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THORNE Series #1
Rose's Dark Contract
Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven…the primrose path—Shakespeare
William Thorne is a powerful man with dark needs and a troubled past who doesn’t have the time nor the desire for romantic relationships or notions.
Through meticulous planning and iron-clad contracts, Thorne has managed to maintain a modicum of balance, control, and happiness by employing personal assistants to aid him in all aspects of his professional and personal life.
Sex with no strings attached. Obedience without questions. An arrangement of mutual benefit. No mess. No love. No expectations. Nothing beyond a signed contract.
But when Thorne meets recent music grad, Victoria Rose, the shy and beautiful down-on-her-luck waitress, obsession replaces his carefully constructed thinking. He becomes so fixated on having her, without a full understanding of who she is, that he rushes her contract, making mistake after mistake before the ink even dries. His once neat and controlled existence becomes blurred and smudged.
Can the mistakes he makes be erased from Rose’s dark contract? Or will the damage leave an indelible mark that nobody could have seen coming?
William Thorne is a powerful man with dark needs and a troubled past who doesn’t have the time nor the desire for romantic relationships or notions.
Through meticulous planning and iron-clad contracts, Thorne has managed to maintain a modicum of balance, control, and happiness by employing personal assistants to aid him in all aspects of his professional and personal life.
Sex with no strings attached. Obedience without questions. An arrangement of mutual benefit. No mess. No love. No expectations. Nothing beyond a signed contract.
But when Thorne meets recent music grad, Victoria Rose, the shy and beautiful down-on-her-luck waitress, obsession replaces his carefully constructed thinking. He becomes so fixated on having her, without a full understanding of who she is, that he rushes her contract, making mistake after mistake before the ink even dries. His once neat and controlled existence becomes blurred and smudged.
Can the mistakes he makes be erased from Rose’s dark contract? Or will the damage leave an indelible mark that nobody could have seen coming?
134 pages, ebook
First published February 17, 2016
192 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
R.B. O'Brien
32 books264 followersR.B. O’Brien has always been drawn to the more taboo side of storytelling, even as a young adult, from hiding books from strict Catholic parents as a teen to getting lost in the erotic sections of bookstores for hours.
She is best known for her three published erotic romances, Thorne, Edge of Torment and Imogen. But she is now forging a name for herself in the New Adult Romance category as well as poetry, her true passion, Ruin My Lipstick her first of many to come.
Much of O'Brien's work explores the darker, sensual nature of relationships, those riddled with the reality of insecurities and human folly, often exposing the vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and occasional pain that can come from losing oneself in the heat of passion and the obstacles of love.
O'Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living in the Northeast, USA. She is the founding member of The Nu Romantics, a poet, a professor, a writer, a dancer, and a hopeful romantic known for her poetry prompts on social media. O’Brien also has a profound affection for Shakespeare and beyond that, writes. Every chance she gets.
She is best known for her three published erotic romances, Thorne, Edge of Torment and Imogen. But she is now forging a name for herself in the New Adult Romance category as well as poetry, her true passion, Ruin My Lipstick her first of many to come.
Much of O'Brien's work explores the darker, sensual nature of relationships, those riddled with the reality of insecurities and human folly, often exposing the vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and occasional pain that can come from losing oneself in the heat of passion and the obstacles of love.
O'Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living in the Northeast, USA. She is the founding member of The Nu Romantics, a poet, a professor, a writer, a dancer, and a hopeful romantic known for her poetry prompts on social media. O’Brien also has a profound affection for Shakespeare and beyond that, writes. Every chance she gets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 19, 2016
Thorne is a man who gets what he wants, when he wants and whenever he wants. When he puts his sights on a waitress named Victoria, there is nothing going to stop him from making her his personal assistant. The requirement to be his personal assistant, however, is not just book work or making appointments, it is to submit to him sexually and completely. Victoria is not aware of what lies in the sadistic mind of Thorne and when he offers her the position she takes, not even knowing that she ready to dive into a dark world, a world she may never survive.
Thorne was a very well-written book, the characters were realistic and I absolutely love R.B. O'Brien's stories. So why the four stars instead of five? Because I absolutely despised the hero, William. He was a despicable, piece of shit without any redeemable qualities. I understand the whole BDSM world and the need for control. But the way William treated Victoria was not about control, it was emotional torture and it pissed me off.
Thorne was a very well-written book, the characters were realistic and I absolutely love R.B. O'Brien's stories. So why the four stars instead of five? Because I absolutely despised the hero, William. He was a despicable, piece of shit without any redeemable qualities. I understand the whole BDSM world and the need for control. But the way William treated Victoria was not about control, it was emotional torture and it pissed me off.
April 3, 2016
Decent sex scenes. Thorne was whipped from the beginning! Guessed 20% in he didn't have the will to be a sadistic jerk. Dark romance? Ummmm no. Victoria cried every other sentence. She's 25 years old and the story continually harped on her nativity and her big natural tits! Jennifer, the doctor, is funny!
Please consider other reviews if deciding to purchase. I've read many dark romance novels so my expectations may be a tad darker than what the author was aiming for in this story. I will try again with this author because everyone deserves a second chance and just maybe this book isn't "it" for me. .
3.5 stars.
Please consider other reviews if deciding to purchase. I've read many dark romance novels so my expectations may be a tad darker than what the author was aiming for in this story. I will try again with this author because everyone deserves a second chance and just maybe this book isn't "it" for me. .
3.5 stars.
November 28, 2018
Viewing an email that offered books for free, I read the blurb of Thorne: Rose’s Dark Contract - it intrigued me so much, I downloaded it, curious to read it.
It was certainly not a disappointment.
William Thorne describes himself as a sadistic monster. He throws his normal vetting process to procure a ‘Personal Assistant’ out the window – chasing after waitress, Victoria, for months, determined to entrap her into signing a contract to completely submit to him – to be his, lock, stock and barrel for 3 months. He is not a sadist in the way I automatically thought prior to reading this book. He prefers to mess with his ‘Personal Assistant’s’ mind; to torment her body to bend to his tune until they think they are going to lose it – with a little pain from a smack of a hand, or the sting of the flogger thrown in. Not at all what I think when I see the word “sadist”, and I know this genre very well.
But, in saying that, I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I found I wanted to turn to the next page, over and over, until my eyes couldn’t focus and my body begged for sleep. And the twist at the end … omg – I rushed straight to Amazon and one-clicked books 2 & 3 immediately.
It was certainly not a disappointment.
William Thorne describes himself as a sadistic monster. He throws his normal vetting process to procure a ‘Personal Assistant’ out the window – chasing after waitress, Victoria, for months, determined to entrap her into signing a contract to completely submit to him – to be his, lock, stock and barrel for 3 months. He is not a sadist in the way I automatically thought prior to reading this book. He prefers to mess with his ‘Personal Assistant’s’ mind; to torment her body to bend to his tune until they think they are going to lose it – with a little pain from a smack of a hand, or the sting of the flogger thrown in. Not at all what I think when I see the word “sadist”, and I know this genre very well.
But, in saying that, I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I found I wanted to turn to the next page, over and over, until my eyes couldn’t focus and my body begged for sleep. And the twist at the end … omg – I rushed straight to Amazon and one-clicked books 2 & 3 immediately.
February 19, 2016
Ever since I started having erotic fantasies most of them included some form of sexual corruption and unraveling. These are also some of my favorite pieces of writing but it is difficult to find a dark story that doesn’t involve non-consent, kidnapping and extreme conditioning/brainwashing. R.B. O’Brien definitely knows how to write a romantic story of a taboo relationship involving the corruption of innocence, domination, submission, kink and unexpected love. Her characters are usually damaged in one way or another, which is pretty typical for the dark romance subgenre, but they are also well-rounded, likeable and easy to identify with. The author had a fantastic start with Natalie Smith and Michael Black from the Natalie’s Edge series. In the first part of Thorne she continues developing her skills as a writer and takes us on an unforgettable ride with an unexpected twist. The journey of William Thorne and Victoria Rose to one another and to themselves is like a long, dark road and any hint of happy ending is beyond our line of sight… at least at the first book.
William does everything he can to persuade you that you should hate, despise and condemn him as a monster. And make no mistake, like another reviewer pointed out he is not a nice guy. I must say I liked his character for being so contradictory. He was arrogant yet he frequently showed how insecure he was, cruel and ashamed of his ability to show tenderness. I also loved his totally unapologetic my-way-or-the-highway attitude. We are given small clues of the secrets from his past, from that fatal event, which changed his life but the author does a great job of keeping us guessing.
It is always a pleasure when such a character who has arranged the walls around him so well gets defeated by the last person they’d expect. Victoria Rose, Thorne’s latest “personal assistant/concubine”, seems like the typical ingénue, young, easily impressionable and very weak at first sight. She may appear like your typical Mary Sue-ish, bland female who gets swept off her feet by the douche rich guy and who has no strength to stop him from abusing her. But over the story I think she frequently showed subtle, feminine strength and intelligence. Victoria was a sympathetic character down on her luck who tried to make the best of the bad circumstances. Nothing could prepare a girl like her, virginal and unaware of her own submissive tendencies, for Thorne’s sadistic games.
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away but none of the characters are what they appear to be, especially Victoria. The story has great pacing, interesting secondary characters, truly suspenseful atmosphere, an implied mystery and some truly off the charts kinky sex. All I’m going to say is that you should prepare for some steamy episodes in which pain and pleasure turn in two parts of the same experience, so tightly woven in one another it is impossible to distinguish them. Thorne really knows how to manipulate a woman’s body and mind till she is begging and crying for more.
Just like the author. At the unexpected end of the novel you’d be begging her to write Part 2 as soon as possible. I can’t wait for the next installment!
William does everything he can to persuade you that you should hate, despise and condemn him as a monster. And make no mistake, like another reviewer pointed out he is not a nice guy. I must say I liked his character for being so contradictory. He was arrogant yet he frequently showed how insecure he was, cruel and ashamed of his ability to show tenderness. I also loved his totally unapologetic my-way-or-the-highway attitude. We are given small clues of the secrets from his past, from that fatal event, which changed his life but the author does a great job of keeping us guessing.
It is always a pleasure when such a character who has arranged the walls around him so well gets defeated by the last person they’d expect. Victoria Rose, Thorne’s latest “personal assistant/concubine”, seems like the typical ingénue, young, easily impressionable and very weak at first sight. She may appear like your typical Mary Sue-ish, bland female who gets swept off her feet by the douche rich guy and who has no strength to stop him from abusing her. But over the story I think she frequently showed subtle, feminine strength and intelligence. Victoria was a sympathetic character down on her luck who tried to make the best of the bad circumstances. Nothing could prepare a girl like her, virginal and unaware of her own submissive tendencies, for Thorne’s sadistic games.
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away but none of the characters are what they appear to be, especially Victoria. The story has great pacing, interesting secondary characters, truly suspenseful atmosphere, an implied mystery and some truly off the charts kinky sex. All I’m going to say is that you should prepare for some steamy episodes in which pain and pleasure turn in two parts of the same experience, so tightly woven in one another it is impossible to distinguish them. Thorne really knows how to manipulate a woman’s body and mind till she is begging and crying for more.
Just like the author. At the unexpected end of the novel you’d be begging her to write Part 2 as soon as possible. I can’t wait for the next installment!
March 5, 2016
Rose's Dark Contract is the first in the series THORNE and follows the inner thoughts and feelings of the main character, William Thorne. He has a dark past and has built his life without personal attachment. He is a troubled character who has been through an event that is hinted at and he believes he is a monster as a result of it. But as you read, you will see that the vision he holds of himself is not entirely true and it takes an innocent, Victoria Rose, to pull it out of him, but not before he puts her through the paces. THAT I can assure you.
I love dark, alpha males who are controlling and dominating but who also have that chance to be kind and sweet when love presents itself. This tale is no different. After all, though it is darker than some of my other work, it is a romance. The difference with this series is that there is a twist that will come out of nowhere. It just may leave you breathless. If the ending doesn't, the intense sex scenes will.
This may have elements that can be deemed dubious consent, and if that excites you, you won't be disappointed. It also is not all it seems, so I encourage you to read every last word. Rose's Dark Secret, the second installment in the series, will be out this spring.
I love dark, alpha males who are controlling and dominating but who also have that chance to be kind and sweet when love presents itself. This tale is no different. After all, though it is darker than some of my other work, it is a romance. The difference with this series is that there is a twist that will come out of nowhere. It just may leave you breathless. If the ending doesn't, the intense sex scenes will.
This may have elements that can be deemed dubious consent, and if that excites you, you won't be disappointed. It also is not all it seems, so I encourage you to read every last word. Rose's Dark Secret, the second installment in the series, will be out this spring.
September 20, 2017
DNF @ 27%.
This book was awful. The h is a complete doormat that lets the H treat her like dirt. He appears obsessed with the h and gives her a job working for him. He takes her virginity and the next day sleeps with another woman to show the h that she means nothing to him. Really disgusting.
This book was awful. The h is a complete doormat that lets the H treat her like dirt. He appears obsessed with the h and gives her a job working for him. He takes her virginity and the next day sleeps with another woman to show the h that she means nothing to him. Really disgusting.
February 19, 2016
If you read the author's "Natalie's Edge" series, which I enjoyed immensely, you may be expecting another tormented romance between two deeply flawed and confused people. That's what we get here, but with some new twists.
Thorne is not the Michael of Natalie's Edge. He's darker, more cryptic, with more secrets. He's spent his life using women and throwing them away, and not in a figurative sense—his preferred relationship is what he calls his "personal assistant," a woman who agrees to serve him under the terms of the titular dark contract. Thorne is not a nice guy. He doesn't want anyone close to him, and he thinks nothing of cruelly pushing away anyone who tries. He's hiding something that needs to be hidden, and though we get hints of this secret throughout, it doesn't come until a delicious twist at the end.
Victoria Rose is a lost, desperate young woman who falls under Thorne's spell. But she's not like his other assistants. She's too young, too inexperienced, too trusting. She wants to be with him but has no idea what she's getting into even when he tries to make her understand.
But Victoria gets under Thorne's skin in a way no other woman has. He doesn't know why, and he doesn't like it. As their relationship grows more dysfunctional, both of them are forced to face up to what is bringing them together, and what is driving them apart.
A great start to a series I'm ready to see more of.
*I was a beta reader for this book*
Thorne is not the Michael of Natalie's Edge. He's darker, more cryptic, with more secrets. He's spent his life using women and throwing them away, and not in a figurative sense—his preferred relationship is what he calls his "personal assistant," a woman who agrees to serve him under the terms of the titular dark contract. Thorne is not a nice guy. He doesn't want anyone close to him, and he thinks nothing of cruelly pushing away anyone who tries. He's hiding something that needs to be hidden, and though we get hints of this secret throughout, it doesn't come until a delicious twist at the end.
Victoria Rose is a lost, desperate young woman who falls under Thorne's spell. But she's not like his other assistants. She's too young, too inexperienced, too trusting. She wants to be with him but has no idea what she's getting into even when he tries to make her understand.
But Victoria gets under Thorne's skin in a way no other woman has. He doesn't know why, and he doesn't like it. As their relationship grows more dysfunctional, both of them are forced to face up to what is bringing them together, and what is driving them apart.
A great start to a series I'm ready to see more of.
*I was a beta reader for this book*
February 18, 2017
I received the book in exchange for a review from BDSM Goodreads TPE BAR Program. I will also be reviewing Book 2 - THORNE: Rose's Dark Secret
***3.5 stars***
I enjoyed this intro into William Thorne's and Victoria Rose's dark contract. William is rich, dominating, organized and likes to have his kinky ways with his women and Victoria is a waitress, struggling and innocently alluring but as the story unfolds her petals start to fall. When William meets his rose Victoria waitressing at her workplace, he is drawn to her which is not like him but there is something about her that he just cannot stop himself. There is such irony to the names - (William) Thorne - prickly, stiff and ready to hurt you when you least expect it and (Victoria) Rose - sweet, pristine and beautiful to look at. Yet both are on the same stem.
IMO, this book started a bit slow for me, with a few 'OMG not another weak & whiny chick' moments but the last part of the book got better and now I am looking forward to Book 2.
***3.5 stars***
I enjoyed this intro into William Thorne's and Victoria Rose's dark contract. William is rich, dominating, organized and likes to have his kinky ways with his women and Victoria is a waitress, struggling and innocently alluring but as the story unfolds her petals start to fall. When William meets his rose Victoria waitressing at her workplace, he is drawn to her which is not like him but there is something about her that he just cannot stop himself. There is such irony to the names - (William) Thorne - prickly, stiff and ready to hurt you when you least expect it and (Victoria) Rose - sweet, pristine and beautiful to look at. Yet both are on the same stem.
IMO, this book started a bit slow for me, with a few 'OMG not another weak & whiny chick' moments but the last part of the book got better and now I am looking forward to Book 2.
September 25, 2016
I’m afraid I can only be lukewarm about this.
Although later redeeming factors contradicted it, in the beginning it seemed that William’s behaviour was bullying and coercive, leaving Victoria with little choice but to comply, making his character instantly unlikeable even for a self-confessed sadist, particularly as he is also having a sexual relationship with another woman.
Then his idea of sadism seems to be to tease Victoria mercilessly, and quite tediously, by stroking her clit and sucking her ‘tits’, while he agonises over how badly he’s treating her and vacillates about continuing with the contract, making the plot tortuous, while his treatment of Victoria might be described as torturous, though more likely simply annoying.
To me this all seemed rather confused, and William is definitely confused, not knowing what he wants, which makes him more zeta than alpha.
Overall this was okay, but I’m not sufficiently invested in the characters or story to want to read the next part.
Although later redeeming factors contradicted it, in the beginning it seemed that William’s behaviour was bullying and coercive, leaving Victoria with little choice but to comply, making his character instantly unlikeable even for a self-confessed sadist, particularly as he is also having a sexual relationship with another woman.
Then his idea of sadism seems to be to tease Victoria mercilessly, and quite tediously, by stroking her clit and sucking her ‘tits’, while he agonises over how badly he’s treating her and vacillates about continuing with the contract, making the plot tortuous, while his treatment of Victoria might be described as torturous, though more likely simply annoying.
To me this all seemed rather confused, and William is definitely confused, not knowing what he wants, which makes him more zeta than alpha.
Overall this was okay, but I’m not sufficiently invested in the characters or story to want to read the next part.
February 27, 2016
"I don't want you to understand me." William Thorne
Oh, this is the perfect from rags to riches story - with benefits! Okay, so William Thorne isn’t a particularly likeable character to begin with. I guess I’d call him an anti-hero - but dayum is the guy sexy. When he drops into Victoria’s coffee shop, she’s immediately flustered. When he continues to visit her, things go from hot and steamy to molten very quickly. He whisks her away from her dreary life of drudgery and deposits her in his apartment as his ‘personal assistant’ although his designs aren’t office-based, that’s for sure!
He expects to be finished with her in three months. That’s how long his conquests usually last - but Victoria is about to throw a curve ball into the equation. She’s an innocent.
What happens when a self-confessed sadist clashes with an innocent? Read on to find out!
Heat rating: OFF THE SCALE. Loved it.
Oh, this is the perfect from rags to riches story - with benefits! Okay, so William Thorne isn’t a particularly likeable character to begin with. I guess I’d call him an anti-hero - but dayum is the guy sexy. When he drops into Victoria’s coffee shop, she’s immediately flustered. When he continues to visit her, things go from hot and steamy to molten very quickly. He whisks her away from her dreary life of drudgery and deposits her in his apartment as his ‘personal assistant’ although his designs aren’t office-based, that’s for sure!
He expects to be finished with her in three months. That’s how long his conquests usually last - but Victoria is about to throw a curve ball into the equation. She’s an innocent.
What happens when a self-confessed sadist clashes with an innocent? Read on to find out!
Heat rating: OFF THE SCALE. Loved it.
March 29, 2018
I love a dark suspenseful romance and that’s what this is. Thorne is a captivating character. He has dreams and works hard to halt the tobacco industry yet there’s a huge secret he’s kept and only his best friend is privy of it. His and Rose’s relationship starts out rocky because she isn’t the normal PA he hires but he doesn’t let her leave because of how much he wants her. The attraction between them is hot. Such a great story.
July 22, 2018
This is a fabulous book heart pounding adrenaline candy melts and sizzling scenes
Want to read
March 8, 2023Purch Amazon June 24, 2018
February 9, 2019
The best thing about THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract (THORNE Series #1) is its brevity. I am also thankful that I received THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract for free.
The author writes decently and, other than some minor nitpicking THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract is free enough of mistakes. Character creation is sparse, but since this is the first portion of a book understandable.
Sex happens early is very graphic and not safe. I found none of the sex scenes, particularly erotic but rather more of the same old tired BDSM material made popular by 50 Shades of Grey. There are a lot of elements of a BDSM lifestyle in the book, but to me an abusive kind of relationship rather than the fun, consensual, safe and loving kind. THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract is not word porn or stroke material despite the explicitness of the sex.
I did not care for Thorne at all. Even towards the end of the book when we are supposed to see how the love of a good woman can safe even a jerk such as Thorne I didn’t like him. I also did not like how the MC at the beginning of the book rolls over and takes whatever Thorne does to her. Towards the end of the book, the author does a decent job suggesting why Victoria puts up Thorne’s crap.
The author chose to use the overused and tired Kindle scheme of breaking her book into three pieces offering the first portion for free. Unfortunately for the author I disliked THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract to the degree that I will not purchase the other two thirds of the book. I am not sure that I would read the rest of the Thorne series even if offered for free.
The author writes decently and, other than some minor nitpicking THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract is free enough of mistakes. Character creation is sparse, but since this is the first portion of a book understandable.
Sex happens early is very graphic and not safe. I found none of the sex scenes, particularly erotic but rather more of the same old tired BDSM material made popular by 50 Shades of Grey. There are a lot of elements of a BDSM lifestyle in the book, but to me an abusive kind of relationship rather than the fun, consensual, safe and loving kind. THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract is not word porn or stroke material despite the explicitness of the sex.
I did not care for Thorne at all. Even towards the end of the book when we are supposed to see how the love of a good woman can safe even a jerk such as Thorne I didn’t like him. I also did not like how the MC at the beginning of the book rolls over and takes whatever Thorne does to her. Towards the end of the book, the author does a decent job suggesting why Victoria puts up Thorne’s crap.
The author chose to use the overused and tired Kindle scheme of breaking her book into three pieces offering the first portion for free. Unfortunately for the author I disliked THORNE: Rose's Dark Contract to the degree that I will not purchase the other two thirds of the book. I am not sure that I would read the rest of the Thorne series even if offered for free.
March 13, 2016
It is essential for a writer to develop, to extend themselves, to go to the edge and then take a leap – of faith, into the unknown. Anything but keep digging in the same hole. That’s is what RB O’Brien has done with ‘Thorne: Rose's Dark Contract.’ Again, we find flawed, complex characters well-drawn and multi-dimensional, but the mood is more edgy, the writing more compelling.
The ‘dark contract’ is drawn up by Thorne – a man who admits from the off that he is ‘a monster,’ a drunk, a liar, a greedy manipulator - and signed by Victoria Rose. A trusting ingénue taken on as an assistant, Victoria is drawn into Thorne’s furtive world and overwhelmed by his powerful personality. Thorne is a user, an abuser, a man who takes what he wants, sucks out its essence and spits out what remains. Relationships, real relationships, are not for him.
But there’s something about Victoria Rose, maybe her innocence, her youth, her sadness – her beauty, that gets into his blood and into his brain. He wants to be rid of her and she wants to know what terrible secret lies at the heart of his cruelty – a puzzle O’Brien plants in your head and it nags you as you race through the pages to an ending that is both satisfying and leaves you ready for more.
The ‘dark contract’ is drawn up by Thorne – a man who admits from the off that he is ‘a monster,’ a drunk, a liar, a greedy manipulator - and signed by Victoria Rose. A trusting ingénue taken on as an assistant, Victoria is drawn into Thorne’s furtive world and overwhelmed by his powerful personality. Thorne is a user, an abuser, a man who takes what he wants, sucks out its essence and spits out what remains. Relationships, real relationships, are not for him.
But there’s something about Victoria Rose, maybe her innocence, her youth, her sadness – her beauty, that gets into his blood and into his brain. He wants to be rid of her and she wants to know what terrible secret lies at the heart of his cruelty – a puzzle O’Brien plants in your head and it nags you as you race through the pages to an ending that is both satisfying and leaves you ready for more.
August 8, 2016
Wow!!! Never having read any literature of this nature. I was surprised in how the main character Thorne drew me in. The main female character Victoria is shy and a 'true' innocent, the perfect new assistant for the sadistic Thorne.
I found it compelling how the author who is female, was speaking in the first person of Thorne. This is not an easy thing to do in my humble opinion, and one that she carries off with great ease.
The story itself is dark in nature, but strangely compelling. The insecurities of the young Victoria Rose, in opposition to the sadistic needs of William Thorne, are like light and shade.
The vulnerabilities of the Victoria are slowly peeled away, as she is 'deflowered', so it leaves her begging for more.
As the story unravels, Victoria becomes the submissive that Thorne knew her to be the first time he saw her in the coffee shop.
Although Thorne is a dominant strong character, he is inside insecure and unwilling to admit his true feelings. The author hides something lurking in his past, keeping the reader guessing.
For my first journey into this dark world of submission, sadism, vulnerability and emotional turmoil, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I am sure I will read other works of this author and can definitely recommend her.
I found it compelling how the author who is female, was speaking in the first person of Thorne. This is not an easy thing to do in my humble opinion, and one that she carries off with great ease.
The story itself is dark in nature, but strangely compelling. The insecurities of the young Victoria Rose, in opposition to the sadistic needs of William Thorne, are like light and shade.
The vulnerabilities of the Victoria are slowly peeled away, as she is 'deflowered', so it leaves her begging for more.
As the story unravels, Victoria becomes the submissive that Thorne knew her to be the first time he saw her in the coffee shop.
Although Thorne is a dominant strong character, he is inside insecure and unwilling to admit his true feelings. The author hides something lurking in his past, keeping the reader guessing.
For my first journey into this dark world of submission, sadism, vulnerability and emotional turmoil, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I am sure I will read other works of this author and can definitely recommend her.
February 25, 2016
Wow!! R.B. O'Brien has done it again!!!
She captivates you and pulls you into the story from the first page. It is hard to put this story down!! This is the first book in her new series Thorne. This story is much darker than the Natalie's Edge Series, but in my opinion it's just as good if not better!!
William is a troubled and controling character. He certainly takes your emotions on a rollercoaster from hate to lust in just a few lines! He is darkness and Victoria is light. Her innocence, youth and beauty captivates William. He must have her, and enters into an arrangement for her to be his "personnal assistant" Victoria, is drawn to William like a moth to a flame. But will she get burnt?
The sex scenes are mindblowing, realistic, hot and erotic. You loose yourself in the story and then suddenly, a major twist happens. You are blindsided by it, as R.B completely takes you by surprise. This story is beautifully written in RB's unique style. The characters are well developed and each carry a secret or two.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of dark romance.
She captivates you and pulls you into the story from the first page. It is hard to put this story down!! This is the first book in her new series Thorne. This story is much darker than the Natalie's Edge Series, but in my opinion it's just as good if not better!!
William is a troubled and controling character. He certainly takes your emotions on a rollercoaster from hate to lust in just a few lines! He is darkness and Victoria is light. Her innocence, youth and beauty captivates William. He must have her, and enters into an arrangement for her to be his "personnal assistant" Victoria, is drawn to William like a moth to a flame. But will she get burnt?
The sex scenes are mindblowing, realistic, hot and erotic. You loose yourself in the story and then suddenly, a major twist happens. You are blindsided by it, as R.B completely takes you by surprise. This story is beautifully written in RB's unique style. The characters are well developed and each carry a secret or two.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of dark romance.
Read
February 26, 2016What can I say about this book but WOW! R.b has a way of making you love her dark characters, and I absolutely loved this book. She has you reading about this lifestyle in a whole different level. She shows the dark side of this in a way that in indescribable but she also shows us the trials and tribulations of what happens when they over step their bounds and fall for their partner.
William Thorne is a very rich, powerful and dominating male that is as tough as stones. Victoria Rose is a sweet virginal character that is a natural when it comes to giving William what he wants.
There's ups and downs, what story does not have that? By the end of the book there is hope that this relationship that they have would continue. And then there is this twist that is demanding to read the next book as soon as possible. I will be eagerly waiting for the next part to come out. I love the dark and mysterious men in the books that I read and she gave me something that I definitely have as 1 of my top 2 reads of all time. R.b., I cannot wait until the next one comes out, I am a forever fan.
William Thorne is a very rich, powerful and dominating male that is as tough as stones. Victoria Rose is a sweet virginal character that is a natural when it comes to giving William what he wants.
There's ups and downs, what story does not have that? By the end of the book there is hope that this relationship that they have would continue. And then there is this twist that is demanding to read the next book as soon as possible. I will be eagerly waiting for the next part to come out. I love the dark and mysterious men in the books that I read and she gave me something that I definitely have as 1 of my top 2 reads of all time. R.b., I cannot wait until the next one comes out, I am a forever fan.
April 16, 2016
Book Review
In this book you find a man who has become what he considers a monster. He has developed his sex life into what he needs to survive in his life as a billionaire who works to destroy the tobacco industry. In the book we find that he finds himself falling for the women he has made his personal assistant/lover. He has determined he can't love anyone , can he? But then he decides he does love her. Before he can tell her he hears her talking on the phone about him. It seems she has been hired to find out if he caused the fire that killed her grandfather who was her only living relative. He blows up and tells her to get her things and be gone by morning and he does not want to see her ever again. The problem is that she has fallen in love with him as well but he feels betrayed by her. This book ends on this blow up. This has got me wanting to get the next book to find out if they get back together or especially what happened with the fire that killed her grandfather.
In this book you find a man who has become what he considers a monster. He has developed his sex life into what he needs to survive in his life as a billionaire who works to destroy the tobacco industry. In the book we find that he finds himself falling for the women he has made his personal assistant/lover. He has determined he can't love anyone , can he? But then he decides he does love her. Before he can tell her he hears her talking on the phone about him. It seems she has been hired to find out if he caused the fire that killed her grandfather who was her only living relative. He blows up and tells her to get her things and be gone by morning and he does not want to see her ever again. The problem is that she has fallen in love with him as well but he feels betrayed by her. This book ends on this blow up. This has got me wanting to get the next book to find out if they get back together or especially what happened with the fire that killed her grandfather.
Want to read
December 10, 2018#Erotica #bargain #99ct #dark #bdsm
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Merged review:
#Erotica #bargain #99ct #dark #bdsm
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SBPezC
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2L9ARjs
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Eemqth
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
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Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
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Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SBPezC
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2L9ARjs
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Eemqth
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
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Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
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Merged review:
#Erotica #bargain #99ct #dark #bdsm
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SBPezC
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2L9ARjs
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Eemqth
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
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August 9, 2018
This is my first full length read from R.B. O'Brien and I was impressed. She wrote this from a male perspective and she did pretty good with it. I will say he's not a very likeable character, but I think this series is about his transformation.
The female MC sounded physically delicious, to the point I was surprised it was a female writer describing her. (Big natural breasts on a petite frame was emphasized several times.) However, her personality also left something to be desired. In this case, though, a major twist that I never saw coming (heh) could explain some of her actions. I'm sure that's followed up on in later volumes.
The strength of this work was the sex scenes. Long and pretty dirty scenes, I was pleasantly surprised that R.B. didn't hold back much on the nasty. And I bet things just get dirtier as the series moves along.
Overall a hot read. R. B. O'Brien has a dirty mind and isn't ashamed to let us know.
The female MC sounded physically delicious, to the point I was surprised it was a female writer describing her. (Big natural breasts on a petite frame was emphasized several times.) However, her personality also left something to be desired. In this case, though, a major twist that I never saw coming (heh) could explain some of her actions. I'm sure that's followed up on in later volumes.
The strength of this work was the sex scenes. Long and pretty dirty scenes, I was pleasantly surprised that R.B. didn't hold back much on the nasty. And I bet things just get dirtier as the series moves along.
Overall a hot read. R. B. O'Brien has a dirty mind and isn't ashamed to let us know.
April 13, 2016
I enjoyed this book and I really look forward to reading more. I sincerely hope that this isn't the end to this couple's story. I really disliked Thorne as a person through about 95% of this story but it was a case of love to hate you and hate to love you. UGH he was so infuriating. I can't wait to get more of his background story and why he is the way he is. Then Victoria reveals some through the story but there is more to her and she really drops a bomb at the end of this story that completely throws a wrench into everything.
I really look forward to reading more by R.B. O'Brien in the future and will definitely be keeping my eye for more with this couple for sure. I think it is worth the read and if you like some hot sex scenes than this book is for you. Let not forget the angst, heartbreak and revenge amongst other things that go on in this book.
I really look forward to reading more by R.B. O'Brien in the future and will definitely be keeping my eye for more with this couple for sure. I think it is worth the read and if you like some hot sex scenes than this book is for you. Let not forget the angst, heartbreak and revenge amongst other things that go on in this book.
October 11, 2016
It's not easy to sympathize completely with the two protagonists of Rose's Dark Contract. William Thorne is a self-professed sadist while the object of his desires, Victoria Rose, is hopelessly out of her element. Both characters are alternately confused, compromised, and conflicted, which is exactly as it should be.
In less skillful hands, the narrative would be limited to the seduction of a weak woman at the hand of a more powerful, determined man. But R.B. O'Brien inserts just enough subtext to suggest something deeper and more compelling. Through all the sex, the domination and submission, there is more at work.
By the time Rose's Dark Contract draws to a close, the hook is firmly set and it's a foregone conclusion that Book 2 will be topping the to-read list. It's just that good.
In less skillful hands, the narrative would be limited to the seduction of a weak woman at the hand of a more powerful, determined man. But R.B. O'Brien inserts just enough subtext to suggest something deeper and more compelling. Through all the sex, the domination and submission, there is more at work.
By the time Rose's Dark Contract draws to a close, the hook is firmly set and it's a foregone conclusion that Book 2 will be topping the to-read list. It's just that good.
March 6, 2016
Wow! That is the first word that comes to mind when reading RB O'Brien's latest book. Steamy hot sex pervades this charming tale of a womanizing alpha male, William Thorne and his latest conquest, Victoria. Thorne is what you would expect from an alpha and Victoria is the naive, sexy young woman or is she?
Spellbinding sex scenes are carefully woven throughout this tale of the darker side of romance. I don't want to give too much of the plot away but there is a fabulous twist at the end that left me speechless. I cannot wait for the sequel! This is a must read for those into dark romance, BDSM, or erotic thrillers.
Spellbinding sex scenes are carefully woven throughout this tale of the darker side of romance. I don't want to give too much of the plot away but there is a fabulous twist at the end that left me speechless. I cannot wait for the sequel! This is a must read for those into dark romance, BDSM, or erotic thrillers.
April 23, 2016
Thorne is self made success with a sadistic streak. Victoria is a waitress with too much innocence and not his usual type for his personal PA and the dark contract.
I found this book was so well written that I was able to completely immerse myself in the story not stopping until I had read the entire book. I loved the characters. They are full of personality and depth. The story certainty has issues of darkness but there are also moments that the darkness begins to fade. I was often challenged by the twists and turns the story took.
I am glad that I was not near the author when I reached the ending as I might have shown my own dark side. The sequel needs to be in my Kindle soon!
I found this book was so well written that I was able to completely immerse myself in the story not stopping until I had read the entire book. I loved the characters. They are full of personality and depth. The story certainty has issues of darkness but there are also moments that the darkness begins to fade. I was often challenged by the twists and turns the story took.
I am glad that I was not near the author when I reached the ending as I might have shown my own dark side. The sequel needs to be in my Kindle soon!
June 8, 2016
R.B. O'Brien writes a beautiful tale about two lovers lost in their past, unknowingly finding true love, wrapped in domination, which frees each of their tortured souls. The ending promises to shock and excite at the same time, so much that the reader cannot wait for the next instalment Thorne: Rose's Dark Secret. Truly, I enjoyed the slow seductive revelation by this skillful writer, who presents amazing BDSM scenes that are light in torture, but heavy with ravishing emotions. Reading how Rose changes Thorne, and how he falls in love with this mysterious beauty, made me fall in love with this lovely, sexy story. A must-read for anyone who likes smart erotic romances!
May 19, 2016
One of the best reads for me this year. I fell madly, passionately and lustfully for Thorne. He is one of the most fascinating lead male characters I've encountered in a very long time. He is absolutely perfect in his imperfections. His attraction for Victoria is unsurmountable in that he does not want to have it - he fights it - he fights her - but most of all he fights himself. He suffers a pain of his own creation with his Rose - as well all know every rose has her thorns.
April 23, 2016
Great story with a powerful cliff-hanger, and I'm looking forward to more offerings in this series about a man tortured by his past and his self-perception, a man who finds himself loving a woman when he thought he was incapable of love, and a woman who may not be quite as she appears. Keep 'em coming!
March 10, 2016
Wow was not expecting this to be so amazing. Loved it. It's a short read but so much into it. Loved this story and O'Brien definitely hit it in this one. This was a brilliant start to a series and can't wait for more. It's a definite one click.
April 25, 2016
Oh my goodness
What a freaking good book,these guys R.B writes about are down right dark men. Her stories are so full of dark and I loved every minute of it. One thing I didn't like is now I have to wait for the next book. Ughhhhhhhh
What a freaking good book,these guys R.B writes about are down right dark men. Her stories are so full of dark and I loved every minute of it. One thing I didn't like is now I have to wait for the next book. Ughhhhhhhh
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