior change is drastic. For the other, the mental change so subtle that he himself doesn't even fully realize it's happening.
Imagine for a moment someone so shattered that there isn't a touch cruel enough to illicit fear. Got that image? Now, what could illicit fear from such a person? Simply astounding plot line!
What if Grace is a lot more than Simon bargained for? What if she's already so broken that he finds himself being the one to break? Would it be his control, soul, or both to break?
Don't confuse this with hearts and flowers, nor declarations of love. It's not! This is the far left pendulum swing of dark sexual lifestyle and psychology.
It's about acceptance among lovers. Complementing each other's desires. The give of light mercy and take of dark need being balanced on a seesaw when two people understand each other so completely.
A Little Warped Sense of Humor ;;)
As I stated above, there's some darkly comical moments that help to add some lightness to the heaviness of the topics and harshness of the characters.
For example, the comical irony in a pancake scene of him (the sadist)
being being freaked out by her freaky eating habit is FING priceless.
What I Could've Done Without
One thing...
I accept all parts of this story as what they are - dark. That said, I could have lived without the OW scene, especially it being of the ménage nature. It was in the time gap between him watching/stalking her initially and actually meeting her, and he hadn't decided that she would be his yet. Still! Allude to it, even tell me he did , but ekkkkk I didn't want to witness it!
Bottom Line
Triggers here are abundant and explicit - cheating, sex slavery, physical abuse & sexual abuse of a minor, sadism, whip use of the bleeding variety, mental illness, etc etc.
So, the most fundamental question is...
Was it all worth getting through the triggers to hear Simon and Grace's story?
Yes. Absolutely, yes.
This ends in the mother of all cliffhangers. So, excuse me while I stalk Willow for a copy of part two~
****A copy of this book was provided to me by author Willow Madison in exchange for an honest review*****
April 11, 2016
I went into this book with not much knowledge of what it was about. I knew it was going to be a dark story and sometimes I just want to go in blind to make the story more intriguing. Some books can be ruined if you know too much going in and I think this is one of those books, so I'm not going to give my usual run down of the story. There is a lot of mystery to this story and it's one of those that makes you think and try to predict what is going to happen. I was worried in the beginning that this might be too dark for my tastes but then I got sucked into trying to figure out what was really going on. The ending has me wanting to bite my nails! I will definately be checking out the 2nd installment of this book otherwise this story is going to eat at me.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2016
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 5.0
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Willow Madison is a "new to me" author, and has thrown me right into stalkerville! She's good. She's really, really good!
It's hard to review this story without giving too much away, but I'll try!
She is a very unique character to me, I don't think I've read one quite as screwed up as this poor girl is.
Miles... now if you think what I've said here about Grace and Simon is crazy, well, just wait until you meet Miles.
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 5.0
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*****5 "That is INSANE" Stars*****
Willow Madison is a "new to me" author, and has thrown me right into stalkerville! She's good. She's really, really good!
It's hard to review this story without giving too much away, but I'll try!
Grace has been terribly abused in her past, which has left her with many emotional scars. Her only option was to try and outrun all of it.
"She's obviously crazy. Obviously broken."
She is a very unique character to me, I don't think I've read one quite as screwed up as this poor girl is.
Simon takes women, breaks them, trains them, and sells them. It's who he is and he makes no apologies for it. He has spotted Grace, and he wants her, and in his line of work, he always gets what he wants. He's a hard character to get a read on, one minute he excites me, the next I hate him. But all wrapped up around that box of crazy is someone with a story that I want to learn more about.
"Breaking a woman is easy once you apply simple mindfuck techniques"
Miles... now if you think what I've said here about Grace and Simon is crazy, well, just wait until you meet Miles.
Miles is the man left behind, and he wants Grace back. She's elusive but he has the money to find her and bring her home.
"I have a plan for us, my love. A way that we can be together always. Would you like that?"
And that cliffhanger! Damn! Just. Damn. This book is full of the dark and crazy, and I loved it! I can't wait to read We Were One Once Book 2!
May 30, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review* Thanks Willow Madison.
Where To Begin.. This book is all kinds of; Crazy, Dark & Twisted, and I loved it! I loved the male POV (that was different) just wish we could have had Grace's POV (because her personalities was giving me whiplash) Felt like I needed a shrink!
We have:
·• Simon = Sadist.
·• Grace/Red = Bat Shit Crazy.
·• Miles = Obsessive.
And omg let's not forget that "Jaw Dropping" cliffhanger! Ekkkk! Holy fudge balls! On to - Book 2!
Deals with :
Abuse, Stalking, Bdsm, Mental Illness, Naughty Hot Sex Scenes. And a Twisted Cliffhanger! ;)
April 27, 2015
4 Dark W.T.F Stars!
I don't know what has been drawing me to reading so many more dark books lately that make you wonder if you're actually sane for reading them... I'm going through a mind fuck book phase right now.
SO we have our main character Grace(she goes by many names) who has had a not so great life and upbringing so far to say the least, her messed up past has led her to have . Simon is a self proclaimed sadist who takes women, trains them, breaks them and sells them to the highest paying clients. And for some reason, despite all of that its hard to hate his charismatic and confident character, who is a total douche but I ultimately liked him.
After Simon sees Grace he wants to do the same to her but instead decides she may be better suited for himself. But there are many bumpy slopes ahead, and I cant say much without spoiling the story.. but someone is vigilantly searching for our Grace throughout the story. This third party will not stop until he/she finds her, which causes many problems...
And for crying out loud that was the mother of all cliffhangers!! With no word on when the next book will be released.
I finished this in a day when I should be studying for finals so I obviously liked it.
I don't know what has been drawing me to reading so many more dark books lately that make you wonder if you're actually sane for reading them... I'm going through a mind fuck book phase right now.
SO we have our main character Grace(she goes by many names) who has had a not so great life and upbringing so far to say the least, her messed up past has led her to have . Simon is a self proclaimed sadist who takes women, trains them, breaks them and sells them to the highest paying clients. And for some reason, despite all of that its hard to hate his charismatic and confident character, who is a total douche but I ultimately liked him.
After Simon sees Grace he wants to do the same to her but instead decides she may be better suited for himself. But there are many bumpy slopes ahead, and I cant say much without spoiling the story.. but someone is vigilantly searching for our Grace throughout the story. This third party will not stop until he/she finds her, which causes many problems...
And for crying out loud that was the mother of all cliffhangers!! With no word on when the next book will be released.
I finished this in a day when I should be studying for finals so I obviously liked it.
November 6, 2015
LOVED THIS! I had been waiting to read this story for a while, I wanted to wait till the series was done to start it. And I am so glad I did! Once this book was done I IMMEDIATELY went and bought book #2. There are only two books in this serious which is such a nice change from the "it must be at least 3 books or more" equation that's been done to death.
Ok, first, let me let you know up front that I guessed the two "twists" in this story within the first two chapters:
BIG TIME SPOILERS AHEAD!! DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE BULK OF THE STORY AND IT'S TWISTS!!!!
Honestly, even knowing the twists way before hand, it didn't detract from the story for me. I think a lot of that is because we only read this story from the two main men in the book, it actually added to the intrigue since we never do get to see inside Grace's head. Which is obvious why once you finish the story.
AND THAT ENDING!!? I immediately went and purchased the second book of the series. I desperately need to know what happens!
A copy of this story was provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
Ok, first, let me let you know up front that I guessed the two "twists" in this story within the first two chapters:
BIG TIME SPOILERS AHEAD!! DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE BULK OF THE STORY AND IT'S TWISTS!!!!
Honestly, even knowing the twists way before hand, it didn't detract from the story for me. I think a lot of that is because we only read this story from the two main men in the book, it actually added to the intrigue since we never do get to see inside Grace's head. Which is obvious why once you finish the story.
AND THAT ENDING!!? I immediately went and purchased the second book of the series. I desperately need to know what happens!
A copy of this story was provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
April 29, 2015
Oh the cliffhanger...
So very unique... I'll admit the title clued me in to what was going on fairly quickly but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story in the least. Ah Grace, I've never read a character quite like her. Her past was a nightmare of abuse that she could only survive by compartmentalizing and being constantly on the run; she fascinated me. I was enthralled by her just as much as Simon was. Simon was deliciously dark, battling demons while, at the same time, embracing his more sadistic desires. And then there's Miles... We only get a taste of Miles' character through flashbacks, first sweet then sour, and I can't wait to see more of him. Chop, chop Ms. Madison! You're officially being stalked until book 2 is released.
So very unique... I'll admit the title clued me in to what was going on fairly quickly but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story in the least. Ah Grace, I've never read a character quite like her. Her past was a nightmare of abuse that she could only survive by compartmentalizing and being constantly on the run; she fascinated me. I was enthralled by her just as much as Simon was. Simon was deliciously dark, battling demons while, at the same time, embracing his more sadistic desires. And then there's Miles... We only get a taste of Miles' character through flashbacks, first sweet then sour, and I can't wait to see more of him. Chop, chop Ms. Madison! You're officially being stalked until book 2 is released.
May 5, 2015
I knew it!!! Took me a minute to figure this delectable suspense out. This is only the second book I've read that was from the male's point of view. I loved it.
I actually started reading this book today, and devoured it in one sitting. Once you start reading, you're going to crave knowing what happens next. Willow feeds you just enough clues, information, and intrigue throughout the story to keep your mind spinning from trying to put the puzzle pieces together. For every well orchestrated tid-bit you get, you cant help but keep turning the page.
The violence was expected, and is one of the reasons why I purchased the book in the first place. No apologies for it at all.
I couldn't help but yell "WHAT!!!" at the end.
Now, I've got some beef with not having access to the next book, because I'm spoiled that way.
Thanks Willow for writing, because I love reading your books. Goodnight!
I actually started reading this book today, and devoured it in one sitting. Once you start reading, you're going to crave knowing what happens next. Willow feeds you just enough clues, information, and intrigue throughout the story to keep your mind spinning from trying to put the puzzle pieces together. For every well orchestrated tid-bit you get, you cant help but keep turning the page.
The violence was expected, and is one of the reasons why I purchased the book in the first place. No apologies for it at all.
I couldn't help but yell "WHAT!!!" at the end.
Now, I've got some beef with not having access to the next book, because I'm spoiled that way.
Thanks Willow for writing, because I love reading your books. Goodnight!
July 26, 2019
What a twisted love story. This book had a well-crafted plot, great writing, great characterization, and fascinating dual POVs that were both interesting and balanced well. I enjoyed every second of this book, I devoured it, and now immediately starting book 2.
March 17, 2016
Despite having read countless amounts of books, many of them dark erotica, I found something completely new in this captivating, dark book by Willow Madison. Unfortunately, I can't say much without giving away the secrets of this gripping story but I hopefully can emphasize how insanely creative Ms. Madison is.
Anyone can write a story about a psychopath but in We Were One Once, Madison has created a, "bad guy" unlike any other. It was not the amount of disturbing material that impressed me (although there is plenty), but what is so unique about the main villain in this book is HOW he torments his victim. Because Ms. Madison was able to step WAY outside the box, she created a character who abuses his victim in a way I literally had never even imagined. Let's just say that this male main character doesn't just use physical tools of torture but possesses methods of harming his victim that are much more sadistic and emotionally damaging. Just the fact that Ms. Madison even thought up this concept impressed the hell out of me!
Aside from being blown away by how sick the evil main character in this book was, I was pleased with the other characters too. The characters and their multi-faceted personalities were written with careful detail yet were still fascinating and believable. Their shared story was not only unique and imaginative but totally engrossing. Madison does an excellent job of throwing in surprising, unexpected, jaw-dropping twists and turns. The story kept me feeling vigilant, constantly wondering when I'd be surprised next. Even the , Ms. Madison even impressed me with the way she ended this story; that ending was probably the most intense cliff EVER!!! I couldn't fathom this book ending in any other way and it made me want to immediately read book #2 which is what I did!
Anyone can write a story about a psychopath but in We Were One Once, Madison has created a, "bad guy" unlike any other. It was not the amount of disturbing material that impressed me (although there is plenty), but what is so unique about the main villain in this book is HOW he torments his victim. Because Ms. Madison was able to step WAY outside the box, she created a character who abuses his victim in a way I literally had never even imagined. Let's just say that this male main character doesn't just use physical tools of torture but possesses methods of harming his victim that are much more sadistic and emotionally damaging. Just the fact that Ms. Madison even thought up this concept impressed the hell out of me!
Aside from being blown away by how sick the evil main character in this book was, I was pleased with the other characters too. The characters and their multi-faceted personalities were written with careful detail yet were still fascinating and believable. Their shared story was not only unique and imaginative but totally engrossing. Madison does an excellent job of throwing in surprising, unexpected, jaw-dropping twists and turns. The story kept me feeling vigilant, constantly wondering when I'd be surprised next. Even the , Ms. Madison even impressed me with the way she ended this story; that ending was probably the most intense cliff EVER!!! I couldn't fathom this book ending in any other way and it made me want to immediately read book #2 which is what I did!
February 18, 2016
J.D. Carabella
Note - My review is based on a new Beta version of this book, I've not read the original so cannot compare the differences in the two.
The story is told through the eyes of two men, Miles and Simon.
Simon is an evil man, and unrepentant about it. He stalks, kidnaps and trains women to be sexual slaves to the rich and powerful.
Miles, on the other hand, is a rich businessman who seems to have lost his step-sister and is searching for her.
You might feel you know where this is going, but it's going to make several jogs. To avoid giving anything away, my review is going to be rather vague.
We are never in the head of the Female character, and watching her from the outside through the men's eyes is actually quite fascinating.
Willow's descriptions are rich and understated. Her erotic scenes, when appropriate, were steamy and sensuous. Others were for effect, not titillation. With the abusive subject matter, I appreciated that. She was not trying to get us excited by something I personally would have found offensive. She was developing characters.
There was no magical change in any of the characters, they do not suddenly become 'Good Guys'. They are not redeemed and repent for what they had done. I appreciated that as well. The changes that did happen to the characters felt natural and real. Not forced to shoehorn into a proscribed HEA.
Which this particular book does not have, there is the potential there, but we are left hanging in a very pulp serial cliff hanger fashion. Which I personally love. You will need the 2nd book. You will want to know what happens next.
Note - My review is based on a new Beta version of this book, I've not read the original so cannot compare the differences in the two.
The story is told through the eyes of two men, Miles and Simon.
Simon is an evil man, and unrepentant about it. He stalks, kidnaps and trains women to be sexual slaves to the rich and powerful.
Miles, on the other hand, is a rich businessman who seems to have lost his step-sister and is searching for her.
You might feel you know where this is going, but it's going to make several jogs. To avoid giving anything away, my review is going to be rather vague.
We are never in the head of the Female character, and watching her from the outside through the men's eyes is actually quite fascinating.
Willow's descriptions are rich and understated. Her erotic scenes, when appropriate, were steamy and sensuous. Others were for effect, not titillation. With the abusive subject matter, I appreciated that. She was not trying to get us excited by something I personally would have found offensive. She was developing characters.
There was no magical change in any of the characters, they do not suddenly become 'Good Guys'. They are not redeemed and repent for what they had done. I appreciated that as well. The changes that did happen to the characters felt natural and real. Not forced to shoehorn into a proscribed HEA.
Which this particular book does not have, there is the potential there, but we are left hanging in a very pulp serial cliff hanger fashion. Which I personally love. You will need the 2nd book. You will want to know what happens next.
May 25, 2016
I didn't know how rating this book..
I've had some mixed feelings during the reading
Maybe is 'cause I had high expectations but I found it a little boring sometimes for me sorry :(
This should not happen in dark erotica/BDSM read...
I've had the desire to read another books e that's not a good sign!
Too much explain and too little seeing happen..
Anyway I believe I'll try to read the sequel
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
Thanks!
I've had some mixed feelings during the reading
Maybe is 'cause I had high expectations but I found it a little boring sometimes for me sorry :(
This should not happen in dark erotica/BDSM read...
I've had the desire to read another books e that's not a good sign!
Too much explain and too little seeing happen..
Anyway I believe I'll try to read the sequel
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
Thanks!
February 29, 2016
For me, the best thing about this read was that it wasn’t what I expected. The synopsis hints at the usual captive story, detailing the logistics of selling women, and a focus on their training. Instead this story focuses on the mystery that surrounds Grace and her identity.
Simon Lamb is like a honey trap, his charming self lures unsuspecting woman into his life to become slaves. He’s crude and unapologetic, but as far as career abductors go, at least he has a moral code (kind of).
I didn’t find Simon’s character particularly likeable or interesting. It was as if in the defining moment, rather that reach his full villain potential, he caved and decided it wasn’t for him. I was almost disappointed that he wasn’t’ as psychotic as I expected him to be. Regardless, I was still rooting for him. I couldn’t have felt any other way since he was basically Grace’s saviour.
Grace. Timid, introverted, mysterious Grace. I could not get a read on her until almost halfway through. Before this point I thought it would be as straightforward as a woman running from an abusive past. Then I thought on top of that she must be a con artist. The uncertainty definitely kept me on my toes, making this read all the more entertaining, and making Grace’s character all the more intriguing.
For the most part, it was difficult to see where the story was going to go but when certain parts became predictable, the story continued to be intriguing simply because there were other elements that didn’t follow the usual convention. The story did start of slow but eventually the pace picked up and became a total page-turner; can’t wait to see what’s in store for Simon and Grace in the next installation.
*A free copy was given in exchange for an honest review
Simon Lamb is like a honey trap, his charming self lures unsuspecting woman into his life to become slaves. He’s crude and unapologetic, but as far as career abductors go, at least he has a moral code (kind of).
“No homeless. No under eighteen. No mothers. It’s a short list, but I’ve stuck with it. The homeless and underage are too weak, too easy. The mother thing…well. Whatever.”
I didn’t find Simon’s character particularly likeable or interesting. It was as if in the defining moment, rather that reach his full villain potential, he caved and decided it wasn’t for him. I was almost disappointed that he wasn’t’ as psychotic as I expected him to be. Regardless, I was still rooting for him. I couldn’t have felt any other way since he was basically Grace’s saviour.
Grace. Timid, introverted, mysterious Grace. I could not get a read on her until almost halfway through. Before this point I thought it would be as straightforward as a woman running from an abusive past. Then I thought on top of that she must be a con artist. The uncertainty definitely kept me on my toes, making this read all the more entertaining, and making Grace’s character all the more intriguing.
For the most part, it was difficult to see where the story was going to go but when certain parts became predictable, the story continued to be intriguing simply because there were other elements that didn’t follow the usual convention. The story did start of slow but eventually the pace picked up and became a total page-turner; can’t wait to see what’s in store for Simon and Grace in the next installation.
*A free copy was given in exchange for an honest review
April 19, 2015
Wow. I can only say...WOW! Really good book. Didn't see it coming until Simon did which is totally unusual for me. I usually figure out the "secret" pretty early on. I can't wait for the next book. Great job Willow.
July 2, 2015
I liked it, but I'm not sure it held my interest enough to go on to part 2. Maybe.
July 16, 2015
Review to follow soon...
July 13, 2015
Written review to come when I've wrapped my head around the awesomeness that is this book. Okay, I've had time to wrap my mind and write my review, so here it is in all its glory...
This story grabbed me by the throat and would not let go until I finished it. If you enjoy dark reads, you’ll enjoy this book. If you enjoy stories that push the boundaries, this is the story for you. If you enjoy stories that take you on a ride and mind f*** you, this is the story for you. I enjoyed it. I recommend it.
I don’t want to provide any plot spoilers in this review because really, that would be bad for those who haven’t read it yet. To spoil the surprise, the utter goodness of what this story provides. I will say it was well written. I was drawn into the story immediately. I will talk about the characters and how I felt about them.
Simon… what can I say about Simon? He is my new book boyfriend, joining the ranks with Takeshi and a few other book boyfriends (yeah I’m a bit of a book slut). Simon is an awesome character who comes alive on the pages. His needs, his wants, had me from word one. His ‘product’ made me gasp.
Simon is dark. He is unapologetically, absolutely, hedonistically, beautifully dark. I loved him all the more for it. He was Alpha in a way that makes other Alpha men look weak. He enjoys what he enjoys and doesn’t apologize for it.
Though I love Simon, I didn’t like Simon until Grace. Grace is a fascinating character and I couldn’t help but fall for her just as Simon fell. He loved the many facets of Grace and I must say, there are many. Simon is a better person with Grace. Grace, as broken as she is, displays a strength that shines through on the page. There would be very few women who would have the strength to love Simon. Grace, beautifully damaged Grace, is one of those who bring light to Simon’s dark world.
This story worked for me. The characters worked for me. I reveled in it and them. I am going to enjoy book 2 now…
This story grabbed me by the throat and would not let go until I finished it. If you enjoy dark reads, you’ll enjoy this book. If you enjoy stories that push the boundaries, this is the story for you. If you enjoy stories that take you on a ride and mind f*** you, this is the story for you. I enjoyed it. I recommend it.
I don’t want to provide any plot spoilers in this review because really, that would be bad for those who haven’t read it yet. To spoil the surprise, the utter goodness of what this story provides. I will say it was well written. I was drawn into the story immediately. I will talk about the characters and how I felt about them.
Simon… what can I say about Simon? He is my new book boyfriend, joining the ranks with Takeshi and a few other book boyfriends (yeah I’m a bit of a book slut). Simon is an awesome character who comes alive on the pages. His needs, his wants, had me from word one. His ‘product’ made me gasp.
Simon is dark. He is unapologetically, absolutely, hedonistically, beautifully dark. I loved him all the more for it. He was Alpha in a way that makes other Alpha men look weak. He enjoys what he enjoys and doesn’t apologize for it.
Though I love Simon, I didn’t like Simon until Grace. Grace is a fascinating character and I couldn’t help but fall for her just as Simon fell. He loved the many facets of Grace and I must say, there are many. Simon is a better person with Grace. Grace, as broken as she is, displays a strength that shines through on the page. There would be very few women who would have the strength to love Simon. Grace, beautifully damaged Grace, is one of those who bring light to Simon’s dark world.
This story worked for me. The characters worked for me. I reveled in it and them. I am going to enjoy book 2 now…
February 19, 2016
*******WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD*******
I read this as a BOTM read and it blew me away! Told entirely from the POV of two men, we are taken on a dark journey of lust, loss and heartache.
I loved every second of this ride. Willow did a excellent job of bringing me inside the head of the two men; while creating a bond between me and the female lead that I usually only get from a female POV story.
Meet Simon
He is not the hero, he is the captor, the product procurer. Kidnapping and breaking women, turning them into slaves for his clients.
He is not sorry, he feels no remorse, only the rush of power that comes from seeing the fear in their eyes.
Meet Miles
He is searching, trying to piece together a broken puzzle. The consummate "good guy", using his millions to find the sister that disappeared three years ago
Meet Grace
She is already broken, on the run, constantly changing her routine and persona. She has become Simon's obsession, the one he *must* have. She slipped from his grasp once, but he wont be bested a second time.
You think you know the story, you don't. Not everything is as it seems and just when you think you finally have it all figured out, Willow throws you another curve ball! All three characters finally converge in an ending that will have you reaching for book 2 before you finish the last page!
I read this as a BOTM read and it blew me away! Told entirely from the POV of two men, we are taken on a dark journey of lust, loss and heartache.
I loved every second of this ride. Willow did a excellent job of bringing me inside the head of the two men; while creating a bond between me and the female lead that I usually only get from a female POV story.
Meet Simon
He is not the hero, he is the captor, the product procurer. Kidnapping and breaking women, turning them into slaves for his clients.
He is not sorry, he feels no remorse, only the rush of power that comes from seeing the fear in their eyes.
Meet Miles
He is searching, trying to piece together a broken puzzle. The consummate "good guy", using his millions to find the sister that disappeared three years ago
Meet Grace
She is already broken, on the run, constantly changing her routine and persona. She has become Simon's obsession, the one he *must* have. She slipped from his grasp once, but he wont be bested a second time.
You think you know the story, you don't. Not everything is as it seems and just when you think you finally have it all figured out, Willow throws you another curve ball! All three characters finally converge in an ending that will have you reaching for book 2 before you finish the last page!
July 8, 2016
Interesting read, Simon and Grace made for an interesting pair.
This story started in a traditional manner; Grace the shy, timid, underachieving female, who wants to go unnoticed and Simon the strong, domineering, alpha male, who sees her as pry. Okay, that’s not bad, my type of read.
Then things change, we next meet Grace and she has gone a total 360 degrees, no longer is she meek and timid. She is RED!!
And then there is Miles – he is a confusing character. You really don’t understand his purpose until the end.
The emotional drama that develops between Simon & Grace/Red is trying at times. That is until you learn the root-cause of Grace’s hot & cold persona (revealed at the end of the story of course).
Although this was a good story, at times it was a trying read; having to deal with Grace and her antics and the vagueness the story provided about her triggers. As well as, Miles he is a mystery in himself (boy does he have his own set of issues – which will probably be revealed in Book #2).
I must say that although Book #1 ends in a cliffhanger, I love who Willow chooses to enter the final scene!!
At this point, I am not certain if I will continue onto Book #2. Willow you have written a good read, you totally had me blindsided with Grace/Red issues (which made for a very interesting, yet confusing character).
Oh and I must say, that I love that the story is written in the males POV, I haven’t read many in this format. – Thanks, Willow!!!!
This story started in a traditional manner; Grace the shy, timid, underachieving female, who wants to go unnoticed and Simon the strong, domineering, alpha male, who sees her as pry. Okay, that’s not bad, my type of read.
Then things change, we next meet Grace and she has gone a total 360 degrees, no longer is she meek and timid. She is RED!!
And then there is Miles – he is a confusing character. You really don’t understand his purpose until the end.
The emotional drama that develops between Simon & Grace/Red is trying at times. That is until you learn the root-cause of Grace’s hot & cold persona (revealed at the end of the story of course).
Although this was a good story, at times it was a trying read; having to deal with Grace and her antics and the vagueness the story provided about her triggers. As well as, Miles he is a mystery in himself (boy does he have his own set of issues – which will probably be revealed in Book #2).
I must say that although Book #1 ends in a cliffhanger, I love who Willow chooses to enter the final scene!!
At this point, I am not certain if I will continue onto Book #2. Willow you have written a good read, you totally had me blindsided with Grace/Red issues (which made for a very interesting, yet confusing character).
Oh and I must say, that I love that the story is written in the males POV, I haven’t read many in this format. – Thanks, Willow!!!!
November 18, 2015
Normally I begin a review with the summary of the book, but as I end this one my thoughts are Wait…What? Simon is the hunter and Grace is the prey, but wait, maybe Grace is really the hunter and Simon is the prey. Then there is Grace’s stepbrother Miles, maybe he is really the bad guy and both Grace and Simon are his targets. The whole book was series of twists and turns with the author portioning out just enough information to keep the reader guessing.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The writing flowed well and was well edited. There was not a lot of character interaction in the first half, which made it a little hard for me to stay focused. Once the characters began interacting more it made the second half more interesting and much more enjoyable to read. There were a few abuse scenes with an underage character that were somewhat hard to read, but the author does a good job of portraying the sexual abuse without actually eroticizing the scene. The mood of this one is dark from beginning to end. I kept thinking there would be some light at the end of the tunnel, but so far nothing. I rated this one 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I will probably continue on with the series. The author left off with enough of a cliff hanger to make me want to pick up the second book.
I received this book through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The writing flowed well and was well edited. There was not a lot of character interaction in the first half, which made it a little hard for me to stay focused. Once the characters began interacting more it made the second half more interesting and much more enjoyable to read. There were a few abuse scenes with an underage character that were somewhat hard to read, but the author does a good job of portraying the sexual abuse without actually eroticizing the scene. The mood of this one is dark from beginning to end. I kept thinking there would be some light at the end of the tunnel, but so far nothing. I rated this one 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I will probably continue on with the series. The author left off with enough of a cliff hanger to make me want to pick up the second book.
I received this book through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
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