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Benedicte Lavelle is a single father raising two small daughters. When his neighbors put him in charge of handling the haunting that plagues their neighborhood, he has no choice but to use disreputable means in order to bring in a Conditioned ghost hunter to help with their problem. He doesn’t expect to be drawn to the young woman who arrives at his house in chains. He doesn’t expect to have his entire life thrown into upheaval when she is snatched away.

Conditioned prisoner Seven-Two-Four has never had a name. She cannot read, and is scheduled to die as soon as she is returned to the Institution. The Conditioned are not considered human, but Seven can see ghost energy and she can love Ben like no one ever has before.

When fate takes Seven from Ben’s arms, can he move on and find a new purpose in life or will he be forever trapped by the need to rescue those like his lost love?

**Please note, this book was previously published under the same name by a different publisher. It has been re-edited for your enjoyment**

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2011

7 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Royce

193 books1,430 followers
Author of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,435 reviews33 followers
September 22, 2019
I'm utterly ADDICTED to this series and cannot wait for the next one!!! Definitely read book one first so that you can understand all the context. There are a few cameos in this from book one, and I hope more to come on the future 😉.

Ben is a widower and father of very intelligent and precocious six year old twin daughters. As a lawyer the neighborhood deemed he need to take care of the odd issue plaguing everyone. Crazy things keep happening and for no apparent reason. the only possible answer is ghosts? The only person new can think of to help is his brother Gene that works with the local New Orleans mafia. He's always been a bit rough around the edges, but when it came to his family and beloved nieces he'd do anything to help. And so Ben now has a Conditioned coming to the house too track ghosts of all things. What he want expecting was this young, stunningly beautiful woman that appears almost afraid of her own shadow. After Addison and Spencer escaped and helped free some Conditioned, restrictions got even stricter. Terminated at age forty, sterilized so absolutely no pregnancies. So when he learns this kind, young woman is to be terminated once done with this job his mind goes numb! Why this docile woman so far from forty is to be executed? When she won't even sit on a chair, expects to sleep on the floor and have a meager one meal for the duration of this job? This is insanity!

As if it's not bad enough that he can't figure out these freak occurrences, now this beautiful woman that doesn't even have her own name.... She goes by seven, is willing too put herself at risk for he and his girls before returning to her own death?! Something must change! All kinds of secrets are revealed in this book. Things Ben had no clue about. Revelations about the Conditioned, his family, and so much more. Yet again there's tons of suspense, action, love and a very brave woman at the center of this story. I can't wait for book three....based on a few mentions in this book I'm curious if book three might be about the President or one of his family? Maybe he or they are Conditioned? Either way I can't wait to find out! Be warned this series really is very addicting 😊😊😊
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,109 reviews60 followers
July 12, 2016
This was an excellent follow up to the first book, Eye Contact. While it takes place a year after book 1 it still incorporates some of the characters that we first met and we get to see a little bit about what they've been up to.

When paranormal activity starts to threaten a quiet New Orleans suburb, the only option is to try and use Conditioned to deal with the problem. Ben Lavelle, a single father of twins, is plagued by dark energy and turns to his brother Gene for help. Through ties to the mafia, Gene is able to secure the help of a Conditioned woman who is about to be terminated. The last thing Ben expects, or needs, is to fall for Seven.

With virtually no contact with the outside world, Seven has accepted her fate of an early termination after helping Ben out with his ghost problem. However things don't go exactly as planned, and when the Institute tries to take Seven back early both her and Ben's lives are forever changed.

While it's not absolutely necessary to read the first book prior to this one, I would recommend it. I've enjoyed both books so far and I hope that there's another book dedicated to Roman:)

***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Cara Bristol.
Author 108 books939 followers
November 4, 2019
Seven is a ghost-talker, able to sense and destroy malevolent spirit energy. As one of the Conditioned, humans with dangerous psi powers, she's kept institutionalized, to be euthanized at a young age. Brainwashed and self-effacing, she is complacently facing her early death when she goes on one last job: to exorcise the ghosts inhabiting the home of widower Ben Lavelle and his two young daughters. Ben is the first one to treat her as a human being. As their romance blossoms and he plans to find a way to save her from her fate, tragedy strikes and takes Seven away from him, seemingly forever.

Illicit Connections was a gripping read that hooked me from start to finish. The character development was typical for a Rebecca Royce book (I've seen it in several of her other books), in which she takes a browbeaten, totally self-effacing character and turns her into a courageous, take-charge kick ass heroine. The Conditioned's secret powers reminded me a little bit of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, so if you liked those books, you'll probably like the Illicit Minds series by Royce. And, BTW, Illicit Connections is book 2 of its series, but it's totally readable as a standalone.
Profile Image for Dapper.
587 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2022
Tough to rate. On one hand I want to give the story 3 stars but I hated Ben so much that I wanted to give it one star. Ben was AWFUL. He was barely in control of his own emotions and actions, I can only assume that Sevens infatuation with him is due to him being the FIRST PERSON to show her any type of kindness in her entire life.

What I hated about Ben the most was how he treated his kids. He was referred to multiple times as a “good father” but the only interactions with him and the kids, he totally dismissed everything they said. He knew daphne was conditioned but STILL ignored her when she said something was wrong. You have a fucking soothsayer as a daughter but can’t phantom she has anything valuable to say? Even in his conversation with his brother where Gene was trying to get him to listen to his daughter he says something like “She should get used to no one listening to her” which I found disgusting, especially seeing as he’s one of 3 people in the world the girl has.

Then, I get that he was upset and disoriented about losing his memories and not knowing who Seven/Shiri was.. but true colors and all.. he tied her up and gift wrapped her for the same institution he’d been fighting for years, which I found gross. Whether his brother was the one who called or not, he played a huge part. What really bothered me about that ordeal was the way he kissed her when she was restrained, there was something creepy and unsettling about that. And again.. all of this could have been avoided if he paid a little bit of attention to his daughters.

Then, in the end, he cements the fact that he’s a total loser. The kids are excited to see her and instead of allowing them all a happy reunion, he kicks the girls out of the room by threat of punishment and tells Shiri he won’t be with her. Legit, as soon as she wakes up and sees her for the first time.. doesn’t even say “how are you feeling?”

I could rant so much more about all the ways Bens a bitch, but I’ll stop here.

Team Roman all the way. Actually Romans story really makes me sad, he deserves better.
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,701 reviews27 followers
June 26, 2018
Benedicte Lavelle is a single father raising two small daughters. When his neighbors put him in charge of handling the haunting that plagues their neighborhood, he has no choice but to use disreputable means in order to bring in a Conditioned ghost hunter to help with their problem. He doesn’t expect to be drawn to the young woman who arrives at his house in chains. He doesn’t expect to have his entire life thrown into upheaval when she is snatched away.

Conditioned prisoner Seven-Two-Four has never had a name. She cannot read, and is scheduled to die as soon as she is returned to the Institution. The Conditioned are not considered human, but Seven can see ghost energy and she can love Ben like no one ever has before.

When fate takes Seven from Ben’s arms, can he move on and find a new purpose in life or will he be forever trapped by the need to rescue those like his lost love?

Holy Grail!
What an amazing book!
Such an emotional rollercoaster!!!
I had really forgotten how strong this series is.
This is the second book in the series and i have to say ....WOW!
A must read Series from a must read author!
Profile Image for Shelby Nicole burdett.
22 reviews
May 20, 2017
Great book

I would recommend this product to all. It was a great book I love how it expanded over time and showed you more of their lives making it harder to put the book down. Thee only reason I gave it four stars is because there were parts, small parts, that sounded close to another book or even the first of this series which was a bit off putting at first. However in the end I am glad I read it. Thank you Rebecca Royce for your writing!
Profile Image for Angela.
115 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2020
AMAZING! Better than 1st book!

I absolutely LOVED this book, couldn't put it down! Wow! Fell in love with the characters, the many twists and turns kept me on edge of my seat screaming out loud haha!
Profile Image for Christina.
902 reviews36 followers
April 4, 2020
Gets even better in book 2!

I liked the first book but I love the second. It was hard to put down. I hope to hear more about these characters in book 3.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
April 25, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...


With ghost disrupting the neighborhood, who are you going to call? Well in this story you call in a “Conditioned”.

“Embraced” is the second story in Rebecca Royce's new sci-fi romance series called “The Conditioned”.
This tale centers around widower Benedicte (Ben) Lavelle and his two young daughters, Ella and Daphne. Ben has been asked to help exorcise the spirits that have been haunting their housing development for quite some time now. Turning to his mobster brother (who is also very well connected) for help, Ben brings Seven-two-four (Seven for short) into his life. Seven is a conditioned woman who hunts down ghosts for those who can afford to pay the Institute for her services.

Seven has unique abilities. She can see a spirit's residual signatures which she can use to then send the ghost out of this realm. Seven has no freedom or rights, though. She was born as a "Conditioned".

The “Conditioned” are humans who have special enhanced physic-type abilities. Approximately thirty years ago the new abilities began to show up in many human children and rapidly become a problem for the general public, thus causing laws to be passed that require these individuals to lose their freedom and even their lives at an early age. The fear of the populace was so strong against these individuals that family members were severely warned against hiding any "Conditioned" child. The results of doing such would be severe for all parties involved.

Sadly though, once these individuals are imprisoned in the institute, they're forgotten. Terrible abuse runs amuck, and society has turned a blind eye.

Ben is a compassionate and caring single father of two talented and creative girls. When Seven enters his life, he soon realizes that the "Conditioned" aren't the scary monsters everyone was led the public to believe. He starts to question whether the laws governing them are even humane. As Ben grows closer to Seven, he not only faces the fact that she has been abused, but that she's being hunted by an evil enemy who wants to control and torture all “Conditioned”.

Ben and Seven are ultimately drawn together romantically as danger engulfs both their lives. To sustain the love they've found with each other, they ultimately must sacrifice a part of themselves that could kill any hopes of a future together.

Our evil villain in this story is called Madame, but a true madame she is not. This horrific monster both terrifies and intrigues this reader. We even get a look at a hero named Guy who will play an important role in the lives of the conditioned in future episodes. All of the characters in this book were very well written and engaging. The secondary characters were intriguing and I look forward to reading future books about their lives and conquests.

I am so excited about this new series. Rebecca Royce has successfully displayed a storm of emotional turmoil that engages the imagination and rivets the heartstrings. I was quickly pulled into the characters' suspenseful scenarios and immediately engrossed into the storyline. I read this book first and was grateful that Ms. Royce provided enough insightful details from the previous book to allow the reader a fulfilling adventure if indeed we chose to make this a stand-alone novel. I enjoyed this tale so much that I immediately raced out to purchase the first book in this series called “Eye Contact”. I can honestly say I will be happily awaiting future installments in this series as well.

I find myself continually amazed at the creative talent of Rebecca Royce. Her works are insightful, imaginative and extremely romantic. She has fast become one of my favorite writers and I look forward to collecting all of her “works of art” for years to come.

Looking for a new world to explore? Well this new series might be the planet you seek. Embraced is an exciting twist on a roll-coaster of imagination. Are you ready to embrace “Embraced”?
539 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2019
Illicit Connections (Illicit Minds Book 2) Kindle Edition
by Rebecca Royce
I received a complimentary eARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This the second book in what has to be my favorite series this year. A combination of the X-Men and a resistance movement seen through the eyes of regular human Ben and Seven, a Conditioned, people with power who are considered less than human by the world as a hold.
Seven specialty is clearing ghosts, and Ben (plus most of the neighbors in his area) has a ghost. Using less than savory connections, Ben manages to get Seven, and his home is her last job before she is put down by the evil Madame. Once they are finished, all hell breaks loose.

Ben and Seven were well described and created. Their personal growth was believable with Seven's being the most extreme. I honestly felt like I knew people like Benedicte which is always a good sign.

This felt like two books that were gutted and smashed together. Which, oddly, wasn't bad. It just felt like I wanted, no, I needed the rest of these stories.

Ms. Royce has a talent for creating teams from different books and that is on display here as the characters from previous book, Addison, Spencer, Roman and Guy McKidd all appear and are key to the book's plot and the overall arc of the series. It reminds me of her fantastic sci-fi RH Romance series, Wings of Artemis.

I can't wait for the next book. It is high on my TBRI – to be read immediately list!

This book is due for release on 10/28/2019

4 stars out of 5

https://www.amazon.com/Illicit-Connec...





Merged review:

Illicit Connections (Illicit Minds Book 2) Kindle Edition
by Rebecca Royce
I received a complimentary eARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This the second book in what has to be my favorite series this year. A combination of the X-Men and a resistance movement seen through the eyes of regular human Ben and Seven, a Conditioned, people with power who are considered less than human by the world as a hold.
Seven specialty is clearing ghosts, and Ben (plus most of the neighbors in his area) has a ghost. Using less than savory connections, Ben manages to get Seven, and his home is her last job before she is put down by the evil Madame. Once they are finished, all hell breaks loose.

Ben and Seven were well described and created. Their personal growth was believable with Seven's being the most extreme. I honestly felt like I knew people like Benedicte which is always a good sign.

This felt like two books that were gutted and smashed together. Which, oddly, wasn't bad. It just felt like I wanted, no, I needed the rest of these stories.

Ms. Royce has a talent for creating teams from different books and that is on display here as the characters from previous book, Addison, Spencer, Roman and Guy McKidd all appear and are key to the book's plot and the overall arc of the series. It reminds me of her fantastic sci-fi RH Romance series, Wings of Artemis.

I can't wait for the next book. It is high on my TBRI – to be read immediately list!

This book is due for release on 10/28/2019

4 stars out of 5

https://www.amazon.com/Illicit-Connec...
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
June 15, 2016

EMBRACED-{THE CONDITIONED BOOK 2} THRILLING -MYSTERY & STEAMY ROMANCE

What you'll find in this story; a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters, fascinating storyline, picturesque and powerful vivid scene descriptions, phenomenal banter, camaraderie, family love, mystery, unjust prejudice, secrets revealed, heroic deed, gut-wrenching moments, action packed, gripping suspense, horrific danger, life-threatening incidents, pent-up-rage, heart-pounding sensual romance, and a heart melting conclusion leaving you wanting more.

Ben Lavelle a widower and a lawyer is raising his adorable twin daughters. He does get help from his brother Eugene who works for the mob. Ghosts are wreaking havoc in his neighborhood and he has been put in charge to get rid of them. Ben requires the help of a conditioned ghost hunter to solve this problem. Due to the fact that the conditioned are considered less than human, they are not given names. When Seven-Two-Four comes to Ben too thin, in chains and a hideous orange uniform, he is appalled by the way she is treated and by orders to feed her once a day. She is also scheduled to be executed upon the finish of this job. While trying to abolish the ghosts, Ben searches for ways to stop her execution. A romance begins to flourish between them and his daughters grow fond of her too. While out on a boating trip together Seven-Two-Four disappears from their lives and Ben is devastated. He does try to find her with no luck. Thinking she wasn’t alive, he buries himself in work and becomes an advocate for the conditioned.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE-An imaginative and well written read by a truly gifted author. There is a fabulous mystery to this story with who took Seven, and what was responsible for bringing the ghosts to Ben’s neighborhood; a true pager turner for me. The characters are praise-worthy and spring to life with the intriguing plot, witty dialogue, and action that keeps you hooked till the end. Ben and Seven are wonderful together, both brave and devoted to each other as well as to the twins. I found this to be a most exhilarating and gratifying read. If you treasure fantasy romance with twists and turns this is a fantastic book for your library. {I was gifted this book and this is my honest review}. In the world of fantasy romance, the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations, I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lissette.
Author 27 books104 followers
March 19, 2012
There were ghosts in the neighborhood and they were disrupting life in the community as they knew it. When the task of exorcising those demons falls upon Benedicte Lavelle's shoulders, he wonders just how he'll make things happen. Through normal channels the prospect of getting rid of the hauntings seem unlikely until his brother suggests he take the most unexpected route possible.

Acquiring the services of a Conditioned named Seven-Two-Four, Benedicte is assured that she'll help him in putting the ghosts to rest. Her abilities allow her the opportunity to see the entity's residual signatures which she'll then use to her advantage in hopes of sending the ghosts on their way. This task, unfortunately, is not as easy as it sounds. Should anything go wrong in the process, Seven runs the risk of being incapacitated completely for the rest of her life.

With no other choice but place his trust within Seven's hands, Ben prays fervently that she'll be able to do what she's been sent to do and fast. Dodging attempts on their very lives, Ben begins to wonder just what he's gotten himself into. Yet his determination strengthens as he becomes intent on discovering just what is going and what Seven has to do with everything in the first place. As the two set out to vanquish the evil coming at them from every side, they stumble upon a plot they never saw coming - one that may end up being their very end if they're not careful.

I ended up starting the series on this second book but found that it wasn't really necessary to read the first book before this one. Rebecca provides the reader with just enough insight as to what the events were in the first one that allows this second book to act as a standalone novel, so to speak. The intrigue and suspense is just enough that the reader will find him/herself caught up and wanting to know what happens next. I absolutely loved the story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,888 reviews55 followers
October 18, 2019
Ben Lavelle, a New Orleans attorney is a widowed father of six-year-old twin girls. When his neighborhood falls under siege to a powerful ghost he goes to his mobster brother Gene for assistance. Gene has a Connected brought in to rid the neighborhood of ghosts. Ben has never dealt with the Connected before. He's barely given them any thought, so he didn't know what to expect. But even in his wildest dreams, he could not have anticipated the beautiful, young woman he was sent. Seven-Two-Four is a Ghost Talker. She can see the remaining energies, take them into her own body and remove them. Seven has grown up in the Institute, only leaving when she is hired for a job, and when she finishes this job, she will die in the Institute. This is her final job and then she will be put down. After just a few hours with Seven, Ben knows that she is his. He can not let her die. But Ben loses her anyway. Devastated Ben spends the next five years raising and protecting his daughters and using his legal expertise to fight the Institutes on behalf of the Conditioned. But his fight can't mend his broken heart. He and his daughters still need Seven.

What a wonderful series, what a wonderful book. Such fantastic characters. Seven stole my heart. What a pure soul. Her character growth was remarkable. Madame was her exact opposite. What a dark soul. Ben was a complex man, good but broken. Daphne and Ella, the twins were fascinating, and Gene may have been a deadly mobster but he loved his nieces above all. I loved getting to catch up with the Conditioned and I love how small the world is at times. I look forward to the Conditioned coming out and taking their rightful place in the world. I look forward to the next book. I want it to be Roman's story. He's saved so many Conditioned, risked so much, and had his heart broken. He deserves his happy ending.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
October 28, 2019
In the first book in this series, Wade and Addison had managed to destroy places holding the 'Conditioned' and many escaped. However things are even worse now than they had been then. Now these two are hard at work to change things once again.

In this book we meet Ben Lavelle, an attorney living in an area with a ghost problem. A widower with twin girls, Ella and Daphne, he has been 'elected' by the neighborhood to do something about this problem. He contacts his brother Gene to get the services of a Conditioned Ghost Talker. Something that was nearly impossible nowadays, his brother who works for the mob got results very quickly. Ben had to take 'it' within the hour, as she was being taken back from what was to be her last job before being put down. Something that shouldn't happen until she's older and also something Ben feels should happen at all.

Ben can't think of this beautiful woman as an 'it' and he finds himself falling in love with her. He's appalled that she doesn't have a name and as she requests calls her Seven. After an initial attempt to see the 'ghosts' in his home, she is even more exhausted than she was when she arrived. After he literally puts her to bed he starts researching Conditioned law looking for the ways he can tackle the system.

Seven is the one who points out Ben's daughter Daphne is Conditioned and that only validates his planned lawsuits to change the way the Conditioned are treated.

There is much at play here, we have Seven, the information she shares about Madame Joan, the Twins, Guy and the Island Sanctuary. There are also some time jumps that accelerate the story. Plus more about Addison and Wade.

I can't wait for the next book, I am cheering very loudly for the Conditioned.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
May 16, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's Blog
Reviewed by Crystal
Review Copy Provided by the Author

I started reading Embraced not knowing that it was the second book in the series. If I had started reading the first in the series like your supposed to, I would’ve got more information about the Conditioned. You really need the information so that you understand what’s going on.

Embraced is a well written book and I really loved the plot. The author did a wonderful job bringing all the characters together. I liked seeing how Seven started out being a very timid woman to becoming strong individual. She wasn’t used to human affection or interaction. Ben showed Seven how to love and that there are people in the world that weren’t prejudiced and judged you for being different. Ben is the man that any woman would want to fall in love with. He does he’s best to help the woman he loves so that they can be together. When he loses Seven he does what he can to get rights for the Conditioned. Using his skills as a lawyer to the best of his ability. The way she shows the love between Ben and his daughters and how he tries his best and does whatever means necessary to keep them safe. It really made me wish I had a father like that.

I’m going back and start reading the first book in the series. That way I can better understand what a Conditioned is. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books and find out if everything works out.

Favorite Quote: “You know that Gene, Ella, and yes-you-are all Conditioned.”
Profile Image for Valerie.
738 reviews10 followers
February 6, 2020
This series is so doing it for me. It's a one day book which means you can stop reading it.
New laws have passed for The Conditioned of course none are good. Now at forty or when their jailer says they are exterminated. This new job is Seven Two Fours, ghost talkers last one then she will die.
Ben Lavelle's whole neighborhood is experiencing ghost problems. So he had to get his mafia brother help him get a Condition to get rid of them. When Seven shows up at his door in prison orange jumpsuit, he didn't know what to think except she was beautiful and he sensed no danger from her. You can't tell they are different. But he still hope he wasn't putting the girls in danger.
Seven never saw a man who was so handsome and didn't call her an it. But she thinks it will change when he sees her change to fix his ghost problems. All Ben wanted to do was fix her, feed her and take her to bed. The next day with the girls they go get Seven clothes. Not an easy task since people are scared or won't sell to them. When tragedy strikes and Seven is gone. Ben turns his life to fight for the Condition and makes some bad enemies including Seven's old jailer Madame. But then life has a way to correct wrongs sometimes. This is where the book takes another awesome turn.
Secrets, lies, intrigue and injustice plays a big role in this book. It also love.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
1,016 reviews
October 1, 2019
There is a lot of turmoil in the country since so many if the conditioned have escaped. Ben meets Seven or Shiri when looking to have ghosts removed from his neighborhood. He falls for her quickly realizing she is a human and not an it. Shiri knows almost nothing of the outside world and knows she is to put down after this last job. She's never had feelings for another before and is overwhelmed by her feelings for Ben and his children. We get to see Roman again trying to help the conditioned in the background. He really started to grow on me in this book and I hope he is able to find his happily ever after. I like Ben's character a lot. He fights for what he believes in.

Merged review:

There is a lot of turmoil in the country since so many if the conditioned have escaped. Ben meets Seven or Shiri when looking to have ghosts removed from his neighborhood. He falls for her quickly realizing she is a human and not an it. Shiri knows almost nothing of the outside world and knows she is to put down after this last job. She's never had feelings for another before and is overwhelmed by her feelings for Ben and his children. We get to see Roman again trying to help the conditioned in the background. He really started to grow on me in this book and I hope he is able to find his happily ever after. I like Ben's character a lot. He fights for what he believes in.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,032 reviews97 followers
February 21, 2012
Embraced is the second in The Conditioned series by Rebecca Royce. I reviewed the first in the series, Eye Contact back in November. What I did like about the book was that there was more information about the Conditioned and how things have changed for them since the first book. Madame was intriguing, even if she was evil. Who doesn't like a good villain? It is interesting the the institutions choose a conditioned person to keep the others in line. I also liked more of a glimpse into Guy and his cause from the island.

While I did enjoy this one, I'm not sure I felt the connection between Benedicte and Seven. It wasn't as strong as in the first book. Mainly the reason is that the characters don't spend much time together and then there is a gap of 5 years before they see each other again. Also, I liked Seven's character more after the 5 year separation. I felt like her character fit Benedicte better.

Embraced is a good addition to the series. I hope that the next book is Roman's. For a fierce Fury, he is still a sweet guy and needs his own HEA! Pick up both books, I think they are great.
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
October 24, 2019
In the storyline it's been about year from the last book and since Addison Wade made her escape with her nephew, mate and a few other conditioned. Things have gotten worse. Now the new rules are all conditioned women are sterilized at 20 then at 40 they just kill them. But one compound has a woman running it and she doesn't care what age they are when she wants them dead she has them killed like they are dogs . Very evil. 724 is next.
724 or 7 as she likes to go by knows this is her last job then it's over for her. Her job is to help Ben Lavelle and his 2 twin little girls who are having ghost problem and there is more then one. But now In her last days she has something to live for Ben and the twins. She loves them . They have a connection that goes both ways . Only someone wants her dead. How could this work out?
This is an amazing story full of twists and turns, the characters are fantastic. I fall right into the story and didn't want to come out! I am hooked and can't wait for the next book to come out. Don't miss this story or series its amazing.
Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly loved it
1,006 reviews36 followers
November 13, 2019
Ben has a problem that he cannot fix and turns to his brother for help. His brother sends a young lady who only goes by a number. Can she help Ben with the ghost that is terrorizing his family?
I am enjoying this world. In this second book we get Ben and Seven's story. When the two meet their lives are changed forever. The two make a good couple and it was nice to see them fight for what they want. Ben's eyes are opened to the plight of the Conditioned in the institutes and begins to want so much more with Seven. As Ben starts to see the Conditioned as more than things he finds out all that he can to fight for their rights. His digging has made his some enemies that will stop at nothing to keep the secrets hidden. I enjoyed watching Ben find a way to love and seeing Seven find her way as well. With Ben and his girls Seven finds what she has always wanted and fights hard to keep it. This is a fast paced story that grabs your attention and does not let go. I enjoyed the way the author weaves the romance and action together and I am excited to return to this world and see what will happen next.
Profile Image for Amy.
840 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2016
Rebecca Royce takes us back to her world of Conditioned for a second helping of awesome! In this book, we learn a little bit more about Guy McKidd when we meet his sweetheart of a mother. But that's just a little glimpse of what makes this book so wonderful. As other characters are further entwined in our hearts, we find ourselves rooting for Ben to save Seven only to have a sudden and unexpected break from one another (can't say more or spoilers!!) that only helps drive all that is going on in the world of Conditioned. This book focuses on a different Institution and while we may have had mixed feelings about the previous leader we met, we are left with very definite feelings regarding this leader. As wonderful as this book is, you can read it before the first book in the series without losing anything and if you read it in order, it adds layers to what we've already learned of this incredible world. I definitely recommend this book and this entire series.


****I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.****
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
975 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2019
Loved the family

This book picks up a year after the first book after Addison and her team have blown up one of the institutions. It features a new group of characters, but you get some cameos from characters from book 1.

Ben has a problem...a ghost problem...and when his brother sends a conditioned girl to his house, he gets more than he bargained for. Seen as just a tool to do her job and then go back to the not so happy place at the institution. seven as she goes by has to figure out the ghost but while doing that she gets a taste of Ben's family that makes her not want to leave. Ben is outraged by how the conditioned are treated being a lawyer he will do anything he can, but can one lawyer stop the institutions?

This family is so freaking cute. Ben has two little girls who I just loved. Hopefully we see them more in the next books. Ok so Roman, I need his book. He's the fury but I feel so bad for him, I need to know how story. Toward the end of the book some secrets did seem a bit rushed. But overall good book. Really enjoyed reading more about this world.
635 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2019
This second book in the Illicit Minds series continues the discussion of equality and basic human rights and decency in the most entertaining way possible. This is a series full of action and excitement, but it also has a heart. The love story woven through this book shows you the true magic that can happen when two people accept and love each other unconditionally. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. In this book, we also see a few of the characters from book 1 in the series, and find out a little more about the enigmatic Roman and the elusive Guy McKidd. This is one of those books (one of those series, actually) that offers a full body experience, engaging your heart, mind, and soul. You just can’t help but be drawn in. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this innovative and inspirational series.

* I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All of my opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2019
To get to continue on in this series that is one that stands alone since it is different from what I have read in a long time. It does have reminders though of camps of yesteryear which they two were used at times. Since I also do love a good ghost tale this has some flavor I gobbled. This centers around Ben whom has the trouble so when in need he is directed to none other than one of the condemned Conditioned. Some of this story line is so riveting that you will at times be like a deer in the headlight. Then there is Seven who will captivate us getting alot of our attention and as the two go forth to we are also rewarded with some things that were in the dark that come to light. But woe is me heart wrenching climax will capture us wholly with a ending to leave us gasping. What next will we be given also to follow this one?
Profile Image for Lynxie.
714 reviews78 followers
November 13, 2011
Well, what can I say?! Rebecca has done it again. Embraced is a completely new story about an adorable family (Ben, Ella and Daphne) who get mixed up in the whirlwind life of Seven, a conditioned woman who hunts down ghosts for those who can afford to pay the Institute for her services.

I got caught up in the emotional turmoil that Seven went through, as well as soaring with her on the emotional highs. Ben was THE perfect male lead for this story, soft and gentle, but also a bit ballsey too.

I hope there will be another conditioned book coming out soon Rebecca, it was nice to be able to catch up with all my old favourites as well as getting to know the new characters. I am dying to know what happens next!!

Thanks so much for another great read!
Profile Image for Shelly Diguer.
568 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2019
Brilliant 👌🏼
Wow 😮 completely had me hooked within first chapter....couldn’t put it down at all ....😊 read it in a couple of hours 👍🏻 the chemistry was off the charts 😛 the characters wore well wrote and you could relate to each of them ....this book 📖 is wrote so well you can’t help but love it 😍 another great 👍🏻 book 📖 wrote by awesome writer 👏🏼 love it

Merged review:

Brilliant 👌🏼
Wow 😮 completely had me hooked within first chapter....couldn’t put it down at all ....😊 read it in a couple of hours 👍🏻 the chemistry was off the charts 😛 the characters wore well wrote and you could relate to each of them ....this book 📖 is wrote so well you can’t help but love it 😍 another great 👍🏻 book 📖 wrote by awesome writer 👏🏼 love it 💕
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
October 28, 2019
Seven.. That's all she is known by. Ben knows that he is driven to help. It was great how the story evolved. Seven, Ben, and all of the other characters were unique and they were a strong blend for the story. The story was a sad state of what people do to others that are different. And yet the human spirit is resilient and will rise even when the mind has forgotten. Illicit Connections was wonderful in the fight for doing better as human beings. In a world where love and protection is the highest value. I know that I probably put too much into the story. I love the story as it is for face value. But I also love the concept of doing better.

This was a continuation of Illicit Senses. While the characters and situations were separate, it is best to have read Illicit Senses first.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2016
My first book by Ms. Royce and I really enjoyed the story. Sometimes I will read a book in a series that is not the first book and it is okay. This happens to be one of those times and I did not get confused in the story. A definite standalone book.

The author did a remarkable job with her characters being likeable, hateable and seriously well formed. The story was well paced with no storyline left hanging this is not to say characters weren't left with potential to be given their own story.

Liked the story well enough to consider getting the first book and buying the others as they are produced.

Received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,645 reviews25 followers
October 28, 2019
The story went in a new direction in this second book in the series. I was expecting it to continue with the story of the first couple but you get new characters in this book along with some of the familiar ones.

I have to say it really starts our heartbreaking hearing her story. Her life has given her so little joy or even respect for her abilities. When she meets Ben, her life take on a new trajectory. Ben is so good hearted and really wants to give her something more. Their is a real twist to the story and it keeps you guessing.

I am really looking forward to the next book.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
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