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The Dark Arts #1
The Con Artist
It was supposed to be one quick job, but it ended in my captivity to a man as dangerous to my safety as he is to my heart.
Lachlan Niche had way too much money and in my opinion not enough brains to be worthy of holding onto it. And I was happy to help him out with that problem.
The job was simple. He hired me to steal a priceless piece of art that wasn’t for sale.
But I wasn’t about to steal for this guy—certainly not a painting created by the man who inspired me to become an artist.
I decided I’d just forge it. He’d get the fake, and I’d get a cool 12 million for the imaginary heist.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything.
Lachlan Niche had way too much money and in my opinion not enough brains to be worthy of holding onto it. And I was happy to help him out with that problem.
The job was simple. He hired me to steal a priceless piece of art that wasn’t for sale.
But I wasn’t about to steal for this guy—certainly not a painting created by the man who inspired me to become an artist.
I decided I’d just forge it. He’d get the fake, and I’d get a cool 12 million for the imaginary heist.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2016
157 people are currently reading
7058 people want to read
About the author
Kitty Thomas
56 books4,961 followers😈 Author of Comfort Food, published in early 2010: The OG (original gangster/the first) Dark Romance 😈
NEW RELEASE:
RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:
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"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads
"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads
"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads
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🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
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🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
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Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
NEW RELEASE:
RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...
"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads
"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads
"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads
Get a FREE ebook when you subscribe to my newsletter: https://kittythomas.com/free-book/
🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 3, 2021
⚠️ Warning Ranty Review Ahead with possible spoilers
Whilst reading, this book was easily between a 4 and 5 star read. The story held me transfixed, rather like watching a train crash. But I was waiting for one of two things to happen...... and then it ended. Well if you could call it an ending, I mean technically the story stopped so it definitely ended but for me it wasn’t anywhere near complete.
I loved how Big Sky finished in much a similar way but the difference there was that I felt the heroine’s peace and contentment. All I saw for Saskia was discontent, self loathing and mental instability. I also didn't see ANY real relationship, other than a man who owned an object of art and a self-deluded woman. Normally Kitty convinces me that however unusual the relationship is, both parties benefit, I spent the whole book waiting for that but it was never delivered.
I read far too late into the night to finish it. That’s how much I was anticipating the ending. So when I did reach the‘conclusion’, for the first time ever I found myself disappointed by a Kitty Thomas book. I felt no connection between the characters and had zero empathy for them. Indeed by the end of the book I didn’t even like them.
I just couldn’t buy into Saskia going from a woman savvy and brave enough to con a billionaire to one so desperate for any crumbs of possible affection that she allowed herself to be literally prostituted out to the male protagonists friends. Good job they were all so good looking and dominant otherwise she might have really struggled with having sex with virtual strangers when she really wasn’t 100% on board with the idea. What on earth happened to the strong female? Saskia at the start and Saskia for most of the book were like two disparate characters.
At no point was I convinced she shared Niche/Quill/Drake/yet-another-pseudonym’s particular kink. He got off on selling her and watching her with others, or so we were told. She seemingly went along with it because she stupidly hoped that it would make him love her. And why was this cold, manipulative, abusive and self centred arsehole so damaged? What terrible catastrophe had befallen him to turn him into such a monster? What vile abuses had he suffered to warp and twist him into this cruel male? He’d been dumped by his first collared submissive. Yes he’d gone through the BDSM equivalent of a divorce and that was enough to turn him into this uncaring and abusing man who had zero redeeming features.
Then there is Saskia who, as I mentioned before, was brazen enough to pull a con on someone rich and powerful. Someone who repulsed her and made her skin crawl. That very same man turned out to be someone she admired and suddenly all that revulsion turns to lust. JUST LIKE THAT. And she is soooooo in lust with him that she allows herself to remain in an unhealthy, abusive quasi-relationship. I have seen Saskia in other books and what I saw here wasn't that character. For the majority of this book she just felt like the worst doormat ever, clearly have either zero self-respect or somehow being so brainwashed by Niche/Quill/Drake/blah blah blah's treatment that she couldn't step away. Women do get caught in abusive relationships but I just wasn't convinced that is what was happening here. I didn't see enough of him mentally breaking her down - particularly as every time he pushed her boundaries he also offered her an out, but she agreed because of who he was in her crazy mental fantasies. I say crazy because she actually thought that somehow they would become reality, despite constant evidence to the contrary.
I wanted to say the only redeemable character was Marcus, but actually he wasn't. He was either as brainwashed by the antihero as Saskia was or an even bigger doormat. Though at least his appeared to be a more caring relationship with the MMC than the one Saskia had. Marcus, however, allowed her to remain in an unhealthy relationship, in fact he enabled it, so I can't really like him much either.
The only reason I didn't give this 2 stars was that it's well written. But clearly this story and these characters just weren't for me.
ETA - the two options I was waiting for was (a) for Saskia to grow a backbone, discover some self-respect and leave or (b) for Quill to show a small amount of caring towards Saskia. Even to believe either of them was truly happy with their relationship would have helped.
Whilst reading, this book was easily between a 4 and 5 star read. The story held me transfixed, rather like watching a train crash. But I was waiting for one of two things to happen...... and then it ended. Well if you could call it an ending, I mean technically the story stopped so it definitely ended but for me it wasn’t anywhere near complete.
I loved how Big Sky finished in much a similar way but the difference there was that I felt the heroine’s peace and contentment. All I saw for Saskia was discontent, self loathing and mental instability. I also didn't see ANY real relationship, other than a man who owned an object of art and a self-deluded woman. Normally Kitty convinces me that however unusual the relationship is, both parties benefit, I spent the whole book waiting for that but it was never delivered.
I read far too late into the night to finish it. That’s how much I was anticipating the ending. So when I did reach the‘conclusion’, for the first time ever I found myself disappointed by a Kitty Thomas book. I felt no connection between the characters and had zero empathy for them. Indeed by the end of the book I didn’t even like them.
I just couldn’t buy into Saskia going from a woman savvy and brave enough to con a billionaire to one so desperate for any crumbs of possible affection that she allowed herself to be literally prostituted out to the male protagonists friends. Good job they were all so good looking and dominant otherwise she might have really struggled with having sex with virtual strangers when she really wasn’t 100% on board with the idea. What on earth happened to the strong female? Saskia at the start and Saskia for most of the book were like two disparate characters.
At no point was I convinced she shared Niche/Quill/Drake/yet-another-pseudonym’s particular kink. He got off on selling her and watching her with others, or so we were told. She seemingly went along with it because she stupidly hoped that it would make him love her. And why was this cold, manipulative, abusive and self centred arsehole so damaged? What terrible catastrophe had befallen him to turn him into such a monster? What vile abuses had he suffered to warp and twist him into this cruel male? He’d been dumped by his first collared submissive. Yes he’d gone through the BDSM equivalent of a divorce and that was enough to turn him into this uncaring and abusing man who had zero redeeming features.
Then there is Saskia who, as I mentioned before, was brazen enough to pull a con on someone rich and powerful. Someone who repulsed her and made her skin crawl. That very same man turned out to be someone she admired and suddenly all that revulsion turns to lust. JUST LIKE THAT. And she is soooooo in lust with him that she allows herself to remain in an unhealthy, abusive quasi-relationship. I have seen Saskia in other books and what I saw here wasn't that character. For the majority of this book she just felt like the worst doormat ever, clearly have either zero self-respect or somehow being so brainwashed by Niche/Quill/Drake/blah blah blah's treatment that she couldn't step away. Women do get caught in abusive relationships but I just wasn't convinced that is what was happening here. I didn't see enough of him mentally breaking her down - particularly as every time he pushed her boundaries he also offered her an out, but she agreed because of who he was in her crazy mental fantasies. I say crazy because she actually thought that somehow they would become reality, despite constant evidence to the contrary.
I wanted to say the only redeemable character was Marcus, but actually he wasn't. He was either as brainwashed by the antihero as Saskia was or an even bigger doormat. Though at least his appeared to be a more caring relationship with the MMC than the one Saskia had. Marcus, however, allowed her to remain in an unhealthy relationship, in fact he enabled it, so I can't really like him much either.
The only reason I didn't give this 2 stars was that it's well written. But clearly this story and these characters just weren't for me.
ETA - the two options I was waiting for was (a) for Saskia to grow a backbone, discover some self-respect and leave or (b) for Quill to show a small amount of caring towards Saskia. Even to believe either of them was truly happy with their relationship would have helped.
February 16, 2016
I LOVE Kitty Thomas books.
I LOVE that they aren't sweet and many don't end with a conventional HEA...it is what she writes. Seeing reviews that take away stars for that is insane. If you want an HEA, I recommend you find another author. If you want BDSM at its finest. If you want unimaginable situations and truly twisted characters. If you want a storyline that will stay with you for days, weeks or months after you read THE END...then Kitty is for you!
Con Artist was no exception. Truly some of her finest writing. I was enthralled from the first page. The concept was unique and well thought out. The characters were balanced with one another, not only the H/h (which is the incorrect term since technically this wasn't a romance) but the side characters. (I LOVED Marcus...FYI)
For a memorable story and unforgettable characters...I highly recommend Con Artist.
I LOVE that they aren't sweet and many don't end with a conventional HEA...it is what she writes. Seeing reviews that take away stars for that is insane. If you want an HEA, I recommend you find another author. If you want BDSM at its finest. If you want unimaginable situations and truly twisted characters. If you want a storyline that will stay with you for days, weeks or months after you read THE END...then Kitty is for you!
Con Artist was no exception. Truly some of her finest writing. I was enthralled from the first page. The concept was unique and well thought out. The characters were balanced with one another, not only the H/h (which is the incorrect term since technically this wasn't a romance) but the side characters. (I LOVED Marcus...FYI)
For a memorable story and unforgettable characters...I highly recommend Con Artist.
January 31, 2016
2.5 ~ 3 STARS!
I'm struggle to rate this. Honestly, all Kitty Thomas' book made me struggle. Hahaha... She created unconventional world of BDSM relationship. She's one of my fave authors that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'm rarely read Master/slave relationship because it was too much for me. But Ms. Thomas has brilliant mind with something different than others. She's definitely my must read :)
Saskia Roth is a struggle and poor artist who set up her con for Lachlan Niche. But he isn't just some man. He's intrigued her but she made him clear strictly for business. She feels guilty for the painting because she adore the artist. Her con ended up pretty well and she has the money. She thought she could get away with it but apparently, Lachlan set his eyes on her. Or stalked her? Lachlan didn't only just want his money back but with interest including Saskia.
I know something mysterious about this man. Lachlan isn't just a boring rich man who likes art. He already caught my attention with his ways of flirt. When Saskia said 'Yes, Sir' to his demand, I know he's a Dom/Master at the very moment. Man... that was seriously HOT! However, Saskia appeared to be a strong and determined woman at first, but I didn't really connect with her. There is something in her that didn't caught my attention.
The story turns out didn't like what I expected! It's kinda surprised me when he came to collect her debt. When he reveals everything, Saskia couldn't get away from his web. She already tangled so bad in this very fucked up situations. Their M/s relationship is still okay for my weak heart (Just kiddin'!). I think swapping partner is kinda my hard limit and I tried so bad to swallow it. I don't mind when a woman play with other man because it her Master's kink but I expect her to be monogamous with her. Well, it's not happened in this story.
Of course, we all know how's the ending. Not so much for HEA if you're looking for it. Unfinished business. Even after Saskia has been mold into someone she never know by her Master, he never reveal his feeling. His hot and cold attitude towards her really irritated me. I didn't really understand him at this point. He's hard to read. He's kinda freaky and egoist. One of my biggest fear that I never know is...
Again, Ms. Thomas' story always fascinating. It's against the nature and so unreal. The Con Artist really reminds me of Big Sky (with less bizarre kinky shit). A struggle woman got picked up by a mysterious man and ended up in 'comfort slavery'. I could still handle the orgy, though. Sometimes it made me hot and bothered ;) Why 3 stars? When the first time he's become her Master, I thought for 4 stars but when the shit goes down, I just couldn't feel him again. He's like a zombie. Sometimes he exist, sometimes not.
I'm struggle to rate this. Honestly, all Kitty Thomas' book made me struggle. Hahaha... She created unconventional world of BDSM relationship. She's one of my fave authors that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'm rarely read Master/slave relationship because it was too much for me. But Ms. Thomas has brilliant mind with something different than others. She's definitely my must read :)
Saskia Roth is a struggle and poor artist who set up her con for Lachlan Niche. But he isn't just some man. He's intrigued her but she made him clear strictly for business. She feels guilty for the painting because she adore the artist. Her con ended up pretty well and she has the money. She thought she could get away with it but apparently, Lachlan set his eyes on her. Or stalked her? Lachlan didn't only just want his money back but with interest including Saskia.
I know something mysterious about this man. Lachlan isn't just a boring rich man who likes art. He already caught my attention with his ways of flirt. When Saskia said 'Yes, Sir' to his demand, I know he's a Dom/Master at the very moment. Man... that was seriously HOT! However, Saskia appeared to be a strong and determined woman at first, but I didn't really connect with her. There is something in her that didn't caught my attention.
The story turns out didn't like what I expected! It's kinda surprised me when he came to collect her debt. When he reveals everything, Saskia couldn't get away from his web. She already tangled so bad in this very fucked up situations. Their M/s relationship is still okay for my weak heart (Just kiddin'!). I think swapping partner is kinda my hard limit and I tried so bad to swallow it. I don't mind when a woman play with other man because it her Master's kink but I expect her to be monogamous with her. Well, it's not happened in this story.
Of course, we all know how's the ending. Not so much for HEA if you're looking for it. Unfinished business. Even after Saskia has been mold into someone she never know by her Master, he never reveal his feeling. His hot and cold attitude towards her really irritated me. I didn't really understand him at this point. He's hard to read. He's kinda freaky and egoist. One of my biggest fear that I never know is...
Again, Ms. Thomas' story always fascinating. It's against the nature and so unreal. The Con Artist really reminds me of Big Sky (with less bizarre kinky shit). A struggle woman got picked up by a mysterious man and ended up in 'comfort slavery'. I could still handle the orgy, though. Sometimes it made me hot and bothered ;) Why 3 stars? When the first time he's become her Master, I thought for 4 stars but when the shit goes down, I just couldn't feel him again. He's like a zombie. Sometimes he exist, sometimes not.
November 12, 2019
Kitty Thomas is one of those very few authors that can reach down into your soul,find the darkest corners,and feed the burning need that resides there.
The Con Artist is one of those stories that find that spot,over and over again.
Saskia is a starving artist who turned to conning the unsuspecting client.
And when word got around she did a pretty good forging,she used it to her advantage.
So when Lachlan Niche asked her to forge ánd steal a Quill,she was ready to con him out of his money.
Stealing the Quill wasn’t something she planned,because that arrogant man didn’t deserve his work.
Only,Lachlan isn’t who he appears to be.......
And making her pay for her con,in every way possible,is what she’ll do.
She really has no other choice,than to do as told,even if it’ll cost her her very soul.
Who is Lachlan really?
And is he capable of human emotions?
Can Saskia be the one to make him feel,really feel?
Be prepared to go down the rabbithole,and hold on tight......
It’s a hell of a ride,but i loved it!
And knowing The Escape Artist is coming......YUM!
I can’t wait!
The Con Artist is one of those stories that find that spot,over and over again.
Saskia is a starving artist who turned to conning the unsuspecting client.
And when word got around she did a pretty good forging,she used it to her advantage.
So when Lachlan Niche asked her to forge ánd steal a Quill,she was ready to con him out of his money.
Stealing the Quill wasn’t something she planned,because that arrogant man didn’t deserve his work.
Only,Lachlan isn’t who he appears to be.......
And making her pay for her con,in every way possible,is what she’ll do.
She really has no other choice,than to do as told,even if it’ll cost her her very soul.
Who is Lachlan really?
And is he capable of human emotions?
Can Saskia be the one to make him feel,really feel?
Be prepared to go down the rabbithole,and hold on tight......
It’s a hell of a ride,but i loved it!
And knowing The Escape Artist is coming......YUM!
I can’t wait!
Read
June 5, 2023THE CON ARTIST has a NEW COVER! It's available in both ebook and paperback with the new cover. IF you've read The Con Artist there is ALSO a new FREE Bonus Epilogue which you can grab here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gbx65ccnzi
Stay tuned for updates about the re-release of the second book of the duet: THE ESCAPE ARTIST with bonus epilogue! And don't forget to enter to win a signed copy of The Escape Artist here at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
Stay tuned for updates about the re-release of the second book of the duet: THE ESCAPE ARTIST with bonus epilogue! And don't forget to enter to win a signed copy of The Escape Artist here at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
March 13, 2016
I like Kitty Thomas books. I like the dark. I like the kink. I like that uncertainty. The Con Artist starts out great and I was hoping for a clever mix of the conned playing the con and then vice versa but... The con is run and it doesn't quite play out as I expected. After the con, the book gets stuck. The story plays out but the characters don't really grow or change. After the con Saskia is an empty shell. She rarely utters a "Yes Sir" that isn't stuttered out. What happened the woman who could run the con? Why does she never finds her confidence game again? Starstruck awe? She simply simpering, annoying and uncertain through the remainder of the book. I didn't cheer for these characters to be together. In fact, I thought that Marcus and Qwill (or whatever his name was-pick one) had better chemistry.
I don't expect love and tenderness or an HEA in a KT book so the ending was no surprise but when the Kindle switched to the rating screen I thought I had skipped a page or even a chapter but it was indeed the end. :-(
I don't expect love and tenderness or an HEA in a KT book so the ending was no surprise but when the Kindle switched to the rating screen I thought I had skipped a page or even a chapter but it was indeed the end. :-(
March 30, 2016
I absolutely love Kitty's books, but this one was a miss for me. I still rated it 4 stars because her writing and creative story telling is solid. However, I attempt to buy books in this genre that not only tell a good tale, but also make my panties want to fly off my legs. The Con Artist has an intriguing story that pulled me in, but it never sent my personal sex-o-meter to tilt. Warning, major spoiler ahead... I couldn't get into the heat of the story because I like to feel what the female lead feels and I couldn't identify with her. She falls for a bisexual man who is into watching her make love to other men. Call me old fashion, but I like a dominate man to make me feel like a woman and take me early and often. I don't like to feel that I am competing with another man for his attention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2016
First off I need to say swapping or sharing is not my thing...I can do a threesome if written well but I like them to have feelings for one another. Qwill shared her a lot and I mean a lot. At his party's she was the party favor, he pimped her out and told her Marcus(his bodyguard,driver) had all rights to her body except penetration and I must say I thought Marcus was kinder toward her. Saskia gave up so easy, it was sad to watch. I knew going in that this was not a romance and I had to keep reminding myself this as I read. Qwill was so cold toward her!!! but she loved him, but more as a artist (I think) than the man himself. The ending, well I still kept hoping that something good would come out of all this...just like Saskia kept hoping that about Qwill. Good book love Kitty Thomas..This is truly not a romance, it's dark so it's great for us dark reader's..
Want to read
June 11, 2023I have an amazing giveaway going on right now on my blog from Author Kitty Thomas, check it out along with an excerpt of THE CON ARTIST here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
July 8, 2020
4 stars for keeping me hooked, but 3 stars for the story and only 2 stars for the breaking of spirit. I absolutely loved the introduction of Marcus into the mix, and praise the author for the involvement of artwork into the tale, but there was no resolution to the story or the relationship, and it gave the impression that she would continue in the same down-trodden, isolated, unappreciated way that had been described for most of the book.
I don't like how the MC's spirit - strong, determined, clever as she was shown in the first few chapters - was stripped away so thoroughly, and I would have enjoyed seeing it return at the end: but instead, she just learned to live with (and like) her new situation. Don't get me wrong - I have no problem with a character having a submissive/dominant kink in bed: but I hate it when that extends to their everyday lives as well. She was an independent women who was effectively broken, and that makes for both a terrible message and a gloomy ending.
I don't like how the MC's spirit - strong, determined, clever as she was shown in the first few chapters - was stripped away so thoroughly, and I would have enjoyed seeing it return at the end: but instead, she just learned to live with (and like) her new situation. Don't get me wrong - I have no problem with a character having a submissive/dominant kink in bed: but I hate it when that extends to their everyday lives as well. She was an independent women who was effectively broken, and that makes for both a terrible message and a gloomy ending.
November 13, 2019
Wow! This book was amazing and crazy!! It was exciting, hot, twisted and emotional. Thinking she'd pulled of the perfect con Saskia starts a new life far away but nothing is as it seems. She may have been the one that was conned by the mysterious Lachlan and the price for her crime may be more than she ever bargained for.
January 21, 2016
Wow. I'm speechless. I don't even know what to think and feel. What a mindf*ck. Kitty Thomas at her best.
March 4, 2016
Not a favorite. I know with Kitty Thomas books you might not get a traditional HEA. Hell, you might not even get a HEA, but you usually get some sort of feelings coming from the characters, especially the anti-hero, but I did not like Quill at all. There was nothing about him that made me understand why Saskia stayed with him. So he was a great artist, big deal! He was weak, in my opinion. He let some woman who obviously didn't care about him, continue to run his life, and ruin his relationship with a woman who worshiped him. Thats just too dumb to me. If he would have given Saskia something of himself, ANYTHING, she would have happily participated in any kink he had. Instead I was just left scratching my head as to why she would continue to put up with someone who was so unwilling to try.
I like dark books. I LOVE dark books, actually. I prefer my heros very domineering, and somewhat sadistic. There is nothing I hate more than to think I'm getting a depraved, sadistic, alpha male anti hero, only to wind up with a wimpy, whiningy beta boy, spewing poetry. Ugh! But Quill was just hollow. Saskia started out good. She was running a con on a man for 12 million dollars, for crying out loud. she was scrappy and smart. I'm not sure what happened to her, because in the end I just wanted to smack her in the head with a copy of "He's Just Not That Into You" and tell her to quit being so pathetic.
I'm giving the book 2 stars because its Kitty Thomas, and I love the way her depraved mind thinks, but this is the first book of hers that I've read that I have to say I didn't like at all.
I like dark books. I LOVE dark books, actually. I prefer my heros very domineering, and somewhat sadistic. There is nothing I hate more than to think I'm getting a depraved, sadistic, alpha male anti hero, only to wind up with a wimpy, whiningy beta boy, spewing poetry. Ugh! But Quill was just hollow. Saskia started out good. She was running a con on a man for 12 million dollars, for crying out loud. she was scrappy and smart. I'm not sure what happened to her, because in the end I just wanted to smack her in the head with a copy of "He's Just Not That Into You" and tell her to quit being so pathetic.
I'm giving the book 2 stars because its Kitty Thomas, and I love the way her depraved mind thinks, but this is the first book of hers that I've read that I have to say I didn't like at all.
June 5, 2023
Two words come to mind when I try to describe The Con Artist: bold and captivating.
I read The Escape Artist first, so I was already a witness to Saskia and Kane's relationship prior to starting The Con Artist. Because I used the words "perfect" and "love story" with Ari and Claire from The Escape Artist, I expected this to be the origin story of Saskia and Kane's dark romance. I realized by the time I reached 97% in The Con Artist (yes, it took me that long), that this book could be more accurately categorized as dark erotica. It's an important distinction for romance lovers, because romance readers expect a demonstrable level of reciprocity that won't be found here. This book is about art and psychology. It's not going to check off boxes for a romance read.
Saskia Roth is a novice artist who had a crush on celebrity artist Joseph Quill for as long as she could remember. He inspired her to attend art school. She was lucky enough to meet him once, but she was so starstruck that she wasn't sure what came out of her mouth. She was devastated when he died in a tragic plane crash. Now, a spoiled and obnoxious tech billionaire wants her to steal one of Quill's paintings. If Saskia didn't need the money so badly, she would have told the moron "no" and to keep his grabby hands to himself while he's at it. But she does need the money, and she's really good with a paint brush, so ... she gets caught trying to con him. Now she's his prisoner.
Saskia's new captor defines and owns the "S" in BDSM and is as cold and uncompromising as Masters come. He plans to keep her in luxury but strip her of everything: clothing, pride, dignity, identity. I spent the better part of The Con Artist feeling pity, anger, and disappointment for Saskia. Yes, she gets to fulfill her dream of painting while she is living in her gilded cage and she has a handsome bodyguard to keep her safe and provide some comfort and empathy, but for her Master (let's call him Kane since that's the alias he goes by in Escape Artist) she is merely an object. She is an object that he controls, humiliates, rebuffs, punishes, and whores out to his friends.
Kane is an eccentric genius. He wouldn't achieve his brilliant results if he let morality guide him, so he has none. His previous muse, perhaps his one and only true love, left him because he was "too much." He took Saskia because he needed a replacement who could never leave him. Indentured servitude isn't a kinky dom and sub relationship. Prostituting her isn't the same as ménage and sharing. And while Kane obviously harbours a wounded heart over the departure of his only other collared pet, Saskia's lack of options means he never, not for one second, has to work for it. He never apologizes when he makes her cry, he doesn't give in when she begs, and he does not appear to be concerned about whether or not she is happy. Maybe if he wasn't such a mean, abusive, selfish jerk, his previous muse wouldn't have left. I'm not the only one thinking it, because Saskia ponders the same at one point. She also wonders why he doesn't love her. We wonder why she stays - not just physically due to the fact he won't let her leave, but mentally by giving him what he demands.
See what I mean about art and psychology? Kane's genius is linked to his emotional detachment. Saskia's artistic spark will require a sacrifice from her as well. Saskia is the one who gives everything she has to give, all her devotion, all her layers, and even her love. Kane can't even say the word to himself inside his own head, so don't hold your breath romance lovers. Just as there are different shades of "dark," there are different levels of love and the best Kane can do is to sort of treasure Saskia in his own way and not let her go. The rest is read between the lines.
The Con Artist is bold because Kitty Thomas spotlights the vulnerability and honesty in creating exceptional art. Not the pretty butterflies and waterfalls that are polite and devoid of controversy, but the shocking and captivating art that makes us think, question, and feel. As this is one such emotional and divisive piece of creativity, Ms. Thomas is allowing us to see a part of her, and of ourselves, that we might want to keep hidden. The Con Artist a brilliant book that proves again that Kitty Thomas is cutting edge when it comes to dark fantasies and the erotic subconscious.
I read The Escape Artist first, so I was already a witness to Saskia and Kane's relationship prior to starting The Con Artist. Because I used the words "perfect" and "love story" with Ari and Claire from The Escape Artist, I expected this to be the origin story of Saskia and Kane's dark romance. I realized by the time I reached 97% in The Con Artist (yes, it took me that long), that this book could be more accurately categorized as dark erotica. It's an important distinction for romance lovers, because romance readers expect a demonstrable level of reciprocity that won't be found here. This book is about art and psychology. It's not going to check off boxes for a romance read.
Saskia Roth is a novice artist who had a crush on celebrity artist Joseph Quill for as long as she could remember. He inspired her to attend art school. She was lucky enough to meet him once, but she was so starstruck that she wasn't sure what came out of her mouth. She was devastated when he died in a tragic plane crash. Now, a spoiled and obnoxious tech billionaire wants her to steal one of Quill's paintings. If Saskia didn't need the money so badly, she would have told the moron "no" and to keep his grabby hands to himself while he's at it. But she does need the money, and she's really good with a paint brush, so ... she gets caught trying to con him. Now she's his prisoner.
Saskia's new captor defines and owns the "S" in BDSM and is as cold and uncompromising as Masters come. He plans to keep her in luxury but strip her of everything: clothing, pride, dignity, identity. I spent the better part of The Con Artist feeling pity, anger, and disappointment for Saskia. Yes, she gets to fulfill her dream of painting while she is living in her gilded cage and she has a handsome bodyguard to keep her safe and provide some comfort and empathy, but for her Master (let's call him Kane since that's the alias he goes by in Escape Artist) she is merely an object. She is an object that he controls, humiliates, rebuffs, punishes, and whores out to his friends.
Kane is an eccentric genius. He wouldn't achieve his brilliant results if he let morality guide him, so he has none. His previous muse, perhaps his one and only true love, left him because he was "too much." He took Saskia because he needed a replacement who could never leave him. Indentured servitude isn't a kinky dom and sub relationship. Prostituting her isn't the same as ménage and sharing. And while Kane obviously harbours a wounded heart over the departure of his only other collared pet, Saskia's lack of options means he never, not for one second, has to work for it. He never apologizes when he makes her cry, he doesn't give in when she begs, and he does not appear to be concerned about whether or not she is happy. Maybe if he wasn't such a mean, abusive, selfish jerk, his previous muse wouldn't have left. I'm not the only one thinking it, because Saskia ponders the same at one point. She also wonders why he doesn't love her. We wonder why she stays - not just physically due to the fact he won't let her leave, but mentally by giving him what he demands.
See what I mean about art and psychology? Kane's genius is linked to his emotional detachment. Saskia's artistic spark will require a sacrifice from her as well. Saskia is the one who gives everything she has to give, all her devotion, all her layers, and even her love. Kane can't even say the word to himself inside his own head, so don't hold your breath romance lovers. Just as there are different shades of "dark," there are different levels of love and the best Kane can do is to sort of treasure Saskia in his own way and not let her go. The rest is read between the lines.
The Con Artist is bold because Kitty Thomas spotlights the vulnerability and honesty in creating exceptional art. Not the pretty butterflies and waterfalls that are polite and devoid of controversy, but the shocking and captivating art that makes us think, question, and feel. As this is one such emotional and divisive piece of creativity, Ms. Thomas is allowing us to see a part of her, and of ourselves, that we might want to keep hidden. The Con Artist a brilliant book that proves again that Kitty Thomas is cutting edge when it comes to dark fantasies and the erotic subconscious.
November 24, 2019
WOW! This story of the con artist was devastatingly gut wrenching. Saskia is caught in Quills crazy world if art and BDSM. There is no escape for her from him kinky messed up world.
Kitty Thomas writes books with soul and heartache.
Kitty Thomas writes books with soul and heartache.
January 21, 2016
So... Yeah... A review. Not sure how to do this when my brain is still scrambled from the mind f**k I experienced yesterday from this extremely talented and amazing author. I have read every Kitty Thomas book there is and impossible as it seems, this one is even better. Each one she releases is always even better, despite the excellence of her previous releases. Wow. Just Wow. I had things I needed to do yesterday. I jumped on FB for just a minute and saw the post for this new release, one clicked and after that I had to read it right then because it was KITTY THOMAS! She is one of those authors for me. I don't need to see anything about the book except for the author and I must read the minute I know about the release. So I did. This book captured me, chewed me up and spit me out. It was a thing of beauty.
For those of you who are Kitty Thomas fans, you know what to expect and she does not disappoint. This is pure Kitty Thomas from the start to the very last line. It took me that long for things to come together, to click and for the looming question I carried throughout this book to be answered. Be prepared for extreme kink, dark eroticism, twists and turns, and a psychological thriller for both a character and for the reader. Be prepared to be constantly thinking about things, questioning things and then be prepared to continue with this well after finishing the book. Yeah. Ms. Thomas has not only done it again but she has out done herself!
If you are familiar with Kitty Thomas, then you know not to expect a romance. If you are new, you've been warned. This is not a romance. Its not about falling in love and finding your HEA or even HFN. Its about obsession, possession, fear of unworthiness, and survival. Its about wanting something to the point of obsession that you'll do anything to possess it, even if you don't think you deserve it. Its about a lot more but that's it for me. Its one of those books that you don't dare say too much about, well, anything because of giving spoilers. I can usually find a HFN in Ms. Thomas's books but I'm not sure about this one. It's one of the many things that can probably be debated to death. For me, I think its more of a possibility of a beginning of a "maybe" HFN... You just to one click and you'll understand.
One more thing, and this is my personal opinion. It pushed several boundaries for me, but that's not a bad thing and its not the first time that this author has done that.
As always, the writing, everything about the writing, is flawless. I don't know if its because its been a while but this writing seemed to be somewhat different with more details about the surroundings than I'm used to seeing in this author's books. Its not a bad thing, nothing she does could ever be bad, it just struck me as a little different.
This was suppose to be short. Sorry about the rambling but after reading it, you will understand. Your thoughts will be the same. I'm going to emphasize that this is not a romance. PLEASE do not purchase it knowing that and then leave a bad review because it didn't make you feel all tingly because I promise, it will make you feel many things but tingly is NOT of them.... As always, I recommend this author. If you are like me, I recommend this book. Just don't expect your brain to function well after reading it. OK, Ms. Thomas, I'm ready for the next one!!! Bring it...
For those of you who are Kitty Thomas fans, you know what to expect and she does not disappoint. This is pure Kitty Thomas from the start to the very last line. It took me that long for things to come together, to click and for the looming question I carried throughout this book to be answered. Be prepared for extreme kink, dark eroticism, twists and turns, and a psychological thriller for both a character and for the reader. Be prepared to be constantly thinking about things, questioning things and then be prepared to continue with this well after finishing the book. Yeah. Ms. Thomas has not only done it again but she has out done herself!
If you are familiar with Kitty Thomas, then you know not to expect a romance. If you are new, you've been warned. This is not a romance. Its not about falling in love and finding your HEA or even HFN. Its about obsession, possession, fear of unworthiness, and survival. Its about wanting something to the point of obsession that you'll do anything to possess it, even if you don't think you deserve it. Its about a lot more but that's it for me. Its one of those books that you don't dare say too much about, well, anything because of giving spoilers. I can usually find a HFN in Ms. Thomas's books but I'm not sure about this one. It's one of the many things that can probably be debated to death. For me, I think its more of a possibility of a beginning of a "maybe" HFN... You just to one click and you'll understand.
One more thing, and this is my personal opinion. It pushed several boundaries for me, but that's not a bad thing and its not the first time that this author has done that.
As always, the writing, everything about the writing, is flawless. I don't know if its because its been a while but this writing seemed to be somewhat different with more details about the surroundings than I'm used to seeing in this author's books. Its not a bad thing, nothing she does could ever be bad, it just struck me as a little different.
This was suppose to be short. Sorry about the rambling but after reading it, you will understand. Your thoughts will be the same. I'm going to emphasize that this is not a romance. PLEASE do not purchase it knowing that and then leave a bad review because it didn't make you feel all tingly because I promise, it will make you feel many things but tingly is NOT of them.... As always, I recommend this author. If you are like me, I recommend this book. Just don't expect your brain to function well after reading it. OK, Ms. Thomas, I'm ready for the next one!!! Bring it...
August 28, 2018
Saskia is an talented artist, and although she no longer creates her own original work, she's excellent at creating reproductions. When rich asshole, Lochlan Niche, hires her to steal a nude done by her favorite (and now-dead) artist, she decides to screw him over and give him a reproduction instead. After all, he doesn't deserve to have the original hanging in his home.
After fleecing him out of $12 million, Saskia heads over to Europe where she proceeds to blow through half her money in six months (not much of a smart shopper). Lochlan appears out of nowhere to not only bust her, but drop a bombshell even I wasn't expecting: He is really Joseph Quill, her favorite painter who was thought to have died in a plane accident, and he wants her to be his muse so he can paint her, and he will in turn teach her to paint as wonderfully as him. Her choices are now to go to prison, or become his as she works off her massive debt. Both choices are prisons, but at least with Lochlan/Quill, the accommodations are nicer, so she gets on his private jet and heads back to the states with him where she spends the next several months living in a cage in the middle of his gallery, painting shit that Quill belittles, being whipped and fucked so that she can be the subject of paintings (it's pointed out several times that Quill only fucks her for this purpose--never for actual pleasure), and oh yeah, being whored out to his friends. In general, she was humiliated, broken down, and had her identity stripped away little by little as she became more and more consumed with him.
I normally LOVE Kitty Thomas. The Pleasure House books? Omg, couldn't get enough of those. I could live inside of that world forever. But this one just missed the mark for me. I eagerly kept reading, wanting things to get better, but they never did. Saskia grew empty and frustrated at Quill's complete lack of affection, and you know what? SO DID I! I'm all for a jackass 'hero', but they have to grow throughout the story, and Quill never did. I get that he didn't want her to leave him like his previous sub, but there was no growth or progression in his trust or affection for her. There was no real resolution at the end, nothing to really give me hope that it would be better in the future. It's pretty sad when the men she was sold to treated her better and with more affection than her actual master/owner. And there also seemed to be several components that went nowhere, like Marcus--He had potential in the beginning, but his belonging to Quill and their MM stuff just seemed forced and out of place. Phillip, and his resemblance to the young, rich guy from the beginning...I thought for sure that was going to go somewhere, there would be some connection, and eventually the young guy would come back into play somehow, but nope! I really liked Ari The Viking...I wish the book had been about him instead.
After fleecing him out of $12 million, Saskia heads over to Europe where she proceeds to blow through half her money in six months (not much of a smart shopper). Lochlan appears out of nowhere to not only bust her, but drop a bombshell even I wasn't expecting: He is really Joseph Quill, her favorite painter who was thought to have died in a plane accident, and he wants her to be his muse so he can paint her, and he will in turn teach her to paint as wonderfully as him. Her choices are now to go to prison, or become his as she works off her massive debt. Both choices are prisons, but at least with Lochlan/Quill, the accommodations are nicer, so she gets on his private jet and heads back to the states with him where she spends the next several months living in a cage in the middle of his gallery, painting shit that Quill belittles, being whipped and fucked so that she can be the subject of paintings (it's pointed out several times that Quill only fucks her for this purpose--never for actual pleasure), and oh yeah, being whored out to his friends. In general, she was humiliated, broken down, and had her identity stripped away little by little as she became more and more consumed with him.
I normally LOVE Kitty Thomas. The Pleasure House books? Omg, couldn't get enough of those. I could live inside of that world forever. But this one just missed the mark for me. I eagerly kept reading, wanting things to get better, but they never did. Saskia grew empty and frustrated at Quill's complete lack of affection, and you know what? SO DID I! I'm all for a jackass 'hero', but they have to grow throughout the story, and Quill never did. I get that he didn't want her to leave him like his previous sub, but there was no growth or progression in his trust or affection for her. There was no real resolution at the end, nothing to really give me hope that it would be better in the future. It's pretty sad when the men she was sold to treated her better and with more affection than her actual master/owner. And there also seemed to be several components that went nowhere, like Marcus--He had potential in the beginning, but his belonging to Quill and their MM stuff just seemed forced and out of place. Phillip, and his resemblance to the young, rich guy from the beginning...I thought for sure that was going to go somewhere, there would be some connection, and eventually the young guy would come back into play somehow, but nope! I really liked Ari The Viking...I wish the book had been about him instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
4.5 stars
I read this book when it first came out, but never wrote a review for it. I'm not sure why. Anyway, I decided to revisit the story before The Escape Artist came out. From reading past Kitty Thomas books, I knew I didn't have to, as she writes every book as a stand-alone story, even if there is a little bit of cross over. Still, I love Kitty's work, so I never mind revisiting her work.
Saskia Roth is an artist and struggling to pay her bills and feed herself. She takes a job from a wealthy entrepreneur to steal a painting that he badly wants, but the owner won't sell. Saskia is great at painting reproductions, so she will paint a reproduction of this painting and swap them out without anyone the wiser.
Needless to say, she cons this entrepreneur out of a lot of money. But she's not the only one doing the conning. Now she will have to work off her debt to him.
Another great Kitty Thomas dark romance story. I really enjoy the characters that Kitty writes. They really pull me into the story. And even with all the BDSM elements, there is a great story wrapped around all the extremely sexy scenes. This genre isn't for everyone, but if you like dark romance, Kitty is a master and I highly recommend you give her a try.
I read this book when it first came out, but never wrote a review for it. I'm not sure why. Anyway, I decided to revisit the story before The Escape Artist came out. From reading past Kitty Thomas books, I knew I didn't have to, as she writes every book as a stand-alone story, even if there is a little bit of cross over. Still, I love Kitty's work, so I never mind revisiting her work.
Saskia Roth is an artist and struggling to pay her bills and feed herself. She takes a job from a wealthy entrepreneur to steal a painting that he badly wants, but the owner won't sell. Saskia is great at painting reproductions, so she will paint a reproduction of this painting and swap them out without anyone the wiser.
Needless to say, she cons this entrepreneur out of a lot of money. But she's not the only one doing the conning. Now she will have to work off her debt to him.
Another great Kitty Thomas dark romance story. I really enjoy the characters that Kitty writes. They really pull me into the story. And even with all the BDSM elements, there is a great story wrapped around all the extremely sexy scenes. This genre isn't for everyone, but if you like dark romance, Kitty is a master and I highly recommend you give her a try.
January 26, 2021
Hmm. I have mixed thoughts about this book. On one hand, I found Quill to be a mesmerizing character. I like Marcus and Ari, the emphasis on art, a bizarre nightclub with a conveyor belt of pleasure (wtf?), and the overall ridiculousness of the story.
BUT - I don't like Saskia. She claims to be "desperate" but she chooses not to work and get a normal job. Yeah yeah, later we learn her studio burned down but she'd been unsuccessful for a long time. She gets very lucky and meets Lachlan, who offers her a legit patronage. Naturally, she turns it down and decides to run a long con on him instead - a $12 million con. She blows though half of it in a few months. Not very sorry, is she? So no matter how gross or degrading Quill's little games were, I really didn't care what happened to her.
And about the stuff he has her do - not my cuppa tea. At all. Nope. I don't even think some of that stuff is physically possible but it was kind of funny to read, if you can get past the ick factor.
Also, there's some sloppy writing - a couple of times Lachlan is referred to as which of course reveals something big. Granted, most people could see that twist coming a mile away, but still.
January 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
Reading “The Escape Artist” made it a necessity for me to get the back story on these characters.
The Con Artist may not be my favorite Kitty book, but it’s damn good. The Escape Artist truly should be read if you become invested in this story in any way, as The Con Artist is essentially a stand-alone prequel.
This first book isn’t as kinky & panty melting as some of her others, or as much so as I found The Escape Artist to be, but there was a slow burn and great character building... And these characters are so uniquely flawed, interesting, and central in both books, and the writing ...well, it was a true delight to read, and I hope there are more books to come in this “world.”
Reading “The Escape Artist” made it a necessity for me to get the back story on these characters.
The Con Artist may not be my favorite Kitty book, but it’s damn good. The Escape Artist truly should be read if you become invested in this story in any way, as The Con Artist is essentially a stand-alone prequel.
This first book isn’t as kinky & panty melting as some of her others, or as much so as I found The Escape Artist to be, but there was a slow burn and great character building... And these characters are so uniquely flawed, interesting, and central in both books, and the writing ...well, it was a true delight to read, and I hope there are more books to come in this “world.”
February 17, 2021
Saskia and Quill are a freaking whirlwind of dark and twisty and I can't get enough. They make each other better artists and better people.
“Great art isn’t made of stitched together rainbows and kittens. It’s born of anger and despair and frustration.”
Quill is terrifying. He just radiates power and control and I was afraid for Saskia when she was first caught. I wasn't convinced at first that she was safe but at the book went on I was rooting for them to be together. I think if there's one person Quill cares about, it's Saskia.
While I loved their journey, I did feel like it ended a bit abruptly and I really wanted more of these two. I was so happy that they showed up again in The Escape Artist and Twisted Fates! I need more Quill in my life, I'm still holding out hope that Saskia and Quill get a sequel one day.
“Great art isn’t made of stitched together rainbows and kittens. It’s born of anger and despair and frustration.”
Quill is terrifying. He just radiates power and control and I was afraid for Saskia when she was first caught. I wasn't convinced at first that she was safe but at the book went on I was rooting for them to be together. I think if there's one person Quill cares about, it's Saskia.
While I loved their journey, I did feel like it ended a bit abruptly and I really wanted more of these two. I was so happy that they showed up again in The Escape Artist and Twisted Fates! I need more Quill in my life, I'm still holding out hope that Saskia and Quill get a sequel one day.
January 23, 2016
This is only my second book from the author, Comfort Food being the first. Lemme just say I enjoyed that than this one. Don't get me wrong, I liked the premise of the story. But the way it was executed it wasn't as riveting as Comfort Food. The reason why I kept reading it was I wanted to know if the story gets better. Or if the characters would finally have that connection I was waiting for from the start.
I don't know I just felt weird after reading this. I know Saskia is to lose herself along the way. But I just didn't "felt" her character. Quill I understood, because that is the way he is. But with Saskia, no just no.
To sum it all up, this isn't captivating as Comfort Food was. But I will try her other books. =)
I don't know I just felt weird after reading this. I know Saskia is to lose herself along the way. But I just didn't "felt" her character. Quill I understood, because that is the way he is. But with Saskia, no just no.
To sum it all up, this isn't captivating as Comfort Food was. But I will try her other books. =)
June 21, 2017
DNF 46% I just couldn't get past her constant monologues about how Saskia felt about Lachlan / Quil / Kane!!! Omg make up your mind already! She hates Lachlan but as soon as she finds out that he is he dream idol, all her inhibitions disappear and she will do anything for him. It's too unrealistic. If anything, i would have expected her admiration for Quil as a person would diminish due to all her hate. He is basically blackmailing her into slavery among other depravities. The way he handles the situation is beyond creepy.
December 29, 2019
When it comes to Kitty Thomas I know whatever I’m about to read will push me past my comfort zone. And this was true Kitty Thomas, so despite the discomfort... I was even more annoyed with the characters. Marcus and Ari aside everyone else was super annoying.
And the ending... I felt like I was robbed. What type of ending was this?! Definitely not an HEA, more of a ‘I guess you will do’. Not necessarily the way I saw it ending. But considering the couple it made sense. I just wished she would’ve ran away with Marcus or Ari.
And the ending... I felt like I was robbed. What type of ending was this?! Definitely not an HEA, more of a ‘I guess you will do’. Not necessarily the way I saw it ending. But considering the couple it made sense. I just wished she would’ve ran away with Marcus or Ari.
May 24, 2017
Dark...
...and tantalizing, at times confusing, but only within the context of the emotional ride Kitty Thomas took me on in this book. I found that I needed to keep reading and am oddly and satisfyingly dissatisfied. I am anxious for the next installment. Please, I hope there is another installment.
...and tantalizing, at times confusing, but only within the context of the emotional ride Kitty Thomas took me on in this book. I found that I needed to keep reading and am oddly and satisfyingly dissatisfied. I am anxious for the next installment. Please, I hope there is another installment.
January 20, 2016
Wow wow wow!!!!!!
Mind fu@king, twisted, dark, kinky, smoking hot read....
this is hard to explain in words so I'm not going to try JUST READ THIS STORY AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND
loved loved loved this
Mind fu@king, twisted, dark, kinky, smoking hot read....
this is hard to explain in words so I'm not going to try JUST READ THIS STORY AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND
loved loved loved this
July 31, 2016
Kitty Thomas, never failing to shock and intrigue me. Although there seems to be a difference in tone from other Thomas' novels. Everything about The Con Artist continued to pull me in. I could not get enough...especially of Lachlan!
March 14, 2016
I love Kitty Thomas's stories but I just didn't find the climax in this one. At the end I was just kind of like, that's it?! Oh well, you win some you loose some :/
November 12, 2019
4.1 stars
From the readers for this book, I was hooked. I was not prepared for this. There was so much depth to this that at times, it hurt to read. So many layers to the characters and what they were experiencing.
This almost bordered on obsession but there was still a connection. While it kept me engrossed it also frustrated me. I understand different levels of link but, and this is a big but, I didn't understand the need to sharing Saskia. Yes, the decision was hers but was it really? Would she have done this if she wasn't in the predicament that she was in? It's not like she was heading to a private club signing up for these things. It was a fine line. I think she wanted to please her Master but feel down she wanted this connection and approval. That is where I really struggled with the story.
I had thought the story was building to that point since Lachlan had trust issues. Yet, I was left puzzled. Add in Marcus and it was even more confusing as I didn't know what was coming in regards to the motivations and dynamics between the characters. Knowing that the next book only has them as a secondary story also has me a little uneasy. There is still so much I need to know before it can be resolved. I'll trust the author though to because she really did write an amazing story.
Still a solid book. I will be continuing on with the story but feel the need to advise anyone reading this that there is a lot left in the story to be told. The steam was hot, the mind games were on par for this author, and the anticipation was definitely there. I might be in the minority with my review but I just wanted something more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next book gives them to me.
From the readers for this book, I was hooked. I was not prepared for this. There was so much depth to this that at times, it hurt to read. So many layers to the characters and what they were experiencing.
This almost bordered on obsession but there was still a connection. While it kept me engrossed it also frustrated me. I understand different levels of link but, and this is a big but, I didn't understand the need to sharing Saskia. Yes, the decision was hers but was it really? Would she have done this if she wasn't in the predicament that she was in? It's not like she was heading to a private club signing up for these things. It was a fine line. I think she wanted to please her Master but feel down she wanted this connection and approval. That is where I really struggled with the story.
I had thought the story was building to that point since Lachlan had trust issues. Yet, I was left puzzled. Add in Marcus and it was even more confusing as I didn't know what was coming in regards to the motivations and dynamics between the characters. Knowing that the next book only has them as a secondary story also has me a little uneasy. There is still so much I need to know before it can be resolved. I'll trust the author though to because she really did write an amazing story.
Still a solid book. I will be continuing on with the story but feel the need to advise anyone reading this that there is a lot left in the story to be told. The steam was hot, the mind games were on par for this author, and the anticipation was definitely there. I might be in the minority with my review but I just wanted something more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next book gives them to me.
Read
June 9, 2023I read this after The Escape Artist, which is technically out of order. I found this book fascinating but so unfinished! I would have liked to see the full arc of this couple. They had so many aspects going on between them and I also really would’ve liked to see them both give in to their situations a little more. It feels like Saskia is just going with the flow but in a sad way and I didn’t see Kitty’s usual transformation of the heroine that I always loved. The characters and dynamics are so interesting. Love the Marcus factor and actually could have used more of him in this book. They are both different but this book was a little heart-wrenching to me. We do get to see a little more resolution in a bonus prologue and the continuation of Saskia and Kane’s fate in The Escape Artist, but I felt myself wanting Saskia to show more gratitude towards Kane and for him to show more mercy and sweetness to her. This is not a book where I would want to be Saskia, his style of kink is a but terrifying to me personally. I really enjoyed The Escape Artist and liked Kane as a character. I think both Kane and Saskia’s character arcs just left me feeling incomplete and wanting to see more. I would gladly gobble up a third book in this series if it gave me more of their story and taught me more about what makes Kane tick.
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