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The Carnal Exhibitions #2
Another Stroke of Fate
Evan Hawthorne sauntered into Harper's life without conscience. He doesn't just want Harper, he needs her. But as their lust spirals into a harsh reality, will their desire be enough to overcome the forces that are pulling them apart?
Her destiny is hidden within the shadows and her past, a cruel memory of the torture that has scarred her body and soul.
He's the prodigal son of a scandalous family empire and must choose which path to take. The lies are twisted and the intrigue is thick with sinful pleasure.
Will the Sculptor's ravenous hunger be too much for him to harness in the shallow existence of the Carnal Exhibitions?
*Another Stroke of Fate is not a stand-alone novel. Another Brush Stroke is the first book in this series.
***Due to explicit scenes and language, this Dark Romantic Suspense is intended for mature audiences. Ages 18+***
Her destiny is hidden within the shadows and her past, a cruel memory of the torture that has scarred her body and soul.
He's the prodigal son of a scandalous family empire and must choose which path to take. The lies are twisted and the intrigue is thick with sinful pleasure.
Will the Sculptor's ravenous hunger be too much for him to harness in the shallow existence of the Carnal Exhibitions?
*Another Stroke of Fate is not a stand-alone novel. Another Brush Stroke is the first book in this series.
***Due to explicit scenes and language, this Dark Romantic Suspense is intended for mature audiences. Ages 18+***
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
About the author
L.W. Barefoot
3 books29 followersIn a small town in Oklahoma, I was raised by an endless dreamer of a father. He spun fantastical stories of a heroine that slayed her own dragons, while jamming to the best music imaginable. I've been slaying dragons since and as much as I love fantasy, I believe magic is real and tangible in the very world we live in.
I, like many others before me, believe deeply in the destructive and healing powers of love. I hope to share stories of strong, yet broken characters that find their way in this life. I've had help finding mine, through love, loss, faith, music, creativity, writing, painting, positivity, embracing my past, and relishing the present moment.
I look forward to connecting with authors and readers here on Goodreads!
I, like many others before me, believe deeply in the destructive and healing powers of love. I hope to share stories of strong, yet broken characters that find their way in this life. I've had help finding mine, through love, loss, faith, music, creativity, writing, painting, positivity, embracing my past, and relishing the present moment.
I look forward to connecting with authors and readers here on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 4, 2016
This second book in 'The Carnal Exhibitions' series has Harper and Evan's relationship grow far more intimate, only to do a complete 180 later on. Picking up where the first book left off, Harper is once again left to heal after surviving unspeakable trauma. Only, this time around, she knows who her attacker is.
As Harper begins to recover from the most recent attack, Evan struggles with his feelings for Harper and the guilt from knowing he is the reason she was attacked. His alpha-male personality is having a hard time dealing with the fact that he wasn't able to protect Harper. Moreover, he recognizes that his own family may pose a greater threat to her than even the Sculptor.
I really enjoyed the maturing relationship between Harper and Evan. Although I did get tired of them working through all of their problems sexually, I have to admit that the sex scenes were pretty hot, albeit gratuitous.
This book also begins to reveal more about the Sculptor, as well as other nefarious characters. Some of Evan's exes are just plain crazy! I was astounded at how far some of them were willing to go to get him back. Daddy dearest was no picnic either.
While the number of sinister and deranged characters seems to be piling up, Harper might have found an unlikely ally in Evan's brother. When Evan's actions push Harper away, he provides a safe place for her to go. Now, she's on the run from more than one monster.
As expected, this book provides some, but not all, of the answers I'm looking for. The story took a turn that I didn't see coming and I'm anxiously waiting to see where this story is going to lead. I'm going to read the third book right away.
As Harper begins to recover from the most recent attack, Evan struggles with his feelings for Harper and the guilt from knowing he is the reason she was attacked. His alpha-male personality is having a hard time dealing with the fact that he wasn't able to protect Harper. Moreover, he recognizes that his own family may pose a greater threat to her than even the Sculptor.
I really enjoyed the maturing relationship between Harper and Evan. Although I did get tired of them working through all of their problems sexually, I have to admit that the sex scenes were pretty hot, albeit gratuitous.
This book also begins to reveal more about the Sculptor, as well as other nefarious characters. Some of Evan's exes are just plain crazy! I was astounded at how far some of them were willing to go to get him back. Daddy dearest was no picnic either.
While the number of sinister and deranged characters seems to be piling up, Harper might have found an unlikely ally in Evan's brother. When Evan's actions push Harper away, he provides a safe place for her to go. Now, she's on the run from more than one monster.
As expected, this book provides some, but not all, of the answers I'm looking for. The story took a turn that I didn't see coming and I'm anxiously waiting to see where this story is going to lead. I'm going to read the third book right away.
February 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I FRIGGIN' LOVE this series!! This carries on from where the first one ended nicely and also answered a lot of questions that I wanted answered.
Written from three peoples POV gave this a great twist especially having the POV from the 'bad guy' getting in his head and understanding more of the story.
Casey/Harper is an awesomely strong character and you find yourself fighting right along side her hoping everything goes her way. So many twist and turns wondering who to believe and trust L.W.Barefoot has written a suspense filled story that I can not wait to finish.
If you are a fan of suspense filled romances with some dark and very dark parts you have to give this series ago you will not be disappointed.
I FRIGGIN' LOVE this series!! This carries on from where the first one ended nicely and also answered a lot of questions that I wanted answered.
Written from three peoples POV gave this a great twist especially having the POV from the 'bad guy' getting in his head and understanding more of the story.
Casey/Harper is an awesomely strong character and you find yourself fighting right along side her hoping everything goes her way. So many twist and turns wondering who to believe and trust L.W.Barefoot has written a suspense filled story that I can not wait to finish.
If you are a fan of suspense filled romances with some dark and very dark parts you have to give this series ago you will not be disappointed.
May 17, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
Another Stroke of Fate is the second book in The Carnal Exhibitions series by L.W. Barefoot. This book is part of a series and is best read as part of the series and not as a standalone novel.
Its apparent early on in this book that Evan Hawthorne not just wants Harper but needs her. He wants to protect her from The Sculpture. He also struggles to deal with his father and keepings all his business dealing on the up and up. Harper struggles with her memory of what happened to her and how move forward with her life. The Sculptor is getting closer to Harper and is intent to rekindle the past.
The connection between Evan and Harper is still intense. However, Harper is becoming really aware of the differences in Evan’s personality and the other men in her life. While she still loves Evan, his constant need for reassurance can be overwhelming at times. As Harper still deals with her past, it seems to pull Evan and Harper apart. The sex scenes were scorching. They are a good match in bed but seem to have trouble talking out of it.
I found this book well written with a distinctive plot. I enjoyed how the author incorporated romance and suspense in realistic and believable way. The main characters and the secondary characters were fascinating. While I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, this was done in a way that did not leave me frustrated. The only thing that bugged me was how this book transitioned from one characters version to another’s, I got lost and confused a few times. It came across as choppy, almost like it was over edited. Overall, this was a very captivating book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
Another Stroke of Fate is the second book in The Carnal Exhibitions series by L.W. Barefoot. This book is part of a series and is best read as part of the series and not as a standalone novel.
Its apparent early on in this book that Evan Hawthorne not just wants Harper but needs her. He wants to protect her from The Sculpture. He also struggles to deal with his father and keepings all his business dealing on the up and up. Harper struggles with her memory of what happened to her and how move forward with her life. The Sculptor is getting closer to Harper and is intent to rekindle the past.
The connection between Evan and Harper is still intense. However, Harper is becoming really aware of the differences in Evan’s personality and the other men in her life. While she still loves Evan, his constant need for reassurance can be overwhelming at times. As Harper still deals with her past, it seems to pull Evan and Harper apart. The sex scenes were scorching. They are a good match in bed but seem to have trouble talking out of it.
I found this book well written with a distinctive plot. I enjoyed how the author incorporated romance and suspense in realistic and believable way. The main characters and the secondary characters were fascinating. While I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, this was done in a way that did not leave me frustrated. The only thing that bugged me was how this book transitioned from one characters version to another’s, I got lost and confused a few times. It came across as choppy, almost like it was over edited. Overall, this was a very captivating book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
January 4, 2016
*I received this book in exchange of an honest review*
Amazing!!!! Simply Amazing!!!!
Well written with a brilliant but darker continuation, "Another Stroke of Fate" is thrilling, addictive and breath holding!!!! We discover the gory details, the pain, the suffering, the craziness of so many characters.... Extremely well written, the author makes you feel every flutter of emotion in the book. Surprising to being a little chocking at time, with a very interesting storyline, a machiavelic plot and more twists then you can imagine or expect, L.W. Barefoot shows off her creativity and imagination with wonderfully twisted skills and ideas... Darker, so much darker than the first book, this sequel, even with it being a fantastic read to me, can be too much for certain readers! So if you are totally against violence this book is not for you... But if you ever wondered what happens in a serial psycho killer's mind then you will love it!!!! I was so adrenaline pumped by the end, that the cliffhanger made me release a guttural scream of frustration!!!! I NEED to know what happens now!!!!!! NOW!!!! The last thing to add is that i loved it!!! So TWO THUMBS HIGH IN THE AIR WITH LIGHTERS ON!!!!!!
Amazing!!!! Simply Amazing!!!!
Well written with a brilliant but darker continuation, "Another Stroke of Fate" is thrilling, addictive and breath holding!!!! We discover the gory details, the pain, the suffering, the craziness of so many characters.... Extremely well written, the author makes you feel every flutter of emotion in the book. Surprising to being a little chocking at time, with a very interesting storyline, a machiavelic plot and more twists then you can imagine or expect, L.W. Barefoot shows off her creativity and imagination with wonderfully twisted skills and ideas... Darker, so much darker than the first book, this sequel, even with it being a fantastic read to me, can be too much for certain readers! So if you are totally against violence this book is not for you... But if you ever wondered what happens in a serial psycho killer's mind then you will love it!!!! I was so adrenaline pumped by the end, that the cliffhanger made me release a guttural scream of frustration!!!! I NEED to know what happens now!!!!!! NOW!!!! The last thing to add is that i loved it!!! So TWO THUMBS HIGH IN THE AIR WITH LIGHTERS ON!!!!!!
January 31, 2016
The book has potential and what saves it is the authors writing. Its strong but I did struggle to finish this. There are still too many unanswered questions that need to be answered for this plot to make sense. Plot is choppy and disjointed and has so many twists and turns I ended up feeling discombobulated!
Harper completely got on my nerves as she jumped from victim, to "I am not a victim" but she sure acts like one.
no closer to finding out anything more about The Sculptor but it is revealed that it is someone from her childhood - someone she knows well. So couldn't get why she didn't make any connection.
This is not a BDSM story - so lets be clear about that. He likes kinky sex and she likes pain because "that is what she believes she needs" Stop is the only word that halts their interaction.
At times this is very cliched and we get the usual words and phrases- beautiful, this is not just sex, etc, and of course there is sex - lots of sex to the point it became boring and overdone.
So confused? yeah I was so heres hoping all is revealed in book 3
PS I now know who the Sculptor is
Harper completely got on my nerves as she jumped from victim, to "I am not a victim" but she sure acts like one.
no closer to finding out anything more about The Sculptor but it is revealed that it is someone from her childhood - someone she knows well. So couldn't get why she didn't make any connection.
This is not a BDSM story - so lets be clear about that. He likes kinky sex and she likes pain because "that is what she believes she needs" Stop is the only word that halts their interaction.
At times this is very cliched and we get the usual words and phrases- beautiful, this is not just sex, etc, and of course there is sex - lots of sex to the point it became boring and overdone.
So confused? yeah I was so heres hoping all is revealed in book 3
PS I now know who the Sculptor is
January 20, 2016
*Carla's Five Star Review*
This is the second book in the Carnal Exhibition's series, and it is the continuation of Evan and Harper's story. This is not a stand alone, so before reading this, you need to read the first book which is Another Brush Stroke.
I so loved this book! I knew I would because LW Barefoot hooked me with the first one! Just like the story line in the first book, this one is utterly thrilling!! I swear there are so many twists and turns your head will be left spinning! Oh, and the sex scenes were so hot I thought my kindle was going to explode in flames!! It is evident that Evan has fallen hard for Harper. He is totally obsessed with keeping her from the Sculptor's evil clutches. Unfortunately, the sculptor is very close to finding Harper, and he is hell bent on picking up right where he left off. While a lot of my questions were answered in this book, I now have new ones buzzing around in my head. As of this moment, I am anxiously waiting for the third book to go live! Truly a captivating series!!
This is the second book in the Carnal Exhibition's series, and it is the continuation of Evan and Harper's story. This is not a stand alone, so before reading this, you need to read the first book which is Another Brush Stroke.
I so loved this book! I knew I would because LW Barefoot hooked me with the first one! Just like the story line in the first book, this one is utterly thrilling!! I swear there are so many twists and turns your head will be left spinning! Oh, and the sex scenes were so hot I thought my kindle was going to explode in flames!! It is evident that Evan has fallen hard for Harper. He is totally obsessed with keeping her from the Sculptor's evil clutches. Unfortunately, the sculptor is very close to finding Harper, and he is hell bent on picking up right where he left off. While a lot of my questions were answered in this book, I now have new ones buzzing around in my head. As of this moment, I am anxiously waiting for the third book to go live! Truly a captivating series!!
January 31, 2016
Another Stroke of Fate is the second book in LW Barefoot's Carnal Exhibitions Series. You will not understand a thing going on in this book if you have not read Another Brush Stroke first.
I usually add a description to my reviews of the characters at least in a book I review but I'm so not talking about Harper and Evan for fear of giving something away.
I loved this second book as much as I did Another Brush Stroke. It picks up exactly where it left us thankfully. This series is dark and twisted and when you look beneath all that the love story of Harper and Evan is really quiet beautiful. There are so many character in this book that I love. It's one of the things I'm loving about story. If your family stinks make your own. This group of people together make for some amazing reading. The Sculptor is still around and getting more dangerous.
Grab this book and hang on for dear life. If your like me you'll have to remind yourself to breathe. If you love dark, twisted, mind blowing, the. This is the series you don't want to miss.
I usually add a description to my reviews of the characters at least in a book I review but I'm so not talking about Harper and Evan for fear of giving something away.
I loved this second book as much as I did Another Brush Stroke. It picks up exactly where it left us thankfully. This series is dark and twisted and when you look beneath all that the love story of Harper and Evan is really quiet beautiful. There are so many character in this book that I love. It's one of the things I'm loving about story. If your family stinks make your own. This group of people together make for some amazing reading. The Sculptor is still around and getting more dangerous.
Grab this book and hang on for dear life. If your like me you'll have to remind yourself to breathe. If you love dark, twisted, mind blowing, the. This is the series you don't want to miss.
January 25, 2016
A fantastic read! This book picks up right where the first left off. It was intense and it's hard to put it down. I love the drama and excitement in this book. The story continues and unfolds more and more with each page. I love the author's pace with this series so far. There is a darkness that keeps you intrigued throughout the story. Lots of hot and exciting parts scattered through the story. I love how the author writes so well and descriptive that you can visualize everything that is going on as you read. Can't wait for the next book!!
December 7, 2015
Can I please just be with Evan?!? This second book in the series will fulfill your expectations from the Another Brush Stroke!
Both Harper and Evan evolve so much from how they were originally. The reader is easily enamored with their relationship and will find themselves wishing this was their reality.
Get ready for a lot of twists and turns. People who you thought were gone are now back and with a vengeance!
Both Harper and Evan evolve so much from how they were originally. The reader is easily enamored with their relationship and will find themselves wishing this was their reality.
Get ready for a lot of twists and turns. People who you thought were gone are now back and with a vengeance!
January 31, 2016
This is the second book in The Carnal Exhibitions series. After reading book one I was inpatient to read the rest of the series. While this book goes further into Evan and Harper's relationship it opens up so many unanswered questions. Their relationship is screwed up on so many levels, will they be able to get past everything that is holding them back or will it tear everything apart.
July 23, 2019
Soooo.. still love the story and the authors writing style.
Howeverrrrrr
I don’t think I like Evan much AT ALL!!
Spoilers:
It was infuriating when he told her to “Stop. Fucking. Talking.” In the last book when she was finallyyy telling someone her story! And he knew what it meant to her.. but he was so selfish and insecure about someone else touching her he couldn’t even provide her much needed solace.
I hate that after she was rescued from the Mardi Gras fiasco he tells her “I’ll never let anyone hurt you” *again* like.. what the fuck. You said that before, way to degrade the meaning of your words.
I hate that he interrupted Jamie and hers reunion.
When Stacy had her hand on his thigh.. why the fuck couldn’t he just have swiped it off to show Harper and Stacey at the same time where his loyalties lay.
“This could never be love, I could never love you” he tells her.. to save her?? Wtf? Wtf? Are you that fucking stupid? He’s an emotional abuser as well as a physical one. How could you say that to someone you care about? YOU CANT. He let her bring herself down at the same time he brought himself down.. wtf. Ugh. Not to mention it was the day after he bailed on her interrogation and only showed up after she finished her story... wtf??
Actually.. all the men in her life are weak. She lived this tragedy and dealt with it her whole life.. yet Jamie can’t stay for her healing after she is beat within an inch of her life.. and even has the audacity to YELL at her when they think she’s just coping/in shock? Then when the FBI comes to gather information on the Sculptor, he dips because it would be “reopening wounds” and too hard for him. He can’t even stay to offer moral support?
It’s said Jamie hasn’t even heard her story because it’s too painful for him to hear. I don’t think anyone even knows she tried to kill herself and thinks those scars are from the killer.
I JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD BE ON THIS POOR GIRLS SIDE!!! why is the victim always consoling the men around her??!!
I could go on and on, and especially- no. Nevermind.
He’s frustrating and an asshole who really does seem to see Harper as his object through and through. He consistently puts his needs before hers. She deserves so much better than him and it’s doubly frustrating that she can’t see this.
I like that he doesn’t go soft on her and change his ways like in almost every other D/s tale.. but he doesn’t come off as strong to me, he comes off as incredibly petty.
All in all though, despite how much Evan grates me, I love the books so far. The fact that he riles me up is in of itself telling of how much I’m enjoying the read.
Howeverrrrrr
I don’t think I like Evan much AT ALL!!
Spoilers:
It was infuriating when he told her to “Stop. Fucking. Talking.” In the last book when she was finallyyy telling someone her story! And he knew what it meant to her.. but he was so selfish and insecure about someone else touching her he couldn’t even provide her much needed solace.
I hate that after she was rescued from the Mardi Gras fiasco he tells her “I’ll never let anyone hurt you” *again* like.. what the fuck. You said that before, way to degrade the meaning of your words.
I hate that he interrupted Jamie and hers reunion.
When Stacy had her hand on his thigh.. why the fuck couldn’t he just have swiped it off to show Harper and Stacey at the same time where his loyalties lay.
“This could never be love, I could never love you” he tells her.. to save her?? Wtf? Wtf? Are you that fucking stupid? He’s an emotional abuser as well as a physical one. How could you say that to someone you care about? YOU CANT. He let her bring herself down at the same time he brought himself down.. wtf. Ugh. Not to mention it was the day after he bailed on her interrogation and only showed up after she finished her story... wtf??
Actually.. all the men in her life are weak. She lived this tragedy and dealt with it her whole life.. yet Jamie can’t stay for her healing after she is beat within an inch of her life.. and even has the audacity to YELL at her when they think she’s just coping/in shock? Then when the FBI comes to gather information on the Sculptor, he dips because it would be “reopening wounds” and too hard for him. He can’t even stay to offer moral support?
It’s said Jamie hasn’t even heard her story because it’s too painful for him to hear. I don’t think anyone even knows she tried to kill herself and thinks those scars are from the killer.
I JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD BE ON THIS POOR GIRLS SIDE!!! why is the victim always consoling the men around her??!!
I could go on and on, and especially- no. Nevermind.
He’s frustrating and an asshole who really does seem to see Harper as his object through and through. He consistently puts his needs before hers. She deserves so much better than him and it’s doubly frustrating that she can’t see this.
I like that he doesn’t go soft on her and change his ways like in almost every other D/s tale.. but he doesn’t come off as strong to me, he comes off as incredibly petty.
All in all though, despite how much Evan grates me, I love the books so far. The fact that he riles me up is in of itself telling of how much I’m enjoying the read.
March 11, 2016
By the time I write this review I have already read the 3 books in the series.
The previous one finished in a terrible cliffhanger that made me pick on this one immediately (blessed Kindle), and pick up where I left it. I was not disappointed in the way the story proceeded, and again what captivated me is the easy way the story flows and the characters are relatable and believable.
Enjoyed it as much as the previous one, but again, not recommended to the faint of heart.
OST for this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRyMo...
The previous one finished in a terrible cliffhanger that made me pick on this one immediately (blessed Kindle), and pick up where I left it. I was not disappointed in the way the story proceeded, and again what captivated me is the easy way the story flows and the characters are relatable and believable.
Enjoyed it as much as the previous one, but again, not recommended to the faint of heart.
OST for this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRyMo...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews