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Obscured
Athena Hamilton arrived in Vegas with empty pockets and a heart full of hope. Fifteen years later, her pockets are still empty and hope is a four letter word no longer in her vocabulary.
Seduced by a gentleman she thought was her dream come true, she lives in an inescapable nightmare. Now after fifteen years, she’s living on borrowed time. All it takes is one mistake too many and she’ll disappear like so many others she’s known before.
A chance meeting with a childhood friend seems to provide the way out she’s been desperate to find. However, she soon discovers that all is not what it seems. Freedom is only an illusion, but hope might be found in the most unlikely place.
NOTE: This was originally published under the name OBSCURED. The content has not changed.
Seduced by a gentleman she thought was her dream come true, she lives in an inescapable nightmare. Now after fifteen years, she’s living on borrowed time. All it takes is one mistake too many and she’ll disappear like so many others she’s known before.
A chance meeting with a childhood friend seems to provide the way out she’s been desperate to find. However, she soon discovers that all is not what it seems. Freedom is only an illusion, but hope might be found in the most unlikely place.
NOTE: This was originally published under the name OBSCURED. The content has not changed.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2015
27 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Tara Sue Me
71 books2,849 followersNEW YORK TIMES/USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Even though she graduated with a degree in science, Tara knew she’d never be happy doing anything other than writing. Specifically, writing love stories.
She started with a racy BDSM story and found she was not quite prepared for the unforeseen impact it would have. Nonetheless, she continued and The Submissive Series novels would go on to be both New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers. One of those, THE MASTER, was a 2017 RITA finalist for Best Erotic Romance.
Now she is focusing on new contemporary romances that allow her the freedom to write and publish on her own schedule.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 12, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
In this non-conventional romance, Tara Sue Me (writing as Cat Waters) enthralls her readers in her latest novel which is aptly titled Obscured, as she takes them down a tale of where secrets, passions, hate and secrets are obscured and blurred. A tale where the truth is hard to perceive.Obscured is not your standard romance and takes more of the undertones of suspense and intrigue.As readers are invested into the story, Tara Sue Me bewitches her readers as they are taken on a whirlwind as they must decide where does the truth begin and end.
At the age of 16, Athena is left to fend for her own when her mother passed away and her grief-stricken father disappears. As she makes her way to Las Vegas to take a shot at being a dancer, she finds out why Las Vegas is called Sin City. When Athena meets Mike, she was easily charmed by his personality and his caring nature. But little did she know, Mike will destroy her emotionally and physically as he makes him his whore. Forced into prostitution, the once little innocent country girl is now a call girl to one of the most feared men in Las Vegas. Ten years has passed and Athena is still a prostitute. With little money and education, Athena craves a new life especially how Mike treats her like a dog that needs to obey on command. So when she runs into her former childhood friend, Isaiah, who happens to be a pastor, Athena yearns for his kindness and affection. She sees Isaiah as possibly the only man who has treated her as a human being. When Athena finally decided to escape from Mike and gets help from Isaiah, will this be her chance for a new life? Or will she realize that things are not always how you perceive? Will Athena's rush decision for freedom be obscured with the realization that the least person she expected to help her might be the one to save her?
"Because you are many, many things, but broken isn't one of them."
Obscured is definitely a book that is more of a suspense thriller than romance. If you are expecting hearts and flowers and then I am sad to inform you this book is not your typical standard romance. There is no perfect hero or heroine in this book. Everyone is flawed and a bit mysterious which in tale helps readers to get bewitched as truths begins to get unfolded. I did enjoy the surprising twist of events that Tara Sue Me laid out throughout the book. Overall, if you are looking for a book that reminds us all that appearances can be deceptive then I recommend you give Obscured a try.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tara Sue Me
In this non-conventional romance, Tara Sue Me (writing as Cat Waters) enthralls her readers in her latest novel which is aptly titled Obscured, as she takes them down a tale of where secrets, passions, hate and secrets are obscured and blurred. A tale where the truth is hard to perceive.Obscured is not your standard romance and takes more of the undertones of suspense and intrigue.As readers are invested into the story, Tara Sue Me bewitches her readers as they are taken on a whirlwind as they must decide where does the truth begin and end.
At the age of 16, Athena is left to fend for her own when her mother passed away and her grief-stricken father disappears. As she makes her way to Las Vegas to take a shot at being a dancer, she finds out why Las Vegas is called Sin City. When Athena meets Mike, she was easily charmed by his personality and his caring nature. But little did she know, Mike will destroy her emotionally and physically as he makes him his whore. Forced into prostitution, the once little innocent country girl is now a call girl to one of the most feared men in Las Vegas. Ten years has passed and Athena is still a prostitute. With little money and education, Athena craves a new life especially how Mike treats her like a dog that needs to obey on command. So when she runs into her former childhood friend, Isaiah, who happens to be a pastor, Athena yearns for his kindness and affection. She sees Isaiah as possibly the only man who has treated her as a human being. When Athena finally decided to escape from Mike and gets help from Isaiah, will this be her chance for a new life? Or will she realize that things are not always how you perceive? Will Athena's rush decision for freedom be obscured with the realization that the least person she expected to help her might be the one to save her?
"Because you are many, many things, but broken isn't one of them."
Obscured is definitely a book that is more of a suspense thriller than romance. If you are expecting hearts and flowers and then I am sad to inform you this book is not your typical standard romance. There is no perfect hero or heroine in this book. Everyone is flawed and a bit mysterious which in tale helps readers to get bewitched as truths begins to get unfolded. I did enjoy the surprising twist of events that Tara Sue Me laid out throughout the book. Overall, if you are looking for a book that reminds us all that appearances can be deceptive then I recommend you give Obscured a try.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tara Sue Me
October 18, 2015
Athena didn’t grow up wishing she’d become a hooker. But that were the cards she was dealt, the life she know lived. For ten years, she’s been controlled by one man. But everything begins to change when a boy from her old hometown shows up in Vegas. A glimmer of hope for escaping a life is given and taken away just as swiftly as she has to decide who to put her trust in. The man who was her first kiss and a pastor or the dangerous man connected to her worst nightmare that keeps telling her to trust him?
I read the blurb and was pretty much ready to read this with the hooker story twist, but it honestly was the “pastor” mention that sold me. There is just something about the taboo nature of THAT story that gets me every time. But what I found was surprising. A good kind of surprise.
I loved the battle of trust between Isaiah and Harris because I was not expecting the turns this story took. Not at all. I really went into this thinking nothing beyond two words: HOOKER and PASTOR. It was not that story at all, but what it was, was a sort of suspense/thriller romance that was filled with some twisty moments.
I did enjoy this book, even though I did not get the original story I had expected.
I read the blurb and was pretty much ready to read this with the hooker story twist, but it honestly was the “pastor” mention that sold me. There is just something about the taboo nature of THAT story that gets me every time. But what I found was surprising. A good kind of surprise.
I loved the battle of trust between Isaiah and Harris because I was not expecting the turns this story took. Not at all. I really went into this thinking nothing beyond two words: HOOKER and PASTOR. It was not that story at all, but what it was, was a sort of suspense/thriller romance that was filled with some twisty moments.
I did enjoy this book, even though I did not get the original story I had expected.
January 11, 2016
4.5 stars
*** ARC kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review ***
This is the story of Athena. I don't want to say a lot about the plot because I honestly don't want to spoil it for anyone. Let me just say that it was nothing I thought it will be!
The story is fantastic! I loved every page of it! The plot was surprising and direct. The book is written from Athena's POV and it's nicely done! This book was so captivating that I had to stay up to finish it! This is a dark novel in my mind although there were no graphic scenes of violence detailed mentioned in the book. I was so stressed about what would happen next that it would have been easier if there was actual violence! Even when everything was going well, I was scared that something will happen. The writing feels so realistic that I could actually everything happening in front of me. This I consider a success from the author's side! There were few flash backs and there were mentioned at the right moment!
Athena is an amazing heroine. Although she doesn't think so, she is a real survivor! She is also really naive and that brought her in trouble at first place. I loved this girl and the woman that became! I'm just sad because I know there are so many girls just like her....
The end of the book was beautiful! Really beautiful! I wouldn't change a word from it! There was also an epilgoue that ends with a cliffhanger that broke my heart in a way. I just hope that there will another book as I'd love to find out what will happen next.
I definetely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read a really emotional story.
*** ARC kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review ***
This is the story of Athena. I don't want to say a lot about the plot because I honestly don't want to spoil it for anyone. Let me just say that it was nothing I thought it will be!
The story is fantastic! I loved every page of it! The plot was surprising and direct. The book is written from Athena's POV and it's nicely done! This book was so captivating that I had to stay up to finish it! This is a dark novel in my mind although there were no graphic scenes of violence detailed mentioned in the book. I was so stressed about what would happen next that it would have been easier if there was actual violence! Even when everything was going well, I was scared that something will happen. The writing feels so realistic that I could actually everything happening in front of me. This I consider a success from the author's side! There were few flash backs and there were mentioned at the right moment!
Athena is an amazing heroine. Although she doesn't think so, she is a real survivor! She is also really naive and that brought her in trouble at first place. I loved this girl and the woman that became! I'm just sad because I know there are so many girls just like her....
The end of the book was beautiful! Really beautiful! I wouldn't change a word from it! There was also an epilgoue that ends with a cliffhanger that broke my heart in a way. I just hope that there will another book as I'd love to find out what will happen next.
I definetely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read a really emotional story.
October 7, 2015
loved it!! I pegged the hero as a twofold character. Villain that ravishes the heroine. and /or the Knight in shining armour.
review to come closer to tour date.
review to come closer to tour date.
June 16, 2017
***** 4.5 Stars *****
When Athena was a young vulnerable girl, she fell for a man that made her feel secure. That man manipulated her, and told her that he wanted to share her. Ten years later, she's stuck in a cycle. She's tried leaving, but who's going to help a prostitute in Las Vegas?
Obscured is an amazing story about survival. It's so much more that what is in the blurb. There's some mystery and suspense, and you don't know who to trust. Although this contains things for a mature audience, it isn't an erotic book. There are some nude parts, but it doesn't go into detail. I really hope the next book comes out soon.
When Athena was a young vulnerable girl, she fell for a man that made her feel secure. That man manipulated her, and told her that he wanted to share her. Ten years later, she's stuck in a cycle. She's tried leaving, but who's going to help a prostitute in Las Vegas?
Obscured is an amazing story about survival. It's so much more that what is in the blurb. There's some mystery and suspense, and you don't know who to trust. Although this contains things for a mature audience, it isn't an erotic book. There are some nude parts, but it doesn't go into detail. I really hope the next book comes out soon.
November 10, 2015
*** ARC kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
I enjoyed reading this story about Athena Hamilton. As a 16 year old, after losing her mother to cancer and her father abandoning her, she wants to start a new life in Las Vegas. Her dreams of becoming a showgirl don’t last long and soon she’s working as a prostitute for Mike. She’s a survivor but realises she needs to escape Mike soon. Two men want to help her but which one can she trust? First there is Isaiah, the boy who was her first kiss at 12 and is now a pastor or there is Harris who’s working for Mike for 2 years and is his second in command.
Which one to trust? Is it a trap? Which betrayal would hurt most?
This was a well written book which started slow but the second half made up for that with lots of suspense.
I enjoyed reading this story about Athena Hamilton. As a 16 year old, after losing her mother to cancer and her father abandoning her, she wants to start a new life in Las Vegas. Her dreams of becoming a showgirl don’t last long and soon she’s working as a prostitute for Mike. She’s a survivor but realises she needs to escape Mike soon. Two men want to help her but which one can she trust? First there is Isaiah, the boy who was her first kiss at 12 and is now a pastor or there is Harris who’s working for Mike for 2 years and is his second in command.
Which one to trust? Is it a trap? Which betrayal would hurt most?
This was a well written book which started slow but the second half made up for that with lots of suspense.
July 29, 2016
3.5-4 stars
Boy, this book will be hard to review without spoiling anything.
At the age of 16, Athena found herself abandoned and completely alone when her father left her to fend for herself after her mother's death. With nothing but a few hundred dollars in her pockets, she left for Las Vegas in the hopes of becoming a show girl, but ended up in the hands of charming mogul Mike Randolph instead. It didn't take her long to realize that Mike wasn't her savior, but her biggest nightmare.
Now, almost ten years later, Athena is a prostitute and still under tight control of Mike and his second in command, Harris. She's given up on her dream of freedom a long time ago, but is reminded of the life she could have lead when one day she quite literally stumbles into her childhood friend, Isaiah. Now a pastor, kind-hearted and pure, he represents everything she wants yet can't have.
But when Athena finally decides it's time she stand up for herself, all hell breaks loose.
This is the painful story of a woman who made one bad choice in her life she can't seem to live down, but isn't quite willing to give up fighting yet. Will she get the chance to escape her fate? Or will she die trying?
This is a gritty, romantic suspense thriller, full of secrets, deceptions and surprise twists. We never know who to trust, who will betray us (yes, us!) next, and who is our real enemy out there.
I really enjoyed this book, though 'enjoy' may be the wrong word. I was engrossed and hardly able to put it down. With only 172 pages, it was a quick read, but I'm impressed by how much content the author was able to squeeze in such a short novel without overwhelming me with information.
I had two issues with this book, though:
One, I didn't like the flashbacks. I'm not big on flackbacks in generel, but usually, I don't mind them too much. What annoyed me in this book was that they didn't always get a seperate chapter but were just integrated in present scenes, which disrupted the flow for me.
Also, I would have wanted a different ending. It wasn't the cliffhanger that bothered me, but the pace of the last 15% or so. I was waiting for some kind of final showdown that never came.
Although this book is rather dark, and abuse is being mentioned, we do not get to read detailed graphic violence or sex with the tricks.
Recommended!
ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Boy, this book will be hard to review without spoiling anything.
At the age of 16, Athena found herself abandoned and completely alone when her father left her to fend for herself after her mother's death. With nothing but a few hundred dollars in her pockets, she left for Las Vegas in the hopes of becoming a show girl, but ended up in the hands of charming mogul Mike Randolph instead. It didn't take her long to realize that Mike wasn't her savior, but her biggest nightmare.
Now, almost ten years later, Athena is a prostitute and still under tight control of Mike and his second in command, Harris. She's given up on her dream of freedom a long time ago, but is reminded of the life she could have lead when one day she quite literally stumbles into her childhood friend, Isaiah. Now a pastor, kind-hearted and pure, he represents everything she wants yet can't have.
But when Athena finally decides it's time she stand up for herself, all hell breaks loose.
This is the painful story of a woman who made one bad choice in her life she can't seem to live down, but isn't quite willing to give up fighting yet. Will she get the chance to escape her fate? Or will she die trying?
This is a gritty, romantic suspense thriller, full of secrets, deceptions and surprise twists. We never know who to trust, who will betray us (yes, us!) next, and who is our real enemy out there.
I really enjoyed this book, though 'enjoy' may be the wrong word. I was engrossed and hardly able to put it down. With only 172 pages, it was a quick read, but I'm impressed by how much content the author was able to squeeze in such a short novel without overwhelming me with information.
I had two issues with this book, though:
One, I didn't like the flashbacks. I'm not big on flackbacks in generel, but usually, I don't mind them too much. What annoyed me in this book was that they didn't always get a seperate chapter but were just integrated in present scenes, which disrupted the flow for me.
Also, I would have wanted a different ending. It wasn't the cliffhanger that bothered me, but the pace of the last 15% or so. I was waiting for some kind of final showdown that never came.
Although this book is rather dark, and abuse is being mentioned, we do not get to read detailed graphic violence or sex with the tricks.
Recommended!
ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2015
BOOK REVIEW: 3,5 STARS
Obscured was a big surprise for me. At first, I thought it was going to have lots of erotica, which is what Tara normally writes, but then I read one interview with her about why she changed her name for this book, so I knew I wasn’t going to get any erotica at all, but instead a suspense book, which is not my favorite genre.
So, I started reading. At first, I was kinda bored. There was so much happening but at the same time it didn't happen much. I wasn’t completely connected with the story or the characters, so I blamed the book hangover I had at the moment, and I put the book on hold. A few days later I resumed reading, but it was more of the same. I was sure I wasn’t enjoying the book. But, when I hit 60% awesome things started happening and I was finally hooked! I ended up loving how this book concluded and despite this genre isn’t completely my thing, I’d totally read the next book, because there HAS to be a second book. Not that Obscured ended in a cliffhanger, but I assure you, there has to be a second book.
“I’ve never gotten flowers before.”
I can’t stop looking at them.
“The white means ‘take a chance on happiness,’ and the blue means ‘watchfulness.’”
So, this book is about Athena, a prostitute who is abused and over-abused by her pimp, Mike. Athena has been a hooker for 10 years and she doesn’t know anything else in her life. She didn’t finish high school, she only had one friend and she was afraid the moment she makes a mistake, Mike might kill her. But when she encountered with her old friend from her childhood, Isaiah, she started wondering… What if her life were normal... What if she would have stayed in her hometown instead of going to Vegas… What if she ended up married with Isaiah… What if… What if… What if… To find out how her messed up life changes, read Obscured.
When I open my eyes, I am once more the woman I was before running into Isaiah. I am Athena and I am a prostitute. This is my life, and a coincidental meeting in a hotel lobby hasn’t changed that.
Like I said before, there was a twist of events that got my complete attention to this book. When I thought there was no hope for Athena, she found a guardian angel in the least expected character, which I totally loved. I was as surprised as Athena, and I ended up loving what happened.
“Do you want to live?”
His question knocks the wind out of me. “Yes.”
“Then I need you to do the hardest thing you’ve ever done. I need you to trust me.”
I like how Tara managed to write the abusive subject in this book. It was so implicit all over the pages, but the descriptions were never disgusting at all. If it would have been the case, I wouldn't have ended this book, because seriously, the way Mike trated Athena was horrible. UGH!
Overall, I give 3,5 stars to this book because it was very nicely written, the characters were well developed and the twist of events on the second half were amazing.
November 23, 2015
When Athena Hamilton first arrived in Las Vegas she was a sixteen year old girl abandoned by a grief stricken father and in need of a way to support herself. She tries her hand at being a showgirl. What’s so hard about that, right? All she would have to do is dance a little and wear pretty outfits … right? What happens when Athena can’t make the cut and there’s a predator sitting in the wings waiting for his next victim. Athena takes the reader's heart with her as she tries to survive Vegas and break free from her abusive pimp. The story delves into the underworld of Vegas’ sex trafficking trade. Obscured gives the basic anatomy of how ‘certain’ young women are preyed on, how they’re drawn in and finally used by pimps/predators. The emotion the story stirs lingers, but the heroine is able to retain this naivety … this sort of youthful innocence that has stayed with her even after 10 years in the game. Personally, I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her a bit for being so silly, trusting or selectively blind. The book is considered a romance but it is a very unconventional one. For those looking for a full ‘minute by minute’ bedroom romp, then you will be disappointed here. Then again, I am happy that the author excluded some of these elements because of the subject matter of human trafficking and prostitution.
There isn't the goofy eyed hero or any recognizable hero that the reader can pick out from the beginning. With its characters, Obscured deals in shades of gray with the exception of Mike (Mike ‘the pimp’ clearly has on a pair of gasoline underwear headed straight to hiffle). For example, the pastor who could have been a clear path to freedom. Isaiah Martin (the pastor and childhood friend) would have made an unusual romantic hero but a feasible one considering the life the heroine is leading. With Isaiah, his gray areas begin to show almost immediately and his innocence is just a mask to cover the devil within. His character sets off mini alarms because at times he’s just too good to be true.
Then there is Harris (the ‘sheep’ hiding in wolf’s clothing), the henchman … the hero that as a reader I didn't really see coming. Like Isaiah, Harris’ character had many gray areas but it was hard to dislike his character (even as a supposed bad guy). Thankfully, Harris fits the role of a traditional romantic figure (you know the bad guy turning good to save the girl). So, picturing him taking the road to salvation and freedom with Athena isn't hard.
The most gripping portion of this story is the evolution of Athena’s character after her captivity.The simplest of things that most take for granted are all new experiences for her. Overall rating for Obscured is 4.0.
Happy Reading everyone
ARC graciously provided by author, RockStarLit PR and Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
There isn't the goofy eyed hero or any recognizable hero that the reader can pick out from the beginning. With its characters, Obscured deals in shades of gray with the exception of Mike (Mike ‘the pimp’ clearly has on a pair of gasoline underwear headed straight to hiffle). For example, the pastor who could have been a clear path to freedom. Isaiah Martin (the pastor and childhood friend) would have made an unusual romantic hero but a feasible one considering the life the heroine is leading. With Isaiah, his gray areas begin to show almost immediately and his innocence is just a mask to cover the devil within. His character sets off mini alarms because at times he’s just too good to be true.
Then there is Harris (the ‘sheep’ hiding in wolf’s clothing), the henchman … the hero that as a reader I didn't really see coming. Like Isaiah, Harris’ character had many gray areas but it was hard to dislike his character (even as a supposed bad guy). Thankfully, Harris fits the role of a traditional romantic figure (you know the bad guy turning good to save the girl). So, picturing him taking the road to salvation and freedom with Athena isn't hard.
The most gripping portion of this story is the evolution of Athena’s character after her captivity.The simplest of things that most take for granted are all new experiences for her. Overall rating for Obscured is 4.0.
Happy Reading everyone
ARC graciously provided by author, RockStarLit PR and Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
October 19, 2015
o.m.g.
Obscured is twists and turns, suspense and secrets, lined in sex. This was nothing of what I expected but everything that I loved.
This story throws you directly into the underbelly of Vegas that no one wants to talk about – Athena is a prostitute. She’s fallen prey to a man who she believed she loved and trusted; a man who betrayed that trust by pimping her out and who keeps control by roughing her up. She’s been in this world for ten years and she’s not sure if she could get out even if she wanted to.
Athena has a problem with not knowing who to trust. She knows she can’t trust her pimp, but that’s all she knows. When things start to take a turn for the worst, she runs to the only person she thinks she can trust: Isaiah. He’s her childhood friend, her first kiss, and a pastor. He can keep her safe – right?
Tara has a way of writing a story that’s honest and real, making you connect with the characters while revealing just enough pieces to give you a complete mindfuck. I was fighting for Athena’s HEA but I didn’t know quite who I was fighting for her to end up with. Tara also deals with Athena’s issues with sex in such a perfect and respectful and believable way. But when she does have sex her way – OHMYGOD.
Obscured will twist your thoughts and flip your heart. Get ready for a wild ride through the darkness of Vegas, while you fight for Athena’s bright future. LOVED. 5 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/1...
Obscured is twists and turns, suspense and secrets, lined in sex. This was nothing of what I expected but everything that I loved.
This story throws you directly into the underbelly of Vegas that no one wants to talk about – Athena is a prostitute. She’s fallen prey to a man who she believed she loved and trusted; a man who betrayed that trust by pimping her out and who keeps control by roughing her up. She’s been in this world for ten years and she’s not sure if she could get out even if she wanted to.
Athena has a problem with not knowing who to trust. She knows she can’t trust her pimp, but that’s all she knows. When things start to take a turn for the worst, she runs to the only person she thinks she can trust: Isaiah. He’s her childhood friend, her first kiss, and a pastor. He can keep her safe – right?
Tara has a way of writing a story that’s honest and real, making you connect with the characters while revealing just enough pieces to give you a complete mindfuck. I was fighting for Athena’s HEA but I didn’t know quite who I was fighting for her to end up with. Tara also deals with Athena’s issues with sex in such a perfect and respectful and believable way. But when she does have sex her way – OHMYGOD.
Obscured will twist your thoughts and flip your heart. Get ready for a wild ride through the darkness of Vegas, while you fight for Athena’s bright future. LOVED. 5 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/1...
September 16, 2015
I had the honor to read an early ARC of Tara Sue Me's upcoming book, Obscured written as Cat Waters, and I am excited to announce to all you Tara Sue Me fans...hold on to your seat because this book is unlike anything you have ever read of Tara's before!
Obscured is a suspense thriller that is pure brilliance and took me on the ride of my life!
At the age of 16, Athena moves to Las Vegas in hopes of landing a job as a dancer after her father abandons her because he is unable to cope with the death of her mother. Not having what it takes to make it as a dancer, she gets lured into the life as a prostitute. Ten years later, when a childhood friend and the boy she first kissed accidentally crosses her path, the life she has learned to numbly accept is thrown off kilter. No longer can she accept being owned and told how to dress, act, and live by the man who for ten years made her feel like she would never have survived if he had not taken her on as a prostitute. For the first time, Athena allows herself to hope for something she never allowed herself to think too much about...freedom!
Obscured is clever, steamy, and full of surprises that blew my mind leaving me wanting more!
Obscured is a suspense thriller that is pure brilliance and took me on the ride of my life!
At the age of 16, Athena moves to Las Vegas in hopes of landing a job as a dancer after her father abandons her because he is unable to cope with the death of her mother. Not having what it takes to make it as a dancer, she gets lured into the life as a prostitute. Ten years later, when a childhood friend and the boy she first kissed accidentally crosses her path, the life she has learned to numbly accept is thrown off kilter. No longer can she accept being owned and told how to dress, act, and live by the man who for ten years made her feel like she would never have survived if he had not taken her on as a prostitute. For the first time, Athena allows herself to hope for something she never allowed herself to think too much about...freedom!
Obscured is clever, steamy, and full of surprises that blew my mind leaving me wanting more!
October 13, 2015
**I received this book from After Six through NetGalley for an honest review.**
This turned out to be one of those serious wtf books. I didn’t read much of the blurb so I was in for a bit of a surprise at certain parts. Athena has been a “working girl” since the tender age of 16.
I liked Athena but man did she frustrate me at times. I hated how naïve she was but it was understandable with the amount of time she spent doing what she did. I hated her pimp Mike with a passion. Even though this is a dark book that deals with prostitution it isn’t so much to the point where you are burdened with the graphic details, just the after affects. The suspense was definitely there and the twist and turns really left my mouth agape.
I thought the pace was a little fast but I can’t complain too much. I prefer a book that doesn’t have ridiculous fillers, this one got to the point. I will say I’m a little torn about the ending. While it was good I felt like it was left open for a book 2 but I’m not sure how much could be done on Athena’s part.
Overall I thought this was a good read. Here’s to hoping there is more.
This turned out to be one of those serious wtf books. I didn’t read much of the blurb so I was in for a bit of a surprise at certain parts. Athena has been a “working girl” since the tender age of 16.
I liked Athena but man did she frustrate me at times. I hated how naïve she was but it was understandable with the amount of time she spent doing what she did. I hated her pimp Mike with a passion. Even though this is a dark book that deals with prostitution it isn’t so much to the point where you are burdened with the graphic details, just the after affects. The suspense was definitely there and the twist and turns really left my mouth agape.
I thought the pace was a little fast but I can’t complain too much. I prefer a book that doesn’t have ridiculous fillers, this one got to the point. I will say I’m a little torn about the ending. While it was good I felt like it was left open for a book 2 but I’m not sure how much could be done on Athena’s part.
Overall I thought this was a good read. Here’s to hoping there is more.
October 18, 2016
Oh wow! I don't know where to start and what to say with this story. Between forced prostition and her old life clashing with her current dire life, Athena is ready to take her life back. Deception and lies is what her life has become. I love the twists and turns and the unknown throughout this book.
This book is written with such intrigue and uniqueness. I was skeptical at first after reading the blurb. I wasn't sure what to expect. Needless to say I was more than pleased with this story. Between Athena being such a strong woman and the supporting characters playing their parts, there isn't much to not love about this story.
If you are looking for a book that will leave you satisfied and intrigued, this is definitely a book for you. This book will fulfill your hunger for suspense, love, denial and betrayal!
This book is written with such intrigue and uniqueness. I was skeptical at first after reading the blurb. I wasn't sure what to expect. Needless to say I was more than pleased with this story. Between Athena being such a strong woman and the supporting characters playing their parts, there isn't much to not love about this story.
If you are looking for a book that will leave you satisfied and intrigued, this is definitely a book for you. This book will fulfill your hunger for suspense, love, denial and betrayal!
September 7, 2016
I've never read a book from Tara Sue Me before I requested this book so long ago on Netgalley and had put it off because I just wasn't feeling it. I was in a book funk and for some reason I let this book sit. For only the reason that the whole idea of one of the hero's is a pastor. But I picked it up lastnight, and let me tell you, I was wrong I was so so so so SO wrong.
This story was exactly what I needed right now, all the twists and turns, I wasn't sure who to trust. I felt for Athena and I wanted good for her, life had dealt her a bad few years and deserved some peace. I wasn't expecting some things to happen or people to be the way they were, I devoured it because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
And then the ending...it's not so much a cliffhanger but still I want that next book I need to know of what the future holds, and I want to know what role Athena may play in it. Don't pass this one up and I've got to check out more from Tara Sue Me as well because this book was perfect mix of a dark romance mystery.
This story was exactly what I needed right now, all the twists and turns, I wasn't sure who to trust. I felt for Athena and I wanted good for her, life had dealt her a bad few years and deserved some peace. I wasn't expecting some things to happen or people to be the way they were, I devoured it because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
And then the ending...it's not so much a cliffhanger but still I want that next book I need to know of what the future holds, and I want to know what role Athena may play in it. Don't pass this one up and I've got to check out more from Tara Sue Me as well because this book was perfect mix of a dark romance mystery.
August 8, 2023
HER LAST HELLO is a dark contemporary romance, with more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at.
Athena's life certainly hasn't turned out the way she thought it would, but she has survived. She is a hooker without a future but still dreams of being free. That dream is brought to the surface when she sees an old friend and finds out he is living and working nearby.
I loved how this story gave you all the information you needed but was not graphic or gruesome in any way. It messes with your mind the same way as it messed with Athena.
This was incredibly well-written, with nothing that jumped out at me as 'wrong'. I thought the 'happy' epilogue was wonderful, but the cliffhanger after...? No! Just no! Now I need to find out if that story has been released too.
For a dark romance, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 21, 2020
Athena's life certainly hasn't turned out the way she thought it would, but she has survived. She is a hooker without a future but still dreams of being free. That dream is brought to the surface when she sees an old friend and finds out he is living and working nearby.
I loved how this story gave you all the information you needed but was not graphic or gruesome in any way. It messes with your mind the same way as it messed with Athena.
This was incredibly well-written, with nothing that jumped out at me as 'wrong'. I thought the 'happy' epilogue was wonderful, but the cliffhanger after...? No! Just no! Now I need to find out if that story has been released too.
For a dark romance, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 21, 2020
November 7, 2015
In the end of this book I felt cheated. My mind was stuck in the word pastor and prostitute and I feel as if I didn't read the rest of the blurb. The story took a surprising turn, which didn't get a big rise out of me. The other twist in the end was something that I saw coming miles ago and I wasn't surprised when I read it. The ending is good. Though it leaves room for a second story or a novella. If this book is a stand alone then I am going to say that I am a little disappointed because the end could have given a few more answers.
I can't say that I connected to the characters. Athena didn't work out for me and the rest of the characters are shady. This is not one of Tara Sue Me's best works. I think that some people will have a problem with Athena's occupation. While I managed to finish this book fairly quickly I can't say that it was something that I enjoyed and I won't re-read this book again. I just didn't get the thrill that I was expecting to have from this book.
I can't say that I connected to the characters. Athena didn't work out for me and the rest of the characters are shady. This is not one of Tara Sue Me's best works. I think that some people will have a problem with Athena's occupation. While I managed to finish this book fairly quickly I can't say that it was something that I enjoyed and I won't re-read this book again. I just didn't get the thrill that I was expecting to have from this book.
February 3, 2016
I'm a big fan of Tara Sue Me, so I've got pretty high expectations in what I want from her... I'm not saying this book isn't good, because just like her other titles it's very well written. My main issue is that the book is terribly predictable. I figured out the plot before I even got a quarter of the way into the story. It was still enjoyable. I just wish that I could have gotten more intrigue and suspense.
Three stars.
Three stars.
October 18, 2015
Even though I figured out a lot of the plot twists in this story, I really liked them!
All the twists and turns made me get into the story. At first it was a good stoey, but something was missing. Until the stoey takes a whole other direction, a direction that made it for me!
All the twists and turns made me get into the story. At first it was a good stoey, but something was missing. Until the stoey takes a whole other direction, a direction that made it for me!
August 31, 2017
Ok. So I have had this book for quite a while. Not really sure why I put off reading it. There are so many little twists and turns, you don't know what to think. I went back and forth trying to decide who I thought was trust worthy. When the book starts and we meet Athena she has already been working as a prostitute. All she wants to is get out and be free. As she tells her story she runs into a child hood friend and has run ins with her pimps partner, we also meet one of her closest friends Vicki.
Out of the people she has in her life she has no clue who is actually a friend and who isn't. The story kept me guessing through most of the book. Towards the end I did start to figure out where the story line was going. However, the ending, as in the last page, last line of the book! I did not see that coming. It made me think back through the story and question certain things. I can see why other reviewers are questioning if a second book will be out, but I don't think it is needed. The ending, for me anyways, closed up that part of her life and allowed to her be free.
Received from NetGalley for honest review.
Out of the people she has in her life she has no clue who is actually a friend and who isn't. The story kept me guessing through most of the book. Towards the end I did start to figure out where the story line was going. However, the ending, as in the last page, last line of the book! I did not see that coming. It made me think back through the story and question certain things. I can see why other reviewers are questioning if a second book will be out, but I don't think it is needed. The ending, for me anyways, closed up that part of her life and allowed to her be free.
Received from NetGalley for honest review.
November 27, 2020
*Thank you to Xpresso book tours, Tara Sue Me and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Her Last Hello is the story of Athena, a 27yo prostitute, who lives in Las Vegas. From the first scene, we realize this is a life she does not want to be a part of. She fell in love with a man who she thought would be her savior and he trafficked her into a life she cannot leave.
This story has so many twists and turns that sometimes it is hard to follow. It is largely about Athena and her escape from prostitution. She ends up trusting the wrong people and makes many mistakes. There were plots that seemed to have some holes and the ending certainly left a big question mark. In the end, the reader is rooting for Athena and hope she ends up with a happy life.
I first read Tara Sue Me in Fan Fiction. This is the first time I have read a published book by her and I thought it was really very well written. The plot kept me interested and I was invested in the characters. I would definitely read her books again!
I definetely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read a really emotional story.
Her Last Hello is the story of Athena, a 27yo prostitute, who lives in Las Vegas. From the first scene, we realize this is a life she does not want to be a part of. She fell in love with a man who she thought would be her savior and he trafficked her into a life she cannot leave.
This story has so many twists and turns that sometimes it is hard to follow. It is largely about Athena and her escape from prostitution. She ends up trusting the wrong people and makes many mistakes. There were plots that seemed to have some holes and the ending certainly left a big question mark. In the end, the reader is rooting for Athena and hope she ends up with a happy life.
I first read Tara Sue Me in Fan Fiction. This is the first time I have read a published book by her and I thought it was really very well written. The plot kept me interested and I was invested in the characters. I would definitely read her books again!
I definetely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read a really emotional story.
July 22, 2022
This story is about effects of sex trafficking and the hold it has on it's young victims. 10 years of being trapped in this lifestyle, ever since Athena was 15, She is determined to find a way out.
Who to trust? Harris his second in command? He is different ,never tried to hurt her. Isaiah her childhood friend,, who is a preacher, shows up out of the blue?
Athena is strong willed, sassy, unsure of her choices she made in her life. It takes an understanding man, to take time to teach her what really love and desire is.
This story was gripping, sad, had me rooting for Athena to break the bonds of her aggressor.
Terra Sue Me shows how innocent young girls are lured into the world of sex willingly, with no way to get out.
Chrissy Bienvenu narration is emotional and phenomenal. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.
Who to trust? Harris his second in command? He is different ,never tried to hurt her. Isaiah her childhood friend,, who is a preacher, shows up out of the blue?
Athena is strong willed, sassy, unsure of her choices she made in her life. It takes an understanding man, to take time to teach her what really love and desire is.
This story was gripping, sad, had me rooting for Athena to break the bonds of her aggressor.
Terra Sue Me shows how innocent young girls are lured into the world of sex willingly, with no way to get out.
Chrissy Bienvenu narration is emotional and phenomenal. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.
July 11, 2022
The narration of Chrissy Bienvenu, was spot on . She pulled the characters and plot together.
Athena’s life did turn out the way she wanted.. she did not see herself working in the oldest profession, when she went to Vegas. She knows that has to change . One day she bumps into Isaiah a boy who she had a big crush on growing up , imagine her surprise when she discovers that he’s now a Pastor . She does not him to know to know what she does for a living ,but it’s only a matter of time before he finds out .
Loved
Athena’s life did turn out the way she wanted.. she did not see herself working in the oldest profession, when she went to Vegas. She knows that has to change . One day she bumps into Isaiah a boy who she had a big crush on growing up , imagine her surprise when she discovers that he’s now a Pastor . She does not him to know to know what she does for a living ,but it’s only a matter of time before he finds out .
Loved
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this book via audio book, the narrator did a fantastic job, very interesting read about a women going through very tough times in her life and certainly made me think of how strong she was in her journey, I would recommend this book.
December 27, 2017
Is terribly predictable!
Read
July 20, 2021Ok - I didn't read this book. I read my grandfather's book, "An Obscure Doctors Journal". It was pretty selfish and not very good.
August 16, 2022
Loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat till the end.
November 25, 2015
Title: Obscured
Author: Tara Sue Me
Publisher/Year: Tara Sue Me 10/12/15
Length: 142 pages
Overview
here’s the truth you know….
At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.
The truth you believe…
There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.
And the truth you never imagined...
The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured?
My Thoughts
I love Tara Sue Me - and i think that this is yet another great story that we get from her - mixed with not just some amazing scening and heat, but we get to also see a lot of tension and anxiety from a well developed story line.
We meet our leading lady - Athena while she's rushing to work. Mind you it's not a usual job as the summary tells us - she's a hooker of sorts - and that's something that she wishes that she wasn't - but unfortunately she's 'owned' by a man named Mike who calls all the shots in her life. She would do anything to get out of his control but of course since he owns her in a sense, she's got nothing without him.
It's that night where she finds herself in front of Isaiah - a man from her past in a good way but someone who would never understand or tolerate what she's become. Ironically he's there to meet with Mike and that just makes things too coincidental and horrible for her.
The other man that we meet is Harris - he spends much of the book as a supporting character - we see him when he's working for Mike, but as the story progresses, we see that he's so much better than all that and there's a lot from his past that makes him into the kind of guy that we want to have in Athena's life.
The great thing about this story is that i don't know that anyone could imagine what was going to happen in this ending. there are so many twists between the characters - who's on what side, who's going to disappear, who's going to threaten to kill someone and who will succeed.
While this story isn't billed as being the beginning of a series, the way that this one ended, you know that there has to be more. There's a teaser of what's to come when you think that nothing else could go wrong so personally i can't wait.
In addition to that - our author brings us some great passion and heat but in a really nice way - there's the dirty bits while Athena's working along with the flashbacks from her time with Mike, and then there's romance with others in the story. A great balance. Anyhow, happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
Author: Tara Sue Me
Publisher/Year: Tara Sue Me 10/12/15
Length: 142 pages
Overview
here’s the truth you know….
At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.
The truth you believe…
There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.
And the truth you never imagined...
The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured?
My Thoughts
I love Tara Sue Me - and i think that this is yet another great story that we get from her - mixed with not just some amazing scening and heat, but we get to also see a lot of tension and anxiety from a well developed story line.
We meet our leading lady - Athena while she's rushing to work. Mind you it's not a usual job as the summary tells us - she's a hooker of sorts - and that's something that she wishes that she wasn't - but unfortunately she's 'owned' by a man named Mike who calls all the shots in her life. She would do anything to get out of his control but of course since he owns her in a sense, she's got nothing without him.
It's that night where she finds herself in front of Isaiah - a man from her past in a good way but someone who would never understand or tolerate what she's become. Ironically he's there to meet with Mike and that just makes things too coincidental and horrible for her.
The other man that we meet is Harris - he spends much of the book as a supporting character - we see him when he's working for Mike, but as the story progresses, we see that he's so much better than all that and there's a lot from his past that makes him into the kind of guy that we want to have in Athena's life.
The great thing about this story is that i don't know that anyone could imagine what was going to happen in this ending. there are so many twists between the characters - who's on what side, who's going to disappear, who's going to threaten to kill someone and who will succeed.
While this story isn't billed as being the beginning of a series, the way that this one ended, you know that there has to be more. There's a teaser of what's to come when you think that nothing else could go wrong so personally i can't wait.
In addition to that - our author brings us some great passion and heat but in a really nice way - there's the dirty bits while Athena's working along with the flashbacks from her time with Mike, and then there's romance with others in the story. A great balance. Anyhow, happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
December 23, 2020
Athena went to Vegas at 15, alone. Scared, hungry, and nowhere to sleep. She met a handsome older man Mike , and he swept her off her feet. Til he knocked her off her feet. He was not the man she thought he was, and she paid dearly for thinking he was her knight in shining armor. For 15 years Mike controlled her, and demanded she do things she didnt want to do. Athena wanted out. But who can she trust? Her old friend from her childhood? Mike's right-hand man? Should she try to escape on her own, or will she give up and stay with Mike.
She's scared, but she's also tired of living the way she has been.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
She's scared, but she's also tired of living the way she has been.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 28, 2015
Overall Stars: 4 STARS
Thriller
Pimping
One woman’s freedom just might come at the hands of the most unlikely of places
At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.
The truth you believe…
There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.
And the truth you never imagined...
The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured? (Amazon Blurb)
Cat Waters is the alter ego or the pen name of Tara Sue Me, author of the erotic/romance Exhibitionist series – and when I write alter ego, I do mean a complete different side of what we’re used to reading. If you were expecting a romantic, erotic with the BDSM inter-twined in the relationship between the characters, then chances are you’ll be sadly disappointed. However, being used to authors having multiple or at least one alter ego, I was expecting something different from Cat Waters – and I can truthfully say that the author did not fail on that aspect, Obscured is dark and somber, following Athena, a year old girl, who was left to fend for herself after the death of her mother. Blindly believing she could be a show girl when she was hired by Mike Randolph to be a prostitute, 10 years later she is still left without a single hope of freedom from her life of sexual slavery until she reconnects with an old childhood friend now a priest. While very different and in no way erotic, Obscured fascinated me: Cat Waters is quite different from Tara Sue Me – she is dark, powerful and will even create a story line from subjects that could be considered taboo: a prostitute and a priest falling in love? I have yet to read a novel of this sort, and I am pleased I have had the chance to do so. This isn’t the type of novel for everyone – quite frankly, if you’re not open minded, I wouldn’ recommend it to you. However, for the reader looking for something new, something that they might not have seen or read before, or even something that will shock them to a point that will show them what truly lies between the veil of night or the pink sunglasses hiding the cruel world, Cat Waters Obscured is one novel I would absolutely suggest.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**
Thriller
Pimping
One woman’s freedom just might come at the hands of the most unlikely of places
At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.
The truth you believe…
There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.
And the truth you never imagined...
The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured? (Amazon Blurb)
Cat Waters is the alter ego or the pen name of Tara Sue Me, author of the erotic/romance Exhibitionist series – and when I write alter ego, I do mean a complete different side of what we’re used to reading. If you were expecting a romantic, erotic with the BDSM inter-twined in the relationship between the characters, then chances are you’ll be sadly disappointed. However, being used to authors having multiple or at least one alter ego, I was expecting something different from Cat Waters – and I can truthfully say that the author did not fail on that aspect, Obscured is dark and somber, following Athena, a year old girl, who was left to fend for herself after the death of her mother. Blindly believing she could be a show girl when she was hired by Mike Randolph to be a prostitute, 10 years later she is still left without a single hope of freedom from her life of sexual slavery until she reconnects with an old childhood friend now a priest. While very different and in no way erotic, Obscured fascinated me: Cat Waters is quite different from Tara Sue Me – she is dark, powerful and will even create a story line from subjects that could be considered taboo: a prostitute and a priest falling in love? I have yet to read a novel of this sort, and I am pleased I have had the chance to do so. This isn’t the type of novel for everyone – quite frankly, if you’re not open minded, I wouldn’ recommend it to you. However, for the reader looking for something new, something that they might not have seen or read before, or even something that will shock them to a point that will show them what truly lies between the veil of night or the pink sunglasses hiding the cruel world, Cat Waters Obscured is one novel I would absolutely suggest.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**
October 18, 2015
Tara Sue Me is writing as Cat Waters in Obscured, and it’s really not like anything we’ve seen from her before. Athena Hamilton moved to Las Vegas at sixteen with big dreams that fell flat. For ten years, she’s worked as a high end prostitute, having been the victim of a ruthless pimp who’s trapped her in his world. She sees no way out until she has an unexpected run-in with an old friend, Isaiah Martin. He’s kind and understanding, offering to shelter her and aid her escape. Complication? He’s a pastor and she knows she can never fit into his life, no matter how much she yearns for normalcy. The truth, however, remains obscured…people are never as they appear to be at first glance. Who can Athena trust to deliver her from a life that seems beyond saving?
Obscured is the perfect title for this novel that packs an insane amount of twists and turns into a quick read. I absolutely stayed up until 2am to finish, as it was impossible to put down. The genre is not clear cut, blending romance, suspense, and thriller elements. I found it pretty unpredictable on most counts. Oh, and if you’re looking for BDSM elements, you won’t find them here. This is a big step away from what we’re used to with Tara Sue Me, and I believe it proves that she has talent as a storyteller above and apart from BDSM erotic romance. You will be introduced to the very seedy and scary world of sex trafficking. Athena’s story is likely all too familiar to many girls. She is abused, used, and coerced, her life threatened almost daily if she doesn’t perform like the trained property she’s seen as. The entire book has an undertone of sex, even if we don’t see many acts performed on the pages. As I’ve mentioned, there IS a romance. It’s nothing like you’d expect, but as short as this book is (my only real complaint), it ends up being so beautifully emotional and well written that I was truly captivated. I can’t even give the details to avoid spoilers, but the hero is an absolute keeper, a larger than life protector that had me weak in the knees in a completely genuine, and unsappy way. It ends on a cliffhanger, for two characters, but not in terms of HEA for the hero and heroine. I am dying to get my hands on the next book.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Guest Reviewer Jennifer
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