What do you think?
Rate this book
Grace
Grace Hale had a plan. Nursing school. A future. Ordinary things.
She never made it home.
Abducted from a Bakersfield coffee shop at twenty, Grace is delivered to the hands of Dominic Varelli — a Washington DC power broker with a taste for cruelty and a very particular definition of ownership. For three years, she endures. She survives. She becomes very, very good at disappearing inside herself.
Then she is sold again.
Tallis isn't a rescue. He's a six-foot wall of scars, ink, and violence — the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Iron Revenant MC, a man who trades in brutal truths and doesn't apologize for any of them. He bought Grace to protect her. He wasn't supposed to want her.
But want and ownership are very different things. And Grace is learning, slowly, painfully, to tell the difference.
Grace is the first book in the Black Label Society series — a world where the skin trade has many faces, and survival sometimes looks like love.
She never made it home.
Abducted from a Bakersfield coffee shop at twenty, Grace is delivered to the hands of Dominic Varelli — a Washington DC power broker with a taste for cruelty and a very particular definition of ownership. For three years, she endures. She survives. She becomes very, very good at disappearing inside herself.
Then she is sold again.
Tallis isn't a rescue. He's a six-foot wall of scars, ink, and violence — the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Iron Revenant MC, a man who trades in brutal truths and doesn't apologize for any of them. He bought Grace to protect her. He wasn't supposed to want her.
But want and ownership are very different things. And Grace is learning, slowly, painfully, to tell the difference.
Grace is the first book in the Black Label Society series — a world where the skin trade has many faces, and survival sometimes looks like love.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2026
About the author
Tanya Nellestein
27 books91 followersTanya Nellestein is a bestselling, award-winning, genre-crossing author with Viking blood in her pen and a passion for stories that stir the soul. From swoony suspense to morally grey dark romance and fierce mythological sagas, Tanya creates unforgettable characters who defy fate — much like she does in real life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 29, 2026
Rating
4.5 💎
2.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
This book throws you straight into intense action, so definitely check the trigger warnings first. Grace’s story is deeply emotional, showcasing the worst of humanity and her strength in surviving it, and her trauma is portrayed so rawly that it’s impossible to look away. Tallis adds a compelling layer with his control and the way he eventually reveals how much she means to him, creating a powerful dynamic between them. Overall, it’s an intensely gripping read, and I loved how they ultimately found comfort and balance in each other.
While Reading Thoughts
📓This book starts of straight in the action - check your trigger warnings ladies & gents
📓Grace has experienced the worst that humanity can be and she survived the best she could.
📓Graces trauma was deep and emotional to read but I couldn’t look away.
📓Tallis and the control this man held until he could show her what she meant to him was outstanding
📓This was intense in all the best ways and I loved how they settled each other.
Words that linger
🍷Do your worst, that look said. I’m already broken. You can’t ruin me. - Grace
🍷“You looked like you wanted to die, but you were still standing. That’s not a slave. That’s a survivor. Varelli saw a toy. I saw a human being with value.” - Tallis
🍷The road required everything the mind had, and what it required it consumed, and what it consumed it replaced with something that was not peace exactly, but was close enough to rest. - Grace
🍷"Oh god, break me. Make it so I can't feel anything else." - Grace
🍷"Look at me," I commanded, my voice low and rough, scraping against my vocal cords. "Don't you fucking dare look away." - Tallis
Tropes
🔒Captivity/imprisonment
🔒Graphic violence
🔒Slow burn
🔒Emotional abuse
🔒Protective anti-hero
Thank you to The Novel Assistant and Tanya for the early copy.
4.5 💎
2.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
This book throws you straight into intense action, so definitely check the trigger warnings first. Grace’s story is deeply emotional, showcasing the worst of humanity and her strength in surviving it, and her trauma is portrayed so rawly that it’s impossible to look away. Tallis adds a compelling layer with his control and the way he eventually reveals how much she means to him, creating a powerful dynamic between them. Overall, it’s an intensely gripping read, and I loved how they ultimately found comfort and balance in each other.
While Reading Thoughts
📓This book starts of straight in the action - check your trigger warnings ladies & gents
📓Grace has experienced the worst that humanity can be and she survived the best she could.
📓Graces trauma was deep and emotional to read but I couldn’t look away.
📓Tallis and the control this man held until he could show her what she meant to him was outstanding
📓This was intense in all the best ways and I loved how they settled each other.
Words that linger
🍷Do your worst, that look said. I’m already broken. You can’t ruin me. - Grace
🍷“You looked like you wanted to die, but you were still standing. That’s not a slave. That’s a survivor. Varelli saw a toy. I saw a human being with value.” - Tallis
🍷The road required everything the mind had, and what it required it consumed, and what it consumed it replaced with something that was not peace exactly, but was close enough to rest. - Grace
🍷"Oh god, break me. Make it so I can't feel anything else." - Grace
🍷"Look at me," I commanded, my voice low and rough, scraping against my vocal cords. "Don't you fucking dare look away." - Tallis
Tropes
🔒Captivity/imprisonment
🔒Graphic violence
🔒Slow burn
🔒Emotional abuse
🔒Protective anti-hero
Thank you to The Novel Assistant and Tanya for the early copy.
June 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Grace follows our main character Grace, who leaves her shift as a nursing student and never makes it home. She is abducted from a cafe in a non-violent, but just as horrifying manner. She loses all choice and autonomy and endures years of hell at the hands of Dominic Varelli.
Tallis is the enforcer in a motorcycle gang. He is lethally efficient, but never cruel. On a job for Varelli, he spots Grace and doesn't stop thinking about her for YEARS. When the opportunity comes to remove her from Varelli's grasp, Tallis doesn't hesitate to do so.
Both Grace and Tallis are quiet, analytical, and never act without a thought out plan. They are highly observant of everyone around them and every situation they encounter. They quickly develop an acute awareness of one another, and slowly, something starts to develop between them.
Grace is a story of surviving, of healing, of learning how to trust again, and reclaiming power.
This slow burn was well worth the wait. Grace's character arc and Tallis' calm persistence had me hooked from the beginning. I couldn't wait to see how this ended and how some semblance of peace could be bestowed to these two absolutely deserving characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grace follows our main character Grace, who leaves her shift as a nursing student and never makes it home. She is abducted from a cafe in a non-violent, but just as horrifying manner. She loses all choice and autonomy and endures years of hell at the hands of Dominic Varelli.
Tallis is the enforcer in a motorcycle gang. He is lethally efficient, but never cruel. On a job for Varelli, he spots Grace and doesn't stop thinking about her for YEARS. When the opportunity comes to remove her from Varelli's grasp, Tallis doesn't hesitate to do so.
Both Grace and Tallis are quiet, analytical, and never act without a thought out plan. They are highly observant of everyone around them and every situation they encounter. They quickly develop an acute awareness of one another, and slowly, something starts to develop between them.
Grace is a story of surviving, of healing, of learning how to trust again, and reclaiming power.
This slow burn was well worth the wait. Grace's character arc and Tallis' calm persistence had me hooked from the beginning. I couldn't wait to see how this ended and how some semblance of peace could be bestowed to these two absolutely deserving characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I just read this in one day?!? Yes absolutely yes!
It's dark, heavily dark.
It will eat at you and have you question, should I be reading this?!?
Grace, an aspiring nurse, gets kiddnapped. Her world changed in 4 years as a rollercoaster. She's mentally capable of so much and I fell for her.
Tallis is an enforcer in an MC Club, but he has a soft spot for the one girl he couldn't get out of his mind for 3 years. He even questions his own morals.
He saves her, but not the way you expect to happen.
This is a review of Advanced reader copy from the author.
It's dark, heavily dark.
It will eat at you and have you question, should I be reading this?!?
Grace, an aspiring nurse, gets kiddnapped. Her world changed in 4 years as a rollercoaster. She's mentally capable of so much and I fell for her.
Tallis is an enforcer in an MC Club, but he has a soft spot for the one girl he couldn't get out of his mind for 3 years. He even questions his own morals.
He saves her, but not the way you expect to happen.
This is a review of Advanced reader copy from the author.
July 7, 2026
dark brilliant amazing trauma bonding Savage epic such a great fmc and mmc character the plot the flow the twist and turns
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
Grace
⭐️ 4.25 Stars
Realtime thoughts:
Just 14 pages in… and I’m gripping my Kobo so hard. I felt anxious and tense knowing Grace’s predicament in the café. Tanya, you are amazing!
———
Some stories are about surviving.
Others are about what comes after.
About the parts of yourself that are lost in the aftermath. The person you used to be. The trust that was stolen. The feeling of safety you once took for granted.
Grace wasn’t just a story about survival. It was about learning how to live afterwards. How to keep going when you’re no longer the same person who walked into the darkness.
It’s about healing. About acceptance. About finding the courage to trust again when every instinct tells you not to.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s about discovering that even after everything, you are still worthy of love.
“Dancing With Your Ghost” felt fitting for this story, not as a song about losing someone else, but about mourning the version of yourself that existed before trauma, while slowly learning to embrace the person you’ve become.
🖤
——-
This story, though short, had me in a chokehold. I didn’t realise I wasn’t breathing at the beginning of the book until the moment. IYKYK.
I absolutely devoured the first quarter of this book with bated breath.
Tanya wrote this story hauntingly and beautifully. It was tragic, heartbreaking, and at times difficult to read, yet ultimately liberating by the end. I finished the book with a sense of peace for both Grace and Tallis.
Grace was a dark and emotional read that focused heavily on acceptance, survival, healing, and learning to trust again.
Grace, our titular heroine, wasn’t one of those frustrating FMCs that make you want to pull your hair out. She was a true survivor who did whatever she could to stay alive, even as captivity slowly chipped away at pieces of herself.
She was clever, resilient, and refused to completely surrender to her circumstances. Instead, she focused on surviving one day at a time. As a nursing student, she used her knowledge and routines to hold onto her identity and maintain a sense of self. She never allowed herself to forget who she was, and for that, I had so much respect for her.
Grace remains in captivity for roughly half of the book. If torture and brutality are triggers for you, definitely check the content warnings before diving in. That said, I didn’t find it excessively graphic or written for shock value. The focus was less on gratuitous violence and more on the power dynamics, fear, and psychological impact of what Grace endured.
I really enjoyed Tallis and Grace’s relationship. Tallis is a biker who becomes captivated by Grace from the moment he sees her, and that fascination follows him until he ultimately buys her at auction later in the story.
Their relationship felt believable and was written with care. Watching Grace slowly learn to trust him felt natural given everything she had experienced. I did wish we’d seen more of their relationship develop on page, as there were several time skips throughout the story. I would have loved a few more moments between them, but I also understand why Tanya chose to tell their story this way.
One thing I am curious about is Victor Hale and Dominic Varellis. You won’t get all the answers regarding them in this book, but the author has mentioned that their story is explored in her other books.
Overall, I really enjoyed Grace and would happily recommend it to readers who enjoy dark romance.
What made this story stand out to me was that it felt frighteningly plausible. The premise is the kind that could happen in real life, which made Grace’s journey all the more impactful. And honestly? After everything Grace endured, I could absolutely understand why she fell for Tallis.
Unlike some dark romances where the MMC’s red flags are so enormous you’d be sprinting in the opposite direction (in real life not in fiction), Tallis felt grounded within the context of the story. Protective, patient, and willing to give Grace the space she needed to heal, he was easy to root for.
Grace
⭐️ 4.25 Stars
Realtime thoughts:
Just 14 pages in… and I’m gripping my Kobo so hard. I felt anxious and tense knowing Grace’s predicament in the café. Tanya, you are amazing!
———
Some stories are about surviving.
Others are about what comes after.
About the parts of yourself that are lost in the aftermath. The person you used to be. The trust that was stolen. The feeling of safety you once took for granted.
Grace wasn’t just a story about survival. It was about learning how to live afterwards. How to keep going when you’re no longer the same person who walked into the darkness.
It’s about healing. About acceptance. About finding the courage to trust again when every instinct tells you not to.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s about discovering that even after everything, you are still worthy of love.
“Dancing With Your Ghost” felt fitting for this story, not as a song about losing someone else, but about mourning the version of yourself that existed before trauma, while slowly learning to embrace the person you’ve become.
🖤
——-
This story, though short, had me in a chokehold. I didn’t realise I wasn’t breathing at the beginning of the book until the moment. IYKYK.
I absolutely devoured the first quarter of this book with bated breath.
Tanya wrote this story hauntingly and beautifully. It was tragic, heartbreaking, and at times difficult to read, yet ultimately liberating by the end. I finished the book with a sense of peace for both Grace and Tallis.
Grace was a dark and emotional read that focused heavily on acceptance, survival, healing, and learning to trust again.
Grace, our titular heroine, wasn’t one of those frustrating FMCs that make you want to pull your hair out. She was a true survivor who did whatever she could to stay alive, even as captivity slowly chipped away at pieces of herself.
She was clever, resilient, and refused to completely surrender to her circumstances. Instead, she focused on surviving one day at a time. As a nursing student, she used her knowledge and routines to hold onto her identity and maintain a sense of self. She never allowed herself to forget who she was, and for that, I had so much respect for her.
Grace remains in captivity for roughly half of the book. If torture and brutality are triggers for you, definitely check the content warnings before diving in. That said, I didn’t find it excessively graphic or written for shock value. The focus was less on gratuitous violence and more on the power dynamics, fear, and psychological impact of what Grace endured.
I really enjoyed Tallis and Grace’s relationship. Tallis is a biker who becomes captivated by Grace from the moment he sees her, and that fascination follows him until he ultimately buys her at auction later in the story.
Their relationship felt believable and was written with care. Watching Grace slowly learn to trust him felt natural given everything she had experienced. I did wish we’d seen more of their relationship develop on page, as there were several time skips throughout the story. I would have loved a few more moments between them, but I also understand why Tanya chose to tell their story this way.
One thing I am curious about is Victor Hale and Dominic Varellis. You won’t get all the answers regarding them in this book, but the author has mentioned that their story is explored in her other books.
Overall, I really enjoyed Grace and would happily recommend it to readers who enjoy dark romance.
What made this story stand out to me was that it felt frighteningly plausible. The premise is the kind that could happen in real life, which made Grace’s journey all the more impactful. And honestly? After everything Grace endured, I could absolutely understand why she fell for Tallis.
Unlike some dark romances where the MMC’s red flags are so enormous you’d be sprinting in the opposite direction (in real life not in fiction), Tallis felt grounded within the context of the story. Protective, patient, and willing to give Grace the space she needed to heal, he was easy to root for.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grace's story was intense, dark, vulnerable, raw, and heavy. If I had to compare it to anything, Where's Molly by H.D. Carlton feels like the closest fit. It has that similar emotional weight and darkness, while also leaving room for a much bigger world to unfold.
We follow Grace, who is abducted in her early 20's and subjected to years of horrific abuse, sexual assault, and torture. We see her go from a girl with fire to live to a numb figure with barely a spark left. She's been stripped down to survival mode. She's lost the ability to dream normally, to trust, and even to feel fully human. She has become a shell of who she once was. During the process of being sold from one captor to another, she ends up crossing paths with Tallis, the part of a motorcycle gang. Tallis had encountered Grace before her abduction, before the worst of her life began, and he carried the guilt of not doing more. Years later, he finally gets the chance to sort of protect her.
What I loved most about this story was that the second half wasn't about revenge or action, it was simply about healing. Grace survives by clinging to the names of her family and friends, repeating them to herself throughout her abuse so she doesn't completely lose who she was. But as she begins to recover under Tallis' protection, she slowly starts letting go of the person she used to be and embracing the person she's become. Rather than endlessly mourning the life that was stolen from her, she learns to build something new from what remains. I thought that trajectory was beautiful.
I also loved how Tallis approached Grace's healing. He didn't force progress or demand affection. Instead, he gave her space, autonomy, and choices. He helped her reclaim ownership over her body, her agency, and her right to decide what happened to her. There was something incredibly meaningful about the way their relationship was written.
One aspect of the book that I think some readers might interpret differently was the contrast between the dual POVs. Tallis's chapters are full of intensity, passion, restraint, and unwavering devotion. Even in the moments where he chooses to step back and not pressure Grace, you can feel how difficult that self-control is for him. Meanwhile, Grace's perspective feels numb and detached. Almost emotionless at times. But for me, that wasn't a flaw in the writing, it was exactly what made it work. The abuse Grace endured stripped so much of her away that her narration reflects that emptiness. It felt authentic to her trauma, and I really appreciated the author's decision to portray it that way.
I honestly wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but I devoured it in one sitting. It completely consumed me. Grace is not an easy read, and readers should absolutely check trigger warnings beforehand, but beneath all of its darkness is a story about survival, healing, reclaiming agency, and learning how to live again. It was powerful, heartbreaking, and incredibly special.
We follow Grace, who is abducted in her early 20's and subjected to years of horrific abuse, sexual assault, and torture. We see her go from a girl with fire to live to a numb figure with barely a spark left. She's been stripped down to survival mode. She's lost the ability to dream normally, to trust, and even to feel fully human. She has become a shell of who she once was. During the process of being sold from one captor to another, she ends up crossing paths with Tallis, the part of a motorcycle gang. Tallis had encountered Grace before her abduction, before the worst of her life began, and he carried the guilt of not doing more. Years later, he finally gets the chance to sort of protect her.
What I loved most about this story was that the second half wasn't about revenge or action, it was simply about healing. Grace survives by clinging to the names of her family and friends, repeating them to herself throughout her abuse so she doesn't completely lose who she was. But as she begins to recover under Tallis' protection, she slowly starts letting go of the person she used to be and embracing the person she's become. Rather than endlessly mourning the life that was stolen from her, she learns to build something new from what remains. I thought that trajectory was beautiful.
I also loved how Tallis approached Grace's healing. He didn't force progress or demand affection. Instead, he gave her space, autonomy, and choices. He helped her reclaim ownership over her body, her agency, and her right to decide what happened to her. There was something incredibly meaningful about the way their relationship was written.
One aspect of the book that I think some readers might interpret differently was the contrast between the dual POVs. Tallis's chapters are full of intensity, passion, restraint, and unwavering devotion. Even in the moments where he chooses to step back and not pressure Grace, you can feel how difficult that self-control is for him. Meanwhile, Grace's perspective feels numb and detached. Almost emotionless at times. But for me, that wasn't a flaw in the writing, it was exactly what made it work. The abuse Grace endured stripped so much of her away that her narration reflects that emptiness. It felt authentic to her trauma, and I really appreciated the author's decision to portray it that way.
I honestly wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but I devoured it in one sitting. It completely consumed me. Grace is not an easy read, and readers should absolutely check trigger warnings beforehand, but beneath all of its darkness is a story about survival, healing, reclaiming agency, and learning how to live again. It was powerful, heartbreaking, and incredibly special.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 ⭐ ARC Review ' 𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑬 '
🖤 Kidnapping / Abduction
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Emotional Abuse
🖤 Corruption
🖤 Healing
🖤 Captivity / Imprisonment
🖤 Dark Romance
There's sometimes a special poetry to writing when reading a story, this is what I felt whilst reading this. Tanya's writing style is very passionate and descriptive that held me throughout these pages. I really appreciated her writing style. I read this in one sitting, I couldn't put down. In a dark but beautiful story of corruption, control, power but also the resilience, focus and training one's mind to hold on.
This is what strong-minded and career focused, young women Grace did that I believed saved herself in the most horrific moments of her life. Grace went to a place in her mind that she took from her studies working as a nurse, to keep her mind somewhat strong. To know she was there, that she was still alive.
Grace was led to her captor 'Dominic Varelli' Her life no longer her own, nor her body. For years she had suffered of the hands of a corrupt man and a powerful corrupt system.
Tallis is our MMC, Sargeant of Arms to the Iron Revenant motorcycle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a job contract. Three years on, she's still on his mind until he see's her at a human trade auction. Seeing those green and hollow eyes, Tallis starts to feel things and to hell with the consequences, he's made his choice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The storyline, the fierce, resilient female character that took us on a journey of healing and love. Learning to want again and let go. That rebuilding doesn't mean you need to go back to who you were, but to accept that change is just a new different.
Thankyou to Tanya and the The Novel Assistant for the opportunity to read this ARC 🖤
🖤 Kidnapping / Abduction
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Emotional Abuse
🖤 Corruption
🖤 Healing
🖤 Captivity / Imprisonment
🖤 Dark Romance
There's sometimes a special poetry to writing when reading a story, this is what I felt whilst reading this. Tanya's writing style is very passionate and descriptive that held me throughout these pages. I really appreciated her writing style. I read this in one sitting, I couldn't put down. In a dark but beautiful story of corruption, control, power but also the resilience, focus and training one's mind to hold on.
This is what strong-minded and career focused, young women Grace did that I believed saved herself in the most horrific moments of her life. Grace went to a place in her mind that she took from her studies working as a nurse, to keep her mind somewhat strong. To know she was there, that she was still alive.
Grace was led to her captor 'Dominic Varelli' Her life no longer her own, nor her body. For years she had suffered of the hands of a corrupt man and a powerful corrupt system.
Tallis is our MMC, Sargeant of Arms to the Iron Revenant motorcycle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a job contract. Three years on, she's still on his mind until he see's her at a human trade auction. Seeing those green and hollow eyes, Tallis starts to feel things and to hell with the consequences, he's made his choice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The storyline, the fierce, resilient female character that took us on a journey of healing and love. Learning to want again and let go. That rebuilding doesn't mean you need to go back to who you were, but to accept that change is just a new different.
Thankyou to Tanya and the The Novel Assistant for the opportunity to read this ARC 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grace by Tanya Nellestein absolutely wrecked my heart before slowly putting it back together again.
Tallis, the Sergeant-at-Arms of an MC, has spent years building walls around himself. Then all it takes is one brief look into a pair of green eyes, and suddenly there’s a crack in that armor. And once he decides Grace is his to save? It’s game over.
When Grace is put up for auction, Tallis spends enough money to buy a house in the outskirts of Atlanta just to make sure she never falls back into the hands of the man who has been tormenting her. What follows is a deeply emotional journey of healing, trust, and rediscovering what it means to be human.
I need to mention that Grace’s story is incredibly difficult to read at times. She endured years of physical abuse, emotional abuse, dehumanization, and SA for half of the book, and the impact of that trauma is felt throughout much of the book. Please check trigger warnings if those topics may be difficult for you.
What I loved most was Tallis. This man falls first, falls hard, and never looks back. He may be cold and intimidating to everyone else, but when it comes to Grace, he’s an absolute puddle. Watching him patiently help her reclaim pieces of herself was beautiful. Their relationship isn’t just about romance. Ultimately, it’s about safety, healing, and learning that love doesn’t have to hurt.
And Grace’s journey? Incredible. Watching her slowly rediscover her humanity, her confidence, and even her own desires after everything she’d survived was both heartbreaking and empowering.
I received an advance copy from the author. I’m giving you my real, unfiltered thoughts; no sugarcoating over here!
Tallis, the Sergeant-at-Arms of an MC, has spent years building walls around himself. Then all it takes is one brief look into a pair of green eyes, and suddenly there’s a crack in that armor. And once he decides Grace is his to save? It’s game over.
When Grace is put up for auction, Tallis spends enough money to buy a house in the outskirts of Atlanta just to make sure she never falls back into the hands of the man who has been tormenting her. What follows is a deeply emotional journey of healing, trust, and rediscovering what it means to be human.
I need to mention that Grace’s story is incredibly difficult to read at times. She endured years of physical abuse, emotional abuse, dehumanization, and SA for half of the book, and the impact of that trauma is felt throughout much of the book. Please check trigger warnings if those topics may be difficult for you.
What I loved most was Tallis. This man falls first, falls hard, and never looks back. He may be cold and intimidating to everyone else, but when it comes to Grace, he’s an absolute puddle. Watching him patiently help her reclaim pieces of herself was beautiful. Their relationship isn’t just about romance. Ultimately, it’s about safety, healing, and learning that love doesn’t have to hurt.
And Grace’s journey? Incredible. Watching her slowly rediscover her humanity, her confidence, and even her own desires after everything she’d survived was both heartbreaking and empowering.
I received an advance copy from the author. I’m giving you my real, unfiltered thoughts; no sugarcoating over here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
Grace thought it was going to be just another day. She finishes her shift as a nursing student, but unfortunately, she never makes it home. She is abducted in broad daylight and handed over to a man who shows her no mercy from the very beginning. At first, she hopes this nightmare will end quickly and that her father will rescue her, but her hope fades day by day until it dies out completely...
I’ll admit honestly that I didn’t expect the plot of this book to delve into such brutal themes so quickly, but I understand why it did. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book structured in such a way that so much attention is devoted to the feelings of the kidnapping victim and what happens during her captivity. As readers, we feel as if we’re experiencing it alongside Grace; we feel exactly what she feels.
Even though the author tackles truly horrific and difficult topics, this isn’t one of those hopeless stories; there’s also a romantic subplot, but it’s introduced with sensitivity and in a very thoughtful way. I should note that the romantic subplot doesn’t involve the kidnapper.
A few things weren’t explained here, which I had hoped they would be, but I hope to get answers in the subsequent installments.
Grace is a book that shows you can break free from a nightmare and put yourself back together again. It shows that the evil that has befallen us doesn’t define us forever—we can rewrite our own stories and find happiness.
I’ll admit honestly that I didn’t expect the plot of this book to delve into such brutal themes so quickly, but I understand why it did. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book structured in such a way that so much attention is devoted to the feelings of the kidnapping victim and what happens during her captivity. As readers, we feel as if we’re experiencing it alongside Grace; we feel exactly what she feels.
Even though the author tackles truly horrific and difficult topics, this isn’t one of those hopeless stories; there’s also a romantic subplot, but it’s introduced with sensitivity and in a very thoughtful way. I should note that the romantic subplot doesn’t involve the kidnapper.
A few things weren’t explained here, which I had hoped they would be, but I hope to get answers in the subsequent installments.
Grace is a book that shows you can break free from a nightmare and put yourself back together again. It shows that the evil that has befallen us doesn’t define us forever—we can rewrite our own stories and find happiness.
July 13, 2026
Wow - This is my first book by Tanya Nellestein and this book I could not put down. Grace’s story hit me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. It’s dark, emotionally dense, and surprisingly intimate but also lets you live the trauma with Grace.
Grace starts her day like any other, finishing a shift as a nursing student and heading home. That ordinary moment is shattered in an instant. She’s abducted in broad daylight while having coffee and delivered to a man who shows her nothing but cruelty from the moment she opens her eyes in captivity. Her hope is strong in the beginning but slowly fades until she’s left with nothing but the instinct to endure.
What surprised me most was how deeply Tanya commits to Grace’s internal world. The narrative doesn’t rush past the horror or sensationalize it; instead, it lingers in the emotional trauma, the fear, the numbness. It’s rare to see a story devote this much space to the psychological reality of kidnapping, and because of that, the reader feels every tremor of Grace’s experience.
Grace is about reclamation and new beginning. It’s about the moment a person decides that what was done to them will not be the final chapter of their story. It’s about stitching yourself back together, even when the seams feel fragile.
Thank you to Tanya Nellestein and The Novel Assistant for the ARC copy. This book was incredible.
Grace starts her day like any other, finishing a shift as a nursing student and heading home. That ordinary moment is shattered in an instant. She’s abducted in broad daylight while having coffee and delivered to a man who shows her nothing but cruelty from the moment she opens her eyes in captivity. Her hope is strong in the beginning but slowly fades until she’s left with nothing but the instinct to endure.
What surprised me most was how deeply Tanya commits to Grace’s internal world. The narrative doesn’t rush past the horror or sensationalize it; instead, it lingers in the emotional trauma, the fear, the numbness. It’s rare to see a story devote this much space to the psychological reality of kidnapping, and because of that, the reader feels every tremor of Grace’s experience.
Grace is about reclamation and new beginning. It’s about the moment a person decides that what was done to them will not be the final chapter of their story. It’s about stitching yourself back together, even when the seams feel fragile.
Thank you to Tanya Nellestein and The Novel Assistant for the ARC copy. This book was incredible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a haunting, gorgeously dark spiral that consumed my thoughts and cracked something open in me I wasn’t ready for — and I couldn’t look away.
Grace is a very dark romance, and the trigger warnings are no joke. There were moments at the start where I genuinely wasn’t sure if I could keep going (please, please check your triggers), but Tanya Nellestine had me emotionally invested in our FMC from page one.
I had to physically put the book down a few times — swallow the lump in my throat, blink back the tears — because what she goes through is shocking and painfully human. And yet… I couldn’t stop. I turned off the light, tried to sleep, and immediately had to turn it back on again because I had to finish.
This was my first Tanya Nellestine book, and on receiving the ARC, I decided to go into reading this book blind - I had no idea what I was walking into beyond “dark romance.” But this is DARK. And for some readers, it won’t be the right fit.
But if you can stay with it — if you can hold on through the brutality — the ending is so deeply rewarding. Grace shows us that strength begins where dependence ends. She becomes her own answer, and watching that unfold is incredible.
Grace is a very dark romance, and the trigger warnings are no joke. There were moments at the start where I genuinely wasn’t sure if I could keep going (please, please check your triggers), but Tanya Nellestine had me emotionally invested in our FMC from page one.
I had to physically put the book down a few times — swallow the lump in my throat, blink back the tears — because what she goes through is shocking and painfully human. And yet… I couldn’t stop. I turned off the light, tried to sleep, and immediately had to turn it back on again because I had to finish.
This was my first Tanya Nellestine book, and on receiving the ARC, I decided to go into reading this book blind - I had no idea what I was walking into beyond “dark romance.” But this is DARK. And for some readers, it won’t be the right fit.
But if you can stay with it — if you can hold on through the brutality — the ending is so deeply rewarding. Grace shows us that strength begins where dependence ends. She becomes her own answer, and watching that unfold is incredible.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grace by Tanya Nellestein follows Grace, a nursing student whose life is torn apart when she’s kidnapped and subjected to horrific abuse.
After being purchased at an auction by a Sergeant at Arms for a motorcycle club, she’s placed under his protection. Tallis gives her exactly what she needs; patience, safety, and the freedom to heal at her own pace. He never pushes, commands, or demands anything from her, allowing Grace to slowly reclaim herself.
Watching Grace shed the broken version of herself and gradually blossom into someone stronger was one of the most rewarding parts of this story.
At first, I was a little put off by the amount of inner monologue, but once I settled into Tanya’s writing style, I found it beautifully fitting. The prose is dark, raw, and almost poetic, making the emotional weight of the story hit even harder.
Despite the heavy subject matter, it was incredibly easy to connect with both Grace and Tallis. Their journey felt authentic, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. If you decide to pick this one up after its release, please make sure to check the trigger warnings first.
After being purchased at an auction by a Sergeant at Arms for a motorcycle club, she’s placed under his protection. Tallis gives her exactly what she needs; patience, safety, and the freedom to heal at her own pace. He never pushes, commands, or demands anything from her, allowing Grace to slowly reclaim herself.
Watching Grace shed the broken version of herself and gradually blossom into someone stronger was one of the most rewarding parts of this story.
At first, I was a little put off by the amount of inner monologue, but once I settled into Tanya’s writing style, I found it beautifully fitting. The prose is dark, raw, and almost poetic, making the emotional weight of the story hit even harder.
Despite the heavy subject matter, it was incredibly easy to connect with both Grace and Tallis. Their journey felt authentic, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. If you decide to pick this one up after its release, please make sure to check the trigger warnings first.
June 28, 2026
This book was a lot. Not going to lie, it tested me in parts. It's dark, heavy and violent. But at it's core, it's also about survival, strength, healing, and love.
Check the trigger warnings carefully - the author provides a long list of them. I felt comfortable enough to proceed, and I'm glad I did.
Grace is plucked from her ordinary life and kept captive for a very long time by a powerful, evil man. Every day she has to remind herself of who she is.
Tallis is part of a motorcycle gang. He buys Grace at an auction. Not to own her, but to protect her from the life that has consumed her for years leading up to the auction. His plan wasn't to fall in love...
Through Tallis, Grace learns how to live again and grow into a new version of herself as she heals.
As mentioned, I wondered at the beginning if I could handle this one. For me, this was worth it. There is something so powerful here in seeing Grace rise up to reclaim her voice and her dignity. She's a survivor.
Grace is available now, including on KU.
Thank you to Tanya Nellestein and The Novel Assistant for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Check the trigger warnings carefully - the author provides a long list of them. I felt comfortable enough to proceed, and I'm glad I did.
Grace is plucked from her ordinary life and kept captive for a very long time by a powerful, evil man. Every day she has to remind herself of who she is.
Tallis is part of a motorcycle gang. He buys Grace at an auction. Not to own her, but to protect her from the life that has consumed her for years leading up to the auction. His plan wasn't to fall in love...
Through Tallis, Grace learns how to live again and grow into a new version of herself as she heals.
As mentioned, I wondered at the beginning if I could handle this one. For me, this was worth it. There is something so powerful here in seeing Grace rise up to reclaim her voice and her dignity. She's a survivor.
Grace is available now, including on KU.
Thank you to Tanya Nellestein and The Novel Assistant for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
Grace thought it was going to be iust another day. She finishes her shift as a nursina student but unfortunatelv, she never makes it home. She is abducted in broad davlight and handed over to a man who shows her no mercy from the very beginning. At first, she hopes this nightmare will end quicklv and that her father will rescue her. but her hope fades day by day until it dies out completely..
Tallis is our MMC, Sargeant of Arms to the Iror Revenant motorcvcle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a iob contract. Three vears on, she's still on his mind until he see's her at a human trade auction. Seeing those green ano hollow eves. Tallis starts to feel things and to hel with the consequences, he's made his choice.
He
saves her, but not the way you expect to happen.
Kidnapping / Abduction
Slow Burn
Emotional Abuse
Corruption
Healing
Captivity IGrace thought it was going to be iust another day. She finishes her shift as a nursina student but unfortunatelv, she never makes it home. She is abducted in broad davlight and handed over to a man who shows her no mercy from the very beginning. At first, she hopes this nightmare will end quicklv and that her father will rescue her. but her hope fades day by day until it dies out completely..
Tallis is our MMC, Sargeant of Arms to the Iror Revenant motorcvcle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a iob contract. Three vears on, she's still on his mind until he see's her at a human trade auction. Seeing those green ano hollow eves. Tallis starts to feel things and to hel with the consequences, he's made his choice.
He saves her, but not the way you expect to happen.
Kidnapping / Abduction Slow Burn Emotional Abuse Corruption
Healing
Captivity
Imprisonment
Dark Romance
Tallis is our MMC, Sargeant of Arms to the Iror Revenant motorcvcle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a iob contract. Three vears on, she's still on his mind until he see's her at a human trade auction. Seeing those green ano hollow eves. Tallis starts to feel things and to hel with the consequences, he's made his choice.
He
saves her, but not the way you expect to happen.
Kidnapping / Abduction
Slow Burn
Emotional Abuse
Corruption
Healing
Captivity IGrace thought it was going to be iust another day. She finishes her shift as a nursina student but unfortunatelv, she never makes it home. She is abducted in broad davlight and handed over to a man who shows her no mercy from the very beginning. At first, she hopes this nightmare will end quicklv and that her father will rescue her. but her hope fades day by day until it dies out completely..
Tallis is our MMC, Sargeant of Arms to the Iror Revenant motorcvcle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a iob contract. Three vears on, she's still on his mind until he see's her at a human trade auction. Seeing those green ano hollow eves. Tallis starts to feel things and to hel with the consequences, he's made his choice.
He saves her, but not the way you expect to happen.
Kidnapping / Abduction Slow Burn Emotional Abuse Corruption
Healing
Captivity
Imprisonment
Dark Romance
Review of advance copy
Loved this one so much that I finished it in 24 hours. I'm new to this author and didn't know what to expect, but I found myself flying through this book because I was enjoying it so much.
The set up with Grace at the beginning really allows you to see who she was before and how she keeps a part of that with her through everything she experiences. She may have been cooperative during captivity, but she was so strong. The chapters from Tallis and his POV had me dying for him to join in to Grace's part of the story! The Grace from before, the nursing student, would never have worked with Tallis the motorcycle club enforcer, but he's exactly what she needs at the point that they officially meet. He not only rescues from a terrible situation, but he knows to give her the space she needs to adjust to life again. I thought that was beautiful. I loved the two of them and I loved this read. It's a journey with a lot of darkness, but it's also full of healing and light where you may never have expected it.
The set up with Grace at the beginning really allows you to see who she was before and how she keeps a part of that with her through everything she experiences. She may have been cooperative during captivity, but she was so strong. The chapters from Tallis and his POV had me dying for him to join in to Grace's part of the story! The Grace from before, the nursing student, would never have worked with Tallis the motorcycle club enforcer, but he's exactly what she needs at the point that they officially meet. He not only rescues from a terrible situation, but he knows to give her the space she needs to adjust to life again. I thought that was beautiful. I loved the two of them and I loved this read. It's a journey with a lot of darkness, but it's also full of healing and light where you may never have expected it.
June 26, 2026
Please check trigger warnings. If those topics may be difficult for you then I suggest do not continue.
Grace is about our main character who leaves her shift as a nursing student and never makes it home. Grace was taken to her captor 'Dominic Varelli' . Her life no longer her own. For years she suffered at the hands of this man and a corrupt system. She loses all choice and endures years of this life.
Tallis is the Sargeant of Arms to the Iron Revenant motorcycle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a job contract. Though he never forgets her. When the opportunity comes to remove her from Varelli's grasp, he takes it and buys a house in the outskirts of Atlanta just to make sure she is safe.
I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but It completely drew me in. Grace is not an easy read, and again, you should absolutely read the trigger warnings beforehand. The storyline, the most resilient FMC and Fierce MMC takes us on a journey of healing and love. 4/5
Grace is about our main character who leaves her shift as a nursing student and never makes it home. Grace was taken to her captor 'Dominic Varelli' . Her life no longer her own. For years she suffered at the hands of this man and a corrupt system. She loses all choice and endures years of this life.
Tallis is the Sargeant of Arms to the Iron Revenant motorcycle club. He see's Grace for a split second whilst aquiring a job contract. Though he never forgets her. When the opportunity comes to remove her from Varelli's grasp, he takes it and buys a house in the outskirts of Atlanta just to make sure she is safe.
I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but It completely drew me in. Grace is not an easy read, and again, you should absolutely read the trigger warnings beforehand. The storyline, the most resilient FMC and Fierce MMC takes us on a journey of healing and love. 4/5
July 1, 2026
4.5 stars!!!
This book throws you right into the deep end, swirls you around and spits you back out again - and it’s the best thrill ever!
Please check the triggers for this one before you dive in - you definitely need to protect yourself
But if you dive in - you will not be disappointed!
Grace is taken from the life she knows, and locked away to be used as a toy. As the months drag into years you feel everything she does - the way Tanya writes this book is absolutely top tier!
Tallis seen her once and years passed and he never stopped thinking about her.
He is dark, stormy and delicious! He has strong morals but set a lot aside as the enforcer of his club!
What happens when their paths cross again?
This book might be dark, it might be heavy but I promise it is healing!
The way Tanya wrote the 2nd half as a story of healing is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to see where she goes with the rest of this series!!
This book throws you right into the deep end, swirls you around and spits you back out again - and it’s the best thrill ever!
Please check the triggers for this one before you dive in - you definitely need to protect yourself
But if you dive in - you will not be disappointed!
Grace is taken from the life she knows, and locked away to be used as a toy. As the months drag into years you feel everything she does - the way Tanya writes this book is absolutely top tier!
Tallis seen her once and years passed and he never stopped thinking about her.
He is dark, stormy and delicious! He has strong morals but set a lot aside as the enforcer of his club!
What happens when their paths cross again?
This book might be dark, it might be heavy but I promise it is healing!
The way Tanya wrote the 2nd half as a story of healing is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to see where she goes with the rest of this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grace was a normal student going about a normal day when everything changed in an instant. It wasn't loud. It was calm, and calmness is always worse. I want to know more about a certain person and hope reading the next novel will provide that information because it should absolutely be dealt with. Tallis is a gem of a man who's got a dark side to him that you'd expect. He's the enforcer for a motorcycle club that deals in illegal things, but his heart has standards. Grace went through this with the mind of a survivor and chose the path she thought was best. I only hope those who brought her pain will be dealt with. This is a story of healing and surviving years of trauma.
Check your triggers before reading. It's not soft. It's brutal, and you'll feel it in your bones. It's worth the read, though. Just ensure you're ready for it.
Check your triggers before reading. It's not soft. It's brutal, and you'll feel it in your bones. It's worth the read, though. Just ensure you're ready for it.
July 3, 2026
⭐️ARC Review⭐️
Firstly, I want to thank Tanya for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. This book had so much potential, my reasons for giving a 3 star review is due to the fact I was left with so many questions at the end. I felt there needed to be more explanation as to how Grace got there, did her father indeed have any ties to the kidnapping? What happened when her mother was left waiting for her for dinner? Did her coworkers or family ever look for her? The fact she didn't want to return to her family and the way she came to that decision felt so dry, very emotionless. The inner monologue felt like it dragged on a bit much before continuing to the next thing... Some parts also did feel repetitive.
In the end, I did end up loving Grace and Tallis but the story needed so much more.
Firstly, I want to thank Tanya for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. This book had so much potential, my reasons for giving a 3 star review is due to the fact I was left with so many questions at the end. I felt there needed to be more explanation as to how Grace got there, did her father indeed have any ties to the kidnapping? What happened when her mother was left waiting for her for dinner? Did her coworkers or family ever look for her? The fact she didn't want to return to her family and the way she came to that decision felt so dry, very emotionless. The inner monologue felt like it dragged on a bit much before continuing to the next thing... Some parts also did feel repetitive.
In the end, I did end up loving Grace and Tallis but the story needed so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2026
ARC review🙌🏻
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into Grace, but it ended up pulling me in much more than I expected.
This is definitely a heavier story, and there were plenty of moments that were hard to read, but I never felt like those moments were there just for shock value. The focus always came back to Grace finding pieces of herself again, and I really appreciated that.
Tallis ended up being such a refreshing love interest. He’s not loud or over-the-top—he’s just there when Grace needs him, and I really liked how patient and steady he was throughout the book.
This is the kind of story that’s more about healing than revenge, and I think that’s what made it stand out for me. It isn’t always an easy read, but it was one that kept me turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to see Grace get the ending she deserved.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into Grace, but it ended up pulling me in much more than I expected.
This is definitely a heavier story, and there were plenty of moments that were hard to read, but I never felt like those moments were there just for shock value. The focus always came back to Grace finding pieces of herself again, and I really appreciated that.
Tallis ended up being such a refreshing love interest. He’s not loud or over-the-top—he’s just there when Grace needs him, and I really liked how patient and steady he was throughout the book.
This is the kind of story that’s more about healing than revenge, and I think that’s what made it stand out for me. It isn’t always an easy read, but it was one that kept me turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to see Grace get the ending she deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great slow burn and a journey of healing for our main character Grace and how she becomes a survivor.
Grace is a nursing student, she has a good life until one day everything changes and she’s abducted.
My heart broke for every single thing Grace went through under Dominic’s control.
Tallis was so patient and understanding and I loved how these two found their way together.
The reason this wasn’t a higher rating for me is that I felt some things were left unfinished or unexplained, I still had questions at the end of the book, perhaps these would be answered in another book but I’m unsure. I also felt some things were repeated quite a lot throughout the story.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Grace is a nursing student, she has a good life until one day everything changes and she’s abducted.
My heart broke for every single thing Grace went through under Dominic’s control.
Tallis was so patient and understanding and I loved how these two found their way together.
The reason this wasn’t a higher rating for me is that I felt some things were left unfinished or unexplained, I still had questions at the end of the book, perhaps these would be answered in another book but I’m unsure. I also felt some things were repeated quite a lot throughout the story.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review!!! I wasn’t sure this book would be for me because of some of the trigger warnings, but I am so glad I gave it a chance.
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, and I never wanted to put it down. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another jaw-dropping moment would come along and completely surprise me.
At its heart, this is a beautifully heartbreaking story about two broken souls finding their way back together. The journey wasn’t easy, but that’s what made it so powerful and unforgettable.
I found myself cheering for Tallis and Grace every step of the way. Their struggles, growth, and connection felt so real, and I desperately wanted them both to find the happiness they deserved. What an emotional, captivating read. ❤️📚
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, and I never wanted to put it down. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another jaw-dropping moment would come along and completely surprise me.
At its heart, this is a beautifully heartbreaking story about two broken souls finding their way back together. The journey wasn’t easy, but that’s what made it so powerful and unforgettable.
I found myself cheering for Tallis and Grace every step of the way. Their struggles, growth, and connection felt so real, and I desperately wanted them both to find the happiness they deserved. What an emotional, captivating read. ❤️📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grace's story is more than survival it's about prevailing after the fact.
Grace by Tanya Nellestein is a book about a nursing student who has been taken and forced into slavery.
Having been forced against her will, to do unthinkable things. Held captive by an evil man for three years. Will Grace ever escape the prison inside her head she has carefully crafted to protect herself? When things can't get any worse after three years she is forced into an auction.
Tallis an MC enforcer who had one glimpse of Grace years ago and has never forgotten the green eyes that she carries bids on her to protect her.
Will grace find herself again? Will she move past the torture she has been forced to endure? Read Grace to learn the full story of Grace and Tallis.
Mental Health Matters! Read the Triggers!
Grace by Tanya Nellestein is a book about a nursing student who has been taken and forced into slavery.
Having been forced against her will, to do unthinkable things. Held captive by an evil man for three years. Will Grace ever escape the prison inside her head she has carefully crafted to protect herself? When things can't get any worse after three years she is forced into an auction.
Tallis an MC enforcer who had one glimpse of Grace years ago and has never forgotten the green eyes that she carries bids on her to protect her.
Will grace find herself again? Will she move past the torture she has been forced to endure? Read Grace to learn the full story of Grace and Tallis.
Mental Health Matters! Read the Triggers!
June 25, 2026
I haven't read the main series yet, but this definitely made me add to immediate tbr so I can watch the world around Dominic burn.
This book is powerful, its tragic and hard but I was captured and couldn't put it down.
Grace was kidnapped and went missing, until she drew the attention of a rough around the edges biker who couldn't stop thinking of her from a simple glimpse. Her capturer was pure evil, and not the one that made me want more of, that was Tallis, the biker. Grace is a survivor and this story was written well and I need to read more background information and get into the nitty gritty of what happens to the cruel people of the world.
Tropes:
🖤 Mc biker
🖤 Kidnapping/ Abduction
🖤 Captivity/ Imprisonment
🖤 Slow Burn
This book is powerful, its tragic and hard but I was captured and couldn't put it down.
Grace was kidnapped and went missing, until she drew the attention of a rough around the edges biker who couldn't stop thinking of her from a simple glimpse. Her capturer was pure evil, and not the one that made me want more of, that was Tallis, the biker. Grace is a survivor and this story was written well and I need to read more background information and get into the nitty gritty of what happens to the cruel people of the world.
Tropes:
🖤 Mc biker
🖤 Kidnapping/ Abduction
🖤 Captivity/ Imprisonment
🖤 Slow Burn
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grace experienced a horrifying tragedy. Somehow manages to retain her critical thinking to at least preserve her mind. The steps she goes through to do this are not easy, especially to do each and every day, it’s an impressive feat. The healing arc is what sold me though. It’s often skipped entirely, or made light of. This author not only included it, but made it a HUGE part Grace’s story with Tallis. It is incredibly beautiful how he sees her strength shine through as she heals, how he notices her milestones as she hits them too. Also, how Grace notices the burdens she relieves from Tallis just by being present. Very well done.
June 30, 2026
I’m normally a romcom girlie. I like light and fluffy, or tear jerkers that play on my heart strings. I rarely read dark and heavy romances. But I felt like a change. I guess that’s what you get when you’re a mood reader, and my mood was dark so I needed something to match that energy.
And oh boy, did Grace by @tanyanellestein do that. It’s dark, heavy and violent. But it’s also about strength, resilience, courage and survival.
Grace is kidnapped and held captive, violated daily for several years by an evil man. She’s then to be sold to someone else. When Tallis notices her for sale, he can’t help but help her. Can’t say too much without giving any spoilers, but if dark and heavy is your jam, then this might be right up your alley. Just make sure you check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Thank you @tanyanellestein and @the.novel.assistant for the e-ARC of this book. The strength and resilience of Grace will linger on in my thoughts for a while to come.
And oh boy, did Grace by @tanyanellestein do that. It’s dark, heavy and violent. But it’s also about strength, resilience, courage and survival.
Grace is kidnapped and held captive, violated daily for several years by an evil man. She’s then to be sold to someone else. When Tallis notices her for sale, he can’t help but help her. Can’t say too much without giving any spoilers, but if dark and heavy is your jam, then this might be right up your alley. Just make sure you check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Thank you @tanyanellestein and @the.novel.assistant for the e-ARC of this book. The strength and resilience of Grace will linger on in my thoughts for a while to come.
July 1, 2026
Review of advance copy
If you're looking for a DARK romance this is definitely the book for you.
I was hooked pretty quick and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Some parts were definitely hard to read especially as you start to know the characters.
You can't help but admire Grace. She's not ever a damsel in distress but a survivor.
We also get to know Tallis who also is so easy to connect with. He's gentle, kind and patient.
I will say majority is inner monologue but it's done so well I had no problem with it.
I really did enjoy Tallis and Grace together and hope we get more of their story.
I also need all the loose ends tied up and can't wait to continue reading the series.
If you're looking for a DARK romance this is definitely the book for you.
I was hooked pretty quick and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Some parts were definitely hard to read especially as you start to know the characters.
You can't help but admire Grace. She's not ever a damsel in distress but a survivor.
We also get to know Tallis who also is so easy to connect with. He's gentle, kind and patient.
I will say majority is inner monologue but it's done so well I had no problem with it.
I really did enjoy Tallis and Grace together and hope we get more of their story.
I also need all the loose ends tied up and can't wait to continue reading the series.
July 1, 2026
From start to finish, I was absolutely hooked. The level of storytelling in each chapter allowed me to be completely enraptured in the moment, as if I was there.
The way she chose to navigate the complexities, twists and turns in the story? goosebumps. When a book is filled with so much detail, depth, and sheer raw emotion, it can be hard to follow, yet, Tanya found a way to turn this book into a masterclass of how every little detail counts, and how to retain them in almost a haunting way through the whole book.
I look forward to seeing the rest of Tanya’s masterpieces in future, as i can confidently say, Grace is one of them.
The way she chose to navigate the complexities, twists and turns in the story? goosebumps. When a book is filled with so much detail, depth, and sheer raw emotion, it can be hard to follow, yet, Tanya found a way to turn this book into a masterclass of how every little detail counts, and how to retain them in almost a haunting way through the whole book.
I look forward to seeing the rest of Tanya’s masterpieces in future, as i can confidently say, Grace is one of them.
July 6, 2026
Grace Hale is a student nurse living a great life protected by her father Victor Hale, who launders money for the criminal underworld.
Dominic Varelli decides to take Grace - although the story isn’t clear why.
She is kept locked in a room for 3 years as his sex slave. Her treatment is harrowing and there seems no respite until he decides it’s time for her to go.
He sells her on in auction where she is bought by Tallis, a biker and part of a large MC gang.
Tallis ends up being her redemption - but the path forward is far from clear.
Many loose strands in the story which may form part of the next series.
Dominic Varelli decides to take Grace - although the story isn’t clear why.
She is kept locked in a room for 3 years as his sex slave. Her treatment is harrowing and there seems no respite until he decides it’s time for her to go.
He sells her on in auction where she is bought by Tallis, a biker and part of a large MC gang.
Tallis ends up being her redemption - but the path forward is far from clear.
Many loose strands in the story which may form part of the next series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
Honestly I am not sure how I feel about this book because I feel like there is a lot of information I am missing. I know this is a standalone but I think I am missing books before this one to fully understand the background of Grace and Tallis.
I almost DNF but kept reading and once I was passed 50% the book got a lot better.
I was expecting a plot to happen such as Dominic appearing and trying to take Grace back into his possession. I thought for sure Grace was going to end up pregnant. The scene where Tallis took over and his dominant side finally came out *chef kiss* 🥵👏🏻
Thank you to the author and the novel assistant in letting me read this.
I almost DNF but kept reading and once I was passed 50% the book got a lot better.
I was expecting a plot to happen such as Dominic appearing and trying to take Grace back into his possession. I thought for sure Grace was going to end up pregnant. The scene where Tallis took over and his dominant side finally came out *chef kiss* 🥵👏🏻
Thank you to the author and the novel assistant in letting me read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews