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Dark Nights #0.5
Keep Me Safe
"KEEP ME SAFE is a very intense, well-written story. Ms. Warren does not play it safe in her writing and has no remorse about it!" - The Forbidden Bookshelf
When Rachel is abducted by a group of thugs, one man steps in.
Zachary wants her for himself, and she has no choice but to trust this stranger to keep her safe. When danger strikes again, Rachel's body may endure the pain, but will their tenuous bond survive the abuse?
KEEP ME SAFE is a dark romance novella that explores captivity and power. Not intended for those uncomfortable with the subject matter or under 18 years of age.
****************
The books in the Dark Nights series: ½. Keep Me Safe (prequel novella)
1. Trust in Me
2. Don't Let Go
Praise for Keep Me Safe:
"I couldn't help but put everything I was working on aside and read all 125 amazing pages of it. It's dark, gritty, disturbing, and amazingly fantastic!" - Day Dreaming
"It's well written, and I was riveted from the very first line until the very end and read it in one sitting. There is plenty of heat along with mystery and suspense." - Romance in Review
"Very hot. Just when I think I've got it figured out, the story takes an even darker and twisted path." - The Forbidden Bookshelf
When Rachel is abducted by a group of thugs, one man steps in.
Zachary wants her for himself, and she has no choice but to trust this stranger to keep her safe. When danger strikes again, Rachel's body may endure the pain, but will their tenuous bond survive the abuse?
KEEP ME SAFE is a dark romance novella that explores captivity and power. Not intended for those uncomfortable with the subject matter or under 18 years of age.
****************
The books in the Dark Nights series: ½. Keep Me Safe (prequel novella)
1. Trust in Me
2. Don't Let Go
Praise for Keep Me Safe:
"I couldn't help but put everything I was working on aside and read all 125 amazing pages of it. It's dark, gritty, disturbing, and amazingly fantastic!" - Day Dreaming
"It's well written, and I was riveted from the very first line until the very end and read it in one sitting. There is plenty of heat along with mystery and suspense." - Romance in Review
"Very hot. Just when I think I've got it figured out, the story takes an even darker and twisted path." - The Forbidden Bookshelf
162 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2011
212 people are currently reading
4042 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
February 9, 2016
Whoa! This book was bad...really bad. The grammar was terrible. The characters were unappealing. The storyline was unbelievable and just plain horrible.
When I stumbled upon this book, I thought it would be a match made in heaven. I've enjoyed other books by this author, so I figured this one would be right up my alley. Captivity themes and stories filled with dark content are among my favorites. Usually, the more taboo and disturbing the content is, the more I'm going to love it.
Unfortunately, this book was an epic fail for me. The story read like a porn short-story, the likes of which I'd imagine you'd find in the back of 'Hustler'. No judgment here. If that's what you're looking for, you might be perfectly happy with this one. However, if you like your characters to be developed and to actually feel some sort of connection between the characters and the story, you should look elsewhere.
Rachel, the heroine, is kidnapped by a biker gang after work one night. She is raped by Zachary, who she later finds out is an undercover FBI agent. Of course, he only raped her to save her from the others and to prevent his cover from being blown.
So far, I could buy that. The problem is that I couldn't buy the instalove between Rachel and Zachary, or her indifference to being kidnapped and raped. Between her ridiculous inner-monologue and her responses to given situations, you'd think that getting raped was just another uneventful day for Rachel. It was ludicrous!
Then, she manages to get herself kidnapped, and raped, again, by the same group. More brutal sex acts, more ridiculous reactions from Rachel. I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes with this one.
The only positive thing that I have to say about this book is that it was very short, thankfully. It is an older work for Ms. Warren, so perhaps that is the root of the undeveloped writing style. Her work has certainly improved since this book was released. Just don't expect the same quality of writing that you'd find with her later works. You'll set yourself up for disappointment.
When I stumbled upon this book, I thought it would be a match made in heaven. I've enjoyed other books by this author, so I figured this one would be right up my alley. Captivity themes and stories filled with dark content are among my favorites. Usually, the more taboo and disturbing the content is, the more I'm going to love it.
Unfortunately, this book was an epic fail for me. The story read like a porn short-story, the likes of which I'd imagine you'd find in the back of 'Hustler'. No judgment here. If that's what you're looking for, you might be perfectly happy with this one. However, if you like your characters to be developed and to actually feel some sort of connection between the characters and the story, you should look elsewhere.
Rachel, the heroine, is kidnapped by a biker gang after work one night. She is raped by Zachary, who she later finds out is an undercover FBI agent. Of course, he only raped her to save her from the others and to prevent his cover from being blown.
So far, I could buy that. The problem is that I couldn't buy the instalove between Rachel and Zachary, or her indifference to being kidnapped and raped. Between her ridiculous inner-monologue and her responses to given situations, you'd think that getting raped was just another uneventful day for Rachel. It was ludicrous!
Then, she manages to get herself kidnapped, and raped, again, by the same group. More brutal sex acts, more ridiculous reactions from Rachel. I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes with this one.
The only positive thing that I have to say about this book is that it was very short, thankfully. It is an older work for Ms. Warren, so perhaps that is the root of the undeveloped writing style. Her work has certainly improved since this book was released. Just don't expect the same quality of writing that you'd find with her later works. You'll set yourself up for disappointment.
October 10, 2014
4 stars – Erotic Suspense/Thriller
This is a very dark, gritty, violent, and emotional story that is conveyed in an unapologetically raw, candid voice. Despite numerous editing errors, it’s powerful and compelling in its graphic depiction of disturbing, controversial content. It’s told solely from the heroine’s POV, and experiencing her psychological and physical anguish as she’s repeatedly victimized is gut-wrenching at times.
The heroine and quasi hero develop an intrinsic, dysfunctional connection, mostly based on averse attraction and survival, but it’s a dark erotic story (not a standard erotic romance). There were times I really wanted the hero’s POV and for certain aspects of it to be more fleshed out, but Keep Me Safe is a really provocative erotic suspense read, especially for $0.99 cents.
Be warned that this is not for the faint of heart or for those who are sensitive or squeamish about scenes of abduction, captivity, dubious consent, rape, pain, and/or torture. I anticipate this will probably generate polarized ratings/reviews and that some readers will give it one star for the disturbing, objectionable subject matter. But fair warning is given in the book description/summary and the cover says “erotic nonconsent”. Although it’s explicit, I didn’t consider it to be exploitative.
I’ve previously enjoyed two other novellas by this author, Beauty Touched the Beast and Sweetest Mistress, which were very different from this. I’ll definitely read more of her books in the future, including the upcoming Keep Me Safe sequel, Trust In Me .
This is a very dark, gritty, violent, and emotional story that is conveyed in an unapologetically raw, candid voice. Despite numerous editing errors, it’s powerful and compelling in its graphic depiction of disturbing, controversial content. It’s told solely from the heroine’s POV, and experiencing her psychological and physical anguish as she’s repeatedly victimized is gut-wrenching at times.
The heroine and quasi hero develop an intrinsic, dysfunctional connection, mostly based on averse attraction and survival, but it’s a dark erotic story (not a standard erotic romance). There were times I really wanted the hero’s POV and for certain aspects of it to be more fleshed out, but Keep Me Safe is a really provocative erotic suspense read, especially for $0.99 cents.
Be warned that this is not for the faint of heart or for those who are sensitive or squeamish about scenes of abduction, captivity, dubious consent, rape, pain, and/or torture. I anticipate this will probably generate polarized ratings/reviews and that some readers will give it one star for the disturbing, objectionable subject matter. But fair warning is given in the book description/summary and the cover says “erotic nonconsent”. Although it’s explicit, I didn’t consider it to be exploitative.
I’ve previously enjoyed two other novellas by this author, Beauty Touched the Beast and Sweetest Mistress, which were very different from this. I’ll definitely read more of her books in the future, including the upcoming Keep Me Safe sequel, Trust In Me .
February 7, 2017
Rachel just seems to keep getting raped.
all the dicks she has to suck....
Nothing sexy about that!
and where the fuck is the hero?
all the dicks she has to suck....
Nothing sexy about that!
and where the fuck is the hero?
dnf
November 14, 2013I loved Ms. Warren's Beauty & the Beast books, so it was a given I would check what other books she had in store for me to read. While browsing her website, I found out her work is a bit more risqué than I had expected and that peaked my curiosity. Dark erotica? Hmmm, should I or shouldn't I?
I was feeling brave and decided to test the waters with this book, knowing in advance that it was completely out of my comfort zone. Who knows? Maybe I would find a hidden gem, maybe I would come to realize I wasn't as squeamish as I thought. I'd never know how much I enjoy romantica books if I hadn't overcome my initial prejudice and given them a chance in the first place, so I'm not opposed to trying something different now and then.
Unfortunately, that wasn't to be this time. The writing was good and I had no problem connecting with Rachel, the abused heroine - and that's probably why it was so hard to read what happens to her throughout the story. Scene after scene, this book made me cringe and gasp in horror, until I couldn't take it anymore. Most definitely, dark erotica is still not for me. :(
I was feeling brave and decided to test the waters with this book, knowing in advance that it was completely out of my comfort zone. Who knows? Maybe I would find a hidden gem, maybe I would come to realize I wasn't as squeamish as I thought. I'd never know how much I enjoy romantica books if I hadn't overcome my initial prejudice and given them a chance in the first place, so I'm not opposed to trying something different now and then.
Unfortunately, that wasn't to be this time. The writing was good and I had no problem connecting with Rachel, the abused heroine - and that's probably why it was so hard to read what happens to her throughout the story. Scene after scene, this book made me cringe and gasp in horror, until I couldn't take it anymore. Most definitely, dark erotica is still not for me. :(
January 25, 2012
This was not what I exactly expected. Based on a couple of scathing reviews on GR, I thought this was going to be some intense non-con. I'm even questioning the BDSM categorization. This story isn't fluffy, it just wasn't really into the sexual games of BDSM or even the slavery aspects. Yes there was some kinky bondage that should have me going, "bad bad". Instead I was going, "ooh, hot!" If we are going by BDSM standards, I'd say several of these scenes were edgeplay. Since this was more a "gangs" story, I'm not sure what to term it.
First off, let me state, I am very prejudice here. I don't like gangs. I find them despicable and want to treat them not too different than vermin. Yes, I get the mentality of why kids want to join a gang. That's a symptom of a larger societal issue which is neither here or there. I mention this only because when I read a storyline which includes gangs in it, I just roll my eyes and want to kill off all the characters. Call me the exterminator. The characters - Rachel - what can I say about her? She's not exactly TSTL, but she does do a few things that make me go, "WTF!!! WOMAN STOP! THINK!" Then again, any woman who lives in a gang infested area who doesn't take self defense classes, I think, what a dumb bitch. That's just me. What I liked about Rachel was her mixed feelings and guilt in the consent of being "raped". This begs the question, can you really rape the willing? I say no, but that's because well, rough sex turns me on.
Yes, this story of rough sex turned me on, especially when Rachel was held down by Zachary. While the other two guys were assholes and abused Rachel, I guess I'm a sick puppy because it turned me on too. Her resistance did it for me. When she responded to Zachary's "abuse", she felt all mixed up. I didn't. I was aroused. Then again, I like the capture, force theme when I read it. In real life, it may be different (if the guy was hot or not). I found this story to be a light to medium non-con story with maybe a little bit of Stockholm syndrome mixed in. I recommend it to BDSM readers who enjoy the non-con with a bit of romance added.
First off, let me state, I am very prejudice here. I don't like gangs. I find them despicable and want to treat them not too different than vermin. Yes, I get the mentality of why kids want to join a gang. That's a symptom of a larger societal issue which is neither here or there. I mention this only because when I read a storyline which includes gangs in it, I just roll my eyes and want to kill off all the characters. Call me the exterminator. The characters - Rachel - what can I say about her? She's not exactly TSTL, but she does do a few things that make me go, "WTF!!! WOMAN STOP! THINK!" Then again, any woman who lives in a gang infested area who doesn't take self defense classes, I think, what a dumb bitch. That's just me. What I liked about Rachel was her mixed feelings and guilt in the consent of being "raped". This begs the question, can you really rape the willing? I say no, but that's because well, rough sex turns me on.
Yes, this story of rough sex turned me on, especially when Rachel was held down by Zachary. While the other two guys were assholes and abused Rachel, I guess I'm a sick puppy because it turned me on too. Her resistance did it for me. When she responded to Zachary's "abuse", she felt all mixed up. I didn't. I was aroused. Then again, I like the capture, force theme when I read it. In real life, it may be different (if the guy was hot or not). I found this story to be a light to medium non-con story with maybe a little bit of Stockholm syndrome mixed in. I recommend it to BDSM readers who enjoy the non-con with a bit of romance added.
March 6, 2016
3.5 "safe" stars!!!
“I don’t think it will be easy, but I don’t see any other choice. I’m ridiculously, stupidly in love with you.”
- Rachel
“I don’t think it will be easy, but I don’t see any other choice. I’m ridiculously, stupidly in love with you.”
- Rachel
June 25, 2015
OK... originally I stopped at DNF because it was getting so dumb but I figured I went that far I might as well see exactly how this train wreck ends. My opinion is still the same.... I like dark erotica and I'm ok reading dubious consent but this was just crazy. Wasn't even a little sexy. Erotica should at least be partially sexy. Nothing sexy at all in this one.... The anti hero was to weak and the girl... she'd need to be in some serious ass therapy after all the f*cked up shit she went though.. this book was just cray cray!
October 6, 2013
I swear Skye Warren gets me. I know when I pick up one of her books that says it will be a dark erotica, that is what I am going to get, and I will get it to perfection.
"Still, there was no way to get out of this one. Excuse me, sir, but I'm finding this inconveniently pleasurable, could we perhaps stop now?
BAM!!! Rachel has been abducted by a group of thugs. They are going to rape her and possibly kill her. She has no idea what is going to happen. So within the first couple of pages you are automatically in the part where she is going to be rape. Zachary steps in and says he will do it because he wants her. He doesn't want anyone else fucking with her even though, he is not the guy who abducted Rachel.
I don't want to say the first part is rape. You can tell Zachary is struggling with actually going through with rapping her. So, Rachel tells him it is okay. It's kind of hard for me to say that it was rape but, she did say it was okay but, in a way it was rape. She did enjoy her self though I think..... So, this whole part is hard for me to make out as you can tell.
I loved it either way. Zachary seemed very weak to me in this book for being the type of guy he is and what he does. I let that slide though, it's very understandable why he had his weak moments in the beginning.
"Every act of obedience, every month of sweet restraint he showed, was a gift."
Pain, or rather, avoidance of pain, was a powerful motivator. The only people who didn't know that hadn't experienced real pain before.
Rachel that poor girl. She is being beaten and raped quite a bit in this book. Seems like since this is such a short, she was getting the shit beat out of her or raped.
Overall this is a great dark erotica book. I love that that Skye took it slowly darker. Love this book!! Looking forward to where this is going to take me! :)
February 13, 2012
It's really more a 2.5 stars than 2.
I don't have a problem with a non-con/dub-con story. In fact the questionable nature at the beginning is fine, as is the gritty and unvarnished rape scenes, but I did have problems with two things: characterization of the FBI agent and miscommunications of the protagonists. Zachary never would have passed his psych testing to be an agent. His responses in post-traumatic situations were woefully ignorant of basic psychology which he would have been trained for. While Rachael sucked at communicating, but she at least had an excuse. Finally, there was a plot device used that drove me insane.
Overall, I was hoping for more and the staccato nature of the storytelling was distracting.
I don't have a problem with a non-con/dub-con story. In fact the questionable nature at the beginning is fine, as is the gritty and unvarnished rape scenes, but I did have problems with two things: characterization of the FBI agent and miscommunications of the protagonists. Zachary never would have passed his psych testing to be an agent. His responses in post-traumatic situations were woefully ignorant of basic psychology which he would have been trained for. While Rachael sucked at communicating, but she at least had an excuse. Finally, there was a plot device used that drove me insane.
Overall, I was hoping for more and the staccato nature of the storytelling was distracting.
May 5, 2013
1,5 Stars
Hate it when books are that bad..
The editing was dreadfull.. There wasn't a second l in: tell, will,kill, hello and so many other words, after the first ten pages i was too frustrated to concentrate on the story..
Thank God, because the story was worse.. I tried pretty hard to like it.. It had some bright moments but they did no good..
Why? This story could have been so much better..
I really thought it was about how these two people will work to fix the bad start they had.. That would be very interesting.. But that wasn't the case. Also the end felt rushed..
I will read the next book because i really hope it was just a problematic start..
February 8, 2012
I cannot stress enough that people should read and heed the warnings on this book. This is not for anyone who cannot handle graphic depictions of sexual violence. When I say graphic I mean detailed descriptions of rape and physical assault.
I really respect the author for putting those warnings on this story. That is part of why I took a look at the sample chapter in the first place. Despite the content of the book and my feelings about them, the use of a strong warning is something that I wish we would see more often in the erotica (especially ones on the dark/edgy) genre more often.
Onto the review.
I do not judge people you enjoy rape fantasies, but they are not usually my thing. This is especially so when rape is used in a romantic context between the two romantic leads. If you’ve read some of my other reviews or know me even a little you know my feelings on romanticizing rape and on supporting the fantasy that a victim could ever have a healthy romantic relationship with their abuser.
That being said, I am always open to the idea that someone out there could find a way to prove me wrong or even just change my mind. When I read the sample chapter for this book I thought that I might have just stumbled upon the book that was going to change my mind, unfortunately as I continued to read I realized that it was not.
This book had a lot of promise, most of which is presented in the beginning by the author’s unflinching depiction of a rape. She does not shy away in either her description or language. This story is told in a first person narrative, so we are right there with the victim for every second. Despite the (many) shortfalls of this book, that scene is one of the most respectful, honest and brutal portrayals of rape I have ever read.
The unusual twist to the set up for this story and the circumstances around the rape were surprisingly complex and intriguing. As was the only (truly) consentual scene. It was emotionally raw while also being very erotic and even put dominance and submissive sex play into a context I’d never really seen before. It was strangely fitting for these two deeply wounded people, and it gave me a sense of hope that these characters would somehow heal.
However, as I said early the potential that shines in the beginning of this book is quickly flushed down the toilet by cheap plot devices and the continuation of the sexual abuse of the heroine of the story. It really is too bad, because if the story had continued on a storyline with the characters (rather than the sexual violence) as the focus I think it could have been a much more complex and compelling read.
Unfortunately, it’s reduced to a glorified rape fantasy, which is cool if that’s you’re kink and if it is this is probably the book for you, but not for me.
Now onto the spoilery part of the review where I obsessively over-analyze the crap that no one cares about. Feel free to leave, as this won’t make a lot of sense unless you’ve read the book. Though, I’m sure it will be entertaining for my friends that like my brand of crazy!nerdiness.
I really respect the author for putting those warnings on this story. That is part of why I took a look at the sample chapter in the first place. Despite the content of the book and my feelings about them, the use of a strong warning is something that I wish we would see more often in the erotica (especially ones on the dark/edgy) genre more often.
Onto the review.
I do not judge people you enjoy rape fantasies, but they are not usually my thing. This is especially so when rape is used in a romantic context between the two romantic leads. If you’ve read some of my other reviews or know me even a little you know my feelings on romanticizing rape and on supporting the fantasy that a victim could ever have a healthy romantic relationship with their abuser.
That being said, I am always open to the idea that someone out there could find a way to prove me wrong or even just change my mind. When I read the sample chapter for this book I thought that I might have just stumbled upon the book that was going to change my mind, unfortunately as I continued to read I realized that it was not.
This book had a lot of promise, most of which is presented in the beginning by the author’s unflinching depiction of a rape. She does not shy away in either her description or language. This story is told in a first person narrative, so we are right there with the victim for every second. Despite the (many) shortfalls of this book, that scene is one of the most respectful, honest and brutal portrayals of rape I have ever read.
The unusual twist to the set up for this story and the circumstances around the rape were surprisingly complex and intriguing. As was the only (truly) consentual scene. It was emotionally raw while also being very erotic and even put dominance and submissive sex play into a context I’d never really seen before. It was strangely fitting for these two deeply wounded people, and it gave me a sense of hope that these characters would somehow heal.
However, as I said early the potential that shines in the beginning of this book is quickly flushed down the toilet by cheap plot devices and the continuation of the sexual abuse of the heroine of the story. It really is too bad, because if the story had continued on a storyline with the characters (rather than the sexual violence) as the focus I think it could have been a much more complex and compelling read.
Unfortunately, it’s reduced to a glorified rape fantasy, which is cool if that’s you’re kink and if it is this is probably the book for you, but not for me.
Now onto the spoilery part of the review where I obsessively over-analyze the crap that no one cares about. Feel free to leave, as this won’t make a lot of sense unless you’ve read the book. Though, I’m sure it will be entertaining for my friends that like my brand of crazy!nerdiness.
April 23, 2012
I am not a stranger to nonconsent erotica and I don't have a problem with it or the idea of it. I had a problem with this though. After Rachel and Zachary's last encounter togther NOTHING about this novella is erotic. I don't have a problem with dubious consent or non-consent as long as the characters eventually find pleasure-no matter how twisted. Rachel found no pleasure. She is raped and brutalized by thugs repeatedly for the rest of the novel. Zachary is an ill-defined character, which is to be expected because everything is told from Rachel's point-of-view. Unfortunately, Zachary is also a very weak hero, which to me works fine if we are talking about "real life" it does not work well for an "erotic novella". He is weak, ineffectual and kind of stupid. Not sexy at all.
I liked the initial set up because it was daring and original. Keep Me Safe is also very well written. Unfortunately by the end I just really, really hated and considered asking Amazon for my .99 cents back because I found it so offensive.
If you found your way to Keep Me Safe by way of something like "50 Shades of Grey" then for god's sake, DON'T read this. If you found your way here after reading Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas (which I loved) then you may or may not like this.
I liked the initial set up because it was daring and original. Keep Me Safe is also very well written. Unfortunately by the end I just really, really hated and considered asking Amazon for my .99 cents back because I found it so offensive.
If you found your way to Keep Me Safe by way of something like "50 Shades of Grey" then for god's sake, DON'T read this. If you found your way here after reading Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas (which I loved) then you may or may not like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2011
Short story. 90 pages.
The story starts with a rape, but both people are unwilling. Zachary is undercover but in order to stop her from being gang raped he has to do this in front of everyone. Rachel doesn't realize this and just wants to get through it. He's as gentle as he can be but if he wants her to be kept from everyone else he can't stop. Later when she escapes, she learns who he is. Zachary is having a hard time living with what he did because he had actually been interested in her before the rape. They come to some kind of understanding and then the bad guys get her again. This time Zachary can't save her and the rape scenes are just awful.
I categorized this as romantic suspense but it's really horror. Zachary and Rachel find some kind of love through all of this but what a horrible journey.
Very good, disturbing book.
The story starts with a rape, but both people are unwilling. Zachary is undercover but in order to stop her from being gang raped he has to do this in front of everyone. Rachel doesn't realize this and just wants to get through it. He's as gentle as he can be but if he wants her to be kept from everyone else he can't stop. Later when she escapes, she learns who he is. Zachary is having a hard time living with what he did because he had actually been interested in her before the rape. They come to some kind of understanding and then the bad guys get her again. This time Zachary can't save her and the rape scenes are just awful.
I categorized this as romantic suspense but it's really horror. Zachary and Rachel find some kind of love through all of this but what a horrible journey.
Very good, disturbing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2021
Nop, just nooo.... First scene: RAPE, Second scene: RAPE and we keep going... I lost count on how many times Rachel forced to perform random sexual acts and had to endure violence... and Zachary, he was such a weak character...
April 27, 2013
3.5 stars.
If you liked the tied man or captive in the dark; you will love this short read.
This is very short but mainly because I couldn't stop reading it.
The first chapter steals you, grabs you and pulls you in.
This has mostly sex in it, mostly not consensual. It's impressive that Warren managed to write a book that contains so much sex and violence and yet still gave it a strong and intriguing plot.
This could have had more, a bit of history on Zach for a start, he has a huge thing about protection, like he has failed a lot of times or one major time. Also at the start of the book
The end was a little rushed, it felt like.. "Oh, that's it... but... oh" and I would have loved this to have been a series on its own, instead the dark erotica series seems to be the same story written slightly differently.
Rachel is not a stand out character but her reactions are much more humane than many heroines, she is a survivor and it is a shame that her past of being felt used wasn't explored more.
This would have got four stars if it was developed more, if the characters were given more depth. The gang wasn't described, the whole story was at its bare bones.
I did really enjoy this though and the twists were brilliant; I do love questioning characters motives and wanting to plead with the book to end well.
I will definitely look our for more books by the creative and dark author, Warren.
November 9, 2013
I wasn't familiar with the Dark Erotica series but I saw someone post about the fourth book that is releasing soon and read the blurb which sounded interesting. Since I've read a coupler darker reads lately, I thought I would Keep Me Safe a try. Since it is a shorter novella, it wasn't much of a time committment and that worked for me in case I wasn't a fan.
I'm going to get my thoughts together on this one before I review.
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March 4, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
My introduction to SW’s writing was with an essentially sweet love story between two people whom I thought so totally belonged to one-another. If you haven’t read it yet, Beauty Touched the Beast is a free novella, read it NOW! But compared to Keep Me Safe... well, I can’t actually begin to compare the two because the stories are so glaringly different from one another. I don’t usually read non-consent erotica, rape is not a fantasy to me but with SW, I thought I can take a chance. I’m glad that I did.
The blurb of the book gives you a fair warning of what was is inside the story or what you can expect from it. So, I knew what was in there, I was expecting a violent and scary story and I got it 100%. It had rape and sexual abuse of the heroine and how she tries to handle it throughout the ordeal, with her mental and physical pain portrayed pretty vividly. Well, I’ve been fairly warned! The hero, Zachary was just a secondary character here because this was Rachel’s story, from the beginning ‘til the end. We see her POV of everything, which was a plus point, to get an idea of the victim’s state of mind. Honestly, I’ve never known any rape victim in my life, unless reading about it in the newspaper. But even though she’s a fictional character, I have to give it to SW for being so honest, straight forward and in her own word ‘unapologetic’ through the description. Most people, while reading this, would probably judge the book on the basis of the surface. My two cents for them: the blurb already gives you a fair warning about what the book contains; if you do not like the theme, why read it and rate the book low? What did you actually expect from a book that clearly states that it’s about erotic non-consent, that it contains abuse and violence? Even though I have NEVER felt the ‘need’ to read one of those rape fantasy erotica (meaning: I skip those) out there, I still felt the difference in the tone SW used here. Then, I looked at it from a very realistic POV. Even though we do not like to read/know about these things, rape still happens... what Rachel went through happens to women in reality. And when I looked at it this way, it didn’t really seem that disturbing or abnormal to me. Also, as I’ve already mentioned, since SW’s tone of the story was pitch-perfect, I wasn’t distracted from the original storyline.
I don’t know why Rachel was abducted by the gang members, but she was. I don’t know about her past but it seems she’s had a history of sexual abuse by her past bfs’ hands. Zachary is an undercover FBI agent, who is also the nephew of the crime lord boss. He tries to help Rachel anyway he could, for which he had to rape her, just to show the other members that he is a part of that gang. Well, ‘rape’ here was a technical word since Zachary wasn’t brutal or abusive in the way a rapist would with his victim. It’s a really complicated situation. Although, Rachel knew nothing about Zachary being a cop, she still felt the difference in him. Zachary kinda stakes his claim on her so that no one touches her. Afterwards, Zachary was able to get her away from the gang. When Rachel is back from the hospital, he comes to her to apologize, knowing nothing can really undo what he had to do, even if was to save her. But Rachel doesn’t want his apology. I already said it was complicated... so when she wanted to have sex with him again, somehow I didn’t find it odd.
Sadly, it seems like Rachel had the worst luck a girl can ever have, so she’s kidnapped again by the same gang. This time, it was worst. She was tortured and raped by some of them. Zachery, again, tries to save her since he was still undercover... but the cover soon blows. Then, a twisted play, authored by the crime lord himself, was played out, making Zachary and Rachel as the lead in it. It was sick; the guy and his pathetic gang members were sick. But, Rachel was not to blame here, neither was Zachary.
I felt Rachel’s anguish, pain. I felt the process of her going numb at one point, her being in denial and even go as far as becoming sarcastic about this whole situation, just to make it bearable. Zachary sucked in doing his job no doubt but his remorse was genuine in every way. He was mad at himself, was tortured having to witness what Rachel was going through. He apologized over and over again for not being able to ‘keep her safe’. But somehow, Rachel felt his urgent need for forgiveness and the fact that, he actually makes her feel safer since his attempts were nothing less than earnest. I think it was great that the hero wasn’t made to look all invincible, like any other usual fictional leads would’ve been.
It being a novella, the story ended short. I don’t know if I should find this good or bad; ‘good’ because I couldn’t take Rachel’s suffering anymore and ‘bad’ because I felt a bit cheated since it ended when their relationship was on the healing stage... more specifically, on the starting of a healing process. I don’t know if they were healed. I don’t know if Rachel made a full recovery, by that I mean the psychological side of the trauma. I don’t know if their relationship survived this hellish ordeal, to which they were both a witness. But there definitely was something between them that I couldn’t deny, something born out of absolute necessity and yet, it went far beyond it in the end. I don’t know if that was love, even though they exchange ILU as the story ended. I definitely would’ve loved a few more chapters, hoping to find a HEA for Zachary and Rachel.
4 stars. I’m now thinking about reading Trust In Me, the next in the series.
Warning: If you do not like non-consent stories, stories of rape and violence, torture and abuse, this is NOT the book for you.
My introduction to SW’s writing was with an essentially sweet love story between two people whom I thought so totally belonged to one-another. If you haven’t read it yet, Beauty Touched the Beast is a free novella, read it NOW! But compared to Keep Me Safe... well, I can’t actually begin to compare the two because the stories are so glaringly different from one another. I don’t usually read non-consent erotica, rape is not a fantasy to me but with SW, I thought I can take a chance. I’m glad that I did.
The blurb of the book gives you a fair warning of what was is inside the story or what you can expect from it. So, I knew what was in there, I was expecting a violent and scary story and I got it 100%. It had rape and sexual abuse of the heroine and how she tries to handle it throughout the ordeal, with her mental and physical pain portrayed pretty vividly. Well, I’ve been fairly warned! The hero, Zachary was just a secondary character here because this was Rachel’s story, from the beginning ‘til the end. We see her POV of everything, which was a plus point, to get an idea of the victim’s state of mind. Honestly, I’ve never known any rape victim in my life, unless reading about it in the newspaper. But even though she’s a fictional character, I have to give it to SW for being so honest, straight forward and in her own word ‘unapologetic’ through the description. Most people, while reading this, would probably judge the book on the basis of the surface. My two cents for them: the blurb already gives you a fair warning about what the book contains; if you do not like the theme, why read it and rate the book low? What did you actually expect from a book that clearly states that it’s about erotic non-consent, that it contains abuse and violence? Even though I have NEVER felt the ‘need’ to read one of those rape fantasy erotica (meaning: I skip those) out there, I still felt the difference in the tone SW used here. Then, I looked at it from a very realistic POV. Even though we do not like to read/know about these things, rape still happens... what Rachel went through happens to women in reality. And when I looked at it this way, it didn’t really seem that disturbing or abnormal to me. Also, as I’ve already mentioned, since SW’s tone of the story was pitch-perfect, I wasn’t distracted from the original storyline.
I don’t know why Rachel was abducted by the gang members, but she was. I don’t know about her past but it seems she’s had a history of sexual abuse by her past bfs’ hands. Zachary is an undercover FBI agent, who is also the nephew of the crime lord boss. He tries to help Rachel anyway he could, for which he had to rape her, just to show the other members that he is a part of that gang. Well, ‘rape’ here was a technical word since Zachary wasn’t brutal or abusive in the way a rapist would with his victim. It’s a really complicated situation. Although, Rachel knew nothing about Zachary being a cop, she still felt the difference in him. Zachary kinda stakes his claim on her so that no one touches her. Afterwards, Zachary was able to get her away from the gang. When Rachel is back from the hospital, he comes to her to apologize, knowing nothing can really undo what he had to do, even if was to save her. But Rachel doesn’t want his apology. I already said it was complicated... so when she wanted to have sex with him again, somehow I didn’t find it odd.
Sadly, it seems like Rachel had the worst luck a girl can ever have, so she’s kidnapped again by the same gang. This time, it was worst. She was tortured and raped by some of them. Zachery, again, tries to save her since he was still undercover... but the cover soon blows. Then, a twisted play, authored by the crime lord himself, was played out, making Zachary and Rachel as the lead in it. It was sick; the guy and his pathetic gang members were sick. But, Rachel was not to blame here, neither was Zachary.
I felt Rachel’s anguish, pain. I felt the process of her going numb at one point, her being in denial and even go as far as becoming sarcastic about this whole situation, just to make it bearable. Zachary sucked in doing his job no doubt but his remorse was genuine in every way. He was mad at himself, was tortured having to witness what Rachel was going through. He apologized over and over again for not being able to ‘keep her safe’. But somehow, Rachel felt his urgent need for forgiveness and the fact that, he actually makes her feel safer since his attempts were nothing less than earnest. I think it was great that the hero wasn’t made to look all invincible, like any other usual fictional leads would’ve been.
It being a novella, the story ended short. I don’t know if I should find this good or bad; ‘good’ because I couldn’t take Rachel’s suffering anymore and ‘bad’ because I felt a bit cheated since it ended when their relationship was on the healing stage... more specifically, on the starting of a healing process. I don’t know if they were healed. I don’t know if Rachel made a full recovery, by that I mean the psychological side of the trauma. I don’t know if their relationship survived this hellish ordeal, to which they were both a witness. But there definitely was something between them that I couldn’t deny, something born out of absolute necessity and yet, it went far beyond it in the end. I don’t know if that was love, even though they exchange ILU as the story ended. I definitely would’ve loved a few more chapters, hoping to find a HEA for Zachary and Rachel.
4 stars. I’m now thinking about reading Trust In Me, the next in the series.
Warning: If you do not like non-consent stories, stories of rape and violence, torture and abuse, this is NOT the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
No one could possibly have as much bad luck as poor Rachel does and all within 24 or 36 hours! Fortunately, Zachary is there, and he isn’t as bad as the other men who have abducted her. In fact, there’s something very different about him... What transpires between Rachel and Zachary is unrealistic but it’s also super dark, crazy sexy and insanely entertaining!
***NOTE*** If you have never read anything by Skye Warren before, this is not an example of how incredibly talented she is! She has come incredibly far since she wrote this book - she’s unbelievably eloquent + you won’t see any typos in her current books unlike this one!!!
June 26, 2022
i don't know how to rate this because it was just sexual assault with no plot. i guess the first book will make more sense.
January 26, 2012
2.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book so this review may not be very articulate. Under the spoiler tag is my spoilerish review.
Some other WTF moments
Rachel thinks, "He hadn't raped me. I'd agreed to it." Am I mistaken in thinking that consent under duress is still...rape?
During their consensual sex scene:
Zachary: "Condom"
Rachel: "Birth control"
Me: WTF? What about STI's?
In short, I liked the humor, and I thought there was promise in the premise. I had problems with the execution. I thought that the writing was a bit sketchy, especially on the details. The rape and violence didn't have much of an impact with me, which I think was due to the writing. The fem-dom scene seemed out of place. The ending may be a bit disappointing to some people. The novella was skimpy on the plot, which didn't make much sense anyway. There were maybe a bit too much sex and few too many WTF moments. And Zachary, while a sympathetic character, turned out to be bit pathetic.
I have mixed feelings about this book so this review may not be very articulate. Under the spoiler tag is my spoilerish review.
Some other WTF moments
Rachel thinks, "He hadn't raped me. I'd agreed to it." Am I mistaken in thinking that consent under duress is still...rape?
During their consensual sex scene:
Zachary: "Condom"
Rachel: "Birth control"
Me: WTF? What about STI's?
In short, I liked the humor, and I thought there was promise in the premise. I had problems with the execution. I thought that the writing was a bit sketchy, especially on the details. The rape and violence didn't have much of an impact with me, which I think was due to the writing. The fem-dom scene seemed out of place. The ending may be a bit disappointing to some people. The novella was skimpy on the plot, which didn't make much sense anyway. There were maybe a bit too much sex and few too many WTF moments. And Zachary, while a sympathetic character, turned out to be bit pathetic.
September 13, 2016
BRIEF SUMMARY
Rachel is abducted by gang members and is being helped by one of them, Zachary. Zachary is an undercover FBI agent who needs to do what he has to in order to protect his cover.
THOUGHTS
This was disturbing and may require you leaving your comfort zone. However, it's no different than what I've seen in the movies, and I've watched worst. For some, romance and erotica takes you away to another fantasy world that you can escape to, but this story is different in the form of dark erotica that goes against the rules for some. With saying that, my thoughts are as followed:
Firstly, rating this is based on the story as a whole. Although the sexual scenes were graphic and sometimes disturbing, there was still a plot to the story that brought the main characters together. Zachary, a FBI undercover agent and Rachel, a woman taken against her will by a group of gang members who had rape on their mind as well as a plot to blow up a school. While trying to uncover more information, Zachary has to try and protect Rachel, which he is unable to do at times. The opening of this story sets the pace for the rest of the story which gradually becomes very aggressive, intense, and emotional. What this means for Rachel, she has to do what she needs to in order to survive her surroundings. It was basically do what I say or be killed.
Secondly, obviously you can't escape what is being done to Rachel as it is degrading, abusive and graphic as it's being told from her POV. However, she did have her moments with Zachary, as their feelings and emotions tried to develop within the situation; this isn't your typical love story. Throughout the story, Zachary struggles with his inner self as he is at times unable to keep Rachel safe.
As the author goes outside the box depicting this story with both characters, it works within its own twisted way on how its being presented. Again, apart from the sexual graphic content, there is still a plot and a storyline that is being unfolded that may or should not be over looked. Some readers may still have a curiosity to read it though warned. But as strongly advised by the author, be forewarned. Everyone is different with how they receive and digest a story such as this.
Romance Novel Junkies
Rachel is abducted by gang members and is being helped by one of them, Zachary. Zachary is an undercover FBI agent who needs to do what he has to in order to protect his cover.
THOUGHTS
This was disturbing and may require you leaving your comfort zone. However, it's no different than what I've seen in the movies, and I've watched worst. For some, romance and erotica takes you away to another fantasy world that you can escape to, but this story is different in the form of dark erotica that goes against the rules for some. With saying that, my thoughts are as followed:
Firstly, rating this is based on the story as a whole. Although the sexual scenes were graphic and sometimes disturbing, there was still a plot to the story that brought the main characters together. Zachary, a FBI undercover agent and Rachel, a woman taken against her will by a group of gang members who had rape on their mind as well as a plot to blow up a school. While trying to uncover more information, Zachary has to try and protect Rachel, which he is unable to do at times. The opening of this story sets the pace for the rest of the story which gradually becomes very aggressive, intense, and emotional. What this means for Rachel, she has to do what she needs to in order to survive her surroundings. It was basically do what I say or be killed.
Secondly, obviously you can't escape what is being done to Rachel as it is degrading, abusive and graphic as it's being told from her POV. However, she did have her moments with Zachary, as their feelings and emotions tried to develop within the situation; this isn't your typical love story. Throughout the story, Zachary struggles with his inner self as he is at times unable to keep Rachel safe.
As the author goes outside the box depicting this story with both characters, it works within its own twisted way on how its being presented. Again, apart from the sexual graphic content, there is still a plot and a storyline that is being unfolded that may or should not be over looked. Some readers may still have a curiosity to read it though warned. But as strongly advised by the author, be forewarned. Everyone is different with how they receive and digest a story such as this.
Romance Novel Junkies
April 4, 2014
1.5 stars
You can see the following review also here: http://loveandlivetoread.wordpress.co...
I like dark erotica. This book was not dark erotica. I like dubious consent at the beginning only if afterwards there is actual consent. But this book is far from it. I have trouble reviewing this book, because I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews. This story was a very good idea for a dark erotica but badly written.
My main problem was the main character, Rachel. She was taken but a gang and she was going to get raped. Then Zachary comes to picture and in order to protect her from the other he raped her himself and it turns out that he had his own agenda. Rachel was saved and secure to her house. And then everything goes wrong for me. Why?
Well, Rachel, after this terrible experience is having sex again with the man that he raped her and, although, she knows that he is one of the good guys that makes it ok? And then, she acts stupidly, and finds herself again in trouble by the same gang and they take her again! And at some point, when she was bitten and molested, she found herself wanting to please the man who is an abusive bastard and wants to f**k her to death! Really? TSTL!
There is a lot of dirty sex and not in a good way! When I say dirty, I mean the kind that you get sick only to think about it! Well, as you can see, I can’t say that I enjoyed this book but, maybe, this is your kind of read. Maybe, I’ll try the next in the series and see if it’s get any better!
You can see the following review also here: http://loveandlivetoread.wordpress.co...
I like dark erotica. This book was not dark erotica. I like dubious consent at the beginning only if afterwards there is actual consent. But this book is far from it. I have trouble reviewing this book, because I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews. This story was a very good idea for a dark erotica but badly written.
My main problem was the main character, Rachel. She was taken but a gang and she was going to get raped. Then Zachary comes to picture and in order to protect her from the other he raped her himself and it turns out that he had his own agenda. Rachel was saved and secure to her house. And then everything goes wrong for me. Why?
Well, Rachel, after this terrible experience is having sex again with the man that he raped her and, although, she knows that he is one of the good guys that makes it ok? And then, she acts stupidly, and finds herself again in trouble by the same gang and they take her again! And at some point, when she was bitten and molested, she found herself wanting to please the man who is an abusive bastard and wants to f**k her to death! Really? TSTL!
There is a lot of dirty sex and not in a good way! When I say dirty, I mean the kind that you get sick only to think about it! Well, as you can see, I can’t say that I enjoyed this book but, maybe, this is your kind of read. Maybe, I’ll try the next in the series and see if it’s get any better!
October 27, 2012
This was a hard core read and for sure not for everyone. There is dubious consent in this story and if rape and torture are not your thing, I wouldn't suggest you read it. Did I like the story? I found it ok, for some reason the heroine sometimes made me stop and wonder WTF! She was always so much more worried about Zachary, (the guy who rapes her in the beginning of the book)than for herself at times. I found this to bug me. She did redeem herself in my eyes though when she was able to help a certain situation rather than just lay there defeated. I would have liked to see Zachary have a bit more mental strength for an FBI agent. I found his character to be weak at times, and I just wanted to hit him in the head and go, "HELLO!! DO something, and grow a pair!"
There was also some discrepancies in the story as well that distracted me. Zachary had stated to Rachel that he quit his job, and then the next morning his cell phone rings and it is work and he has to go in to report to duty??? What the...F? Can't figure that one...
The only other thing was that I felt the plot was a bit weak and it seemed poor Rachel was getting raped evertime I turned the page. Some of the sex was hot and some of it disturbing. I will keep reading this author though as I did find the book entertaining, especially for a short, quick, read.
I am glad that the story ending the way it did, at least it delivered a happily ever after for a girl that had to endure some horrific crimes against her.
There was also some discrepancies in the story as well that distracted me. Zachary had stated to Rachel that he quit his job, and then the next morning his cell phone rings and it is work and he has to go in to report to duty??? What the...F? Can't figure that one...
The only other thing was that I felt the plot was a bit weak and it seemed poor Rachel was getting raped evertime I turned the page. Some of the sex was hot and some of it disturbing. I will keep reading this author though as I did find the book entertaining, especially for a short, quick, read.
I am glad that the story ending the way it did, at least it delivered a happily ever after for a girl that had to endure some horrific crimes against her.
November 18, 2014
I really respect the author for putting those warnings on this story. That is part of why I took a look at the sample chapter in the first place. Despite the content of the book and my feelings about them, the use of a strong warning is something that I wish we would see more often in the erotica (especially ones on the dark/edgy) genre more often.
cannot stress enough that people should read and heed the warnings on this book. This is not for anyone who cannot handle graphic depictions of sexual violence. When I say graphic I mean detailed descriptions of rape and physical assault.
I do not judge people you enjoy rape fantasies, but they are not usually my thing. This is especially so when rape is used in a romantic context between the two romantic leads.
KEEP ME SAFE is a very intense, well-written story. Told from the first person POV of Rachel, this novella is a disturbing and graphic account of her abduction and rape by gang members. Rachel is deeply conflicted because she’s aroused when the man who claims her first, Zachary, uses her. I thought that their first scene together was ‘dubious consent’ perfection. Very hot. But, just when I think I’ve got it figured out, the story takes an even darker and twisted path
cannot stress enough that people should read and heed the warnings on this book. This is not for anyone who cannot handle graphic depictions of sexual violence. When I say graphic I mean detailed descriptions of rape and physical assault.
I do not judge people you enjoy rape fantasies, but they are not usually my thing. This is especially so when rape is used in a romantic context between the two romantic leads.
KEEP ME SAFE is a very intense, well-written story. Told from the first person POV of Rachel, this novella is a disturbing and graphic account of her abduction and rape by gang members. Rachel is deeply conflicted because she’s aroused when the man who claims her first, Zachary, uses her. I thought that their first scene together was ‘dubious consent’ perfection. Very hot. But, just when I think I’ve got it figured out, the story takes an even darker and twisted path
June 3, 2015
Writing: ★★
Story: ★★
Characters: ★
Overall rating: 1.6
Right?
No.
Okay.. I read it, came to review it and found that I'd already read it, but never reviewed and/or rated it. But seems I found it pretty boring last year too, cause this year was the same, boring. The plot was all over the place. And it must have been boring enough that I forgot that I even read it once before. So there's a day i'll never get back.
It was still a yawnfest, and took me way longer to read it than it should have seeing how it was less than 100p.
I am going to try and read the next book in the series since i already purchased it... we'll see!
Story: ★★
Characters: ★
Overall rating: 1.6
2 *Yawning* StarsI just accidently re-read this book. *Face Palm* I picked up Trust in Me and realized that it was second in the series, and found that I already had this one! SCORE!
Right?
No.
Okay.. I read it, came to review it and found that I'd already read it, but never reviewed and/or rated it. But seems I found it pretty boring last year too, cause this year was the same, boring. The plot was all over the place. And it must have been boring enough that I forgot that I even read it once before. So there's a day i'll never get back.
It was still a yawnfest, and took me way longer to read it than it should have seeing how it was less than 100p.
I am going to try and read the next book in the series since i already purchased it... we'll see!
February 14, 2012
I was really surprised and initially pleased to find out there was a sub-genre in romance called "non-consensual". I was first introduced to romance in the 80s and the popular theme then was "forced seduction". Not a very popular theme now but I have no problem with it and I read what I choose.
This story was very well-written. Very. The beginning was like wow! I felt for the woman but then when it was revealed that the guy was actually an FBI agent undercover and he had to force himself on her in order to keep her from being gang-raped and also so his cover wouldn't be blown - it made it "easier" to read, if that makes sense.
Then as I continued to read - well, I had recommended it to my best friend and I actually stopped reading long enough to call her and apologize for the recommendation because it just got BRUTAL! She was thoroughly disgusted and I...well, I won't shy away from reading another Skye Warren novel but this novella was NOT what I expected! Again, BRUTAL.
However, the writing was great and for that I actually bumped it up a star.
This story was very well-written. Very. The beginning was like wow! I felt for the woman but then when it was revealed that the guy was actually an FBI agent undercover and he had to force himself on her in order to keep her from being gang-raped and also so his cover wouldn't be blown - it made it "easier" to read, if that makes sense.
Then as I continued to read - well, I had recommended it to my best friend and I actually stopped reading long enough to call her and apologize for the recommendation because it just got BRUTAL! She was thoroughly disgusted and I...well, I won't shy away from reading another Skye Warren novel but this novella was NOT what I expected! Again, BRUTAL.
However, the writing was great and for that I actually bumped it up a star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2012
Skye Warren calls these Dark Erotica and while I did find it dark, I didn't find it particularly erotic. It is fairly short but I guess because of all that happens it didn't seem unduly so.
Basically Rachel is kidnapped, raped, and then she escapes. And then Rachel is kidnapped... you get the idea. It starts out bad and then kind of only gets worse. There is actually a plot although we never learn a great deal because no one is interested in telling her what is going on except for a bit of exposition from the villain who thinks he has created the inescapable death trap.
I think only the fact that she was so incredibly strong made this readable. Even when things were most dire, she never gave up.
Honestly, this wasn't really my cup of tea. I am more interested in the second and third books in the series but decided to start at the beginning. Not sorry I read this but not something I would ever want to re-read, either.
Basically Rachel is kidnapped, raped, and then she escapes. And then Rachel is kidnapped... you get the idea. It starts out bad and then kind of only gets worse. There is actually a plot although we never learn a great deal because no one is interested in telling her what is going on except for a bit of exposition from the villain who thinks he has created the inescapable death trap.
I think only the fact that she was so incredibly strong made this readable. Even when things were most dire, she never gave up.
Honestly, this wasn't really my cup of tea. I am more interested in the second and third books in the series but decided to start at the beginning. Not sorry I read this but not something I would ever want to re-read, either.
June 15, 2012
This isn't my usual type of read and its the darkest I have ever read. In fact I had to stop half way as my stomach was heaving. So please take heed of the warnings because it is a rough and disturbing ride. Its mainly told from Heroine Rachel's POV and begins with her being raped. So right from this first scene on, the story unfolds more gritty and rough images of rape, forced oral, pain and humiliation. Through the story Rachel is abused emotionally and physically by more than one man.
The Author does a great job in unfolding this story at a pace where you feel the brutal emotions and the pain. She also portrays the difficult and growing bond between Rachel and Zachray very well and their journey through the ordeal. Therefore the three stars.......mainly for the author's writing skills in portraying the emotions so well.
However the content is far too brutal and does not even deserve one star.
The Author does a great job in unfolding this story at a pace where you feel the brutal emotions and the pain. She also portrays the difficult and growing bond between Rachel and Zachray very well and their journey through the ordeal. Therefore the three stars.......mainly for the author's writing skills in portraying the emotions so well.
However the content is far too brutal and does not even deserve one star.
January 25, 2012
I really liked this short book of non- consensual kidnapping/ rape with the sicko twists of love. But, that is the type of taboo that I personally can enjoy in erotica. As a warning KEEP ME SAFE has a lot violent scenes of forced sexual acts and beatings that maybe very disturbing to some readers.
January 30, 2012
I'll write a full review later but for now I'm just going to state that i don't feel this is BDSM. It has some hot non-con and i believe one kinky forced bondage scene but thats it. When it comes to fiction I'm pretty lenient on what I consider BDSM but this just didnt feel like it was.
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