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Rough Love #2
Taunt Me
It’s been two and a half years since the mysterious W disappeared from Chere’s life, and things are getting better. Sort of. She’s nearing the end of her design program and looking forward to a new career, even if her heart is shuttered for good.
But loneliness is a powerful thing, and she finds herself tempted by a no-strings-attached BDSM partner who happens to be her former professor. She knows it’s a terrible idea, and that he could never live up to W’s level of passionate mayhem, but she’s been waiting so long to be bound and hurt. She’s been waiting so long to feel something…
Unbeknownst to her, someone from her past has been waiting too. And when that someone realizes she means to move forward with this new partner, he barges back into her life to express his displeasure in the only way he knows…
Note: This book is super rough. There’s love, but it’s rough. Hence, Rough Love series. This full-length novel is book two of a three-part storyline that culminates in Happily Ever After. But, full disclosure, it’s going to be a rough ride.
But loneliness is a powerful thing, and she finds herself tempted by a no-strings-attached BDSM partner who happens to be her former professor. She knows it’s a terrible idea, and that he could never live up to W’s level of passionate mayhem, but she’s been waiting so long to be bound and hurt. She’s been waiting so long to feel something…
Unbeknownst to her, someone from her past has been waiting too. And when that someone realizes she means to move forward with this new partner, he barges back into her life to express his displeasure in the only way he knows…
Note: This book is super rough. There’s love, but it’s rough. Hence, Rough Love series. This full-length novel is book two of a three-part storyline that culminates in Happily Ever After. But, full disclosure, it’s going to be a rough ride.
225 pages, ebook
First published November 10, 2015
129 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Joseph
70 books2,217 followersAnnabel Joseph is a NYT and USA Today bestselling BDSM erotic romance author. She writes mainly contemporary romance, although she has been known to dabble in the medieval and Regency eras. She is recognized for writing emotionally intense BDSM storylines, and strives to create characters that seem real--even flawed--so readers are better able to relate to them.
Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...
Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.
Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.
Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...
Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.
Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★★! Taunt Me, book 2 of 3. Self-reflection & growth for Chere & the mysterious “W” as their dysfunctional & unorthodox relationship shifts!
“My dark, surrendered world was filled with his dominance, and a fine edge of pain.”
Books in the Rough Love Trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: Torment Me
Book 2: Taunt Me
Book 3: Trust Me
Torment Me, book 1 followed the dysfunctional and volatile relationship between escort Chere and her mysterious client “W”. It was an roller-coaster of mind-blowing sex in submitting to W, but also violence, manipulation, simulated and non-simulated rape, sadism and BDSM without safe words sprinkled with confusing moments of poetry and tenderness.
Taunt Me, book 2 opens up to the aftermath of the trauma caused by book 1’s shocking ending. After having explored their intense sexual connection and compatibility, book 2 is about self-reflection and growth. Chere gets to stand on her own two feet while “W” will do soul searching about their relationship, his sexuality and the secrets he has chosen to keep.
“W had never asked what I liked. He just grabbed and forced and took, and gave me soul-crushing orgasms.”
Eight words to describe W: Secretive, manipulative, detached, calculated, remote, commanding, possessive and callous.
Eight words to describe Chere: Nurturing, loyal, reflective, broken, insecure, dependent, meek and despondent.
Taunt Me, in stark contrast to book 1’s darker elements of violence, manipulation and absence of romance, is a journey of hope and new beginnings. Told from dual POVs, “W” will reveal himself and offer a candid glimpse into his life and mind. Their sexual connection is still fierce defying all that is sane, but along the way it will all make sense.
I am looking forward to reading book 3, Trust Me for the conclusion of their journey.
“How many stars in your bowl? How many shadows in your soul?”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
November 4, 2015
”I’d rather have the want of you. The rich, elusive taunt of you.”
I’m happy to report that this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but is a “to be continued” type of ending. Readers will also be thrilled to know that this book is told in alternating POVs of both Chere and W. Yes, it’s two and a half years later but W is around in the shadows.
”Chere thought the worst thing between us was the leaving. She was wrong. The worst thing was what I had started wanting from her by the end, what I still wanted from her with inappropriate intensity: her tears and misery, her trembling surrender, and my selfish perversity unhinging her soul.”
W is one hell of an intense guy. He has had a hand in Chere’s life over the past few years but has remained hidden. Chere is ready to graduate art and design school, has made a friend and has been frequently BDSM clubs trying to figured out her relationship with W. When it appears that Chere may move on, W can’t help put surface in her life. Oh yeah, you’ll find out W’s name, his occupation and some of his sick fantasy’s in this book.
It must be mentioned that W is one sick sadist and he can say and do some pretty demeaning things. Still, this story always feels like so much more than a sex book. The heroine is crazy likable, and hero is an assortment of adjectives from alluring to scary. I thought the writing was just as strong as the previous book. I loved the struggle on both main characters parts to at first stick to business, learn to trust, and finding out where they go once “I love you” is mentioned?
”For me the next step was harder sex and deeper pain, and more frequent sessions. It was a collar, and my dungeon. For her, the next step was love and caring, and interconnectedness… She needed to realize I wasn’t some fairy tale prince.”
This was a good installment that clears up a ton of questions readers had from reading the first book. The intensity of these two together hasn’t diminished one bit.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I’m happy to report that this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but is a “to be continued” type of ending. Readers will also be thrilled to know that this book is told in alternating POVs of both Chere and W. Yes, it’s two and a half years later but W is around in the shadows.
”Chere thought the worst thing between us was the leaving. She was wrong. The worst thing was what I had started wanting from her by the end, what I still wanted from her with inappropriate intensity: her tears and misery, her trembling surrender, and my selfish perversity unhinging her soul.”
W is one hell of an intense guy. He has had a hand in Chere’s life over the past few years but has remained hidden. Chere is ready to graduate art and design school, has made a friend and has been frequently BDSM clubs trying to figured out her relationship with W. When it appears that Chere may move on, W can’t help put surface in her life. Oh yeah, you’ll find out W’s name, his occupation and some of his sick fantasy’s in this book.
It must be mentioned that W is one sick sadist and he can say and do some pretty demeaning things. Still, this story always feels like so much more than a sex book. The heroine is crazy likable, and hero is an assortment of adjectives from alluring to scary. I thought the writing was just as strong as the previous book. I loved the struggle on both main characters parts to at first stick to business, learn to trust, and finding out where they go once “I love you” is mentioned?
”For me the next step was harder sex and deeper pain, and more frequent sessions. It was a collar, and my dungeon. For her, the next step was love and caring, and interconnectedness… She needed to realize I wasn’t some fairy tale prince.”
This was a good installment that clears up a ton of questions readers had from reading the first book. The intensity of these two together hasn’t diminished one bit.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 7, 2017
Phew! What a fucked up love story is this? But god have mercy on me, I'm really enjoying this series!!! :D
Ps. If you think Christian Grey was a Dom, well wait until you met W! :D
Ps. If you think Christian Grey was a Dom, well wait until you met W! :D
December 22, 2016
4 TAUNTED STARS!!
Good luck, starshine. You’re just going to get fucked again. Yeah, she wished. Chere didn't know what the fuck just happened. Two and half years, She's barely moving on with her life. Chere left her escort life and start to study about design; her dream. In a BDSM club, she met Andrew, a new (gay)friend who is funny and a sub. I'm so relieved Chere found a friend because she's really need one. Chere still couldn't forget him although didn't know anything about him. When she think about move on from W's shadow, he's return. The real W.
There is Chere's life after met the real W aka Price. Everything about him made she forgot herself. She barricade herself from him. They're still fucking HOT together. Like in everywhere especially when Chere has internship in Price's company. They're so heartbroken together. It was full of emotions to couldn't have something you want. Desperate, scared and horny, yeah. Price's kinkiness will be always the top. His sadistic side still in there; waiting for Chere.
Both of them are completed idiot and coward. Price was afraid of her to know he has a dungeon and she would run of the hill. It feels very different when he became W. He's more unsure and insecure. And Chere like a drunken-in-love person. Her 'dreamy' love for Price blind her reality. She's easily agreeable. Still, a great despite my issues. I couldn't wait for their ending. What kinda of ending would it be? Hmm...
Good luck, starshine. You’re just going to get fucked again. Yeah, she wished. Chere didn't know what the fuck just happened. Two and half years, She's barely moving on with her life. Chere left her escort life and start to study about design; her dream. In a BDSM club, she met Andrew, a new (gay)friend who is funny and a sub. I'm so relieved Chere found a friend because she's really need one. Chere still couldn't forget him although didn't know anything about him. When she think about move on from W's shadow, he's return. The real W.
The first thing she said to me after she came was Please let me look at you...There he is. Price Thomas Eriksen aka P.T. Eriksen; an asshole also a sadist. He think leaving her is for the best. He didn't leave her with nothing. Apparently, Price is a filthy rich bastard and he never far away from Chere. He always around. He's watching from a far but Chere never know. So it's not only Chere who's miserable, he's very lonely. The need to meet and fuck her always crossed his mind though he still stay away from her. After all this time, he came back.
Every time I saw her, I thought, I want to hurt you. I have to hurt you. Please let me hurt you.
And she let me. Every single time.
Wishing me at the moment, so it wasn’t very much.Two and half years Chere was like a human without soul. She didn't feel function properly because her mind full of him. Every wicked things he did to her. Every poetry he gave to her. It was very depressing for me. How could someone still cling into uncertainty? Life has to move, right? Not Chere. It feels like W/Price took her soul with him. Still, after he came back with his true identity I could feel her frustration. He mindfucked her so badly. Literally, he owned her. Everything she had came from him. This is kinda hard to explain because I was drown into their story. So confusing and kinda horny at same time.
Why had I chosen this? Why was I subjecting myself to his whimsical sadism, his torturous scenes? Just to feel his power and have his cock, and earn those magical orgasms if he deemed me worthy?
Yes. Good God above, yes, that was why.
There is Chere's life after met the real W aka Price. Everything about him made she forgot herself. She barricade herself from him. They're still fucking HOT together. Like in everywhere especially when Chere has internship in Price's company. They're so heartbroken together. It was full of emotions to couldn't have something you want. Desperate, scared and horny, yeah. Price's kinkiness will be always the top. His sadistic side still in there; waiting for Chere.
"Naughty girl,” I said in a low voice. “Naughty intern, throwing herself at the boss.” I grabbed her hair and pulled hard. “Do you know what happens to sexy, naughty interns like you?”Taunt Me was told from 2 POV from Chere and Price. I forgot to mentioned their head is kinda funny sometimes :) I really want to give it 5 stars but something didn't work for me in the end. I could feel how hard is Chere's life before and after Price. It's kinda blur about her. Sometimes determined and stupid is a thin line. I didn't expected the ending would be... so cheesy(?).
She gazed at me. “Something bad? Something awful?”
“Absolutely.”
Both of them are completed idiot and coward. Price was afraid of her to know he has a dungeon and she would run of the hill. It feels very different when he became W. He's more unsure and insecure. And Chere like a drunken-in-love person. Her 'dreamy' love for Price blind her reality. She's easily agreeable. Still, a great despite my issues. I couldn't wait for their ending. What kinda of ending would it be? Hmm...
July 5, 2017
4.5 Stars
Price is one complex and layered character. When I finished Torment Me I couldn't wait to start reading Taunt Me. I needed answers. I needed to know more about the mysterious W now known as Price and I got all the answers I wanted. He certainly is one wicked dominant. To put it bluntly he's a sadist who craves pain from his submissive. His slave. Chere is the one he wants but clearly doesn't think he deserves because of who he is and what he needs from her.
Taunt Me picks up two and half years later and so much has changed for Chere and yet one thing remained the same. She's in school, got a new friend but still misses Price and his tortures ways. I enjoyed how Chere had embraced her BDSM needs and that she was doing well with her studies. Wanting to make a better life for herself because she thought she deserved it. Price kept his guard up and had been keeping a secret of his own. When that secret was revealed I was entertained as hell. Wow! Talk about a hot, sizzling and explosive scene!
Price and Chere's relationship is still uncertain and complicated because they both have different expectations and want different things. Chere is at first very closed off not wanting to get hurt again and Price has always been that way and doesn't know how to change that. That dynamic was very fascinating and interesting. They both fought so hard to break through to one another and only ended up hurting or disappointing each other. What always remained certain was their sexual need. The final couple of chapters were intense leading up to what I knew was Price's motive for wanting Chere.
I can't wait to read the final book because their relationship is based on sexual needs to please and hurt one another. Can they find love when one of them has a totally different view on it. One that's based on humiliation, hurt and pleasure. I can't wait to find out. Once again Annabel Joseph writes with a flawless and honest prose. Definitely a worthy sequel to Torment Me.
4.5 BadAssDirtyPleaseMeStars
Price is one complex and layered character. When I finished Torment Me I couldn't wait to start reading Taunt Me. I needed answers. I needed to know more about the mysterious W now known as Price and I got all the answers I wanted. He certainly is one wicked dominant. To put it bluntly he's a sadist who craves pain from his submissive. His slave. Chere is the one he wants but clearly doesn't think he deserves because of who he is and what he needs from her.
Taunt Me picks up two and half years later and so much has changed for Chere and yet one thing remained the same. She's in school, got a new friend but still misses Price and his tortures ways. I enjoyed how Chere had embraced her BDSM needs and that she was doing well with her studies. Wanting to make a better life for herself because she thought she deserved it. Price kept his guard up and had been keeping a secret of his own. When that secret was revealed I was entertained as hell. Wow! Talk about a hot, sizzling and explosive scene!
Price and Chere's relationship is still uncertain and complicated because they both have different expectations and want different things. Chere is at first very closed off not wanting to get hurt again and Price has always been that way and doesn't know how to change that. That dynamic was very fascinating and interesting. They both fought so hard to break through to one another and only ended up hurting or disappointing each other. What always remained certain was their sexual need. The final couple of chapters were intense leading up to what I knew was Price's motive for wanting Chere.
I can't wait to read the final book because their relationship is based on sexual needs to please and hurt one another. Can they find love when one of them has a totally different view on it. One that's based on humiliation, hurt and pleasure. I can't wait to find out. Once again Annabel Joseph writes with a flawless and honest prose. Definitely a worthy sequel to Torment Me.
4.5 BadAssDirtyPleaseMeStars
November 14, 2015
Annabel Joseph really worked me over with this read. Review to follow.
May 13, 2017
Taunt Me opens two and a half years later with Chere Rouzier attending design school and without any communication with W other than the note during their last session. While W’s methods may make him look like a grade-A prick, his intentions are honorable. After many years of struggle, Chere is left to find her own way but while her education is headed in the right direction, she is emotionally spent from the loss of W’s encompassing control.
“She needed that, all those things I could never give her. Kindness. Nurturing. Love.”
Knowing W and his propensities, he wants Chere to independently succeed but relinquishing his interest in her is not possible. Closely watching her from afar, W tries to allow Chere to make her own mistakes but when it looks like she’s about to harm herself, W intervenes once again in her life.
“The worst thing was what I had started wanting from her by the end, what I still wanted from her with inappropriate intensity: her tears and misery, her trembling surrender, and my selfish perversity unhinging her soul.”
Upon reconciliation, Chere agrees to W’s terms and during this time, each tries to cope with their fears. Chere is much more open emotionally and willing to take risks, whereas, W remains inaccessible for his own reasons. As W continually breaks through Chere’s layers, she expects more reciprocation from W but submitting is her biggest surrender and pleasure.
“In my control, with your sex open to me, and your body open to me, all wet and ready for me. Doesn’t this feel good? Doesn’t it feel right?”
Told in dual first person point of views, we are gifted with W’s perspective and it further adds dimension to a complex character. On the surface, he is enigmatic, composed and guarded but when he exposes his emotions to Chere, it is so rewarding to get a glimpse of his soul. It’s those times that nourish Chere’s heart but sometimes it isn’t enough.
“It was hard being an ultra-possessive, ultra-protective sadist and pervert. It made my life complicated as shit.”
What ensues in Taunt Me is hot and layered with emotions. While we learn more about Chere and W, there is still much more to discover regarding their limitations and their future together. Annabel Joseph’s writing continues to capture my attention with effortless dialogue, an engrossing plot and vulnerable characters. I cannot wait to continue this story in the next book! I highly recommend Taunt Me!
Rough Love series:
November 9, 2015
Taunt Me (Rough Love #2) by Annabel Joseph
4 stars!!
I couldn’t wait to dive into this one after the ending of Torment Me and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. Yes, the dynamic is totally different in this one but none of that intensity is missing. Taunt Me is set two and a half years later after Torment Me and W is still missing…or is he?
Chere is coming to the end of her studies and has been doing extremely well, she certainly has a flair for her chosen art form, one that hasn’t gone unnoticed by one of her tutors. The only thing that is missing from Chere’s life is a man. While she has her gay BBF who is absolutely adorable she is finally beginning to feel the need for male company but her head is saying something else. Her head cannot forget W, she cannot forget him, she still wants him, she still dreams about him…she needs closure.
W as we know is an Alpha, a sadist and extremely possessive and he looks after those he deems as his and Chere is definitely his. Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder, even if that absence is self-induced but as I said W is a sadist and he has been tormenting himself. He has been keeping tabs on Chere and as painful as it is, to him it is the right thing, he wants her to find herself, he wants her to fly but the longer they are apart, the harder it is.
We find out so much in this book, especially about W and we find out his name. W is broken himself and as far as he is concerned he cannot love or be loved, even though that is the furthest thing from the truth, after all actions speak louder than words. The more I learn about him the more I love him, I should be scared, I should be wary of his creepy stalker tendencies but underneath all this is a man that is in love even if he cannot admit it.
Will these two meet again? Will W show his hand? Will Chere let him back in? I cannot wait for book three, there is something about this couple that has really stuck in my heart and head. Chere is such a lovely character, you want her to find happiness, you want her to be loved and while on the outside it seems W is not the man I actually think that these two are crazily suited to each other. They just need to find a balance.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!
“Love always hurts.”
“No…Love always lies.”
I couldn’t wait to dive into this one after the ending of Torment Me and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. Yes, the dynamic is totally different in this one but none of that intensity is missing. Taunt Me is set two and a half years later after Torment Me and W is still missing…or is he?
Chere is coming to the end of her studies and has been doing extremely well, she certainly has a flair for her chosen art form, one that hasn’t gone unnoticed by one of her tutors. The only thing that is missing from Chere’s life is a man. While she has her gay BBF who is absolutely adorable she is finally beginning to feel the need for male company but her head is saying something else. Her head cannot forget W, she cannot forget him, she still wants him, she still dreams about him…she needs closure.
“He had fucked me up completely within the space of two months. Years later, the wounds stull lingered, festering emotion and unsettled angst.”
W as we know is an Alpha, a sadist and extremely possessive and he looks after those he deems as his and Chere is definitely his. Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder, even if that absence is self-induced but as I said W is a sadist and he has been tormenting himself. He has been keeping tabs on Chere and as painful as it is, to him it is the right thing, he wants her to find herself, he wants her to fly but the longer they are apart, the harder it is.
“Chere thought the worst thing between us was the leaving. She was wrong. The worst thing was what I had started wanting from her by the end, what I still wanted from her with inappropriate intensity: her tears and misery, her trembling surrender, and my selfish perversity unhinging her soul.”
We find out so much in this book, especially about W and we find out his name. W is broken himself and as far as he is concerned he cannot love or be loved, even though that is the furthest thing from the truth, after all actions speak louder than words. The more I learn about him the more I love him, I should be scared, I should be wary of his creepy stalker tendencies but underneath all this is a man that is in love even if he cannot admit it.
“How many stars in your bowl?
How many shadows in your soul?”
Will these two meet again? Will W show his hand? Will Chere let him back in? I cannot wait for book three, there is something about this couple that has really stuck in my heart and head. Chere is such a lovely character, you want her to find happiness, you want her to be loved and while on the outside it seems W is not the man I actually think that these two are crazily suited to each other. They just need to find a balance.
“…She’s not like the other ones. That was the danger. She wasn’t like the other ones. She didn’t just want my cock or my money. She was after my fucking soul.”
www.theromancecover.com
March 11, 2019
Five stars for this bad boy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I always love the second book in a trilogy the best, and this one wasn’t any different! I loved FINALLY having W’s POV; I was enthralled.. Not only did we need his reasons for what he did, but he was also the comic relief, at least for me. Then again, I have a somewhat inappropriate sense of humor, sooooo...
My commentary thus far isn’t all that spoiler-y, but if you’re one of those people who doesn’t want to know anything, proceed with caution.
I think a lot of what he does is forgivable to me because he tries so hard to help her succeed. He may want to play games where she’s just a toy, a whore to bend to his will, but by the end of this book, it’s so clear that’s all it is- a game. His support of Chere is not only what I love about him, it makes the games that much more thrilling, because it’s fantasy. She’s everything to him.
That being said, those shitty things he did and said made it so that Chere doesn’t come across as ungrateful when she doesn’t just fall at his feet. He did and still does so much for her, but he also still makes and has made so many mistakes, so the push and pull makes complete sense. On the surface, it does seem like he wants to control her, wants to keep her under his thumb, when the truth is that nobody has done more to help her succeed. Really, nobody has done anything to help her succeed except him... who really has done everything. He’s a classic case of actions speak louder than words, and God, I fucking love what his actions say about his feelings for her.
Also, this time around, Chere has her shit together, so they seem on more equal ground. I loved their dynamic.
I always love the second book in a trilogy the best, and this one wasn’t any different! I loved FINALLY having W’s POV; I was enthralled.. Not only did we need his reasons for what he did, but he was also the comic relief, at least for me. Then again, I have a somewhat inappropriate sense of humor, sooooo...
My commentary thus far isn’t all that spoiler-y, but if you’re one of those people who doesn’t want to know anything, proceed with caution.
I think a lot of what he does is forgivable to me because he tries so hard to help her succeed. He may want to play games where she’s just a toy, a whore to bend to his will, but by the end of this book, it’s so clear that’s all it is- a game. His support of Chere is not only what I love about him, it makes the games that much more thrilling, because it’s fantasy. She’s everything to him.
That being said, those shitty things he did and said made it so that Chere doesn’t come across as ungrateful when she doesn’t just fall at his feet. He did and still does so much for her, but he also still makes and has made so many mistakes, so the push and pull makes complete sense. On the surface, it does seem like he wants to control her, wants to keep her under his thumb, when the truth is that nobody has done more to help her succeed. Really, nobody has done anything to help her succeed except him... who really has done everything. He’s a classic case of actions speak louder than words, and God, I fucking love what his actions say about his feelings for her.
Also, this time around, Chere has her shit together, so they seem on more equal ground. I loved their dynamic.
October 19, 2023
1st read 10 November 2015
They are so crazy....
2nd read 1 March 2016
They are so crazy....
2nd read 1 March 2016
June 18, 2020
4.5 what-a-ride
November 12, 2015
Book 2 in a sequel normally tends to let me down.
I am so happy this is not the case here.
Actually, I loved this one even more than book#1 .
In this story the author's give us Price's POV where the mystery about him is revealed.
We get to know him.
“When I was little, I had all these dreams of power and force and good and evil. I wanted to fight dragons. I wanted to be heroic and save princesses… When I got a little older, my fairy tale fantasies transformed in superhero daydreams. I wanted to be both the villain and the rescuer to my adolescent crushes. I wanted to hurt woman and save them, and be worthy of them. As I aged, I developed very specific fantasies, of towers and dungeon, cages and ropes, and tearful, traumatized victims. I masturbated endlessly to imagined scenes of torment and abduction.
Then I grew into adult, and realized that my needs skirted the edge of what was socially acceptable. Failed relationship followed failed relationship, and I finally gave up.
We see him struggling, having internal battles to not give in to Chere's demands as she grows restless in their sex-only relationship.
That was the danger. She wasn't like the other ones. She didn't want just my cock or my money. She was after my fucking soul.
She wants the next step.
What I like the most and find extremely refreshing is the fact that Price is a sadist just because he is. There is no drama or damaged character from a horrible past.
Just waiting for the next one.
September 22, 2017
4 stars
The story goes on 2,5 years after the end of Torment Me. Chere is studying and has really changed her life. The book is well-written and the plot is dark, kinky and intense. The story is said by a dual POV (Chere's and W's) and it's well done. Ms. Joseph goes on surprising me with this story. The violence, the darkness, the pain are everywhere evident and still I couldn't put down this book.
Chere has changed since Torment Me. She is still insecure and close to herself but she has found a way to put it out. Through her studies and work. I like her. She is still fighting for what she wants and although she tries to be logic, she realised that there are matters that logic has no place. I also respect her for making choices and supporting them!
W or better, Price is the kind of man that I would never understand and would never want. However, knowing what he thinks and wants, fills in the gaps from Torment Me. Although I understand him better now, I still don't like him. In a way he makes the lines betweenpain and love so blurred that I feel scarred and I don't like to be scarred.
Their interactions were just crazy! I don't know how to describe them. Their connection is evident and strong but still I felt like watching something terrible about to happen....Don't take me wrong, Ms. Joseph succeeded to write a story full of pain and contradictions but with lots of emotions. Even when I wasn't agreeing with the choices of the heroes, I still couldn't get mad at them or stop reading this book.
The end of the book was emotionally painful for me. I don't want to give anything away so I won't say anything. The emotions were so strong that I cried! That simple! That's why I cannot start immediately with the next book. I know that there will be more pain and I cannot go through with it right away.
However I still recommend this book to everyone who loved Torment Me!
The story goes on 2,5 years after the end of Torment Me. Chere is studying and has really changed her life. The book is well-written and the plot is dark, kinky and intense. The story is said by a dual POV (Chere's and W's) and it's well done. Ms. Joseph goes on surprising me with this story. The violence, the darkness, the pain are everywhere evident and still I couldn't put down this book.
Chere has changed since Torment Me. She is still insecure and close to herself but she has found a way to put it out. Through her studies and work. I like her. She is still fighting for what she wants and although she tries to be logic, she realised that there are matters that logic has no place. I also respect her for making choices and supporting them!
W or better, Price is the kind of man that I would never understand and would never want. However, knowing what he thinks and wants, fills in the gaps from Torment Me. Although I understand him better now, I still don't like him. In a way he makes the lines betweenpain and love so blurred that I feel scarred and I don't like to be scarred.
Their interactions were just crazy! I don't know how to describe them. Their connection is evident and strong but still I felt like watching something terrible about to happen....Don't take me wrong, Ms. Joseph succeeded to write a story full of pain and contradictions but with lots of emotions. Even when I wasn't agreeing with the choices of the heroes, I still couldn't get mad at them or stop reading this book.
The end of the book was emotionally painful for me. I don't want to give anything away so I won't say anything. The emotions were so strong that I cried! That simple! That's why I cannot start immediately with the next book. I know that there will be more pain and I cannot go through with it right away.
However I still recommend this book to everyone who loved Torment Me!
July 17, 2020
Omggg yes! 4 fucking stars!
This was one hell of a messy, sexy ride!
𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣.
Honestly, this book turned out to be SO MUCH BETTER than the first one. We get to read from both, 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 and 𝗪'𝘀 pov. We get an actual plot and the way, the situations were created was really good! It was while I was reading that I thought this guy, 𝗪, is what a real dominant is like. And Christian Grey, from fifty shades of grey, did nothing compared to what our Dominant in this book did!
Also, this may be more of a rant than a review. I hope you like it :)
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩.
(𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘋𝘚𝘔.) If you're into it, you're gonna love it.
𝙈𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣.
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲
In this book, 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 learns many things.
First, that she cannot have things her way and has to submit her self fully. If she wants she the kind of pleasure she wants, she has to please and surrender to 𝗪.
Second, that she loves him. That no matter what happens, she can't help it and she wants him to love her too.
Third, she understands that he doesn't trust her and to gain trust she had to trust him first. Had to give herself to him, show him she belongs to him and he owns her.
𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩.
The only thing is that she is in a conflict (𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳) and the raw way in which the author writes her resolving those conflicts is truly amazing!
𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙬𝙡? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡?
𝗪
Seriously, he's so manipulative but then, aren't all dominants? He gets what he wants and he keeps it all under his control but as we see that he's been developing a soft corner for 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, there's still one thing he resists himself to have for her happiness.
𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙪𝙣, . . . 𝙈𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧. 𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
He is a sadistic Dom and wants to satisfy his desires while all she wants is him. After all that has happened so far, the real dominant submissive play has only just begun.
𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄
Just the best supportive gay friend ever!! All his conversations with 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 are so important and sincere and I felt actually happy for her to have a genuine and trustworthy friend. He advises her, he makes her see some things that are beyond her imagination. He just, I don't know how to describe his lovely, happy, friendly character but I loved him!
𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
I must say all the dialogues were so strong. There are so many quotable lines and such intensity that you'll just stay hooked up.
𝗦𝗲𝘅
Okay, it wasn't just sex. All the tension, the steam, the 'you are mine' and I'll do whatever the fuck I want scenes were truly amazing. They weren't only written sexy and scary but they actually made you feel sexy and scary.
As for me, in the whole book, even though some things do repeat normally in sex, every fucking time something new happened I just felt like my heart has jumped up to my throat.
Truly amazing! SO VERY WELL WRITTEN!
This was one hell of a messy, sexy ride!
𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣.
Honestly, this book turned out to be SO MUCH BETTER than the first one. We get to read from both, 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 and 𝗪'𝘀 pov. We get an actual plot and the way, the situations were created was really good! It was while I was reading that I thought this guy, 𝗪, is what a real dominant is like. And Christian Grey, from fifty shades of grey, did nothing compared to what our Dominant in this book did!
Also, this may be more of a rant than a review. I hope you like it :)
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩.
(𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘋𝘚𝘔.) If you're into it, you're gonna love it.
𝙈𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣.
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲
In this book, 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 learns many things.
First, that she cannot have things her way and has to submit her self fully. If she wants she the kind of pleasure she wants, she has to please and surrender to 𝗪.
Second, that she loves him. That no matter what happens, she can't help it and she wants him to love her too.
Third, she understands that he doesn't trust her and to gain trust she had to trust him first. Had to give herself to him, show him she belongs to him and he owns her.
𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩.
The only thing is that she is in a conflict (𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳) and the raw way in which the author writes her resolving those conflicts is truly amazing!
𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙬𝙡? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡?
𝗪
Seriously, he's so manipulative but then, aren't all dominants? He gets what he wants and he keeps it all under his control but as we see that he's been developing a soft corner for 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, there's still one thing he resists himself to have for her happiness.
𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙪𝙣, . . . 𝙈𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧. 𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
He is a sadistic Dom and wants to satisfy his desires while all she wants is him. After all that has happened so far, the real dominant submissive play has only just begun.
𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄
Just the best supportive gay friend ever!! All his conversations with 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 are so important and sincere and I felt actually happy for her to have a genuine and trustworthy friend. He advises her, he makes her see some things that are beyond her imagination. He just, I don't know how to describe his lovely, happy, friendly character but I loved him!
𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
I must say all the dialogues were so strong. There are so many quotable lines and such intensity that you'll just stay hooked up.
𝗦𝗲𝘅
Okay, it wasn't just sex. All the tension, the steam, the 'you are mine' and I'll do whatever the fuck I want scenes were truly amazing. They weren't only written sexy and scary but they actually made you feel sexy and scary.
As for me, in the whole book, even though some things do repeat normally in sex, every fucking time something new happened I just felt like my heart has jumped up to my throat.
Truly amazing! SO VERY WELL WRITTEN!
December 31, 2015
Taunt me (rough love part two)
This book starts two years later from where the first book finishes .
Chere has found herself so to say , she has left the escort business and left behind all of her old life , she has started college and is studying design . it seems as though she has moved forward . She has even thought of dating her former teacher which seems kinda of icky and yucky to me. Also she found herself a new friend that I love Andrew he is so sweet and pretty funny. So everything seems to be going pretty well except for one thing our girl Chere is still totally and utterly obsessed with our famous and lovingly horrible sadist W, she still trying to find him and finally find out his name and have some closure, and she might just get it .
W “aka” Price Ericksen , yay we finally know his name . Is still in contact with Chere life , but she has no clue of course . So when he sees that Chere is getting close to her former professor which is a icky man he steps in , and leaves Chere in shocked , this is where the story gets really exciting and they try to figure out their relationship.
MY POV …..
I really liked this book , I liked the fact that Chere seem to be more centered , she knew what she wanted more and doesn’t let herself be fooled well kinda.
I loved how she stood up to Price and tried to put certain boundries. Also how she accepted the fact that she was a submissive and she enjoys when Price treats her the way he does .
“ I loved being overpowered by him”
The sex is a lot steamier and with more emotion we still have Price as a hard sadist but he shows also a more softer side.
“ Sometimes I wished she was for me.”
“ I wanted to protect her. I wanted to rescue her like some goddamned knight in shinning armor”
In this book we also get to read about Price and his POV I really enjoyed that .
I enjoyed how much Price really cared for Chere and wanted to just keep her for himself . of course that change the fact that he is still a crazy loving sadist.
“ you let me do what I want to your F***** body you re my slut , my toy to play with”
“ it was hard being an ultra possessive , ultra protective sadist .it made my life complicated “
again totally enjoyed the second book more then the first and cant wait for the next one.
5 sadist could be loving too stars
This book starts two years later from where the first book finishes .
Chere has found herself so to say , she has left the escort business and left behind all of her old life , she has started college and is studying design . it seems as though she has moved forward . She has even thought of dating her former teacher which seems kinda of icky and yucky to me. Also she found herself a new friend that I love Andrew he is so sweet and pretty funny. So everything seems to be going pretty well except for one thing our girl Chere is still totally and utterly obsessed with our famous and lovingly horrible sadist W, she still trying to find him and finally find out his name and have some closure, and she might just get it .
W “aka” Price Ericksen , yay we finally know his name . Is still in contact with Chere life , but she has no clue of course . So when he sees that Chere is getting close to her former professor which is a icky man he steps in , and leaves Chere in shocked , this is where the story gets really exciting and they try to figure out their relationship.
MY POV …..
I really liked this book , I liked the fact that Chere seem to be more centered , she knew what she wanted more and doesn’t let herself be fooled well kinda.
I loved how she stood up to Price and tried to put certain boundries. Also how she accepted the fact that she was a submissive and she enjoys when Price treats her the way he does .
“ I loved being overpowered by him”
The sex is a lot steamier and with more emotion we still have Price as a hard sadist but he shows also a more softer side.
“ Sometimes I wished she was for me.”
“ I wanted to protect her. I wanted to rescue her like some goddamned knight in shinning armor”
In this book we also get to read about Price and his POV I really enjoyed that .
I enjoyed how much Price really cared for Chere and wanted to just keep her for himself . of course that change the fact that he is still a crazy loving sadist.
“ you let me do what I want to your F***** body you re my slut , my toy to play with”
“ it was hard being an ultra possessive , ultra protective sadist .it made my life complicated “
again totally enjoyed the second book more then the first and cant wait for the next one.
5 sadist could be loving too stars
November 12, 2015
4.5 I-want-the-next-one Stars!
So this is more of a reflection than a review...
He took her power with no negotiation.
I think that when reading about characters whose behavior goes way beyond the comfort zone of the reader (for me, in this story, being choked to unconsciousness by a Dom with anger issues), the reader has to relate to them differently. I love the way Price and Chere are perfect for one another in their complementary twistedness. At the same time, I hate that Chere allows herself to be used and treated so badly by Price, and I hate what a selfish ass that Price is. Still, they perfectly complement one another; who am I to judge what, for them, is right? That is all part of the angst and journey of self-exploration of reading a story that pushes your limits because the dynamic of the characters is so superbly crafted that they seem very real.
There was never a guarantee of safe, sane, and consensual.
The benefit to the reader of identifying with Chere is certainly the cathartic angst, the extreme anticipation, the pleasure/fear, and the sensuous hawtness of the scenes with Price.
Still, she couldn't deny the pull--despite the danger.
The ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger, but is a good and logical stop to this part. Ms. Joseph notified readers in both books 1 and 2 that this is a trilogy and that full resolution would not occur until book 3. That said, I hate having to wait for book 3, Trust Me, but will do so with great anticipation.
She just wanted more...
If you enjoy angsty, dark, bdsm romance, you may love Taunt Me and the Rough Love series (very aptly named). Be sure to read the books in order, beginning with Torment Me.
So this is more of a reflection than a review...
He took her power with no negotiation.
I think that when reading about characters whose behavior goes way beyond the comfort zone of the reader (for me, in this story, being choked to unconsciousness by a Dom with anger issues), the reader has to relate to them differently. I love the way Price and Chere are perfect for one another in their complementary twistedness. At the same time, I hate that Chere allows herself to be used and treated so badly by Price, and I hate what a selfish ass that Price is. Still, they perfectly complement one another; who am I to judge what, for them, is right? That is all part of the angst and journey of self-exploration of reading a story that pushes your limits because the dynamic of the characters is so superbly crafted that they seem very real.
There was never a guarantee of safe, sane, and consensual.
The benefit to the reader of identifying with Chere is certainly the cathartic angst, the extreme anticipation, the pleasure/fear, and the sensuous hawtness of the scenes with Price.
Still, she couldn't deny the pull--despite the danger.
The ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger, but is a good and logical stop to this part. Ms. Joseph notified readers in both books 1 and 2 that this is a trilogy and that full resolution would not occur until book 3. That said, I hate having to wait for book 3, Trust Me, but will do so with great anticipation.
She just wanted more...
If you enjoy angsty, dark, bdsm romance, you may love Taunt Me and the Rough Love series (very aptly named). Be sure to read the books in order, beginning with Torment Me.
March 21, 2016
4 Stars!
Rough.
Steamy.
Poetic.
One thing always pop in my mind when reading this series: Ifsome people hate Christian Grey then most likely they will detest Price. Just sayin'...
Price is a sadist. But Chere is a masochist, so... I loved that he's not easily deterred. Consistent being the asshole that he is. From the book 1 to this book 2. And I bet he will be more of an asshole in book 3. Not to mention that the guy really love ass-fcking... ugh I hate him.
What's to love? The man is poetry geek. Especially in book 1.
"How many stars is in your bowl?"
I closed my eyes behind the mask, and thought about all the things I had to be happy for, and all the things that challenged me, and my intimate circle of trusted friends. "Eighty to ninety stars. Maybe."
He laughed at that. "Am I one of them?"
I wiggled my ass. You're my sun, I thought. My main star. No matter how I wish it otherwise, everything in my life revolves around you.
Rough.
Steamy.
Poetic.
One thing always pop in my mind when reading this series: If
Price is a sadist. But Chere is a masochist, so... I loved that he's not easily deterred. Consistent being the asshole that he is. From the book 1 to this book 2. And I bet he will be more of an asshole in book 3. Not to mention that the guy really love ass-fcking... ugh I hate him.
What's to love? The man is poetry geek. Especially in book 1.
May 6, 2017
This is book 2 of the Rough Love series.
It's been 2,5 years since W left Chere but not without giving her an apartment en encouraging her to leave her drug user, abusing boyfriend. Chere goes to college and keeps looking for W, even if she does not know a thing about him, not his real name, where he works or lives.
Chere knows now that she not only is a submissive but a masochist. During the day she is isolates herself, keeps to her studies, and is focused on starting her new career as a designer for jewellery; but at night, she frequents the BDSM clubs of Manhattan, lurking in the shadows, hoping that she will someday run into him. She is seen in one of the club by her metal professor, a Dom.
W has not moved on either. We learn his real name and also that he is very close by. He watches and stalks her. But when the professor shows interest in Chere he decides to step in.
Being back in her life they start a relationship. A uncertain and problematic one because of their expectations.
Price introduces Chere to his dungeon that took him three years to install and customise to Chere.
On to book 3!
This book is part of a series that has to be read in order:
November 9, 2017
Chere's mystery man gave her the means to stop escorting, but broke her heart in the process. She is in school, discovering her own creativity, but her personal life is stuck on pause. W introduced her to a new side her sexuality, that she is unsure how to go about exploring. Just when she is on the verge of moving on, the prodigal lover returns in a typically insane way.
The Good:
1. I am so hooked on this twisted story. Even when I'm horrified by something this guy does, I'm rooting for it to end well for them. This guy reminds me of my imagined Christian Grey epilogue, after divorcing Anna because love isn't enough. I imagine him going super dark in a bid to really find his true version of a kinky HEA.
2. Chere's character growth is realistic, and imperfect. I never found myself not believing her responses to situations.
3. Despite the dark tone, there is fairness sometimes missing from these types of books. No cheating, or other women.
The Bad:
1. Everything about this is triggering, so not for those wanting sweet versions of kink. Run from book.
Final Thoughts:
I love series despite it featuring things not my normal speed. The storytelling trumps my pain squeamishness.
The Good:
1. I am so hooked on this twisted story. Even when I'm horrified by something this guy does, I'm rooting for it to end well for them. This guy reminds me of my imagined Christian Grey epilogue, after divorcing Anna because love isn't enough. I imagine him going super dark in a bid to really find his true version of a kinky HEA.
2. Chere's character growth is realistic, and imperfect. I never found myself not believing her responses to situations.
3. Despite the dark tone, there is fairness sometimes missing from these types of books. No cheating, or other women.
The Bad:
1. Everything about this is triggering, so not for those wanting sweet versions of kink. Run from book.
Final Thoughts:
I love series despite it featuring things not my normal speed. The storytelling trumps my pain squeamishness.
December 15, 2015
5 Star-chitect stars
We catch up with Chere 2 and a half years later. She’s managed to leave the escort life and is coming to the end of a design program she embarked upon.
I don’t really want to disclose anymore about the story, but suffice it to say that this part of the story was quite different. It gave us more through different points of view. All angles had been from Chere previously, so only assumptions were made.
The sadist is around, polishing his canes and butt plugs, whilst exposing his thoughts as well as his name.
A game of cat and mouse ensues, but how will it all end? How can this anti-relationship function? Will orgasms and poetry be enough to placate his desires?
We catch up with Chere 2 and a half years later. She’s managed to leave the escort life and is coming to the end of a design program she embarked upon.
I don’t really want to disclose anymore about the story, but suffice it to say that this part of the story was quite different. It gave us more through different points of view. All angles had been from Chere previously, so only assumptions were made.
The sadist is around, polishing his canes and butt plugs, whilst exposing his thoughts as well as his name.
A game of cat and mouse ensues, but how will it all end? How can this anti-relationship function? Will orgasms and poetry be enough to placate his desires?
”How many stars in your bowl?
How many shadows in your soul?”
August 18, 2021
RTC!
~
There's this pining by Chere over Price in the beginning that IDK, felt a little Twilight-esque. Overall, worth reading if you enjoyed the first book. I'm still not sure how I feel about reading Price's thoughts; I liked some of the revelations but overall eh. I don't need to know what the hero is thinking. I prefer first-person POV for the heroine, and third-person POV for the hero.
If you have a thing for intern/boss scenario, Taunt Me's plot direction leads us down this particular lane. I don't have a thing for it, so I didn't love this turn of the plot, or when Price pulls out all the stops, using his connections for Chere, or when he pushes her to create her own jewellery brand. It just felt like Price was doing everything for her, and ... I get the appeal of a partner who is rich and well connected and can make your dreams happen but I want the heroine to make it on her own. To be proud of her work. Whatever that is. As it is, it felt like things just dropped into Chere's lap and she accepted it like it was her due. Oh of course she made some objections about interning with Price but then she didn't say anything when she was put in his office or when he pulled strings to get her work at Tiffany's. Chere says she does not want special treatment, wants a "normal" internship but a normal internship would not have these benefits or intimate opportunities, and in fact there would be no internship as Price never really entertained them from his alma mater. Although to be cynical, Chere’s special internship experience could be considered sexual nepotism.
I know that Chere deludes herself a lot but for me, I did not enjoy it this time.
I think this reminds me of why I don't generally read romances set in contemporary settings because I am way more nit-picky, because I get jarred out of the make-believe. As it is, I read Rough Love series because of the rave reviews but I'm not sure if I will finish the series. It seems the last book is about Chere doing her jewellery business while also being a BDSM slave of some sort in Price's sex dungeon. I'll probably finish the series... but not right now!
~
There's this pining by Chere over Price in the beginning that IDK, felt a little Twilight-esque. Overall, worth reading if you enjoyed the first book. I'm still not sure how I feel about reading Price's thoughts; I liked some of the revelations but overall eh. I don't need to know what the hero is thinking. I prefer first-person POV for the heroine, and third-person POV for the hero.
If you have a thing for intern/boss scenario, Taunt Me's plot direction leads us down this particular lane. I don't have a thing for it, so I didn't love this turn of the plot, or when Price pulls out all the stops, using his connections for Chere, or when he pushes her to create her own jewellery brand. It just felt like Price was doing everything for her, and ... I get the appeal of a partner who is rich and well connected and can make your dreams happen but I want the heroine to make it on her own. To be proud of her work. Whatever that is. As it is, it felt like things just dropped into Chere's lap and she accepted it like it was her due. Oh of course she made some objections about interning with Price but then she didn't say anything when she was put in his office or when he pulled strings to get her work at Tiffany's. Chere says she does not want special treatment, wants a "normal" internship but a normal internship would not have these benefits or intimate opportunities, and in fact there would be no internship as Price never really entertained them from his alma mater. Although to be cynical, Chere’s special internship experience could be considered sexual nepotism.
I know that Chere deludes herself a lot but for me, I did not enjoy it this time.
I think this reminds me of why I don't generally read romances set in contemporary settings because I am way more nit-picky, because I get jarred out of the make-believe. As it is, I read Rough Love series because of the rave reviews but I'm not sure if I will finish the series. It seems the last book is about Chere doing her jewellery business while also being a BDSM slave of some sort in Price's sex dungeon. I'll probably finish the series... but not right now!
November 10, 2015
There's a reason Ms Joseph is one of my auto-buy authors. As far as I'm concerned, she is the best the BDSM genre has to offer. Taunt Me is (yet another) five star read, super smexy, and a fitting second book in her Rough Love series. It is NOT a stand alone!
After much thought, I've decided that Annabel's heroes fall into one of three categories-
1. The Good Man (Jason from Cirque, Jackson from Firebird and Ryan from Fortune). Truly excellent heroes that make you go *aww*, even as they make you go *ow!*
2. The Good Man with Arseholish tendencies (Theo from Cirque, Rubio from BDSM Ballet and Mephisto from Mephisto) - these guys definitely have a softer side, it's just buried under a thick layer of arsehole (which, lets be honest, only makes them hotter!)
3. The Unmitigated Arsehole (LeMaitre from Cirque, Jeremy Gray from Comfort, Matthew from Mercy and... W from Rough Love). These are my favourites- there's just something about an arsehole that really does it for me, and Annabel is a master (heh!) at writing arseholes that are still lovable and sexy without ever letting go of their arseholishness. (And now I've got a touch of jemais vu from writing arsehole too often)
With that said, W may be an unmitigated arsehole, but we do get to see how he thinks, and why he acts the way he does. Annabel has made him redeemable without losing any of his bite, which is rather impressive.
If you haven't read Annabel Joseph before, then do- she's the best* for a reason, though definitely not entry level, and some books are harder than others- I'd recommend Ballet BDSM for something a little sweet to start with.
*admittedly this is only my opinion, but I do think my opinion is right...
After much thought, I've decided that Annabel's heroes fall into one of three categories-
1. The Good Man (Jason from Cirque, Jackson from Firebird and Ryan from Fortune). Truly excellent heroes that make you go *aww*, even as they make you go *ow!*
2. The Good Man with Arseholish tendencies (Theo from Cirque, Rubio from BDSM Ballet and Mephisto from Mephisto) - these guys definitely have a softer side, it's just buried under a thick layer of arsehole (which, lets be honest, only makes them hotter!)
3. The Unmitigated Arsehole (LeMaitre from Cirque, Jeremy Gray from Comfort, Matthew from Mercy and... W from Rough Love). These are my favourites- there's just something about an arsehole that really does it for me, and Annabel is a master (heh!) at writing arseholes that are still lovable and sexy without ever letting go of their arseholishness. (And now I've got a touch of jemais vu from writing arsehole too often)
With that said, W may be an unmitigated arsehole, but we do get to see how he thinks, and why he acts the way he does. Annabel has made him redeemable without losing any of his bite, which is rather impressive.
If you haven't read Annabel Joseph before, then do- she's the best* for a reason, though definitely not entry level, and some books are harder than others- I'd recommend Ballet BDSM for something a little sweet to start with.
*admittedly this is only my opinion, but I do think my opinion is right...
May 10, 2018
Taunt me begins with Chere's new life. She's studying design in Norton and trying to move on with her life. But she can't. Chere goes to exclusive BDSM clubs looking for W and won't stop asking her former boss questions about who W is and where he is. And where is he? You won't believe it. I won't tell because it's unbelievable. He has been gone for more than 2 years but he hadn't been far. No, W let go of Chere, but he didn't let her out of his sight. He's watching, torturing himself why he had done the right thing. We finally figure out who he is. The chapters from his POV were fascinating. The things he wants to do to Chere...
And everything goes to hell when W can't actually leave her be with someone else. Their encounter is explosive. W is still the controlling, crazy and scary sadist. Chere has grown up so much and you can't just dislike her. The story sometimes goes on the line of madness, but it's not just about sex. It feels so much more. I found the writing as good as in the first book. W and Chere go from business fuck bodies to trying to trust and love each other lovers. The struggle is real when they try to have a relationship but W wants to punish her in his dungeon... Could Chere make it? That's what bothers me. Is there going to be happily ever after?
November 22, 2015
I felt like this book had totally different characters that I did not find myself enjoying. Hardly any poetry, Hardly any emotion. Price was annoying with the back and forth and Chere was like a puppy dog at every turn.
Meh.
Meh.
March 10, 2016
A DELICIOUSLY TWISTED, SCINTILLATING TALE OF DARK, TAINTED LOVE
The ROUGH LOVE series by Annabel Joseph is the most intense dark erotica series I have ever read and, truth be told, the S&M elements steamroll over a lot my hard limits, but from the very first moment that the mysterious Price yanked a blindfolded Chere inside his room at the W Hotel in book one, I was totally and utterly enthralled! I just could not stop breathlessly reading each and every pulse-pounding word, vicariously living each and every moment through these complex, confounding characters, because I was irresistibly hooked on their toxic love affair from the start!
This entrancing second installment, TAUNT ME, opens two and a half years after book one, TORMENT ME, ended. Chere has left escorting and is now about to graduate from a prestigious design school. She is still nursing a broken heart after Price’s cruel desertion at the end of book one, where he left her with a posh apartment and nothing more than a “Good luck, Starshine” farewell note. In the ensuing years, she has been pouring all her energy into building a life for herself, to forget the damage he and her abusive ex inflicted on her vulnerable psyche, but she still aches for Price’s fierce, primal dominance with every fiber of her being. A world rebound architect, Price made the ultimate sacrifice by letting his beautiful Chere go to give her an opportunity for a fresh start. He knew he was a cruel, heartless sadist who was no good for her and set her free because she deserved so much more than he could ever give, but his altruism only goes so far. Turns out he is closer than she thinks and has been a dark guardian angel, hovering nearby and pulling the strings in nearly every aspect of her life.
Even after all this time apart, neither has been able to let each other go, the memory of their sordid, twisted, scorching hot dalliance has haunted their hearts and souls and left them both lonely, emotionally bereft and aching for completion they can only find in one another. Before long, fate and destiny collide and they crash back into each other’s lives. But the consequences of their passionate, volatile reunion is dire indeed!
“How many stars in your bowl? How many shadows in your soul?”
D.H. Lawrence
Soul stirring poetry has always been a through line for this couple, the romantic glue that binds them together, and it is in these quieter, rawly tender moments, when they bask in the afterglow and he soothes the hurt he’s inflicted away, that we see poignant glimpses of the powerful intimate bond between the characters. Although I admittedly had a rough time with some of the more hardcore S&M elements and cringed my way through the brutal punishment scenarios, there was always rough tenderness beneath Price’s harsh veneer. I was able to read between the lines and see hints of goodness in him despite his cruel, savage, often degrading treatment of Chere. I know I should hate Price, and believe me at times I do, but I love him just as intently as well. No matter what he did or said, how much pain Chere suffered at his merciless hand, I never doubted Price’s unfaltering devotion…his fierce protectiveness…his determination to give her every opportunity to forge a rich, full, happy life. Although he certainly did have a perverse way of expressing it!
I loved getting Price's POV in book 2 because it helped me gain so much more insight into his stern, commanding persona. It made him much more human, less of an enigma, but also shed a glaring light on how his compulsive need for dominance and absolute control, his unquenched desire for Chere’s absolute surrender, and the true terrifying extent of how deep his obsessive love for her runs.
The exceptionally talented ANNABEL JOSEPH has an enormous gift for writing with such a depth of emotion and intense feeling that you are swept up into the hearts, minds and souls of the characters even during the most harrowing encounters. My heart just aches for both these characters, yearns for them to somehow heal their damaged psyches and I can't turn the pages fast enough to find out what torturous, intoxicating, passion-fueled paces Price is going to put poor Chere though next!
This series may push me WAY out of my comfort zone but it was a pure adrenaline rush of titillating excitement. I was ultimately compelled to embark on this heady, addictive, often gutwrenching journey because these characters are so real and deeply flawed, and their chemistry so combustible, I could not possibly turn away. I find books like this that scare me a bit are the most thrilling. Plus, this series, for me, is about so much more than dominance and submission, sex and sadism, pleasure and pain. I just feel such a palpable visceral connection between Price and Chere, and I know, at the heart of this series, Ms. Joseph is spinning a bonfide love story about two brilliant, damaged kindred spirits who cannot exist without one another. They are literally the air that each other breaths. Even if it is toxic and polluted.
Now that I have finished this second book, I am chomping at the bit to devour TRUST ME. Word is that the shiver-inducing third and final installment, which involves a scary dungeon and a true master/slave dynamic, is the roughest in the series so I know I’d better brace myself. But, like Chere, I will endure the worst because I know in Annabel Joseph's masterful hands, she will give this electrifying couple a guaranteed HEA that is sure to be positively spellbinding!
The ROUGH LOVE series by Annabel Joseph is the most intense dark erotica series I have ever read and, truth be told, the S&M elements steamroll over a lot my hard limits, but from the very first moment that the mysterious Price yanked a blindfolded Chere inside his room at the W Hotel in book one, I was totally and utterly enthralled! I just could not stop breathlessly reading each and every pulse-pounding word, vicariously living each and every moment through these complex, confounding characters, because I was irresistibly hooked on their toxic love affair from the start!
This entrancing second installment, TAUNT ME, opens two and a half years after book one, TORMENT ME, ended. Chere has left escorting and is now about to graduate from a prestigious design school. She is still nursing a broken heart after Price’s cruel desertion at the end of book one, where he left her with a posh apartment and nothing more than a “Good luck, Starshine” farewell note. In the ensuing years, she has been pouring all her energy into building a life for herself, to forget the damage he and her abusive ex inflicted on her vulnerable psyche, but she still aches for Price’s fierce, primal dominance with every fiber of her being. A world rebound architect, Price made the ultimate sacrifice by letting his beautiful Chere go to give her an opportunity for a fresh start. He knew he was a cruel, heartless sadist who was no good for her and set her free because she deserved so much more than he could ever give, but his altruism only goes so far. Turns out he is closer than she thinks and has been a dark guardian angel, hovering nearby and pulling the strings in nearly every aspect of her life.
Even after all this time apart, neither has been able to let each other go, the memory of their sordid, twisted, scorching hot dalliance has haunted their hearts and souls and left them both lonely, emotionally bereft and aching for completion they can only find in one another. Before long, fate and destiny collide and they crash back into each other’s lives. But the consequences of their passionate, volatile reunion is dire indeed!
“How many stars in your bowl? How many shadows in your soul?”
D.H. Lawrence
Soul stirring poetry has always been a through line for this couple, the romantic glue that binds them together, and it is in these quieter, rawly tender moments, when they bask in the afterglow and he soothes the hurt he’s inflicted away, that we see poignant glimpses of the powerful intimate bond between the characters. Although I admittedly had a rough time with some of the more hardcore S&M elements and cringed my way through the brutal punishment scenarios, there was always rough tenderness beneath Price’s harsh veneer. I was able to read between the lines and see hints of goodness in him despite his cruel, savage, often degrading treatment of Chere. I know I should hate Price, and believe me at times I do, but I love him just as intently as well. No matter what he did or said, how much pain Chere suffered at his merciless hand, I never doubted Price’s unfaltering devotion…his fierce protectiveness…his determination to give her every opportunity to forge a rich, full, happy life. Although he certainly did have a perverse way of expressing it!
I loved getting Price's POV in book 2 because it helped me gain so much more insight into his stern, commanding persona. It made him much more human, less of an enigma, but also shed a glaring light on how his compulsive need for dominance and absolute control, his unquenched desire for Chere’s absolute surrender, and the true terrifying extent of how deep his obsessive love for her runs.
The exceptionally talented ANNABEL JOSEPH has an enormous gift for writing with such a depth of emotion and intense feeling that you are swept up into the hearts, minds and souls of the characters even during the most harrowing encounters. My heart just aches for both these characters, yearns for them to somehow heal their damaged psyches and I can't turn the pages fast enough to find out what torturous, intoxicating, passion-fueled paces Price is going to put poor Chere though next!
This series may push me WAY out of my comfort zone but it was a pure adrenaline rush of titillating excitement. I was ultimately compelled to embark on this heady, addictive, often gutwrenching journey because these characters are so real and deeply flawed, and their chemistry so combustible, I could not possibly turn away. I find books like this that scare me a bit are the most thrilling. Plus, this series, for me, is about so much more than dominance and submission, sex and sadism, pleasure and pain. I just feel such a palpable visceral connection between Price and Chere, and I know, at the heart of this series, Ms. Joseph is spinning a bonfide love story about two brilliant, damaged kindred spirits who cannot exist without one another. They are literally the air that each other breaths. Even if it is toxic and polluted.
Now that I have finished this second book, I am chomping at the bit to devour TRUST ME. Word is that the shiver-inducing third and final installment, which involves a scary dungeon and a true master/slave dynamic, is the roughest in the series so I know I’d better brace myself. But, like Chere, I will endure the worst because I know in Annabel Joseph's masterful hands, she will give this electrifying couple a guaranteed HEA that is sure to be positively spellbinding!
November 11, 2017
I know I'm not going to be very popular here, but come on!!
Apparently a lot!!! Seriously, I felt I read a completely different book, this was not the same W we met in Torment Me and Chere, FUCK she was simply too annoying....I hate it....I love it....Make up your goddamn mind!!!
But don't listen to my whining and read all the other amazing reviews there are, because it's definitely just me and not the book.. I know I'm probably going to read Book 3, God, I hate myself for being so weak, but I'll have to see the end of it all and I WANT to see what's going to happen in Price's Dungeon.
March 8, 2016
Just as good as the first. I really thought the story should've ended
with this book caz they finally admitted feelings for each other, but I
guess we have to see the hardships Chere faces being with Price for real and not just occasionally. His dungeon and his demands really scare the crap
outta me, but Chere is more than willing. So, whatever floats your boat.
with this book caz they finally admitted feelings for each other, but I
guess we have to see the hardships Chere faces being with Price for real and not just occasionally. His dungeon and his demands really scare the crap
outta me, but Chere is more than willing. So, whatever floats your boat.
November 11, 2015
Yeah, another book by Annabel that I really like. It's raunchy and filthy and totally wrong. The final book can't come out soon enough.
June 22, 2016
Wow! Just wow! This book is magnificent! Wow! If only more had the strength Chere and Price has in this series!
I wish I had a gazillion stars to give this book! Wow!
I wish I had a gazillion stars to give this book! Wow!
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