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Payback
He kidnapped me—so why do I feel alive for the first time in my life?
Holly
Cason
Holly
I’ve spent my entire life avoiding trouble, unlike my brother Butcher. But when Cason O’Connor kidnaps me, I’m shocked that I’m now being used as a pawn for my brother’s crimes. I should hate my captor, but I don’t. I hunger for his touch, I crave his intensity, I feel alive for the first time in my life. Will he be willing to abandon his plot for revenge or will I be nothing but payback?
Cason
The plan is simple—kidnap Holly Brannon, baby sister of the man who shot mine. Revenge should be sweet. I’ll torture the only person he loves. Instead, I’m the one being tortured by this fiery redhead with incredible curves. I’m obsessed with her. Now I must choose between making Butcher pay for his crimes and my desire to possess Holly, no matter the consequence. She was my victim—now she’s my woman. And I’ll never let her go.
Publisher's Note: This is a bad boy romance with dark themes. It is over-the-top sexy with all the dirty sweetness you’ve come to expect from an Alexx Andria read. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed HEA. Bonus material includes the full-length bad boy romance, AGAINST THE WALL. Enjoy!
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2016
160 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Alexx Andria
187 books440 followersAlexx Andria is a USA TODAY bestselling author of spicy romance novels ranging from rom-coms to billionaire and everything in between.
Signed books available on her website!
Signed books available on her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 21, 2016
'Payback' tells the story of Holly, who is kidnapped as a means to exact revenge on her brother, Butcher. Butcher runs a powerful gang and is a despicable guy. Cason, her kidnapper, want to take Butcher's sister to make him feel the same pain that he did when Butcher hurt his own sister.
Dark, twisted motives. Abduction. Guys you love to hate. At a glance, this sounds like the type of story that I usually love. Sadly, it didn't work out for me.
From the start, things felt very forced. There was nothing in the writing that solicited the expected emotions. Instead, it was like the author was telling you what the character was feeling versus "showing" you. The actions and behaviors of the characters were incongruent with the events of the story. Everything felt rushed and forced. Nothing about this story flowed naturally.
The characters were also poorly developed and unappealing. They lacked personality and originality. Nothing about Holly, Cason, or even Butcher, was compelling. It was like they were taken from a mix of over-used cliches and given a name without any further development.
Similarly, the story felt choppy and not well planned out. There was little to no transition or build-up to major events. It was very anticlimactic and perplexing at times. I felt like the author was writing some sort of copycat based upon other, better, abduction stories. I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes at the absurdity of many things that took place.
Luckily, the story was relatively short. It ended near the 50% mark and I've never been happier. I'm not familiar with the author, so maybe this was a debut and they've yet to develop their writing.
I will say that the grammar was not terrible. For that reason, I gave it 2-stars. While this one was bad, I've read worse.
Dark, twisted motives. Abduction. Guys you love to hate. At a glance, this sounds like the type of story that I usually love. Sadly, it didn't work out for me.
From the start, things felt very forced. There was nothing in the writing that solicited the expected emotions. Instead, it was like the author was telling you what the character was feeling versus "showing" you. The actions and behaviors of the characters were incongruent with the events of the story. Everything felt rushed and forced. Nothing about this story flowed naturally.
The characters were also poorly developed and unappealing. They lacked personality and originality. Nothing about Holly, Cason, or even Butcher, was compelling. It was like they were taken from a mix of over-used cliches and given a name without any further development.
Similarly, the story felt choppy and not well planned out. There was little to no transition or build-up to major events. It was very anticlimactic and perplexing at times. I felt like the author was writing some sort of copycat based upon other, better, abduction stories. I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes at the absurdity of many things that took place.
Luckily, the story was relatively short. It ended near the 50% mark and I've never been happier. I'm not familiar with the author, so maybe this was a debut and they've yet to develop their writing.
I will say that the grammar was not terrible. For that reason, I gave it 2-stars. While this one was bad, I've read worse.
Read
July 22, 2016I'm dnfing this one because Cason forces Holly to watch him get a bj by another woman in a sex club. It's ruined now, can't read it anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
don-t-read
July 26, 2016
July 13, 2016
Holly is kidnapped by Cason and his fellow gang member, Tito. Cason wants revenge on Holly's step-brother, and finds out she is his sister and kidnaps her for revenge. Holly has been sheltered by her brother, Butcher, and kept in hiding since she was a child. Holly is just about to graduate from college when Cason decides she is his golden ticket to revenge. Holly was clueless and didn't quite understand what Butcher had done for her deserve this. Butcher was quite malicious and didn't treat people well. Cason and Holly feel sparks between each other, but Holly knows it is wrong to feel anything other than hate and contempt for Cason, but can't help herself it seems. The circumstances surrounding how these two get together and what Cason does in the moments prior to getting Holly to agree that she wants him were not something that worked for me. It was hard to believe that she was able to be swayed so quickly. It was a quick read but some of the circumstances and descriptions were beyond believable to me. A twist with her brother did make it interesting but it still didn't really work for me.
August 6, 2016
DNF.
I was so very disappointed in this book!
The writing was great, easy to read, and was looking like it was going to be a great book!! BUT it had a trigger of mine!!!!!
The male character has already admitted that the Female is HIS, but for punishment for trying to run away he makes her watch him get a BJ from a whore.... WTF!?!?!
I stopped reading after that. BUT if that type of thing does not bother you then it sounds like this would be a great book!
I was so very disappointed in this book!
The writing was great, easy to read, and was looking like it was going to be a great book!! BUT it had a trigger of mine!!!!!
The male character has already admitted that the Female is HIS, but for punishment for trying to run away he makes her watch him get a BJ from a whore.... WTF!?!?!
I stopped reading after that. BUT if that type of thing does not bother you then it sounds like this would be a great book!
not-happening
July 26, 2016not for me.....has a scene that I'm not crazy about
July 10, 2016
Great story, had to take off stars because he got a blow job from some club girl right in front of Holly on purpose. HEA and a great epilogue. Loved the end and after the 'incident' he was amazing with her.
December 14, 2019
OMG THIS SHIT WAS BAD.
It reminded me of why I don’t read Jordan Silver.
The writing was hella bad and the plot stupid as fuck. Save me from this bullshit.
DNF 60%
It reminded me of why I don’t read Jordan Silver.
The writing was hella bad and the plot stupid as fuck. Save me from this bullshit.
DNF 60%
July 16, 2016
"Your brother owes a debt and you’re going to help him pay.”
There is just something utterly irresistible about dark and twisty forced captivity tales. Maybe it's the rough, ruthless badass obsessed with revenge!! Or the pure, guileless heroine who fights against a forbidden attraction for her captor that is born out of fear, passion and peril. Or maybe it's just the secret thrill of being at someone's mercy and having to use all the survival instincts at your disposal to break down your cruel abductor's ice cold barriers and unleash the true protector lurking within.
Or perhaps all of the above..
Well, PAYBACK by Alexx Andria checked off all those boxes and this book not only exceeded every single expectation...it literally held my heart hostage!!! This is my first time reading an arc from this gloriously talented writer and I am now officially hooked on her writing!
This riveting revenge-to-lovers tale unfolds at a brisk pace, is chock full of shocking twists and turns, and the author does a brilliant job of keeping the reader wound up tight till the jawdropping end!!
In a nutshell, this is the story about lethally sexy bad boy Cason O’Connor who abducts shy, introverted college student Holly Brannon to exact the ultimate payback against her brother, Butcher, the leader of one of the most notorious street gangs in New York. A horrible injustice was done, which set Cason on his bloodthirsty quest for revenge, and now he will do whatever it takes to make sure his foe gets his due. Even if it means using the pretty bookworm as a sacrificial lamb!
"It was an inspired f***ing plan. Kidnap baby sister, show Butcher that he wasn't the only one who could make a mess of people, and then use the girl to make Butcher pay for what he'd done. I wasn't going to let anything stand in my way."
There is nothing more seductive than a domineering, dirty-talking Alpha male who commands total submission and leaves us all aquiver! Cason oozes testosterone, arrogance, raw masculinity and such fierce malice that you can't help but fear--and envy--sweet Holly, who is totally at his mercy. In essence, Cason is one devilishly handsome package of dangerous sin and dark temptation!
"He was everything I’d never have the opportunity to experience. Hard as granite, each muscle, rigid and roped, a body that promised bad things in the best way and a dangerous attitude that practically screamed “heartbreaker” in shrill tones — the kind of man women dreamed about in their darkest fantasies but never spoke about."
Ahh the jitters I suffered throughout! Cason was so ravaged by anger, blinded by desire and consumed with thoughts of revenge he made cold dread slither down my spine and fear coil in my belly because I had no idea what would set him off or what punishment might befall Holly if she dared to disobey him or try to fly the coop .
"I sensed the danger, simmering beneath the surface of that cool smile, those eyes burning with something that made me shudder. He was like a wolf. And I was dinner."
Holly was the key to his revenge and Cason knew it would be foolhardy to let his soul burning lust for the fiery redhead to allow him to lose his advantage. Not when the stakes were so high. But you know what they say about the best laid plans.
Sighhhhh...the delicious conundrum!! I binge read this hyper intense, fiercely passionate, dark romance in large part because the chemistry between Carson and Holly was so combustible I literally felt the steam rising from my Kindle. Not only did they have sizzling sexual tension, fiery discord and razor sharp banter, the development of the romance was superb. Their attraction was all kinds of wrong, yet they were powerless to resist the magnetic pull between them, and together they filled an emotional void in one another's lives.
I felt all sorts of heartachy feels for this couple throughout and appreciated that the author focused on the delicious sensual torment the hero inflicted on his "baby girl" as opposed to physical brutality. Both characters were fully realized with fleshed out backstories and credible angst. And despite her sheltered upbringing, I truly dug how the heroine was NO shrinking violet. Refusing to cower to Cason's intimidation tactics and gave as good as she got. There was also an subtle undercurrent of humor woven throughout which I found quite infectious! I also give huge props to Ms. Andria for featuring Holly as a woman with generous curves, celebrating how her plump, luscious body was a huge turn on for Cason, and how she aroused a primal need in him to claim, conquer and protect!
Although he plays the part of the predatory bad boy to the hilt (rap sheet includes kidnapping, forcing her to strip, and shackling her to a wall in a SEX DUNGEON!!!!) there were always tantalizing glimpses of the redeemable man buried beneath the harsh veneer. l fell for Carson hard and felt his anguish and regret on a soul-deep level, especially when we discover the heartbreaking reason he hungers so insatiably for revenge. But while he may walk through fire to safeguard his beautiful prisoner from looming danger, would she still need saving from HIM?
Not saying. You'll just have to read to find out how it all plays out!!
Bottom line, PAYBACK is the perfect guilty pleasure read for worshippers of formidable bad boys who love to play dirty and still manage to get the girl in the end!!
Sent from my iPad
There is just something utterly irresistible about dark and twisty forced captivity tales. Maybe it's the rough, ruthless badass obsessed with revenge!! Or the pure, guileless heroine who fights against a forbidden attraction for her captor that is born out of fear, passion and peril. Or maybe it's just the secret thrill of being at someone's mercy and having to use all the survival instincts at your disposal to break down your cruel abductor's ice cold barriers and unleash the true protector lurking within.
Or perhaps all of the above..
Well, PAYBACK by Alexx Andria checked off all those boxes and this book not only exceeded every single expectation...it literally held my heart hostage!!! This is my first time reading an arc from this gloriously talented writer and I am now officially hooked on her writing!
This riveting revenge-to-lovers tale unfolds at a brisk pace, is chock full of shocking twists and turns, and the author does a brilliant job of keeping the reader wound up tight till the jawdropping end!!
In a nutshell, this is the story about lethally sexy bad boy Cason O’Connor who abducts shy, introverted college student Holly Brannon to exact the ultimate payback against her brother, Butcher, the leader of one of the most notorious street gangs in New York. A horrible injustice was done, which set Cason on his bloodthirsty quest for revenge, and now he will do whatever it takes to make sure his foe gets his due. Even if it means using the pretty bookworm as a sacrificial lamb!
"It was an inspired f***ing plan. Kidnap baby sister, show Butcher that he wasn't the only one who could make a mess of people, and then use the girl to make Butcher pay for what he'd done. I wasn't going to let anything stand in my way."
There is nothing more seductive than a domineering, dirty-talking Alpha male who commands total submission and leaves us all aquiver! Cason oozes testosterone, arrogance, raw masculinity and such fierce malice that you can't help but fear--and envy--sweet Holly, who is totally at his mercy. In essence, Cason is one devilishly handsome package of dangerous sin and dark temptation!
"He was everything I’d never have the opportunity to experience. Hard as granite, each muscle, rigid and roped, a body that promised bad things in the best way and a dangerous attitude that practically screamed “heartbreaker” in shrill tones — the kind of man women dreamed about in their darkest fantasies but never spoke about."
Ahh the jitters I suffered throughout! Cason was so ravaged by anger, blinded by desire and consumed with thoughts of revenge he made cold dread slither down my spine and fear coil in my belly because I had no idea what would set him off or what punishment might befall Holly if she dared to disobey him or try to fly the coop .
"I sensed the danger, simmering beneath the surface of that cool smile, those eyes burning with something that made me shudder. He was like a wolf. And I was dinner."
Holly was the key to his revenge and Cason knew it would be foolhardy to let his soul burning lust for the fiery redhead to allow him to lose his advantage. Not when the stakes were so high. But you know what they say about the best laid plans.
Sighhhhh...the delicious conundrum!! I binge read this hyper intense, fiercely passionate, dark romance in large part because the chemistry between Carson and Holly was so combustible I literally felt the steam rising from my Kindle. Not only did they have sizzling sexual tension, fiery discord and razor sharp banter, the development of the romance was superb. Their attraction was all kinds of wrong, yet they were powerless to resist the magnetic pull between them, and together they filled an emotional void in one another's lives.
I felt all sorts of heartachy feels for this couple throughout and appreciated that the author focused on the delicious sensual torment the hero inflicted on his "baby girl" as opposed to physical brutality. Both characters were fully realized with fleshed out backstories and credible angst. And despite her sheltered upbringing, I truly dug how the heroine was NO shrinking violet. Refusing to cower to Cason's intimidation tactics and gave as good as she got. There was also an subtle undercurrent of humor woven throughout which I found quite infectious! I also give huge props to Ms. Andria for featuring Holly as a woman with generous curves, celebrating how her plump, luscious body was a huge turn on for Cason, and how she aroused a primal need in him to claim, conquer and protect!
Although he plays the part of the predatory bad boy to the hilt (rap sheet includes kidnapping, forcing her to strip, and shackling her to a wall in a SEX DUNGEON!!!!) there were always tantalizing glimpses of the redeemable man buried beneath the harsh veneer. l fell for Carson hard and felt his anguish and regret on a soul-deep level, especially when we discover the heartbreaking reason he hungers so insatiably for revenge. But while he may walk through fire to safeguard his beautiful prisoner from looming danger, would she still need saving from HIM?
Not saying. You'll just have to read to find out how it all plays out!!
Bottom line, PAYBACK is the perfect guilty pleasure read for worshippers of formidable bad boys who love to play dirty and still manage to get the girl in the end!!
Sent from my iPad
July 16, 2016
"Your brother owes a debt and you’re going to help him pay.”
I have always been drawn to dark, emotionally-intense kidnapping stories featuring domineering heroes obsessed with revenge, and so when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of PAYBACK by Alexx Andria I jumped at it. And to my sheer delight, from the very first page, this nail biting page-turner held my heart hostage!!
In a nutshell, this is the story about sexy bad boy Cason O’Connor who abducts shy, sheltered college student Holly Brannon to exact the ultimate payback against her brother, Butcher, the leader of one of the most notorious street gangs in New York. Cason will do whatever it takes to make sure his foe gets his due for the heinous crimes he has committed. Even if it means using the sweet, curvaceous bookworm he's holding prisoner as collateral damage.
There is nothing more seductive than a predatory Alpha man on a mission and Cason left me all aquiver! He oozes testosterone, arrogance, raw masculinity and such contempt that you can't help but fear--and envy--sweet Holly, who is completely at her abductor's mercy. In essence, Cason is one wickedly handsome package of dangerous sin and dark temptation!
The chemistry between the hero and his wide eyed, virginal captive is combustible, the sensual interludes are blazing hot! (hint...there is a stint in a sex dungeon!!!!) and the plot is chock full of simmering tension, drama, passion, intrigue and soul-shattering heartache. There was also a subtle undercurrent of acerbic humor throughout so the tone never felt maudlin, and there were a plethora of unexpected twists and turns that constantly kept me guessing.
Bottom line: PAYBACK is the perfect guilty pleasure read for worshippers of formidable bad boys who like to play dirty and still manage to get the girl in the end!!
I have always been drawn to dark, emotionally-intense kidnapping stories featuring domineering heroes obsessed with revenge, and so when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of PAYBACK by Alexx Andria I jumped at it. And to my sheer delight, from the very first page, this nail biting page-turner held my heart hostage!!
In a nutshell, this is the story about sexy bad boy Cason O’Connor who abducts shy, sheltered college student Holly Brannon to exact the ultimate payback against her brother, Butcher, the leader of one of the most notorious street gangs in New York. Cason will do whatever it takes to make sure his foe gets his due for the heinous crimes he has committed. Even if it means using the sweet, curvaceous bookworm he's holding prisoner as collateral damage.
There is nothing more seductive than a predatory Alpha man on a mission and Cason left me all aquiver! He oozes testosterone, arrogance, raw masculinity and such contempt that you can't help but fear--and envy--sweet Holly, who is completely at her abductor's mercy. In essence, Cason is one wickedly handsome package of dangerous sin and dark temptation!
The chemistry between the hero and his wide eyed, virginal captive is combustible, the sensual interludes are blazing hot! (hint...there is a stint in a sex dungeon!!!!) and the plot is chock full of simmering tension, drama, passion, intrigue and soul-shattering heartache. There was also a subtle undercurrent of acerbic humor throughout so the tone never felt maudlin, and there were a plethora of unexpected twists and turns that constantly kept me guessing.
Bottom line: PAYBACK is the perfect guilty pleasure read for worshippers of formidable bad boys who like to play dirty and still manage to get the girl in the end!!
September 24, 2024
Honest just watch the porno movie 365 days on Netflix this is basically the same thing!
Now this "romance" centers around holly and cason who are basically the American versions of massimo and laura from 365 days, cason as a gang leader who plans to kidnap holly as payback against her brother, of course holly doesnt know what the hell is going on between cason and her brother cause she was always kept in the dark, but anyway cason kidnaps holly and understandably holly is terrified cause she was kidnapped but that only last like 2 hours before she cant help but get jelly legs around him and gets horny just looking at him🙄 like seriously what the actual fuck like the author didn't even try with this book! ive seen alot of negative reviews on this book which isnt surprising cause its absolutely terrible but the few people that actually rated this 4 or 5 stars i pray for you cause you need help like serious help! Most of the reviews stated they couldn't keep reading after cason made holly watch another girl give him a blowjob to show he could get satisfied by other woman, you know like in the 365 days? 🙄 well thats not what happened with me, i stopped reading when cason practically raped her in the like the 4th chapter! Of course he threatened to rape and torture her through out the first few chapters but i never thought he would actually go through with it! Listen i love kidnapping stories and mafia stories its why i watched and loved 365 days but only when handled right! It looks like the author gave up on thia story after the 2nd chapter i just couldn't deal with the trashy writing in this book!
Now this "romance" centers around holly and cason who are basically the American versions of massimo and laura from 365 days, cason as a gang leader who plans to kidnap holly as payback against her brother, of course holly doesnt know what the hell is going on between cason and her brother cause she was always kept in the dark, but anyway cason kidnaps holly and understandably holly is terrified cause she was kidnapped but that only last like 2 hours before she cant help but get jelly legs around him and gets horny just looking at him🙄 like seriously what the actual fuck like the author didn't even try with this book! ive seen alot of negative reviews on this book which isnt surprising cause its absolutely terrible but the few people that actually rated this 4 or 5 stars i pray for you cause you need help like serious help! Most of the reviews stated they couldn't keep reading after cason made holly watch another girl give him a blowjob to show he could get satisfied by other woman, you know like in the 365 days? 🙄 well thats not what happened with me, i stopped reading when cason practically raped her in the like the 4th chapter! Of course he threatened to rape and torture her through out the first few chapters but i never thought he would actually go through with it! Listen i love kidnapping stories and mafia stories its why i watched and loved 365 days but only when handled right! It looks like the author gave up on thia story after the 2nd chapter i just couldn't deal with the trashy writing in this book!
July 30, 2016
When I first read the blurb for this book I figured it was the same old same that I'd read a million times before but it was in fact very different in a great way. The story was original and very creative it kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put my kindle down until I was done. Holly is on the verge of graduating college when she is kidnapped by a gorgeous man named Cason O'Connor. Cason is a member of the Cold Heart Crew gang and he took Holly to get revenge against her brother. Her brother, Butcher is the leader of the Ice Town Rebels gang and he shot Cason's sister putting her in a coma and then killing her best friend. Cason didn't expect to have such strong feelings for Holly and when she willingly gives him her virginity he knows he must rethink his plan for revenge. As I said I really liked this book my only complaint is the name of the gangs they sounded more like break dance crews than bad ass gangsters.
August 17, 2016
It was a quick OK read. I soooo didn't like reading that scene. It was the reason I gave the book 2stars. Like, WTF?! How can this be labeled Romance when you have that scene involving Cason ? I mean, from the first page when Cason first laid eyes on Holly he was all "MINE!" towards her but, goes and does that...AND, in front of Holly too! I didn't find it kinky or erotic. It's a trigger for me. I dread reading about . Was not expecting that especially in a Romance book. smh. I really wish I had read the earlier reviews containing spoilers. Those reviewers warn you what happens. I would have passed on reading it =\
August 6, 2016
Where do I even begin ...
***Spoilers included***
I think the book started off good and the storyline had a lot of potential. The farther I got into the book the more upset and irritated I became. Overall it wasn't for me. I felt the characters were very annoying, and it was difficult to get into them. They were very immature with just meeting and trying to get pregnant right off the bat. Also a lot of it was repetitive with going over and over about her size and innocence. The last thing that bothered me is there was nothing about what happened to his sister. Did she ever wake up or did she die??? She started off as the basis and then nothing...
***Spoilers included***
I think the book started off good and the storyline had a lot of potential. The farther I got into the book the more upset and irritated I became. Overall it wasn't for me. I felt the characters were very annoying, and it was difficult to get into them. They were very immature with just meeting and trying to get pregnant right off the bat. Also a lot of it was repetitive with going over and over about her size and innocence. The last thing that bothered me is there was nothing about what happened to his sister. Did she ever wake up or did she die??? She started off as the basis and then nothing...
September 16, 2016
2.5 stars
A not so believable story. From betrayal to ally? Months of plotting revenge only to abandon it after a couple of nights together. Incomprehensible. Finding the love of your life from 0 to 60 after 2 days? Everything happens instantly; the anxiety of being kidnapped is short lived, the pain and jealousy of being the spurned lover is instant, switching sides from enemy to ally is head spinning. Lots of action, but it was hurried, and the character staging was missing.
A not so believable story. From betrayal to ally? Months of plotting revenge only to abandon it after a couple of nights together. Incomprehensible. Finding the love of your life from 0 to 60 after 2 days? Everything happens instantly; the anxiety of being kidnapped is short lived, the pain and jealousy of being the spurned lover is instant, switching sides from enemy to ally is head spinning. Lots of action, but it was hurried, and the character staging was missing.
July 11, 2016
Cason... Just Cason... I LOVED this book so much! I loved that Cason knew Holly was a game changer the moment he saw her. He set out to ruin her, only to fall so deeply in love with her that his plans of revenge quickly change.
Holly was an amazing surprise! I loved that she was so innocent, yet had a fire within her that couldn't be doused. She stood up for what she wanted and took what she needed.
He kidnapped her, but she held him captive!
Holly was an amazing surprise! I loved that she was so innocent, yet had a fire within her that couldn't be doused. She stood up for what she wanted and took what she needed.
He kidnapped her, but she held him captive!
July 11, 2016
Well-written with a well thought out story-line that keeps you captivated. Payback is intense, raw, gritty, shocking, addictive, emotional, captivation... it is everything. If you've not a fan of sexy bad boys doing dirty things... then this book isn't for you. I received a courtesy copy of this book for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
God awful!!!
I never stop a book before I'm done, so this was a first. By the time I was a quarter of the way through I had to end it. I'm all for steamy, dirty sex in a book but this was just raunchy! Do yourself a favor don't waste your time! I had to give a one star rating just so I could warn you all, wouldn't let me post a review without one
I never stop a book before I'm done, so this was a first. By the time I was a quarter of the way through I had to end it. I'm all for steamy, dirty sex in a book but this was just raunchy! Do yourself a favor don't waste your time! I had to give a one star rating just so I could warn you all, wouldn't let me post a review without one
July 10, 2016
Arc review
For honest review holly was kidnapped by cason from school but then love at first sight he plan went out the window .see how they worked to gather .very good stoy
For honest review holly was kidnapped by cason from school but then love at first sight he plan went out the window .see how they worked to gather .very good stoy
October 16, 2020
I loved this book a lot. I am a fan of the author and love her work a lot. Like the rest, this one did not disappoint at all. Everything was well written, the plot, the characters and the flow between each one are so amazing. There is a battle her and one can change for love in a good way. Love is one powerful thing that can turn dark into light in any person with a heart and feeling. I also enjoyed the other elements. I recommend this you will love it
November 21, 2018
2 for 1
Both stories were fast paced but filled with lots of drama, violence and hot sexual scenes. That brings their characters in the world with gangs, drugs & human trafficking, cops and bad cops all rapped up to good read.
Both stories were fast paced but filled with lots of drama, violence and hot sexual scenes. That brings their characters in the world with gangs, drugs & human trafficking, cops and bad cops all rapped up to good read.
December 27, 2018
3 1/2*
Cason is after revenge for his sister & finds out the man he’s after Butcher the leader of the leader ice town rebels has a secret sister Holly. But are things as they seem? Things get more complicated when feelings get involved.
Cason is after revenge for his sister & finds out the man he’s after Butcher the leader of the leader ice town rebels has a secret sister Holly. But are things as they seem? Things get more complicated when feelings get involved.
July 19, 2017
Review
This was alright. The writing was decent enough and after a little while I did grow to like the characters. There wasn't a whole lot of chemistry though.
This was alright. The writing was decent enough and after a little while I did grow to like the characters. There wasn't a whole lot of chemistry though.
Read
May 31, 2020Dnf
March 21, 2021
Good book! I need to read more from this author.
May 3, 2021
DNF!! This book is disgusting!
March 12, 2017
This novel was very fast-paced, with a lot of action - like "Caged". (It was a bonus story in the ARC version I received of "Caged").
It differed in that I felt some of the action was a little rushed, and not enough attention paid to certain details. The twist in the plot was a good one though, one that wasn't blatant until you got deep into the book. It was quite an entertaining read: I read it through in the space of a few hours.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this novel.
It differed in that I felt some of the action was a little rushed, and not enough attention paid to certain details. The twist in the plot was a good one though, one that wasn't blatant until you got deep into the book. It was quite an entertaining read: I read it through in the space of a few hours.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this novel.
July 31, 2016
Payback "Cason" Made Holly Feel Alive!
Cason is out for revenge against Butcher. Butcher shot Cason's sister and left her in a coma. He wants Butcher to hurt like he has been hurt. So Cason decides to go after someone Butcher loves, his sister. Cason discovers that Butche's sister is hidden away at a small college. He kidnaps Holly and is surprised how attractive he finds her. He is suppose to be using her to get his revenge against her brother. Cason is doing bad things for a good reasons in his mind to avenge his sister. He has to continue to remind himself why he is doing it stick to the plan. Holly fights him every step of the way. Cason seems to like her spunk and spirit, and he starts feels protective and possessive toward Holly. Cason eventually decides to trust her and share things with her that most people don't know. Cason might be a bad boy, but he does redeem himself and even saves his woman, Holly. He does love Holly.
In the beginning Holly is a very timid bookworm / nerdy type, but as the story progresses Holly comes into her own. She learns to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants. The reader sees glimpse of Holly's feistiness / fire throughout the story, but Holly's insecurities cause her to hide behind baggy clothes, her school and her books. She loves books and reading. Holly spends hours in the college library, because that is where she is most comfortable. Holly feels that guys don't see her that she is invisible, because she is unattractive (in her mind) in the typical / classical sense. So Holly has a hard time believing that Cason is attracted to her. Holly is scared, when she is kidnapped by Cason. After discovering the reasoning behind it, Holly is angry and shocked at being used aa a pawn against her brother, Butcher. She tells Cason that she knows nothing about her brother's business. Holly is attracted to Cason from the beginning, but knows that she shouldn't feel that way. She is a good girl, and good girls know better than to get involved with / fall for bad boys. Cason makes Holly question everything that she thought she knew about her life and her family. Holly doesn't really trust anyone, and now she has to decide who to believe and trust. Throughout the story the other characters, Cason & Butcher, discover that Holly is a smart woman, who can think for herself. She can be sassy at times ass well.
Payback does start out dark with the revenge / an eye for an eye. As the story progresses and develops, the two characters find what their life is missing. Cason and Holly are lonely and need someone to help them feel alive and wanted. Both are given a second chance; especially Cason. I am a sucker for a bad boy with a good heart. Payback ends with love and a happily ever after. This story has suspense, mystery, great sexually chemistry between Cason and Holly, HEA, some violence, alternating POV and romance. I appreciate that the author allowed the reader to understand each character and their feelings. I felt Holly and Cason's emotions and feelings as I read this story. Yes there were tears, laughter, anger and even nerousness. I loved the scene at the hospital. All I will say is that I laughed and cried doing it, because I can related. I recommend this book. I think that anyone who is not sure about reading this book should give this book a chance, because it will surprise you. I received this arc in exchange for an unbiased review.
Overall Rating - 4 1/2 stars
Sexy / Hotness Level - 4 1/2 stars
POV - Alternating POV for each character
Bad Boy - Yes
Recommend to Other - Yes
HEA - Yes
Cliffhanger - No
Cason is out for revenge against Butcher. Butcher shot Cason's sister and left her in a coma. He wants Butcher to hurt like he has been hurt. So Cason decides to go after someone Butcher loves, his sister. Cason discovers that Butche's sister is hidden away at a small college. He kidnaps Holly and is surprised how attractive he finds her. He is suppose to be using her to get his revenge against her brother. Cason is doing bad things for a good reasons in his mind to avenge his sister. He has to continue to remind himself why he is doing it stick to the plan. Holly fights him every step of the way. Cason seems to like her spunk and spirit, and he starts feels protective and possessive toward Holly. Cason eventually decides to trust her and share things with her that most people don't know. Cason might be a bad boy, but he does redeem himself and even saves his woman, Holly. He does love Holly.
In the beginning Holly is a very timid bookworm / nerdy type, but as the story progresses Holly comes into her own. She learns to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants. The reader sees glimpse of Holly's feistiness / fire throughout the story, but Holly's insecurities cause her to hide behind baggy clothes, her school and her books. She loves books and reading. Holly spends hours in the college library, because that is where she is most comfortable. Holly feels that guys don't see her that she is invisible, because she is unattractive (in her mind) in the typical / classical sense. So Holly has a hard time believing that Cason is attracted to her. Holly is scared, when she is kidnapped by Cason. After discovering the reasoning behind it, Holly is angry and shocked at being used aa a pawn against her brother, Butcher. She tells Cason that she knows nothing about her brother's business. Holly is attracted to Cason from the beginning, but knows that she shouldn't feel that way. She is a good girl, and good girls know better than to get involved with / fall for bad boys. Cason makes Holly question everything that she thought she knew about her life and her family. Holly doesn't really trust anyone, and now she has to decide who to believe and trust. Throughout the story the other characters, Cason & Butcher, discover that Holly is a smart woman, who can think for herself. She can be sassy at times ass well.
Payback does start out dark with the revenge / an eye for an eye. As the story progresses and develops, the two characters find what their life is missing. Cason and Holly are lonely and need someone to help them feel alive and wanted. Both are given a second chance; especially Cason. I am a sucker for a bad boy with a good heart. Payback ends with love and a happily ever after. This story has suspense, mystery, great sexually chemistry between Cason and Holly, HEA, some violence, alternating POV and romance. I appreciate that the author allowed the reader to understand each character and their feelings. I felt Holly and Cason's emotions and feelings as I read this story. Yes there were tears, laughter, anger and even nerousness. I loved the scene at the hospital. All I will say is that I laughed and cried doing it, because I can related. I recommend this book. I think that anyone who is not sure about reading this book should give this book a chance, because it will surprise you. I received this arc in exchange for an unbiased review.
Overall Rating - 4 1/2 stars
Sexy / Hotness Level - 4 1/2 stars
POV - Alternating POV for each character
Bad Boy - Yes
Recommend to Other - Yes
HEA - Yes
Cliffhanger - No
July 26, 2016
Modern day bodice ripper instalove dime store paperback
This was exceptionally well versed with detail paid diligently to grammar and form throughout.
Yet it was so scripted it was almost lyrical at points.
The author created an action adventure that I could easily imagine playing out on the big screen.
Several scenes were vividly described in a way that I could visualize it clearly, one for instance was in the first story Payback when they enter the club. (You'll see )
However, that is not what I want from a story.
I want to feel, I want to connect with the characters in such a way that I get giddy when they first kiss, I get angry at injustices that hinder them and I get choked up with swells of happiness and relief when the happy ever after concludes and all is well .
This book didn't have that effect on me. I could not connect with the characters. I didn't believe them.
I have heard other bloggers referring to a story as "clinical" and never quite got what they meant until now.
Like a lover who goes through the motions and does everything "technically" right but you just aren't feeling any passion or chemistry, this collection was identical to that feeling.
I'm not saying it wasn't good, cause it was.
I'm just saying that for me, it was the difference between having a story told to you and having it shown to you.
I was painfully aware the whole time that I was reading a book. Generally speaking i tend to become so engrossed in a story i forget I'm reading and I emerse myself into the fictional world blocking out everything else around me.
I hate to say this because I just finished the first story this morning and the second one around 6pm , but if my life depended on it I don't think i could tell you the name of a single character from the first story (payback) and that says a lot.
So for me its a surprising five star rating; on the grounds that it was a perfectly told story. And I believe with all my heart if the author was to write what she knows , what she can personally identity with and bring that raw emotional life blood into the story she will be a permanent fixture on the best seller list. I will keep checking back in hopes that as she grows as a writer and further hones her craft, she will start to trust us , her audience, and put more of herself into the characters. So instead of telling us a story about things she has seen on TV or thought sounded good on paper, she can show us. She can explain how the character is truly feeling. Pull back layer after conflicting layer show us the complexity of human emotions in a way that on a basic level we can all identity with and see a bit of ourselves in the characters.
I'm confident this is just the tip of the iceberg for Alexa Andria.
This was exceptionally well versed with detail paid diligently to grammar and form throughout.
Yet it was so scripted it was almost lyrical at points.
The author created an action adventure that I could easily imagine playing out on the big screen.
Several scenes were vividly described in a way that I could visualize it clearly, one for instance was in the first story Payback when they enter the club. (You'll see )
However, that is not what I want from a story.
I want to feel, I want to connect with the characters in such a way that I get giddy when they first kiss, I get angry at injustices that hinder them and I get choked up with swells of happiness and relief when the happy ever after concludes and all is well .
This book didn't have that effect on me. I could not connect with the characters. I didn't believe them.
I have heard other bloggers referring to a story as "clinical" and never quite got what they meant until now.
Like a lover who goes through the motions and does everything "technically" right but you just aren't feeling any passion or chemistry, this collection was identical to that feeling.
I'm not saying it wasn't good, cause it was.
I'm just saying that for me, it was the difference between having a story told to you and having it shown to you.
I was painfully aware the whole time that I was reading a book. Generally speaking i tend to become so engrossed in a story i forget I'm reading and I emerse myself into the fictional world blocking out everything else around me.
I hate to say this because I just finished the first story this morning and the second one around 6pm , but if my life depended on it I don't think i could tell you the name of a single character from the first story (payback) and that says a lot.
So for me its a surprising five star rating; on the grounds that it was a perfectly told story. And I believe with all my heart if the author was to write what she knows , what she can personally identity with and bring that raw emotional life blood into the story she will be a permanent fixture on the best seller list. I will keep checking back in hopes that as she grows as a writer and further hones her craft, she will start to trust us , her audience, and put more of herself into the characters. So instead of telling us a story about things she has seen on TV or thought sounded good on paper, she can show us. She can explain how the character is truly feeling. Pull back layer after conflicting layer show us the complexity of human emotions in a way that on a basic level we can all identity with and see a bit of ourselves in the characters.
I'm confident this is just the tip of the iceberg for Alexa Andria.
July 8, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this story! Cason and Holly are great characters. Cason kidnaps Holly to get back at her brother for what he has done. The reader doesn't find out exactly what he's done until quite a ways into the story, so I don't want to spoil that here. Cason is determined to use Holly to hurt Butcher, her brother. He doesn't fully understand the relationship that they have with each other. Cason is at first, a major a**, he is planning to use Holly and doesn't care that she's an innocent....except he kinda does. That is how he starts redeeming himself for me. Yes, he kidnapped her, yes, he plans to use her but he refuses to rape her and though he beyond pushes the limit he doesn't go beyond redemption and it's kinda understandable once you find out the reasons why. I liked how Holly kept sparring and wouldn't give up, even though she was so far out of her comfort zone and knowledge. I liked the interactions between Cason and Holly and though their relationship happens pretty quickly, it was well done. the sex is explicit and there is a lot of sexual tension. There's some action, a little intrigue and just good characters. I really enjoyed reading this story and watching Cason redeem himself and Holly and Cason get their HEA.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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