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Prisoned #1
Prisoned
When I opened my eyes, I was in a cell, my body covered in bruises.
Not a jail.
I’d been kidnapped and imprisoned.
I wasn’t alone. I shared the cell with Garin Woods, the man I’d loved since I was a kid.
The man I couldn’t be with because of the secret. A man who would kill me if he found out what that secret was.
Someone wanted to torture me.
Torture us.
One of us deserved it.
It wasn’t Garin.
*WARNING*
Prisoned is an extremely dark novel. There are strong sexual themes, drug usage, physical abuse and torture that could trigger and/or cause emotional suffering. You have been warned.
Not a jail.
I’d been kidnapped and imprisoned.
I wasn’t alone. I shared the cell with Garin Woods, the man I’d loved since I was a kid.
The man I couldn’t be with because of the secret. A man who would kill me if he found out what that secret was.
Someone wanted to torture me.
Torture us.
One of us deserved it.
It wasn’t Garin.
*WARNING*
Prisoned is an extremely dark novel. There are strong sexual themes, drug usage, physical abuse and torture that could trigger and/or cause emotional suffering. You have been warned.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2016
552 people are currently reading
3585 people want to read
About the author
Marni Mann
61 books7,064 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their Yellow Lab. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.
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Visit her at:
WEBSITE: www.MarniSMann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
February 8, 2017
2.5 Stars!!
It saddens me to say this, but this one was just an okay read for me. I enjoyed the other book I’ve read by this author and I enjoy her writing style, but this one didn’t work for me like I would have liked. Like everyone else…I suppose, when I pick up a dark romance I expect to be at the edge of my seat for one reason or another, I expect everything that happens to make my heart race and I expect unpredictability. Sadly, I found this one to be very predictable and well, it didn’t keep me at the edge of my seat, like at all. It took me a long time to finish this one (longer than usual) simply because it didn’t keep my interest.
Garin Woods and Kyle Lang grew up in the projects of Atlantic City, known as The Heart. Surrounded by crime and poverty their lives weren’t easy. Garin had always had a thing for Kyle, she always had a special place in his heart, so he tried his best to protect her, care and provide for her. Their entire lives changed one night when something happened and Kyle had to destroy completely their relationship. Kyle moved from The Heart to Florida and started a new life while Grin was left behind trying to build his own new life.
Garin and Kyle meet again ten years later when unpleasing circumstances makes them return to their hometown. Kyle never forget the boy, now a man who did everything in his power for her to survive. She still has feelings for him, but she also has some secrets Garin knows nothing about, secrets she can’t share with anyone.
But everything changes again for these two when they realize they are being held captive. They don’t know who is responsible for this or what they want from thejm, both of them trying to protect the other as best as they can.
I found the premise to be interesting and I really think the story had a lot of potential, but sadly I wasn’t too impressed by the execution. What to expect reading this one? Well, expect something dark, gritty and ugly, expect graphic scenes that will make you throw up a little in your mouth, but also expect plenty of steamy sex scenes. The suspense aspect was okay I guess…at times…even if “I guessed” very early Duhh..it was so obvious. Also the twists as the story progressed were very predictable. None of them wowed me.
The reasoning behind the captivity was really stupid in my opinion. I can’t say much about it since I don’t want to spoil the story, but well, I obviously wasn’t impressed by this aspect either.
Also I couldn’t feel the connection between the two main characters. At least in the present. The romantic aspect was barely there and all I felt between them in the present was lust and revenge.
That being said, this was just an okay read for me. I’m in minority here, so keep in mind that just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you.
It saddens me to say this, but this one was just an okay read for me. I enjoyed the other book I’ve read by this author and I enjoy her writing style, but this one didn’t work for me like I would have liked. Like everyone else…I suppose, when I pick up a dark romance I expect to be at the edge of my seat for one reason or another, I expect everything that happens to make my heart race and I expect unpredictability. Sadly, I found this one to be very predictable and well, it didn’t keep me at the edge of my seat, like at all. It took me a long time to finish this one (longer than usual) simply because it didn’t keep my interest.
Garin Woods and Kyle Lang grew up in the projects of Atlantic City, known as The Heart. Surrounded by crime and poverty their lives weren’t easy. Garin had always had a thing for Kyle, she always had a special place in his heart, so he tried his best to protect her, care and provide for her. Their entire lives changed one night when something happened and Kyle had to destroy completely their relationship. Kyle moved from The Heart to Florida and started a new life while Grin was left behind trying to build his own new life.
Garin and Kyle meet again ten years later when unpleasing circumstances makes them return to their hometown. Kyle never forget the boy, now a man who did everything in his power for her to survive. She still has feelings for him, but she also has some secrets Garin knows nothing about, secrets she can’t share with anyone.
“I held a secret that should have been spoken from my lips many years ago. Instead, I kept it inside, allowing it to fester and morph into so many emotions…”
But everything changes again for these two when they realize they are being held captive. They don’t know who is responsible for this or what they want from thejm, both of them trying to protect the other as best as they can.
I found the premise to be interesting and I really think the story had a lot of potential, but sadly I wasn’t too impressed by the execution. What to expect reading this one? Well, expect something dark, gritty and ugly, expect graphic scenes that will make you throw up a little in your mouth, but also expect plenty of steamy sex scenes. The suspense aspect was okay I guess…at times…even if “I guessed” very early Duhh..it was so obvious. Also the twists as the story progressed were very predictable. None of them wowed me.
The reasoning behind the captivity was really stupid in my opinion. I can’t say much about it since I don’t want to spoil the story, but well, I obviously wasn’t impressed by this aspect either.
Also I couldn’t feel the connection between the two main characters. At least in the present. The romantic aspect was barely there and all I felt between them in the present was lust and revenge.
That being said, this was just an okay read for me. I’m in minority here, so keep in mind that just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you.
October 28, 2016
Dark, suspenseful stories with some romance thrown in are my absolute favorites. I crave the kind of anti-hero that you love to hate and hate to love. Kidnapping/captivity? I can hardly contain myself, I'm so excited!
Naturally, when I saw the blurb for this book I was sure it'd be an instant hit with me. After all, it had so many of my favorite themes and story elements. I was sure that I'd love it.
However, 'Prisoned' failed to live up to my expectations, much to my disappointment. That isn't to say it was bad. It was actually a pretty good story with a few twists and turns along the way. It just didn't end up being everything I had built it up to be in my head.
The story is told in alternating POVs, which I thought worked well for this story. It does jump between past and present-day, but it does so in a logical manner and doesn't cause unnecessary confusion. The structure of the story worked well for me. I didn't have any issues with the "technical" aspects.
The main characters, Kyle and Garin, have loved each other since they were children. Along with their other best friend, Billy, they grew up on the rough streets of the inner city, in a neighborhood known as "The Heart". Organized crime, drugs and violence was just a part of their daily lives.
Over a decade later, Kyle and Garin are reunited when they both return to their hometown for Billy's funeral. It is clear that the relationship between the two has been irrevocably changed. They are both keeping secrets from each other.
Following the funeral service, Kyle and Garin go out for drinks to catch up and clear the air. The chemistry is still there and soon they're heading back to Garin's place. Only, they never arrive.
The two wake up in a cell, suffering from the after-effects of being drugged. Despite Garin's ties to the Mafia, Kyle knows that it is her secrets that are to blame for their abduction. She knows that her past has finally caught up with her. In some ways, she's relieved. She's only sorry that Garin got wrapped up in her mess.
Although this is a dark, erotic story, it didn't have that terrifying, suspenseful feeling that I'd expect from this type of story. I felt like there was a lot of downtime during Kyle and Garin's captivity, when I was just waiting for something to happen. Then when things did start to happen, it was disturbing, but not as much so as I would've expected. The author kind of hints at some of the more gory interrogation tactics used on Kyle, but doesn't come right out and tell you what is being done.
When Kyle's big secret is revealed, I wasn't surprised. I think most people would've seen it coming. Even so, it made an impact. I just didn't think it warranted any of the things that were done to her. Living with the guilt seemed to be punishment enough. She was a child and she didn't do anything wrong.
I couldn't reconcile the blame and anger that was directed toward Kyle with the facts. Garin's behavior was especially hard for me to swallow. This was the crux of the matter for me. He said he loved her, but what he did was so much worse than anything she ever did.
In the end, I couldn't get past it. I wanted a sense of justice, which never came. Kyle fessed up, but Garin carried on with an entitled air that rubbed me the wrong way. An explanation and an apology was long overdue, but never came. It ended with a "happily" ever after, but really it just irked me.
Overall, I give it 3 1/2 stars. It had potential to be phenomenal, but there were too many problems for me with the direction this story took. It was good, but it left me wanting. This was the first book I've read by this author and I'm sure I'll check out more of her work in the future. Hopefully, the next anti-hero will do some groveling when it's appropriate.
Naturally, when I saw the blurb for this book I was sure it'd be an instant hit with me. After all, it had so many of my favorite themes and story elements. I was sure that I'd love it.
However, 'Prisoned' failed to live up to my expectations, much to my disappointment. That isn't to say it was bad. It was actually a pretty good story with a few twists and turns along the way. It just didn't end up being everything I had built it up to be in my head.
The story is told in alternating POVs, which I thought worked well for this story. It does jump between past and present-day, but it does so in a logical manner and doesn't cause unnecessary confusion. The structure of the story worked well for me. I didn't have any issues with the "technical" aspects.
The main characters, Kyle and Garin, have loved each other since they were children. Along with their other best friend, Billy, they grew up on the rough streets of the inner city, in a neighborhood known as "The Heart". Organized crime, drugs and violence was just a part of their daily lives.
Over a decade later, Kyle and Garin are reunited when they both return to their hometown for Billy's funeral. It is clear that the relationship between the two has been irrevocably changed. They are both keeping secrets from each other.
Following the funeral service, Kyle and Garin go out for drinks to catch up and clear the air. The chemistry is still there and soon they're heading back to Garin's place. Only, they never arrive.
The two wake up in a cell, suffering from the after-effects of being drugged. Despite Garin's ties to the Mafia, Kyle knows that it is her secrets that are to blame for their abduction. She knows that her past has finally caught up with her. In some ways, she's relieved. She's only sorry that Garin got wrapped up in her mess.
Although this is a dark, erotic story, it didn't have that terrifying, suspenseful feeling that I'd expect from this type of story. I felt like there was a lot of downtime during Kyle and Garin's captivity, when I was just waiting for something to happen. Then when things did start to happen, it was disturbing, but not as much so as I would've expected. The author kind of hints at some of the more gory interrogation tactics used on Kyle, but doesn't come right out and tell you what is being done.
When Kyle's big secret is revealed, I wasn't surprised. I think most people would've seen it coming. Even so, it made an impact. I just didn't think it warranted any of the things that were done to her. Living with the guilt seemed to be punishment enough. She was a child and she didn't do anything wrong.
I couldn't reconcile the blame and anger that was directed toward Kyle with the facts. Garin's behavior was especially hard for me to swallow. This was the crux of the matter for me. He said he loved her, but what he did was so much worse than anything she ever did.
In the end, I couldn't get past it. I wanted a sense of justice, which never came. Kyle fessed up, but Garin carried on with an entitled air that rubbed me the wrong way. An explanation and an apology was long overdue, but never came. It ended with a "happily" ever after, but really it just irked me.
Overall, I give it 3 1/2 stars. It had potential to be phenomenal, but there were too many problems for me with the direction this story took. It was good, but it left me wanting. This was the first book I've read by this author and I'm sure I'll check out more of her work in the future. Hopefully, the next anti-hero will do some groveling when it's appropriate.
August 17, 2016
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Garin Woods and Kyle Lang grew up in the projects called The Heart. Surrounded by crime and poverty, they made do by doing whatever they could for money. Garin took the responsibility to make sure Kyle will always have enough to survive.
Their relationship was moving forward steadily until something happened that pulled her away from his life. Years later they were reunited but things started to unravel when they were taken captive by secrets of the past that could sever their future.
I love Marni Mann's sexy contemporary romance books, so I was curious of how she would fare in the darker side. Well, it turned out to be sinfully dark and sexy.
Garin seemed very nurturing, yet at the same time there's a certain level of aggression that made him very sexy. I love how he took control in taking care of people he cared about without suffocating them.
Kyle had to live for years with a secret that had been eating her from the inside. The burden defined her life and caved her, but she also knew when to stand strong.
The story had plenty of twists and turns to keep readers actively guessing the answers. Same parts of the book was brutally dark but I like how it actually had a purpose in the story.
The sex scenes were scorching especially considering the love-hate pull and the situation they're in, added a few notches of heat.
Prisoned is a story of a couple bound by secrets and the consequences of their actions with a sexy, engaging story.
⚜ ❖ ⚜ (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Liz ⚜ ❖ ⚜
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Garin Woods and Kyle Lang grew up in the projects called The Heart. Surrounded by crime and poverty, they made do by doing whatever they could for money. Garin took the responsibility to make sure Kyle will always have enough to survive.
Their relationship was moving forward steadily until something happened that pulled her away from his life. Years later they were reunited but things started to unravel when they were taken captive by secrets of the past that could sever their future.
I love Marni Mann's sexy contemporary romance books, so I was curious of how she would fare in the darker side. Well, it turned out to be sinfully dark and sexy.
His embrace and his presence were the only two things that made this feel good. Without one, there was no other.
Garin seemed very nurturing, yet at the same time there's a certain level of aggression that made him very sexy. I love how he took control in taking care of people he cared about without suffocating them.
She was so strong—stronger than she even realized.
Kyle had to live for years with a secret that had been eating her from the inside. The burden defined her life and caved her, but she also knew when to stand strong.
The story had plenty of twists and turns to keep readers actively guessing the answers. Same parts of the book was brutally dark but I like how it actually had a purpose in the story.
“If my cock slides inside you, it’s going to hurt you, Kyle. It’s going to fuck you so hard, you’ll bleed. It’s going to pound you until the walls of your pussy are completely raw. Until I’ve come inside you so many times, I’ve completely filled your cunt.”
The sex scenes were scorching especially considering the love-hate pull and the situation they're in, added a few notches of heat.
Prisoned is a story of a couple bound by secrets and the consequences of their actions with a sexy, engaging story.
⚜ ❖ ⚜ (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Liz ⚜ ❖ ⚜
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 27, 2016
"You're my prisoner..."
Prisoned delivers an unforgettable suspenseful blend of passion, intrigue, mystery, and dark romance! With a twisted plot that will take you deep into the depths of your psyche, this is one read you do not want to miss!
"...it was either the start of something monumental that would change me permanently, or it was the terrifying conclusion of our story."Kyle Lang grew up in poverty just trying to survive. With her brother and best friend Garin, finding peace in the midst of chaos wasn't always easy. Kyle is able to overcome her circumstances and make a better life for herself in Florida. However, when Kyle Lang returns home to the projects of Atlantic City to attend the funeral of her friend, she is flooded with memories and her entire life violently turns on its axis!
"How long had I been here? Naked? With him doing whatever he wanted to my body?"Kyle and Garin find themselves held captive and the fear and terror of their predicament begins to stir all of the emotions left from their past. Both facing torture and brutality beyond imagine, they only have each other to cling to and find solace from the brutal storm!
"I wanted to be devoured. I wanted to devour him."As Garin resumes his role as her protector, Kyle begins to feel guilt for the secrets she has kept from him. The combination of the passion and familiarity that exists between them reignites the flame and everything that seemed lost hits Kyle like a tsunami. However, when every secret is revealed, will Kyle and Garin's love be enough?
"It was just us. Our needs. Our wants."
"Don't leave. Stay right here."Told in dual POV, Prisoned had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. Kyle is a strong heroine who is loyal, driven, and determined to make amends for the wrong in her life. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing her emotional and physical breakdown and was rooting for her the entire read. Some of my favorite characters are the ones who evolve and overcome the circumstances of their life. My favorite character in this read is Garin! He is complex, charismatic, and simply irresistible. He is dark and mysterious and quite unpredictable. The intimacy between Garin and Kyle was raw, beautiful, and smokin' hot! As these two come together physically, the emotional connection is forged. The secondary characters play a critical role in this read, and their presence only made me feel more invested in every single solitary second! The stakes are high as each moment unfolds!
Overall, Prisoned is a dark and suspenseful read that will keep you entertained from the first word to the last. I highly recommend this read to all of my dark romance friends. Although I realize this is a stand alone read, let me be the first to plead to Ms. Mann for more Kyle and Garin. This is one couple that I am dying for more! Thankfully there is a spin-off in the works! Bravo Ms. Mann! Bravo!
*This was a BR with my SHLUTTY Sistas CC and WAR!*
*ARC received via author in exchange for an honest review!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 23, 2016
5 'The Heart' STARS
Wow! Dark reads are my indulgence. I just love the dark and dangerous and Marni just killed it!!! This was truly an emotional, psychological read and at times, deeply disturbing.
Kyle Lang has a nasty secret. Buried so deep and for fear of revealing it, she fled. Left her home, her future, as soon as she graduated high school. Leaving behind her best friends, Garin Woods and Billy. Three kids growing up in 'the heart', aka the projects of Atlantic City.
Kyle loved both of them. Differently but both as deeply. One as a brother, the other as her soul mate. Leaving killed Kyle. Keeping the secret was slowly eating away at her. With one phone call, she's called back to the Heart and to her heart, Garin Woods.
Their first encounter is tense, to say the least. So much is unspoken. Kyle left the boy she loved without a word or any explanation. Kyle and Garin's reunion isn't easy and while it's starts out promising, things take a turn for the worst. In fact, down right dark, dangerous and vile. What ensues is not only a physical torture, but also pure emotional torture. I can't say anymore. I seriously want to but you must experience it for yourself.
Marni does a fantastic job of taking us down the rabbit hole. Talk about a mind fuck!
"I'm out of self-control. I've been trying real hard, but I want you so bad, it hurts. If I don't stop now, I'm going to take things much further, and you don't want that yet."
Kyle and Garin are intense. Both have deep feelings for each other. No matter time, the past or whatever else, they are like two magnets compelled to each other. And the sex!! My Kindle was on fire!
"It was just you and me and endless darkness."
I highly recommend this book. Especially for those of you who love dark romances and suspense. This is a MUST READ!
Truly an emotional and psychological roller coaster. Marni, this was brilliant!
** ARC generously provided by Marni Mann in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews and blog posts.
Wow! Dark reads are my indulgence. I just love the dark and dangerous and Marni just killed it!!! This was truly an emotional, psychological read and at times, deeply disturbing.
Kyle Lang has a nasty secret. Buried so deep and for fear of revealing it, she fled. Left her home, her future, as soon as she graduated high school. Leaving behind her best friends, Garin Woods and Billy. Three kids growing up in 'the heart', aka the projects of Atlantic City.
Kyle loved both of them. Differently but both as deeply. One as a brother, the other as her soul mate. Leaving killed Kyle. Keeping the secret was slowly eating away at her. With one phone call, she's called back to the Heart and to her heart, Garin Woods.
Their first encounter is tense, to say the least. So much is unspoken. Kyle left the boy she loved without a word or any explanation. Kyle and Garin's reunion isn't easy and while it's starts out promising, things take a turn for the worst. In fact, down right dark, dangerous and vile. What ensues is not only a physical torture, but also pure emotional torture. I can't say anymore. I seriously want to but you must experience it for yourself.
Marni does a fantastic job of taking us down the rabbit hole. Talk about a mind fuck!
"I'm out of self-control. I've been trying real hard, but I want you so bad, it hurts. If I don't stop now, I'm going to take things much further, and you don't want that yet."
Kyle and Garin are intense. Both have deep feelings for each other. No matter time, the past or whatever else, they are like two magnets compelled to each other. And the sex!! My Kindle was on fire!
"It was just you and me and endless darkness."
I highly recommend this book. Especially for those of you who love dark romances and suspense. This is a MUST READ!
Truly an emotional and psychological roller coaster. Marni, this was brilliant!
** ARC generously provided by Marni Mann in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews and blog posts.
August 2, 2016
6+++ Captivating Stars******
(ARC Kindly provided by author)
I wasn't prepared for how epic Prisoned was going to be. Marni Mann took me on a dark path, full of ups and downs, making my reading experience something unique and completely unforgettable. The plot is absolutely brilliant, a mindfuck of a book that squeezed my heart so tight, I felt dizzy and breathless, and I loved every single minute of it.
Garin, Billy, and Kyle grew up very poor in the projects of Atlantic City. A forsaken place called The Heart; where drugs and violence were a constant. These two boys and girl had to learn to hustle from a very young age, whether it was stealing, selling drugs, or fighting, they did anything they could do to survive. Their friendship was their most precious possession. They took care of each other in a harsh world where they didn't have anybody else who cared about them.
As they grew up Kyle and Garin started to develop romantic feelings towards each other. One night they simply couldn't avoid the immensity of their feelings and the most powerful kiss branded their hearts forever. But that night someone else's heart shattered on the streets of The Heart, bleeding out and tainting all of their lives forever...
Kyle left The Heart and all her feelings behind, moving to Florida to start a new life but the pain of her past always followed her. Now, years later she is forced to return, and everything that happened on that fateful night is coming back to haunt her.
Kyle remembers going back to Atlantic City and staring into the eyes of the man she's always loved. It's those eyes that held so much power over her and are capable of stripping her bare of her clothes and emotions with only one look. Looking into his eyes is the last thing she remembers, and now she is waking up in a cell, battered and bruised, confused as to why they are there because she is not alone, he is with her. Is he her savior, her punisher, or just a memory of a fierce love? Read this incredible story and find out...
Nothing that you read in this review or in any other review, for that matter, will prepare you for the bold, gritty and powerful impact of this book. If you think you loved Marni Mann's writing style before, be ready for something even better, spectacular even. It feels like she took a gamble and went outside of her comfort zone to write this story. You will feel the tears and the blood running down the pages of this novel and going straight to your heart. She is holding back no punches, and I commend her for trying something new and crafting this dark romance that will for sure captivate the hearts of her fans as well as new readers.
This book is definitely a MUST READ!!!!
(ARC Kindly provided by author)
I wasn't prepared for how epic Prisoned was going to be. Marni Mann took me on a dark path, full of ups and downs, making my reading experience something unique and completely unforgettable. The plot is absolutely brilliant, a mindfuck of a book that squeezed my heart so tight, I felt dizzy and breathless, and I loved every single minute of it.
Garin, Billy, and Kyle grew up very poor in the projects of Atlantic City. A forsaken place called The Heart; where drugs and violence were a constant. These two boys and girl had to learn to hustle from a very young age, whether it was stealing, selling drugs, or fighting, they did anything they could do to survive. Their friendship was their most precious possession. They took care of each other in a harsh world where they didn't have anybody else who cared about them.
As they grew up Kyle and Garin started to develop romantic feelings towards each other. One night they simply couldn't avoid the immensity of their feelings and the most powerful kiss branded their hearts forever. But that night someone else's heart shattered on the streets of The Heart, bleeding out and tainting all of their lives forever...
Kyle left The Heart and all her feelings behind, moving to Florida to start a new life but the pain of her past always followed her. Now, years later she is forced to return, and everything that happened on that fateful night is coming back to haunt her.
Kyle remembers going back to Atlantic City and staring into the eyes of the man she's always loved. It's those eyes that held so much power over her and are capable of stripping her bare of her clothes and emotions with only one look. Looking into his eyes is the last thing she remembers, and now she is waking up in a cell, battered and bruised, confused as to why they are there because she is not alone, he is with her. Is he her savior, her punisher, or just a memory of a fierce love? Read this incredible story and find out...
Nothing that you read in this review or in any other review, for that matter, will prepare you for the bold, gritty and powerful impact of this book. If you think you loved Marni Mann's writing style before, be ready for something even better, spectacular even. It feels like she took a gamble and went outside of her comfort zone to write this story. You will feel the tears and the blood running down the pages of this novel and going straight to your heart. She is holding back no punches, and I commend her for trying something new and crafting this dark romance that will for sure captivate the hearts of her fans as well as new readers.
This book is definitely a MUST READ!!!!
August 17, 2016
4.5 Stars
Garin Woods and Kyle Lang grew up in the projects of Atlantic City, known as The Heart. Garin was the protector of his friends and having a soft spot for Kyle, he always tried to take care of her. Not having much of a family support, Kyle relied on her closest friend, Garin, for comfort and food, but one night their entire lives changed. Thereafter, Kyle fled as soon as she graduated high school vowing never to return leaving Garin with an empty heart and keeping a secret she couldn’t share.
When Garin and Kyle receive news that a dear friend died they both return to their hometown for the funeral. Upon reuniting after nearly ten years, old feelings resurface but Kyle is determined to keep her secret from Garin. Once they realize they’re being held captive, what ensues takes Garin and Kyle on a dark and twisted path revealing more than just the truth.
During their captivity, Garin attempts to resume his role as protector to Kyle but she proves to be much stronger than he anticipated. Knowing Garin may suffer because of Kyle’s secret, she tries to actually protect him as long as she can. During this time, her mind and body respond to Garin in intriguing steamy ways.
Immediately, I felt connected in the lives of the main characters by understanding the magnitude of their bond and decisions. Garin is such an alpha and exudes sex appeal in every way, especially when he is tentative and pensive. Even though Kyle knew what she had to do, her process was not an easy feat and it made her vulnerability and strength endearing.
In reading Prisoned, the swift pacing successfully parallels and underscores the predicament of her convincing characters. The overall tone is dark with suspenseful, erotic and torturous elements making this book addicting! The twists vary between subtle and sharp but both delivering a healthy impact. Overall, Marni Mann magnificently delivers an erotic thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end! I highly recommend!!
✰ This was a (F)BR with Hawkey and Lonestar Liz! ✰
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Garin Woods and Kyle Lang grew up in the projects of Atlantic City, known as The Heart. Garin was the protector of his friends and having a soft spot for Kyle, he always tried to take care of her. Not having much of a family support, Kyle relied on her closest friend, Garin, for comfort and food, but one night their entire lives changed. Thereafter, Kyle fled as soon as she graduated high school vowing never to return leaving Garin with an empty heart and keeping a secret she couldn’t share.
“I held a secret that should have been spoken from my lips many years ago. Instead, I kept it inside, allowing it to fester and morph into so many emotions…”
When Garin and Kyle receive news that a dear friend died they both return to their hometown for the funeral. Upon reuniting after nearly ten years, old feelings resurface but Kyle is determined to keep her secret from Garin. Once they realize they’re being held captive, what ensues takes Garin and Kyle on a dark and twisted path revealing more than just the truth.
“They are prepping you.” “For what?” “So, when they ask you, you’ll give them what they want. It’s a mind game. They’re trying to break you, weaken you through fear.”
During their captivity, Garin attempts to resume his role as protector to Kyle but she proves to be much stronger than he anticipated. Knowing Garin may suffer because of Kyle’s secret, she tries to actually protect him as long as she can. During this time, her mind and body respond to Garin in intriguing steamy ways.
“I’m taking what I want, and that’s bringing you so close to the edge until I can feel you almost start to fall.”
Immediately, I felt connected in the lives of the main characters by understanding the magnitude of their bond and decisions. Garin is such an alpha and exudes sex appeal in every way, especially when he is tentative and pensive. Even though Kyle knew what she had to do, her process was not an easy feat and it made her vulnerability and strength endearing.
In reading Prisoned, the swift pacing successfully parallels and underscores the predicament of her convincing characters. The overall tone is dark with suspenseful, erotic and torturous elements making this book addicting! The twists vary between subtle and sharp but both delivering a healthy impact. Overall, Marni Mann magnificently delivers an erotic thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end! I highly recommend!!
✰ This was a (F)BR with Hawkey and Lonestar Liz! ✰
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Marni Mann has sophisticatedly and masterfully weaved a dark gritty romance that breaks your conventional standard of dark reads. Right off the opening pages, Mann lures her readers to the dark side with her raw and captivating prose. She didn’t need much effort to imprisoned us to her words as readers like myself were drawn to the emotional and electric bond of Garin and Kyle.
Prisoned is one of those reads where I honestly don’t know where to begin my review. A part of me wants to be very vague because Marni Mann delivered a story where you must immersed yourself into the lives of Garin and Kyle as they chronicle the past and present of their relationship. And another part of me wants to tell you every tidbit of the story because it was a journey of truly epic proportions and mindfuckery. So I guess the only sensible part is for me to write a review that will allow us to meet in the middle.
“I knew I shouldn’t be kissing her again. It was too dangerous to keep tasting her. But I had to. I hadn’t gotten enough. I would never get enough of her, not when I’d waited this long to have her.”
Right off the prologue, Marni Mann introduces readers to three best friends: Garin, Kyle, and Billy. All three grew up in the projects of New Jersey where drugs, violence and chaos were a constant factor in their upbringing. In order to survive, they did things that was needed. No reason or justification because in this world, only one thing matters, and that is to survive. In the backdrops of their upbringing, Garin and Kyle begin to develop a deeper affection for one another. Lines of their friendship gets blurred when feelings of love begins to emerge. But as two hearts begin to merge into one, another heart bleeds. One night was all it took for everything to change. One night that will forever haunt the life of Kyle.
Kyle soon finds herself returning back to her hometown only to be plagued with the memories of her past. Darkness, pain, and sadness soon begins to form a living nightmare for Kyle. Is she living in her own personal prison where she is confined to reliving memories of her past? But Kyle finds herself not alone in her cell. Is he meant to save her or keep her locked away?
Marni Mann has fused a bold, edgy, raw, and dark contemporary romance that is a hodgepodge of primal emotions. Marni seductively lures her readers to be entrapped in this clusterfuck that weaves the past and present in a poignant, vivid, and fervent manner. Prisoned is truly a journey where romance and emotions assaults readers to the core. The undying and ardent love of Garin and Kyle spoke volumes. Their love and passion was bleeding and pouring off the pages. And in such gravity, Marni Mann pushes readers out of their comfort zone. In this no holds barred romance, Marni Mann will take you captive. Be prepared to be imprisoned with her sexy, poetic, and stunning literary masterpiece.
Marni Mann
Marni Mann has sophisticatedly and masterfully weaved a dark gritty romance that breaks your conventional standard of dark reads. Right off the opening pages, Mann lures her readers to the dark side with her raw and captivating prose. She didn’t need much effort to imprisoned us to her words as readers like myself were drawn to the emotional and electric bond of Garin and Kyle.
Prisoned is one of those reads where I honestly don’t know where to begin my review. A part of me wants to be very vague because Marni Mann delivered a story where you must immersed yourself into the lives of Garin and Kyle as they chronicle the past and present of their relationship. And another part of me wants to tell you every tidbit of the story because it was a journey of truly epic proportions and mindfuckery. So I guess the only sensible part is for me to write a review that will allow us to meet in the middle.
“I knew I shouldn’t be kissing her again. It was too dangerous to keep tasting her. But I had to. I hadn’t gotten enough. I would never get enough of her, not when I’d waited this long to have her.”Right off the prologue, Marni Mann introduces readers to three best friends: Garin, Kyle, and Billy. All three grew up in the projects of New Jersey where drugs, violence and chaos were a constant factor in their upbringing. In order to survive, they did things that was needed. No reason or justification because in this world, only one thing matters, and that is to survive. In the backdrops of their upbringing, Garin and Kyle begin to develop a deeper affection for one another. Lines of their friendship gets blurred when feelings of love begins to emerge. But as two hearts begin to merge into one, another heart bleeds. One night was all it took for everything to change. One night that will forever haunt the life of Kyle.
Kyle soon finds herself returning back to her hometown only to be plagued with the memories of her past. Darkness, pain, and sadness soon begins to form a living nightmare for Kyle. Is she living in her own personal prison where she is confined to reliving memories of her past? But Kyle finds herself not alone in her cell. Is he meant to save her or keep her locked away?
Marni Mann has fused a bold, edgy, raw, and dark contemporary romance that is a hodgepodge of primal emotions. Marni seductively lures her readers to be entrapped in this clusterfuck that weaves the past and present in a poignant, vivid, and fervent manner. Prisoned is truly a journey where romance and emotions assaults readers to the core. The undying and ardent love of Garin and Kyle spoke volumes. Their love and passion was bleeding and pouring off the pages. And in such gravity, Marni Mann pushes readers out of their comfort zone. In this no holds barred romance, Marni Mann will take you captive. Be prepared to be imprisoned with her sexy, poetic, and stunning literary masterpiece.
Marni Mann
August 9, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Marni Mann" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Prisoned
AUTHOR: Marni Mann
GENRE: DARK
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 41
RELEASE DATE:
MY RATING: 4 STARS
Every once in a while I need to take a walk on the dark side!!
PRISONED: Told in "Dual Perspectives" Garin & Kyle
PROLOGUE | GARIN | SIXTEEN YEARS AGO
In the Prologue we're introduced to the three musketeers, (Garin, Kyle & Billy) three young friends living on the wrong side of the tracks, growing up poor in the "The Heart as it was named in the Housing Projects, where drug and violence were part of every day occurrence.
The three of them had to learn to hustle from an extremely young age, either it be stealing, fighting or selling drugs they did anything they could just to survive to earn money to buy food.
The three of us together, sober, earning on the streets and celebrating our shares,
The nights that followed weren't fun at all.
They were tragic, devastating.
They were really fucking dark...
A phone call from her brother announcing that Billy has died from a drug overdoes sees her catching the next flight back home to attend the funeral after twelve years of not being back.
I was just a girl from the projects.
A girl who had been holding in the biggest secret
A secret I had never spoken to anyone.
A secret that has kept her away from her home town for twelve years.
This moves from Past to Present effortlessly, the love these two best friends, Garin & Kyle feel is undeniable, the protectiveness and nurturing Garin has for Kyle will melt all hearts, the feels are tenfold, but you have such trepidation of unknowing what's to come going by the synopsis. All we know jumping into this is that she gets kidnapped, so reading this that is always at the forefront of my mind.
And then it happens.
Taken...Kidnapped...
When I opened my eyes,
I was in a cell, my body covered in bruises.
Not a jail.
I’d been kidnapped and imprisoned.
I wasn’t alone. I shared the cell with Garin Woods, the man I’d loved since I was a kid.
How far will one man go to uncover the truth??
More twists and turns than a rollercoaster, dark, gritty, sexy, dirty, nail biting, suspenseful anticipation racing through your veins this is just a few things to look forward to when you one click this on release day, don't go thinking by reading that "synopsis" that you've read others like this, WRONG this is like nothing I have read EVER..
Sooo I've just finished this and my mind is scrambling to try and work out wtf I just read!!
Go into this book with an open mind, expect the unexpected, expect to be shocked, take a chance and take a stroll on the dark side, it's not the darkest I've read but it was just enough to satisfy my soul.
It's sick, twisted, and the whole concept is only what an author could come up with.
"Marni Mann" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Prisoned
AUTHOR: Marni Mann
GENRE: DARK
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 41
RELEASE DATE:
MY RATING: 4 STARS
Every once in a while I need to take a walk on the dark side!!
PRISONED: Told in "Dual Perspectives" Garin & Kyle
PROLOGUE | GARIN | SIXTEEN YEARS AGO
In the Prologue we're introduced to the three musketeers, (Garin, Kyle & Billy) three young friends living on the wrong side of the tracks, growing up poor in the "The Heart as it was named in the Housing Projects, where drug and violence were part of every day occurrence.
The three of them had to learn to hustle from an extremely young age, either it be stealing, fighting or selling drugs they did anything they could just to survive to earn money to buy food.
The three of us together, sober, earning on the streets and celebrating our shares,The nights that followed weren't fun at all.
They were tragic, devastating.
They were really fucking dark...
A phone call from her brother announcing that Billy has died from a drug overdoes sees her catching the next flight back home to attend the funeral after twelve years of not being back.
I was just a girl from the projects.A girl who had been holding in the biggest secret
A secret I had never spoken to anyone.
A secret that has kept her away from her home town for twelve years.
This moves from Past to Present effortlessly, the love these two best friends, Garin & Kyle feel is undeniable, the protectiveness and nurturing Garin has for Kyle will melt all hearts, the feels are tenfold, but you have such trepidation of unknowing what's to come going by the synopsis. All we know jumping into this is that she gets kidnapped, so reading this that is always at the forefront of my mind.
And then it happens.
Taken...Kidnapped...
When I opened my eyes,
I was in a cell, my body covered in bruises.
Not a jail.
I’d been kidnapped and imprisoned.
I wasn’t alone. I shared the cell with Garin Woods, the man I’d loved since I was a kid.
How far will one man go to uncover the truth??
More twists and turns than a rollercoaster, dark, gritty, sexy, dirty, nail biting, suspenseful anticipation racing through your veins this is just a few things to look forward to when you one click this on release day, don't go thinking by reading that "synopsis" that you've read others like this, WRONG this is like nothing I have read EVER..
Sooo I've just finished this and my mind is scrambling to try and work out wtf I just read!!
Go into this book with an open mind, expect the unexpected, expect to be shocked, take a chance and take a stroll on the dark side, it's not the darkest I've read but it was just enough to satisfy my soul.
It's sick, twisted, and the whole concept is only what an author could come up with.
October 24, 2016
I really don't know where to start, so brace yourselves. Also, if you're offended by large amounts of profanity, maybe skip this review and find another. I apologize in advance for this but I'm kind of beside myself and am anything but calm while writing this. You should probably just imagine the entire thing is in capital letters and that I'm actually running around shrieking because I don't even know what to think or do with myself. You've been warned. :) **Nothing I say is meant to offend anyone or belittle abuse/trauma. **
I'm not a huge dark romance reader, meaning I'll only read a handful or so a year. I think Prisoned is even my first this year, possibly second, but regardless, I was captivated immediately. When I received the info on this book, I only had the synopsis, no cover. It sounded intriguing, I've never read anything by this author and thought I'd give it a shot. I then promptly forgot about it, because sometimes I have a memory size equivalent to a gnat. When it showed up on my kindle with the cover, I was honestly a little taken aback because I couldn't remember anything and was honestly a little scared (LOL), so this is what I do. I go back and read the synopsis, then start dancing in my seat because even though the cover scared the crap out of me, it's perfect. And the synopsis is so damn exciting you can't help but have a billion questions at once. I'm so happy I got the chance to read this - dark romance, grit, twists and all. I really, really enjoyed this book.
Disclaimer: Given the subject matter, this book deals with some extremely graphic content and scenes. As for a trigger warning, I don't usually give them but here you go (and if you haven't figured this out from the synopsis, why don't you go back and have another read): if you've ever been abducted and held captive, this might trigger some issues for you. <--- That sounds slightly snarky but really, if you've come this far, I'm assuming you are okay with dark novels. If you can't deal with reading extremely graphic content (torture, substance abuse, sexual scenes, etc.), maybe don't read this book........ I feel like this is implied but nonetheless, had to address it. Some people will dislike Prisoned because of this, so I'm warning you now. Do not start this book if you might not be able to see it through. This story is not for the faint of heart but if you can handle it, buckle up, enjoy the ride and pay attention to those small details. You'll be rewarded big time!
Fuck. Holy fuckity fuck. Fuuuuuuccckk. I've always heard the expression 'mind fuck' and thought I knew what it referred to, thought I had even read a few mind fuck books on my own but alas, I am a poor, naive, little soul. Prisoned is like nothing I've ever read. I have never experienced a mind fuck like this; I'm reeling, my mind is still spinning, I don't know where to go from here or what to think. After I read and reread the last page, I let out a long string of explicit language that just kept going. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS AND I'M STILL FREAKING OUT! Is this meant to be a cliffhanger or is Marni just the wicked witch of excellence who screwed me out of even thinking about another book for days. Book hangover anyone? I'm thinking this'll be a big one.
There're somethings about this story that I won't talk in detail about in this review. The characters and plot being the two main ones, but the romance is another. Since I won't talk about it, instead I'll give you little morsels, also known as quotes, to know that it's very much alive, even if I won't talk about it. Enjoy Garin <3.
I'll be honest, I don't even want to tell you about the characters. I'll let you experience that ride all on your own, without my thoughts and opinions giving you any hints. Just know this: I liked Kyle for the most part. I'm thinking like, 90% of it. And with Garin, I went from loving him, to over the moon, to confused, to in love with him, to so angry I couldn't give a flying fuck about him, back to being confused, to angry, to liking him, and so on. I really wish I could explain that in emojis because I think it might go over better. Anyways, they are definitely a dynamic duo, and there's plenty of other characters as well to keep you going.
Did I mention anywhere that this book is smoking hot? Like, hotter than hot? Seriously, it's hot. Erotica hot. Excellent little surprise there, because I definitely didn't know that going in! And I know you're thinking "But Shannon! They're being held captive! How could this possibly be hot? How do sexy times fit into the story line?" Trust, my good friends. Trust me, trust Marni, it'll all be good.
When I was about 50% in, I was picking up on some small hints and figured out the 'main' twist. I was snickering to myself, giving a big ol' pat on the back for being smart and figuring it out before it was revealed. LITTLE DID I KNOW, that this seems to be what Marni wants you to do. Maybe? She draws you in with a false sense of satisfaction and right when you think you know what's about to happen, BAM! She changes direction and throws another curveball. I might have suspected the first twist, but twists 2-4 subsequently smacked me in the face and left me speechless. There was no way I could've expected or possibly prepared for those things to happen. I was blindsided in the best possible way. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat, gasping any and all of the following "Oh fuck, no this isn't real, what just happened, WTFFFFFFFFFF, no no no no no, OMG, fuck fuck fuuuck, he did WHAT," and the like, over and over and over. I was (quite understandably, I'd think) LOSING. MY. EVER. LOVING. MIND. Right when everything calmed down for five seconds, something else happened to send me over the edge. I have never had a reading experience quite like this one!
With not being a huge dark novel reader (but still loving suspense), I'm surprised by how much I liked this book. I think I also need a round of therapy, but that's a topic for another day. I went through so many emotions, Marni Mann can definitely take you to the extreme end of the spectrum. With this being said, I have a high tolerance and can put up with a bunch of shit in novels (except surprise babies, don't even get me started), but there was one scene in particular that did make me feel uncomfortable. Granted, I'm assuming that's the point, but with how I was feeling, that scene was the one to really push my limits and I contemplated whether I wanted to continue reading or not. I had no clue how the rest of the book might go but I had so many questions, I simply had to.
There's two reason that I rated Prisoned as 4.5 stars instead of 5. The first being the uncomfortable issue, and the second being a bit about pacing. I loved how I never knew what twist was coming or when. It seemed like every time I calmed down, something else would come and drag me right back into a frenzy. With this being said, near the end there was a point were about 15 or 20% just started to completely slow down. With twist after shocking twist, I get that this is important to tie up loose ends and bring in a conclusion, but I was a little disappointed that after all that excitement, it was a slow ending. Until that last page...
The structure of Prisoned is quite an interesting one. You get dual POV, which is perfect for the situation, and it's also told from a variety of timeframes. You have present day, back when Kyle and Garin were teenagers and something happens, days leading up to the funeral [(a week or two prior to present day)(I'm not considering this as a spoiler, more so a catalyst. Plus it happens in the first chapter or two so move along, spoiler police.)], 8 days after the funeral, etc. It seems like a lot when I'm saying it now but trust me, it's easy to follow along.
All I can say is the devil is in the details --- for the love of God, pay attention to the details!!! Marni scatters little breadcrumbs of hints throughout and at first I was really confused and couldn't figure out what the info had to do with anything, but then it hit me. It hit me like I ran into a damn wall and holy crap guys, she's good. And sneaky!
So, about that ending... Oh, I'm sorry, did I not mention the ending yet? Well... WHAT THE HELL MARNI?! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? Do you know how much stress this will cause me? How I'm questioning everything I read? How I have absolutely zero answers and don't know what the fuck to do about anything? THIS IS WHY I'M RUNNING AROUND SWEARING LIKE A SAILOR! I have so many questions! WHYYYYYYYYY! I'm freaking out, I can't be calm. Please, no one expect me to be calm. OMFG.
As for final thoughts, I have two of them:
1. Buy this book now.
2. I'm going to seriously have to censor this review for Amazon.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
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I'm not a huge dark romance reader, meaning I'll only read a handful or so a year. I think Prisoned is even my first this year, possibly second, but regardless, I was captivated immediately. When I received the info on this book, I only had the synopsis, no cover. It sounded intriguing, I've never read anything by this author and thought I'd give it a shot. I then promptly forgot about it, because sometimes I have a memory size equivalent to a gnat. When it showed up on my kindle with the cover, I was honestly a little taken aback because I couldn't remember anything and was honestly a little scared (LOL), so this is what I do. I go back and read the synopsis, then start dancing in my seat because even though the cover scared the crap out of me, it's perfect. And the synopsis is so damn exciting you can't help but have a billion questions at once. I'm so happy I got the chance to read this - dark romance, grit, twists and all. I really, really enjoyed this book.
“The only thing we have inside this cell is words, Kyle. Don’t hold them back from me.”
Disclaimer: Given the subject matter, this book deals with some extremely graphic content and scenes. As for a trigger warning, I don't usually give them but here you go (and if you haven't figured this out from the synopsis, why don't you go back and have another read): if you've ever been abducted and held captive, this might trigger some issues for you. <--- That sounds slightly snarky but really, if you've come this far, I'm assuming you are okay with dark novels. If you can't deal with reading extremely graphic content (torture, substance abuse, sexual scenes, etc.), maybe don't read this book........ I feel like this is implied but nonetheless, had to address it. Some people will dislike Prisoned because of this, so I'm warning you now. Do not start this book if you might not be able to see it through. This story is not for the faint of heart but if you can handle it, buckle up, enjoy the ride and pay attention to those small details. You'll be rewarded big time!
I wanted to be devoured.
I wanted to devour him.
I reached for his cheeks but stopped before I got too close.
As though he could sense it, he pulled his lips away. “Touch me.”
I glanced over the spots that had been tortured. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t.”
“But—”
“You won’t,” he repeated. “The only thing that will hurt is not having your hands on me.”
Fuck. Holy fuckity fuck. Fuuuuuuccckk. I've always heard the expression 'mind fuck' and thought I knew what it referred to, thought I had even read a few mind fuck books on my own but alas, I am a poor, naive, little soul. Prisoned is like nothing I've ever read. I have never experienced a mind fuck like this; I'm reeling, my mind is still spinning, I don't know where to go from here or what to think. After I read and reread the last page, I let out a long string of explicit language that just kept going. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS AND I'M STILL FREAKING OUT! Is this meant to be a cliffhanger or is Marni just the wicked witch of excellence who screwed me out of even thinking about another book for days. Book hangover anyone? I'm thinking this'll be a big one.
There're somethings about this story that I won't talk in detail about in this review. The characters and plot being the two main ones, but the romance is another. Since I won't talk about it, instead I'll give you little morsels, also known as quotes, to know that it's very much alive, even if I won't talk about it. Enjoy Garin <3.
"I didn’t have time to prepare myself before his lips crashed against mine, his tongue filling the space in between. It wasn’t just passionate. It was the kind of kiss someone gave before they said good-bye."
I'll be honest, I don't even want to tell you about the characters. I'll let you experience that ride all on your own, without my thoughts and opinions giving you any hints. Just know this: I liked Kyle for the most part. I'm thinking like, 90% of it. And with Garin, I went from loving him, to over the moon, to confused, to in love with him, to so angry I couldn't give a flying fuck about him, back to being confused, to angry, to liking him, and so on. I really wish I could explain that in emojis because I think it might go over better. Anyways, they are definitely a dynamic duo, and there's plenty of other characters as well to keep you going.
"It was just us.
Our needs.
Our wants.
It was a moment I had been waiting for most of my life, and it was finally here.
And it was either the start of something monumental that would change me permanently, or it was the terrifying conclusion of our story."
Did I mention anywhere that this book is smoking hot? Like, hotter than hot? Seriously, it's hot. Erotica hot. Excellent little surprise there, because I definitely didn't know that going in! And I know you're thinking "But Shannon! They're being held captive! How could this possibly be hot? How do sexy times fit into the story line?" Trust, my good friends. Trust me, trust Marni, it'll all be good.
When I was about 50% in, I was picking up on some small hints and figured out the 'main' twist. I was snickering to myself, giving a big ol' pat on the back for being smart and figuring it out before it was revealed. LITTLE DID I KNOW, that this seems to be what Marni wants you to do. Maybe? She draws you in with a false sense of satisfaction and right when you think you know what's about to happen, BAM! She changes direction and throws another curveball. I might have suspected the first twist, but twists 2-4 subsequently smacked me in the face and left me speechless. There was no way I could've expected or possibly prepared for those things to happen. I was blindsided in the best possible way. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat, gasping any and all of the following "Oh fuck, no this isn't real, what just happened, WTFFFFFFFFFF, no no no no no, OMG, fuck fuck fuuuck, he did WHAT," and the like, over and over and over. I was (quite understandably, I'd think) LOSING. MY. EVER. LOVING. MIND. Right when everything calmed down for five seconds, something else happened to send me over the edge. I have never had a reading experience quite like this one!
“My soul mate,” I whispered.
He turned my cheek, so I looked at him over my shoulder. “What did you call me?”
“You’re my soul mate, Garin. For some reason, we were put in this cell together and given a second chance.”
“You believe in that?”
I nodded. “I believe our soul mate is revealed only once during our life. Maybe it’s a glimpse of a stranger. Maybe it’s our best friend. The timing may not always be right. But, when they’re shown to us, we know it’s them. Then, life happens. We grow. We age. We develop scars. And we remember that glimpse. Some are lucky enough to spend the rest of their lives with that person. Some, like me, have only memories.”
With not being a huge dark novel reader (but still loving suspense), I'm surprised by how much I liked this book. I think I also need a round of therapy, but that's a topic for another day. I went through so many emotions, Marni Mann can definitely take you to the extreme end of the spectrum. With this being said, I have a high tolerance and can put up with a bunch of shit in novels (except surprise babies, don't even get me started), but there was one scene in particular that did make me feel uncomfortable. Granted, I'm assuming that's the point, but with how I was feeling, that scene was the one to really push my limits and I contemplated whether I wanted to continue reading or not. I had no clue how the rest of the book might go but I had so many questions, I simply had to.
There's two reason that I rated Prisoned as 4.5 stars instead of 5. The first being the uncomfortable issue, and the second being a bit about pacing. I loved how I never knew what twist was coming or when. It seemed like every time I calmed down, something else would come and drag me right back into a frenzy. With this being said, near the end there was a point were about 15 or 20% just started to completely slow down. With twist after shocking twist, I get that this is important to tie up loose ends and bring in a conclusion, but I was a little disappointed that after all that excitement, it was a slow ending. Until that last page...
The structure of Prisoned is quite an interesting one. You get dual POV, which is perfect for the situation, and it's also told from a variety of timeframes. You have present day, back when Kyle and Garin were teenagers and something happens, days leading up to the funeral [(a week or two prior to present day)(I'm not considering this as a spoiler, more so a catalyst. Plus it happens in the first chapter or two so move along, spoiler police.)], 8 days after the funeral, etc. It seems like a lot when I'm saying it now but trust me, it's easy to follow along.
“I never planned on letting you go, Kyle.”
I looked up slowly, my arms squeezing my stomach. My knees were shaking. I knew my chest would be next, that my breathing would only get worse.
“I was going to bring you to Vegas with me, get you into college out there, and take care of you. I was going to love you.” He turned me to face him. “Fuck, Kyle, I did love you.”
All I can say is the devil is in the details --- for the love of God, pay attention to the details!!! Marni scatters little breadcrumbs of hints throughout and at first I was really confused and couldn't figure out what the info had to do with anything, but then it hit me. It hit me like I ran into a damn wall and holy crap guys, she's good. And sneaky!
"Some things were worth the punishment. Garin was one."
So, about that ending... Oh, I'm sorry, did I not mention the ending yet? Well... WHAT THE HELL MARNI?! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? Do you know how much stress this will cause me? How I'm questioning everything I read? How I have absolutely zero answers and don't know what the fuck to do about anything? THIS IS WHY I'M RUNNING AROUND SWEARING LIKE A SAILOR! I have so many questions! WHYYYYYYYYY! I'm freaking out, I can't be calm. Please, no one expect me to be calm. OMFG.
As for final thoughts, I have two of them:
1. Buy this book now.
2. I'm going to seriously have to censor this review for Amazon.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
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August 24, 2016
You can leave The Heart behind…but the memories stay.
***3.5 Stars***
I’m the kind of reader that takes things to heart. Do you know what I was thinking when I finished Prisoned? If only their mother’s had done right by them. This story had children who were hustling on the street to scrounge enough money to put food in their bellies. While the kids are starving, mummy dearest buys drugs to feed her addiction. It worries me that this story is way to close to being real. I have not seen and hope to never be a part of, a life this ugly, selfish and demoralising. BUT, ugly is real and sometimes the prisoned life we live is not because of four walls.
When I started reading Prisoned I could see The Heart. The Heart is a housing project filled with over two hundred apartments. It’s a hard life for a lot of the people living there. Unfortunately, that hard life was brought on by addictions. Drugs are an everyday part of life. Food, clothing, electricity and rent play second fiddle to finding a high. What’s worse is the children brought into and raised in this life. The children are not looking for the high, but more than likely someone in their home is. If it happens to be your parent, then there’s a pretty good chance that you know what it feels like to be hungry, cold and scared. In Prisoned we meet three kids who became friends and support each other. Garin, Billy and Kyle are part of The Heart…but one day their world will be torn apart and hearts will be broken.
Prisoned takes us from the time they are kids to the time when one of them falls victim to the ugly side of life. When the time comes to say goodbye, the two remaining will face each other with pain in their hearts. Time has changed them. They grew up, left The Heart and made lives for themselves. Neither of them is clean and pure, but they’ve definitely moved up the food chain. Both of them have lived with guilt. One of them holds a secret that tore them all apart.
This is a hard story to review. There are so many parts to the story that if I even gave a hint at, will change your reading experience. So, the above is all I’m giving you. What I will say is that Prisoned was definitely out of my comfort zone. It’s ugly, gritty and emotional. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters because I struggled to relate to the choices they made. Then again, I’ve never been starved nor had a mum who loved drugs more than me. I could easily say this is a trigger happy book, but I think you’d be mad to take on a read like this thinking hearts and flowers. There is violence, abuse, death and mutilation that definitely made my stomach turn. The sex scenes are graphic, rough and very, very dirty.
After all this I can definitely say that reading Prisoned was an experience. It was very well written and I had NO problems picturing the scenes I was reading. I’m still a fan of Marni Mann and I have no hesitations in reading more of her books in the future. If you’re a fan of dark and gritty with a few emotional gut punches thrown in for good measure, then Prisoned is the book for you. I think I’m heading back to my light and fluffy reads for awhile.
To purchase Prisoned from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2bhCpcI
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I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
August 25, 2016
3.5 Stars
I loved the beginning this had a great back story and tons of suspense. Sadly the hero and the reveals weren't all that but it did make for an okay read.
I loved the beginning this had a great back story and tons of suspense. Sadly the hero and the reveals weren't all that but it did make for an okay read.
August 14, 2016
Where do I even begin?
This is one of those difficult reviews to write. Not because I’m questioning my thoughts and feels about this book, but because everything about this book was a twisted surprise. That blurb, it’s vague and intriguing; it doesn’t end with the blurb. From the first chapter of this book my attention was held.
A story woven though dual points of view told in past and present tense, as we get pieces to the story of Garin and Kyle. A pair of kids that were two parts of a trio that lived in the slums of New Jersey. Kids that loved each other years ago and had everything ripped away in one night. A night that created a chasm of secrets and lies.
Kyle’s held on to her secrets for a long time but all of that is about to come to an end when she wakes up in a new prison.
This book. Holy shit. Marni Mann takes us on a trip filled with mind-fuckery and a side dish of horror as we fall deep into the rabbit hole of this dark romance. I tried really hard to not try to piece this story together, I wanted to travel the road along with the author. I wanted to let it happen naturally. And I did a good job of that until the end when everything I was thinking was brought into question. The darkness that held a glimmer of light was snuffed out and I had to hold on tight as everything was unraveled and revealed through the remaining scenes of the story.
Dark romances are not for all readers, but I think Prisoned might have broken that barrier. There was something about this brand of dark that sort of made me feel safe in my little world where I was watching two adults who had loved each other since they were kids, reunited in the worst of ways – and although I should not have been so trusting, I was. I couldn’t help it. Garin earned my trust with very little effort. It was just there, maybe it was formed in those early scenes of a boy wanting to take care of the girl he cared for; even if he had almost nothing to offer.
An absolutely stunning story that takes the reader on one helluva journey. The brilliance of the pairing of the prison created by twelve years of secrets and the cell in which Kyle found herself having to come face to face with all of the lies. If you think you can for a second figure out what this book is about, you are dead wrong. You will still be asking yourself questions long after those final words fade from the pages.
This is one of those difficult reviews to write. Not because I’m questioning my thoughts and feels about this book, but because everything about this book was a twisted surprise. That blurb, it’s vague and intriguing; it doesn’t end with the blurb. From the first chapter of this book my attention was held.
A story woven though dual points of view told in past and present tense, as we get pieces to the story of Garin and Kyle. A pair of kids that were two parts of a trio that lived in the slums of New Jersey. Kids that loved each other years ago and had everything ripped away in one night. A night that created a chasm of secrets and lies.
Kyle’s held on to her secrets for a long time but all of that is about to come to an end when she wakes up in a new prison.
This book. Holy shit. Marni Mann takes us on a trip filled with mind-fuckery and a side dish of horror as we fall deep into the rabbit hole of this dark romance. I tried really hard to not try to piece this story together, I wanted to travel the road along with the author. I wanted to let it happen naturally. And I did a good job of that until the end when everything I was thinking was brought into question. The darkness that held a glimmer of light was snuffed out and I had to hold on tight as everything was unraveled and revealed through the remaining scenes of the story.
Dark romances are not for all readers, but I think Prisoned might have broken that barrier. There was something about this brand of dark that sort of made me feel safe in my little world where I was watching two adults who had loved each other since they were kids, reunited in the worst of ways – and although I should not have been so trusting, I was. I couldn’t help it. Garin earned my trust with very little effort. It was just there, maybe it was formed in those early scenes of a boy wanting to take care of the girl he cared for; even if he had almost nothing to offer.
An absolutely stunning story that takes the reader on one helluva journey. The brilliance of the pairing of the prison created by twelve years of secrets and the cell in which Kyle found herself having to come face to face with all of the lies. If you think you can for a second figure out what this book is about, you are dead wrong. You will still be asking yourself questions long after those final words fade from the pages.
August 9, 2016
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*
Omg what a book
I was dyin to read this book for ages I knew it was goin to b good there hasn't been a book that I 've read from this author that I haven't enjoyed she knows how to give me sexy twisted stories with the most sexiest men an Garin was seriously hot an this story was very twisted I m really not a mad fan of dark romance an I know I 've said this before I ended up luvin it so much I m not goin to lie it did get a lil dark in parts where I was wanting to hide but I m a big cry baby haha but I had to know how things were goin to go for Garin an Kyle
The twists in this book were just brilliant an I actually didn't c them coming but I just wanted things to get better for Kyle she had been through so much shit al her life an she deserved to have some sort of happiness she had every thing taken away from her an the people she luvd my heart was just broken for her from the start an she did seam weak but god she wasn't she was so strong the more that was thrown that her she just kept fighting she would fight for what she wanted an she did she never gave up for 1 min I luv her character so much
Garin as alway been strong an he never stopped bein this strong boy an man never let his guard down only for Kyle she was his an alway would b when they were young he would do anything to make things good for her even in the most crappy situations they didn't live in the best place in the world an had seen bad stuff but he made it good for her alway but then something happened an life wasn't what it used to b Kyle was Kyle anymore an he had to know what happened an he would do anything to get his Kyle back anything
Garin and Kyle's story was just brilliant things happened so quick the twists an turns were crazy an like I said it did get a lil darker than I d like in parts but it didn't take away from the story for me it just made me want to know what was goin to happen I suck into this from the start an just couldn't get enough but that ending made me want more so much more but I would highly recommend this if u r into dark romance with twists thrown in and a very hot alpha man and a girl that's turns into a strong woman xxx
Omg what a book
I was dyin to read this book for ages I knew it was goin to b good there hasn't been a book that I 've read from this author that I haven't enjoyed she knows how to give me sexy twisted stories with the most sexiest men an Garin was seriously hot an this story was very twisted I m really not a mad fan of dark romance an I know I 've said this before I ended up luvin it so much I m not goin to lie it did get a lil dark in parts where I was wanting to hide but I m a big cry baby haha but I had to know how things were goin to go for Garin an Kyle
The twists in this book were just brilliant an I actually didn't c them coming but I just wanted things to get better for Kyle she had been through so much shit al her life an she deserved to have some sort of happiness she had every thing taken away from her an the people she luvd my heart was just broken for her from the start an she did seam weak but god she wasn't she was so strong the more that was thrown that her she just kept fighting she would fight for what she wanted an she did she never gave up for 1 min I luv her character so much
Garin as alway been strong an he never stopped bein this strong boy an man never let his guard down only for Kyle she was his an alway would b when they were young he would do anything to make things good for her even in the most crappy situations they didn't live in the best place in the world an had seen bad stuff but he made it good for her alway but then something happened an life wasn't what it used to b Kyle was Kyle anymore an he had to know what happened an he would do anything to get his Kyle back anything
Garin and Kyle's story was just brilliant things happened so quick the twists an turns were crazy an like I said it did get a lil darker than I d like in parts but it didn't take away from the story for me it just made me want to know what was goin to happen I suck into this from the start an just couldn't get enough but that ending made me want more so much more but I would highly recommend this if u r into dark romance with twists thrown in and a very hot alpha man and a girl that's turns into a strong woman xxx
March 9, 2019
Twistastic! A dark, gritty game of secrets and lies. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!
As soon as I read this blurb, I had to have this book. It's classified as dark romance, and I agree wholeheartedly. It's dark in some instances, but there's that spark between the two main characters that can't be denied. Set in "The Heart" of Jersey. Where poverty is common and hustling is par for the course. We meet three friends; whose lives change in a single night. Past and present told from both point of views. 12 years of guilt and secrets come to the surface in a splintering of the mind. A dark secret that could tear Kyle & Garin apart. Yet, all they have is each other, guilt, and lies.
"I was lost in a wind of dark memories and guilt, and it was all thumping inside my chest. His eyes were tearing through me, and I was losing the ability to keep it all hidden."
So, I'm thinking I got this whole thing figured out. WELL, except the big secret, which is the key to the entire reasoning behind the capture. Come to find out, I knew nothing. But did I?? I was in deep with this tale, scratching my head and reading between every line trying to form a conclusion. I can't say much because it's a huge spoiler. There's little hints thrown in, I'd grab a hold of them, then get sucker punched in believing I was wrong. You're gonna have it all figured out, then you're not, then you might think you do, but you won't. I love a bumpy ride and Marni Mann gave me a golden ticket.
"But that was okay; we all had secrets. It had taken Kyle twelve years to voice hers. Maybe it would take me just as long to tell her mine."
The story jumps from past and present. Making you fall even more in love with the hero. There's a pull, a longing born from innocence, you'll be cheering for the moment they finally merge. You'll be begging for whatever forgiveness can be given. Not knowing the full story, it's a mystery to unfold, hoping it won't break your heart.
It was a moment I had been waiting for most of my life, and it was finally here. And it was either the start of something monumental that would change me permanently, or it was the terrifying conclusion of our story.
I feel like this was a unique spin on a captive story. A tad bit of horror added in. (I loved, loved the dark scenes.) But ultimately it was breaking the bars of deceit. If you like dark romance with a twist of mind fuckery, I highly recommend. I absolutely loved this from start to finish. The ending was brilliant, I was smiling from ear to ear, like there was never ending supply chocolate at my feet.
As soon as I read this blurb, I had to have this book. It's classified as dark romance, and I agree wholeheartedly. It's dark in some instances, but there's that spark between the two main characters that can't be denied. Set in "The Heart" of Jersey. Where poverty is common and hustling is par for the course. We meet three friends; whose lives change in a single night. Past and present told from both point of views. 12 years of guilt and secrets come to the surface in a splintering of the mind. A dark secret that could tear Kyle & Garin apart. Yet, all they have is each other, guilt, and lies.
"I was lost in a wind of dark memories and guilt, and it was all thumping inside my chest. His eyes were tearing through me, and I was losing the ability to keep it all hidden."
So, I'm thinking I got this whole thing figured out. WELL, except the big secret, which is the key to the entire reasoning behind the capture. Come to find out, I knew nothing. But did I?? I was in deep with this tale, scratching my head and reading between every line trying to form a conclusion. I can't say much because it's a huge spoiler. There's little hints thrown in, I'd grab a hold of them, then get sucker punched in believing I was wrong. You're gonna have it all figured out, then you're not, then you might think you do, but you won't. I love a bumpy ride and Marni Mann gave me a golden ticket.
"But that was okay; we all had secrets. It had taken Kyle twelve years to voice hers. Maybe it would take me just as long to tell her mine."
The story jumps from past and present. Making you fall even more in love with the hero. There's a pull, a longing born from innocence, you'll be cheering for the moment they finally merge. You'll be begging for whatever forgiveness can be given. Not knowing the full story, it's a mystery to unfold, hoping it won't break your heart.
It was a moment I had been waiting for most of my life, and it was finally here. And it was either the start of something monumental that would change me permanently, or it was the terrifying conclusion of our story.
I feel like this was a unique spin on a captive story. A tad bit of horror added in. (I loved, loved the dark scenes.) But ultimately it was breaking the bars of deceit. If you like dark romance with a twist of mind fuckery, I highly recommend. I absolutely loved this from start to finish. The ending was brilliant, I was smiling from ear to ear, like there was never ending supply chocolate at my feet.
Read
October 13, 2016*ARC received from author as part of blog tour*
Befor I started this, I though, eek, am I ready???
Daayyyum!!! I knew it!!!
This, this tells me what Marni can do when she puts her mind to it.
(Start typing… backspace… start typing… delete, delete… start typing) Daayyyum!!!
Trying to wrap my head around this one…. Where do I start? There are triggers in this book that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s dark… and it’s deviously delicious…
The story opens up when Garin and Kyle were young. It’s a hard life. One pivotal moment caused their paths to diverge. One pivotal moment that led to where Kyle and Garin found themselves prisoned. One pivotal moment that caused it all.
Kyle’s present was shaped by her past. Her path took her back to Garin because of a loss. She’s saddled with a great burden and she knew the price she’s paid and continues to pay. Garin may have moved on but not entirely and his path circled back to Kyle because of the events in the past. Questions needed answers. Events needed closure.
Marni took me thru some really dark moments. Some of its vileness made my stomach queasy. She definitely didn’t hold back. She gave me heat in all the wrong places yet it all felt right, and I felt every bit of it. Hot dang! But not just that, she made me feel! Having both POVs definitely enhanced the experience…
I thought I had answers but I didn’t. And when I thought I was right, I was wrong AND right at the same time. I speculated, and speculated, and speculated right til the end. And speaking of that ending, I loved an ending which gets my mind going long after the story’s finished. Whether I’m heading in the right direction that Marni wants me to go or not, I say it’s ok. Ultimately, after all is said and done, it’s like I’m left with an experience.
So far, of all my Marni reads, this is the darkest, and by far my favorite… I think… what does that say about me then, eh? Hmmm...
Befor I started this, I though, eek, am I ready???
Daayyyum!!! I knew it!!!
This, this tells me what Marni can do when she puts her mind to it.
(Start typing… backspace… start typing… delete, delete… start typing) Daayyyum!!!
Trying to wrap my head around this one…. Where do I start? There are triggers in this book that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s dark… and it’s deviously delicious…
The story opens up when Garin and Kyle were young. It’s a hard life. One pivotal moment caused their paths to diverge. One pivotal moment that led to where Kyle and Garin found themselves prisoned. One pivotal moment that caused it all.
Kyle’s present was shaped by her past. Her path took her back to Garin because of a loss. She’s saddled with a great burden and she knew the price she’s paid and continues to pay. Garin may have moved on but not entirely and his path circled back to Kyle because of the events in the past. Questions needed answers. Events needed closure.
Marni took me thru some really dark moments. Some of its vileness made my stomach queasy. She definitely didn’t hold back. She gave me heat in all the wrong places yet it all felt right, and I felt every bit of it. Hot dang! But not just that, she made me feel! Having both POVs definitely enhanced the experience…
I thought I had answers but I didn’t. And when I thought I was right, I was wrong AND right at the same time. I speculated, and speculated, and speculated right til the end. And speaking of that ending, I loved an ending which gets my mind going long after the story’s finished. Whether I’m heading in the right direction that Marni wants me to go or not, I say it’s ok. Ultimately, after all is said and done, it’s like I’m left with an experience.
So far, of all my Marni reads, this is the darkest, and by far my favorite… I think… what does that say about me then, eh? Hmmm...
August 28, 2016
Five knuckle biting stars!
I am fifty shades of pissed off with so many emotions running ramped. To the author I applaud your amazing abilities! To my fellow readers and reviewers this isn't for the feint of heart. The scenes are graphic, hard hitting raw, disturbing and dark.
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I was engrossed from the moment I picked up the novel until its completion. Call me a sicko and glutton for punishment but I'm still invested. Prisoned reminded me of Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock suspense. With the who done it and why. I won't go into any details as to what has me livid because that would just ruin the experience. I'm going to leave you guessing, make you as clueless as I was. Besides my updates are enough to fuel your imagination. For the record I loved...loved Prisoned and would enjoy reading more controversial, taboo dark reads from this author!
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I am fifty shades of pissed off with so many emotions running ramped. To the author I applaud your amazing abilities! To my fellow readers and reviewers this isn't for the feint of heart. The scenes are graphic, hard hitting raw, disturbing and dark.
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I was engrossed from the moment I picked up the novel until its completion. Call me a sicko and glutton for punishment but I'm still invested. Prisoned reminded me of Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock suspense. With the who done it and why. I won't go into any details as to what has me livid because that would just ruin the experience. I'm going to leave you guessing, make you as clueless as I was. Besides my updates are enough to fuel your imagination. For the record I loved...loved Prisoned and would enjoy reading more controversial, taboo dark reads from this author!
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August 17, 2016
Prisoned was one of those books that grabbed you from the first page and dragged you along for an intense and gritty ride only to spit you out at the very end. I was left dazed and smiling stupidly. This book had a great mixture of darkness and heat. It was a perfect blend in my opinion and I'll definitely need to own this one on paperback one day! Great job, Marni! I recommend it to all dark romance lovers who love a mix of love/steam!
August 12, 2016
4 dark and twisted stars
Whew! What a crazy ride! Dark, sexy and dirty...just how I love my books!
The heroine, Kyle, returns home to attend the funeral of a childhood friend. Having fled her hometown without telling anyone after the murder of a friend's brother, she was less than happy to return. Upon arriving home, she see's the man who she fell in love with 12 years earlier, and still loves- Garin. Returning home opened up many wounds that she tried to cover up by leaving, and threatens to reveal her biggest secret. A secret that would destroy everything she fought so hard to keep hidden. It isn't until Kyle and Garin are taken captive that she truly see's the price of what her lies will cost her. Not only will it cost her, but Garin as well.
Overall, I loved the darkness of this book. Why did I give this book 4 stars instead of 5? Well, I did see a lot of the twists coming. Aside from that, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. There aren't many kidnapping romance novels like this one, at least none that I have heard of!
I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future :-)
Whew! What a crazy ride! Dark, sexy and dirty...just how I love my books!
The heroine, Kyle, returns home to attend the funeral of a childhood friend. Having fled her hometown without telling anyone after the murder of a friend's brother, she was less than happy to return. Upon arriving home, she see's the man who she fell in love with 12 years earlier, and still loves- Garin. Returning home opened up many wounds that she tried to cover up by leaving, and threatens to reveal her biggest secret. A secret that would destroy everything she fought so hard to keep hidden. It isn't until Kyle and Garin are taken captive that she truly see's the price of what her lies will cost her. Not only will it cost her, but Garin as well.
Overall, I loved the darkness of this book. Why did I give this book 4 stars instead of 5? Well, I did see a lot of the twists coming. Aside from that, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. There aren't many kidnapping romance novels like this one, at least none that I have heard of!
I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future :-)
Want to read
February 17, 2016
Mari Mann....
What in the hell has gotten into you...
When did you become this non- stop writing machine....
Churning out sensual, thrilling serials...
Following up with stand alone, sexy tomes staring smart secondary characters we wondered about...
And now we have this new book coming with no clues except....
Whatever...I don't care... don't give us more...
Because I know whatever it ends up being...it will be amazing...
It's written by Marni Mann, after all.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
What in the hell has gotten into you...
When did you become this non- stop writing machine....
Churning out sensual, thrilling serials...
Following up with stand alone, sexy tomes staring smart secondary characters we wondered about...
And now we have this new book coming with no clues except....
A dark contemporary erotica novel coming Spring 2016.
Whatever...I don't care... don't give us more...
Because I know whatever it ends up being...it will be amazing...
It's written by Marni Mann, after all.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 25, 2016
★★ 2.5 Stars ★★
Prisoned is a dark erotic suspense about two childhood friends who are reunited, a second chance romance that had the potential to be really epic, but I am sorry to say that it wasn't an enjoyable reading experience for me. I love dark romance, but there is a fine line, and unfortunately for me, this one overstepped the mark just a little too much.
Switching between past and present, we learn how two kids from the projects fought to survive in a world that didn't care about them, and how they were ripped apart by greed and tragedy. When they are reconnected in the present day, we understand that they are both keeping secrets and that unless they face their past misdemeanours, they are unable to move forward.
I especially have a soft spot for those where the main character is a captive and/or captor, however, I just couldn't overlook the reasoning behind the captivity, and the way the punishment against the heroine was executed was a big fat no from me. It was, quite frankly, too disturbing.
It's hard to give my feelings as to what went wrong without giving spoilers, but I did not connect to the hero and I think that was a major let down for me. I need my anti-hero to have good reasons for doing bad things, I need to love him despite his wrongdoings, but in this case, I just couldn't reconcile his behaviour with his feelings towards the heroine.
It was a well written and well thought out story, and fans of the gruesome and dark erotica may enjoy this a lot more than me.
Prisoned is a standalone dark erotic suspense, told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
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Prisoned is a dark erotic suspense about two childhood friends who are reunited, a second chance romance that had the potential to be really epic, but I am sorry to say that it wasn't an enjoyable reading experience for me. I love dark romance, but there is a fine line, and unfortunately for me, this one overstepped the mark just a little too much.
Switching between past and present, we learn how two kids from the projects fought to survive in a world that didn't care about them, and how they were ripped apart by greed and tragedy. When they are reconnected in the present day, we understand that they are both keeping secrets and that unless they face their past misdemeanours, they are unable to move forward.
I especially have a soft spot for those where the main character is a captive and/or captor, however, I just couldn't overlook the reasoning behind the captivity, and the way the punishment against the heroine was executed was a big fat no from me. It was, quite frankly, too disturbing.
It's hard to give my feelings as to what went wrong without giving spoilers, but I did not connect to the hero and I think that was a major let down for me. I need my anti-hero to have good reasons for doing bad things, I need to love him despite his wrongdoings, but in this case, I just couldn't reconcile his behaviour with his feelings towards the heroine.
It was a well written and well thought out story, and fans of the gruesome and dark erotica may enjoy this a lot more than me.
Prisoned is a standalone dark erotic suspense, told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
August 24, 2016
This is a pretty good erotic suspense. The setting is mainly within a prison cell, whereby both our hero and heroine were confined too. There is the suspense that kept me hooked from the start wondering why are they being held captive and what is the big secret that the heroine is hiding. There are plenty of sex while they were in the cell. For those who are OCD, they might be too concerned about hygiene issue to feel anything sexy about it, but for me, I like it filthy.
Kyle and Garin used to be childhood friends who grew up together in the slum. Before their relationship progress further, something happened that destroy whatever future that they will have together. Kyle was hiding a secret and move away from town. Years later, someone is out there trying to dig out the past and force Kyle to face the consequences of her action.
For a book that mainly took place within a prison cell, with some flashbacks, it had solid and engaging plot that kept me hooked. My curiosity was piqued from the start that I just couldn't put the book down until I uncover the truth. When the secret is finally out, I don't feel there is a big twist to it because the author already started giving hints along the way and I sorta figure it out myself.
Although, there is a lull in the middle of the book for a short moment, things pick back up pretty fast. Kyle and Garin are definitely a pair that I'm rooting for even with all the uncertainty that swirling in the air. I don't even know who is the good guys or the bad guys, and I'm leaving it for you to find it out yourself. The best part of the book was actually right at the ending. It just send the chills to my bones. I thought it is a really clever way to end the book.
Kyle and Garin used to be childhood friends who grew up together in the slum. Before their relationship progress further, something happened that destroy whatever future that they will have together. Kyle was hiding a secret and move away from town. Years later, someone is out there trying to dig out the past and force Kyle to face the consequences of her action.
For a book that mainly took place within a prison cell, with some flashbacks, it had solid and engaging plot that kept me hooked. My curiosity was piqued from the start that I just couldn't put the book down until I uncover the truth. When the secret is finally out, I don't feel there is a big twist to it because the author already started giving hints along the way and I sorta figure it out myself.
Although, there is a lull in the middle of the book for a short moment, things pick back up pretty fast. Kyle and Garin are definitely a pair that I'm rooting for even with all the uncertainty that swirling in the air. I don't even know who is the good guys or the bad guys, and I'm leaving it for you to find it out yourself. The best part of the book was actually right at the ending. It just send the chills to my bones. I thought it is a really clever way to end the book.
April 9, 2017
It was an ok read and the sex was pretty steamy but it's not a book that I would've picked up if I hadn't got a pdf for free.
You pretty much know from the beginning what happened, you just keep reading to find out why.
Want to read
June 20, 2016
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November 6, 2016Not sure how I'm feeling about this one.
Full review to come:)
Full review to come:)
Read
August 21, 2016DNF at 51%
Maybe I'm getting soft but this sentence (while eating my lunch) did me in-
Review to come after release....
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
Maybe I'm getting soft but this sentence (while eating my lunch) did me in-
I heard a zipper. A button popped open. The stench…if I had anything left in my stomach, it would have come out. It was so much worse than his breath. Molded cheese and decayed meat. He pressed his dick against my cheek, running it up and down my skin, as though he were wiping off the drool..
Review to come after release....
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2016
3.5 Stars
I won a copy of Prisoned from Marni (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!) and was so excited to read it. I loved her Unblocked series and when I read the blurb for this book, I couldn’t wait to jump into this dark romance. Sadly, this turned out to be just an okay read for me which is disappointing because I was so ready to fall in love with it.
"The Heart wasn’t well lit. Most of the streetlamps were out, so were the lights outside our front doors. Whenever the city replaced one of the bulbs, it was stolen within a few hours. Lights showed faces, they showed dealings, they showed things exchanged between hands, they showed evidence. The Heart didn’t like that. The things that happened here needed to stay in the dark."
Kyle, Garin and Billy were best friends growing up in New Jersey, in an area they called The Heart. They were poor and learned early on how to con or sell things in order to take care of themselves and each other. Kyle and Garin started to explore their feelings for one another, but the death of Billy’s brother shook them all and tore a whole in the friendship of this trio.
"His embrace and his presence were the only two things that made this feel good. Without one, there was no other."
Twelve years later, Kyle gets a call that Billy has died of an OD. She left New Jersey right after graduating high school, so going back to New Jersey is not going to be easy, but she has to go. After seeing Garin at Billy’s funeral, the feelings she had for him all of those years ago resurface, but she knows she can’t be with him. She’s been a prisoner of guilt for the last twelve years, keeping a secret that she can’t ever tell.
"The only thing we have inside this cell is words, Kyle. Don’t hold them back from me."
Things happen and they find themselves taken and thrown into a cell, but they aren’t sure by who or what they want. The time together in the cell helps Kyle and Garin grow close together. But what happens when the secret Kyle has been holding is spilled out?
"She was so strong—stronger than she even realized."
Don’t get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read. There was a lot of things going on, but I guessed the secret early on and I think that took away some of the suspense for me. I liked that it was told in dual POV. I still love Marni and can’t read more by her. This was just my experience, so don’t let it keep you from reading this book. You may just fall in love.
I won a copy of Prisoned from Marni (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!) and was so excited to read it. I loved her Unblocked series and when I read the blurb for this book, I couldn’t wait to jump into this dark romance. Sadly, this turned out to be just an okay read for me which is disappointing because I was so ready to fall in love with it.
"The Heart wasn’t well lit. Most of the streetlamps were out, so were the lights outside our front doors. Whenever the city replaced one of the bulbs, it was stolen within a few hours. Lights showed faces, they showed dealings, they showed things exchanged between hands, they showed evidence. The Heart didn’t like that. The things that happened here needed to stay in the dark."
Kyle, Garin and Billy were best friends growing up in New Jersey, in an area they called The Heart. They were poor and learned early on how to con or sell things in order to take care of themselves and each other. Kyle and Garin started to explore their feelings for one another, but the death of Billy’s brother shook them all and tore a whole in the friendship of this trio.
"His embrace and his presence were the only two things that made this feel good. Without one, there was no other."
Twelve years later, Kyle gets a call that Billy has died of an OD. She left New Jersey right after graduating high school, so going back to New Jersey is not going to be easy, but she has to go. After seeing Garin at Billy’s funeral, the feelings she had for him all of those years ago resurface, but she knows she can’t be with him. She’s been a prisoner of guilt for the last twelve years, keeping a secret that she can’t ever tell.
"The only thing we have inside this cell is words, Kyle. Don’t hold them back from me."
Things happen and they find themselves taken and thrown into a cell, but they aren’t sure by who or what they want. The time together in the cell helps Kyle and Garin grow close together. But what happens when the secret Kyle has been holding is spilled out?
"She was so strong—stronger than she even realized."
Don’t get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read. There was a lot of things going on, but I guessed the secret early on and I think that took away some of the suspense for me. I liked that it was told in dual POV. I still love Marni and can’t read more by her. This was just my experience, so don’t let it keep you from reading this book. You may just fall in love.
dnf
June 20, 2020Audio 3 Stars... I usually really enjoy Aaron Shedlock's performance, but he didn't really give the heroine, Kyle, a distinctive voice. And since I'm not used to a woman being called Kyle, it got confusing at times if Kyle, the heroine, was talking or if Garin, the hero, was talking. To make matter's worse, the story is written in first person.
Story dnf @ 56%
I know this is erotica so that means lots of sex. But... Come on...
I can't with anymore with this story. I can't wrap my head around the H and h being help captive and beaten, and still be in the mood to have sex let a lone be physically capable of it. And rough sex at that too.
Story dnf @ 56%
I know this is erotica so that means lots of sex. But... Come on...
I can't with anymore with this story. I can't wrap my head around the H and h being help captive and beaten, and still be in the mood to have sex let a lone be physically capable of it. And rough sex at that too.
August 29, 2016
Kudos to Marni Mann for daring to delve into the area of dark erotica. It’s a risk that takes her well outside the boundaries of her previous novels, and while the premise is intriguing, unfortunately Prisoned just didn’t resonate with me.
The story is gritty and suspenseful, with all the nail-biting elements you’d expect from a dark romance: mystery, extreme violence, uncomfortable situations, and raw sexual content. The beginning of the book is strong, but it slides downhill, and I lost my connection to the characters.
I prefer my heroines with a lot of backbone and a little chutzpah, but Kyle isn’t particularly clever or smart. She’s gullible and apparently has a very weak stomach. She throws up when she’s scared or grossed out—which occurs often in this twisted and sometimes gross story. It was difficult for me to sympathize with her. There were many other ways she could have handled the “big secret” she’s keeping, so the conflict seemed unnecessary.
I wanted to root for Kyle and Garin due to their history as teens, but I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between them as adults. He is a dominant dirty-talker, and their mutual attraction results in lots of steamy sex—LOTS—which Marni has a knack for writing, but it occurs abruptly and at the most inopportune times. Let’s call a spade a spade. Garin is a jerk. He’s shifty, very misogynistic, and shows virtually zero character growth. I guess I’m just not a fan of irredeemable alphas.
The book did keep me on my toes throughout. I loved that I could never anticipate what would happen next. However, the ending leaves key elements of this standalone story unresolved. The unanswered questions and unlikeable characters left me extremely frustrated.
Even though Prisoned ultimately didn’t appeal to me, I’m still a fan of Marni Mann, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
The story is gritty and suspenseful, with all the nail-biting elements you’d expect from a dark romance: mystery, extreme violence, uncomfortable situations, and raw sexual content. The beginning of the book is strong, but it slides downhill, and I lost my connection to the characters.
I prefer my heroines with a lot of backbone and a little chutzpah, but Kyle isn’t particularly clever or smart. She’s gullible and apparently has a very weak stomach. She throws up when she’s scared or grossed out—which occurs often in this twisted and sometimes gross story. It was difficult for me to sympathize with her. There were many other ways she could have handled the “big secret” she’s keeping, so the conflict seemed unnecessary.
I wanted to root for Kyle and Garin due to their history as teens, but I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between them as adults. He is a dominant dirty-talker, and their mutual attraction results in lots of steamy sex—LOTS—which Marni has a knack for writing, but it occurs abruptly and at the most inopportune times. Let’s call a spade a spade. Garin is a jerk. He’s shifty, very misogynistic, and shows virtually zero character growth. I guess I’m just not a fan of irredeemable alphas.
The book did keep me on my toes throughout. I loved that I could never anticipate what would happen next. However, the ending leaves key elements of this standalone story unresolved. The unanswered questions and unlikeable characters left me extremely frustrated.
Even though Prisoned ultimately didn’t appeal to me, I’m still a fan of Marni Mann, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
August 4, 2019
4 Soul Mate Stars
“Prisoned,” was written in an alternativg narrative from both MC’s throughout. I was immediately intrigued by the life of three teen, best friends growing up in the projects of Atlantic City, with a strong mob influence. Two of which had budding affections, and wouldn’t reunite after tragedy struck, until many years later.
Fast forward twelve years, and over a thousand miles, until another tragedy strikes when they’ re all reunited, but not under good circumstances. There are too many questions and not enough answers.
Honestly, I think it was getting a bit too gruesomely graphic for me, at one point, and my hope started dying off. Well that changed—quickly—then so did my perception! Wow, I was left wondering what was real and what wasn’t! This story was twisty, and filled with dirty secrets!
I knew this was on the darker side, but there was an erotic thriller type feel to it, with a good measure of suspense. I find myself being drawn to these kind of books more lately, and it seems like the author likes to drop the big ‘head scratcher’ right at the last page! Yes, it was a mind screw, but not quite as screwy as her last one I read, but I’m finding myself liking it...I’m liking it a whole lot! ;))
“Prisoned,” was written in an alternativg narrative from both MC’s throughout. I was immediately intrigued by the life of three teen, best friends growing up in the projects of Atlantic City, with a strong mob influence. Two of which had budding affections, and wouldn’t reunite after tragedy struck, until many years later.
Fast forward twelve years, and over a thousand miles, until another tragedy strikes when they’ re all reunited, but not under good circumstances. There are too many questions and not enough answers.
Honestly, I think it was getting a bit too gruesomely graphic for me, at one point, and my hope started dying off. Well that changed—quickly—then so did my perception! Wow, I was left wondering what was real and what wasn’t! This story was twisty, and filled with dirty secrets!
I knew this was on the darker side, but there was an erotic thriller type feel to it, with a good measure of suspense. I find myself being drawn to these kind of books more lately, and it seems like the author likes to drop the big ‘head scratcher’ right at the last page! Yes, it was a mind screw, but not quite as screwy as her last one I read, but I’m finding myself liking it...I’m liking it a whole lot! ;))
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