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Becoming Elena #1
Stolen Innocence
Every master was once a student – every woman was once a child …
What makes a person forget their entire identity? What makes them become someone else? What makes them desire pain … control … and ultimately pleasure? It’s not anything that happens overnight, over even in a few weeks. Tragedy beyond what a human can possibly imagine will forever alter Mary’s future.
Mary’s life is boring, conservative and typical. She wants adventure, thrills and so much more. But she will soon learn to be careful what to wish for when she’s taken against her will and thrust into the twisted world of a powerful man who doesn’t care if she lives or dies.
When Mary starts becoming Elena, she does find a savior, but is he truly the person who will protect her, or will he be the one to escort her straight into the pits of hell?
Forgetting who she is or where she belongs, she learns she can trust no one, rely on only herself, and fall further than she ever thought possible. She will become someone else and the cycle will begin. She will become the person who will eventually change the life of so many others. Some might say the change is good, the violence is necessary. And some will cry for this tragedy that should have been stopped.
Just when you think you know how it all came about, how it will end, you will be floored again by who can be trusted … and who can’t.
Note from the author:
This book isn’t anything like what I’ve written before. I had a dream, the opening scene of this book, actually. And I woke up and lay there for a while, and still couldn’t push it away, so I got up, wrote the first chapter. Then I lay back down and was back out of bed within fifteen minutes, where I gave up on sleep and sat at my computer all night and all the next day until my eyes wouldn’t stay open anymore. Then for the next week, all I did was eat and sleep (minimally) and the first draft was born. I was so emotionally drained from it, I put it away for a month, and then came back to it and went back into the world of Elena.
My question was, what makes someone enter into a lifestyle of BDSM? What makes them enjoy pain? Enjoy being degraded? Then I realized, it’s not a matter of enjoyment necessarily. It’s a matter of your world spinning out of control. And this is a way to ground yourself. Elena has become so special to me. The first book is tragic and I cried several times while writing it. The second book, she starts to find herself, and in the third book … well, the third book leaves your mouth hanging open. I hope you enjoy this journey with me. It’s been an emotional one.
This book is intended for mature audiences only. There are explicit scenes of abuse, language and questionable sexual situations. Eighteen and older only. This story is about a woman so abused she turns into a person most wouldn’t even fathom becoming.
What makes a person forget their entire identity? What makes them become someone else? What makes them desire pain … control … and ultimately pleasure? It’s not anything that happens overnight, over even in a few weeks. Tragedy beyond what a human can possibly imagine will forever alter Mary’s future.
Mary’s life is boring, conservative and typical. She wants adventure, thrills and so much more. But she will soon learn to be careful what to wish for when she’s taken against her will and thrust into the twisted world of a powerful man who doesn’t care if she lives or dies.
When Mary starts becoming Elena, she does find a savior, but is he truly the person who will protect her, or will he be the one to escort her straight into the pits of hell?
Forgetting who she is or where she belongs, she learns she can trust no one, rely on only herself, and fall further than she ever thought possible. She will become someone else and the cycle will begin. She will become the person who will eventually change the life of so many others. Some might say the change is good, the violence is necessary. And some will cry for this tragedy that should have been stopped.
Just when you think you know how it all came about, how it will end, you will be floored again by who can be trusted … and who can’t.
Note from the author:
This book isn’t anything like what I’ve written before. I had a dream, the opening scene of this book, actually. And I woke up and lay there for a while, and still couldn’t push it away, so I got up, wrote the first chapter. Then I lay back down and was back out of bed within fifteen minutes, where I gave up on sleep and sat at my computer all night and all the next day until my eyes wouldn’t stay open anymore. Then for the next week, all I did was eat and sleep (minimally) and the first draft was born. I was so emotionally drained from it, I put it away for a month, and then came back to it and went back into the world of Elena.
My question was, what makes someone enter into a lifestyle of BDSM? What makes them enjoy pain? Enjoy being degraded? Then I realized, it’s not a matter of enjoyment necessarily. It’s a matter of your world spinning out of control. And this is a way to ground yourself. Elena has become so special to me. The first book is tragic and I cried several times while writing it. The second book, she starts to find herself, and in the third book … well, the third book leaves your mouth hanging open. I hope you enjoy this journey with me. It’s been an emotional one.
This book is intended for mature audiences only. There are explicit scenes of abuse, language and questionable sexual situations. Eighteen and older only. This story is about a woman so abused she turns into a person most wouldn’t even fathom becoming.
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
365 people are currently reading
1333 people want to read
About the author
Melody Anne
143 books5,040 followersNobody likes sexy men, sassy heroines, and emotionally charged books, right? WRONG! We all want to feel extraordinary when we read, and that's exactly what you'll get when you pick up a Melody Anne book. She has the feel-good stories of a damsel in distress with prince charming riding in to save the day . . . and she also has emotionally charged books that take you through a journey of emotion as you try to figure out if you love or hate the characters as they find themselves. What you get at the end of every Melody Anne book is a resolution that has you begging for more.
Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.
See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.
Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.
See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.
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November 14, 2022FREE on Amazon today (11/03/2017)!
January 3, 2018
Mary was taken against her will by a wealthy man who enjoyed young girls. Men took her, beat her, and delivered her to a master. Mary was taught and conditioned into the life of Elena.
This was a story about young girls being abducted into slavery to satisfy one mans sick desires for young innocent girls. One girl was never enough for him. Elena/Mary was educated about sex by men who abused young girls. Mary had no prior experience with boys or men. These men were going to take her innocence and leave her with painful reminders about sex. Mary became a sex toy who was abused and violated.
I felt I already read this story before. Not by Melody but by many other authors who too have written slave to master story's. Not much originality. The process felt mechanical and routine. I did not feel the emotional turmoil this was happening with Mary. To make matters worse Mary was badly beaten which integrated her brain into believing she was Elena.
The story was written from Elena's perspective. I normally can tolerate a dark taboo slave story, but lately it seems everyone gets on the same band wagon and writes what has already been written. In this case, the tedious process of breaking Mary and transforming her into Elena was a process no different than the other story's I've read. The girls were brainwashed into learning about sex through force and submission. Nothing about that is appealing or arousing to me.
It truly was a story about Mary having her innocence stolen. She lost her dignity. She lost her identity. She lost her freedom. She lost her youth. She lost her mind. Whether these men showed kindness or pain it was all lies. When the opportunity presented itself to send her home they should have redeemed themselves and return her to her family. This is not about the strength of a young girl taken against her will. This was a story of a young girl beaten into a coma having lost herself to amnesia. Then she was taught that some men lie with pain and false promises while others lie with pleasure.
Dalton Was no different from his father or the men who worked for him. They all dominated the girls by punishing them. While some used pain and some used pleasure it still was lies. They all were enticed by the sirens beauty and were pissed that they could not control their sexual desires when around them. So they took what they wanted to try to rid their mind of the lust but all it did was make them crave it more.
These men construed Elena's thoughts on love and pleasure. Elena had no prior experience or education about consensual sex with a man. These men degraded women for a living and used their bodies as vessels of sexual pleasure while hating them for making them weak.
This story was not appealing. The attempt for a dark taboo story was ill represented by the brainwashing and degrading use of words towards women of beauty. The prologue with the menage scene was never brought to fruition in this story. Not sure why it was mentioned. There was no character named Lisa in Stolen Innonence. The prologue was five years after Elena was taken and this story was about the first two years of her time as a slave. That prologue would have served a better purpose in a trilogy series where all installments were compiled in one book.
This was a story about young girls being abducted into slavery to satisfy one mans sick desires for young innocent girls. One girl was never enough for him. Elena/Mary was educated about sex by men who abused young girls. Mary had no prior experience with boys or men. These men were going to take her innocence and leave her with painful reminders about sex. Mary became a sex toy who was abused and violated.
I felt I already read this story before. Not by Melody but by many other authors who too have written slave to master story's. Not much originality. The process felt mechanical and routine. I did not feel the emotional turmoil this was happening with Mary. To make matters worse Mary was badly beaten which integrated her brain into believing she was Elena.
The story was written from Elena's perspective. I normally can tolerate a dark taboo slave story, but lately it seems everyone gets on the same band wagon and writes what has already been written. In this case, the tedious process of breaking Mary and transforming her into Elena was a process no different than the other story's I've read. The girls were brainwashed into learning about sex through force and submission. Nothing about that is appealing or arousing to me.
It truly was a story about Mary having her innocence stolen. She lost her dignity. She lost her identity. She lost her freedom. She lost her youth. She lost her mind. Whether these men showed kindness or pain it was all lies. When the opportunity presented itself to send her home they should have redeemed themselves and return her to her family. This is not about the strength of a young girl taken against her will. This was a story of a young girl beaten into a coma having lost herself to amnesia. Then she was taught that some men lie with pain and false promises while others lie with pleasure.
Dalton Was no different from his father or the men who worked for him. They all dominated the girls by punishing them. While some used pain and some used pleasure it still was lies. They all were enticed by the sirens beauty and were pissed that they could not control their sexual desires when around them. So they took what they wanted to try to rid their mind of the lust but all it did was make them crave it more.
These men construed Elena's thoughts on love and pleasure. Elena had no prior experience or education about consensual sex with a man. These men degraded women for a living and used their bodies as vessels of sexual pleasure while hating them for making them weak.
This story was not appealing. The attempt for a dark taboo story was ill represented by the brainwashing and degrading use of words towards women of beauty. The prologue with the menage scene was never brought to fruition in this story. Not sure why it was mentioned. There was no character named Lisa in Stolen Innonence. The prologue was five years after Elena was taken and this story was about the first two years of her time as a slave. That prologue would have served a better purpose in a trilogy series where all installments were compiled in one book.
February 1, 2016
Sitting down to write this review I am struggling to come up with adequate words. The first word that comes to mind in intense. This story was a real eye opener for me, it made me think really hard about a situation that is lets face it a little uncomfortable and downright scary. This book is a work of fiction, but how can you help thinking about what it would be like to be put in such a scary world.
A girl is taken from her home and put into a world where she is forced to forget who she is, take on a new identity and is placed into the "ownership" of a truly evil man. This book tells the story of the how Elena came to be.
Melody Anne has a way of telling a story like no other. Stolen Innocence is not a a light romance, but I will be recommending it to all of my friends who love a great story and can't wait for more.
A girl is taken from her home and put into a world where she is forced to forget who she is, take on a new identity and is placed into the "ownership" of a truly evil man. This book tells the story of the how Elena came to be.
Melody Anne has a way of telling a story like no other. Stolen Innocence is not a a light romance, but I will be recommending it to all of my friends who love a great story and can't wait for more.
Want to read
April 14, 2017
February 21, 2016
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! I will start by saying that this book is not for the faint of heart. It is a very, very dark read and I adored it times 10. This is my first book by Melody Anne and now I can't wait to read the next one. Elena's story was at times very hard to read. I didn't know whether to cry, shake, put the book down or scream WTF!! I couldn't put it down though, I was stuck, glued, mesmerized, captured by the horror, the drama, and the emotional pull of everything that was going on. How did this 17 year girl survive getting kidnapped and living through what she did for 5 years. Elena is such a strong, smart, defined young woman to have endured everything that she did but was still functioning. Then enters the hot and dominant Dalton. He doesn't know what to do with her, but he is coming up with some hot kinky plans. This book has a Major cliff hanger and I was screaming....I was so pissed off. I cannot wait for the next installment so I can ride on Dalton and Elena's rollercoaster. Must read if you have the balls and can hang on.
Review by Marchetti
Review by Marchetti
March 1, 2016
Title: Stolen Innocence
Author:Melody Ann
Series:Becoming Elena
Publisher:Eternal Dreams
Reviewer:Heather Callahan
Release Date:January 29, 2016
Genre(s):Romance Erotica, BDSM
Page Count:230
Heat Level: 4flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“Unlike his father, who she’d been primed for, she wanted to belong to this man. He’d awakened something inside of her, and she knew for sure she didn’t want to put it back to sleep.”
I love dark erotica, and this one defiantly was a great one for me. This is the story about a young girl who is taken and forced into a whole new life. She is abused, tortured, and forced to forget who she was and become a whole new person. Mary was very strong, almost too strong for her captures, and not by physical strength. She refused to forget her life and who she was, but all to soon she does. She becomes Elena, a woman now. The men in this story all wanted her, but she was only there for one.
Leo was supposed to be her protector. He was the man Elena counted on, and often felt the safest with. But sometimes love/lust is a force that can’t be denied.
Dalton is the Master’s son. He steps in and tries to fix all the destruction his father created. But let’s just say the apple doesn’t fall short of the tree.
If you are looking for a HEA, please know this is not one. I can’t wait to see where Melody takes us on the second book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
Please provide:
ASIN: B019P7F06W
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Anne/e/B...
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:4
PACING:5
ENDING:4
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:5
Author:Melody Ann
Series:Becoming Elena
Publisher:Eternal Dreams
Reviewer:Heather Callahan
Release Date:January 29, 2016
Genre(s):Romance Erotica, BDSM
Page Count:230
Heat Level: 4flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“Unlike his father, who she’d been primed for, she wanted to belong to this man. He’d awakened something inside of her, and she knew for sure she didn’t want to put it back to sleep.”
I love dark erotica, and this one defiantly was a great one for me. This is the story about a young girl who is taken and forced into a whole new life. She is abused, tortured, and forced to forget who she was and become a whole new person. Mary was very strong, almost too strong for her captures, and not by physical strength. She refused to forget her life and who she was, but all to soon she does. She becomes Elena, a woman now. The men in this story all wanted her, but she was only there for one.
Leo was supposed to be her protector. He was the man Elena counted on, and often felt the safest with. But sometimes love/lust is a force that can’t be denied.
Dalton is the Master’s son. He steps in and tries to fix all the destruction his father created. But let’s just say the apple doesn’t fall short of the tree.
If you are looking for a HEA, please know this is not one. I can’t wait to see where Melody takes us on the second book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
Please provide:
ASIN: B019P7F06W
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Anne/e/B...
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:4
PACING:5
ENDING:4
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:5
November 20, 2020
I am offended and outraged by this book.
Mary - Elena - was kidnapped from her home and brought to a place were men abused her mentally, physically, spiritually and sexually all to degrade and dehumanise her for "The Master". After a while of abuse, the author then deems it ok and possible that Elena can feel sexually attracted to "The Master's" son, Dalton. This is just awful. I'm sure any women who has experienced abuse (1 in 3 women) will feel outraged by this book.
I disliked how weak Mary/Elena was made to feel with the constant fear and conditioning. This is one of the things partner might go to the other in domestic violence.
I personally do not agree with the 'pleasurable sex' between her and Dalton. Switching back and forth between Leo and Dalton seemed to aggravate me. I highly doubt an abuse victim is able to cope with that as see did (not that she did that much).
I understand that writing about tough issues is one of the main ways to get the word out about the issue. I don't know if Melody Anne was aiming to educated readers about sex slaves, kidnapping and violence against women. Most likely not as the genre is supposed to be erotica/romance.
This book had a lot of heavy themes in the book. I wish I didn't download it for free and decide to read it.
Mary - Elena - was kidnapped from her home and brought to a place were men abused her mentally, physically, spiritually and sexually all to degrade and dehumanise her for "The Master". After a while of abuse, the author then deems it ok and possible that Elena can feel sexually attracted to "The Master's" son, Dalton. This is just awful. I'm sure any women who has experienced abuse (1 in 3 women) will feel outraged by this book.
I disliked how weak Mary/Elena was made to feel with the constant fear and conditioning. This is one of the things partner might go to the other in domestic violence.
I personally do not agree with the 'pleasurable sex' between her and Dalton. Switching back and forth between Leo and Dalton seemed to aggravate me. I highly doubt an abuse victim is able to cope with that as see did (not that she did that much).
I understand that writing about tough issues is one of the main ways to get the word out about the issue. I don't know if Melody Anne was aiming to educated readers about sex slaves, kidnapping and violence against women. Most likely not as the genre is supposed to be erotica/romance.
This book had a lot of heavy themes in the book. I wish I didn't download it for free and decide to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2016
This is my first book by Melody Anne.... I found the blurb one that immediately had me one clicking this one. I am a dark book lover and this one sounded just like what I needed...
Mary aka Elena was abducted at the age of 17, taken to be sold to her new master. In preparing her, she has been beaten, degraded, used and abused... but her virginity still intact.
After months of 'training', she is due to finally meet her new master...
When she is prepped and tied to a bed for hours, her new master never shows up....
Who does show up is her master's son....
Leo, one of her 'trainers' has taken a liking to Elena and wants her for himself.... Once he has gained her trust, he turns and starts to abuse her...finally raping her. But Leo isnt who Elena desires...even after many attempts of Leo trying to prove that he loves her...Her master's son is who Elena wants...but what is it that the master's son is wanting....is he like the father she watched video's of torturing women?
Diving into book 2 now....as this one ends with a major cliffy
Mary aka Elena was abducted at the age of 17, taken to be sold to her new master. In preparing her, she has been beaten, degraded, used and abused... but her virginity still intact.
After months of 'training', she is due to finally meet her new master...
When she is prepped and tied to a bed for hours, her new master never shows up....
Who does show up is her master's son....
Leo, one of her 'trainers' has taken a liking to Elena and wants her for himself.... Once he has gained her trust, he turns and starts to abuse her...finally raping her. But Leo isnt who Elena desires...even after many attempts of Leo trying to prove that he loves her...Her master's son is who Elena wants...but what is it that the master's son is wanting....is he like the father she watched video's of torturing women?
Diving into book 2 now....as this one ends with a major cliffy
June 3, 2020
Stolen Innocence is officially my favorite Melody Anne book! Dark and different than her other books, but still oh so Melody!
The only word to describe this book is Intense. It was so intense. I found myself questioning how I would handle myself if I were in Mary’s shoes. I ached for her throughout the story. The situation was dire. She coped the only way she could. This is not a book for the faint at heart. Like I said, it is dark. And intriguing.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I will say that it is a must read. I flew through Stolen Innocence in no time. I was completely taken by the story and had to what was going to happen! And speaking of the ending! GAH! I need more NOW!!!!
If you love a strong woman, a dark read and are looking for something different, this is the book for you!
5 Stars
The only word to describe this book is Intense. It was so intense. I found myself questioning how I would handle myself if I were in Mary’s shoes. I ached for her throughout the story. The situation was dire. She coped the only way she could. This is not a book for the faint at heart. Like I said, it is dark. And intriguing.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I will say that it is a must read. I flew through Stolen Innocence in no time. I was completely taken by the story and had to what was going to happen! And speaking of the ending! GAH! I need more NOW!!!!
If you love a strong woman, a dark read and are looking for something different, this is the book for you!
5 Stars
May 4, 2016
This is a very difficult review to type as I love this author, but this book was DISTURBING to say the least. It was about kidnapping, rape, torture, and pedophilia and then it just ends! I am not even sure I want to know how the research took place for the contents of this book. There are so many other books that Melody writes that are better. She missed the mark on this one BIG TIME!
January 29, 2017
I gave it a go even with the warning about it being a dark book but I just couldn't finish it there was to much of everything, to much darkness and way to much graphic scenes for me but at least I tried to read it that was a challenge in itself and it is a shame because I am a huge fan of Melody Anne's writing I have read every other book but this one I just could not finish, that is not to say it's not a good book it's just not my cup of tea.
February 2, 2016
Title:Stolen Innocence
Author: Melody Anne
Series: Becoming Elena, Book #1
Publisher: Eternal Dreams
Release Date: January 29, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“As his hands slid against her shoulders, he felt that now familiar stirring in his body. He found himself wanting to explore her hidden curves, touch her smooth skin, and discover whether she tasted as good as she smelled.”
4 stars!
Wow what a painful and beautiful book!! This is the first book I’ve read of Melody’s and wow, what an amazing author she is!! This book is so dark and gritty, which is what I love, but I’m shocked that it’s coming from Melody. I won’t go more into detail regarding this book, but if you like dark, this book is for you!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Melody Anne
Series: Becoming Elena, Book #1
Publisher: Eternal Dreams
Release Date: January 29, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Every master was once a student – every woman was once a child …
What makes a person forget their entire identity? What makes them become someone else? What makes them desire pain … control … and ultimately pleasure? It’s not anything that happens overnight, over even in a few weeks. Tragedy beyond what a human can possibly imagine will forever alter Mary’s future.
Mary’s life is boring, conservative and typical. She wants adventure, thrills and so much more. But she will soon learn to be careful what to wish for when she’s taken against her will and thrust into the twisted world of a powerful man who doesn’t care if she lives or dies.
When Mary starts becoming Elena, she does find a savior, but is he truly the person who will protect her, or will he be the one to escort her straight into the pits of hell?
Forgetting who she is or where she belongs, she learns she can trust no one, rely on only herself, and fall further than she ever thought possible. She will become someone else and the cycle will begin. She will become the person who will eventually change the life of so many others. Some might say the change is good, the violence is necessary. And some will cry for this tragedy that should have been stopped.
Just when you think you know how it all came about, how it will end, you will be floored again by who can be trusted … and who can’t.
“As his hands slid against her shoulders, he felt that now familiar stirring in his body. He found himself wanting to explore her hidden curves, touch her smooth skin, and discover whether she tasted as good as she smelled.”
4 stars!
Wow what a painful and beautiful book!! This is the first book I’ve read of Melody’s and wow, what an amazing author she is!! This book is so dark and gritty, which is what I love, but I’m shocked that it’s coming from Melody. I won’t go more into detail regarding this book, but if you like dark, this book is for you!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
March 10, 2016
I made it over halfway through this book and had to stop.
Why you ask? Trust me, it wasn't from the abuse and violence.
Which there was A LOT of. Nope. It was because of Leo.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Leo was the only one throughout the first half that i had any inkling of respect for. While he still did what he did, he had remorse for her. I had the "feeling" that he would have been the one to save her, if there was such a thing. So when he all of a sudden became "crazy" and thought he was in love with Elaina and raped her saying it was due to love, it just through the entire story out the window for me. The book was already dramatic enough without this added extra bonus. It doesn't sit well with me so i won't be finishing the series. Not to mention now we have Dalton and some new "master" from the Prologue to whom we know nothing about. Was it a prologue to the series? Usually a prologue is to the book you are currently reading, not the entire series, which i think will/has confused a lot of people.
Anyways. If you don't mind reading about kidnapping, abuse, rape, pedaphiles, and general craziness, then this book may be for you. Like i said before, i have no problem *reading* the above things (no way is any of this OK in real life), I just didn't like the sudden change in dynamic of a few characters. Up until then, i was totally enraptured wondering where it would all lead to.
2* for me
Why you ask? Trust me, it wasn't from the abuse and violence.
Which there was A LOT of. Nope. It was because of Leo.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Leo was the only one throughout the first half that i had any inkling of respect for. While he still did what he did, he had remorse for her. I had the "feeling" that he would have been the one to save her, if there was such a thing. So when he all of a sudden became "crazy" and thought he was in love with Elaina and raped her saying it was due to love, it just through the entire story out the window for me. The book was already dramatic enough without this added extra bonus. It doesn't sit well with me so i won't be finishing the series. Not to mention now we have Dalton and some new "master" from the Prologue to whom we know nothing about. Was it a prologue to the series? Usually a prologue is to the book you are currently reading, not the entire series, which i think will/has confused a lot of people.
Anyways. If you don't mind reading about kidnapping, abuse, rape, pedaphiles, and general craziness, then this book may be for you. Like i said before, i have no problem *reading* the above things (no way is any of this OK in real life), I just didn't like the sudden change in dynamic of a few characters. Up until then, i was totally enraptured wondering where it would all lead to.
2* for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2016
Oh my this is one very good but very rough read. I say tough in the highest and best sense of the way. I had no idea that author Melody Anne could write material that is so dark and so deep.
It had me reading this book from the first page until the very last one without stopping even missing my shows. This is a series but i figured that out when it says 1 in the title so expect that it has a CLIFFHANGER folks!
Mary or Elena was kidnapped as a teen and this is the story of how she becomes Elena. Who do you trust when you don't know what to trust or even remember who you are?
There might be triggers for you in this book so please be aware and read the blurb before buying. Like I said before TOTALLY Different than her other series but SO GOOD and SO DARK and OH SO INTENSE and GOOD.
Looking forward to part 2 which I hope is soon.
It had me reading this book from the first page until the very last one without stopping even missing my shows. This is a series but i figured that out when it says 1 in the title so expect that it has a CLIFFHANGER folks!
Mary or Elena was kidnapped as a teen and this is the story of how she becomes Elena. Who do you trust when you don't know what to trust or even remember who you are?
There might be triggers for you in this book so please be aware and read the blurb before buying. Like I said before TOTALLY Different than her other series but SO GOOD and SO DARK and OH SO INTENSE and GOOD.
Looking forward to part 2 which I hope is soon.
February 4, 2016
Wow, I have to admit this isn't like anything, Melody Anne usually writes, but all I can say is Wow. What a story, although I am screaming because it is a cliffhanger. Mary is kidnapped and forced into a very strange life. She is brainwashed into believing she is Elena. A whole new life is planned for her but is that a good thing? Only time will tell. This is a very dark romance with violence, and sex. If you don't like to read that type of book this really isn't for you. The story is so good you won't be able to put it down, but be prepared to holler at Melody when you get to the end. Another great read by Melody Anne
February 11, 2016
Stolen Innocence is a far cry from the Melody Anne stories I normally read. There were times I had to reread areas in order to make sure I understood what was going on. Ms. Anne conjured a story filled with darkness, self preservation and survival. She paints a picture of innocence shattered by heartbreak and betrayal. I received a copy of Stolen Innocence in exchange for an honest review. Despite the odds this resilient women resurfaced. She may have been forever changed but the beauty of this grim story is that she emerged victorious. Some parts were too much for me but this novel is mind blowing and painful. A courageous voyage.
July 31, 2017
Just ok for me...Elana did get Mary beaten right out of her. Dalton seems like he is the nice guy but then I remember what I read in the begining. I do like how the mystery of how Elana got to be were she is, sounds interesting. I did not connect with Elana and I dont know why really. I dont believe I will contuine this series only because it's not finished and I just dont want to get involved with another unfinished story:))
September 2, 2016
While I thought this book is well written I wished the story was a little better. I read the second book and now wished I hadn't. The author is all over the place with her characters and it left me confused which subsequently lead into anger. I DON'T recommend this series. What a waste it had such potential...
April 13, 2017
Not good, not bad either
I was horrified, discussed, and excited. I wanted to read this book and then I wanted to put it down and not pick it back up. I hate starting a series and not finishing, but may not finishing this series. If you are into sex trafficking, enslavement then this book is for you. I am not saying this was not a good read, I am saying just not for me.
I was horrified, discussed, and excited. I wanted to read this book and then I wanted to put it down and not pick it back up. I hate starting a series and not finishing, but may not finishing this series. If you are into sex trafficking, enslavement then this book is for you. I am not saying this was not a good read, I am saying just not for me.
January 31, 2016
something happens toMary Aka Elena at 17 and what she goes through is terrible . This is a dark read and totally different story that Melody Anne writes. beware is all I am saying . I hate the end it's a cliff hanger All I can say I can not wait until the next book
June 9, 2016
The story idea is there and this book could've been great but the writing was choppy, lacking in all sorts of description and flow. It read like a first draft that needed the story and the characters to be properly filled in.
June 10, 2017
DNF at 40%. Melody Anne is a good writer but she's not Pepper Winters. And what is it with the prologue, hinting that Elena is the same character from 50SD??? It didn't make sense to me!
May 19, 2018
**Review of the audiobook**
STORY: 4 stars
PERFORMANCE: 3 stars
OVERALL: 3.5 stars
STORY
This was my first book by Melody Anne who for some reason I always assumed wrote sugary sweet romances. Perhaps she does but I can now confirm that she can also writes some good, dark erotica!
Mary was just 16, planning on finishing high school and leaving to attend college when she is kidnapped. Trained and conditioned to become, “Elena”, she 100% becomes submissive after having an injury that leaves her with amnesia. STOLEN INNOCENCE is about one of the men who trains Elena and later, about her relationship with the son of the man who bought her. It’s unpredictable and hot!
Her entire purpose was to please the master.
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ramona Master. If this were the first audiobook I had ever listened to, I might have thought Ms. Master was a decent or good narrator. However, I‘ve listened to hundreds so I know that her performance was extremely poor... At times, Ms. Master’s pauses worked well to add realism to her narration yet most of the time, her pauses occurred when pauses we’re not necessary, making it obvious that she was either losing her place or needing a breath. A similar issue occurred with her exuding emotion, often emoting excessively or when not congruent with the storyline. Although her performance was fantastic some of the time, at other times the way she read was extremely distracting and irritating to me.
STORY: 4 stars
PERFORMANCE: 3 stars
OVERALL: 3.5 stars
STORY
This was my first book by Melody Anne who for some reason I always assumed wrote sugary sweet romances. Perhaps she does but I can now confirm that she can also writes some good, dark erotica!
Mary was just 16, planning on finishing high school and leaving to attend college when she is kidnapped. Trained and conditioned to become, “Elena”, she 100% becomes submissive after having an injury that leaves her with amnesia. STOLEN INNOCENCE is about one of the men who trains Elena and later, about her relationship with the son of the man who bought her. It’s unpredictable and hot!
Her entire purpose was to please the master.
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ramona Master. If this were the first audiobook I had ever listened to, I might have thought Ms. Master was a decent or good narrator. However, I‘ve listened to hundreds so I know that her performance was extremely poor... At times, Ms. Master’s pauses worked well to add realism to her narration yet most of the time, her pauses occurred when pauses we’re not necessary, making it obvious that she was either losing her place or needing a breath. A similar issue occurred with her exuding emotion, often emoting excessively or when not congruent with the storyline. Although her performance was fantastic some of the time, at other times the way she read was extremely distracting and irritating to me.
May 1, 2019
Content Warnings Galore
Melody Anne’s tale of trauma & suffering is a potent one. Rife with consent violation; sexual assault; assault of a minor (though technically old enough to give consent in most places); torture; brainwashing; rape & more, this story is rough.
Be warned. A lot of girding of the mental loins is required.
Melody absolutely nails the despondency, hopelessness, fear & silence that this kind of assault can trigger. As a survivor of much, much less traumatic assault, I almost find myself questioning whether Mary/Elena’s depiction could have gone further. I absolutely connected with Mary/Elena. I understood what she was feeling, & I was drawn in by the skill with which Anne writes on such a difficult topic.
As rough as this book is, & as strange the romantic evolution, I’m glad there is accessible media portraying sexual assault victims. I’m thrilled there is good media about horrific trauma. I’m chuffed there’s well written literature about the damage consent violation can do. There’s a bit of exploitation going on. That’s a reasonable critique.
I’ll still be in my corner celebrating the existence of a book that tackles difficult trauma without alienating the audience or the victim.
For the people in the back: well written trauma & victims thereof! Rejoice!! Also have a box of tissues while you read this.
Melody Anne’s tale of trauma & suffering is a potent one. Rife with consent violation; sexual assault; assault of a minor (though technically old enough to give consent in most places); torture; brainwashing; rape & more, this story is rough.
Be warned. A lot of girding of the mental loins is required.
Melody absolutely nails the despondency, hopelessness, fear & silence that this kind of assault can trigger. As a survivor of much, much less traumatic assault, I almost find myself questioning whether Mary/Elena’s depiction could have gone further. I absolutely connected with Mary/Elena. I understood what she was feeling, & I was drawn in by the skill with which Anne writes on such a difficult topic.
As rough as this book is, & as strange the romantic evolution, I’m glad there is accessible media portraying sexual assault victims. I’m thrilled there is good media about horrific trauma. I’m chuffed there’s well written literature about the damage consent violation can do. There’s a bit of exploitation going on. That’s a reasonable critique.
I’ll still be in my corner celebrating the existence of a book that tackles difficult trauma without alienating the audience or the victim.
For the people in the back: well written trauma & victims thereof! Rejoice!! Also have a box of tissues while you read this.
June 13, 2020
Read April 2016:
A strange story, but captivating enough to want to read book 2.
I really liked the prologue; finding content and writing to be very good, however, thereafter I noticed a distinct change in the quality of said writing. However, I was intrigued enough by the story that I carried on reading.
The quality of the writing for me, was inconsistent. What I read in the prologue has little in common with what follows, and I can only think that it will hopefully be revealed in book 2!? This is weird to say the least, and I suspect that originally there was only meant to be one book, and not two. Any way the premise of the story is a good one, although quite brutal for Mary/Elena, who becomes almost totally brain-washed by events she is forced to endure. A seeming knight in shining Armour appears to come to her rescue, although he turns out to be as screwed up as Elena, but dangerous with it. I can't say I'm in love with any of the characters here, it's all a bit too strange for that. I may alter my rating of this book, depending on what happens in book 2, where I hope to get some answers. I have pre-ordered it in any case, so there has to be something to hold my interest or I wouldn't have bothered. We shall see.
A strange story, but captivating enough to want to read book 2.
I really liked the prologue; finding content and writing to be very good, however, thereafter I noticed a distinct change in the quality of said writing. However, I was intrigued enough by the story that I carried on reading.
The quality of the writing for me, was inconsistent. What I read in the prologue has little in common with what follows, and I can only think that it will hopefully be revealed in book 2!? This is weird to say the least, and I suspect that originally there was only meant to be one book, and not two. Any way the premise of the story is a good one, although quite brutal for Mary/Elena, who becomes almost totally brain-washed by events she is forced to endure. A seeming knight in shining Armour appears to come to her rescue, although he turns out to be as screwed up as Elena, but dangerous with it. I can't say I'm in love with any of the characters here, it's all a bit too strange for that. I may alter my rating of this book, depending on what happens in book 2, where I hope to get some answers. I have pre-ordered it in any case, so there has to be something to hold my interest or I wouldn't have bothered. We shall see.
February 18, 2017
If you find it hard to read things that are explicit in description pertaining to acts of violence, you do not want to read this book. The book starts off fine but because of the nature of the main character's story things take a terrible turn.
After reading the synopsis of this book and the author's comments, I had a good idea what I was about to read. The book held my attention because I wanted to know if Mary/Elena would see an end to the tragic events that had befallen her. The book ended in a cliff hanger so of course I'll be picking up the second book in the series.
This book was written in such a powerful way that in my head I was screaming for Elena to fight even though it was obvious she would not only lose the fight but might also lose her life.
If you can handle the subject matter, it's definitely something to read.
After reading the synopsis of this book and the author's comments, I had a good idea what I was about to read. The book held my attention because I wanted to know if Mary/Elena would see an end to the tragic events that had befallen her. The book ended in a cliff hanger so of course I'll be picking up the second book in the series.
This book was written in such a powerful way that in my head I was screaming for Elena to fight even though it was obvious she would not only lose the fight but might also lose her life.
If you can handle the subject matter, it's definitely something to read.
February 27, 2017
Wow - amazing!
At first it was hard to read, because nobody wants to think of the pain those girls endured. Especially someone who knows pain. But as things progressed it, I won't say it got easier but it was bearable.
I didn't know what to expect when I started the book. I originally got it because the title drew me in. It was.. eye opening is the best word I have.
Because we don't see that type of situation made public or ever mentioned.
This is NOT what BDSM is like. This is flat out abuse. For anyone reading this please know this is not what the lifestyle is like.
All in all it was a good book.
At first it was hard to read, because nobody wants to think of the pain those girls endured. Especially someone who knows pain. But as things progressed it, I won't say it got easier but it was bearable.
I didn't know what to expect when I started the book. I originally got it because the title drew me in. It was.. eye opening is the best word I have.
Because we don't see that type of situation made public or ever mentioned.
This is NOT what BDSM is like. This is flat out abuse. For anyone reading this please know this is not what the lifestyle is like.
All in all it was a good book.
October 5, 2017
This book, hell this series is so many things. A rollercoaster ride for 17 year old Mary that has been taken and sold into a life of HELL. I personally could not stop reading this series. And boy ole boy if you can hang on for the ride, you won't be sorry in the end. Melody Anne has a way with words that's for sure. GREAT READ
August 14, 2017
Wow!
This book is Stolen Innocence: Becoming Elena, book one of a series written by Melody Anne. This is far far from the usual works of Melody Anne. It’s hard to read this book and not be outraged and anxious at the things that are taking place. I very eager to see how the plot will turn in the next book.
This book is Stolen Innocence: Becoming Elena, book one of a series written by Melody Anne. This is far far from the usual works of Melody Anne. It’s hard to read this book and not be outraged and anxious at the things that are taking place. I very eager to see how the plot will turn in the next book.
October 1, 2019
Dark and twisted cliffhanger
Mary is abducted when she is almost 17 years old. She is tortured and beaten to be prepped for the master for over two years. They turn her into Elena and steal her memories and identity. This is her slow decline into losing herself. Just when there might be hope it's snatched away and her torment gets worse.
This ends in a cliffhanger.
Mary is abducted when she is almost 17 years old. She is tortured and beaten to be prepped for the master for over two years. They turn her into Elena and steal her memories and identity. This is her slow decline into losing herself. Just when there might be hope it's snatched away and her torment gets worse.
This ends in a cliffhanger.
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