Chained to the Devil's Son

by Shea Swain

It was supposed to be the start of a new chapter in their lives. What it turns out to be is a life worse than death.When Evelyn Jones’ family makes a wrong turn onto the property of one of the most racist men in the south, she discovers that Hell is definitely a place on earth. She thinks the man who takes her family captive, to suffer under his sadistic rule and hateful tongue, is the Devil himself. Eve relies on the few memories of the loving life her parents once provided to survive. Yet, constant fear overshadows her lost free-spirited youth and she is losing all hope. Junior Shaw is the only one who has to endure his father’s torture until they arrive. No one understands the survival of the fittest like Junior. The strong stomps on the weak, and the weaker are stomped on repeatedly. Junior is the weak according to his father. Being brought up under evil’s hoof is hell, but when his father turns his hatred on Eve’s family, Junior adopts the role of protector. But, who will protect him?Two children must mature under horrid circumstances and soul-crushing abuse. This standalone full-length novel is a tale of uncompromising hate and unending love and devotion. Delve into the darkness of Chained to the Devil’s Son.This book is for readers 18 years and older. Reader discretion advised.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Dark, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Death, Abuse

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2016

About the author

About The Author

Shea is a woman in love with the idea of love so it’s no wonder she writes Romance Novels. The East Coast native is a romantic to her core and reads and watches anything with a love story. She especially likes binge watching Romance TV around Christmas time.

She enjoys meeting people and chatting, collecting Barbie dolls, toys, anime, and is addicted to The Sims games. Shea also loves music and has mentioned that she writes better when she has music playing as white noise in the background.

This exciting author writes Adult Romance in the sub-genres of Contemporary, New Adult, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Erotica.

Message from Shea.
I thank you for allowing me to showcase my work. If you liked this story, please consider leaving a review and tell you r friends. Also, you can find more of my work at…
www.Sheaswainwrites.com

I love just about all genres but I know a lot of readers have preferences. In order to give readers what they want, I've decided to offer dedicated Newsletter choices. Keep in the know for amazing giveaways and more as well.

There are (3) Three main choices. You can sign up on my website sheaswainwrites.com/newsletter or through the links below.
All Romance/All Genres: bit.ly/2RWRQgK
Contemporary only: bit.ly/3oXNqCu
Para/Sci/Fantasy/Other only: bit.ly/2R6DJoY

Reviews

[Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a book that'll make your blood boil and your heart break? Then look no further because Chained to the Devil's Son is all kinds of mind-bending evil.
This story may well push you to break your e-reader while contemplating exfoliating your skin with bleach.

Reading this book was tough. Imagine all the abduction stories you've read, then multiply the evil by a factor of 12. When you read novels about abductions and captives, it's usually with a romantic view and although this does end with an HEA, the road that leads us there was paved with prejudice, rape, and multiple murders.

This is the story of Eve, who was held captive for close on 7 years by, Cefus, a sadistic and evil man.

This also is the story of Jason, who is Cefus's son and who some might say was equally a hostage to the evil that was Cefus.

And it all began in Alabama in the summer of 1976, when Eve's father made a wrong turn into Cefus's driveway....

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an experience. No words, but then again, I have a lot.

Ever been drawn to a book that you knew you really should avoid due to the subject matter? I was so drawn to this book even though I knew it would be tough to read due to the racism that infused the pores of one of the main characters. This is why I read, and why I love to mix up genres.

First of all let me just say that all you judgy mcjudgys can just back up right now. I will not be made to feel bad about the books that I choose to enjoy. I’m just gonna let y’all know on the front end.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this. Set in the Deep South of Alabama in the late 70’s, a black family of three were traveling and needed to use a phone. They went down a dirt country road, and well, you can imagine the grave situation this was. The father is brutally shot and killed for no reason, and then there were two. A mother and her young daughter. What happens after this will blow your mind. The torture, rape, beatings, and abuse that Pearl, Eve’s mom went through. If it kept Cefus Shaw from messing with her daughter then she endured it. Cefus’s twelve year old son went through it. Motherless, not knowing where his mom went, he and his mentally disabled older sister were left behind in hell with a devil truly for a father.

I love how Junior/Jason loves people of color. He ran interference at times, and barely made it alive just to take the heat for Pearl & Eve, and to get his dad’s attention off them even it meant getting beat to the point of death. Junior clung to the hope that one day he would be bigger than his old man, and he would get Pearl & Eve out of hell.

“He took in her smooth, unblemished cocoa skin, the thick coils of her long raven hair she often kept covered, and her perfectly-shaped pouty lips. For the first, Junior saw a young woman and not just the kid he needed to protect.”

“Her voice was his anchor because unbeknownst to Eve, Junior decided that she was his, and he was keeping her.”

I love won’t spoil for any who want to read, but this is a love story. This is a story that proves that sons don’t have to turn out like their evil fathers. This is a story that made me feel every emotion, including nail biting fear. Most of all love. Love for Junior and Eve, and the love that grew in their hearts for each other in the most terribleness of circumstances.

This is why I read. Sure I want the light and fluff that comes with a romcom or that passionate sweeping love that comes with a historical romance. I also want to sweat because I’m so afraid, and to feel my heart race because a read is so terrifying and not predictable. I loved this book.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cefus is the monster born from nightmares and brought to life. Not only is he mean and surly but he's evil. The kind of evil only spawned from the devil.



Junior and Sadie are stuck living with the devil. You can't chose who your parents are after all, and with the local law on the Devils side there's no escape.



Evelyn is so young when her parents decide to move across the country. One wrong turn sealed their fate and brought them face to face with the monster.



Taken prisoner wasn't what young Eve thought would happen when the gunshot rang out.



This story is dark and gripping. I had to take breaks from reading just to calm my nerves. This author has an amazing talent and a very dark mind. The most disturbing part was the fact that this could and probably has happened in real life.



There are situations in this book that might disturb or upset people so head the warnings. This is not your standard run of the mill HEA. With that said if you are looking for a dark read that will give you nightmares than this is the book for you.

[Ebony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil has a new name...Cefus Shaw!!!

This is one of the best books that I have read in 2016!!! Shea Swain has taken her readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions with the story of the Jones and the Shaw families!!!

Chained to the Devil's Son is a throw back to classic stories. The racial tension between Cefus Shaw and everyone else that is not family is just the tip of the ice burg that is this book!! Ms. Swain starts the action in the first scene of the book. This story is packed with so much heartache, sadness, anger, angst, love, joy, passion, happiness, and so much more into this story. The twists and turns do not stop coming until the final, "The End." The characters of Pearl, Eve, Junior, Cefus, Sadie, Theo, and the rest of the colorful cast of characters are a set that you will become emotionally invested in from the very start and they will stay with you long after the end.

I have never wanted to see a happily ever after for a set of fictional characters as much as I did for the cast of Chained to the Devil's son!! I rooted for Sadie, Junior, Pearl, and Eve all the way through. These characters felt so real and I had to remind myself that this was not a true story, but purely the creation of Shea Swain's incredibly talented imagination!! This is the one book that will make me turn around and buy ALL of Ms. Swain's backlist of books without even reading what they are about!!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who can read!!! This book has something for everyone and will make you feel!! You cannot walk away from reading this book without feeling something!! In my honest opinion - this is the Shea Swain's "The One." The book that make her a household name!! I am so glad that I read this book and don't know if anything will compare to it for a long time!!! WELL DONE SHEA SWAIN!!!!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read all year. Simply put.

Every single emotion was grabbed with every page I read. Pain, sorrow, sadness, heartache, suspense, laughter, love....all of my emotions were tested while reading the book.

This story definitely has triggers and it's not for the faint at heart. I work in the criminal justice field so I see these kinds of things day in and day out. Victims like Jason, Pearl, Eve and Sadie remind me why my job is so important.

This story is about a family from the Maryland that got lost in a town in Alabama. Sadly, this family knocked on the wrong door. In a blink of an eye, Eve's father is killed and her mother, Pearl is badly wounded by Cefus. Cefus has a son, Jr. (Jason) and daughter, Sadie. Sadie is mentally slow so Jr. has to be extra vigilant. Throughout the 7 years Pearl and Eve are in the house, they are physically and mentally abused by Cefus. Jr. does all he can to protect his sister and what he considers his new family, Eve and Pearl. Every time Jr. tried to get help, Pearl got beaten/raped worse, Jr. would get beaten (at one point, Cefus broke his leg) and Cefus would threaten the safety of Sadie. Jr. tried to get help from the sheriff but he would do nothing. When neighbors, his football coach, even social workers from the state questioned Jr. he would be threatened with the safety of Sadie, Pearl and Eve. The Sheriff would do this!! It's a mystery as to why the sheriff would protect Cefus until you read the entire book. Basically, Jr. didn't know who he could trust. I found myself yelling at the book, "here's your chance, say something!"

Ms. Shea Swain, you did that! I'm a fan!

HEA 💘

Happy reading, friends! ❤️📖

[Flip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was super dark but had some beautiful moments Jason and Eve are an amazing super couple who came out of the ashes as better people after living in hell. I loved the way Jason loved his family and was welling to protect them at any cost. Such a good story, I can't wait to read more from this author even though I was super late to the party!!!

[Constance Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost DNF it because the beginning felt like torture porn. But it got better 1/3 of the way in.

Good book. I could so see this as a Netflix movie.

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!

A woman who’s opinion I trust completely recommended this book to me and WOW! This story had me tearing up and screaming to seconds later. This is a crazy story. It is set in 70’s & 80’s and it packs a punch. A family is driving and they get lost. Unfortunately for them the husband decides to stop and ask for directions. That was the worse mistake of his life. The home they stopped at is a wicked mans home and they will never be the same. Eve is the daughter of the family who is lost and what a world she finds herself in. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s definitely a book you should read without spoilers. All I’m gonna say is prepare to cry and have some tissues ready because the stuff they go through will tear you up.

[--karen Green-berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster!!!

This is my first book by this author and it pulled on every emotion there is. It is very dark, violent and intense. At the same time it was a heart pounding, page turner.

Cefus, sr is one of the most despicable characters I've ever read. He was a predator who raped, murdered and preyed on the most vulnerable. Jason aka Junior and Eve met under the worst of circumstances. They lived under the roof of a monster and soon found that they were all victims.

The author has done an excellent job of building each character and took me on a helluva ride. Perseverance and determination eventually results in a HEA.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! The feels to "Chained to the Devil's Son" will keep you flipping the pages!

This author is a phenomenal writer!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading a Shea Swain book, and if this is any indication of her other tales, I'll definitely read more from her in the future. Without further delays, let's get to it. I'll start by giving a very non-spoiler summary of Chained to the Devil's Son :

As a young girl, Eve and her family take a wrong turn into hell. What ensues, traps her for years in a dark place with a man who's the devil incarnate. The only thing keeping her going is the love and protection of her mother, and new family. The daughter and son that have lived and suffered beside her under the boot of their father - her captor - the devil himself. As things go from bad to worse, can Eve break the chains of her own personal hell, or will she - and the others remain captives to evil: mind, body and soul?

I highly recommend this book, if you're in the mood for something a bit harder. This is more of a cross-genre book, horror/thriller with elements of romance. For most of the book, this combination works. There were some typos, especially in the latter part of the story. The writing got sloppy, and a bit disjointed. But still readable, although I struggled to focus as the story itself lost focus. On the plus side, it's a nail-biting page turning in the first half. You'll come to love Junior, and Eve. Though they are victimized in many ways, their struggles, fear, and fight to freedom will keep you turning the page and holding your breath in hopes they all make it out okay.

Overall, this was a harrowing, cannot-put-it down read, until around the 70% mark, and then it took an eye-rolling turn. It became a bit trashy, and lost that something it had in the first half of the book. It recovered, slightly in the end, but only slightly. Which is why I am giving it a lesser rating than what I probably would have if the story had remained tight throughout. I would love to write a more in-depth review, but not now. Sometime in the distant future after a second read. For now...

My rating: A very threadbare 4.0

[Shantia Shaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense!

Get ready for some triggers and a lot of tears. This was shard story to read and I could not put it down.

[Sara Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Loved it, but the end, I felt was rushed, especially after all the drama and turns, I would have loved to see that drama end with a bang. There were places that I felt for the characters and I thought that the antagonist should have been better dealt with. Either way, it's a great read. Enjoy!!!

[B*tchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but a slow read.

I actually liked this book, but I found myself skimming a lot. I would have liked it to be darker by giving more details. The characters felt a bit one-dimensional because of this. The wishy-washy nature of the characters, and the obviousness of several mysteries made this book a bit more miss than hit.

[Nene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

First reading from this Author, that dad was pure evil. This book deals with a real touche storyline. I enjoyed the journey that Jason and Evie went on even if the girl sometime had me wanting to pull out my hair.This book kept you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what was going to happen next.

[Riley K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Hazel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good

Second book by the author and boy was I not disappointed. This had me in my feelings. I was crying for the wickedness being dish out, cussing for the effery and pissed because after all that the sheriff hanged himself. The wicked always die to easy stupes. All in all a really read read.

[Ally Web · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Shea Swain book and I'm sure it won't be my last. She has a way with words that really grab you from the first pages. As I have said in the past, I have to take my time with ebooks. It was hard to do, heck, I attempted to push through a headache a few times. It weaves a story that you won't want to put down. Let's just say I haven't felt so conflicted with a book in a while.

While they were addicting, I had a hard time reading the first few chapters. It was painful reading the experiences the Jones' had to endure. I had a hard time liking Junior as well, even though I knew he was a victim of Cefus'. This story made me change my mind about things a few times and it made for a great book. The only issue I'm having at this time is writing the review without any spoilers. There is just so much to say about the book that would give things away. I will note that I can't think of anything I especially disliked with the story, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I also didn't notice any spelling or grammar issues what weren't supposed to be there. All around, I would recommend it to people who enjoy darker reads.

[Tashiya Swinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...Has anybody seen my wig and edges!

I normally don’t give five star ratings, yet after reading this I am forced to make an exception. Not only was this story well written, perfectly paced, but the plot was so fleshed out it could probably do with a membership to weight watchers. And the characters! Don’t even get me started on the intricate complexities of everyone of these tortured fictional masterpieces. They had me empathizing, sympathizing, and just plain ready to help them drag Cefus’ cold dead carcass across the living floor. Whew, Chile! I’m gonna need mood stabilizers from all these highs and lows. Seriously, though...this was really a phenomenal non-cliche read. So if you’re looking to step out of the norm for your next IR read then this would be what you want to step into. Periodt!

[charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!!!.

I chose five stars because i really enjoyed the storyline. Junior and Evie make a nice couple and grow stronger through each other.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional rollercoaster!!

I felt every blow, every harsh word, all hope fading from their eyes....I lived it with them!

I honestly don't know how to convey all the angst I felt while reading this book; how do I sum up this deliciously dark story without giving away all the gut clenching moments?!

Read this book...take this dark twisted journey with winding roads of despair that will lead you eventually, to a road paved with bright rays of sunshine called hope and love.

KUDOS to the author!!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was brutal. I wanted to stop reading it but at the same time had to know how it would end.

[Shawnita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book! I enjoyed it so much! I fell in love with Junior/Jason, Pearl, Sadie, and Eve/Evie. And yes! There are definitely TRIGGERS in this book. It's about abuse and racism; Pearl, Eve, Jason and Sadie are the victims and are put through so much. Even though it may seem unrealistic at first, it all made sense how one person could get away with so much given the time period and the fact that it takes place in a really small town. Cephus (Sadie and Junior's father) got on my last nerves that I was literally shouting...
whenever Pearl, Eve, Sadie and Junior stood up to him, especially when Junior did!

The only other person who annoyed me was Eve. Although Eve had every reason to be afraid of Jason (Junior), it just became a crutch; an unjustifiable excuse she kept telling her self over and over again. After all the years they were stuck together under one roof, Eve should've realized earlier that Jason was NOTHING like his abusive father. Jason would do anything to keep her and those he loved most safe, which he proved numerous times throughout the story. He really does.

I think the only other con with the story is Eve's age. At first I thought Eve and Jason were the same age, but it turns out Eve was younger than him except how much younger wasn't clear. Fast forward to 3 years later, Jason is supposedly 15 going on 16 now, Eve is supposedly 10 or 13. Then fast forward several years later, she's supposedly 17 now while he's supposedly 18 or 19. And I'm just sitting there like... "Wait... No? Sis, wtf? How?"



Something wasn't adding up, lol! But I probably misread, and maybe over exaggerating a bit, but I promise you the way the author describes it didn't make logically sense at first. I think the author should've just made Eve and Jason the same age. At least, a year apart from each other instead of going into details about how much older Jason was, and how young Eve was. He already had a valid reason to not fall for her - she thought he was as bad as his father, and Jason didn't want to be like his father. So, age difference was the least of his problems. Plus, why does Jason have to be older anyway? Just because he's a guy doesn't mean he couldn't have been younger than Eve. But "Age ain't nothing but a number", so it really didn't matter which one was the oldest or youngest. Just as long as they were close in age at the time.

And lastly, there's a point in the story that may leave some of you puzzled. For instance, when Cephus meets Caleb Scott. For those of us who aren't familiar with the author's other books, Caleb has his own story, so it's basically a cross universe. Another part that confused me was Cephus' side of the family. It's still a mystery to me 🤔 But overall, I really loved this story because of how Pearl was a mother to Sadie and Junior too, and loved them despite all the hell she was going through. And I love how Junior falls for Eve, and I was rooting for them. And I love how they loved and accepted Theo. Like Rihanna's song, Jason and Eve found love in a hopeless place. They really did. This story will make you sad, laugh, angry, and happy all at once. It's not perfect or the best, but it's truly a gem.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

By any means necessary!

That's what Junior did to protect the people he loved. If there was an antagonistic character I ever hated, that was Cefus Shaw. Second was the Sheriff. Cefus was a vial sadistic man. The only problem with this story is that there was no hint as to why he was so evil. Eve was right in calling him the devil. He was the devil incarnate. For a story to get such visceral reaction out of me as a reader is the mark of a good writer. Shea told this story in a way that I did not want to put the book down.

Poor Evie was so tramatized by what happened to her family that she actually suffered from PTSD as she did not trust people, men in particular, but she knew in her heart that Junior protected them. I was happy to read that she dropped her guard enough to allow herself to love him so they could have their HEA which they so desperately deserved.

[SL Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story. This story really took me on a journey through the harrowing world of Evelyn and Junior. Great supporting characters - Shea gave the right level of detail and insight into each character to be able to capture the readers mind to be able to understand a world with such violence and depravity without it being a complete turn-off.
I like books where the author respects the mind of the adult reading it by not having to give us every detail - giving enough clear information for you to "Get it". It also wasn't a stereotypical closed world of females hurt mentally/physically who don't go on to have their own sexual wants/needs. Well done Shea Swain, an absolutely smashing read. I was fighting for those two all the way.
I must also congratulate on the ending of the story, so many seemed rushed to close, but you allowed the story to get to its natural end and allowed the reader to see they had a real and new future. Loved it. I am very happy to recommend

[Stormy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I was going to make it through this book with my heart intact. Shea ripped my heart out, planted it, then ripped it out again. I absolutely loved Junior/Jason. From the moment he appeared in the book, it was obvious that he has such a pure heart despite circumstances. I loved him so much that it actually frustrated me that Eve spent over half of the book mistrusting him. I mean.... how much more did he have to do to prove that he wasn't evil? But I also understood that she was very wary of him considering all that she had been through. However, they had lived together for years and he always took care of them so yeah...at some point you would think she would cut him a break.
Anyway, this book has me hooked from the very beginning and held me captive throughout. There were many times that I had to set the book down just to regain my senses.

[Michelle Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was rough going for the first half. I don't know if it's because of the uncomfortable subject matter (a black woman and her daughter being held captive and forced into physical and sexual slavery by a white racist) or because I felt like I was held captive by this book. There were way too many opportunities for the main characters to escape this horrible, inhumane situation. Somewhere along the way I was overpowered and submitted to the story, so I continue reading until it's conclusion .

The best part of the novel are the characters and their innocents and love for one another. I genuinely cared about them and wanted them safe and happy.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever skip portions of a book because you are not emotionally ready….Well this was me for this book….There can be such evil in the world. I put this book down a few times because it made me sad, mad, and even made me cry more than a little. In reality, I don’t know if I would have survive the trauma this family went through. Trauma(family) bond is real. Healing can happen but you are forever affected. Jason and Evie were both victims who push through the trauma and found love. I am glad I read this book and it has made me realized about how blessed I am but this might be a once read for me.

[Alicia Pressey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chained to the Devil's Son

Where do I start. Wow this was such an amazingly great read it was a hard read that kept me waiting to see what was going to happen next. Jason ( Junior) ,Evie, Sadie and Pearl did not deserve the physical and emotional pain that Cefus inflicted on them. This book had my emotions all over the place yet I still kept reading. This is my first book by this author I know she has another book coming out soon I can't wait to read it. I definitely recommend this book I am sure it will be a reread for me.

[Liyah P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book right here is special to me because it literally was the first book read were a lightbulb went off and I was like this is why reading his better. So from the start this story gets right into it and not is it a hard to book journey. Little Eve is traveling with her family to relocate on their way they get lost and that my friends is where Eve's life changes. Am really don't want to spoil this treasure but what I'll say is its worth the read. The characters in this book will have you ready to cry and scream.