The Hopeless

The Huntress #2

by Dawn Robertson

I am not a good person.
In fact, I am the worst of the worst. I am a god. I give life and I taketh away. I can ruin someone at the drop of a hat and often do it for fun. Yet the world would never know. I smile for the cameras and live the privileged life. But with every vile existence comes the opportunity for redemption.
She is my Redemption.
I am the Huntress.
Society doesn’t realize how deadly I truly am.

Dawn and Kristen want to warn you: this is not for the faint of heart! But if gore, violence, and extreme sexual situation are your cup of tea, this is the read for you

Genres: Dark

89 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Three times best selling author Dawn Robertson was born and raised in Connecticut before relocating to Florida in 2013. The same year first novel, Hers debuted as an Amazon Best Seller. Replicating that success with two additional novels in the following years.

The Indie publishing world has grown to love her raw writing style depicting strong
women in real life situations, topping the charts in erotica, romance, and romance-suspense. Robertson has even insinuated that the female characters in her book mirror her real life. But, that I'll leave to speculation.

When Dawn Robertson is not writing she is a full-time Real Estate professional in Florida, and mother of three amazing children.

Find Dawn Robertson:
Facebook : http://facebook.com/authordawnrobertson
Twitter : http://twitter.com/agirlcalledd
AuthorDawnRobertson@gmail.com

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did I think I would get any answers this time around? Well, my hopes were dashed :( There will be no romantic relationship between Ellie and Theo. I was sad for a moment, but now my hopes are pinned on her and Linc. Call me fickle lol. That would be so hot though. Hopefully these authors already predicted my wishes and book 3 will make all of my dreams for this series come true.

There wasn't as much action in this installment. It was more about the characters confronting their feelings and adapting to change. I loved Linc's POV in this and it would be nice to see more of it.

So... after a botched job, someone is coming for Ellie. Can Theo and Linc keep her safe? January can't come soon enough for me!

Release Date: November 30, 2016

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.25 stars

The warning on the books did not lie. This is some dark stuff, and I’m not sure how to characterize it.

Despite the BDSM elements, it’s not erotica or romance. In fact, I’m still not entirely sure who the “hero” of the book is going to be. There are several men in Ellie’s life that I truly like and can easily see her ending up with. But whether she will or won’t is anyone’s guess. Her romantic liaisons range from Theo, the step-father who took her in, to Linc, the best friend that looks out for her, to the partying Joseph who allows her to let go of any inhibitions.

Who Ellie will end up with, or even if she will end up with a man, is anyone’s guess. But regardless, Ellie is an intriguing heroine. As a socialite who was trained as an elite assassin, Ellie is a badass. She’s tough and independent and resourceful. She does what needs to be done without guilt or regret. She owns her actions, owns her sexuality and never forgets where she came from. Following her transition, in part as flashbacks, from a neglected girl to a tough as nails woman, is fascinating.

Ellie is calm, she’s collected and she’s deadly. But when a high profile execution goes wrong, Ellie finds herself in hiding, trying to figure out who is behind the ensuing repercussions.

The first two books in the Huntress series were wonderful. They were dark and hard to put down. They sped along at a breakneck pace and didn’t give any room for a breather. My only complaint is that they were not full length stories. They were basically two thirds of one book and I’m not sure what the true theme or plot is. But regardless, it’s a thrill.

As I said, this is not a love story. It’s a dark action packed journey through the world of power and evil, and it’s totally addicting.

ARC provided with no expectations.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Provided and Reviewed by We’ve Licked that book blog!
4.5 STARS

The Hopeless book 2 in the Huntress series.
This series just get better and better, In this one we see Ellie struggle a bit with her job she knows she is a trained assassin. She struggles with what she has to do, then once it is done she feels guilty…

Can Ellie really find redemption? Wait and see.

This one has a few twists in it and I don’t want to say to much in case I spoil it.

But to understand this book you must first read book 1 The Huntress To understand Ellie’s story and the people in her life.

I really Love being inside Ellie’s head, the way she thinks.
Starting to see a different side to her.
I really loving Linc. But I like Theo too.

Bring on Book 3 Can’t wait to see how it plays out

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars!!!

This series just keeps getting better!

I have a fascination with this series that keeps sucking me in a little bit further with every book. No answers in this one. This is the psychological mindf*%k that delves into the psyches of our characters. Not enough action for you...too bad, because you just don't want to miss the development the authors throw at us in preparation for the final installment.

Ellie is a badass and Linc...oh, I love Linc! I want these two together so bad I can taste it. Because, really...Ellie deserves her HEA. We get a softer side of Ellie, more personal and it made me love her even more.

A short, quick read with so much going on...the intriguing mystery continues and you don't want to miss it!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series. I really enjoyed book 1, but book 2 wasn’t as fulfilling for me. Maybe it is because book 1 was 144 pages and book 2 is only 71, so there is less happening. So Ellie is torn between her feelings for Theo and Linc and the need to rescue a baby and be a good mother to right the wrongs of the past. I found the storyline good, but there was a bit of jumping in the plot that left me confused. Like when Ella and Theo are at dinner and the next minute they are “saying goodbye” at the hotel….wait, what just happened?.....I wasn’t sure if it was some sort of dream sequence or what.

Overall I am intrigued enough with what did happen in book 2 that I need to get my hands on book 3 which is due in Jan 2017, but unfortunately I was left wanting more from book 2.

Hero 4 Stars / Heroine 4 stars / Steam 3 stars / Plot 3 stars / Overall 3.5 Stars
Keys: Dual POV, MF, troubled past, hitwoman, mystery, #MSBB
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Robin Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Whoa! Linc was a huge question mark for me in the first book and now I really loved getting to know Ellie's loyal best friend. Things get twisted up Ellie is off her game in this book. I didn't see any of that coming. Full review coming on The Smut-Brarians.

[Yaremi Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, love, and suspense

I love Ellie, she's such a strong character, but she loves just as strong. This book gives a bit more insight into her relationship with Linc. It continues with the story line of Remy's death and the fallout. It also gives a twist on Theo and Ellie's relationship. If you read the Huntress, you'll love Hopeless!!! I know I did! ❤️

[Karen - Kazza's Books Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and although there was a bit more drama in the lives of Ellie, Theo and Linc I just feel that the ending was a bit rushed. Will definately be reading Nameless.

[Rachel Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a series and you MUST read The Huntress first in order for The Hopeless to make sense.
Ellie MacGuire is at her wits end. Meeting her marks baby girl does something to her insides.
With Theo being all into Journey, Ellie is all messed up. I was really hoping for a hot taboo installment...well, I guess I'll take a more emotional installment. Ellie is having second thoughts. She doesn't really want to do her "job" anymore, her relationship with Theo is evolving, and honestly? The Hopeless fits.
The action that was in the Huntress has evolved to a simmered down story line here in The Hopeless, but it's good in it's own right.
I really want book 3 now, so I can see how Ellie handles all this that's being thrown at her...and if she and Linc can hook up....

[The Smutbrarians · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storyline: 5
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin

This continues from The Huntress with Ellie taking care of a problem at the end of that book. After she has completed her latest hit, for the first time, Ellie feels some sort of remorse. Why is this happening? To complicate matters, she has a new job and things start to go awry. Linc, her best friend, tries to step in to be Ellie’s rock while Theo has twists thrown in his own life. How did this assassin’s life take such an abrupt turn and will this affect Ellie’s future?

“I pause for a second to look over her face— eyes puffy from crying, nearly all of her makeup smeared around her face— and she has never looked so beautiful. There is something about how raw and open she is right now that gets to me. Ellie is not one to show emotion openly, and in those rare moments when she does, I fall for her harder. It isn’t just a romantic thing; I love her spirit, I love her tenacity, I love her fire— all in secret. There has never been anything more between us than deep friendship and a twisted working relationship, and for as long as I can control myself, that is all it will ever be. People like Eleanor McGuire do not slum it up with people like me— different sides of the tracks and all.”

Oh, yes, yes, yes! I really wanted to know more about Linc and this book threw him in front and center! We still get a little kinky Daddy time but I really love this messed up, dysfunctional family. I never saw Ellie having a case of conscience. Girl! What is wrong with you!!! I’m not ready for your redemption. I want you to be kickass and taking names and using your sweet little knife. Ok…but perhaps she has to take a step back to give Linc a chance and if that’s the case, I will deal. Deep breaths. Theo, of course, is his handsome, debonair self. In denial, but flat out the hot mack daddy. But give me kinky Linc. I just want more of that bad boy with all of his secrets.

This series keeps me on my toes. I have so many questions which I love. Don’t give it all to me at once. Dangle those little pieces of the organization to me and keep me wanting more!

[Jecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty

[Jordan Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Parts:

I have been waiting for this book to come out since I finished the first one, and it’s not because the first one ending with a cliffhanger or anything like that. But because these characters are everything. Dawn and Kristen created a story and characters that suck you in and consumed your life. Even after you finish this story you will want more, and you will see then in people you see out in the real world.

Ellie is such an independent woman, who may not truly know what she wanted in her life for a spilt second, but figured it out. The fact that Linc and Theo are thrown into this mix just adds to this story. There is so much that happens, and trust me, you all will want in on this crazy ass story. Linc will have my heart forever, and Theo, well we all find out that Theo actually has a heart…

The tension between all of these characters brings this story to life, and definitely add to the experience of reading Ellie’s story, because even though this story goes back and forth between Ellie and Linc, this is fully Ellie’s story, and her trying to find herself in the chaos that is life.

Final Thoughts:

In order to read this book you should read the first book; it will help you with understanding the characters and what they previously went through. This one only has a slight cliffhanger, but it’s not a bad one. It’s one that fills your heart with joy, and has you screaming for more.

[Evie Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Hopeless
Author: Dawn Robertson & Kristen Hope Mazzola
Series: The Huntress #2
Genre: suspense
Themes: assassin
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 3/5

I very much enjoyed the first instalment to this series, finding it a breath of fresh air with a strong-willed heroine who owned her sexuality and cold-blooded nature. It was dark, it was interesting. I was incredibly excited to finally have the opportunity to delve into this sequel.

I confess, I was slightly disappointed.

The strong start and build up of the first ended up going absolutely nowhere. Instead, we see a softer side of Ellie and there is much less focus on the darkness, the killing and the erotica, making way for personal development. Normally this is a good thing, but here it just felt completely forced to me. The novella genre is difficult as everything is ridiculously fast-paced with no time whatsoever for strong development. What made it worse for me was that there was too much telling, not enough showing, as well as skipping over the parts I personally found more interesting. It seemed highly inconsistent, a little clumsy.

The ending grasped me a lot more that the rest of the story, and has left me really intrigued by the final instalment. It will be interesting to see where this story goes - after all, it is nothing if not unpredictable.

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hopeless by Dawn Robertson
The story continues and starts off with Ellie taking a life. While she takes one life she decides she needs to be the mother for another life. Ellie is hired for another job which has its own issues. While there she needs to come to terms with her decision about Theo. Theo has moved on in life with Journey. Linc has stepped up to the plate and is looking after the baby. He is also coming to terms with his own thoughts and issues. When a shooting takes place and a hit is put on Ellie’s life, the four have to take action. Not only is Ellie now worried about her own life but she has another innocent child to consider. Can Linc be the protector that Ellie needs and can Theo walk away from Ellie? The story is starting to come together with a few plot twists that will keep you intrigued. This is book 2 in the series and this one moves at a fast pace with loads happening. I also think in this book you connect more with Ellie, you see a softer side to her. Overall I have enjoyed this story and am looking forward to Book 3.
Reviewed for Hot Books and Sassy Girls Book Blog

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up a bit of time after the end of The Huntress we find ourselves in the middle of one of Ellie's jobs. Easy in and easy out, but it's what left behind that has her questioning her choices and ruining the high she usually feels. While she is making life decisions; Theo is embarking on his own separate journey, which I'm not sure how I feel about and we get to go inside Linc's head for a bit.

This piece gave us very little answers but sure was a ride. We are left with a job gone bad, lots of life changes, a bunch of questions and whole lot of wrapping up that needs to happen. It was also hot as hell, albeit a little taboo-ish. But really all this did was make me want to rush into January to see how its all going to play out. I actually like Ellie more in this book, she became less cold and more human. I liked Theo less because of his choices. And I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed Linc.

Signed, Eagerly Waiting

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

It keeps getting better and better!
Ellie will show another side to her and I already loved her, but now I adore her..even tho it's a word I shouldn’t use in relation to her lol
Linc and Theo...mmmm which to pick?!
I loved the story and the twists..There are feelings, Ellie's questions and guilt about her job,about the men.. and also some action..but as always I want more and more..can't wait for book 3 and see what the authors come up with.

[Reckless Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo mean ending like that! It's better than the first book and that's saying something because it was awesome. You get more Linc in this one as to opposed to the first one that just makes him look like Ellie's henchman. Ellie has a conscience that you didn't expect especially after having been a trained assassin for so long. I love the drama with every twist and turn that it's literally takes you two seconds to speed through this amazing story. I cannot wait for what it to come next!

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and they must be read in order. I am loving Ellie. She is changing and while I love the Huntress Ellie and I might be loving this new Ellie more. This book series is fantastic and I can’t wait for the next one. There are ending and new beginnings in this book. Dawn and Kristen are doing a fantastic job with this series. I need more NOW!!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! This is book two in the series and I have to say WOW!! Shocking events. The characters are great. The story line is great and had some surprise events in them. Great job to the two authors. I can't wait for book 3.

[Dayna R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It is crazy to see how you life can be flipped upside down by one decision. Ellie is my favorite character and I loved seeing a more human side of her than the first book. It also amazing to see and get to know Linc more. Great next book in the series! Can't wait for the final book!

[Annie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely killing it!

My heart broke a little for Linc, getting all the feels in this one. Can't wait for the next instalment!!

[Mistee Lemaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this is getting better and better!!! The turn of events has me flipping!!!! Gotta get into Nameless!!!!

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intense thrill ride continues. Here Ellie struggles with her decisions as an assassin. Th plot thickens...stay tuned for book 3!