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Once Wicked #1
Soulless
Our love is imperfect in the most perfect way. It is love done our way. Raw. Unconventional. Sexy as hell. More importantly, it is honest to the core…Or so I think. One little, white lie shouldn't do so much damage. Yet, it changes me forever. The worst part is that Declan whispers that sweet nothing out of protection. My safety is in the forefront of his mind, especially since there are others who’d hurt me simply to get to him. I never consider that he will be the one to cut me so deeply. But it all starts with that first prick—the night he saves my life. *** His perilous stare deepened as his grip fastened around my waist. As maniacal thoughts passed over his eyes, his grasp tightened. That look confirmed that I wasn’t the only one who wanted all the space between us eliminated. I could hardly breathe when his gaze fell to my lips. It left me without words. It was the very way a passing glance could leave you speechless. But Declan didn’t just take a glimpse. No, he unapologetically looked me over. He loved me in not so many words, but I heard them all the same. I heard them with each moan that echoed in the air. I felt them as he held me gently in his arms. Even if I didn’t feel the desire radiating off of him in a fury of passion, he bore that intensity in his gaze. The world around us melted away until there was only me and him.
- GenresFantasyRomanceParanormal
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2016
3 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Sarah J. Pepper
24 books435 followersAward Winning Author, Sarah J. Pepper, specializes in fantasy and paranormal romance. She unveils the beauty of love in her new adult/young adult novels. Her works envelope dark, paranormal romance - think "happy ever after" but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, bunnies, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It's in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of - both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit? www.sarahjpepper.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 23, 2016
Thank you to the author, Sarah J. Pepper, for gifting me with a copy of Soulless in exchange for an honest review!
I had a really hard time figuring out what I wanted to rate this book; bouncing between a 3 and a 4 star, I finally settled on 3. Let me explain why I felt so conflicted.
1. The characters. The characters were great in one section, but then a couple of pages later, they turned flat and 2D and were completely lifeless. In the beginning, I loved both Declan and Piper. They both had complex life stories behind them (which I'll address in the next bullet) and had great inner-dialogue's (which I'll also discuss in a later bullet) but as I read on, they never really changed. They were static characters to me. The people Piper meets were okay but a lot of their dialogue and actions didn't feel real at all and I couldn't feel out their characters at all. In general, they were very fuzzy and mushy, although they were interesting people.
2. The background (or lack of it). I didn't realize this when I was reading but this book has a prequel, apparently, that I haven't read although I'm not sure if it's been written and released yet. One of the main things that marred this story for me was the complete lack of background. To be honest, this book felt like the sequel book and I hadn't read the first one (and I know how that feels, believe me!). We're told in the first halfish of the book about things that happened in the past and it seems like they're being told from the perspective of the-author-who-wants-to-recap-so-the-audience-remembers-what-happened. So there was a lot of confusion for me and severely hindered my ability to connect with Piper and Declan.
3. The multiple POV's. This book is told from alternating POV's of Piper and Declan. I really appreciated this for two reasons: it allowed me to understand Piper and Declan more when I didn't have much backstory, and because you read about the events first hand, instead of second hand (Piper isn't present for a lot of what happens to Declan and vise versa). This compensated a little for the lack of background.
4. The plot and setting. I did mostly enjoy the plot. We get to see how Piper adjusts to becoming a demon and being initiated into a world in which she isn't familiar. I loved seeing how she reacted to the reality that she needs to feed off of souls if she wants to stay with Declan, the man she loves. However, towards the end of the middle, I was really confused what the end goal was. There was no large conflict or thing to overcome. And then the ending came. This is where setting comes in. I really loved the setting of Las Vegas and it blended perfectly with the demon world, however getting into the ending scenes, everything became really blurry and I couldn't picture anything anymore. I was really confused what was exactly happening.
5. The formatting. This is something I loved so much and I wanted to make sure I mentioned it. If you read the blurb, you'll see that the author formatted the paragraphs in such a way that reading strictly downwards reveals the sentence: I loved him. This occurs in the book as well except, if you're paying attention, you'll see it turn from love to hate which is so cool and really emphasizes Piper's changing feelings towards her new life and subsequently, Declan.
The Final Verdict:
I was really conflicted with this book. On one hand, I didn't really connect much with any of the characters, there was a distinct lack of background that could be felt throughout the book, and the plot and setting blurred a bit near the ending and the end of the middle. On the other hand, I loved the special formatting the author included, the multiple POV's and the rounded experience they bring as well as the plot line of following Piper in her new life and seeing her work out her morals.
3 stars
Quotes:
I'll update with quotes when I read the official copy!
I had a really hard time figuring out what I wanted to rate this book; bouncing between a 3 and a 4 star, I finally settled on 3. Let me explain why I felt so conflicted.
1. The characters. The characters were great in one section, but then a couple of pages later, they turned flat and 2D and were completely lifeless. In the beginning, I loved both Declan and Piper. They both had complex life stories behind them (which I'll address in the next bullet) and had great inner-dialogue's (which I'll also discuss in a later bullet) but as I read on, they never really changed. They were static characters to me. The people Piper meets were okay but a lot of their dialogue and actions didn't feel real at all and I couldn't feel out their characters at all. In general, they were very fuzzy and mushy, although they were interesting people.
2. The background (or lack of it). I didn't realize this when I was reading but this book has a prequel, apparently, that I haven't read although I'm not sure if it's been written and released yet. One of the main things that marred this story for me was the complete lack of background. To be honest, this book felt like the sequel book and I hadn't read the first one (and I know how that feels, believe me!). We're told in the first halfish of the book about things that happened in the past and it seems like they're being told from the perspective of the-author-who-wants-to-recap-so-the-audience-remembers-what-happened. So there was a lot of confusion for me and severely hindered my ability to connect with Piper and Declan.
3. The multiple POV's. This book is told from alternating POV's of Piper and Declan. I really appreciated this for two reasons: it allowed me to understand Piper and Declan more when I didn't have much backstory, and because you read about the events first hand, instead of second hand (Piper isn't present for a lot of what happens to Declan and vise versa). This compensated a little for the lack of background.
4. The plot and setting. I did mostly enjoy the plot. We get to see how Piper adjusts to becoming a demon and being initiated into a world in which she isn't familiar. I loved seeing how she reacted to the reality that she needs to feed off of souls if she wants to stay with Declan, the man she loves. However, towards the end of the middle, I was really confused what the end goal was. There was no large conflict or thing to overcome. And then the ending came. This is where setting comes in. I really loved the setting of Las Vegas and it blended perfectly with the demon world, however getting into the ending scenes, everything became really blurry and I couldn't picture anything anymore. I was really confused what was exactly happening.
5. The formatting. This is something I loved so much and I wanted to make sure I mentioned it. If you read the blurb, you'll see that the author formatted the paragraphs in such a way that reading strictly downwards reveals the sentence: I loved him. This occurs in the book as well except, if you're paying attention, you'll see it turn from love to hate which is so cool and really emphasizes Piper's changing feelings towards her new life and subsequently, Declan.
The Final Verdict:
I was really conflicted with this book. On one hand, I didn't really connect much with any of the characters, there was a distinct lack of background that could be felt throughout the book, and the plot and setting blurred a bit near the ending and the end of the middle. On the other hand, I loved the special formatting the author included, the multiple POV's and the rounded experience they bring as well as the plot line of following Piper in her new life and seeing her work out her morals.
3 stars
Quotes:
I'll update with quotes when I read the official copy!
Want to read
March 8, 2016
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
February 24, 2016
review to come on or near release day. love Declan, hate piper. She sucks.
This was a wonderfully wrought fairy tale, flipped and twisted in a way that kept me reading on. I think some of my notes as I read was "I want a Declan!" It was a lovely romance between Declan and Piper and I liked how the author built the story. With no clear lines on good and evil, the story sticks out a little more. On one hand you have these self-righteous people condemning others and okaying violence and in the same breath they are berating those who do the same.
Piper annoyed me, however, with her hysterics and inability to forgive or accept easily. If I could reach into the book and shake her by the shoulders very hard, I would have! When it ends...oh my gosh, I need to flip to the beginning and read it one more time. More to come?! I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This was a wonderfully wrought fairy tale, flipped and twisted in a way that kept me reading on. I think some of my notes as I read was "I want a Declan!" It was a lovely romance between Declan and Piper and I liked how the author built the story. With no clear lines on good and evil, the story sticks out a little more. On one hand you have these self-righteous people condemning others and okaying violence and in the same breath they are berating those who do the same.
Piper annoyed me, however, with her hysterics and inability to forgive or accept easily. If I could reach into the book and shake her by the shoulders very hard, I would have! When it ends...oh my gosh, I need to flip to the beginning and read it one more time. More to come?! I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
February 25, 2016
Sarah J. Pepper has been on my radar for quite a while now. I've read multiple books by Amy Daws, who is one of her friends and a fellow writer, who had recommended Sarah's work to me after reading and review many of her works. I was lucky enough to read ARCs of two of her collaborative works a novel with Amy Daws and an anthology where she featured a short story. Immediately I was hooked and knew I HAD to pick up one of her individual works for myself in the near future.
I was really excited to be offered the chance to read and review a copy of Soulless in ARC format. When I was offered the chance to read and review this book I actually didn't check what it was about I just knew it would be a book that I would be really interested in. So you can guess my surprise when I picked it up and realized that it was a sequel to her short story from the anthology I had read before!
Soulless completely grabbed my attention straight away. The prologue was superb and just drags you in. I actually read this book from cover to cover in one sitting! It was so great to revisit Declan and Piper again. At the end of the Novella I read last year I had really wanted to know what happened to the characters and I am really excited to see their story continue in this book.
Sarah's writing is amazing I loved seeing how she combined stories we grew up with and took her own spin on it. It was the perfect combination of dark and romantic. I loved that Declan and Piper aren't necessarily good or bad characters they both fell in this grey area that made them really interesting to read about.
I really loved that we got to enjoy this book through dual POV. I love they ability to be in both of our mains heads. Another of my favorite traits of this book is the fact that all of the characters introduced in this book felt like they NEEDED to be here. None of them felt like they were here to take up space but was necessary for the book to proceed and were really well developed and interesting. I really hope that they get their own stories in the future!!
I really don't know what to say about the plot. I really don't want to give away to much about this story and still give you a small taste of the book. What you need to know is that this book focuses on demons, identity, romance, and is dark. The ending of this book was amazing and I am so excited to read more books in this series!!!
The only little note I have is if you would like to read this series I really suggest you read the little novella first. Though Soulless explains the events prior to the "meat" of this story it would still be nice to read the original before this one to get all of the details and tidbits you might of missed if you hadn't read it.
I really recommend this book to you guys! It was totally addictive and I already want to reread it! I will for sure be picking up more books by Sarah J. Pepper in the future! I'm dying to see how her other books turn out!
I was really excited to be offered the chance to read and review a copy of Soulless in ARC format. When I was offered the chance to read and review this book I actually didn't check what it was about I just knew it would be a book that I would be really interested in. So you can guess my surprise when I picked it up and realized that it was a sequel to her short story from the anthology I had read before!
Soulless completely grabbed my attention straight away. The prologue was superb and just drags you in. I actually read this book from cover to cover in one sitting! It was so great to revisit Declan and Piper again. At the end of the Novella I read last year I had really wanted to know what happened to the characters and I am really excited to see their story continue in this book.
Sarah's writing is amazing I loved seeing how she combined stories we grew up with and took her own spin on it. It was the perfect combination of dark and romantic. I loved that Declan and Piper aren't necessarily good or bad characters they both fell in this grey area that made them really interesting to read about.
I really loved that we got to enjoy this book through dual POV. I love they ability to be in both of our mains heads. Another of my favorite traits of this book is the fact that all of the characters introduced in this book felt like they NEEDED to be here. None of them felt like they were here to take up space but was necessary for the book to proceed and were really well developed and interesting. I really hope that they get their own stories in the future!!
I really don't know what to say about the plot. I really don't want to give away to much about this story and still give you a small taste of the book. What you need to know is that this book focuses on demons, identity, romance, and is dark. The ending of this book was amazing and I am so excited to read more books in this series!!!
The only little note I have is if you would like to read this series I really suggest you read the little novella first. Though Soulless explains the events prior to the "meat" of this story it would still be nice to read the original before this one to get all of the details and tidbits you might of missed if you hadn't read it.
I really recommend this book to you guys! It was totally addictive and I already want to reread it! I will for sure be picking up more books by Sarah J. Pepper in the future! I'm dying to see how her other books turn out!
February 24, 2016
“I would have rather died than become a monster.”
Not everything in life is black and white, we don’t always fall in love with the right person, and demons do exist.
Declan is a demon with the Incubus Curse, which means he needs to consume human’s life essence to survive. He is also Rumpelstiltskin, who grants people’s wishes or desires, but only if they pay. Piper’s mother wanted the love of a man in exchange for her first child. She was his, and his to do what he wishes. He was prepared to take Piper’s essence, but changed his mind when she begged to stay with him. So he is now sharing his cures, so she could live.
Declan and Piper truly love each other, a love lie most that requires work. I truly felt every emotion with this book. I was transformed into a world of good and bad, love and hate, and above all desire.
If you love a great twist to an old story, or are looking for your next five star read then this is for you. You will be drawn into this story from the first page. It has many twists and turns, and leads you on an epic story.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
ASIN: B019IZZM5U
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sarah-J.-pepper...
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:5
PACING:5
ENDING:5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:5
Not everything in life is black and white, we don’t always fall in love with the right person, and demons do exist.
Declan is a demon with the Incubus Curse, which means he needs to consume human’s life essence to survive. He is also Rumpelstiltskin, who grants people’s wishes or desires, but only if they pay. Piper’s mother wanted the love of a man in exchange for her first child. She was his, and his to do what he wishes. He was prepared to take Piper’s essence, but changed his mind when she begged to stay with him. So he is now sharing his cures, so she could live.
Declan and Piper truly love each other, a love lie most that requires work. I truly felt every emotion with this book. I was transformed into a world of good and bad, love and hate, and above all desire.
If you love a great twist to an old story, or are looking for your next five star read then this is for you. You will be drawn into this story from the first page. It has many twists and turns, and leads you on an epic story.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
ASIN: B019IZZM5U
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sarah-J.-pepper...
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:5
PACING:5
ENDING:5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:5
October 21, 2016
Ok, so let's start of with how I felt after the prologue. My kindle note was "Oh, sh!t." As in, "Whoa, what's going to happen, I'm not putting this thing down until I know." I was not disappointed.
We pick up where the novella stopped, Piper is on the verge of death and Declan stops it from happening ... for a price. Now, not like you're thinking, he loves this girl. I mean luuurves this chick.
The relationship between Declan and Piper is something spectacular to behold. They truly, wholly, and unconditionally love each other. And yet... Well, nothing is perfect. Hold on, that's not true. Ms. Pepper's story is perfect. I felt EVERYTHING. I related to both characters and sympathized with them on EVERY LEVEL. No, I've never killed, but I was RIGHT THERE with them. I was RIGHT THERE while Declan and Piper were separated and thoughts were forming based on not knowing what was going on.
Another thing that you get in this story is a plethora of characters that ALL MEAN SOMETHING to the story. and every character has depth, they aren't simply window dressing.
It's not often you are sucked into a story so completely, but there really is no way around it with Soulless. I loved these characters as if I were them. The merging of Ms. Pepper's originality and stories that we have grown up with hit me hard. I loved this book. I LOVED the ending. You must read it. Must.
We pick up where the novella stopped, Piper is on the verge of death and Declan stops it from happening ... for a price. Now, not like you're thinking, he loves this girl. I mean luuurves this chick.
"Piper was mine. all mine. No one could take her away from me. No one."
The relationship between Declan and Piper is something spectacular to behold. They truly, wholly, and unconditionally love each other. And yet... Well, nothing is perfect. Hold on, that's not true. Ms. Pepper's story is perfect. I felt EVERYTHING. I related to both characters and sympathized with them on EVERY LEVEL. No, I've never killed, but I was RIGHT THERE with them. I was RIGHT THERE while Declan and Piper were separated and thoughts were forming based on not knowing what was going on.
"I already knew that he would hide many things for me, but he would never withhold his feelings for me."
"You are fucking imperfect in the most imperfect way, Piper."
Another thing that you get in this story is a plethora of characters that ALL MEAN SOMETHING to the story. and every character has depth, they aren't simply window dressing.
It's not often you are sucked into a story so completely, but there really is no way around it with Soulless. I loved these characters as if I were them. The merging of Ms. Pepper's originality and stories that we have grown up with hit me hard. I loved this book. I LOVED the ending. You must read it. Must.
March 23, 2016
3 stars
I think my main issue with this one was that I felt lost heading in. It read like a book 2 instead of a book 1. The prologue started out telling you what an awful demon Declan was and I had that image in my mind through the whole book. I think the author was trying to make him seemed like a redeemed demon but my mind was already made up.
Piper was difficult for me to grasp as well. She loved Declan but didn't really want to me the demon she needed to be to survive and be with him. Like she was a Demon with morals. They just didn't mix well together.
I love Paranormal books and I may give this author another try. I felt like the supernatural aspect was really intriguing to me but the characters lacked the depth I needed.
*arc provided for honest review*
**Guest reviewing for The Review Loft**
I think my main issue with this one was that I felt lost heading in. It read like a book 2 instead of a book 1. The prologue started out telling you what an awful demon Declan was and I had that image in my mind through the whole book. I think the author was trying to make him seemed like a redeemed demon but my mind was already made up.
Piper was difficult for me to grasp as well. She loved Declan but didn't really want to me the demon she needed to be to survive and be with him. Like she was a Demon with morals. They just didn't mix well together.
I love Paranormal books and I may give this author another try. I felt like the supernatural aspect was really intriguing to me but the characters lacked the depth I needed.
*arc provided for honest review*
**Guest reviewing for The Review Loft**
February 16, 2016
I not a huge fan of romance but Sarah J. Pepper does it every time i read one of her books she dances the line between tantalizing almost over the edge romance to interwoven story that grips you and keeps you reading tell the last heart breaking moment. I loved the way these two remind me of two major couples. One i can seem them as belle and Rumple from once upon a time the way that Piper loves Declan no matter how evil he truly really is and of course i see Romeo and Juilet as we got two lovers who clearly were not meant to be lovers but have become the couple to be jealous of and i want to more from Declan and the Pied Pipe
February 23, 2016
This book was incredible, it picks up right after Priceless (from Twisted Fairytale Confessions) left off. I really didn't and couldn't put it down once I started it. I loved every second of this book. The Ending omg I was so upset. I just didn't want it to be over. Great connection between the characters, plenty of hot smexiness. Rumplestilskin could curse me any day lol highly recommend if you love a hot fantasy romance this is perfect
Received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review
Received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review
June 22, 2016
1 Star
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I wanted to like this book, and I really thought I would. It's a retelling of, or at least inspired by, Rumplestiltskin, something I've never come across before. And I love retellings, especially unique ones!
But this book was not for me.
One big issue I had was that the writing style did a lot of telling instead of showing and was kind of a breaking of the fourth wall. It felt like I was sitting and having a conversation with someone. Here, I can show you some examples...
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I wanted to like this book, and I really thought I would. It's a retelling of, or at least inspired by, Rumplestiltskin, something I've never come across before. And I love retellings, especially unique ones!
But this book was not for me.
One big issue I had was that the writing style did a lot of telling instead of showing and was kind of a breaking of the fourth wall. It felt like I was sitting and having a conversation with someone. Here, I can show you some examples...
But that wasn't why I was attracted to Declan. If I'd been just another gold digger, he would have sucked away my life's essence after he hunted me down. Had I forgotten to mention that I'd pickpocketed him the first time we met? Yeah...I left home. I couldn't stand to live with Emilie another minute longer.
If anything, I was overcome by a thousand different feelings at once. Some were complex. Like survivor's guilt for living through an impossible night. Self-loathing for enjoying the consumption of another person's life. Gratitude for Declan's unconditional love. Accountability for asking him to trade his freedom to stay with me.
I understand that some people may like that, but I'm not one of those people. And because the pages were filled with these conversational inner monologues, it felt to me like very little actually happened.
I also spent a lot of time just being confused. One character would do something, then another character would say something, then the first would respond... but I couldn't figure out how any of the things were actually related or how we got from point A to point B. And the characters thoughts and emotions and dialogue would constantly jump from one extreme to another which just further confused me because, again, I didn't understand how the characters were making these transitions, what the connections were, especially so suddenly.
A good editor would also have been helpful. There weren't just typos, there were completely incorrect words being used, like "precariously" instead of "vicariously." Normally I'm not a huge stickler for typos, but these were distracting to me.
One last thing, this might be nitpicky, but if an immortal creature were trying to keep the fact that he's an immortal creature secret, he wouldn't make himself famous. I have it on good authority (i.e. paranormal creatures in other books I've read) that this is a big no-no. He was worried about people suspecting something if his injuries healed too fast, but what are they going to think 50 years from now when he looks exactly the same? Or 200 years from now when they find an old photo or video of him and he's still alive?
So overall, as I said, this really just didn't work for me.
Recommended For:
I honestly don't know. You're going to have to look at some other reviews to determine if this book is right for you.
Original Review on Blog
February 23, 2016
Absolutely wicked! Alluring, tantalizing, haunting, twisted, dark...and the list goes on and on! There are not many books that leave me speechless after the prologue, during the story, AND the ending. But wow! Sarah J Pepper did it! So here I sit trying to figure out how to tell you that you HAVE TO READ THIS without giving anything away. Well, there you go. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!
This is the story of Rumplestiltskin (goes by Stilts) who finds his love but only to make her the monster that he is. It’s not the fairytale we grew up with, but so much more. It is set to present day but we encounter many different fairytale characters that have been updated...a bit to say the least. Stilts is a demon and when he turns his love, Piper, into a demon like himself he finds that he is trying to preserve her innocence. He doesn’t want her to regret this decision by turning into a killer. In doing this he puts her into hiding and tells a teeny white lie to spare her the guilt. She is being protectd by Hans and El, brother and sister witches, who are also one of Stilts’ enemies. Naturally they all hate each other but a connection comes about in an unusual way. Not like a friendship but more of an understanding. Piper ultimately finds out about the lie but what happens next is nothing like what you’d expect. The connection that Stilts and Piper have is INTENSE (like the rest of the story). It’s a continual struggle of love and hate, right and wrong. Questionable motives and manipulation opens this story to all types of interpretations. Who is really the villain???
“So the idea of Prince Charming rescuing me from my jacked-up life was hysterical . But that was exactly what had happened; except my Prince Charming was a bad boy with a demonic complexion. Declan Stilts— alias Declan Rumpelstiltskin— was the kind of guy prissy girls had nightmares about.”
“The ugly stepchild of hate was love. That four-letter word had this incredibly unique way of luring a person in, getting them to put their guard down , and striking when they were most vulnerable. Love was what lowered my defenses. Love smacked me with the stupid stick. Love made me weak. Love got me killed. Love turned me into a killer. I didn’t know what love had in store for me, but I didn’t want to find out.”
“F***ing fairy tales were written about do-gooders who had made simplistic, popular choices. Those of us who had made choices at great costs were labeled as villains .”
I have so many quotes that I can keep adding. There is something for everyone in this story. INTENSE, INTENSE, INTENSE! Everyone has their story to tell and this is about Rumplestiltskin and the Pied Piper. Reader beware: The ending will grab your heart and twist it. The cliffhanger is dangerous! Love this new series!!!
“Every fairy tale has a happy ending, but I was no Prince Charming. However, sometimes the bad guys have the greatest romance to tell.” Absolutely true!!!!!!
This is the story of Rumplestiltskin (goes by Stilts) who finds his love but only to make her the monster that he is. It’s not the fairytale we grew up with, but so much more. It is set to present day but we encounter many different fairytale characters that have been updated...a bit to say the least. Stilts is a demon and when he turns his love, Piper, into a demon like himself he finds that he is trying to preserve her innocence. He doesn’t want her to regret this decision by turning into a killer. In doing this he puts her into hiding and tells a teeny white lie to spare her the guilt. She is being protectd by Hans and El, brother and sister witches, who are also one of Stilts’ enemies. Naturally they all hate each other but a connection comes about in an unusual way. Not like a friendship but more of an understanding. Piper ultimately finds out about the lie but what happens next is nothing like what you’d expect. The connection that Stilts and Piper have is INTENSE (like the rest of the story). It’s a continual struggle of love and hate, right and wrong. Questionable motives and manipulation opens this story to all types of interpretations. Who is really the villain???
“So the idea of Prince Charming rescuing me from my jacked-up life was hysterical . But that was exactly what had happened; except my Prince Charming was a bad boy with a demonic complexion. Declan Stilts— alias Declan Rumpelstiltskin— was the kind of guy prissy girls had nightmares about.”
“The ugly stepchild of hate was love. That four-letter word had this incredibly unique way of luring a person in, getting them to put their guard down , and striking when they were most vulnerable. Love was what lowered my defenses. Love smacked me with the stupid stick. Love made me weak. Love got me killed. Love turned me into a killer. I didn’t know what love had in store for me, but I didn’t want to find out.”
“F***ing fairy tales were written about do-gooders who had made simplistic, popular choices. Those of us who had made choices at great costs were labeled as villains .”
I have so many quotes that I can keep adding. There is something for everyone in this story. INTENSE, INTENSE, INTENSE! Everyone has their story to tell and this is about Rumplestiltskin and the Pied Piper. Reader beware: The ending will grab your heart and twist it. The cliffhanger is dangerous! Love this new series!!!
“Every fairy tale has a happy ending, but I was no Prince Charming. However, sometimes the bad guys have the greatest romance to tell.” Absolutely true!!!!!!
February 26, 2016
Have I ever said how much I love Sarah's books? Cause I do! They are fantastic, and this one was just as wonderful. She has a way with words and telling a story that keeps you hooked. I find myself rereading certain lines over and over again because they strike a cord within me that speaks to my soul.
Soulless picks up right where Priceless left off. I strongly recommend reading Priceless first. It is the beginning of this beautiful tale and can be quite confusing and leave a disconnect between you and the characters if you don't. There is so much information in Priceless that is needed to truly enjoy this story. And enjoy I did. I've been waiting for this continuation and I wasn't let down a single bit.
Poor Piper. The girl didn't know what she signed up for when she said that she wanted to stay with Declan. There wasn't time for him to feed her all the facts. It was keep her or set her free, and Declan is a selfish, selfish man. It's in his nature to be. It's also in his nature to twist truths, no matter how big or how small they are. His love for Piper is something he hasn't felt in hundreds of years. It almost makes him feel human again. But no matter how much he does for Piper, the real reason he's doing it is selfishness. He couldn't let her go, and he didn't want to pass on the curse and leave her after he fell for her. He wants it all. All she wants is to not hurt anyone and love him, but that isn't going to happen now that she's a succubus. There tumultuous love is riddled with secrets and twisted truths that are tearing them apart. There's a thin line between love and hate. I always say that hate is a fierce way of loving something or someone. It's definitely happening here when Declan hides her away to wipe out a threat that could destroy them both. Piper learns a lot in his absence, mostly horrible truths about Declan and what she has become, but when they are together, their passion for one another blinds them. Piper has to decide if their love is strong enough to accept her new nature and trust in Declan. There really is no lesser of two evils here.
And to top it off, Sarah slapped us in the face with one of her epic endings making us curse our kindles and almost throw them across the room. So here I sit wondering where the hell she's going to take us in the next installment and if that is going to release tomorrow, because I wanted it yesterday. I loved the other fairytale characters included in this story and the twists Sarah gave to them. So fresh and imaginative. Pick up both stories. Devour them. Such wonderful stories, you won't regret your time spent on these pages.
Soulless picks up right where Priceless left off. I strongly recommend reading Priceless first. It is the beginning of this beautiful tale and can be quite confusing and leave a disconnect between you and the characters if you don't. There is so much information in Priceless that is needed to truly enjoy this story. And enjoy I did. I've been waiting for this continuation and I wasn't let down a single bit.
Poor Piper. The girl didn't know what she signed up for when she said that she wanted to stay with Declan. There wasn't time for him to feed her all the facts. It was keep her or set her free, and Declan is a selfish, selfish man. It's in his nature to be. It's also in his nature to twist truths, no matter how big or how small they are. His love for Piper is something he hasn't felt in hundreds of years. It almost makes him feel human again. But no matter how much he does for Piper, the real reason he's doing it is selfishness. He couldn't let her go, and he didn't want to pass on the curse and leave her after he fell for her. He wants it all. All she wants is to not hurt anyone and love him, but that isn't going to happen now that she's a succubus. There tumultuous love is riddled with secrets and twisted truths that are tearing them apart. There's a thin line between love and hate. I always say that hate is a fierce way of loving something or someone. It's definitely happening here when Declan hides her away to wipe out a threat that could destroy them both. Piper learns a lot in his absence, mostly horrible truths about Declan and what she has become, but when they are together, their passion for one another blinds them. Piper has to decide if their love is strong enough to accept her new nature and trust in Declan. There really is no lesser of two evils here.
And to top it off, Sarah slapped us in the face with one of her epic endings making us curse our kindles and almost throw them across the room. So here I sit wondering where the hell she's going to take us in the next installment and if that is going to release tomorrow, because I wanted it yesterday. I loved the other fairytale characters included in this story and the twists Sarah gave to them. So fresh and imaginative. Pick up both stories. Devour them. Such wonderful stories, you won't regret your time spent on these pages.
February 23, 2016
Not All Endings End Happily . . .
All I can say is O-M-G and WOW!!! I loved this twist on a fairy tale even more so since it was an expansion on the short story which found in the anthology "Fairy Tale Confession." This story is basically heartbreaking but passionate, the characters love and hate each other, yet the combination of everything lends to a captivating read.
There is power in a spoken name and opening one's self to the vulnerability of love. Declan Stilts aka. Rumpelstiltskin , has bore his curse of the demon who feeds off of peoples life essence for so long he knows he is beyond hope. Until Declan encounters Piper Miller the girl who was meant to be his catalyst to ride himself of his curse but instead would ultimately become his undoing. Piper enthralled Declan in a way no woman ever had, so when the choice came to let her die or share his curse, which would inevitably cause more harm than good for their chance of a relationship, he did as she asked. Piper grapples with her new demonic form and all that entails, becoming the "Pied Piper" is something she moral never contemplated but can her unwavering love for Declan sustain her humanity? Can they both survive the curse, Declan's enemies and past letting love heal them or is love the real danger to them both?
Overall, I loved it!! Normally I really dislike romances where the girl is for the bad boy and hopes to change the guy so they live HEA. However, Declan is so different from any other bad boy or villain written before. Sarah J. Pepper has managed to make me swoon for the bad boy and left me praying that Stilts and Piper lived together as happily as they can. Piper was so emotionally mixed with wanting to never let go of Declan but hating what she became in order to remain with him. Losing herself was something she couldn't live with, which was one of the things I greatly admired her for. However my favorite point in the novel was Declan's adoration for Piper, he lover her with is whole self but he didn't just have an attraction to Piper, Stilts adored her and had no qualms in showing it even in the bittersweet end. Ugh, so beautiful. So if you want to read a raw contemporary heartbreaking fairy tale romance, read this book and be ready to feel emotionally shaken.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
All I can say is O-M-G and WOW!!! I loved this twist on a fairy tale even more so since it was an expansion on the short story which found in the anthology "Fairy Tale Confession." This story is basically heartbreaking but passionate, the characters love and hate each other, yet the combination of everything lends to a captivating read.
There is power in a spoken name and opening one's self to the vulnerability of love. Declan Stilts aka. Rumpelstiltskin , has bore his curse of the demon who feeds off of peoples life essence for so long he knows he is beyond hope. Until Declan encounters Piper Miller the girl who was meant to be his catalyst to ride himself of his curse but instead would ultimately become his undoing. Piper enthralled Declan in a way no woman ever had, so when the choice came to let her die or share his curse, which would inevitably cause more harm than good for their chance of a relationship, he did as she asked. Piper grapples with her new demonic form and all that entails, becoming the "Pied Piper" is something she moral never contemplated but can her unwavering love for Declan sustain her humanity? Can they both survive the curse, Declan's enemies and past letting love heal them or is love the real danger to them both?
Overall, I loved it!! Normally I really dislike romances where the girl is for the bad boy and hopes to change the guy so they live HEA. However, Declan is so different from any other bad boy or villain written before. Sarah J. Pepper has managed to make me swoon for the bad boy and left me praying that Stilts and Piper lived together as happily as they can. Piper was so emotionally mixed with wanting to never let go of Declan but hating what she became in order to remain with him. Losing herself was something she couldn't live with, which was one of the things I greatly admired her for. However my favorite point in the novel was Declan's adoration for Piper, he lover her with is whole self but he didn't just have an attraction to Piper, Stilts adored her and had no qualms in showing it even in the bittersweet end. Ugh, so beautiful. So if you want to read a raw contemporary heartbreaking fairy tale romance, read this book and be ready to feel emotionally shaken.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
February 23, 2016
Pepper has done it again! I think it would be apt to crown her the queen of fairytale retellings. She not only gives us the tale we know, but ramps up the wickedness, sexy and passion, creating characters that are so real, raw and emotional that you feel as though you are a part of her stories.
I loved that this was a continuation of the short she had in Fairytale Confessions. Mostly this was because I fell in love with our mains, during that short, and wanted to know what happened next. She carried on, right where we were left, giving us answers to the questions we were all left asking ourselves. However, we soon realised we had so many more to answer. That is what I love about her reads, and this on in particular. You are always guessing and wondering both what will happen next and just what everything you have already read means. I often am able to guess who a character is, how they affect the storyline and more, with other books, but Pepper's reads are never that case. Just when I think I know, BAM, she lets loose a cannon of surprise. I love that about her and this book specifically.
I really like the storyline. I felt that it was a great blend of the passion and romance between the main characters and the evil that our leading lady what having to battle within herself. There was turmoil and, of course, threatened safety. I felt that the story really flowed. It had lots of little details, to fill in between the major events, which really created a full story.
The pace was excellent. It went from a faster, threatening pace to the slow, but heated pace of the love between the characters. The added speed, in parts where our leading lady was trying to figure out just who she was and how she was going to deal with that, really gave us great undertones of haste.
The detail was superb. I felt as though I knew and understood each of the characters and their actions. I could really submerge myself into the world, and feel a part of it because of the level of detail she put into both the world and the surroundings.
Overall, this was a brilliant story. I loved every page, and truly found it hard to put down. It is a great read, which I highly recommend, and I know I am already wanting for more!
I loved that this was a continuation of the short she had in Fairytale Confessions. Mostly this was because I fell in love with our mains, during that short, and wanted to know what happened next. She carried on, right where we were left, giving us answers to the questions we were all left asking ourselves. However, we soon realised we had so many more to answer. That is what I love about her reads, and this on in particular. You are always guessing and wondering both what will happen next and just what everything you have already read means. I often am able to guess who a character is, how they affect the storyline and more, with other books, but Pepper's reads are never that case. Just when I think I know, BAM, she lets loose a cannon of surprise. I love that about her and this book specifically.
I really like the storyline. I felt that it was a great blend of the passion and romance between the main characters and the evil that our leading lady what having to battle within herself. There was turmoil and, of course, threatened safety. I felt that the story really flowed. It had lots of little details, to fill in between the major events, which really created a full story.
The pace was excellent. It went from a faster, threatening pace to the slow, but heated pace of the love between the characters. The added speed, in parts where our leading lady was trying to figure out just who she was and how she was going to deal with that, really gave us great undertones of haste.
The detail was superb. I felt as though I knew and understood each of the characters and their actions. I could really submerge myself into the world, and feel a part of it because of the level of detail she put into both the world and the surroundings.
Overall, this was a brilliant story. I loved every page, and truly found it hard to put down. It is a great read, which I highly recommend, and I know I am already wanting for more!
February 24, 2016
“I never regretted the night I met Rumpelstiltskin, even if I didn’t want to be like him. I fell in love with a monster. In doing so, I became one myself.”
Love can be beautiful. Love can be momentous. Love can be a curse. Pepper’s story lays out the perfect love/hate relationship, right before your eyes—with a demonic spin. This story is dark, suspenseful, emotional and enticing. By delving into the minds and personalities of the characters that are portrayed, it is easily ascertained that mixed feelings are a given. Pepper engages the reader with a dark and passionate resistance toward life and death as she guides them into the highly creative story of Rumpelstiltskin and the Pied Piper.
Piper is an exceptional woman. She is strong, confident, but innocent. Declan is evil, deceitful and manipulative. Upon her death, Piper’s final words to Declan were a truth built from a selfish love that became so powerful, it was dangerous. Her request against freedom from his love was the starting point of their shared curse—the Incubus Curse. Through much denial and pain, Piper is faced with an ultimatum. In order to adhere to her hunger, she must take the life essence of others, making her a murderer. Declan has been a murderer for centuries, but that doesn’t make her love him less. When the tides turn and her very existence becomes his weakness, the Pied Piper must decide whether life is worth living without a soul…or chancing peace in death.
The author does a superb job with character development and credibility. As this story unfolds, so many factors come to play into these character’s lives. It is not difficult to sympathize with Piper in stories such as this because there is a moral struggle that is constantly being challenged. Even more striking than that—it is also not difficult to sympathize with Declan either. With such emotional conflict, making right and wrong seem like grey areas—Pepper has a compelling novel that will leave readers with determined fascination. If you are a reader of twisted fairy tales or fantasy, you may want to pick this up—but, fair warning…this is another book that may not be easy to put down.
A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
Love can be beautiful. Love can be momentous. Love can be a curse. Pepper’s story lays out the perfect love/hate relationship, right before your eyes—with a demonic spin. This story is dark, suspenseful, emotional and enticing. By delving into the minds and personalities of the characters that are portrayed, it is easily ascertained that mixed feelings are a given. Pepper engages the reader with a dark and passionate resistance toward life and death as she guides them into the highly creative story of Rumpelstiltskin and the Pied Piper.
Piper is an exceptional woman. She is strong, confident, but innocent. Declan is evil, deceitful and manipulative. Upon her death, Piper’s final words to Declan were a truth built from a selfish love that became so powerful, it was dangerous. Her request against freedom from his love was the starting point of their shared curse—the Incubus Curse. Through much denial and pain, Piper is faced with an ultimatum. In order to adhere to her hunger, she must take the life essence of others, making her a murderer. Declan has been a murderer for centuries, but that doesn’t make her love him less. When the tides turn and her very existence becomes his weakness, the Pied Piper must decide whether life is worth living without a soul…or chancing peace in death.
The author does a superb job with character development and credibility. As this story unfolds, so many factors come to play into these character’s lives. It is not difficult to sympathize with Piper in stories such as this because there is a moral struggle that is constantly being challenged. Even more striking than that—it is also not difficult to sympathize with Declan either. With such emotional conflict, making right and wrong seem like grey areas—Pepper has a compelling novel that will leave readers with determined fascination. If you are a reader of twisted fairy tales or fantasy, you may want to pick this up—but, fair warning…this is another book that may not be easy to put down.
A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
February 24, 2016
"The kind of messed up love Declan and I had was unconventional. It was dangerous and unpredictable. But it was honest."
This was a really interesting take on some favored fairy-tale characters. Most of the characters we meet are based in part on by those characters we grew up with; Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, the Pied Piper. This is a little bit darker than your childhood tales though.
Declan is dangerous; he is not only a rich MMA fighter, but also a demon with a curse. He deals in souls and feeds off of people's greed. There is one thing he didn't anticipate in all of is years on earth and she come in a little but feisty package. Piper fell in love with a demon and is going to pay the price, her soul. What happens when a demon's curse is shared with the Pied Piper? Nothing good...
"You are fucking imperfect in the most perfect way."
Piper has a hard time coming to terms with her new self. She knows she loves Declan but is not sure if that is enough. Declan is not the "good-guy" not even a little bit, all of his years with the curse has taught him a thing or two about how to survive and make sure that he's not caught. He is probably the most dangerous characters I have met. But there is a touch of humanity in his soul where this girl is concerned and that causes a problem all in itself. Being the bad-guy brings a lot of trouble to your door.
Not really a love story, but definitely a fantasy/suspense type story. It was a good change of pace from the norm. I found myself trying to place all of the characters with who I thought they could be fashioned after and there was a lot of them. A lot of introductions were made in this book and it was a bit overwhelming but interesting at the same time. This was a good introduction to this dark and crazy world the author created. I liked the bad guys, I was a little creeped out by some of the "rats" and I really don't know what I thought of Piper.
February 24, 2016
***I received a free copy for an honest review***
**I gave Soulless 4.5 stars**
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
Well, Soulless is a fairytale gone dark! This read goes further and deeper from Sarah J. Pepper's short story featured in Fairy Tale Confessions...which is an amazing read as well. Anyways, it is not necessary to read the short story, but I would recommend it. Prologues to stories, I guess in some way, gives a bit of a backdrop/background...or back history...to the story. For me, anyways, the prologue gave me a better understanding of where the main character(s) is coming from.
Sarah J. Pepper created these amazing and complex characters whom of which have their own "demons" to deal with. A dark and twisty fairytale romance that doesn't have one of those traditional "happily every after." Being a demon is a long and dangerous journey, and in this story, Piper has only just begun. Declan struggles to keep her safe while guiding her with her transition. Either way, both struggle with their demonic nature and maintaining some semblance of humanity. Moreover, these demons struggle with their love for each other....and dealing with the sacrifices for that love. Plus, there seems to be various minor storylines at play and which could be possible spin-off stories...hmmm. Maybe?!?
I was sucked into their world...and followed their struggles and journey in this alluring and dark fairytale romance filled with twists that pulled me in. Sarah J. Pepper has the knack to blur the lines between love and hate, good and evil creating a tantalizingly sexy romance. She interweaves real issues with fantasy/fiction which readers will enjoy...I sure did!
Check out my review on Fairy Tale Confessions
**I gave Soulless 4.5 stars**
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
Well, Soulless is a fairytale gone dark! This read goes further and deeper from Sarah J. Pepper's short story featured in Fairy Tale Confessions...which is an amazing read as well. Anyways, it is not necessary to read the short story, but I would recommend it. Prologues to stories, I guess in some way, gives a bit of a backdrop/background...or back history...to the story. For me, anyways, the prologue gave me a better understanding of where the main character(s) is coming from.
Sarah J. Pepper created these amazing and complex characters whom of which have their own "demons" to deal with. A dark and twisty fairytale romance that doesn't have one of those traditional "happily every after." Being a demon is a long and dangerous journey, and in this story, Piper has only just begun. Declan struggles to keep her safe while guiding her with her transition. Either way, both struggle with their demonic nature and maintaining some semblance of humanity. Moreover, these demons struggle with their love for each other....and dealing with the sacrifices for that love. Plus, there seems to be various minor storylines at play and which could be possible spin-off stories...hmmm. Maybe?!?
I was sucked into their world...and followed their struggles and journey in this alluring and dark fairytale romance filled with twists that pulled me in. Sarah J. Pepper has the knack to blur the lines between love and hate, good and evil creating a tantalizingly sexy romance. She interweaves real issues with fantasy/fiction which readers will enjoy...I sure did!
Check out my review on Fairy Tale Confessions
February 25, 2016
Falling in love with the villain is complicated. But what if you were the villain?
Piper and Declan already had enough working against them: she was human and he was a creature, an Incubus, that had a long track record for sucking the life from his victims. They were in love, though, so nothing seemed to matter. However, one day changes that, and Piper is now staring her humanity straight in the face. Her loved one or her humanity? What would you do for the one you loved? How would you do it? Could you do it? Being with the bad boy seems easy enough; we all want one, let’s face it. But what do you do when you become the bad one because of this love you have for your demon boyfriend? Could you kill someone?
This story offered a first look at how one might react to their own choice between something they were and something they were forced to be. This well-written novel kept me on my toes, offering me a look into both Piper and Declan’s heads. They struggle to be with each other despite the ever-growing challenges around them. Declan is forced to look at himself for what he is through Piper’s eyes, and Piper is, in turn, forced to embrace a part of Declan that she never truly embraced before.
I really enjoyed the story line. It was one I had never read before; not like this. It made me question my own beliefs. It drew me in with a taste of something different. Piper and Declan were great together, even despite the trials, they were in it together. What I enjoyed most about Pepper’s writing style was that it was engaging. So, if you want to read something that you’ve never read before, this story is the one for you.
*I received this as an free ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
**Reviewed on Xtreme-Delusions**
Piper and Declan already had enough working against them: she was human and he was a creature, an Incubus, that had a long track record for sucking the life from his victims. They were in love, though, so nothing seemed to matter. However, one day changes that, and Piper is now staring her humanity straight in the face. Her loved one or her humanity? What would you do for the one you loved? How would you do it? Could you do it? Being with the bad boy seems easy enough; we all want one, let’s face it. But what do you do when you become the bad one because of this love you have for your demon boyfriend? Could you kill someone?
This story offered a first look at how one might react to their own choice between something they were and something they were forced to be. This well-written novel kept me on my toes, offering me a look into both Piper and Declan’s heads. They struggle to be with each other despite the ever-growing challenges around them. Declan is forced to look at himself for what he is through Piper’s eyes, and Piper is, in turn, forced to embrace a part of Declan that she never truly embraced before.
I really enjoyed the story line. It was one I had never read before; not like this. It made me question my own beliefs. It drew me in with a taste of something different. Piper and Declan were great together, even despite the trials, they were in it together. What I enjoyed most about Pepper’s writing style was that it was engaging. So, if you want to read something that you’ve never read before, this story is the one for you.
*I received this as an free ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
**Reviewed on Xtreme-Delusions**
February 28, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we meet Declan Stilts and Piper Miller. When this book opens we find Piper getting ready to die and Declan making one of the more difficult choices in his existence. If you have read Priceless than you know that Piper's mom Emilie traded her daughters life for a chance to be with the man she loved again. Now Emilie and Trevis Miller are both dead and Declan is there to pass the Incubus Curse on to her so he can have his freedom. The problem is there is just something about her that makes it so he can't pass this on to her he wants to keep her. Will she want him though is the problem especially when she finds out all about him? How far will he go to not only keep her but to ensure that she is safe?
Piper doesn't realize what she is saying when she wants to be with him forever. At that moment she receives part of his Incubus Curse that will bind them together forever. This is not meant as a happily ever after because being demons means for some there is no happy ending. Piper also doesn't realize that by binding herself to Declan that she is also making herself a tool for all of his enemies to use against him. What she thought would be something special and amazing soon shows her that life comes with twists.
I would recommend this book it has a lot of the old fairy tale characters in it just jumbled up a bit. This story has hope, love, and a desire to do the right thing even if it can't always be done the traditional way. Plus this story opens the question to who really are the bad guys and who are the good ones? Can you ever really tell or is what you see all you ever get? I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this book it might give you another point of view.
In this book we meet Declan Stilts and Piper Miller. When this book opens we find Piper getting ready to die and Declan making one of the more difficult choices in his existence. If you have read Priceless than you know that Piper's mom Emilie traded her daughters life for a chance to be with the man she loved again. Now Emilie and Trevis Miller are both dead and Declan is there to pass the Incubus Curse on to her so he can have his freedom. The problem is there is just something about her that makes it so he can't pass this on to her he wants to keep her. Will she want him though is the problem especially when she finds out all about him? How far will he go to not only keep her but to ensure that she is safe?
Piper doesn't realize what she is saying when she wants to be with him forever. At that moment she receives part of his Incubus Curse that will bind them together forever. This is not meant as a happily ever after because being demons means for some there is no happy ending. Piper also doesn't realize that by binding herself to Declan that she is also making herself a tool for all of his enemies to use against him. What she thought would be something special and amazing soon shows her that life comes with twists.
I would recommend this book it has a lot of the old fairy tale characters in it just jumbled up a bit. This story has hope, love, and a desire to do the right thing even if it can't always be done the traditional way. Plus this story opens the question to who really are the bad guys and who are the good ones? Can you ever really tell or is what you see all you ever get? I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this book it might give you another point of view.
February 24, 2016
This is the first time reading anything by Sarah J.Pepper and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story. This author has given us a dark twisted paranormal romance story with a fairy tale turn. Sarah J.Pepper has interwoven a story that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and will leave you wanting more. The characters Declan and Piper are strong and brings this story together, while the secondary characters Opie .Hans, El, and Ula had me hoping that their get their own stories will finishing this story off. This story is about Declan who happens to be a 348 year old demon ,who lives among the humans ,who's also is a millionaire playboy with some anger issues. In the world of paranormal he's case as a psychopath with rage that threatens the essences, who has the ability to suck the life out of his victims. But while at the Bellagio hotel 2 people are dead and the third is dying and while holding the woman he loves in his arms , he watches as she 's dying, then she sees him stab her in the heart with the ancient knife. Declan rescues Piper from one life of hell and plunges her into another life of evil. Now Piper is an immortal demon,who has the power to suck the life from her victims ,and make them age beyond their years or she can kill them instantly. She struggles between her delight of spending eternity with Declan and with the horrors and guilt of what to can do to humans . I could go on and tell you more about this great story ,but that would spoil it for you. But I highly recommend that you read this great story ,because you won't be disappointed.
February 27, 2016
Soulless is a modern twist on fairy tales. It is told from the point of view of Declan Stilts and Piper.
I never was told or read fairy tales as a child. My mother thought they were nonsense and showed women as damsels. I didn’t even really watch into Disney movies growing up either. I had beta read for an author friend of Ms. Pepper before and that author referred her to me because of my quick turnaround.
Here are some things I noticed as I read this book. I started out writing Stilts in my notes. By the end of the book, I was writing Declan. This was not a conscious thing I did. Ms. Pepper’s had humanized a demon. Declan was so much more. By the end of the book, I empathized with his situation. Some of what he had to do he did in order to survive. He did help people in the only ways he could even if it meant hurting them.
Then there was Piper. Her world changed so much in such a short period of time. At times, she seemed so wise. Other times, I wanted to shake her. There was no doubt in Declan’s love for her. She did love him as well regardless of what was said and done between.
Ms Pepper secondary characters were as vibrant as Declan and Piper. I wanted to know Hans, El, and Ula. They are interesting in their own right. They said alone. They don’t need Piper or Declan to prop them up to make them interesting. I can’t wait to read more about them. I could read novellas on these characters.
The ending! I quote my end note: “FU(K. I HATE YOU!” That cliffhanger of an ending gutted me. I want no need more of this incredible fairy tale Ms. Pepper has written. I floved it and I’m not a fairy tale person.
I never was told or read fairy tales as a child. My mother thought they were nonsense and showed women as damsels. I didn’t even really watch into Disney movies growing up either. I had beta read for an author friend of Ms. Pepper before and that author referred her to me because of my quick turnaround.
Here are some things I noticed as I read this book. I started out writing Stilts in my notes. By the end of the book, I was writing Declan. This was not a conscious thing I did. Ms. Pepper’s had humanized a demon. Declan was so much more. By the end of the book, I empathized with his situation. Some of what he had to do he did in order to survive. He did help people in the only ways he could even if it meant hurting them.
Then there was Piper. Her world changed so much in such a short period of time. At times, she seemed so wise. Other times, I wanted to shake her. There was no doubt in Declan’s love for her. She did love him as well regardless of what was said and done between.
Ms Pepper secondary characters were as vibrant as Declan and Piper. I wanted to know Hans, El, and Ula. They are interesting in their own right. They said alone. They don’t need Piper or Declan to prop them up to make them interesting. I can’t wait to read more about them. I could read novellas on these characters.
The ending! I quote my end note: “FU(K. I HATE YOU!” That cliffhanger of an ending gutted me. I want no need more of this incredible fairy tale Ms. Pepper has written. I floved it and I’m not a fairy tale person.
February 24, 2016
This book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review.
This was an amazing story! Sarah never fails to amaze and dominate when it comes to storytelling, its why I love her tales so much! I never miss a Sarah Pepper Story!
Sarah doesn't disappoint with this new book, its edgy, sexy and a whole new chapter of strange that she is so famous for. Sarah brings a whole new type of funk and frown to town with her characters Declan and Piper, I couldn't get enough! Delcan is a whole new side of Rumpelstiltskin that we have never seen before! he is sassy, sexy, and incredibly dangerous! Piper aka the Pied Piper is totally a new twist on the character and something that is so Sarah Pepper that I couldn't help but be in awe and smile throughout the whole book.
Sarah has a knack for making her characters likable and evil all at the same time, you love to hate them and hate to love them. Delcan is such a character, he wants to be good as he has been bad for far too long and he has fallen in love. Good however is against his nature and Bad always out ways the good in almost every situation. Piper new to Delcan's ways struggles with her humanity and has the opposite problem Good is her moral compass but Bad just now feels to good to stop.
With Delcan's enemies around every corner, they can't or don't know who they can trust, including the very people who are there to help them. Can Love really be the thing of fairy tales and conquer all?
don't miss out on another incredible journey in Sarah Pepper's fairy tale series! get your copy today!
This was an amazing story! Sarah never fails to amaze and dominate when it comes to storytelling, its why I love her tales so much! I never miss a Sarah Pepper Story!
Sarah doesn't disappoint with this new book, its edgy, sexy and a whole new chapter of strange that she is so famous for. Sarah brings a whole new type of funk and frown to town with her characters Declan and Piper, I couldn't get enough! Delcan is a whole new side of Rumpelstiltskin that we have never seen before! he is sassy, sexy, and incredibly dangerous! Piper aka the Pied Piper is totally a new twist on the character and something that is so Sarah Pepper that I couldn't help but be in awe and smile throughout the whole book.
Sarah has a knack for making her characters likable and evil all at the same time, you love to hate them and hate to love them. Delcan is such a character, he wants to be good as he has been bad for far too long and he has fallen in love. Good however is against his nature and Bad always out ways the good in almost every situation. Piper new to Delcan's ways struggles with her humanity and has the opposite problem Good is her moral compass but Bad just now feels to good to stop.
With Delcan's enemies around every corner, they can't or don't know who they can trust, including the very people who are there to help them. Can Love really be the thing of fairy tales and conquer all?
don't miss out on another incredible journey in Sarah Pepper's fairy tale series! get your copy today!
February 21, 2016
Soulless is book #1 in the Once Wicked series of paranormal romances. This book is set in Las Vegas.
Declan Stilts is a 348 Year old Demon, among the human he is a millionaire playboy with anger issues. Amongst the paranormal world he is a psychopath with life threatening rages and an ability to such the essence out of his victims.
The book opens with a ghastly scene in a suite at the Bellagio hotel. Two dead and a third dying, Declan holds the women he loves in his arms, watching her die, her last whispered words see him stabbing her in the heart with an ancient knife. Laced with the Incubus Curse Declan rescues Piper from one dreadful life and plunges her into another.
Now an Immortal demon, Piper hungers for the essence created by envy from humans, she can literally suck the life from a victim, aging them beyond their years, if not killing them. She struggles between her delight at the chance to spend all eternity with Declan and her horror and guilt about what she can inflict on humans.
An old adversary of Declan's returns, a witch called Gepetta. Declan hides Piper amongst the lower Saxony coven of witches while he tries to cover-up recent events, but danger is close and he hasn't considered Piper's human feelings might hamper their future together.
Sarah Pepper writes dark, twisted paranormal romance with fairy tale elements meant to chill. This is a good start to a new series, and I expect several of the minor storylines will play out in the next books.
Declan Stilts is a 348 Year old Demon, among the human he is a millionaire playboy with anger issues. Amongst the paranormal world he is a psychopath with life threatening rages and an ability to such the essence out of his victims.
The book opens with a ghastly scene in a suite at the Bellagio hotel. Two dead and a third dying, Declan holds the women he loves in his arms, watching her die, her last whispered words see him stabbing her in the heart with an ancient knife. Laced with the Incubus Curse Declan rescues Piper from one dreadful life and plunges her into another.
Now an Immortal demon, Piper hungers for the essence created by envy from humans, she can literally suck the life from a victim, aging them beyond their years, if not killing them. She struggles between her delight at the chance to spend all eternity with Declan and her horror and guilt about what she can inflict on humans.
An old adversary of Declan's returns, a witch called Gepetta. Declan hides Piper amongst the lower Saxony coven of witches while he tries to cover-up recent events, but danger is close and he hasn't considered Piper's human feelings might hamper their future together.
Sarah Pepper writes dark, twisted paranormal romance with fairy tale elements meant to chill. This is a good start to a new series, and I expect several of the minor storylines will play out in the next books.
February 23, 2016
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
First of all, I'd like to say that, of the few books I've read by Sarah J. Pepper, this one has definitely been the best. Her writing style is more professional and not quite as choppy as it has been in previous books. Also, this is the first book I've read by her in which I truly LOVED one of the characters. I've enjoyed her books in the past, but I've never just fallen in love with one of the characters. I absolutely LOVED Deacon in this book. He's a great character, and I just want to wrap him up and love him and fix all of his issues.
Where the story fell a little flat for me was with Piper. I don't know what it was about her, but I was definitely not a fan. Something about her just didn't quite make it to believable. I never could get into her and feel her as being anything more than just a character.
The storyline was good. I'm always a sucker for turning well-known fairytales into something new and different. Plus, I'm not going to call out the fairytale this one is based on by name because I don't want to spoil anything, but just know that this particular fairytale is one of my favorites. :-)
There were a few places where the story kind of dragged a little, but overall, the book was a very solid three stars, which, for me, is actually a really good rating. I liked it. It's a solid story with a great male protagonist, and the sexy bits are quite, well, sexy. :-)
Good job, Ms. Pepper. Keep up the good work.
First of all, I'd like to say that, of the few books I've read by Sarah J. Pepper, this one has definitely been the best. Her writing style is more professional and not quite as choppy as it has been in previous books. Also, this is the first book I've read by her in which I truly LOVED one of the characters. I've enjoyed her books in the past, but I've never just fallen in love with one of the characters. I absolutely LOVED Deacon in this book. He's a great character, and I just want to wrap him up and love him and fix all of his issues.
Where the story fell a little flat for me was with Piper. I don't know what it was about her, but I was definitely not a fan. Something about her just didn't quite make it to believable. I never could get into her and feel her as being anything more than just a character.
The storyline was good. I'm always a sucker for turning well-known fairytales into something new and different. Plus, I'm not going to call out the fairytale this one is based on by name because I don't want to spoil anything, but just know that this particular fairytale is one of my favorites. :-)
There were a few places where the story kind of dragged a little, but overall, the book was a very solid three stars, which, for me, is actually a really good rating. I liked it. It's a solid story with a great male protagonist, and the sexy bits are quite, well, sexy. :-)
Good job, Ms. Pepper. Keep up the good work.
February 24, 2016
Soulless is one of the best books I've read this year. It is a twisted fairytale that brings the tale of Rumplestiltskin into modern times, portraying his character as a wealthy MMA fighter who also happens to be a demon that feeds on the darker desires of mankind. We were first introduced to Declan Stilts in a short story from the anthology "Fairy Tale Confessions" and if you haven't read that story, I suggest you begin there.
This story is so much more than just a retelling of the German fairytale about an imp, who spins straw into gold in return for gifts (and the binding promise of the woman's firstborn child) from a desperate miller's daughter. Sarah J. Pepper seamlessly infuses her tale with characters and bits of storyline from other fairytales (such as "Pinocchio" and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin"), as well as certain paranormal aspects.
"I had never believed in unconditional love. I’d never known it to be true until I met the bad boy who had a death grip on my heart." -Piper Miller, Soulless
I, also, love that the universal truths that the characters uncover, throughout the story, apply to everyone. This is truly in the spirit of the "Fairytale", with the obvious goal of teaching a lesson and uncovering truths central to each character and each reader.
"During the worse trials of one’s life, their grace showed. It was a testament of their strength." -Declan Stilts, Soulless
This story is so much more than just a retelling of the German fairytale about an imp, who spins straw into gold in return for gifts (and the binding promise of the woman's firstborn child) from a desperate miller's daughter. Sarah J. Pepper seamlessly infuses her tale with characters and bits of storyline from other fairytales (such as "Pinocchio" and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin"), as well as certain paranormal aspects.
"I had never believed in unconditional love. I’d never known it to be true until I met the bad boy who had a death grip on my heart." -Piper Miller, Soulless
I, also, love that the universal truths that the characters uncover, throughout the story, apply to everyone. This is truly in the spirit of the "Fairytale", with the obvious goal of teaching a lesson and uncovering truths central to each character and each reader.
"During the worse trials of one’s life, their grace showed. It was a testament of their strength." -Declan Stilts, Soulless
February 24, 2016
The Queen of Twisted Fairytales has done it again! This book was the perfect example of how much of an amazing storyteller she really is. Soulless was suspenseful, full of action & love.
This book was definitely a page turner and hooked me in right away at page 1. I simply could not get enough of Declan's & Piper's twisted love story. Soulless picks right up where Priceless ( her short story in the Fairy Tale Confessions anthology, & if you haven't read that yet you should definitely pick it up. That collection was amazing as well) left off.
Declan ( Rumpelstiltskin) is a Incubus demon who had made a deal with one of his victims in exchange for her unborn child's soul ( Piper). Little did Declan know, years later that he would fall head over heels for Piper before he could free himself of the awful Incubus curse and pass it along to her.
In this story, Sarah takes you along on an adventurous, suspenseful, action filled twisted love story that will captivate you and leave you speechless.
I'll leave you with a couple of my favorite quotes:
" Judge me not by the monster I've been, but how I'll do whatever is necessary for you." ---Declan
" I fell in love with a monster. In doing so, I became one myself." ---Piper
This book was definitely a page turner and hooked me in right away at page 1. I simply could not get enough of Declan's & Piper's twisted love story. Soulless picks right up where Priceless ( her short story in the Fairy Tale Confessions anthology, & if you haven't read that yet you should definitely pick it up. That collection was amazing as well) left off.
Declan ( Rumpelstiltskin) is a Incubus demon who had made a deal with one of his victims in exchange for her unborn child's soul ( Piper). Little did Declan know, years later that he would fall head over heels for Piper before he could free himself of the awful Incubus curse and pass it along to her.
In this story, Sarah takes you along on an adventurous, suspenseful, action filled twisted love story that will captivate you and leave you speechless.
I'll leave you with a couple of my favorite quotes:
" Judge me not by the monster I've been, but how I'll do whatever is necessary for you." ---Declan
" I fell in love with a monster. In doing so, I became one myself." ---Piper
February 23, 2016
Soulless (Once Wicked series) by Sarah J. Pepper
I enjoyed this quick read of Soulless by Sarah J. Pepper. Soulless is a wicked re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin. This story takes place in what's seen as modern day Las Vegas with Declan Stilts as Rumpelstiltskin. Declan Stilts is a rich sexy demon that needs to feed off souls to stay alive, and he has been living for over three hundred years. He meets this girl Piper Miller while she tries to pickpocket him. Piper is young and homeless, living off the streets of vegas in a cardboard box.
You will enjoy the backstory about Piper Miller and the relationship in which Declan and Piper form. There are many good supporting characters in this story. What I enjoyed about the characters is that they are referenced to other fairytale characters.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and we will have to hold our breath to read about the conclusion.
My favorite quote from Soulless is from Declan Stilts.
"Every fairy tale has a happy ending, but I was no prince charming, however, sometimes the bad guys have the greatest romance to tell."
I give Soulless 4 stars for its wicked re-telling and enjoyable characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
I enjoyed this quick read of Soulless by Sarah J. Pepper. Soulless is a wicked re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin. This story takes place in what's seen as modern day Las Vegas with Declan Stilts as Rumpelstiltskin. Declan Stilts is a rich sexy demon that needs to feed off souls to stay alive, and he has been living for over three hundred years. He meets this girl Piper Miller while she tries to pickpocket him. Piper is young and homeless, living off the streets of vegas in a cardboard box.
You will enjoy the backstory about Piper Miller and the relationship in which Declan and Piper form. There are many good supporting characters in this story. What I enjoyed about the characters is that they are referenced to other fairytale characters.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and we will have to hold our breath to read about the conclusion.
My favorite quote from Soulless is from Declan Stilts.
"Every fairy tale has a happy ending, but I was no prince charming, however, sometimes the bad guys have the greatest romance to tell."
I give Soulless 4 stars for its wicked re-telling and enjoyable characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
February 23, 2016
This was such an original premise, I was immediately drawn to the project. Of course I had read the short prequel story of Declan in the Fairy Tale Confessions anthology, so I knew all the details about how Piper came to be one half of his whole before I read Soulless. It's certainly a very intriguing retelling, and while you definitely get very familiar bits and pieces, and names and phrases, it still feels fresh and modern. I was very happy that there wasn't instalove, but I could have done without the constant reminders of how "unconventional" Declan and Piper were and how different their relationship would be. I'm fairly certain the repetitive phrasing would have been removed in the editing phase and I would not think to hold that against the author, though I mention it so I can be completely transparent in my thoughts. I would still recommend the book for adults only, it's very sexy and there's some language the young folk might not be ready for, as well as (well depicted) graphic violence. Sounds awesome, right?! So if you are over 18 and tired of the fairy tale retellings not having anything original to offer, give this new series a try!
***I was provided a copy in exchange for a fully honest review***
***I was provided a copy in exchange for a fully honest review***
February 24, 2016
I absolutely LOVED ‘Priceless’ the twisted tale of Declan and Piper in Fairy Tale Confessions. So when I heard there was gonna be an entire book full of their goodness! Yah, you could say I was a wee bit excited. I was lucky enough to have gotten my hands on an ARC copy, and I was not disappointed.
This story didn’t go as I had expected, which is good, because a book where you see what is coming is just no fun at all. Soulless starts off right where Priceless ended. With Declan turning Piper, and a little twist added to that part of the story. There was someone in the bathroom watching, someone with a dark agenda. And the stage has been set. As soon as their life together starts, Declan must hide Piper away to keep her safe. But can he really trust the people he thinks are trustworthy? Will their love overcome the things they go through in the first few days of Pipers new life, and will she be able to live with who she is now and all the truths she comes to know? That is the question of the hour here. Warning…you may not get all the answers you were hoping for, this is book 1 of course. There is so much more to come in book 2, and I can’t wait to see where Sarah takes us from here!
This story didn’t go as I had expected, which is good, because a book where you see what is coming is just no fun at all. Soulless starts off right where Priceless ended. With Declan turning Piper, and a little twist added to that part of the story. There was someone in the bathroom watching, someone with a dark agenda. And the stage has been set. As soon as their life together starts, Declan must hide Piper away to keep her safe. But can he really trust the people he thinks are trustworthy? Will their love overcome the things they go through in the first few days of Pipers new life, and will she be able to live with who she is now and all the truths she comes to know? That is the question of the hour here. Warning…you may not get all the answers you were hoping for, this is book 1 of course. There is so much more to come in book 2, and I can’t wait to see where Sarah takes us from here!
February 22, 2016
My Rating: 4
This is the first book of a series, and my first book by Sarah Pepper. Such a great twist on the classic tale with a lot of other added elements that are dark, twisted, and haunting.
"Declan understood what it meant to be broken. He understood me."
Demons exist in Vegas. Or at least a 348 year old Incubus, named Declan, does. Enter Piper, at the beginning of the book, who under some rather dire circumstances, finds herself flung from her life into another. Declan has to consume souls to live (read: survive); but he also grants wishes to those who "pay". I instantly connected to Declan and wanted to know everything about how his life worked. He was such an interesting, deep, and twisted character. I didn't connect as much to Piper - but I really enjoyed seeing almost a softer, vulnerable side to Declan because he wanted to love Piper.
"Our love was imperfect in the most perfect way. It was love done our way."
I really enjoyed the essence of this story and I really like the style of writing the author used. It's very eloquent for this type of book. I found myself highlighting quotes left and right. I will definitely be picking up book two in the future!
This is the first book of a series, and my first book by Sarah Pepper. Such a great twist on the classic tale with a lot of other added elements that are dark, twisted, and haunting.
"Declan understood what it meant to be broken. He understood me."
Demons exist in Vegas. Or at least a 348 year old Incubus, named Declan, does. Enter Piper, at the beginning of the book, who under some rather dire circumstances, finds herself flung from her life into another. Declan has to consume souls to live (read: survive); but he also grants wishes to those who "pay". I instantly connected to Declan and wanted to know everything about how his life worked. He was such an interesting, deep, and twisted character. I didn't connect as much to Piper - but I really enjoyed seeing almost a softer, vulnerable side to Declan because he wanted to love Piper.
"Our love was imperfect in the most perfect way. It was love done our way."
I really enjoyed the essence of this story and I really like the style of writing the author used. It's very eloquent for this type of book. I found myself highlighting quotes left and right. I will definitely be picking up book two in the future!
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