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Relentless
“I’m going to break you. And I’m going to make you love every second of it.”
Enemies at first sight…
Displaced from her home and dealing with the loss of a loved one, Krystina Jackson is met with a hostile force in the form of Dominic Holden. She clashes with him on every turn until she decides avoidance is the best solution.
An inconvenient attraction…
From the second Dominic laid eyes on Krystina, she managed to get under his skin and not in a good way. For reasons of his own, he’s determined to keep her at arm’s length. However, when the irritating little girl turns into an appealing woman, Dominic is forced to reassess his feelings.
An obsession is born…
Determined to get Krystina out of his system, Dominic sets forth a plan to conquer her and bend her to his will by any means necessary. But as his plot plays out, he may soon find himself snared in a web of his own making.
Author Note: Book contains, strong language and graphic sexual scenes including light bondage, auto-erotic asphyxiation, and dubious consent.
Enemies at first sight…
Displaced from her home and dealing with the loss of a loved one, Krystina Jackson is met with a hostile force in the form of Dominic Holden. She clashes with him on every turn until she decides avoidance is the best solution.
An inconvenient attraction…
From the second Dominic laid eyes on Krystina, she managed to get under his skin and not in a good way. For reasons of his own, he’s determined to keep her at arm’s length. However, when the irritating little girl turns into an appealing woman, Dominic is forced to reassess his feelings.
An obsession is born…
Determined to get Krystina out of his system, Dominic sets forth a plan to conquer her and bend her to his will by any means necessary. But as his plot plays out, he may soon find himself snared in a web of his own making.
Author Note: Book contains, strong language and graphic sexual scenes including light bondage, auto-erotic asphyxiation, and dubious consent.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2016
71 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Eve Vaughn
116 books844 followersNYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Eve Vaughn has enjoyed creating characters and making up stories from an early age. As a child she was always getting into mischief, so when she lost her television privileges (which was often), writing was her outlet. Her stories have gotten quite a bit spicier since then! Eve likes to read, bake, make crafts, travel, and spend time with her family. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and pet turtle. She loves to hear from her fans, so feel free to contact her at Eve@evevaughn.com or join her Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/eveva...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 3, 2016
3.5 Stars
After being flooded out of their home and losing everything, an 11-year old girl, Krystina and her grandmother (Ms. Jackson) are taken in by her former employer, Charles Holden. They are treated as outsiders by the Estate Manager and Charles' angry 19-year old grandson, Dominic. The reason he's angry and insolent toward a child is befuddling to the little girl. Dominic makes her life a living hell and never misses an opportunity to torture and remind her she doesn't deserve the kindness of his grandfather.
In the coming years, we catch glimpses of his behavior toward her and it's not pretty and because of his age it really makes it difficult to sympathize with him, whatever his reasons. Eve Vaughn does A-Hole alpha males very, very well. In fact, too well that it makes it difficult for readers to forgive them, even after their behavior is fully explained and they make an effort to redeem themselves. Her heroes of late, are just not likable.
Everything changes for Dominic on Krystina's 16th birthday where his anger turns to anger and lust. He decides that an eventual day will come (when she's older) where he exorcises his demons by forcing her into a sexual relationship. The day does arrive and Krystina makes it "her" decision to sleep with him. Past and present, she catches rare glimpses of his humanity--though it's rarely aimed at her. The more he gets to really know Krystina, the more he's torn apart by his feelings of lust/love and his desire to punish her for the past. It all blows up in his face and what he does to her, destroys her--but it also destroys him in the process. Ultimately, we find out that the Jackson women have had a storied history with the Holden men.
The ending of this book has me convinced that some writers write endings
After being flooded out of their home and losing everything, an 11-year old girl, Krystina and her grandmother (Ms. Jackson) are taken in by her former employer, Charles Holden. They are treated as outsiders by the Estate Manager and Charles' angry 19-year old grandson, Dominic. The reason he's angry and insolent toward a child is befuddling to the little girl. Dominic makes her life a living hell and never misses an opportunity to torture and remind her she doesn't deserve the kindness of his grandfather.
In the coming years, we catch glimpses of his behavior toward her and it's not pretty and because of his age it really makes it difficult to sympathize with him, whatever his reasons. Eve Vaughn does A-Hole alpha males very, very well. In fact, too well that it makes it difficult for readers to forgive them, even after their behavior is fully explained and they make an effort to redeem themselves. Her heroes of late, are just not likable.
Everything changes for Dominic on Krystina's 16th birthday where his anger turns to anger and lust. He decides that an eventual day will come (when she's older) where he exorcises his demons by forcing her into a sexual relationship. The day does arrive and Krystina makes it "her" decision to sleep with him. Past and present, she catches rare glimpses of his humanity--though it's rarely aimed at her. The more he gets to really know Krystina, the more he's torn apart by his feelings of lust/love and his desire to punish her for the past. It all blows up in his face and what he does to her, destroys her--but it also destroys him in the process. Ultimately, we find out that the Jackson women have had a storied history with the Holden men.
The ending of this book has me convinced that some writers write endings
May 11, 2018
After Krystina Jackson's family lost everything in a hurricane, her grandmother's former employer, the wealthy Holden family's patriarch, invited them into his home. She grew up surrounded by luxury, received a dream education, but never was allowed to forget she didn't belong in that world. Dominic Holden made it his mission in life to torment the younger interloper whose very existence brings out the worst aspects of his personality. As time goes by, that passion unexpectedly turns for him, but the anger remains. Krystina is confused by the onslaught of her enemy's mind games, and terrified by her reactions to them.
The Good:
1. I'm a fan of antiheroes, and Dominic is that in spades. He is a deliciously horrible person. He is the reason this gets tagged a dark read.
2. Krystina is so well rounded, and interesting. She speaks several languages, and also a talented photographer.
3. This retread of a Sabrina trope feels surprisingly fresh. I am always on the hunt for plot holes, but found myself too deep into the story to care that much.
The Bad:
1. Sometimes their relationship push, and pull was too angst-y for me.
2. Dominic crossed lines many will find very triggering.
Final Thoughts:
I liked but didn't love this. The heroine's was a little too forgiving for me. That said it was still enjoyable. Someone looking for a dark IR read might want to give it a try.
The Good:
1. I'm a fan of antiheroes, and Dominic is that in spades. He is a deliciously horrible person. He is the reason this gets tagged a dark read.
2. Krystina is so well rounded, and interesting. She speaks several languages, and also a talented photographer.
3. This retread of a Sabrina trope feels surprisingly fresh. I am always on the hunt for plot holes, but found myself too deep into the story to care that much.
The Bad:
1. Sometimes their relationship push, and pull was too angst-y for me.
2. Dominic crossed lines many will find very triggering.
Final Thoughts:
I liked but didn't love this. The heroine's was a little too forgiving for me. That said it was still enjoyable. Someone looking for a dark IR read might want to give it a try.
November 30, 2016
Boundaries?
This was like a throwback to old Harlequins, where a sweet but passive girl is basically terrorized by a hero who seriouly needs therapy to get his borderline personality under control.
There was nothing wrong with this story except i hated everyone. Except Tomas and Tyler.
This was like a throwback to old Harlequins, where a sweet but passive girl is basically terrorized by a hero who seriouly needs therapy to get his borderline personality under control.
There was nothing wrong with this story except i hated everyone. Except Tomas and Tyler.
August 22, 2018
Great plot with antihero. what I didn't like was sex scenes too detailed and dirty.
December 8, 2016
I am so fed up with heroes that are emotionally and/or verbally abusive to the h. I did not like how the h was treated in this book. However, I gave this an extra star bc DAMN the sex scenes were HOT HOT HOT. The ending was fantastic bc the way the H worked on his issues was so commendable. This is a good author and I hope she keeps writing more contemporary books.
December 5, 2016
This is Krystina and Dominic's story. Dominic is a total jerk towards Krystina for no apparent reason. When Dominic forces Krystina to finally admit the attraction between them they go all the way but Dominic is still a first class ass. Eventually when Krystina walks away from him after his final humiliation of her Dominic has to stand back and take a serious look at himself.
Although on the same lines as "Whatever He Wants" this story is no way as intense as that story but it is good to see Dominic have to go back and ask Krystina to forgive him. I enjoyed this story. It was fast paced and got right to the point, it majored on the couple and their relationship which I really enjoyed and appreciated. Worth a read.
Although on the same lines as "Whatever He Wants" this story is no way as intense as that story but it is good to see Dominic have to go back and ask Krystina to forgive him. I enjoyed this story. It was fast paced and got right to the point, it majored on the couple and their relationship which I really enjoyed and appreciated. Worth a read.
May 30, 2018
Rating: 3 Stars
This was OK for me. It was nothing I have not read before. Rich guy grows up with poor girl. Rich guy torments poor girl. They meet up later in life and rich guy wants the poor girl. Nothing stood out really good or really bad. I was interested enough to keep reading. Good story that was just wanted I needed at the time.
This was OK for me. It was nothing I have not read before. Rich guy grows up with poor girl. Rich guy torments poor girl. They meet up later in life and rich guy wants the poor girl. Nothing stood out really good or really bad. I was interested enough to keep reading. Good story that was just wanted I needed at the time.
August 13, 2022
3.50 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Edition e-book. Enemies to lovers. Unbeknownst to Krystina, the sexual and romantic pull between her and Dominic is the most current of three generations of romantic involvement between a Holder man and a Jackson woman: Charles Holder and Willie Mae Jackson, Henry Holden and Candice Jackson and the hero, Dominic Holden, and the heroine, Krystina Jackson. Dominic and Krystina's story begins with their animus toward each other...Krystina looks exactly like her mother, the face of the woman that Dominic remembers having had an affair with his father and the person he has held responsible the breakup of his family and the subsequent demise of his mother. By the time Krystina is twenty and Dominic is twenty-eight, each is in love with the other but are unable to acknowledge it. When it comes to Krystina, Dominic is overbearing, possessive and jealous and Krystina is insecure, defiant sexually responsive to Dominic. Krystina is your typical Mary Sue, beautiful, loved by all and every man in her sphere wants her. In the end Krystina and Dominic acknowledge their love and make plans to marry and have the happy ending their fore parents didn't have.
January 2, 2017
Difficult Read
This was a difficult read . The author always makes her male protagonist walk a thin line but I am unsure that her protagonist, Dominic, this time has not overstepped the boundaries. Each reader has to decide for her/himself. I cannot quite excuse Dominic's years of cruel treatment of Krystina because of something his parents did. I understand the psychology of it all but his emotional and sexual torture I find difficult to come to terms with.. The final sexual act which to me bordered on rape even though it may be consensual, really turned me off. Krystina lost some respect also in my eyes because she put up with it. We all become involved and have an investment in the characters when we read and we even become those characters. I could not, in all honesty, put up with Dominic's high-handedness and downright brutality. The story is well written with some minor typographical errors and the justification came later but did it really justify Dominic's actions? I don't think so. I have given it a 3 star as I was in a quandry. This one did not work for me Miss Vaughn. Sorry. However, I would gladly recommend this book to others for them to decide for themselves.
This was a difficult read . The author always makes her male protagonist walk a thin line but I am unsure that her protagonist, Dominic, this time has not overstepped the boundaries. Each reader has to decide for her/himself. I cannot quite excuse Dominic's years of cruel treatment of Krystina because of something his parents did. I understand the psychology of it all but his emotional and sexual torture I find difficult to come to terms with.. The final sexual act which to me bordered on rape even though it may be consensual, really turned me off. Krystina lost some respect also in my eyes because she put up with it. We all become involved and have an investment in the characters when we read and we even become those characters. I could not, in all honesty, put up with Dominic's high-handedness and downright brutality. The story is well written with some minor typographical errors and the justification came later but did it really justify Dominic's actions? I don't think so. I have given it a 3 star as I was in a quandry. This one did not work for me Miss Vaughn. Sorry. However, I would gladly recommend this book to others for them to decide for themselves.
October 14, 2020
A 3.5 star read. The hero was a douchebag and really an anti-hero although he redeemed himself towards the end. I disliked him for most of the story. It is a good story and will keep you interested from start to finish.
August 22, 2018
This would have been a 5 stars for me except for the fact that heroine was pretty dense at some crucial points in the story. When Felix and Poppy were telling about why Dominic acts in the way he was doing, she didn't question or ask them later even when she fell in love with Dominic.
Also, when the heroine was suffering during her childhood or during her teenage years, grandfather could have explained the whole story to her instead of saying "I should have scolded Dominic from saying rude things to you". So it was a bit foolish that grandfather who never had problems discussing these with his grandson Dominic, has completely forgot to discuss these with the heroine whom he repeatedly said she is also like her granddaughter.
Also, when the heroine was suffering during her childhood or during her teenage years, grandfather could have explained the whole story to her instead of saying "I should have scolded Dominic from saying rude things to you". So it was a bit foolish that grandfather who never had problems discussing these with his grandson Dominic, has completely forgot to discuss these with the heroine whom he repeatedly said she is also like her granddaughter.
December 20, 2016
I enjoyed this novel. It's definitely a darker romance with a hard as nails alpha but it's a good read. I also enjoyed the heroine. In some ways it reminded me of the author's book "Run" in regards to the push-pull of the hero and heroine, although not nearly as dark and heavy as "Run."
Krystina and Dominic have some long standing issues between them, especially Dominic, and I thought the author did a good job at resolving them.
"Relentless" is an engrossing read with good chemistry between the leads.
Krystina and Dominic have some long standing issues between them, especially Dominic, and I thought the author did a good job at resolving them.
"Relentless" is an engrossing read with good chemistry between the leads.
June 11, 2017
Knew that I wouldn't be let down!
I read a few reviews and saw some mixed emotions about the book, but for me, I knew that one of my favorite authors wouldn't let me down. I loved the push and pull of Dominic and Krystina's relationship. The rollercoaster ride of emotions. The dominance and jealousy within the sex sciences, my...my...my! To come full circle in matters of the heart. I loved the book. I hope that Felix and Poppy get a book
I read a few reviews and saw some mixed emotions about the book, but for me, I knew that one of my favorite authors wouldn't let me down. I loved the push and pull of Dominic and Krystina's relationship. The rollercoaster ride of emotions. The dominance and jealousy within the sex sciences, my...my...my! To come full circle in matters of the heart. I loved the book. I hope that Felix and Poppy get a book
May 17, 2018
Damn!!
This book is hot in so many different languages. Dominic made you want to punch is lights out but at the same time jump his bones. Kristina pull up with to much with his abusive bullcrap. But at the same time it left you rooting for their relationship to work out. Eve Vaughn books are so addictive so beware. This author even has me contemplating reading her paranormal books. Yike!! But again that how addictive her stories are.
This book is hot in so many different languages. Dominic made you want to punch is lights out but at the same time jump his bones. Kristina pull up with to much with his abusive bullcrap. But at the same time it left you rooting for their relationship to work out. Eve Vaughn books are so addictive so beware. This author even has me contemplating reading her paranormal books. Yike!! But again that how addictive her stories are.
May 4, 2020
I did not enjoy this at all. Dominic was a brutal, cruel, and a borderline rapist. How in the H*ll do you fall in love with that| He didn't love her, he wanted to use her and mentally abuse her. I didn't feel not one iota of love coming from him. What happened in his past did not give him the right to be an obsessive psycho. Can we just have a book where the so call hero gets what he really deserves?
January 20, 2021
Crazy alpha male
So I thought I wasn’t going to like this book because of some of the reviews but it still sounded interesting and I’m glad I read it I love alpha males and Dominic was definitely a crazy alpha male. I agree his tactic to get at Krystina was over the top and dare I say abusive. He was rough and mean but in the end he did love her and was able to work through his past to make her his future. I enjoyed the sex scenes and chemistry between these two.
So I thought I wasn’t going to like this book because of some of the reviews but it still sounded interesting and I’m glad I read it I love alpha males and Dominic was definitely a crazy alpha male. I agree his tactic to get at Krystina was over the top and dare I say abusive. He was rough and mean but in the end he did love her and was able to work through his past to make her his future. I enjoyed the sex scenes and chemistry between these two.
April 7, 2023
Enjoyed 😉
I see what Dominic didn't like her bc of what he thought, but he shouldn't have taken out on her... Then he kissed 💋 her and she fled bc of the mixed signals 😒... it really is sad what happen to his mom and the twins but I'm Glad that with help he was able to get pass it and truly love Krystina ❤️ like she deserved...in her mind ppl always left her an I get why she felt like that but uncle Charles was a constant for her.
I see what Dominic didn't like her bc of what he thought, but he shouldn't have taken out on her... Then he kissed 💋 her and she fled bc of the mixed signals 😒... it really is sad what happen to his mom and the twins but I'm Glad that with help he was able to get pass it and truly love Krystina ❤️ like she deserved...in her mind ppl always left her an I get why she felt like that but uncle Charles was a constant for her.
June 19, 2017
Scars from the past
At first the title threw me and it started kinda slow with the " memories " then as Ms Eve developed the story I started reading and couldn't put it down. This story drew you in questions and you can't stop until you get the answers. The sex was explosive and not fire the faint-hearted. Yes I recommend this story.
At first the title threw me and it started kinda slow with the " memories " then as Ms Eve developed the story I started reading and couldn't put it down. This story drew you in questions and you can't stop until you get the answers. The sex was explosive and not fire the faint-hearted. Yes I recommend this story.
February 7, 2018
A legacy of love
This was another great book by Eve Vaughn! Dominic Holden and Krystina Jackson are an explosive couple fighting demons of a past they didn’t create and love too powerful to ignore! Fate was too strong and wouldn’t let them run away from their legacy of love.
With the sparse HEA ending, could there be more from Dominic and Krystina?! Felix?! Poppy?! Please!
This was another great book by Eve Vaughn! Dominic Holden and Krystina Jackson are an explosive couple fighting demons of a past they didn’t create and love too powerful to ignore! Fate was too strong and wouldn’t let them run away from their legacy of love.
With the sparse HEA ending, could there be more from Dominic and Krystina?! Felix?! Poppy?! Please!
November 14, 2019
Some of the story was good but he was an ass and I don’t understand any woman who would let a man treat her like that. I enjoyed the back story it helped me understand why he was such an ass but still no one deserves to be treated like that. She could have been stronger and not waited to the end to stand up for herself.
January 5, 2020
Way better
I've read Run and was put off by the dynamics of the storyline. But for this one, not. Some of the dynamics are the same but not so crazy, although the first two sexual encounters were a few steps away from creeped out.
All in all, a great read. And I'm happy Dominic got the help he needed. And I'm happy Krys put him through the paces.
I've read Run and was put off by the dynamics of the storyline. But for this one, not. Some of the dynamics are the same but not so crazy, although the first two sexual encounters were a few steps away from creeped out.
All in all, a great read. And I'm happy Dominic got the help he needed. And I'm happy Krys put him through the paces.
June 17, 2020
Ahhhhhhhh love me a good enemies to lovers
Eve Vaughn has lowly become my new favorite go to author. I love how crazy she writes her male leads and I’m all for his possessive ways until he comes to his senses.
Although I do wish Dom had to do more groveling to get back with Krystina.
Eve Vaughn has lowly become my new favorite go to author. I love how crazy she writes her male leads and I’m all for his possessive ways until he comes to his senses.
Although I do wish Dom had to do more groveling to get back with Krystina.
October 31, 2023
Krystina & Dominic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am a huge fan of ✍Eve Vaughn & this 📕 took me on a blazing 🔥super 🌶🌶🌶🌶 emotional rollercoaster! The theme of this story could very well be " the ❤ wants what it wants" and in the end, this was the bridge from a tortured past to the bright , forgiving, present that lead them to their HEA😍Happy reading🍷
I am a huge fan of ✍Eve Vaughn & this 📕 took me on a blazing 🔥super 🌶🌶🌶🌶 emotional rollercoaster! The theme of this story could very well be " the ❤ wants what it wants" and in the end, this was the bridge from a tortured past to the bright , forgiving, present that lead them to their HEA😍Happy reading🍷
May 5, 2020
Wow!
Again another great story line. I picked up on a few items from one of Eve’s other books. This story line was much different and kept you guessing on what happened in the past that lead to what was happening in the future. Good job.
Again another great story line. I picked up on a few items from one of Eve’s other books. This story line was much different and kept you guessing on what happened in the past that lead to what was happening in the future. Good job.
November 30, 2016
Recommend this book
Truly enjoyed this book. No matter how hard you fight it. The heart wants what the heart desires. And it will claim it in the end.
Truly enjoyed this book. No matter how hard you fight it. The heart wants what the heart desires. And it will claim it in the end.
July 6, 2018
Page tuner to boot
This book had me engrossed the entire time. What a history the two main characters had. I found the book a very good read. It was definitely a page Turner.
This book had me engrossed the entire time. What a history the two main characters had. I found the book a very good read. It was definitely a page Turner.
September 22, 2018
Juvenile and boring, poor crafted and repetitive dialogue, no character development. Ugh!
March 5, 2019
Great storyline
This was a good book. I did not think I would like it but it was better than expected. Ready for the next one
This was a good book. I did not think I would like it but it was better than expected. Ready for the next one
July 26, 2019
Trash...save your money!
This story was was too long and filled with unnecessary words. I only finished the book because I paid good money!
This story was was too long and filled with unnecessary words. I only finished the book because I paid good money!
August 9, 2020
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews