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Stain
"You're like the sun...and I'm the stupid moon. Always chasing after you."
I didn't know it was possible to fall so deeply into someone. To drown so strongly into their bottomless depths coming up for air was unfathomable. Until he comes along, with his sun-hot radiance, and eclipses the candle that is me. He's Lucifer before the fall, beautiful but the devil is in the way he looks at me. In the way his touch brands his name across every inch of my skin. His kisses possess my soul in the most sinful of ways.
Maddox Moore is my beginning and my end. Protector, friend, and lover—he's become my sole religion. At his side I become fearless, in his arms I burn to cinders, and in worshiping him I lose myself and discover the person he sees in me. But nothing is forever. Moments are ephemeral. No matter how much you want something life inevitably reminds you that you can't have it.
I'm damaged. He's broken. We're both covered in stains. Stains that make it impossible for us to hold onto each other.
MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY 18+ Warning: This book contains graphic content which may not be suitable for sensitive readers.
**Standalone novel**
I didn't know it was possible to fall so deeply into someone. To drown so strongly into their bottomless depths coming up for air was unfathomable. Until he comes along, with his sun-hot radiance, and eclipses the candle that is me. He's Lucifer before the fall, beautiful but the devil is in the way he looks at me. In the way his touch brands his name across every inch of my skin. His kisses possess my soul in the most sinful of ways.
Maddox Moore is my beginning and my end. Protector, friend, and lover—he's become my sole religion. At his side I become fearless, in his arms I burn to cinders, and in worshiping him I lose myself and discover the person he sees in me. But nothing is forever. Moments are ephemeral. No matter how much you want something life inevitably reminds you that you can't have it.
I'm damaged. He's broken. We're both covered in stains. Stains that make it impossible for us to hold onto each other.
MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY 18+ Warning: This book contains graphic content which may not be suitable for sensitive readers.
**Standalone novel**
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2015
41 people are currently reading
1706 people want to read
About the author
Francette Phal
12 books1,302 followersFrancette lives in Massachusetts with her amazingly supportive husband of ten years and her darling two year old son. Reading amazing books has led her to writing and she’s dabbled in fan-fiction before self-publishing her own works. She’s constantly thinking up new stories to write and does her best work when music is playing in the background. Romance is where she’s most comfortable but she hopes to one day venture in mystery novels. She has a weakness for coffee ice cream, tropical fruits and a good glass of wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★! Stain, book 1 of 1.5. Stained by horrific upbringing to polar opposites find common ground & more!
“I take the silence of her pain that feels too damn much like my own.”
Books should be read in order:
Book 1: Stain
Book 1.5: Untitled
Stain (book 1) is a story about a collision of two worlds; good student, Aylee Bennett and the rebel Maddox Moore, Max’s and the kinship that follows. Set against the backdrop of Aylee wishing to use Maddox as a model for her drawing the story digs in and uncovers painful pasts.
Aylee deals with her traumatic upbringing by coping in private and on surface being the perfect daughter while Maddox, tormented with memories, sells drugs and does crimes on behalf of his stepfather while recording sex tapes on the side.
They are an unlikely pair yet they make perfect sense. Their story is filled with the stains of life; shocking truths and painful secrets, drugs, abuse, violence, no-consensual sex and amidst all that ugly - a friendship and more…
“The sincere way she stares at me makes me believe in things.”
Eight words to describe Maddox Moore, Max: Misunderstood, loyal, honorable, protective, jaded, broken, flawed and strong.
Eight words to describe Aylee Bennett: Sweet, timid, loyal, reflective, protective, broken, secretive and impressionable.
Stain (book 1), told from dual POVs, is dark and sad, even their friendship cannot cover up all the ugly. But there is beauty and hope too. I am anticipating the follow-up novella book 1.5 will give them some redemption and peace.
“In his kisses I taste his soul, and it hungers for mine in ways that go so much deeper than mere sex.”
***
Hero rating: 4+ stars
Heroine rating: 4+ stars
Sexual tension rating: 4+ stars
Sex scenes rating: 4+ stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
November 2, 2016
Not Your Typical Teenage Love Story
Whew! Talk about making you appreciate how trivial your problems are in comparison to what others may be going through! This story was good, but very disturbing.
On the one hand, there is a sweet, heartfelt love story that evolves between Maddox and Aylee. Having eerily similar backgrounds, this young couple is able to connect on a deeper level than you'd expect of such young people. Surrounded by such ugliness in their daily lives, their rather innocent relationship was in stark contrast to their daily reality.
On the other hand, there was the ugly circumstances of these two teenager's lives. Physical and sexual abuse, loss, etc. These kids had anything but an easy life. They had definitely been robbed of their childhoods in the cruelest ways.
Although it is always hard to read about child abuse, I was drawn to the strength of these characters. Maddox and Aylee were both fighters in their own way. Yes, they were scarred by their life circumstances, but they weren't defeated.
Together, they grew stronger. They were able to relate to one another on a level that others, who hadn't experienced abuse, would not have been able to. In many ways, they saved each other.
While I absolutely loved Maddox and Aylee, and thought that the storyline was great, there were some issues with the writing that kept me from giving this story a five star rating. Namely, this book needed some major editing/proof-reading. There were so many grammatical errors that it took away from the story.
Incorrect word usage was a common problem, such as the frequent use of "conscious", i.e. awake/alert, in place of "conscience", that part of the human psyche that makes us feel pesky emotions like guilt and remorse. No, these two words aren't interchangeable and the frequency of these mistakes was distracting. The wrong tense of words was also used at times, forgetting to add the "ed" to the end at appropriate times or misspelling words so that the meaning was altered, "gravely" vs. "gravelly". I spent a fair amount of time rephrasing and correcting the wording in my head to make sense of a passage, trying to figure out what the author meant to say.
Overall, it was a great story. I give it 3 1/2 stars, rounded up. The characters and plot were captivating. However, the editing needs some work. Hopefully, these issues will be resolved in future editions. The story really is too good to have such simple errors detracting from the reading experience.
Whew! Talk about making you appreciate how trivial your problems are in comparison to what others may be going through! This story was good, but very disturbing.
On the one hand, there is a sweet, heartfelt love story that evolves between Maddox and Aylee. Having eerily similar backgrounds, this young couple is able to connect on a deeper level than you'd expect of such young people. Surrounded by such ugliness in their daily lives, their rather innocent relationship was in stark contrast to their daily reality.
On the other hand, there was the ugly circumstances of these two teenager's lives. Physical and sexual abuse, loss, etc. These kids had anything but an easy life. They had definitely been robbed of their childhoods in the cruelest ways.
Although it is always hard to read about child abuse, I was drawn to the strength of these characters. Maddox and Aylee were both fighters in their own way. Yes, they were scarred by their life circumstances, but they weren't defeated.
Together, they grew stronger. They were able to relate to one another on a level that others, who hadn't experienced abuse, would not have been able to. In many ways, they saved each other.
While I absolutely loved Maddox and Aylee, and thought that the storyline was great, there were some issues with the writing that kept me from giving this story a five star rating. Namely, this book needed some major editing/proof-reading. There were so many grammatical errors that it took away from the story.
Incorrect word usage was a common problem, such as the frequent use of "conscious", i.e. awake/alert, in place of "conscience", that part of the human psyche that makes us feel pesky emotions like guilt and remorse. No, these two words aren't interchangeable and the frequency of these mistakes was distracting. The wrong tense of words was also used at times, forgetting to add the "ed" to the end at appropriate times or misspelling words so that the meaning was altered, "gravely" vs. "gravelly". I spent a fair amount of time rephrasing and correcting the wording in my head to make sense of a passage, trying to figure out what the author meant to say.
Overall, it was a great story. I give it 3 1/2 stars, rounded up. The characters and plot were captivating. However, the editing needs some work. Hopefully, these issues will be resolved in future editions. The story really is too good to have such simple errors detracting from the reading experience.
February 9, 2017
“Stain” was gut-wrenching, intense, raw, emotional and overall a fantastic read! This was my second read by this author and for sure it won’t be my last. This read was very addictive. I was hooked immediately from the very first page and the author kept my attention until the end.
“Secrets are dangerous to keep. They rot you from the inside out. Every dark secret one harbors is a colony of millions of white little maggots crawling and burrowing inside the valleys and caverns of your being. Multiplying, procreating, and eating away at you until everything you thought you were disappears, leaving nothing but a shell behind.”
The story fallows the lives of two high school students – Maddox ‘Max’ and Aylee. Aylee is an adoptive child living with her parents and her sister. She’s damaged, a lifeless girl whose secrets destroys her spirit every day more and more. She is abused by her foster father in every single way and even if her foster mother knows everything about it she chooses to close her eyes and pretend nothing is happening. Feeling dirty, to cope with everything, Aylee cuts herself.
“Can’t remember a day I haven’t felt like destroying something. Or someone. It’s always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes I can control it. Other times…I don’t want to.”
Max’s life wasn’t easy. He’s scarred, dark, flawed and angry most of the time. He doesn’t care about anyone except his twin brother. Max lives with his drug dealing foster father and he’s the main star of his own porn site.
As much as she knows Max is different from her, Aylee is drawn to him like a moth to a flame. As they actually start to interact with each other, they are realize both of them are stained, trying to fight their demons as best they can. In a short time, Aylee becomes for Max everything that matters, everything good in his life and he’s ready to do anything for her and to protect her from anyone who’s trying to harm her in any way.
The story was raw and gritty and I enjoyed every single chapter of it. Both main characters were interesting, flawed and well developed despite the fact this was a short-ish read. I really felt for both of them and I even understood why Max is how he is. He can be an a**hole, but he also can be sweet, caring and protective. I loved the way he was with Aylee. Their connection was well done and palpable from the beginning. Aylee was a sweet heroine who despite her past wasn’t broken. She’s strong and caring and I liked how clearly she ‘sees’ Max.
The pace of the story was perfect and the writing was flawless and very graphic at times.
Even if I know Max and Aylee’s story will continue, I have to say the ending felt a little rushed to me. Also, I have a couple of questions unanswered. Needless to say I’m anxiously waiting for the next book.
Overall, a fabulous gritty and intense read!
“He’ll bring the shards and I’ll provide the flesh, and we’ll bleed the stains slicking our souls.”
December 9, 2015
3.75 ~ 4 STARS
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Francette Phal delivers a story of two high school seniors who consider themselves STAINED. In their eyes they are unlovable, dirty, destructive, and the connections that they form when their pain and hearts collide is liberating.
Aylee is living a life of abuse by the hands of her foster father. She’s pretending all is perfect because of his reach within the community and in the home. Her body holds the scars of her deep rooted pain and by her hand she tries to free herself.
“Cut. Cut. Repeat. Cut. Cut. Repeat. Filthy. Girl. You’re. Not. Clean. You’ll. Never. Be. Clean. Enough.”
Maddox and his twin Noah have survived horrific events in their past and unlike his brother, Maddox can’t let go of all the pain. Maddox sells drugs and runs and performs on a porn website for cash. He's an angry, arrogant, intense hero.
”Asshole is my first, middle, and last name.”
Alylee and Maddox seem to the outsider an odd pairing but when Alylee pushes for Maddox to pose for her portfolio, they both see all the secrets the other hides from the world.
”I’m always angry. Can’t remember a day I haven’t felt like destroying something. Or someone. It’s always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes I can control it. Other times…I don’t want to.”
Alylee has had an attraction to Maddox from the start her body and heart hope for more from their friendship.
”He’s hot and cold. And I shouldn’t find his arrogance so sexy. I shouldn’t find myself doting on his every word. I shouldn’t be so eager to pant at his feet for a morsel of his affection. I shouldn’t want anything to do with him. And yet, here I am reveling in his attention, while silently, fiendishly, waiting, wanting for an opportunity to experience a little sin.”
The more time Maddox spends around Alylee the more his heart reaches for hers. Their connection terrifies him and he can’t resist the pull she has on him.
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Overall, this story and characters are very interesting and the story has a lot of butterfly inducing moments while being equally dark and exciting. I did find at times that scenarios and scenes went by too quickly and things were left out … (For example: What did Tim and Maddox discuss at door? Who set fire at club? Any deaths/injuries? The drug dealings seemed to have come to a head but not sure if Maddox is wanted or not?) The story finishes leaving a lot of room if the author in fact wanted to write more about these characters picking up right where she left off …hint, hint, Francette Phal.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
[image error]
Francette Phal delivers a story of two high school seniors who consider themselves STAINED. In their eyes they are unlovable, dirty, destructive, and the connections that they form when their pain and hearts collide is liberating.
Aylee is living a life of abuse by the hands of her foster father. She’s pretending all is perfect because of his reach within the community and in the home. Her body holds the scars of her deep rooted pain and by her hand she tries to free herself.
“Cut. Cut. Repeat. Cut. Cut. Repeat. Filthy. Girl. You’re. Not. Clean. You’ll. Never. Be. Clean. Enough.”
Maddox and his twin Noah have survived horrific events in their past and unlike his brother, Maddox can’t let go of all the pain. Maddox sells drugs and runs and performs on a porn website for cash. He's an angry, arrogant, intense hero.
”Asshole is my first, middle, and last name.”
Alylee and Maddox seem to the outsider an odd pairing but when Alylee pushes for Maddox to pose for her portfolio, they both see all the secrets the other hides from the world.
”I’m always angry. Can’t remember a day I haven’t felt like destroying something. Or someone. It’s always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes I can control it. Other times…I don’t want to.”
Alylee has had an attraction to Maddox from the start her body and heart hope for more from their friendship.
”He’s hot and cold. And I shouldn’t find his arrogance so sexy. I shouldn’t find myself doting on his every word. I shouldn’t be so eager to pant at his feet for a morsel of his affection. I shouldn’t want anything to do with him. And yet, here I am reveling in his attention, while silently, fiendishly, waiting, wanting for an opportunity to experience a little sin.”
The more time Maddox spends around Alylee the more his heart reaches for hers. Their connection terrifies him and he can’t resist the pull she has on him.
[image error]
Overall, this story and characters are very interesting and the story has a lot of butterfly inducing moments while being equally dark and exciting. I did find at times that scenarios and scenes went by too quickly and things were left out … (For example: What did Tim and Maddox discuss at door? Who set fire at club? Any deaths/injuries? The drug dealings seemed to have come to a head but not sure if Maddox is wanted or not?) The story finishes leaving a lot of room if the author in fact wanted to write more about these characters picking up right where she left off …hint, hint, Francette Phal.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 15, 2015
4.5 Deliciously Dark Stars!
Stain was one of those books you start thinking "I'll get a half hour of reading in before I hit the hay" and the next thing you know, you're 60% into it and sleep be damned! I was hooked from the get-go. Nothing grabs my attention more than being thrown into a dramatic scene right from the start. And Franchette Phal didn't fail me in keeping my attention for the duration of the book.
Maddox and his twin brother Noah lived a childhood of horror at the hands of their father. The book starts out in a graphic scene that grabbed my heart for those boys right off the bat. But over the years, where Noah stayed sweet, Maddox got angry. And when I say the guy had the tendency to be a grade-A "I don't give a f*ck about anyone or anything" asshole, he takes the cake! But knowing what events caused his hardened shell made me fall for him nonetheless.
Aylee hasn't had the greatest childhood either. She was a kid in the foster care system, but luckily she was adopted. Lucky? Not so much. She too endures her fair share of the filthy side of human nature. Aylee stays true to her goals- graduate, get into a great art school, get the f*ck out of there...
Both Maddox and Aylee are stained. Both fighting their inner demons the only way they can.
Stain is not a book for the hearts-and-flowers romantics. In fact, some of the subject matter may be triggers for readers...child abuse, rape, and drugs. Both kids are only 18 but I felt as if they were in their late twenties for all they'd gone through in life. Something about Aylee draws a fierce protectiveness out of Maddox. He's usually one to not give a f*ck about anyone but Noah and himself but he can see the facade she hides behind. He sees Aylee's hidden scars...
I loved just about every aspect of this book...
**Tortured hero- check
**Asshole yet redeemable hero- check
**Sweet yet flawed heroine- check
**Two broken souls finding solace in one another- check
**Dark and gritty- check
**Steamy- check
The quote above is the perfect example of Franchette Phal's artistically poetic writing style and I'd highly recommend this for fans of Pepper Winters or Nashoda Rose. It's definitely darker and grittier for New-Adult fans. I truly forgot that I hate reading books with kids this age! I don't often stop mid-book and start feverishly texting friends to "read this book!" I took a chance recommending something I hadn't even finished and I'm so happy she didn't let me down!
My only minor deduction is I felt the climax and resolution to the story was fairly rushed- all in the last 10% or so of the book. And I'd love to have an epilogue. But a little mouse told me there's a Maddox and Aylee novella in the works!
Bravo! Well done! If all New Adult books could be like this, I may start reading that genre again. Stain releases on Dec 16th. I will be giving away three ebook copies as soon as it goes live. See FB link below.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
Stain was one of those books you start thinking "I'll get a half hour of reading in before I hit the hay" and the next thing you know, you're 60% into it and sleep be damned! I was hooked from the get-go. Nothing grabs my attention more than being thrown into a dramatic scene right from the start. And Franchette Phal didn't fail me in keeping my attention for the duration of the book.
Maddox and his twin brother Noah lived a childhood of horror at the hands of their father. The book starts out in a graphic scene that grabbed my heart for those boys right off the bat. But over the years, where Noah stayed sweet, Maddox got angry. And when I say the guy had the tendency to be a grade-A "I don't give a f*ck about anyone or anything" asshole, he takes the cake! But knowing what events caused his hardened shell made me fall for him nonetheless.
Aylee hasn't had the greatest childhood either. She was a kid in the foster care system, but luckily she was adopted. Lucky? Not so much. She too endures her fair share of the filthy side of human nature. Aylee stays true to her goals- graduate, get into a great art school, get the f*ck out of there...
Both Maddox and Aylee are stained. Both fighting their inner demons the only way they can.
Stain is not a book for the hearts-and-flowers romantics. In fact, some of the subject matter may be triggers for readers...child abuse, rape, and drugs. Both kids are only 18 but I felt as if they were in their late twenties for all they'd gone through in life. Something about Aylee draws a fierce protectiveness out of Maddox. He's usually one to not give a f*ck about anyone but Noah and himself but he can see the facade she hides behind. He sees Aylee's hidden scars...
I loved just about every aspect of this book...
**Tortured hero- check
**Asshole yet redeemable hero- check
**Sweet yet flawed heroine- check
**Two broken souls finding solace in one another- check
**Dark and gritty- check
**Steamy- check
Secrets are dangerous to keep. They rot you from the inside out. Every dark secret one harbors is a colony of millions of white little maggots crawling and burrowing inside the valleys and caverns of your being. Multiplying, procreating, and eating away at you until everything you thought you were disappears, leaving nothing but a shell behind.
The quote above is the perfect example of Franchette Phal's artistically poetic writing style and I'd highly recommend this for fans of Pepper Winters or Nashoda Rose. It's definitely darker and grittier for New-Adult fans. I truly forgot that I hate reading books with kids this age! I don't often stop mid-book and start feverishly texting friends to "read this book!" I took a chance recommending something I hadn't even finished and I'm so happy she didn't let me down!
My only minor deduction is I felt the climax and resolution to the story was fairly rushed- all in the last 10% or so of the book. And I'd love to have an epilogue. But a little mouse told me there's a Maddox and Aylee novella in the works!
Bravo! Well done! If all New Adult books could be like this, I may start reading that genre again. Stain releases on Dec 16th. I will be giving away three ebook copies as soon as it goes live. See FB link below.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
December 25, 2015
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Maddox Moore grew up traumatized. While his twin brother coped by accepting their past, Maddox let his anger fester, feeding the monster inside him until it completely took over.
Aylee Bennett was a high school senior eagerly waiting for her moment of freedom. Armed with an artistic talent, she used that as a vehicle to get out of the seemingly picture perfect life with her foster family. But no one knows the monster hiding behind closed door and she had to escape fast before it’s too late.
My favorite type of dark book is the raw and gritty ones – the kind that make you question humanity, the kind that make you want to lock your kids and protect them from the big bad world. I am so glad this book was certainly one of them.
I absolutely loved Maddox. It’s been a while since a hero could make me feel all tingly. Maddox did that and he’s just 18. It made me feel… dirty, and I like it haha! He’s so broken. But instead of letting it take him down, he displayed his anger as a form of therapy.
I liked Aylee a lot. She might look weak from the outside but inside she was made of steel. Her life wasn’t much less traumatized than Maddox’s. But while his monster was in the past, hers was very much still present.
I love their chemistry together. I love how they saw each other, before and after, and the pull that’s palpable between them. There wasn’t that much sexual interaction between them but every time it was explosive. My favorite was the library scene.
There will be a novella to accompany this book but personally, I like how the story ended. What lacking was how it got to the end. I wanted for the immediate scenes before the end to be explored more. There were also a few scenes earlier in the book that was added without being properly supported, making them insignificant.
Stain is an engaging story of two broken individuals finding ways to unintentionally heal each other. It’s dark, gritty and contains several triggers.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Maddox Moore grew up traumatized. While his twin brother coped by accepting their past, Maddox let his anger fester, feeding the monster inside him until it completely took over.
Aylee Bennett was a high school senior eagerly waiting for her moment of freedom. Armed with an artistic talent, she used that as a vehicle to get out of the seemingly picture perfect life with her foster family. But no one knows the monster hiding behind closed door and she had to escape fast before it’s too late.
My favorite type of dark book is the raw and gritty ones – the kind that make you question humanity, the kind that make you want to lock your kids and protect them from the big bad world. I am so glad this book was certainly one of them.
I enjoy my self-imposed hell. I can feel my demons beating against the impenetrable walls of memories I’d sooner forget.
I absolutely loved Maddox. It’s been a while since a hero could make me feel all tingly. Maddox did that and he’s just 18. It made me feel… dirty, and I like it haha! He’s so broken. But instead of letting it take him down, he displayed his anger as a form of therapy.
I liked Aylee a lot. She might look weak from the outside but inside she was made of steel. Her life wasn’t much less traumatized than Maddox’s. But while his monster was in the past, hers was very much still present.
If this is sin then I’ll gladly burn for just a stroke of his tongue along my most intimate place. For him, I’d burn for eternity.
I love their chemistry together. I love how they saw each other, before and after, and the pull that’s palpable between them. There wasn’t that much sexual interaction between them but every time it was explosive. My favorite was the library scene.
There will be a novella to accompany this book but personally, I like how the story ended. What lacking was how it got to the end. I wanted for the immediate scenes before the end to be explored more. There were also a few scenes earlier in the book that was added without being properly supported, making them insignificant.
Stain is an engaging story of two broken individuals finding ways to unintentionally heal each other. It’s dark, gritty and contains several triggers.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
December 16, 2015
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
My first read from this author, and I have to say I am mighty impressed. It was dark and twisty, no holds barred.
Stain follows the lives of high school students, Aylee and Maddox (Max) who are polar opposites on the outside but have a lot more in common than they think.
Aylee is an adoptive child, living with her church going parents and sister, she is considered a good girl who always plays by the rules.
Max doesn't care about anyone except for his twin brother. He lives with his drug dealing foster father and is set to follow in his footsteps. Not only that, but he runs a porn website, and is the star of most of his videos. He uses girls and they use him, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
The pair are drawn to each other, like they really see the real person beneath. Max's protective instincts are on overdrive when he realises that all is not what it seems in Aylee's household and when she proposes drawing him for her art project, he sees it as a way to find out more.
This book for me was addictive, and the writing was spot on. Max wasn't a particularly nice person but with his truly horrific past I didn't blame him one bit. The was he was with Aylee more than made up for his shortfalls, and I got tingles literally every time he interacted with her. He had an aura about him that made you root for him and want him to get the girl.
I really fell for Aylee too, she was weak insofar as she was helpless to get out of the situation that she found herself in, but determined and strong willed when push came to shove.
My only concern with this book, was the rushed ending, and the way certain questions are left unanswered. I really feel like there should be more to this story and hope the rumours are true that a novella is on its way.
Another new author to add to my list, which is a great pleasure, especially one who writes the more dark and gritty romance that I sometimes like to get lost in.
Stain is a standalone dark romance, told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
My first read from this author, and I have to say I am mighty impressed. It was dark and twisty, no holds barred.
Stain follows the lives of high school students, Aylee and Maddox (Max) who are polar opposites on the outside but have a lot more in common than they think.
Aylee is an adoptive child, living with her church going parents and sister, she is considered a good girl who always plays by the rules.
Max doesn't care about anyone except for his twin brother. He lives with his drug dealing foster father and is set to follow in his footsteps. Not only that, but he runs a porn website, and is the star of most of his videos. He uses girls and they use him, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
The pair are drawn to each other, like they really see the real person beneath. Max's protective instincts are on overdrive when he realises that all is not what it seems in Aylee's household and when she proposes drawing him for her art project, he sees it as a way to find out more.
"Maddox, please don't make me.
If I tell you, you'll see how dirty I am. And then I'll lose you."
This book for me was addictive, and the writing was spot on. Max wasn't a particularly nice person but with his truly horrific past I didn't blame him one bit. The was he was with Aylee more than made up for his shortfalls, and I got tingles literally every time he interacted with her. He had an aura about him that made you root for him and want him to get the girl.
"This is scandalous. Wicked. Wrong.
But how can something so wrong feel so intensely right?"
I really fell for Aylee too, she was weak insofar as she was helpless to get out of the situation that she found herself in, but determined and strong willed when push came to shove.
My only concern with this book, was the rushed ending, and the way certain questions are left unanswered. I really feel like there should be more to this story and hope the rumours are true that a novella is on its way.
Another new author to add to my list, which is a great pleasure, especially one who writes the more dark and gritty romance that I sometimes like to get lost in.
Stain is a standalone dark romance, told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
December 10, 2015
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Francette Phal" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Stain
AUTHOR: Francette Phal
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: December 16th 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
*This book towards the end does touch on some sensitive subject matters so please proceed with caution as it may cause triggers for some.*
I've only read one other by this author and I loved it, so I'm anticipating where she's going to take me on this journey..
PAST: Shit straight away (chapter 1) you have front row seats in the dark, gritty world of fourteen year olds Maddox and his twin brother Noah, if this is any indication for the rest of the book with it starting off with a bang (literally) it's going to make for one crazy ride.
POP!
POP!
POP!
The three rapid pops are muffled but clear enough that we hear it down the hall from our parents’ room.
Fathers are supposed to protect you. They're supposed to be supportive and loyal. They're are supposed to raise you. love you, cherish you, our dad is none of those things. He is cruel and sadistic.
We live with a monster.
It's just the fucking beginning. This shit is going to be with us for the rest of our lives. Our father’s evil, our mother’s suicide, it all contributes to a stain we’ll never be able to wash off.
NOW: Here we're introduced to Aylee orphaned at the age of six, in foster care
From what I saw of her arms, she was trying to kill monsters on the inside by cutting herself on the outside. Somebody put those monsters there.
~ Maddox
This was so good, I loved the story line, good vs bad twin, polar opposites, one on the straight and narrow path, the other riding a fine line to doing time, Allery is a good girl harbouring deep, dark secrets, all three in state homes, a unique story that just grabs you straight away..
The angst, the relationships these foster kids have with their caregivers will have your mind in turmoil, one is in a good foster home and is well rounded and has adapted well, the other sells drugs and makes sex videos whilst the last one has self destructive tendencies as a cutter..
Cut. Cut. Repeat. Cut. Cut. Repeat. Filthy. Girl. You're. Not. Clean. You'll. Never. Be. Clean. Enough.
She's pretty, beautiful even, in that helplessly sweet and innocent way that calls to a guy’s protective instinct. It makes you want to wrap her in your arms and fight monsters for her.
Watching him from my shadowy corner - I will never admit out loud to anyone that he's become my obsession.
The way this ended even though it states its a standalone it kind of leaves you hanging with a few unanswered questions..I pray to the book gods she does carry in with this..
I’m always angry. Can’t remember a day I haven’t felt like destroying something. Or someone. It’s always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes I can control it. Other times…I don’t want to. ~ Maddox
"Francette Phal" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Stain
AUTHOR: Francette Phal
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: December 16th 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
*This book towards the end does touch on some sensitive subject matters so please proceed with caution as it may cause triggers for some.*
I've only read one other by this author and I loved it, so I'm anticipating where she's going to take me on this journey..
PAST: Shit straight away (chapter 1) you have front row seats in the dark, gritty world of fourteen year olds Maddox and his twin brother Noah, if this is any indication for the rest of the book with it starting off with a bang (literally) it's going to make for one crazy ride.
POP!
POP!
POP!
The three rapid pops are muffled but clear enough that we hear it down the hall from our parents’ room.
Fathers are supposed to protect you. They're supposed to be supportive and loyal. They're are supposed to raise you. love you, cherish you, our dad is none of those things. He is cruel and sadistic.
We live with a monster.
It's just the fucking beginning. This shit is going to be with us for the rest of our lives. Our father’s evil, our mother’s suicide, it all contributes to a stain we’ll never be able to wash off.
NOW: Here we're introduced to Aylee orphaned at the age of six, in foster care
From what I saw of her arms, she was trying to kill monsters on the inside by cutting herself on the outside. Somebody put those monsters there.
~ Maddox
This was so good, I loved the story line, good vs bad twin, polar opposites, one on the straight and narrow path, the other riding a fine line to doing time, Allery is a good girl harbouring deep, dark secrets, all three in state homes, a unique story that just grabs you straight away..
The angst, the relationships these foster kids have with their caregivers will have your mind in turmoil, one is in a good foster home and is well rounded and has adapted well, the other sells drugs and makes sex videos whilst the last one has self destructive tendencies as a cutter..
Cut. Cut. Repeat. Cut. Cut. Repeat. Filthy. Girl. You're. Not. Clean. You'll. Never. Be. Clean. Enough.
She's pretty, beautiful even, in that helplessly sweet and innocent way that calls to a guy’s protective instinct. It makes you want to wrap her in your arms and fight monsters for her.
Watching him from my shadowy corner - I will never admit out loud to anyone that he's become my obsession.
The way this ended even though it states its a standalone it kind of leaves you hanging with a few unanswered questions..I pray to the book gods she does carry in with this..
I’m always angry. Can’t remember a day I haven’t felt like destroying something. Or someone. It’s always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes I can control it. Other times…I don’t want to. ~ Maddox
January 10, 2016
4 stars!
Two high schoolers. One with a horrific past and one dealing with an awful present.
Two souls broken and dirty.
Both seeking pain in one way or another.
Aylee lives her life in the shadows. She's compliant and lying in wait until she graduates so she can be free from her adoptive father. The only control she has is through her artwork and when she cuts. But she's always noticed Maddox from afar.
Maddox's past gave him the "I don't give a fuck" attitude. He sells drugs and also runs a porn site where he has sex with his classmates. He's dangerous and unhinged. With his tattoos, he is the epitome of bad boy.
Maddox understands the pain he sees in Aylee's eyes whenever they have their brief encounters. He feels protective and a link to her that's tough to hold back.
Can being together help each of their souls erase the stain that seems to taint them?
This was my second book by author Francette Phal.
I'd have to say that with both books, the author has this way with really setting up the characters. In a way it was pretty slow moving (MC's didn't even have a substantial encounter until after 1/4 of the book), but at the same time, I was totally sucked in. Her writing really pulls you into the story and makes you feel for the characters.
This book was hard for me to rate. On one hand, the fact that I was so immersed into the book, and I love dark subject matter was a big positive. After finishing, I felt lost and maybe slightly disgruntled. My reactions included: "Noooo!", "WTeverlovingF", and "Standalone, my ass!". I couldn't believe there was all this amazing build up and tension just for the ending to be so rushed, and kind of out of character (for Maddox).
There will be a novella that follows these two coming soon, and I will definitely read. The way things ended for me was not enough and I need more.
Overall, I really liked this one. It had a lot of things that work for me when I jump into a book. Be forewarned that there are some trigger moments for some.
To Michelle who I read this with, and we were both up til early morning hours: Yay! We are 2 for 2 on the BR scoreboard! Thanks for being there at the end. I'm glad we not only agreed, but we're able to calm each other down a little. LOL Love ya! And look forward to more fun books this year!
"You hold your blades a little too tightly and I always want to smash someone's face in."
Two high schoolers. One with a horrific past and one dealing with an awful present.
Two souls broken and dirty.
Both seeking pain in one way or another.
Aylee lives her life in the shadows. She's compliant and lying in wait until she graduates so she can be free from her adoptive father. The only control she has is through her artwork and when she cuts. But she's always noticed Maddox from afar.
He isn't for me. I'm not for anyone. I can't want more than what I have now because I'm too filthy.
Maddox's past gave him the "I don't give a fuck" attitude. He sells drugs and also runs a porn site where he has sex with his classmates. He's dangerous and unhinged. With his tattoos, he is the epitome of bad boy.
Maddox understands the pain he sees in Aylee's eyes whenever they have their brief encounters. He feels protective and a link to her that's tough to hold back.
"Why the fuck can't you be like the rest of them?
Why can't you be another damn body?
Why do you have to matter?"
Can being together help each of their souls erase the stain that seems to taint them?
This was my second book by author Francette Phal.
I'd have to say that with both books, the author has this way with really setting up the characters. In a way it was pretty slow moving (MC's didn't even have a substantial encounter until after 1/4 of the book), but at the same time, I was totally sucked in. Her writing really pulls you into the story and makes you feel for the characters.
This book was hard for me to rate. On one hand, the fact that I was so immersed into the book, and I love dark subject matter was a big positive. After finishing, I felt lost and maybe slightly disgruntled. My reactions included: "Noooo!", "WTeverlovingF", and "Standalone, my ass!". I couldn't believe there was all this amazing build up and tension just for the ending to be so rushed, and kind of out of character (for Maddox).
There will be a novella that follows these two coming soon, and I will definitely read. The way things ended for me was not enough and I need more.
Overall, I really liked this one. It had a lot of things that work for me when I jump into a book. Be forewarned that there are some trigger moments for some.
To Michelle who I read this with, and we were both up til early morning hours: Yay! We are 2 for 2 on the BR scoreboard! Thanks for being there at the end. I'm glad we not only agreed, but we're able to calm each other down a little. LOL Love ya! And look forward to more fun books this year!
February 16, 2016
Stain is a very emotional read about two high school students who are as different as night and day, but have one thing in common, their shitty home life. Aylee has been abused by her foster father in every way imaginable, so to get away from the pain of it she cuts herself. It's the one escape she has from feeling dirty and stained by what has been done to her.
Max had an equally shitty upbringing and now lives on his own, making online sex video's as a living. School means nothing to him so he barely goes, but when he does he see's Aylee watching him, always staring as if he won't notice. Finally coming in contact with her, he realizes he actually feels protective of her, and wants to save her.
I liked the story about Aylee and Max, and overall it was really intriguing, but I couldn't connect to it like I wanted to. I felt like so much was missed from their lives and the bond they shared moved so fast that I didn't see where they ever actually fell for each other.
I usually don't read any YA but this seemed a little darker and it's about mature subject, so I thought I would give it a try, but it ended up being the epitome of why I don't read YA. I felt like the characters, though dealing with some really mature things, were too immature for me, and I got a little annoyed at some of the things that happened. Aylee seemed so innocent, which I found weird considering the kind of life she lives, but I ended up skimming so much just to get away from her character.
I think my really big thing with this story that lowered my rating was the ending. It all happened so fast and then it was, in typical YA fashion, a sudden HEA that, to me, doesn't seem very realistic. Also Aylee's cutting was never resolved or talked of again at after a certain point, which really bugged me. Actually a lot about that situation bugged me, and I honestly just didn't like how it was handled. Some of the things didn't add up, like Aylee saying she cut all the way down to her knee, but then a few scenes later she was happy that a skirt, that was above her knee's, hid her scars???
Bottom line, not the book for me. I see that most people liked this story and I still encourage anyone that likes a truly emotional YA read to give this one a try.
Lyrics on gifs from Screen by Twenty One Pilots.
Max had an equally shitty upbringing and now lives on his own, making online sex video's as a living. School means nothing to him so he barely goes, but when he does he see's Aylee watching him, always staring as if he won't notice. Finally coming in contact with her, he realizes he actually feels protective of her, and wants to save her.
I liked the story about Aylee and Max, and overall it was really intriguing, but I couldn't connect to it like I wanted to. I felt like so much was missed from their lives and the bond they shared moved so fast that I didn't see where they ever actually fell for each other.
I usually don't read any YA but this seemed a little darker and it's about mature subject, so I thought I would give it a try, but it ended up being the epitome of why I don't read YA. I felt like the characters, though dealing with some really mature things, were too immature for me, and I got a little annoyed at some of the things that happened. Aylee seemed so innocent, which I found weird considering the kind of life she lives, but I ended up skimming so much just to get away from her character.
I think my really big thing with this story that lowered my rating was the ending. It all happened so fast and then it was, in typical YA fashion, a sudden HEA that, to me, doesn't seem very realistic. Also Aylee's cutting was never resolved or talked of again at after a certain point, which really bugged me. Actually a lot about that situation bugged me, and I honestly just didn't like how it was handled. Some of the things didn't add up, like Aylee saying she cut all the way down to her knee, but then a few scenes later she was happy that a skirt, that was above her knee's, hid her scars???
Bottom line, not the book for me. I see that most people liked this story and I still encourage anyone that likes a truly emotional YA read to give this one a try.
Lyrics on gifs from Screen by Twenty One Pilots.
January 10, 2016
4 Hooked Stars!
I started this one late last night and wished I wasn't as tired as I was because I didn't want to put it down.
Me? I’ve never been so lucky. My beliefs are firmly fixed in reality. A shitty, fucked-up reality that I’ve never been able to run from. He says it’s over. It’s just the fucking beginning. This shit is going to be with us for the rest of our lives. Our father’s evil, our mother’s suicide, it all contributes to a stain we’ll never be able to wash off.~Max
A shell. A husk of the girl I could’ve been. Vibrant, ambitious, outgoing. I could’ve been a happy, well-adjusted teenager. But the secrets I’ve harbored for so long now have leeched life from my soul, turning me into this lifeless girl.~Aylee
Two teenagers with pain so deep I didn't know how they went on with life. Aylee and Max both have been in therapy and foster care. Both of them have different ways of coping with their pain and all the wrongs that have been done to them.
Aylee is quiet, shy and a cutter. She has hardly any friends and she loves to sketch. Her favorite subject to sketch happens to be Max. She stalks him whenever she can because she can't get close enough to him to get his features right. She has no clue that he knows she stalks him and watches him.
Max is the opposite of Aylee. He is filled with tattoos, piercings and lots of anger. He sells drugs for his foster father. He has a porn sight where he is the star with two different girls. He's not a nice guy. He doesn't have a problem with taking a girls virginity and then kicking her out once the video is done. He's the complete opposite of his twin Noah. Until Aylee worms her way under his skin.
Max knows he needs to leave Aylee alone. But one night he sees something and can't help himself but to do something.
It’s not your motherfucking problem. She’s not your motherfucking problem. Mind your own motherfucking business and keep driving, asshole.~Max
Alylee wants to paint Max for her portfolio. Max finally agrees. These two become sort of friends and waste no time getting their hands on each other.
“I’ll take your pussy, Aylee, gladly.” An eruption of shivers bursts along every inch of my skin as flames of heat lick between my thighs, liquefying my pulsating flesh. “But I don’t want your heart. You can keep that,”~Max
I couldn't read fast enough I tell you! I needed to know what was going to happen between these two. Aylee kept telling Max she didn't care about hearts being involved but I was nervous for her. I was hoping Max really wasn't the asshole he acted like.
“Why the fuck can’t you be like the rest of them? Why can’t you be another damn body? Why do you have to matter?” I close my eyes for a brief moment, taking in what he’s just asked me, before I stare back at him. “Because I see you. I see you, Maddox, more clearly than I’ve ever seen anything or anyone in my entire life. And I know it scares you because you can see me, too.”
I took a star off because I felt the ending was OTT. I knew it was going to be an abrupt ending because I didn't see how it was going to come together that fast.
Spoiler Alert!
Will I be reading the novella next month? Hell yes! Can't wait!!
This was a fast read! I'm so happy I had Kirsten along for the ride and to chat with afterwards! Another awesome buddy read with you my friend! You rock!!
I started this one late last night and wished I wasn't as tired as I was because I didn't want to put it down.
Me? I’ve never been so lucky. My beliefs are firmly fixed in reality. A shitty, fucked-up reality that I’ve never been able to run from. He says it’s over. It’s just the fucking beginning. This shit is going to be with us for the rest of our lives. Our father’s evil, our mother’s suicide, it all contributes to a stain we’ll never be able to wash off.~Max
A shell. A husk of the girl I could’ve been. Vibrant, ambitious, outgoing. I could’ve been a happy, well-adjusted teenager. But the secrets I’ve harbored for so long now have leeched life from my soul, turning me into this lifeless girl.~Aylee
Two teenagers with pain so deep I didn't know how they went on with life. Aylee and Max both have been in therapy and foster care. Both of them have different ways of coping with their pain and all the wrongs that have been done to them.
Aylee is quiet, shy and a cutter. She has hardly any friends and she loves to sketch. Her favorite subject to sketch happens to be Max. She stalks him whenever she can because she can't get close enough to him to get his features right. She has no clue that he knows she stalks him and watches him.
Max is the opposite of Aylee. He is filled with tattoos, piercings and lots of anger. He sells drugs for his foster father. He has a porn sight where he is the star with two different girls. He's not a nice guy. He doesn't have a problem with taking a girls virginity and then kicking her out once the video is done. He's the complete opposite of his twin Noah. Until Aylee worms her way under his skin.
Max knows he needs to leave Aylee alone. But one night he sees something and can't help himself but to do something.
It’s not your motherfucking problem. She’s not your motherfucking problem. Mind your own motherfucking business and keep driving, asshole.~Max
Alylee wants to paint Max for her portfolio. Max finally agrees. These two become sort of friends and waste no time getting their hands on each other.
“I’ll take your pussy, Aylee, gladly.” An eruption of shivers bursts along every inch of my skin as flames of heat lick between my thighs, liquefying my pulsating flesh. “But I don’t want your heart. You can keep that,”~Max
I couldn't read fast enough I tell you! I needed to know what was going to happen between these two. Aylee kept telling Max she didn't care about hearts being involved but I was nervous for her. I was hoping Max really wasn't the asshole he acted like.
“Why the fuck can’t you be like the rest of them? Why can’t you be another damn body? Why do you have to matter?” I close my eyes for a brief moment, taking in what he’s just asked me, before I stare back at him. “Because I see you. I see you, Maddox, more clearly than I’ve ever seen anything or anyone in my entire life. And I know it scares you because you can see me, too.”
I took a star off because I felt the ending was OTT. I knew it was going to be an abrupt ending because I didn't see how it was going to come together that fast.
Spoiler Alert!
Will I be reading the novella next month? Hell yes! Can't wait!!
This was a fast read! I'm so happy I had Kirsten along for the ride and to chat with afterwards! Another awesome buddy read with you my friend! You rock!!
December 15, 2015
Well well where to start? I wasn't supposed to read Stain, never heard about it but I have a dear friend who know too well what I love reading and once again she was right! Thank you Allison for the recommendation and thank you Francette Phal for the ride!
I already knew the author from a previous book I have still in my TBR. But Stain being a stand-alone I knew I didn't have to wait to discover yet another new author for me.
The first thing that comes to my mind is how Francette Phal has succeeded to grip me with this story. The book is quite short and dealing with so many sensitive and tricky subjects that it was hard for me to see how she will achieve to make a beautiful story out of it.
Stain is no flower and chocolate kind of story. Just the title itself can give you a hint of how dark the tale is going to be.
"Secrets are dangerous to keep. They rot you from the inside out. Every dark secret one harbors is a colony of millions of white little maggots crawling and burrowing inside the valleys and caverns of your being. Multiplying, procreating, and eating away at you until everything you thought you were disappears, leaving nothing but a shell behind.
The first chapter, the first scene put you directly in the heart of the action. Maddox is a little boy but he and his brother, Noah have already suffered enough with their abusive father. While growing up Noah get to overcome his past but Maddox stayed angry.
At 18, Aylee is a girl who's suffering from the inside. You would think she is happy because she has found a foster happy family. But a beautiful family portrait is just an illusion. Her foster dad is the devil himself with nobody to stop him.
Maddox &Aylee are two different people, yet the same on so many levels. Both are stained and don't believe they are worthy enough. Aylee found a way of coping but she's still scared that someone will discover the dirty secrets she hides. Maddox bury his pain in sex and drugs.
“I’m not very good with people. Friendships, dating, that’s all pointless to me. People generally hold my interest only as long as they remain useful to me. Once you’ve served your purpose, you don’t exist to me anymore.”
“That’s sad
“That’s me.”
When Aylee find the gut to ask Maddox to pose for her, both finally get to spend some time together.
The book is told in dual pov and I appreciate it so much. Being in Aylee's head is a torture. Her suffering is hard to read. Believe me, she's not weak, to me she was just lost and needed someone who got see her.
Being in Maddox head was essential. First because the guy gives no concession, he cares for no one, not even himself. You like a guy who's a total asshole? He is your guy for sure. At first, he tries to resist his attraction but there is no need when the pull is so strong, when you have someone who speak directly to your wound and fill your heart with hope.
What really surprised me was how the writing was so good, detailed perfectly It's really graphic for the better but also for the worse. The touchy subjects are written in a way you will be unsettled. The steam reaches his maximum every time they are near. You'll have another kind of suffering from this
I have highlighted so many parts I can only show a small part here in my review and I feel I don't do this book justice enough.
Why not 5?
The book was so good but sometimes I think I wanted more depth regarding the treated subjects. Things are end a little to quickly for my taste and to me Aylee&Maddox story is far from over. I've read in Allison's review that a novella is on his way and I'm delirious happy.
~Arc provided in exchange for an honest review ~
I already knew the author from a previous book I have still in my TBR. But Stain being a stand-alone I knew I didn't have to wait to discover yet another new author for me.
The first thing that comes to my mind is how Francette Phal has succeeded to grip me with this story. The book is quite short and dealing with so many sensitive and tricky subjects that it was hard for me to see how she will achieve to make a beautiful story out of it.
Stain is no flower and chocolate kind of story. Just the title itself can give you a hint of how dark the tale is going to be.
"Secrets are dangerous to keep. They rot you from the inside out. Every dark secret one harbors is a colony of millions of white little maggots crawling and burrowing inside the valleys and caverns of your being. Multiplying, procreating, and eating away at you until everything you thought you were disappears, leaving nothing but a shell behind.
The first chapter, the first scene put you directly in the heart of the action. Maddox is a little boy but he and his brother, Noah have already suffered enough with their abusive father. While growing up Noah get to overcome his past but Maddox stayed angry.
At 18, Aylee is a girl who's suffering from the inside. You would think she is happy because she has found a foster happy family. But a beautiful family portrait is just an illusion. Her foster dad is the devil himself with nobody to stop him.
Maddox &Aylee are two different people, yet the same on so many levels. Both are stained and don't believe they are worthy enough. Aylee found a way of coping but she's still scared that someone will discover the dirty secrets she hides. Maddox bury his pain in sex and drugs.
“I’m not very good with people. Friendships, dating, that’s all pointless to me. People generally hold my interest only as long as they remain useful to me. Once you’ve served your purpose, you don’t exist to me anymore.”
“That’s sad
“That’s me.”
When Aylee find the gut to ask Maddox to pose for her, both finally get to spend some time together.
The book is told in dual pov and I appreciate it so much. Being in Aylee's head is a torture. Her suffering is hard to read. Believe me, she's not weak, to me she was just lost and needed someone who got see her.
Being in Maddox head was essential. First because the guy gives no concession, he cares for no one, not even himself. You like a guy who's a total asshole? He is your guy for sure. At first, he tries to resist his attraction but there is no need when the pull is so strong, when you have someone who speak directly to your wound and fill your heart with hope.
What really surprised me was how the writing was so good, detailed perfectly It's really graphic for the better but also for the worse. The touchy subjects are written in a way you will be unsettled. The steam reaches his maximum every time they are near. You'll have another kind of suffering from this
I have highlighted so many parts I can only show a small part here in my review and I feel I don't do this book justice enough.
Why not 5?
The book was so good but sometimes I think I wanted more depth regarding the treated subjects. Things are end a little to quickly for my taste and to me Aylee&Maddox story is far from over. I've read in Allison's review that a novella is on his way and I'm delirious happy.
~Arc provided in exchange for an honest review ~
November 7, 2019
A sweet, disturbing story about Maddox and Aylee.
Maddox and his twin brother ‘Noah’ have witnessed so much throughout their childhood, having their father molest them, then witnessing their own mother commit suicide right in front of them! Growing up Noah decided to leave all these memories behind and not let them impact his life but it was harder for Maddox, he went onto doing porno and selling drugs.
Aylee grew up in foster care not knowing who her parents were. At nine she is adopted by her new foster parents ‘Rachel and Tim’. Aylee is a normal looking teen, who cuts herself. No one suspects that she is being molested by her foster father. I felt so sorry for her, I know how hard it can be when you have no one to turn to.
One of the characters I hated was Aylee’s foster mum, even though she received abuse from her husband she could have done so much instead of pretending not to notice! At the end when her husband is dead, she has the audacity to cry like why? He molested your baby girl, she is in hospital because of him and you cry for that monster! God, I really couldn’t stand her!!
Another character I hated was Aylee’s best friend ‘Mallory’. How can you ignore your friend and not notice her? It was all about her, her, her, she didn’t even know Aylee was getting abused at home, they've been friends for FIVE years! Maddox had met Aylee for five minutes and figured it out but she couldn't and some of the things she said to Aylee just blew my mind, I’m going to list a few below
“I don’t think he has time for your little art project. And no offence, but he’s kind of out of your league."
"He’s into experienced girls, like me. I mean, do you ever even go out?"
Like damn, how rude can someone be to their friend?! Aylee did nothing to her but she still had to be a bitch throughout this book.
Overall it was a hard read, I hate reading about rape especially by people you’re meant to trust, the people who are meant to look after you but it does happen! I’m looking forward to reading the second book when it is released!
Maddox and his twin brother ‘Noah’ have witnessed so much throughout their childhood, having their father molest them, then witnessing their own mother commit suicide right in front of them! Growing up Noah decided to leave all these memories behind and not let them impact his life but it was harder for Maddox, he went onto doing porno and selling drugs.
Aylee grew up in foster care not knowing who her parents were. At nine she is adopted by her new foster parents ‘Rachel and Tim’. Aylee is a normal looking teen, who cuts herself. No one suspects that she is being molested by her foster father. I felt so sorry for her, I know how hard it can be when you have no one to turn to.
One of the characters I hated was Aylee’s foster mum, even though she received abuse from her husband she could have done so much instead of pretending not to notice! At the end when her husband is dead, she has the audacity to cry like why? He molested your baby girl, she is in hospital because of him and you cry for that monster! God, I really couldn’t stand her!!
Another character I hated was Aylee’s best friend ‘Mallory’. How can you ignore your friend and not notice her? It was all about her, her, her, she didn’t even know Aylee was getting abused at home, they've been friends for FIVE years! Maddox had met Aylee for five minutes and figured it out but she couldn't and some of the things she said to Aylee just blew my mind, I’m going to list a few below
“I don’t think he has time for your little art project. And no offence, but he’s kind of out of your league."
"He’s into experienced girls, like me. I mean, do you ever even go out?"
Like damn, how rude can someone be to their friend?! Aylee did nothing to her but she still had to be a bitch throughout this book.
Overall it was a hard read, I hate reading about rape especially by people you’re meant to trust, the people who are meant to look after you but it does happen! I’m looking forward to reading the second book when it is released!
December 11, 2015
I went into this one completely blind. I saw DARK and I saw ROMANCE and I just knew I had to have it.
Maddox and his twin, Noah are raised in a living hell. Forced to do unthinkable things at the hands of the man who was supposed to protect them. Now, grown, Maddox still carries the stains of his dirty past. His soul is not left untouched by the horrific memories of his father or the death of his mother. His monster is still very much alive and living within him.
Aylee wants nothing but to escape her life, to escape her adopted family. Her only way through is to find a way to release her monster but sometimes the scars you carry on the outside aren’t as ugly as the ones you carry on the inside. She knows that Maddox is bad news but there is something about him that she can’t seem to stay away from. He makes her feel safe and for Aylee, safe is a feeling she doesn’t want to let go of.
This was twisted. But the story that begins to develop between Aylee and Maddox had this sweet quality to it that sort of balanced it all out. Now Maddox is not a great guy. Drug dealer, violent and has his own little porn studio going on for extra cash. He is not the type of guy that Aylee should want. He’s damaged. He saw the worst evil the world could deliver and he lived through it. But there is no doubt that he is immediately protective of Aylee. He sees that she is suffering in her own private hell and he can’t seem to stop himself from trying to take it all away.
I loved his struggle with his feelings for Aylee. It added a whole additional intense layer to the story. And poor Aylee, although her life wasn’t the constant torment that he suffered through – she was just too damn pure to have to carry that burden. I wanted to hold her and just tell her everything was going to be alright.
Although I do give this story five stars, I felt a little let down with the final pages of the story. So much of this story carried so much emotion and was so intense that I was sort of hoping for this ending that was going to be exhilarating and although we get a great set of closing scenes, that didn’t carry over for me in the wrap up of the story. I think I just needed the story to go out with the same bang it came in with.
Now this book is one I did go into blind. So if you are squeamish, there are very graphic scenes. Very. Graphic. So do use your own judgement if this is a book for you.
Maddox and his twin, Noah are raised in a living hell. Forced to do unthinkable things at the hands of the man who was supposed to protect them. Now, grown, Maddox still carries the stains of his dirty past. His soul is not left untouched by the horrific memories of his father or the death of his mother. His monster is still very much alive and living within him.
Aylee wants nothing but to escape her life, to escape her adopted family. Her only way through is to find a way to release her monster but sometimes the scars you carry on the outside aren’t as ugly as the ones you carry on the inside. She knows that Maddox is bad news but there is something about him that she can’t seem to stay away from. He makes her feel safe and for Aylee, safe is a feeling she doesn’t want to let go of.
This was twisted. But the story that begins to develop between Aylee and Maddox had this sweet quality to it that sort of balanced it all out. Now Maddox is not a great guy. Drug dealer, violent and has his own little porn studio going on for extra cash. He is not the type of guy that Aylee should want. He’s damaged. He saw the worst evil the world could deliver and he lived through it. But there is no doubt that he is immediately protective of Aylee. He sees that she is suffering in her own private hell and he can’t seem to stop himself from trying to take it all away.
I loved his struggle with his feelings for Aylee. It added a whole additional intense layer to the story. And poor Aylee, although her life wasn’t the constant torment that he suffered through – she was just too damn pure to have to carry that burden. I wanted to hold her and just tell her everything was going to be alright.
Although I do give this story five stars, I felt a little let down with the final pages of the story. So much of this story carried so much emotion and was so intense that I was sort of hoping for this ending that was going to be exhilarating and although we get a great set of closing scenes, that didn’t carry over for me in the wrap up of the story. I think I just needed the story to go out with the same bang it came in with.
Now this book is one I did go into blind. So if you are squeamish, there are very graphic scenes. Very. Graphic. So do use your own judgement if this is a book for you.
December 12, 2015
5+++++++ amazing stars
**ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
"We lock eyes and it becomes so much more than the interlocking of our flesh. It's soul recognition; it's divine intimacy. It's the enmeshment of two broken beings coming together as one whole entity. We breathe as one. We move as one. He's the beginning to my end."
HOLY SHIT. I read this book two days ago and I have yet to be able to get rid of the book hangover this book caused.
Maddox and Alylee are the embodiment of tortured souls. Maddoxs' past scarred him for life. Maddox and his twin brother Noah grew up in a house of horrors, but only Noah seemed to move past it. The story begins with their past and it sets the stage for the reader to be able to truly understand the 'present' Maddox. He is a crude man-whore who views women as nothing more than dollar signs and a good time in bed. I hated him in the beginning. It wasn't until he recognized the familiar pain in Aylee's eyes, that he starts to truly become a man worthy of 'book boyfriend' status.
When we first meet Aylee; she is living her own real-life nightmare. She finds solace in drawing and cutting herself. It is heartbreaking hearing her inner thoughts in the beginning of the book. She feels that the only way to let out the pain is by dragging a razor around her body.
This book is BEAUTIFULLY written. It is hands down, one of the most beautifully written books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. You feel the pain that the characters feel and you are INSTANTLY drawn into the dark world that these two find themselves in. Throughout the book you will cringe. You will cry. You will laugh. and lastly, you WILL swoon.
A word of caution, however: It is a VERY dark, disturbing, and emotional read. Major trigger warnings here!!
If you have yet to read a book by Francette Phal, I suggest you do. Once again, her work has blown me away.
**ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
"We lock eyes and it becomes so much more than the interlocking of our flesh. It's soul recognition; it's divine intimacy. It's the enmeshment of two broken beings coming together as one whole entity. We breathe as one. We move as one. He's the beginning to my end."
HOLY SHIT. I read this book two days ago and I have yet to be able to get rid of the book hangover this book caused.
Maddox and Alylee are the embodiment of tortured souls. Maddoxs' past scarred him for life. Maddox and his twin brother Noah grew up in a house of horrors, but only Noah seemed to move past it. The story begins with their past and it sets the stage for the reader to be able to truly understand the 'present' Maddox. He is a crude man-whore who views women as nothing more than dollar signs and a good time in bed. I hated him in the beginning. It wasn't until he recognized the familiar pain in Aylee's eyes, that he starts to truly become a man worthy of 'book boyfriend' status.
When we first meet Aylee; she is living her own real-life nightmare. She finds solace in drawing and cutting herself. It is heartbreaking hearing her inner thoughts in the beginning of the book. She feels that the only way to let out the pain is by dragging a razor around her body.
This book is BEAUTIFULLY written. It is hands down, one of the most beautifully written books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. You feel the pain that the characters feel and you are INSTANTLY drawn into the dark world that these two find themselves in. Throughout the book you will cringe. You will cry. You will laugh. and lastly, you WILL swoon.
A word of caution, however: It is a VERY dark, disturbing, and emotional read. Major trigger warnings here!!
If you have yet to read a book by Francette Phal, I suggest you do. Once again, her work has blown me away.
December 14, 2015
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic read!!! Gut-wrenching and intense.
This book spoke to my heart.
It's the story of two lost souls trying to find menaing. It's the story of two broken people trying to hide their damaged soul behind self-destruction.
Aylee is a young girl who has suffered at the hands of her adopted family. She hides behind scars that will never heal and she craves freedom. Her pain will break your heart.
Maddox Moore is a dark man. He uses people and doesn't feel sorry. His one and only concern is his brother. Noah is the only one who is still in his heart.
When he meets Aylee, her pain will stain his own soul as well. But is it too late for him to heal and actually find love?
Can Aylee trust a man ever again?
The writing of this book amazed me. It flowed so smoothly and despite the darkness of the theme, there is light shining when our two characters are in the same scene. Their chamistry sizzles throughout the book and it was amazing to see them come together.
The book deals with heavy and dark themes, so be warned.
If you like your books a bit grittier, then you won't be disappointed.
Do not miss this. One of my favorite books this year!
*****5 Stainless Stars*****
*****5 STAINLESS STARS*****
What a fantastic read!!! Gut-wrenching and intense.
This book spoke to my heart.
It's the story of two lost souls trying to find menaing. It's the story of two broken people trying to hide their damaged soul behind self-destruction.
Aylee is a young girl who has suffered at the hands of her adopted family. She hides behind scars that will never heal and she craves freedom. Her pain will break your heart.
Maddox Moore is a dark man. He uses people and doesn't feel sorry. His one and only concern is his brother. Noah is the only one who is still in his heart.
When he meets Aylee, her pain will stain his own soul as well. But is it too late for him to heal and actually find love?
Can Aylee trust a man ever again?
The writing of this book amazed me. It flowed so smoothly and despite the darkness of the theme, there is light shining when our two characters are in the same scene. Their chamistry sizzles throughout the book and it was amazing to see them come together.
The book deals with heavy and dark themes, so be warned.
If you like your books a bit grittier, then you won't be disappointed.
Do not miss this. One of my favorite books this year!
*****5 Stainless Stars*****
*****5 STAINLESS STARS*****
Want to read
November 22, 2015
December 16, 2015
In STAIN Phal delivers her signature gut punch backgrounds for both Aylee and Maddox. STAIN opens upon a scene that will have you covering your mouth and not wanting the scene to unfold the way that you just know it will. Max's memories will make you want to weep for the horrors inflicted upon two innocent little boys and wish that their abuser hadn't been dispatched so quickly.
Aylee has her own demons that she battles by releasing the pressure that she feels building under her skin until she can't ignore it anymore. What should have been a safe haven for a lost little girl ends up being her own private hell. Nothing about Aylee's family is what it seems from the outside. Aylee only has two ways to soothe her pains; one leaves scars and the other is her best chance to escape her house of lies.
Phal is brilliant at shining little shafts of light into the darkest and most tragic of lives. Love, even when tainted and coming from people who are fractured to the point of near shattering, is what gives Aylee and Max the hope that they were both missing. The fact that these two are only 18 years old, still in high school, and have already lived such tragic lives just makes this story that much more heart wrenching.
STAIN has everything that I expected to get from a story from Francette Phal. Severely damaged characters that are well developed, betrayal by people that you should be able to count on, and passion and love that is both desperate and absolving. The only complaint that I have is that the story ended abruptly which made me feel that I was left dangling. Aylee was able to leave after her final encounter rather quickly and the final scene left me feeling like the story is just on pause but not finished. I really hope that there is a continuation for Aylee and Maddox. I would also LOVE to have a story for Maddox's brother Noah. Noah reacted and survived their abuse so differently from Maddox. It would be great to get his story starting at the last time Noah and Maddox saw each other because there is a little bomb dropped by Noah.
I struggled with a star rating with STAIN. Phal sucked me into the story quickly and gave me all of the emotions that I expected, but I just can't shake free of the abrupt ending. I didn't expect Aylee and Maddox to ride off into the sunset because we know Phal isn't about the soft and gentle romance, but I needed a better sense of closure for them. However, when it comes down to it, once again Phal has presented two characters that will stick with me and I will think about them often and long after finishing the book. I highlighted so many quotes in this one as well, which I don't do a lot of, so how can I not give this the highest star rating? So five stars it is!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
You can find more from me at
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Aylee has her own demons that she battles by releasing the pressure that she feels building under her skin until she can't ignore it anymore. What should have been a safe haven for a lost little girl ends up being her own private hell. Nothing about Aylee's family is what it seems from the outside. Aylee only has two ways to soothe her pains; one leaves scars and the other is her best chance to escape her house of lies.
Phal is brilliant at shining little shafts of light into the darkest and most tragic of lives. Love, even when tainted and coming from people who are fractured to the point of near shattering, is what gives Aylee and Max the hope that they were both missing. The fact that these two are only 18 years old, still in high school, and have already lived such tragic lives just makes this story that much more heart wrenching.
STAIN has everything that I expected to get from a story from Francette Phal. Severely damaged characters that are well developed, betrayal by people that you should be able to count on, and passion and love that is both desperate and absolving. The only complaint that I have is that the story ended abruptly which made me feel that I was left dangling. Aylee was able to leave after her final encounter rather quickly and the final scene left me feeling like the story is just on pause but not finished. I really hope that there is a continuation for Aylee and Maddox. I would also LOVE to have a story for Maddox's brother Noah. Noah reacted and survived their abuse so differently from Maddox. It would be great to get his story starting at the last time Noah and Maddox saw each other because there is a little bomb dropped by Noah.
I struggled with a star rating with STAIN. Phal sucked me into the story quickly and gave me all of the emotions that I expected, but I just can't shake free of the abrupt ending. I didn't expect Aylee and Maddox to ride off into the sunset because we know Phal isn't about the soft and gentle romance, but I needed a better sense of closure for them. However, when it comes down to it, once again Phal has presented two characters that will stick with me and I will think about them often and long after finishing the book. I highlighted so many quotes in this one as well, which I don't do a lot of, so how can I not give this the highest star rating? So five stars it is!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
You can find more from me at
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
December 16, 2015
Stain by Francette Phal
4 stars!!
I do love a Francette Phal book as you never know what you are going to get or how dark or deep she is going to go. This is quite tame by her standards but the intensity is still ever present.
Aylee and Maddox shouldn't have worked but they did. They say that opposites attract and that was definitely akin to these two. They brought out the best in each other and Aylee gave Maddox a reason to change and clean himself up. But they also had a lot in common they were both two scarred souls.
Aylee was a quiet girl who kept herself to herself. Her home life was awful and being adopted had not helped her situation. Aylee was a girl that hid behind her scars, her scars were her emotional outlet and a way to let out her emotions and feelings. Aylee felt “stained,” she had that mark on her, a big dirty mark that no matter how much she purges never goes away. Feeling unlovable, unlikeable and invisible to most she led a very sad and lonely existence.
Maddox was another one that had endured an horrific past and now it was just him and his twin brother Noah. While Noah had managed to keep on the straight and narrow Maddox had turned to running to purge his “stain.” He was cocky and arrogant but this was all a front, for kicks he had his own porn site and he also sold drugs, he was living life on a very thin line. He had that bad boy persona but underneath all that was a man that just didn’t really know what he wanted, he was just as lost and lonely as Aylee.
Aylee had admired Maddox from afar, there was something about Maddox that pulled her towards him, even though she knew she should steer well clear. Their paths crossing in a class gives Aylee the in that she needs to be noticed, plus she has an ulterior motive, she wants Maddox to sit for her for an art project.
Even though their pasts are tragic when these two are together you cannot help but get emotionally invested in their story and their journey. Maddox is having alien feelings and he really doesn’t know what or how to deal with it. He was intense, blasé and disinterested but Aylee had a way of pulling him in and he didn’t know whether he liked it or not...it seems his heart has other ideas. The more time these two spend together the more they see the real person underneath the facades and realise they have a lot more in common than they first anticipated. Could these two just be what the other needs or will a stained soul and a stained soul just drag them even deeper?
My only niggle with this book was that I still had a few questions, the ending felt a little rushed and I was left wanting more at the end, it felt like a “to be continued” rather than a standalone, I just wanted more at the end. I have heard that there will be a novella early 2016 so at least I hope my thirst for more will be quenched.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!
“I want him so deep mending the wound will be impossible. He’ll bring the shards and I’ll provide the flesh, and we’ll bleed the stains slicking our souls.”
I do love a Francette Phal book as you never know what you are going to get or how dark or deep she is going to go. This is quite tame by her standards but the intensity is still ever present.
Aylee and Maddox shouldn't have worked but they did. They say that opposites attract and that was definitely akin to these two. They brought out the best in each other and Aylee gave Maddox a reason to change and clean himself up. But they also had a lot in common they were both two scarred souls.
“Asshole is my first, middle, and last name.”
Aylee was a quiet girl who kept herself to herself. Her home life was awful and being adopted had not helped her situation. Aylee was a girl that hid behind her scars, her scars were her emotional outlet and a way to let out her emotions and feelings. Aylee felt “stained,” she had that mark on her, a big dirty mark that no matter how much she purges never goes away. Feeling unlovable, unlikeable and invisible to most she led a very sad and lonely existence.
“Secrets are dangerous to keep. They rot you from the inside out. Every dark secret one harbors is a colony of millions of white little maggots crawling and burrowing inside the valleys and caverns of your being. Multiplying, procreating, and eating away at you until everything you thought you were disappears, leaving nothing but a shell behind. That’s what I am. A shell. A husk of the girl I could’ve been.”
Maddox was another one that had endured an horrific past and now it was just him and his twin brother Noah. While Noah had managed to keep on the straight and narrow Maddox had turned to running to purge his “stain.” He was cocky and arrogant but this was all a front, for kicks he had his own porn site and he also sold drugs, he was living life on a very thin line. He had that bad boy persona but underneath all that was a man that just didn’t really know what he wanted, he was just as lost and lonely as Aylee.
“I’m always angry. Can’t remember a day I haven’t felt like destroying something. Or someone. It’s always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes I can control it. Other times…I don’t want to.”
Aylee had admired Maddox from afar, there was something about Maddox that pulled her towards him, even though she knew she should steer well clear. Their paths crossing in a class gives Aylee the in that she needs to be noticed, plus she has an ulterior motive, she wants Maddox to sit for her for an art project.
“I’ll take your pussy, Aylee, gladly…but I don’t want your heart. You can keep that.”
“Good…It’s not something I’d offer you anyway.”
Even though their pasts are tragic when these two are together you cannot help but get emotionally invested in their story and their journey. Maddox is having alien feelings and he really doesn’t know what or how to deal with it. He was intense, blasé and disinterested but Aylee had a way of pulling him in and he didn’t know whether he liked it or not...it seems his heart has other ideas. The more time these two spend together the more they see the real person underneath the facades and realise they have a lot more in common than they first anticipated. Could these two just be what the other needs or will a stained soul and a stained soul just drag them even deeper?
“He’s…he’s got a lot of broken pieces, Aylee. Maybe too many to put back together. Just be careful. He might cut.”
My only niggle with this book was that I still had a few questions, the ending felt a little rushed and I was left wanting more at the end, it felt like a “to be continued” rather than a standalone, I just wanted more at the end. I have heard that there will be a novella early 2016 so at least I hope my thirst for more will be quenched.
“…she’s unknowingly knocking the fucking breath out of me and I can’t remember how to start again.”
www.theromancecover.com
July 31, 2017
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: FYI readers -- this ends on a cliffhanger of sorts and doesn't give the reader closure on their story. I didn't realize this and got rather frustrated when I got there, so for those like me -- beware ;). Also, for those of my "safety" gals, you should pass on this too. I had lots of troubles with this one, and didn't feel connected to the characters all that much. While I did feel bad for both of their circumstances, I didn't feel that need to root for them as I sometimes do in these types of stories. I didn't necessarily find this to be a romantic story hardly at all. I thought it was nice for these 2 extremely damaged characters to find comfort in each other, but romance it was not IMO. See below spoilers for more info...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Aylee and Maddox's story. They have known eachother from school, and Aylee has always been fascinated by the cold bad boy. Both of them are severely damaged. They keep on running into eachother, and Aylee finally asks him to pose for a painting for her. They start an odd banter that eventually turns into more. There is some sex, some major violence, and some friend drama...but they get to their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Aylee and Maddox's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. It flowed well to where I read it fast and didn't skim, but then it ended abruptly with an unexpected cliffhanger of sorts .
Instalove: Yes and no. I would say that the h had some strong feelings for the H right away. For the H it takes a while, but then it seemed to come out of nowhere.
H rating: 2 stars. Maddox. He was so damaged. He wasn't really all that likeable IMO, and I didn't find his sudden strong feeling for the h believable.
h rating: 3 stars. Aylee. I felt really bad for her situation, but I also felt like she was too eager for the H's attention.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. This covers some majorly heavy themes, but I personally didn't need any tissues.
Heat level: Moderate. Ok steam factor, but I personally was turned off by experiencing some of his other interactions.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes and no. One instance a condom is mentioned (and it is mentioned with his OW), but another it is not.
OW/OM drama: No.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: Super abrupt ending with their story still being open. I was frustrated, because I had no idea that there was another book! I'd say it was a HFN ending at most.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Overall Opinion: FYI readers -- this ends on a cliffhanger of sorts and doesn't give the reader closure on their story. I didn't realize this and got rather frustrated when I got there, so for those like me -- beware ;). Also, for those of my "safety" gals, you should pass on this too. I had lots of troubles with this one, and didn't feel connected to the characters all that much. While I did feel bad for both of their circumstances, I didn't feel that need to root for them as I sometimes do in these types of stories. I didn't necessarily find this to be a romantic story hardly at all. I thought it was nice for these 2 extremely damaged characters to find comfort in each other, but romance it was not IMO. See below spoilers for more info...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Aylee and Maddox's story. They have known eachother from school, and Aylee has always been fascinated by the cold bad boy. Both of them are severely damaged. They keep on running into eachother, and Aylee finally asks him to pose for a painting for her. They start an odd banter that eventually turns into more. There is some sex, some major violence, and some friend drama...but they get to their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Aylee and Maddox's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. It flowed well to where I read it fast and didn't skim, but then it ended abruptly with an unexpected cliffhanger of sorts .
Instalove: Yes and no. I would say that the h had some strong feelings for the H right away. For the H it takes a while, but then it seemed to come out of nowhere.
H rating: 2 stars. Maddox. He was so damaged. He wasn't really all that likeable IMO, and I didn't find his sudden strong feeling for the h believable.
h rating: 3 stars. Aylee. I felt really bad for her situation, but I also felt like she was too eager for the H's attention.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. This covers some majorly heavy themes, but I personally didn't need any tissues.
Heat level: Moderate. Ok steam factor, but I personally was turned off by experiencing some of his other interactions.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes and no. One instance a condom is mentioned (and it is mentioned with his OW), but another it is not.
OW/OM drama: No.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: Super abrupt ending with their story still being open. I was frustrated, because I had no idea that there was another book! I'd say it was a HFN ending at most.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
March 21, 2016
4.5 stars.
This book turned out to be unexpectedly good. The story is dark, violent , and disturbing yet it pulls you in from the very first page. The main characters, Aylee and Max, are two broken people finding each other. The story unfolded from the past to the present, it was getting harder and harder to figure out how these two were going to cross paths. Their's is a tale of two people stained by the dysfunction of their life. These are two characters who are so different from each other on the surface, yet are somehow alike underneath it all. They have different methods of dealing with their pain. What I liked most about their story is the romance was slow building and it didn't felt like an insta-love. They slowly learned how to trust and understand each other, something that wasn't easy for either of them to do, due to the darkness that surrounded them both. I loved Aylee. She is the only one who truly understood him for more than what he showed people on the outside.
" I see you. I see you Maddox, more clearly than I've ever seen anything or anyone in my entire life. And I know it scares you can see me, too."
The story was a well-written and engaging. The author is so talented at conveying the feelings that her characters are experiencing. The ending was a bit disappointing and kinda rushed but there's a novella coming out soon and hope the wait won't be long!
This book turned out to be unexpectedly good. The story is dark, violent , and disturbing yet it pulls you in from the very first page. The main characters, Aylee and Max, are two broken people finding each other. The story unfolded from the past to the present, it was getting harder and harder to figure out how these two were going to cross paths. Their's is a tale of two people stained by the dysfunction of their life. These are two characters who are so different from each other on the surface, yet are somehow alike underneath it all. They have different methods of dealing with their pain. What I liked most about their story is the romance was slow building and it didn't felt like an insta-love. They slowly learned how to trust and understand each other, something that wasn't easy for either of them to do, due to the darkness that surrounded them both. I loved Aylee. She is the only one who truly understood him for more than what he showed people on the outside.
" I see you. I see you Maddox, more clearly than I've ever seen anything or anyone in my entire life. And I know it scares you can see me, too."
The story was a well-written and engaging. The author is so talented at conveying the feelings that her characters are experiencing. The ending was a bit disappointing and kinda rushed but there's a novella coming out soon and hope the wait won't be long!
December 24, 2015
•❀"Mrs. Francette Phal, I Love You So Much!!"•❀
I don't know how Mrs. Phal does it, but she manages to get better and better!! Damn, this book was intense, twisted and awesome... That first opening of this book was so “Heart-wrenching” and it just amazes me (how people who are suppose to love and protect you, can me so sadistic and evil) Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down! Maddox & Aylee have frickin amazing chemistry. Love this couple. This book is very well-written and well done! Keeping my fingers crossed for a 2nd book!!
December 16, 2015
Maddox and Aylee are orphans, almost adults and victims of physical and sexual abuse. Before even knowing the other's story, they're drawn to one another. Dealing drugs, delivering violence and working the sex industry are how he stays ahead of his demons. She cuts herself and tries to disappear. Outwardly, he's a gangbanger and she's a good girl. No one knows what they really are inside.
Stain is a dark story, but in its way, the courtship between Maddox and Aylee is sweet. Seeing two damaged people, who previously seem dead inside, open up and fall in love is a beautiful thing. Of course, in the life they've been given, romance isn't really an attainable quality.
This author has a talent for making anti-heroes that you can't help but love. Maddox isn't as bad on the evil scale as some, but he isn't exactly a good guy either. He has major anger issues and has no need for people except to use them. This isn't the darkest book ever, but just a warning; it does have rape and murder themes. If your reading tastes lean this direction, you should definitely check it out.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
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December 22, 2015
Heroine gets raped later in the book I hate when authors do that!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2016
Well, I need to get my thoughts together on this one
I don't even know what to say the about the beginning of this book I know after reading the first part of what happen to the boys had me like
Then what Maddox does to his dad
But ooooh so deserving of his insane a$$ Oh those poor twin boys.
Well now in the present the Moore Boys are in their last year of high school and they both couldn't be more different from the other. Noah went the good boy route and put his past behind him. Maddox not so much he kept all the memories and became a badd ass, destructive delinquent. From selling drugs to making online sex videos.
Then there is lil ol Aylee she has a fascination with Maddox following him around. But Aylee has issues of her own her adopted dad is a sick creeper that has Aylee thinking she's the dirty, so she cuts herself to be cleaned.
Well people this was an intense read. I was stressed out the whole time Maddox and Aylee's relationship was a deranged sweet one, good and bad, ugly and beautiful. I wanted it to have more depth though. It happened too fast or there was just to many gaps. Other than that this was deep gut wrenching read. What poor Ayleee goes throughs OMG! I wanted it to end but just seemed like it wouldn't stop. My heart was in my throat and man if I could get my hands on her so called bff
Yeah girrrrrl you need to get it! But Step Daddy, needed more to happen to ass, but Im glad Maddox got him. Well I can't wait till the next one I am so eager to find out how they get through all this
Heres my couple
I don't even know what to say the about the beginning of this book I know after reading the first part of what happen to the boys had me like
Then what Maddox does to his dad
But ooooh so deserving of his insane a$$ Oh those poor twin boys.
Well now in the present the Moore Boys are in their last year of high school and they both couldn't be more different from the other. Noah went the good boy route and put his past behind him. Maddox not so much he kept all the memories and became a badd ass, destructive delinquent. From selling drugs to making online sex videos.
Then there is lil ol Aylee she has a fascination with Maddox following him around. But Aylee has issues of her own her adopted dad is a sick creeper that has Aylee thinking she's the dirty, so she cuts herself to be cleaned.
Well people this was an intense read. I was stressed out the whole time Maddox and Aylee's relationship was a deranged sweet one, good and bad, ugly and beautiful. I wanted it to have more depth though. It happened too fast or there was just to many gaps. Other than that this was deep gut wrenching read. What poor Ayleee goes throughs OMG! I wanted it to end but just seemed like it wouldn't stop. My heart was in my throat and man if I could get my hands on her so called bff
Yeah girrrrrl you need to get it! But Step Daddy, needed more to happen to ass, but Im glad Maddox got him. Well I can't wait till the next one I am so eager to find out how they get through all this
Heres my couple
December 18, 2015
4.5 Dark and Delicious Stars!!
Stain by Francette Phal is dark and twisted, but so very delicious. It's depravity at it's best. Stain is the forbidden fruit and Maddox Moore is the serpent tempting us... There is no resisting this boy with his tats, gauges, God like features and body that is made to sin. And sin he does!! This bad boy isn't just broken, his soul is fractured. He has no remorse or regrets for any of his despicable acts. Maddox makes Al Capone look like an alter boy. He has his hands in all sorts of corrupt activities. He's the one your mother warned you about, yet you would follow him into hell!! You would burn, but it would be so worth it. Maddox is beyond sexy. He is down right mouth watering! A boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a girl living in a Pleasantville nightmare..... trust me, they are not your typical high school students! Broken, tortured souls. If you are a lover of dark books this one is a wet dream!
Aylee's nightmare is very real. She lives with it daily. Suffering in silence. Taking her pain out on herself.... So, why would she crave the attention of her school's notorious bad boy? Does she see what no one else does? She is a borderline stalker when it comes to Maddox... she knows just how bad he is and she doesn't care. She needs him to notice her... Maddox tries to deny it, but he is drawn to Aylee. He knows he's no good for her... It's her innocents and tortured soul that keeps him coming back for more. Two people, who appear to be opposite on the outside, but unfortunately on the inside, they are both stained and scarred. Can they actually be good for each other or will they Stain each other further???
This story totally took me hostage. I craved every word.
Like Aylee, I wanted whatever Maddox was willing to give! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer! I wanted more, but Francette the has assured me, we will be getting a novella.
Francette continues to impress me. Talk about talent!! She definitely deserves more recognition. She is a queen when it comes to the dark genre. Her books and characters are not only memorable, but they haunt your mind! As you cheer for her bad boys, you will question your own morality... But sometimes being bad feels so good. Come join the darkside, you will not regret it. Be prepared for this one!!
Stain by Francette Phal is dark and twisted, but so very delicious. It's depravity at it's best. Stain is the forbidden fruit and Maddox Moore is the serpent tempting us... There is no resisting this boy with his tats, gauges, God like features and body that is made to sin. And sin he does!! This bad boy isn't just broken, his soul is fractured. He has no remorse or regrets for any of his despicable acts. Maddox makes Al Capone look like an alter boy. He has his hands in all sorts of corrupt activities. He's the one your mother warned you about, yet you would follow him into hell!! You would burn, but it would be so worth it. Maddox is beyond sexy. He is down right mouth watering! A boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a girl living in a Pleasantville nightmare..... trust me, they are not your typical high school students! Broken, tortured souls. If you are a lover of dark books this one is a wet dream!
Aylee's nightmare is very real. She lives with it daily. Suffering in silence. Taking her pain out on herself.... So, why would she crave the attention of her school's notorious bad boy? Does she see what no one else does? She is a borderline stalker when it comes to Maddox... she knows just how bad he is and she doesn't care. She needs him to notice her... Maddox tries to deny it, but he is drawn to Aylee. He knows he's no good for her... It's her innocents and tortured soul that keeps him coming back for more. Two people, who appear to be opposite on the outside, but unfortunately on the inside, they are both stained and scarred. Can they actually be good for each other or will they Stain each other further???
This story totally took me hostage. I craved every word.
Like Aylee, I wanted whatever Maddox was willing to give! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer! I wanted more, but Francette the has assured me, we will be getting a novella.
Francette continues to impress me. Talk about talent!! She definitely deserves more recognition. She is a queen when it comes to the dark genre. Her books and characters are not only memorable, but they haunt your mind! As you cheer for her bad boys, you will question your own morality... But sometimes being bad feels so good. Come join the darkside, you will not regret it. Be prepared for this one!!
December 15, 2015
This is such a sweet and sorrowful tale that skirts the edges of darkness and although there are certainly sensitive subjects that are touched upon, it doesn't quite cross all the way over for me (which is NOT a criticism).
Maddox has been through the ringer. Handed a life most wouldn't live through, he's come out the other side but he's anything but unscathed. He harbours such anger and bitterness that he sees no happy future for himself. Content with living his life untouched and walking the line between legal and illegal, the last thing he wants is a human connection.
Aylee has only just regained a tiny grain of freedom but even that is fleeting. Hiding from the world, she's merely existing. Every day is a fight to survive, to protect herself and to keep the brokenness within a secret.
Maddox is a fantastic character. I'm sure you'll love him as much as I did. You can't help but be drawn to his darkness, while wanting him to find a sliver of light.
But when darkness meets shattered pieces, will either of them recognise what lies within the other? Will they care? Can they survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its well written and draws you in easily. It's a quick read (standalone) that you're sure to devour just as quickly as I did.
Maddox has been through the ringer. Handed a life most wouldn't live through, he's come out the other side but he's anything but unscathed. He harbours such anger and bitterness that he sees no happy future for himself. Content with living his life untouched and walking the line between legal and illegal, the last thing he wants is a human connection.
Aylee has only just regained a tiny grain of freedom but even that is fleeting. Hiding from the world, she's merely existing. Every day is a fight to survive, to protect herself and to keep the brokenness within a secret.
Maddox is a fantastic character. I'm sure you'll love him as much as I did. You can't help but be drawn to his darkness, while wanting him to find a sliver of light.
But when darkness meets shattered pieces, will either of them recognise what lies within the other? Will they care? Can they survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its well written and draws you in easily. It's a quick read (standalone) that you're sure to devour just as quickly as I did.
June 1, 2016
WOW!! Now I understand the hype behind YA books because if they're anything like this, then they are definitely worth a read.
This story packed so much of an emotional punch that I'm still feeling its effect. My mind is still trying to wrap its way around what the heck just happened. It had my heart racing and I was feeling those palpitations.
This author's skill with the written word is simply incredible. Each scene was phrased so eloquently, so passionately, that I couldn't help but FEEL each and every emotion it was trying to evoke from me.
Aylee and Maddox (Max). Why two such young people had to suffer so much is beyond me. What bothered me was the fact that this is what many children are suffering through in reality and it's friggin horrific. Makes me understand vigilante justice, even if I don't sanction it.
I am not going to spell out the plot because I really, really, really want people to read this book. I will say that I was a bit disappointed by the unfinished ending until I saw that these two beautiful characters will be getting a novella. Can't wait for that to be released!
Enjoy! xo
This story packed so much of an emotional punch that I'm still feeling its effect. My mind is still trying to wrap its way around what the heck just happened. It had my heart racing and I was feeling those palpitations.
This author's skill with the written word is simply incredible. Each scene was phrased so eloquently, so passionately, that I couldn't help but FEEL each and every emotion it was trying to evoke from me.
Aylee and Maddox (Max). Why two such young people had to suffer so much is beyond me. What bothered me was the fact that this is what many children are suffering through in reality and it's friggin horrific. Makes me understand vigilante justice, even if I don't sanction it.
I am not going to spell out the plot because I really, really, really want people to read this book. I will say that I was a bit disappointed by the unfinished ending until I saw that these two beautiful characters will be getting a novella. Can't wait for that to be released!
Enjoy! xo
can-never-read
December 30, 2015No words... Gp's triggerland...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 28, 2015
Stain was a well written novel, and I enjoyed it. It just wasn't very believable.
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