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ASIN: B016Z6AC5K
'Alternate cover edition'
“That’s what love is, isn’t it? It’s when you go to sleep every night hoping that you are less happy than your lover; it’s hoping that you’ve given everything you could to them so that their day could be just a tiny bit better.”
I was so innocent then. So naïve. I thought that I’d been hardened by my time living on the streets, but I’d had no idea how broken I could become. My story is a hard one, full of hope, grief, love, and anger, but it’s a story that needs to be told.
I was only 20 when I first met Mr. Sheffield. He saved me. He gave me a chance. Until I met him, I’d been living on scraps of food from dumpsters and wearing the same filthy clothes that I’d worn when I failed out of college. I was the animal that passed by unseen by the people of the world.
But Mr. Sheffield saw me. He was a handsome older gentleman, but that wasn’t what was important at the time. Out of the goodness of his heart, he gave me a job cooking and cleaning for him. To you, it may seem like a menial task below your station, but to me it was a chance at a life worth living.
Little did he know, I couldn’t cook or clean. Again, he showed his good nature by teaching me, as a father teaches a daughter, with strict punishments and just rewards. He could have forced me from his home like another worthless piece of garbage, but he gave me chance after chance, and in the process, he showed me a world that I’d never dreamed of.
If you’re looking for a story that will warm your heart and make you see the good in the world, look elsewhere. This is about the darkness that lies behind the mask that we all wear. Other stories may bring you romance and candles, but this is a story with claws and teeth. It is raw. It is passion. It is real.
"... gut-wrenching, heartbreaking love story, complicated adult relationships and flawed people instead of cardboard cliches" ~Lilah E. Noir, author of Stroker Ace
Note: This novel contains many explicit BDSM scenes and is intended for adults only.
'Alternate cover edition'
“That’s what love is, isn’t it? It’s when you go to sleep every night hoping that you are less happy than your lover; it’s hoping that you’ve given everything you could to them so that their day could be just a tiny bit better.”
I was so innocent then. So naïve. I thought that I’d been hardened by my time living on the streets, but I’d had no idea how broken I could become. My story is a hard one, full of hope, grief, love, and anger, but it’s a story that needs to be told.
I was only 20 when I first met Mr. Sheffield. He saved me. He gave me a chance. Until I met him, I’d been living on scraps of food from dumpsters and wearing the same filthy clothes that I’d worn when I failed out of college. I was the animal that passed by unseen by the people of the world.
But Mr. Sheffield saw me. He was a handsome older gentleman, but that wasn’t what was important at the time. Out of the goodness of his heart, he gave me a job cooking and cleaning for him. To you, it may seem like a menial task below your station, but to me it was a chance at a life worth living.
Little did he know, I couldn’t cook or clean. Again, he showed his good nature by teaching me, as a father teaches a daughter, with strict punishments and just rewards. He could have forced me from his home like another worthless piece of garbage, but he gave me chance after chance, and in the process, he showed me a world that I’d never dreamed of.
If you’re looking for a story that will warm your heart and make you see the good in the world, look elsewhere. This is about the darkness that lies behind the mask that we all wear. Other stories may bring you romance and candles, but this is a story with claws and teeth. It is raw. It is passion. It is real.
"... gut-wrenching, heartbreaking love story, complicated adult relationships and flawed people instead of cardboard cliches" ~Lilah E. Noir, author of Stroker Ace
Note: This novel contains many explicit BDSM scenes and is intended for adults only.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2015
85 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Lexie Syrah
103 books109 followersLexie Syrah is an erotica and erotic romance author who writes deliciously steamy stories filled with submissive women reveling in the freedom of submission and their powerful alpha male dominants.
She found her black knight in shining armor in her dominant and possessive husband in Austin, TX. Taking strolls through the greenbelt with her fur babies or driving across the country to see the world’s largest ball of twine, she is always looking for a new adventure.
To keep in touch with her, you can follow her social media:
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LexieSyrah
She found her black knight in shining armor in her dominant and possessive husband in Austin, TX. Taking strolls through the greenbelt with her fur babies or driving across the country to see the world’s largest ball of twine, she is always looking for a new adventure.
To keep in touch with her, you can follow her social media:
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LexieSyrah
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 22, 2015
This isn't the first book by Lexie that I have read, and it sure in the heck will not be the last!
Lexie captures your attention and interest in the opening scene, and holds it through until the very end of this book.
We are introduced to our main female character, a 20 year old former college sorority girl named Maggie, who has spent the past few months homeless and living on the streets, scouring dumpsters for scraps of food to hold her over. She has become jaded, and lives in fear, knowing that she has nowhere to turn. That is until she comes in contact with Mr. Sheffield.
Mr Sheffield is an older, wealthy gentleman who shows sympathy, without showing pity, toward Maggie. He offers her not only lunch, but a job...and for Maggie, his offer brings hope that she may finally have a chance to better her life, make something of herself.
Mr. Sheffield has very strict expectations for Maggie, and should she not live up to them she will receive a punishment.
What starts off as an employer/employee relationship soon develops in to something deeper, darker, more emotionally dependent and intense than either character seems ready for. These two love each other so much, but are so fearful of what that means that they hold back from, or lash out at one another as a way of preserving their own heart. In the end though, that fear leaves them both heartbroken, and torn.
Lexie has written this dark romance in such a way that you are experiencing every emotion along with the characters. The joy, fear, loneliness, hope, jealousy, heartbreak - you feel it all. Some of the scenes go in to so much detail that you may even actually feel them physically. The words leap off the screen and play in your mind like a 3-D movie.
When I began this book I was expecting the great writing that I have come to expect, and look forward to from Lexie; she never disappoints with her creativity in each book, but this one completely surpassed everything I have ever read by her to date. Once I began this tale I couldn't put it down. It is not very often that I read a story that puts me through an emotional ringer like Torn did. It is a story that is more realistic of some love stories, since we know not every story ends with "Happily Ever After". At the end you are left wondering if they are going to find their way to one another...or if their relationship remain forever Torn.
If it were possible to give this book more than 5⭐ I would. Amazon does not have a ranking high enough for this one.
The journey you are taken on when you read Torn will stay with you for a long time, and you will only be disappointed when you read the last page because you will not want it to end.
Lexie captures your attention and interest in the opening scene, and holds it through until the very end of this book.
We are introduced to our main female character, a 20 year old former college sorority girl named Maggie, who has spent the past few months homeless and living on the streets, scouring dumpsters for scraps of food to hold her over. She has become jaded, and lives in fear, knowing that she has nowhere to turn. That is until she comes in contact with Mr. Sheffield.
Mr Sheffield is an older, wealthy gentleman who shows sympathy, without showing pity, toward Maggie. He offers her not only lunch, but a job...and for Maggie, his offer brings hope that she may finally have a chance to better her life, make something of herself.
Mr. Sheffield has very strict expectations for Maggie, and should she not live up to them she will receive a punishment.
What starts off as an employer/employee relationship soon develops in to something deeper, darker, more emotionally dependent and intense than either character seems ready for. These two love each other so much, but are so fearful of what that means that they hold back from, or lash out at one another as a way of preserving their own heart. In the end though, that fear leaves them both heartbroken, and torn.
Lexie has written this dark romance in such a way that you are experiencing every emotion along with the characters. The joy, fear, loneliness, hope, jealousy, heartbreak - you feel it all. Some of the scenes go in to so much detail that you may even actually feel them physically. The words leap off the screen and play in your mind like a 3-D movie.
When I began this book I was expecting the great writing that I have come to expect, and look forward to from Lexie; she never disappoints with her creativity in each book, but this one completely surpassed everything I have ever read by her to date. Once I began this tale I couldn't put it down. It is not very often that I read a story that puts me through an emotional ringer like Torn did. It is a story that is more realistic of some love stories, since we know not every story ends with "Happily Ever After". At the end you are left wondering if they are going to find their way to one another...or if their relationship remain forever Torn.
If it were possible to give this book more than 5⭐ I would. Amazon does not have a ranking high enough for this one.
The journey you are taken on when you read Torn will stay with you for a long time, and you will only be disappointed when you read the last page because you will not want it to end.
October 27, 2015
Whenever I think of dark erotica the first associations coming to mind are those of blackmail, coercion, ugly, abusive relationships that drive the characters and readers to the point of madness and toxic feelings presented as love story. In the first volume of her series Shattered Lives Lexie Syrah puts her characters through emotional whirlwind and just as the title of the series promises it leaves us shattered. However it also presents a truly gut wrenching, heart breaking love story, complicated adult relationships and flawed people instead of cardboard cliches. The darkness mingles with the beauty and light, the despair flirts with hope and the story is carved on a much more solid foundation than the traditional “naive young woman gets introduced to kink” drivel.
Reading Torn was a very similar experience to watching the film Shame a few years ago. It felt deeply personal, it made me feel heated, excited, it caused me to sense every emotion going through the mind of both the hero and heroine, it touched many well covered sore spots and nearly made me cry. It also made me ache for more. I wasn't ready to leave the world of Shattered Lives at the last page.
Maggie, the young homeless girl, was never prepared for the world that quickly lured her innocence with temptation and pleasure, which lead to her downfall. Mr. Sheffield, the older wealthy benefactor, never expected to find diamond in the rough when he extended a hand to help her out of the dark hole of despair she was living in.
I loved both these characters, for their faults, imperfections and all the mistakes their made on the road that eventually drove them apart. While Maggie was inexperienced in the dream like world that Mr. Sheffield leads her into she wasn't just a blank space Mary Sue meant to “save” the leading man. She had her own history, personality and set of issues. Maggie could see beyond the surface and was pretty reflective, a direct consequence of her life on the streets. But she was overwhelmed by doubts and fears that often dominated her common sense and caused her to act irrational. Mr. Sheffield was a pretty compelling man as well. He was kind, caring and protective as well as raw and primal in his most basic needs. I could clearly see why everyone he encountered was so drawn to him and how easily he could get what he needed. I really loved that the author didn't follow the usual tropes such as “someone broke my heart so I became hardcore Dom who doesn't love” or “my ex-wife was a frigid, vanilla bitch”. Still, Mr. Sheffield was so used to hiding his true self that it turned into a second nature for him. He couldn't be fully open even with Maggie, which is quite ironic. I saw him as someone who has been seeking for understanding all his life. And when he finally found it the fear turned out to be stronger.
The erotic scenes in Maggie's sexual education were exceptional, from the first spanking on. What could easily become the ugly non con story in which the man with too much power exploits and abuses the girl with no options turned out the start of a journey to self discovery for both of them. There was no sugar coating of the pain and roughness involved, the sex was as realistic as it gets and all the time that I was going further in the story I felt like I was actually in Maggie's place, her emotions were so easy to identify with.
The sex is getting kinkier as the story progresses however don't fool yourself. The darkness from the title has nothing to do with the BDSM, the different sexual practices or the pain shared between Maggie and Mr. Sheffield. It comes entirely from within those lost souls, their own fears that eventually break the communication. By the end of the book I really felt like they weren't talking but just covering themselves behind violent outbursts. The intimacy proved to be too much and the fear and escape way too tempting. My heart really hurt for both of them and till the last page I wished they'd get over their emotional inhibitions. But sometimes love is not enough.
The writing was stellar and made me experience every aspect of the world Lexie Syrah created – from the dirt and grime on the street to the hypnotic ambiance of the Elysium club. I can't think of anything that would make the story better. Perhaps it would be good if we could see more of Mr. Sheffield's point of view through the course of the story but that would have killed some of the suspense of his true motivations. It was good we could catch a glimpse of his mind that was not put through Maggie's perspective.
I recommend that small jewel of a book to anyone who is not afraid of looking at the dark recesses of their mind and hearts. It is emotionally wrenching read but I can promise it would be worth it and you'd be left begging for more of that dark magic. I'd even go as far as to say that some day Torn and its sequels may find its place with the classic erotic literature.
I can't wait for the second book.
Reading Torn was a very similar experience to watching the film Shame a few years ago. It felt deeply personal, it made me feel heated, excited, it caused me to sense every emotion going through the mind of both the hero and heroine, it touched many well covered sore spots and nearly made me cry. It also made me ache for more. I wasn't ready to leave the world of Shattered Lives at the last page.
Maggie, the young homeless girl, was never prepared for the world that quickly lured her innocence with temptation and pleasure, which lead to her downfall. Mr. Sheffield, the older wealthy benefactor, never expected to find diamond in the rough when he extended a hand to help her out of the dark hole of despair she was living in.
I loved both these characters, for their faults, imperfections and all the mistakes their made on the road that eventually drove them apart. While Maggie was inexperienced in the dream like world that Mr. Sheffield leads her into she wasn't just a blank space Mary Sue meant to “save” the leading man. She had her own history, personality and set of issues. Maggie could see beyond the surface and was pretty reflective, a direct consequence of her life on the streets. But she was overwhelmed by doubts and fears that often dominated her common sense and caused her to act irrational. Mr. Sheffield was a pretty compelling man as well. He was kind, caring and protective as well as raw and primal in his most basic needs. I could clearly see why everyone he encountered was so drawn to him and how easily he could get what he needed. I really loved that the author didn't follow the usual tropes such as “someone broke my heart so I became hardcore Dom who doesn't love” or “my ex-wife was a frigid, vanilla bitch”. Still, Mr. Sheffield was so used to hiding his true self that it turned into a second nature for him. He couldn't be fully open even with Maggie, which is quite ironic. I saw him as someone who has been seeking for understanding all his life. And when he finally found it the fear turned out to be stronger.
The erotic scenes in Maggie's sexual education were exceptional, from the first spanking on. What could easily become the ugly non con story in which the man with too much power exploits and abuses the girl with no options turned out the start of a journey to self discovery for both of them. There was no sugar coating of the pain and roughness involved, the sex was as realistic as it gets and all the time that I was going further in the story I felt like I was actually in Maggie's place, her emotions were so easy to identify with.
The sex is getting kinkier as the story progresses however don't fool yourself. The darkness from the title has nothing to do with the BDSM, the different sexual practices or the pain shared between Maggie and Mr. Sheffield. It comes entirely from within those lost souls, their own fears that eventually break the communication. By the end of the book I really felt like they weren't talking but just covering themselves behind violent outbursts. The intimacy proved to be too much and the fear and escape way too tempting. My heart really hurt for both of them and till the last page I wished they'd get over their emotional inhibitions. But sometimes love is not enough.
The writing was stellar and made me experience every aspect of the world Lexie Syrah created – from the dirt and grime on the street to the hypnotic ambiance of the Elysium club. I can't think of anything that would make the story better. Perhaps it would be good if we could see more of Mr. Sheffield's point of view through the course of the story but that would have killed some of the suspense of his true motivations. It was good we could catch a glimpse of his mind that was not put through Maggie's perspective.
I recommend that small jewel of a book to anyone who is not afraid of looking at the dark recesses of their mind and hearts. It is emotionally wrenching read but I can promise it would be worth it and you'd be left begging for more of that dark magic. I'd even go as far as to say that some day Torn and its sequels may find its place with the classic erotic literature.
I can't wait for the second book.
November 7, 2015
I give this book 6 out of 5 stars. Excellent read. If you've read any of Lexie Syrah's books, those were just appetizers. This is the main course. Her eloquent writing style really pulls you in as you join the roller coaster ride of Maggie's journey right from the start of Torn. Syrah paints you a beautiful picture of not only what is happening but also the many emotions associated. It is most definitely worth adding to your collection. I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I hoped...I purchased.
November 1, 2015
This isn't the first story from this writer I read, but it is the longest. I got it from William, since he thought I would like to read it. And I sure liked it.
The start of the book is different, since she is homeless. The way it is described how she sees him for the first time. Finding him handsome, but being afraid he wants something from her. But when he leaves her money and walks away she takes the risk. It is described in a realistic and smart way, every woman, even homeless should be careful with maniacs out on the loose.
I also like the scene in the restaurant where they have lunch together. Her being all smelly and in clothes she is wearing for months now and him the opposite. And the way he reacts to the employee who wants to send them away, that was great to read.
From there it goes on, with him offering her a job. She takes it with both her hands as a way out of her homeless situation. When he takes her home, he lets her make dinner. But oops, she has never done that before and messes up. From that moment the relationship really starts with him punishing her. Which makes her even more turned on as she already was.
The next day when she doesn’t wake on time, he has another creative punishment and she takes it and does her best to do all the things he wants her to do in the house. Luckily this time she can use the internet to find out how to do the things she has no clue off. With time they are getting closer and closer. Which is hot to read and a huge turn on.
But things change with her birthday party and him taking her to a club. She wants to go to a club and he takes her to a special one. Her being innocent with this kind of clubs and when they met his former slave she does things she never has done before. From there on the relationship between them is going down. That got to me, because I cared about both of them. I wanted to shout at them because the things they do. Not trusting the other totally to speak up in front of each other, making it all worse with the things they do say and do. Both wanting the other back, but not daring to say those words. Just feeling lonely and making the wrong choices.
No wonder things go the way they go. I wasn't happy with the ending but understand why it was this way. It make sense. But since it is an open ending I am hoping the next book will bring them back to read about what is going to happen next with them and their relationship.
The start of the book is different, since she is homeless. The way it is described how she sees him for the first time. Finding him handsome, but being afraid he wants something from her. But when he leaves her money and walks away she takes the risk. It is described in a realistic and smart way, every woman, even homeless should be careful with maniacs out on the loose.
I also like the scene in the restaurant where they have lunch together. Her being all smelly and in clothes she is wearing for months now and him the opposite. And the way he reacts to the employee who wants to send them away, that was great to read.
From there it goes on, with him offering her a job. She takes it with both her hands as a way out of her homeless situation. When he takes her home, he lets her make dinner. But oops, she has never done that before and messes up. From that moment the relationship really starts with him punishing her. Which makes her even more turned on as she already was.
The next day when she doesn’t wake on time, he has another creative punishment and she takes it and does her best to do all the things he wants her to do in the house. Luckily this time she can use the internet to find out how to do the things she has no clue off. With time they are getting closer and closer. Which is hot to read and a huge turn on.
But things change with her birthday party and him taking her to a club. She wants to go to a club and he takes her to a special one. Her being innocent with this kind of clubs and when they met his former slave she does things she never has done before. From there on the relationship between them is going down. That got to me, because I cared about both of them. I wanted to shout at them because the things they do. Not trusting the other totally to speak up in front of each other, making it all worse with the things they do say and do. Both wanting the other back, but not daring to say those words. Just feeling lonely and making the wrong choices.
No wonder things go the way they go. I wasn't happy with the ending but understand why it was this way. It make sense. But since it is an open ending I am hoping the next book will bring them back to read about what is going to happen next with them and their relationship.
November 5, 2015
Maggie's life has gone down the drain since she was kicked out of college. Now living on the street, she haunts the alleys looking for food and trying to avoid predatory men when along comes Mr. Sheffield.
He's rich. He's charming. And he just wants to help Maggie out. Maggie swallows her fear and accepts his invitation to dinner. Mr. Sheffield has offered Maggie a lifeline to be his live-in maid. Maggie, knowing something has to change, grasps it
Maggie throws herself into her new job. But when she burns dinner the first night, she fears being thrown back out into the street. Instead, Mr. Sheffield says he will spank her when she makes a mistake. Wanting guidance and discipline in her life, Maggie agrees.
And she loves it. The pair spiral into a BDSM relationship. Maggie loves being dominated and enjoys the pain her employer gives her. She's happy. Everything is going great.
Until Mr. Sheffield takes her to Elysium, a sex club. Their relationship is torn in the debauchery of the club. Will they repair the damage or will their lives forever be shattered?
Lexie rights a passionate, dark BDSM erotic story. There is passion, love, and kinky sex. She will take you into the dark corners of domination and submission. Maggie is led into the dark world, but will the young woman lose herself?
Lexie really made me care for her characters and left me wanting more. I can't wait for the sequel to find out what happenes!
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
He's rich. He's charming. And he just wants to help Maggie out. Maggie swallows her fear and accepts his invitation to dinner. Mr. Sheffield has offered Maggie a lifeline to be his live-in maid. Maggie, knowing something has to change, grasps it
Maggie throws herself into her new job. But when she burns dinner the first night, she fears being thrown back out into the street. Instead, Mr. Sheffield says he will spank her when she makes a mistake. Wanting guidance and discipline in her life, Maggie agrees.
And she loves it. The pair spiral into a BDSM relationship. Maggie loves being dominated and enjoys the pain her employer gives her. She's happy. Everything is going great.
Until Mr. Sheffield takes her to Elysium, a sex club. Their relationship is torn in the debauchery of the club. Will they repair the damage or will their lives forever be shattered?
Lexie rights a passionate, dark BDSM erotic story. There is passion, love, and kinky sex. She will take you into the dark corners of domination and submission. Maggie is led into the dark world, but will the young woman lose herself?
Lexie really made me care for her characters and left me wanting more. I can't wait for the sequel to find out what happenes!
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 26, 2015
Wow!
Just Wow! Everything wrapped into one but without a happy ending. The feeling Lexie invokes us with is of pure and absolute lust. Excellent writing and I cannot wait for the next book!!!
Just Wow! Everything wrapped into one but without a happy ending. The feeling Lexie invokes us with is of pure and absolute lust. Excellent writing and I cannot wait for the next book!!!
November 7, 2015
I would like to thank the author who sent me a free copy of her book for an honest review.
---------------------
Sooooo I must admit I find it very difficult to write this review.
Until about two-third of the book, I just wanted to dnf. Not because of the writing per say, it is actually excellent. The author has a way with words.
No the issue was the story and mainly Maggie's character. I must admit I was at best confused .
First we are supposed to follow Maggie moving in just a few hours from the homeless girl who has to be suspicious because everyone wants to abuse people in her position to the girl who falls madly in love with the employer who just told her that if she made a mistake she should be physically punished ...
The only thing that comes to mind is the good old "too-stupid-to-live" especially since we don't get any credible reasons for her to do so, with very few insights on what she thinks, or feels.
So trying to understand Maggie made it difficult for me to enter in the book.
Until...
Until they went to the club. Or more exactly until, things started to break apart, which is when you finally get deeper into both characters, mainly Maggie.
Deeper into her past, deeper into her feelings and thoughts. And these true introspection moments coupled with the author writing skills made it difficult to put the book down from their on.
Sentences like "That's real love and real happiness. It's when you go to sleep every night hoping that you are less happy than your lover."
And then she gets back to her TSTL personality and her good old "sorority slut" ways. Just like that. We are supposed to believe that this character just presses a switch from time to time not only changing her mind, but allowing her to become someone totally different and not just once : .
So I checked Goodreads rating scale. Figured I was somewhere between "was just ok" and "I liked it" i .e 2.5 stars, and because I understand this is a debut novel and the writing is really good, I rounded to 3 stars.
To be honest the writing alone would deserve 4 stars.
I will be looking for the next book in the series, hoping that Maggie sticks more to her strong and thoughtful personality ...
---------------------
Sooooo I must admit I find it very difficult to write this review.
Until about two-third of the book, I just wanted to dnf. Not because of the writing per say, it is actually excellent. The author has a way with words.
No the issue was the story and mainly Maggie's character. I must admit I was at best confused .
First we are supposed to follow Maggie moving in just a few hours from the homeless girl who has to be suspicious because everyone wants to abuse people in her position to the girl who falls madly in love with the employer who just told her that if she made a mistake she should be physically punished ...
The only thing that comes to mind is the good old "too-stupid-to-live" especially since we don't get any credible reasons for her to do so, with very few insights on what she thinks, or feels.
So trying to understand Maggie made it difficult for me to enter in the book.
Until...
Until they went to the club. Or more exactly until, things started to break apart, which is when you finally get deeper into both characters, mainly Maggie.
Deeper into her past, deeper into her feelings and thoughts. And these true introspection moments coupled with the author writing skills made it difficult to put the book down from their on.
Sentences like "That's real love and real happiness. It's when you go to sleep every night hoping that you are less happy than your lover."
And then she gets back to her TSTL personality and her good old "sorority slut" ways. Just like that. We are supposed to believe that this character just presses a switch from time to time not only changing her mind, but allowing her to become someone totally different and not just once : .
So I checked Goodreads rating scale. Figured I was somewhere between "was just ok" and "I liked it" i .e 2.5 stars, and because I understand this is a debut novel and the writing is really good, I rounded to 3 stars.
To be honest the writing alone would deserve 4 stars.
I will be looking for the next book in the series, hoping that Maggie sticks more to her strong and thoughtful personality ...
November 10, 2015
I must confess that I'm not usually a reader of BDSM. I agreed to read it (received an ARC) in exchange for an honest review so here goes.
It's certainly not a traditional love story/romance, but in their own way, it is a romance, just unconventional. It begins as a man saving a young woman from destitution and homelessness. He offers her a job cleaning and cooking (two things she has to research in order to do btw) in exchange for a room in his house and a fair wage. She gets off to a rocky start and he offers to "punish" her instead of firing her and putting her back on the street.
To me, this is the steamiest scene in the book. He bends her over his knee and spanks her with his hand. The way the author describes the action here, really helps you (especially someone like me) understand why a woman may be turned on by this and maybe recognize something in herself she hadn't realized before. There are many other graphic scenes certainly, but his one is still the best for me.
As with most romances, there are miscommunications and unvoiced feelings that cause issues, but there are choices made by both main characters that are outside my realm of understanding. I won't spoil the end, but it definitely doesn't turn out like most romances.
The writing is solid, the plot interesting, and the characters probably believable in a world I'm not accustomed to. If you read erotica, I'm sure this will be a great read for you. If you read romance, this will be an interesting read as long as you're not in it for the HEA or even HFN. Of course, this is just book 1 of the series so we'll have to see how it does indeed end.
It's certainly not a traditional love story/romance, but in their own way, it is a romance, just unconventional. It begins as a man saving a young woman from destitution and homelessness. He offers her a job cleaning and cooking (two things she has to research in order to do btw) in exchange for a room in his house and a fair wage. She gets off to a rocky start and he offers to "punish" her instead of firing her and putting her back on the street.
To me, this is the steamiest scene in the book. He bends her over his knee and spanks her with his hand. The way the author describes the action here, really helps you (especially someone like me) understand why a woman may be turned on by this and maybe recognize something in herself she hadn't realized before. There are many other graphic scenes certainly, but his one is still the best for me.
As with most romances, there are miscommunications and unvoiced feelings that cause issues, but there are choices made by both main characters that are outside my realm of understanding. I won't spoil the end, but it definitely doesn't turn out like most romances.
The writing is solid, the plot interesting, and the characters probably believable in a world I'm not accustomed to. If you read erotica, I'm sure this will be a great read for you. If you read romance, this will be an interesting read as long as you're not in it for the HEA or even HFN. Of course, this is just book 1 of the series so we'll have to see how it does indeed end.
October 29, 2015
I admit I am a jumble of emotions after reading this book, as I huge fan of dark erotica it did not disappoint. Maggie is a homeless girl who was flunked out of college and has no family left to help her out. Mr. Sheffield is a man old enough to be her father, he offers Maggie a chance to get off the streets and start over by working for him as a housekeeper. When he learns Maggie has no experience at cleaning or cooking, Mr. Sheffield suggests, he punish Maggie if she is unable to complete her tasks properly. Both have a lot of baggage and as their relationship changes from more than just boss/employee, their trust issues come to a head and they do things they will regret later. The characters were excellent in the emotions were intense, the story was excellent lots of drama and at times I wanted to yell at the characters myself. The sex was hot, hot, HOT! I can’t wait for book 2!
December 3, 2015
Wow! I certainly hope there is book 2 in the series coming out shortly. Mr. Sheffield picks up Maggie, who was in college, got expelled and lost her job, and she goes to work for him as a housekeeper. There are lots of bdsm scenes, and of course, lots of sex. The ending, however, is a big shocker. I will definitely be reading on in this series.
February 23, 2016
BEAUTIFUL, BUT NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
I admit to having had a hard time reading this book and it is not the books fault. The book is good, in fact the writing is very good and the story is well laid out.
I had a hard time because I like to know what the people who’s life I share in a book are feeling and how that informs their actions. Mr Sheffield is completely aloof and Maggie only examines the lust he inspires in her and the fact that the pain he inflicts on her is what she craves. I found it interesting that she apparently had the ability to turn pain into pleasure, a concept that is rather alien to me, but it did not explain her actions to me.
This is a book about two people from very different walks of life, with very different levels of experience stumbling unexpectedly into love and neither of them realize it until after they both have done things they can not undo. You might think that that is how the average romance starts, but by the time they do and say things that are irreversible, they have had a sexual master slave relationship for most of the book and we are two thirds through. There is sex without emotional involvement, unexamined feelings that turn into resentment, and finally the usual stupid things humans do and then wonder what on earth happened. And isn’t that how most modern relationships evolve?
What made it so hard for me to read was that the writer refused to explain the emotional dynamics of the master slave relationship so that I was forced to experience it with Maggi who did not truly understand it either. I had to work at understanding the characters and finding things to like about them. It is a mark of how good the writing is that I held out until the point when we get to hear Mr Sheffield’s inner voice and it all becomes so much clearer.
I would really have liked to have Mr Sheffield’s point of view throughout the book. Hearing his inner thoughts would most likely have romanticized the situation and that would have robbed the book of some of it’s authenticity, but still, it would have made the master slave dynamic easier to understand.
As I said, not for the faint of heart, but very much worth it in the end.
I admit to having had a hard time reading this book and it is not the books fault. The book is good, in fact the writing is very good and the story is well laid out.
I had a hard time because I like to know what the people who’s life I share in a book are feeling and how that informs their actions. Mr Sheffield is completely aloof and Maggie only examines the lust he inspires in her and the fact that the pain he inflicts on her is what she craves. I found it interesting that she apparently had the ability to turn pain into pleasure, a concept that is rather alien to me, but it did not explain her actions to me.
This is a book about two people from very different walks of life, with very different levels of experience stumbling unexpectedly into love and neither of them realize it until after they both have done things they can not undo. You might think that that is how the average romance starts, but by the time they do and say things that are irreversible, they have had a sexual master slave relationship for most of the book and we are two thirds through. There is sex without emotional involvement, unexamined feelings that turn into resentment, and finally the usual stupid things humans do and then wonder what on earth happened. And isn’t that how most modern relationships evolve?
What made it so hard for me to read was that the writer refused to explain the emotional dynamics of the master slave relationship so that I was forced to experience it with Maggi who did not truly understand it either. I had to work at understanding the characters and finding things to like about them. It is a mark of how good the writing is that I held out until the point when we get to hear Mr Sheffield’s inner voice and it all becomes so much clearer.
I would really have liked to have Mr Sheffield’s point of view throughout the book. Hearing his inner thoughts would most likely have romanticized the situation and that would have robbed the book of some of it’s authenticity, but still, it would have made the master slave dynamic easier to understand.
As I said, not for the faint of heart, but very much worth it in the end.
March 2, 2016
Too much character inconsistency
This was the first book I have read by this author. Although she does seem to have talent up her sleeve, the story was flat, and rather unrealistic.
Didn't care for the characters and never connected with them. There were things that just didn't make sense...The heroine is homeless in the beginning. Not couch surfing, but literally eating out of dumpsters. After being taken in by Mr Sheffield, she takes a shower and then immediately proceeds to tell us how sexy she is and how she looks like she should be on the cover of a magazine, now that she is cleaned up. And she is already having thoughts of having her c*nt filled. Anyway, we learn later that she has no problem using her looks and body to get money. And this isn't new behavior, since she fell behind in school for being a slut. And this is why I find it SO unbelievable that this girl would have ever been eating out of dumpsters. You're telling me she had no male friends to crash with? Or she didn't think to use her prostitution/stripping ideas sooner? She even seemed to enjoy it and got excited about the prospect of being used as a whore every night. Yeah, someone model/magazine cover gorgeous who has no qualms about using her body is gonna be homeless. Sure.
Lots of sleeping around and never any mention of protection, from anybody!! The two main characters are childish and sleazy. Instead of talking things out, they aim to hurt each other by sex with other people.
I won't be reading the sequel. I just don't care enough to find out what happens. They are both horrible people.
This was the first book I have read by this author. Although she does seem to have talent up her sleeve, the story was flat, and rather unrealistic.
Didn't care for the characters and never connected with them. There were things that just didn't make sense...The heroine is homeless in the beginning. Not couch surfing, but literally eating out of dumpsters. After being taken in by Mr Sheffield, she takes a shower and then immediately proceeds to tell us how sexy she is and how she looks like she should be on the cover of a magazine, now that she is cleaned up. And she is already having thoughts of having her c*nt filled. Anyway, we learn later that she has no problem using her looks and body to get money. And this isn't new behavior, since she fell behind in school for being a slut. And this is why I find it SO unbelievable that this girl would have ever been eating out of dumpsters. You're telling me she had no male friends to crash with? Or she didn't think to use her prostitution/stripping ideas sooner? She even seemed to enjoy it and got excited about the prospect of being used as a whore every night. Yeah, someone model/magazine cover gorgeous who has no qualms about using her body is gonna be homeless. Sure.
Lots of sleeping around and never any mention of protection, from anybody!! The two main characters are childish and sleazy. Instead of talking things out, they aim to hurt each other by sex with other people.
I won't be reading the sequel. I just don't care enough to find out what happens. They are both horrible people.
January 22, 2016
HATE THE ENDING.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the love that both Maggie & Brian had for each other. I just wish they made more effort during their fight. I really feel bad for Brian, fear played a dangerous game at the end. I will read more from this Author only this trilogy because I want to know what happened to them. The reason for a 4star is because of the " I miss my little girl" reference that struck a nerve. I hated every times it was used, I felt like I was reading a book from a Pedophile. Why couldn't be " I miss my girl" instead of my little girl (I think it bugs me because I have a 5yrs old daughter). Really enjoyed this book it's dark just how I like them.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the love that both Maggie & Brian had for each other. I just wish they made more effort during their fight. I really feel bad for Brian, fear played a dangerous game at the end. I will read more from this Author only this trilogy because I want to know what happened to them. The reason for a 4star is because of the " I miss my little girl" reference that struck a nerve. I hated every times it was used, I felt like I was reading a book from a Pedophile. Why couldn't be " I miss my girl" instead of my little girl (I think it bugs me because I have a 5yrs old daughter). Really enjoyed this book it's dark just how I like them.
July 19, 2016
I almost didn't finish, I found myself quickly scanning through the last 25% of the book, I just don't see where they fell in love so quickly and where all these feelings developed. I found myself not liking Maggie at all. Her character is unrealistic and boring and just a playing slut. I love dark stories, especially dark erotica but this didn't do it for me. I don't know if I will try anything else by this author. Time or reviews will tell...
May 18, 2020
Took me forever to finally finish this.
Honestly I about couldn't finish this book. I had to make !Harold and it took forever, especially after I found out the second part was never done. It has potential and finishing it may make it a decent read. The book started out great and with potential but towards the last fourth of it, the characters became incredible obtuse and too stubborn to speak up and it just leaves you there feeling very unsatisfied.
Honestly I about couldn't finish this book. I had to make !Harold and it took forever, especially after I found out the second part was never done. It has potential and finishing it may make it a decent read. The book started out great and with potential but towards the last fourth of it, the characters became incredible obtuse and too stubborn to speak up and it just leaves you there feeling very unsatisfied.
September 18, 2020
Torn
Gut wrenching ending did not know this was a cliffhanger ending the other book’s by this author haven’t been. Can’t wait for the other books to come out to see how their story unfolds.
Gut wrenching ending did not know this was a cliffhanger ending the other book’s by this author haven’t been. Can’t wait for the other books to come out to see how their story unfolds.
November 15, 2020
WhT next
I hate the ending. I am left wanting to know what happens next. The break up does not make ense
I hate the ending. I am left wanting to know what happens next. The break up does not make ense
June 3, 2020
Is there a sequel? UGH! How did I miss "Book 1 " in the title?
It started off pretty good, but somewhere in the middle it lost something.
In the beginning you were "living" the story with Maggie (the h). From her homeless situation to meeting the H and their first days together when she was learning how to clean house, cook and please the H. You lived her struggles with her. But when she settles in and is happy the story gets flat. It was as if you were just listening to someone tell you a story about something they did. The author seemed to struggle with bringing her happiness to life, (though she was good at depicting the intensity of the sex scenes and the turmoils.).
Then something happens that brings back the angst and we're back to "feeling" this story again...living it with the characters. However, you get no HEA. The H and h end up apart and i'm thinking....WTH? Then I finally notice the "Book 1" .
So will I read the next? Really not sure. Depends on how many books in this series. If too many, likely not. Why? If there are a lot of books, there are likely to be many ups and downs. I don't think I'd enjoy FEELING all the downs and none of the ups. While l felt and lived the angst, sadness and uncertainty, I did not feel the contentment and happiness. This author seemed to have a problem conveying happiness and contentment in this book. If that stays true in subsequent books I'm likely to be disappointed in the HEA anyway.
I will say, if this had ended with an HEA I could feel, it would likely have earned 4 stars instead of the 3.
It started off pretty good, but somewhere in the middle it lost something.
In the beginning you were "living" the story with Maggie (the h). From her homeless situation to meeting the H and their first days together when she was learning how to clean house, cook and please the H. You lived her struggles with her. But when she settles in and is happy the story gets flat. It was as if you were just listening to someone tell you a story about something they did. The author seemed to struggle with bringing her happiness to life, (though she was good at depicting the intensity of the sex scenes and the turmoils.).
Then something happens that brings back the angst and we're back to "feeling" this story again...living it with the characters. However, you get no HEA. The H and h end up apart and i'm thinking....WTH? Then I finally notice the "Book 1" .
So will I read the next? Really not sure. Depends on how many books in this series. If too many, likely not. Why? If there are a lot of books, there are likely to be many ups and downs. I don't think I'd enjoy FEELING all the downs and none of the ups. While l felt and lived the angst, sadness and uncertainty, I did not feel the contentment and happiness. This author seemed to have a problem conveying happiness and contentment in this book. If that stays true in subsequent books I'm likely to be disappointed in the HEA anyway.
I will say, if this had ended with an HEA I could feel, it would likely have earned 4 stars instead of the 3.
December 13, 2016
I am shattered. What an awesome read. Cannot wait for Shattered Lives #2.
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