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TORMENT: A Dark Romance!
Can two afflicted strangers from the dark side, help each other back to the light?
Willow Steele is a survivor - barely.
Her mother was murdered in front of her.
Eight years old. Nowhere and nobody to call home. Willow did what she had to in order to survive life.
Alcohol.
Drugs.
Rehab.
Faced with a straightjacket, a bare cell at Ferndale and the prospect of going cold turkey from the vices that have been keeping her alive, Willow is furious. She wants her drugs. She wants her freedom. She wants out of this place.
Hunter Edwards is an addict.
Just one taste, to impress a girl, and heroin ended up taking every bit of self-control he'd ever owned.
Six months later he is hooked and spiralling out of control. Break and enters, car accidents, trouble with the law. His mother and the cops sign him into Ferndale as a last resort before shipping him off to the army.
That's where he sees her. Willow. The girl in the cell.
The dark haired, blue eyed angel that steals his heart.
Can Willow & Hunter help each other through the hardest fight of their lives?
Or will they both fall harder than ever before?
This is a dark romance. It is not for the faint hearted. You've been warned...
Willow Steele is a survivor - barely.
Her mother was murdered in front of her.
Eight years old. Nowhere and nobody to call home. Willow did what she had to in order to survive life.
Alcohol.
Drugs.
Rehab.
Faced with a straightjacket, a bare cell at Ferndale and the prospect of going cold turkey from the vices that have been keeping her alive, Willow is furious. She wants her drugs. She wants her freedom. She wants out of this place.
Hunter Edwards is an addict.
Just one taste, to impress a girl, and heroin ended up taking every bit of self-control he'd ever owned.
Six months later he is hooked and spiralling out of control. Break and enters, car accidents, trouble with the law. His mother and the cops sign him into Ferndale as a last resort before shipping him off to the army.
That's where he sees her. Willow. The girl in the cell.
The dark haired, blue eyed angel that steals his heart.
Can Willow & Hunter help each other through the hardest fight of their lives?
Or will they both fall harder than ever before?
This is a dark romance. It is not for the faint hearted. You've been warned...
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2016
30 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Aleya Michelle
17 books955 followersThe Author of seven full length novels and one novella, genres range from contemporary romance, Romantic Suspense to Dark Romance.
Aleya was Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she is in her thirties and happily married with three gorgeous boys.
A lover of reading, hanging out at the beach, playing netball, shopping and listening to music, which she adds into her writing frequently.
Aleya’s main thrill when writing is introducing her readers to new and exciting characters that you will either love, or love to hate.
Come and find me on social media!
https://www.facebook.com/aleyamichell...
Aleya was Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she is in her thirties and happily married with three gorgeous boys.
A lover of reading, hanging out at the beach, playing netball, shopping and listening to music, which she adds into her writing frequently.
Aleya’s main thrill when writing is introducing her readers to new and exciting characters that you will either love, or love to hate.
Come and find me on social media!
https://www.facebook.com/aleyamichell...
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December 14, 2016
Torment takes you down some pretty dirty roads with drug addiction, murder, abuse, and struggling with lose. The author doesn’t hold back letting you into what the world of addiction is like. The feelings that you have to let you take that one step that will throw you into a world that is out of your control once you open that door.
Willow witnessed her mother’s murder at the age of eight and from the foster homes she was place in that was full of rape and abuse until finally finding that one home that had the mother figure that she had missed out on most of her life. After everything she had went through until that point though had already shaped a future for Willow that if she wasn’t careful would pull her back under. Things were going well for her finally she had Audrey, the foster mother who thought of Willow as her daughter, friends who cared for her, attending college and learning about what she loved until the day she received the letter telling her that the man who murdered her mother was up for parole after only 15 years. That’s when the drinking started again. She needed to cope with the impending feeling of having this man let out of prison. She was starting to lose the control she had gained and Connor came around at the very worst time he could have. Connor was the man who started Willow down that dark road of addiction.
Hunter had everything going for him; he had a great childhood, a good job, lots of money and a brother that meant everything to him. They had a closeness that many could only hope for and that was what sent Hunter off when he lost him to a drunk driver. This is what sent him off the edge into the world of addiction. Without his brother by his side Hunter chose self-destruction as his way to cope. This is how Hunter and Willow crossed paths. It was at a drug rehab that both of them had entered as a last ditch effort to get their lives back on track.
This book doesn’t pull any punches. It lets you see what addiction can do to a person and the dark feelings that can start you on that path. Torment also shows you that if you want and if you are vigilant there may be a way out on the other side. Hunter and Willow are both some very strong characters and will have you rooting for them hoping that they will be able to find enough happiness in their lives to make them want to stay clean. There are some twists and turns in this book that will surprise you and have you reading nonstop because you just “have to know”.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for a freely given honest review.
Willow witnessed her mother’s murder at the age of eight and from the foster homes she was place in that was full of rape and abuse until finally finding that one home that had the mother figure that she had missed out on most of her life. After everything she had went through until that point though had already shaped a future for Willow that if she wasn’t careful would pull her back under. Things were going well for her finally she had Audrey, the foster mother who thought of Willow as her daughter, friends who cared for her, attending college and learning about what she loved until the day she received the letter telling her that the man who murdered her mother was up for parole after only 15 years. That’s when the drinking started again. She needed to cope with the impending feeling of having this man let out of prison. She was starting to lose the control she had gained and Connor came around at the very worst time he could have. Connor was the man who started Willow down that dark road of addiction.
Hunter had everything going for him; he had a great childhood, a good job, lots of money and a brother that meant everything to him. They had a closeness that many could only hope for and that was what sent Hunter off when he lost him to a drunk driver. This is what sent him off the edge into the world of addiction. Without his brother by his side Hunter chose self-destruction as his way to cope. This is how Hunter and Willow crossed paths. It was at a drug rehab that both of them had entered as a last ditch effort to get their lives back on track.
This book doesn’t pull any punches. It lets you see what addiction can do to a person and the dark feelings that can start you on that path. Torment also shows you that if you want and if you are vigilant there may be a way out on the other side. Hunter and Willow are both some very strong characters and will have you rooting for them hoping that they will be able to find enough happiness in their lives to make them want to stay clean. There are some twists and turns in this book that will surprise you and have you reading nonstop because you just “have to know”.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for a freely given honest review.
February 7, 2017
I received a NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a 3 star read for me...and only because the first half of the book, leading up to these two characters spiraling downward and into rehab was mesmerizing. Like watching a train wreck. The story is about two people, each of who suffered terrible losses, used alcohol and drugs to cope and feel nothingness until...as it always does...it gets out of control and they reach their rock bottom. Both of their stories were moving and relatable to this point.
Then, they end up in same rehab facility...and that's where it hit rock bottom for me. I did not feel or understand their instant connection. There was no push/pull, no real drama, no real angst. It had no depth for me. It was sweet and instant - and the "drama" that they were faced with felt forced and included just to add a little something something.
This also needs a good editing - lots of missed/wrong words, wrong verb tenses - and it seemed to switch tenses, which frustrates the heck out of me and slows me down. Kind of like hitting a bookmark while reading!!
This was a 3 star read for me...and only because the first half of the book, leading up to these two characters spiraling downward and into rehab was mesmerizing. Like watching a train wreck. The story is about two people, each of who suffered terrible losses, used alcohol and drugs to cope and feel nothingness until...as it always does...it gets out of control and they reach their rock bottom. Both of their stories were moving and relatable to this point.
Then, they end up in same rehab facility...and that's where it hit rock bottom for me. I did not feel or understand their instant connection. There was no push/pull, no real drama, no real angst. It had no depth for me. It was sweet and instant - and the "drama" that they were faced with felt forced and included just to add a little something something.
This also needs a good editing - lots of missed/wrong words, wrong verb tenses - and it seemed to switch tenses, which frustrates the heck out of me and slows me down. Kind of like hitting a bookmark while reading!!
March 8, 2018
Torment by Aleya Michelle was a quiet story with some deep thoughts behind it. I liked almost everything about the story except the blurb which I felt was a little misleading at a certain point, that I can not explain without spoilers)
There are no big surprises in here the blurb basically tells the story, except maybe the kind of “making of” the reader gets before the leads actually land in a position to meet each other. That part is a little “louder” but when they meet the tone of the book seems to change with the surrounding of the characters which I felt was an interesting accomplishment.
I felt the peace that Ferndale was supposed to bring. I am not sure I really loved the characters though which is why the 5th star is missing. While they were explored to the tiniest of details there was nothing left for me to feel for them.
And if so it might be that I liked Hunter slightly more than Willow because his reasons were more graspable for me than hers.
It might sound strange to like a book without loving the characters but it is possible, because I liked the plot and the writing a lot and I would recommend it to fellow readers
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November 8, 2016
**3.5 rounded to 4 Stars**
Oh man! Talk about your twists and turns. This book had it all. Murder, Rape, Torture in mild form, Drugs, Instalove, shocking reveals, all of it! It was so much to take in for a short read, but it was a pretty good book!
I felt for Willow, that poor girl has been through hell and back in her life, and she didn’t deserve the shit that happened to her….well, no one does, but until Audrey comes into the picture, it’s so hard for her.
I didn’t feel bad for Hunter, I mean sorta…. Grief treats everyone different, but his internal dialogue told him right and wrong, but he still went with the flow. The power of peer pressure is strong with this one.
I LOVED the side characters. Esp. Nate and Audrey. They really helped Willow in her times of need.
The Sexy time parts in this book (after Willow and Hunter met of course) we’re pretty effing steamy and I enjoyed reading them. I could see myself actually there in between the sheets with W and H, and I didn’t mind at all.
Overall, the only thing this book lacked for me was chemistry between the two characters. I felt like there was a lot of passion within themselves, but only cute words between each other. I didn’t feel the instalove. Maybe I’m totally off on that…… But I did enjoy the book and finished it in under a day! I’d recommend to people who were into this genre Definitely!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Royal Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
Oh man! Talk about your twists and turns. This book had it all. Murder, Rape, Torture in mild form, Drugs, Instalove, shocking reveals, all of it! It was so much to take in for a short read, but it was a pretty good book!
I felt for Willow, that poor girl has been through hell and back in her life, and she didn’t deserve the shit that happened to her….well, no one does, but until Audrey comes into the picture, it’s so hard for her.
I didn’t feel bad for Hunter, I mean sorta…. Grief treats everyone different, but his internal dialogue told him right and wrong, but he still went with the flow. The power of peer pressure is strong with this one.
I LOVED the side characters. Esp. Nate and Audrey. They really helped Willow in her times of need.
The Sexy time parts in this book (after Willow and Hunter met of course) we’re pretty effing steamy and I enjoyed reading them. I could see myself actually there in between the sheets with W and H, and I didn’t mind at all.
Overall, the only thing this book lacked for me was chemistry between the two characters. I felt like there was a lot of passion within themselves, but only cute words between each other. I didn’t feel the instalove. Maybe I’m totally off on that…… But I did enjoy the book and finished it in under a day! I’d recommend to people who were into this genre Definitely!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Royal Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
November 11, 2016
Torment
Aleya Michelle
3.5 stars
Your mother is murdered right in front of you ... eight years old. There is no one else. Your world is upside down so you survive .. you survive in a life of drugs and alcohol early with a bee line straight into rehab. Willow doesnt want to be here. Who are these people to say she is getting clean. No one knows her pain and no one has ever been there for her. Now this ... She wants out.
An addict ... Hunter Edwards gets hooked by trying to make an impression. Hitting rock bottom he breaks every law falling into a deep dark despair to get his next fix. But then in this hell there is her ... The girl sitting there alone in the cell ..
This is a rough and dark read. If you have triggers of abuse in all forms then this is NOT for you. There are some definite holy wow moments and you have got to be kidding me. BUT why the 3.5 stars ... well it just didnt put me into the world of something somewhat believable. I also didnt care of the peer pressure of the situations. There are some side characters that play parts in both of Willow and Hunters lives .. Nate and Audrey.
Click it up if you want to see what this one is about. Thank you for the ARC. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Aleya Michelle
3.5 stars
Your mother is murdered right in front of you ... eight years old. There is no one else. Your world is upside down so you survive .. you survive in a life of drugs and alcohol early with a bee line straight into rehab. Willow doesnt want to be here. Who are these people to say she is getting clean. No one knows her pain and no one has ever been there for her. Now this ... She wants out.
An addict ... Hunter Edwards gets hooked by trying to make an impression. Hitting rock bottom he breaks every law falling into a deep dark despair to get his next fix. But then in this hell there is her ... The girl sitting there alone in the cell ..
This is a rough and dark read. If you have triggers of abuse in all forms then this is NOT for you. There are some definite holy wow moments and you have got to be kidding me. BUT why the 3.5 stars ... well it just didnt put me into the world of something somewhat believable. I also didnt care of the peer pressure of the situations. There are some side characters that play parts in both of Willow and Hunters lives .. Nate and Audrey.
Click it up if you want to see what this one is about. Thank you for the ARC. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
November 14, 2016
TORMENT
by Aleya Michelle
Torment is the first book i have read from this author. With this book she takes you on some serious twists and turns with the main characters Hunter and Willow. She really shows how easy it is to fall to the dark side and how hard it is to escape and pull yourself to the light side. You really feel the torment of Hunter and Willow as they travel down each of their dark paths the ups and downs and downs and downs til they hit rock bottom just to forget and feel numb to escape life. You feel the agony and heartache as they go through hell. You feel the heartbreak of Hunter as the loss of his brother has him spiraling out of control. You feel the heartbreak as Willow has to face the the ghosts of the past and turns to the wrong things to escape. You root for these two young people to last and be able to find the strength they need to make it against the odds. This book is not for the faint of heart but a truly inspirational read.
**Reviewed by Hot Box Reviews blog**
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book **
by Aleya Michelle
Torment is the first book i have read from this author. With this book she takes you on some serious twists and turns with the main characters Hunter and Willow. She really shows how easy it is to fall to the dark side and how hard it is to escape and pull yourself to the light side. You really feel the torment of Hunter and Willow as they travel down each of their dark paths the ups and downs and downs and downs til they hit rock bottom just to forget and feel numb to escape life. You feel the agony and heartache as they go through hell. You feel the heartbreak of Hunter as the loss of his brother has him spiraling out of control. You feel the heartbreak as Willow has to face the the ghosts of the past and turns to the wrong things to escape. You root for these two young people to last and be able to find the strength they need to make it against the odds. This book is not for the faint of heart but a truly inspirational read.
**Reviewed by Hot Box Reviews blog**
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book **
November 23, 2016
This is not an easy book to read as it deals with very difficult subjects. Pleas head the warnings it deals with addiction, rape, murder, torture but there is love.
Willow and Hunter have both dealt with pain and despair and meet when they are at their lowest point and in rehab. Neither of them were looking for love it's definitely not the best time to start a relationship but often love comes when you least expect it.
It's a very raw emotional story that is yes about addiction but also about accepting and dealing with it and coming out the other side. It will break you, give you hope and heal you.
***Reviewed For Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog***
Willow and Hunter have both dealt with pain and despair and meet when they are at their lowest point and in rehab. Neither of them were looking for love it's definitely not the best time to start a relationship but often love comes when you least expect it.
It's a very raw emotional story that is yes about addiction but also about accepting and dealing with it and coming out the other side. It will break you, give you hope and heal you.
***Reviewed For Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog***
November 24, 2016
This review of Torment by Aleya Michelle is for The Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog. This is the first book I have read by her. While I wasn't immediately impressed, it did begin to grow on me. I liked the story she was trying to tell. Both the main characters, Willow and Hunter, are flawed in their own ways, but they both turn to drugs and alcohol to cope. They both make poor decisions and end up in rehab. This is where they meet and where their story together begins. My only major concern is that Hunter's legal trouble just seems to disappear. I give it a solid 3 Stars.
March 4, 2017
4.6 stars, this is a first read for me by this author and wow what a great book to start with.
torment gives you a look into the mind of people suffering from loss, addiction and more, i got so many different feels from torment, it really made me stop and think about addiction alot.
willow and hunter are perfect main characters.
a fantastic job done by Aleya Michelle.
i highly recommend this book.
torment gives you a look into the mind of people suffering from loss, addiction and more, i got so many different feels from torment, it really made me stop and think about addiction alot.
willow and hunter are perfect main characters.
a fantastic job done by Aleya Michelle.
i highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2016
Oh my Willow and Hunter two lost souls headed down a road of Destruction losing themselves in drugs . Willow has been through hell seeing her mother murdered at age 8 , no place to call home now she's in rehab at Ferndale and it's not easy and she wants out. Hunter become addicted to love which led him to his heroin addiction, and to think it was to just impress a girl that is no longer around now his breaking into cars, stealing so his last resort before being shipped off to military school is rehab at Ferndale, where he meets Willow can these two save each other? loved it.
March 1, 2017
This book grabs you and refuses to let go. This book makes you an addict for more. Aleya Michelle has done an absolutely fantastic job with all the finer details of this story. The characters are fantastically developed as well. A great story with a lot of feeling.
November 20, 2016
This book has everthing you could want......AMAZING!!!!!
Aleya Michelle has written an excellent story that includes everything that you could want from a story full of torment, pain, drugs, torture, rape, love and twists and turns that will leave your head spinning.
Willow Steele witnesses the murder of her mother at a young and impressionable age. This sets her life on a rollercoaster that never stops. Each time it looks like she has finally gotten her life into some form of order, another twist is thrown in there that sends her spiralling backwards yet again. Her lowest point is reached with the help of Connor, something that totally blew me right of my chair. But there is a light at the end of her dark, dark tunnel - so keep reading - Natalie and Audrey are her guardian angels, who supply all the love and support that she needs.
Hunter Edwards leads a life no different from any other around him, that is, until his brother Alex dies. This event causes his life to go downhill faster than than could be believed. A fix of heroine, at a party, to impress a girl finally leads him on is final path of self-destruction. One dumb move could cost him eveything.
Willow and Hunter meet in rehab at Ferndale. From there an unexpected friendship forms. Hunter is struck by Willow, never did he expect to meet someone who would turn his life upside down in the way that she did. Together they explore the bad world of drugs, but come out on the other side two stronger people. Romance/love was not what either needed at the time.....but it's something that they both found.
This is a brilliant read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, ready to throw your kindle across the room and shedding the occassional tear. Your emotions will go up and down like a yo-yo, but it is so worth it! An amazing story that will stay with you long after you have read that final page. Oh and the ending......a massive twist that I never saw coming!!!!
Even though Ms Michelle dealt with many taboo and heartbreaking subjects in this story, it is one that I would definitely read again. I would highly recommend Willow and Hunter's story to those who love a dark and gritty read.
Definitely FIVE STARS
Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.
Aleya Michelle has written an excellent story that includes everything that you could want from a story full of torment, pain, drugs, torture, rape, love and twists and turns that will leave your head spinning.
Willow Steele witnesses the murder of her mother at a young and impressionable age. This sets her life on a rollercoaster that never stops. Each time it looks like she has finally gotten her life into some form of order, another twist is thrown in there that sends her spiralling backwards yet again. Her lowest point is reached with the help of Connor, something that totally blew me right of my chair. But there is a light at the end of her dark, dark tunnel - so keep reading - Natalie and Audrey are her guardian angels, who supply all the love and support that she needs.
Hunter Edwards leads a life no different from any other around him, that is, until his brother Alex dies. This event causes his life to go downhill faster than than could be believed. A fix of heroine, at a party, to impress a girl finally leads him on is final path of self-destruction. One dumb move could cost him eveything.
Willow and Hunter meet in rehab at Ferndale. From there an unexpected friendship forms. Hunter is struck by Willow, never did he expect to meet someone who would turn his life upside down in the way that she did. Together they explore the bad world of drugs, but come out on the other side two stronger people. Romance/love was not what either needed at the time.....but it's something that they both found.
This is a brilliant read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, ready to throw your kindle across the room and shedding the occassional tear. Your emotions will go up and down like a yo-yo, but it is so worth it! An amazing story that will stay with you long after you have read that final page. Oh and the ending......a massive twist that I never saw coming!!!!
Even though Ms Michelle dealt with many taboo and heartbreaking subjects in this story, it is one that I would definitely read again. I would highly recommend Willow and Hunter's story to those who love a dark and gritty read.
Definitely FIVE STARS
Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.
November 14, 2016
The author wasn't lying when she said this was a dark read. Holy wow, it covers a tons of topics from drug use, to murder, to facing the loss of someone, rape, and finding yourself after addiction plus so many more as well as some twists that I did not expect. I about fell out of my chair towards the end of this book with that twist. That one I totally did not suspect.
Willow has been dealt a crap life and has seen so much from a young age. Every time it seems like she starts to rid herself of the bad life to a better life she is thrown some bad apples. Willow has hit rock bottom no thanks to Connor and that is putting this phrase nicely. That was real low and you will be in for a shock of your life when it comes to Connor. Oh read on and hold that kindle tight when you get to that part of the shocker that was given to us when reading this.
Willow thankfully has a support system, her foster mom-Audrey and her BF, Natalie. Without them I am not too certain she would be here. They helped her get the assistance she needed and supported her throughout rehab and thereafter.
Hunter had a normal life nothing horrible until his brother, Alex passed away. From there he went downhill and while doing minor bad things, one upped this to show off for a girl. dumb dumb now he is left picking up the pieces of his life to show himself that he could overcome his addiction as well as stay alive for his mom. I'm a little at a loss for words with his mom though, the comments she makes had me feeling bad for Hunter. She luckily became more caring towards him.
From the moment Hunter and Willow see each other at Ferndale the spark is there. They may not need a relationship while battling rehab, but they also just might be each others support system and both overcome their addictions. They actually healed each other and their story on how they met is not normal, but I feel without them experiencing this traumatic turnabouts they wouldn't have met.
I love that he called her the princess of roses since she loved the garden and she was his angel. While this may contain triggers for some, this is a must read if you love dark stories.
Willow has been dealt a crap life and has seen so much from a young age. Every time it seems like she starts to rid herself of the bad life to a better life she is thrown some bad apples. Willow has hit rock bottom no thanks to Connor and that is putting this phrase nicely. That was real low and you will be in for a shock of your life when it comes to Connor. Oh read on and hold that kindle tight when you get to that part of the shocker that was given to us when reading this.
Willow thankfully has a support system, her foster mom-Audrey and her BF, Natalie. Without them I am not too certain she would be here. They helped her get the assistance she needed and supported her throughout rehab and thereafter.
Hunter had a normal life nothing horrible until his brother, Alex passed away. From there he went downhill and while doing minor bad things, one upped this to show off for a girl. dumb dumb now he is left picking up the pieces of his life to show himself that he could overcome his addiction as well as stay alive for his mom. I'm a little at a loss for words with his mom though, the comments she makes had me feeling bad for Hunter. She luckily became more caring towards him.
From the moment Hunter and Willow see each other at Ferndale the spark is there. They may not need a relationship while battling rehab, but they also just might be each others support system and both overcome their addictions. They actually healed each other and their story on how they met is not normal, but I feel without them experiencing this traumatic turnabouts they wouldn't have met.
I love that he called her the princess of roses since she loved the garden and she was his angel. While this may contain triggers for some, this is a must read if you love dark stories.
November 20, 2016
~CASSIE~
3.5 Stars
Torment was a raw, dark, gritty read. I have never had addiction problems, but this may have certain triggers for those who do or have someone in their lives that do have addictions.
It starts out with Willow seeing her mother being murdered in front of her at the age of eight, and doesn’t get much better in the foster care system. She is broken and fragile and also understands her weaknesses. She has an addictive personality and when she receives devastating news it sends her into a destructive tailspin. This leads her to make so very questionable decisions and even though she knows she should get out she cannot fight the pull of the addiction. These decisions put her life in danger and she is lucky to get out alive. Willow knows she has to get help and checks herself into rehab, which literally saves her life. In rehab she meets Hunter. I am not sure how I feel about Hunter. He is also reeling from the loss of his brother. He has survivor guilt and thinks the world would have been better if he had died and not his brother. His coping mechanism is alcohol and weed, which turns into heroine and he is addicted. His life is going downhill fast and while I understand why he might cope this way sometimes I want to say snap out of it. At some points in the book he just seems weak, but again I never dealt with addiction so maybe I just don’t get it. Hunter gets desperate for money and helps some people rob a store, and he gets caught and is ordered into rehab.
In rehab Willow and Hunter meet at possibly the lowest point in their lives. They have an instant connection and understanding of each other. I feel like maybe that part of their story may have been a little rushed. It was a little too much insta love for me. But, what I did like about them was the understanding they had about loss, addiction and the strength to overcome what life had thrown at them.
This was a very real and raw story and the author did not pull any punches. I felt like I got a real understanding of addiction reading this book. I do want to warn that there may be triggers in this book for people, but it was definitely a good read.
3.5 Stars
Torment was a raw, dark, gritty read. I have never had addiction problems, but this may have certain triggers for those who do or have someone in their lives that do have addictions.
It starts out with Willow seeing her mother being murdered in front of her at the age of eight, and doesn’t get much better in the foster care system. She is broken and fragile and also understands her weaknesses. She has an addictive personality and when she receives devastating news it sends her into a destructive tailspin. This leads her to make so very questionable decisions and even though she knows she should get out she cannot fight the pull of the addiction. These decisions put her life in danger and she is lucky to get out alive. Willow knows she has to get help and checks herself into rehab, which literally saves her life. In rehab she meets Hunter. I am not sure how I feel about Hunter. He is also reeling from the loss of his brother. He has survivor guilt and thinks the world would have been better if he had died and not his brother. His coping mechanism is alcohol and weed, which turns into heroine and he is addicted. His life is going downhill fast and while I understand why he might cope this way sometimes I want to say snap out of it. At some points in the book he just seems weak, but again I never dealt with addiction so maybe I just don’t get it. Hunter gets desperate for money and helps some people rob a store, and he gets caught and is ordered into rehab.
In rehab Willow and Hunter meet at possibly the lowest point in their lives. They have an instant connection and understanding of each other. I feel like maybe that part of their story may have been a little rushed. It was a little too much insta love for me. But, what I did like about them was the understanding they had about loss, addiction and the strength to overcome what life had thrown at them.
This was a very real and raw story and the author did not pull any punches. I felt like I got a real understanding of addiction reading this book. I do want to warn that there may be triggers in this book for people, but it was definitely a good read.
November 19, 2016
Willow Steele watched her mother being murdered in front of her, while she hid in the back seat at eight years old. There was no other family that she could go to, so she floated around from bad foster home to worse foster home, before someone took her in that actually cared. Now she's in college, with her own apartment when she gets a letter that spirals her life out of control. Willow starts to party too hard, and ends up hooking up with a man that gets her hooked on drugs again. Now faced with losing everything, or going to rehab, she chooses rehab to get her life back on track. Hunter Edwards never recovered from losing his brother, so one crazy night partying yet again, he takes a hit of heroin to impress a girl, and within six months, his life is so far out of control, that he has lost everything, and is in trouble with the law, so his mother lays down the law, and takes him to rehab. At Ferndale is where he comes face to face with dark haired, blue eyed angel named Willow, and for some reason, that gives him new resolve. But as they're barely off the drugs, can they help each other in the fight of their lives, or will it set them up for failure?
Torment is a heart wrenching book that gutted me more than once! The character development is great, with a awesome cast of secondaries, good and bad. Aleya Michelle really pulled out all the stops with this powerful story of addiction, and it's aftermath. Her super talented writing style showed all of the realistic ugly side of it, and I swear my eyes leaked more than once at the extremely emotional downward spiral of both characters. She didn't sugar coat it at all, and it nearly brought me to my knees. Not to mention the crescendo ending with the final twist that made for a HUGE f-bomb dropping OMG moment that I never saw coming! I cannot wait to see what this talented author comes out with next, so needless to say, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Torment!
Torment is a heart wrenching book that gutted me more than once! The character development is great, with a awesome cast of secondaries, good and bad. Aleya Michelle really pulled out all the stops with this powerful story of addiction, and it's aftermath. Her super talented writing style showed all of the realistic ugly side of it, and I swear my eyes leaked more than once at the extremely emotional downward spiral of both characters. She didn't sugar coat it at all, and it nearly brought me to my knees. Not to mention the crescendo ending with the final twist that made for a HUGE f-bomb dropping OMG moment that I never saw coming! I cannot wait to see what this talented author comes out with next, so needless to say, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Torment!
November 21, 2016
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Torment by Aleya Michelle was a great 5 star read.
There were several twists and turns and shocking moments I did not see coming, WOW.
This is Willow and Hunter’s story.
Willow has not had the easiest life. She lost her mother at a young age and grew up in foster care. No matter how hard she tries to move forward something always happens to bring her back down. Connor was one of the many bad choices.
Hunter started going downhill after his brother passed away. And he makes a huge mistake of trying heroin to impress a girl and ends up without the girl and trying to get his life back. It took me a little bit to warm up to Hunter’s mom. She seemed to be very hurtful at times.
These two end up at the same rehab and when they meet there is an instant spark. Can these two help each other heal? Can they get passed their demons?
There is so much more to this great read. Torment left me an emotional wreck, the things that these two went through was so heart wrenching. And the HUGE twist at the end, wow I didn’t see that coming. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. You will read about addiction, rape, murder, heartbreak, love and strength. There are a few scenes that may be a trigger for some. If you like dark reads I highly recommend you 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Torment by Aleya Michelle was a great 5 star read.
There were several twists and turns and shocking moments I did not see coming, WOW.
This is Willow and Hunter’s story.
Willow has not had the easiest life. She lost her mother at a young age and grew up in foster care. No matter how hard she tries to move forward something always happens to bring her back down. Connor was one of the many bad choices.
Hunter started going downhill after his brother passed away. And he makes a huge mistake of trying heroin to impress a girl and ends up without the girl and trying to get his life back. It took me a little bit to warm up to Hunter’s mom. She seemed to be very hurtful at times.
These two end up at the same rehab and when they meet there is an instant spark. Can these two help each other heal? Can they get passed their demons?
There is so much more to this great read. Torment left me an emotional wreck, the things that these two went through was so heart wrenching. And the HUGE twist at the end, wow I didn’t see that coming. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. You will read about addiction, rape, murder, heartbreak, love and strength. There are a few scenes that may be a trigger for some. If you like dark reads I highly recommend you 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
November 22, 2016
I hate rating a book 3 stars especially when I know that it's a new genre that the author is writing in. So I'm going to say everything positive I loved about the book first.
I love the dual povs. I love seeing into Hunter and Willow's heads. How they both became addicted and how they each overcame it. I love their strength.
My heart broke for Willow and her story is what kept me reading the book. I wanted to know if she overcame what happened to her at 8. I wanted to know if she got revenge.
I felt bad for Hunter too but then the poor me act got old. I was like dude just grow up. I understand that losing someone can send you spiraling down a dark path but the reason he started shooting up was what made me lose my remorse for him.
Aleya Michelle's writing was really good and this book has a lot of potential. But I don't think it should be marketed as a dark romance. There are triggers such as drugs, murder, stalking, and rape. But it's more of a contemporary romance with trigger warnings.
I'm left with more questions than answers. The number one being why was there never a court date? That's the only one I can ask on here that doesn't spoil the book until you get to that part. It was just completely looked over or I must have overlooked it. I'm not quite sure.
I also had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and I think it's because I went into this book thinking it was a dark romance. I kept waiting for something dark to happen and it never did. So I couldn't form any emotional attachments.
Please don't let my review stop you from reading Torment. You may love it. Like I said the writing is great and the story flows well. It just wasn't the one for me this time.
I love the dual povs. I love seeing into Hunter and Willow's heads. How they both became addicted and how they each overcame it. I love their strength.
My heart broke for Willow and her story is what kept me reading the book. I wanted to know if she overcame what happened to her at 8. I wanted to know if she got revenge.
I felt bad for Hunter too but then the poor me act got old. I was like dude just grow up. I understand that losing someone can send you spiraling down a dark path but the reason he started shooting up was what made me lose my remorse for him.
Aleya Michelle's writing was really good and this book has a lot of potential. But I don't think it should be marketed as a dark romance. There are triggers such as drugs, murder, stalking, and rape. But it's more of a contemporary romance with trigger warnings.
I'm left with more questions than answers. The number one being why was there never a court date? That's the only one I can ask on here that doesn't spoil the book until you get to that part. It was just completely looked over or I must have overlooked it. I'm not quite sure.
I also had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and I think it's because I went into this book thinking it was a dark romance. I kept waiting for something dark to happen and it never did. So I couldn't form any emotional attachments.
Please don't let my review stop you from reading Torment. You may love it. Like I said the writing is great and the story flows well. It just wasn't the one for me this time.
March 22, 2017
First… be sure to read and heed the warning on this book. This book deals with rape, addiction, and torture.
This book, oh man, I couldn’t help but feel for these people. Willow starts out life as horribly as one possibly could. Hunter is just trying to be a guy and show off. One bad decision ruins these people’s lives… changes everything. They are set on a path for self destruction. They meet when they finally hit bottom. This shows you what can happen when people succumb to drugs.
Willow and Hunter meet in rehab, and even though, they are at a horrible point in their lives… they can’t help but fall for each other. They can’t but feel what they feel. It may not be the best time to have a relationship but things happen whether you want them to or not. These are two lost souls struggling to find a grasp on life… on the life they want. These emotionally, heart-breaking story will break your heart but give you hope.
There are so many twists and turns. Torment is the perfect name for this book as they are both so clearly tormented. I can seriously feel the heartbreak and agony as they go through their hell. This is such an inspirational read. Did Hunter and Willow find each other in time to save themselves? Or is it too late?
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
This book, oh man, I couldn’t help but feel for these people. Willow starts out life as horribly as one possibly could. Hunter is just trying to be a guy and show off. One bad decision ruins these people’s lives… changes everything. They are set on a path for self destruction. They meet when they finally hit bottom. This shows you what can happen when people succumb to drugs.
Willow and Hunter meet in rehab, and even though, they are at a horrible point in their lives… they can’t help but fall for each other. They can’t but feel what they feel. It may not be the best time to have a relationship but things happen whether you want them to or not. These are two lost souls struggling to find a grasp on life… on the life they want. These emotionally, heart-breaking story will break your heart but give you hope.
There are so many twists and turns. Torment is the perfect name for this book as they are both so clearly tormented. I can seriously feel the heartbreak and agony as they go through their hell. This is such an inspirational read. Did Hunter and Willow find each other in time to save themselves? Or is it too late?
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
December 14, 2016
Torment was one of them books that you couldn't stop reading once you started it. Aleya Michelle has the mazing writing ability to tell a story that completely captivates you. She was able to write about the heartbreak and trauma that the characters faced throughout their lives. I think that the way that the author has done has shown the way that people make mistakes and the way that people cope with their grief in different ways.
Hunter I felt for me much, he was experiencing so much heartache and grief in his life at the moment which saw him using other devices to cope with it. My heart broke for him when he remembered his brother that he lost and all the things he missed about it.
Willow was a strong character that has experienced so much in her life, and throughout the book sees her hitting rock bottom. But she is a brave character and accepts that she needs help. I really enjoyed Willow.
Torment was a dark read that I really enjoyed and i absolutely loved the way that Willow and Hunter meet. There was a lot of twists and turns throughout the story that just added to the story. Congratulations Aleya Michelle on writing such an amazing story.
Hunter I felt for me much, he was experiencing so much heartache and grief in his life at the moment which saw him using other devices to cope with it. My heart broke for him when he remembered his brother that he lost and all the things he missed about it.
Willow was a strong character that has experienced so much in her life, and throughout the book sees her hitting rock bottom. But she is a brave character and accepts that she needs help. I really enjoyed Willow.
Torment was a dark read that I really enjoyed and i absolutely loved the way that Willow and Hunter meet. There was a lot of twists and turns throughout the story that just added to the story. Congratulations Aleya Michelle on writing such an amazing story.
December 13, 2016
Amazing!!! This book was so great. Aleya Michelle writes characters that suck you in and you really start to care about them. There were several times while reading this book where I was yelling at the characters because I really cared about what was going to happen to them.
Willow and Hunter have very similar stories and I liked that their situations were mirrored in a way. The first half of the book you are simply learning their stories, but they don't meet. I thought that was great. It's not often that the two main characters don't meet until halfway through the story and it really worked in this book. When they do finally meet the sparks fly! But in the sweetest way! They become each other's support systems and right from the beginning you are rooting for them both to succeed.
The only part of the book that I didn't really care for was the ending. I won't spoil anything for anyone, but I did feel that it was a little rushed. Still a great ending, but I felt like maybe there could have been more. Overall, an amazing book that I would definitely recommend :)
Willow and Hunter have very similar stories and I liked that their situations were mirrored in a way. The first half of the book you are simply learning their stories, but they don't meet. I thought that was great. It's not often that the two main characters don't meet until halfway through the story and it really worked in this book. When they do finally meet the sparks fly! But in the sweetest way! They become each other's support systems and right from the beginning you are rooting for them both to succeed.
The only part of the book that I didn't really care for was the ending. I won't spoil anything for anyone, but I did feel that it was a little rushed. Still a great ending, but I felt like maybe there could have been more. Overall, an amazing book that I would definitely recommend :)
December 13, 2016
As stated- this was a dark book giving a glimpse, I assume, in what goes on in the lives and mind of one struggling with a drug addiction. You truly never know what causes a person to turn to drugs and this book made me stop and think about that. What is someone going through that led them on the destructive path of drugs, sometimes, a lot of times, it's not just a choice or a weakness, but a moment beyond their control, like Willow.
I can understand the darkness, sadness and pain that led Hunter on the path, but then again you just want to shake him and say you aren't the only one- deal!
Willow and Hunter were written beautifully together as a couple needing one another and healing one another. It kept running through my mind what you always hear- don't start a relationship so soon after recovering. Hunter and Willow's story made you see that it sometimes is perfect to start a relationship then because your other half KNOWS you and your struggles.
I can understand the darkness, sadness and pain that led Hunter on the path, but then again you just want to shake him and say you aren't the only one- deal!
Willow and Hunter were written beautifully together as a couple needing one another and healing one another. It kept running through my mind what you always hear- don't start a relationship so soon after recovering. Hunter and Willow's story made you see that it sometimes is perfect to start a relationship then because your other half KNOWS you and your struggles.
December 28, 2016
I really enjoyed reading gritty Torment by Aleya Michelle,
Torment is all about Willow and Hunter and their destructive addiction to hard drugs. Both willow and Hunter have been through events that lead them down the path to drugs, Willow witnessed the brutal murder of her mother at the age of 8 and also the trauma of being placed in several foster homes. Hunter's brother Alex died, both Alex and Hunter were inseparable together so Hunter is devastated.
Hunter and Willow both battle with their addictions in rehab, neither are even remotely looking for love or a deep connection but that's exactly what they find in each other.
Torment was a no hold back, hard hitting look at what addiction does and how it destructive it can be but also how love can turn you around. As usual the writing is brilliant and keeps you wanting more and more from this author. I can't wait to see what Aleya Michelle writes next.
Torment is all about Willow and Hunter and their destructive addiction to hard drugs. Both willow and Hunter have been through events that lead them down the path to drugs, Willow witnessed the brutal murder of her mother at the age of 8 and also the trauma of being placed in several foster homes. Hunter's brother Alex died, both Alex and Hunter were inseparable together so Hunter is devastated.
Hunter and Willow both battle with their addictions in rehab, neither are even remotely looking for love or a deep connection but that's exactly what they find in each other.
Torment was a no hold back, hard hitting look at what addiction does and how it destructive it can be but also how love can turn you around. As usual the writing is brilliant and keeps you wanting more and more from this author. I can't wait to see what Aleya Michelle writes next.
December 16, 2016
I enjoyed this book just loved Willow and Hunter both fighting to survive and be well.A super book that gives a great love into drug addiction and recovery a nice read and will be looking for more by this author in the future
December 6, 2016
4 Stars!
"Fate has brought us together for a reason. To help each other through the darkness and fix each others wounds."
Hunter and Willow are both survivors of drug abuse and they found each other when they needed it the most. Together, they were able to overcome their addictions and find peace in their lives. I think they were cute and Hunter really pooled out all his tricks when it came to his romantic side! But Torment is more than just a love story. There were moments I swooned and moments I was worried about what was going to happen next. It might even bring tears to your eyes. I think it's a good short read if your looking for one!
-Juls
December 13, 2016
From the first sentence I was hooked on this story!
Willow has a dark, stormy past that would test an angel however it's her bad luck that is her decline. Hunter is plagued with grief by the sudden death of his older brother and spirals out of control. When the two meet there is a spark in their otherwise dreary life.
This really is a very dark, intense storyline however Aleya Michelle writes so cleverly that readers are immediately involved and invested in the outcome. It is a fast paced story that explores a topic in depth with vivid descriptions and emotive language.
Connor is worth a mention as Aleya's portrayal of this character is spot on!
An amazing story about difficult topics.
Willow has a dark, stormy past that would test an angel however it's her bad luck that is her decline. Hunter is plagued with grief by the sudden death of his older brother and spirals out of control. When the two meet there is a spark in their otherwise dreary life.
This really is a very dark, intense storyline however Aleya Michelle writes so cleverly that readers are immediately involved and invested in the outcome. It is a fast paced story that explores a topic in depth with vivid descriptions and emotive language.
Connor is worth a mention as Aleya's portrayal of this character is spot on!
An amazing story about difficult topics.
March 28, 2017
a real gritty read with addition murder abuse but out of all comes love
takes u doiwn a pth of raddition and road to recovery i loved it
Aleya michelle did a fantastic job writing about sensitive subject which makes you fall harder for willow and hunter
takes u doiwn a pth of raddition and road to recovery i loved it
Aleya michelle did a fantastic job writing about sensitive subject which makes you fall harder for willow and hunter
November 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
May 8, 2017
Not for the weak of heart this book is tragedy and survival all in one. Contains touchy subjects for some like drug addiction. All together good read
September 26, 2017
This is a dark romance. I received this book in exchange of a fair review. I thought I could handle dark romance, but the writer writes so realistically and vividly that I couldn’t read any further than 20% of the story. Definitely not something for me, I decided. I am sorry I can’t review the book, I am convinced that people who love dark romance enjoy this story because it is very well written. I can enjoy the style of writing while not liking the genre.
Willow Steele is a survivor - barely.
Her mother was murdered in front of her.
Eight years old. Nowhere and nobody to call home. Willow did what she had to in order to survive life.
Alcohol.
Drugs.
Rehab.
Faced with a straightjacket, a bare cell at Ferndale and the prospect of going cold turkey from the vices that have been keeping her alive, Willow is furious. She wants her drugs. She wants her freedom. She wants out of this place.
Hunter Edwards is an addict.
Just one taste, to impress a girl, and heroin ended up taking every bit of self-control he'd ever owned.
Six months later he is hooked and spiralling out of control. Break and enters, car accidents, trouble with the law. His mother and the cops sign him into Ferndale as a last resort before shipping him off to the army.
That's where he sees her. Willow. The girl in the cell.
The dark haired, blue eyed angel that steals his heart.
Can Willow & Hunter help each other through the hardest fight of their lives?
Or will they both fall harder than ever before?
This is a dark romance. It is not for the faint hearted. You've been warned...
Willow Steele is a survivor - barely.
Her mother was murdered in front of her.
Eight years old. Nowhere and nobody to call home. Willow did what she had to in order to survive life.
Alcohol.
Drugs.
Rehab.
Faced with a straightjacket, a bare cell at Ferndale and the prospect of going cold turkey from the vices that have been keeping her alive, Willow is furious. She wants her drugs. She wants her freedom. She wants out of this place.
Hunter Edwards is an addict.
Just one taste, to impress a girl, and heroin ended up taking every bit of self-control he'd ever owned.
Six months later he is hooked and spiralling out of control. Break and enters, car accidents, trouble with the law. His mother and the cops sign him into Ferndale as a last resort before shipping him off to the army.
That's where he sees her. Willow. The girl in the cell.
The dark haired, blue eyed angel that steals his heart.
Can Willow & Hunter help each other through the hardest fight of their lives?
Or will they both fall harder than ever before?
This is a dark romance. It is not for the faint hearted. You've been warned...
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