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Hopeless: A Hope Pendleton Romantic Suspense Novel
Hope Pendleton is a prude – a straight, by-the-book investigative reporter. Then her best friend, Callie, goes on a date and doesn't come back.
Gone. Totally off the grid.
Hope's instincts kick in. The only clue is her friend's alternative lifestyle, and Hope finds herself faced with uncomfortable choices. Partnering with the stand-offish but enigmatic FBI agent investigating her friend's disappearance, Hope retraces Callie's path, following her trail through the underbelly of the Nashville BDSM scene.
The scene in Nashville, though, isn't just a bunch of consenting adults playing sex games. Before Hope realizes it, she has gone from investigative reporter … to bait.
Graphic and explicit sexual scenes, including BDSM. Not intended for anyone under the age of 18. All characters are over the age of 18.
Gone. Totally off the grid.
Hope's instincts kick in. The only clue is her friend's alternative lifestyle, and Hope finds herself faced with uncomfortable choices. Partnering with the stand-offish but enigmatic FBI agent investigating her friend's disappearance, Hope retraces Callie's path, following her trail through the underbelly of the Nashville BDSM scene.
The scene in Nashville, though, isn't just a bunch of consenting adults playing sex games. Before Hope realizes it, she has gone from investigative reporter … to bait.
Graphic and explicit sexual scenes, including BDSM. Not intended for anyone under the age of 18. All characters are over the age of 18.
- GenresAudiobook
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2017
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rose
2 books27 followersWelcome to the page for Patricia Rose, award-winning, multi-genre author.
An Army brat until her teens, Patricia relied heavily on novels for entertainment and companionship. Every new duty station meant new schools, new teachers, and new kids. She read voraciously and began writing stories of her own from a young age, at first to continue living in the worlds of magic created by others, then to create her own. Patricia received a BA in English and taught for two years. After that, she spent the next twenty-ish years as a plaintiffs’ Social Security disability paralegal before settling down outside Louisville, Kentucky with her spice and fur-children. In recent years, she’s concentrated on self-publishing genre fiction novels and taking multiple adult writing courses. She also freelance edits for other indie writers, trying single-handedly to alleviate the double stigma associated with self-published genre fiction. Both Patricia and her writing are works in progress.
Iron Mike is her first publication and tells the story of a teenage boy, Michael Sanderlin, who, after the world's population is virtually wiped out, must step up to the mark to get his younger sister to safety. Along the way, he encounters other survivors, experiences heartbreak and tragedy, and gets drawn into a game of galactic politics. Can he survive long enough to become Iron Mike?
Hopeless, Patricia's second novel, is a complete departure. In this novel, you will be drawn into the seedy underbelly of human sex trafficking. Hope's best friend goes missing, and she hooks up with an FBI agent to find her. Thing is, the girls being targeted are into kink...serious kink! Can Hope overcome her inhibitions, and stay alive long enough to save her friend, when she is the bait?
An Army brat until her teens, Patricia relied heavily on novels for entertainment and companionship. Every new duty station meant new schools, new teachers, and new kids. She read voraciously and began writing stories of her own from a young age, at first to continue living in the worlds of magic created by others, then to create her own. Patricia received a BA in English and taught for two years. After that, she spent the next twenty-ish years as a plaintiffs’ Social Security disability paralegal before settling down outside Louisville, Kentucky with her spice and fur-children. In recent years, she’s concentrated on self-publishing genre fiction novels and taking multiple adult writing courses. She also freelance edits for other indie writers, trying single-handedly to alleviate the double stigma associated with self-published genre fiction. Both Patricia and her writing are works in progress.
Iron Mike is her first publication and tells the story of a teenage boy, Michael Sanderlin, who, after the world's population is virtually wiped out, must step up to the mark to get his younger sister to safety. Along the way, he encounters other survivors, experiences heartbreak and tragedy, and gets drawn into a game of galactic politics. Can he survive long enough to become Iron Mike?
Hopeless, Patricia's second novel, is a complete departure. In this novel, you will be drawn into the seedy underbelly of human sex trafficking. Hope's best friend goes missing, and she hooks up with an FBI agent to find her. Thing is, the girls being targeted are into kink...serious kink! Can Hope overcome her inhibitions, and stay alive long enough to save her friend, when she is the bait?
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 25, 2019
This is a dark thriller/suspense novel with touches of erotica. In this story, Hope’s best friend Callie goes missing after a date. Being the prude she is, she doesn’t know much about her friend’s BDSM lifestyle, but something is wrong. When Callie uses a keyword to signal her danger, Hope must go undercover into this lifestyle to save her friend.
I liked the way the author was able to gradually introduce the BDSM scene. While I’ve had a basic understanding of it, I didn’t know the amount of details discussed in this book. The author’s writing style is easy to follow, and her characters are all very well-developed. Excellent.
The narration from both narrators was well done. I especially enjoyed Mr. Brion’s narration for his ability to grant different accents and keep them going throughout the entire story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
I liked the way the author was able to gradually introduce the BDSM scene. While I’ve had a basic understanding of it, I didn’t know the amount of details discussed in this book. The author’s writing style is easy to follow, and her characters are all very well-developed. Excellent.
The narration from both narrators was well done. I especially enjoyed Mr. Brion’s narration for his ability to grant different accents and keep them going throughout the entire story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
April 12, 2017
Erotica isn't my normal genre, although this is more suspense/mystery. This is definitely erotic, but still leaves a bit to the imagination. I loved it! I really don't know much about the BDSM lifestyle, but it seems Patricia Rose does or at least did her research!
This book not only deals with BDSM, but human trafficking as well. Hope's friend Callie is into the BDSM lifestyle. Callie is a sub. She's been talking to a guy online and plans to go on a "play date" with him and asks Hope to be her safe call. When Hope doesn't receive the last scheduled call she starts to worry until she finally is able to reach Callie. Callie mentioned a key work that lets Hope know something is very wrong! It's up to Hope and Agent Eric to find her. Hope has to emerse herself into the BDSM lifestyle to go undercover to find her friend.
Stephanie Murphy and Paul Brion do an excellent job with the narration! Each of them take on multiple characters and accents. Both of these narrators are new to me but I enjoyed both and plan to check out more of their work. Stephanie has a very seductive voice for her character and Paul's voice is very confident and commanding.
Patricia Rose is my favorite author! I was first introduced to her work in 2015 with her first book, Iron Mike. Another great book worth checking out! Patricia is one of only 2 authors I'd buy a book without even looking at the description! I love her work.
On a side note, I love Agent Todd Vogel! lol Seems like am awesome guy! Thank you Patricia!
~The real Todd Vogel
This book not only deals with BDSM, but human trafficking as well. Hope's friend Callie is into the BDSM lifestyle. Callie is a sub. She's been talking to a guy online and plans to go on a "play date" with him and asks Hope to be her safe call. When Hope doesn't receive the last scheduled call she starts to worry until she finally is able to reach Callie. Callie mentioned a key work that lets Hope know something is very wrong! It's up to Hope and Agent Eric to find her. Hope has to emerse herself into the BDSM lifestyle to go undercover to find her friend.
Stephanie Murphy and Paul Brion do an excellent job with the narration! Each of them take on multiple characters and accents. Both of these narrators are new to me but I enjoyed both and plan to check out more of their work. Stephanie has a very seductive voice for her character and Paul's voice is very confident and commanding.
Patricia Rose is my favorite author! I was first introduced to her work in 2015 with her first book, Iron Mike. Another great book worth checking out! Patricia is one of only 2 authors I'd buy a book without even looking at the description! I love her work.
On a side note, I love Agent Todd Vogel! lol Seems like am awesome guy! Thank you Patricia!
~The real Todd Vogel
July 22, 2019
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
I really enjoyed this book for the sensitive story line and the suspense. The writing was great, with the right amount of detail for me. I don't normally listen to books like this (suspense/thriller/mystery) because I am easily bored with too much detail and this book was a perfect balance. I also really could tell that a lot of research went into the BDSM world when writing this book and that is important. This story pulled me in from chapter 1 and I finished in 1 day, I needed to know how it ended.
The characters were strong and bold and I think that was a great combination for this story. Hope started off a skeptic of the BDSM lifestyle but she was ready to do whatever it took to find her missing friend. Eric was a man on a mission and showed right away that he would do anything he needed to get the job done. Together these two had chemistry and a mutual goal. The heat between them is a low simmer in the beginning and turns out to be boiling by the end. The sex scenes were good because they leave a lot to your imagination.
While it wasn't what I was expecting based on the genre it was listed under on Audible (Erotica - Fiction), it was exactly what I wanted it to be. I would say it's more Romantic Suspense because it's mainly about an investigation which takes place in the BDSM community. Erotica to me is the amount of sex & how detailed the sex scenes are. While this book has sex scenes, they are few, short and light on details. If you don't read erotica because you need more story and less sex, don't let the genre sway you, this might be just for you. It's worth the credit IMHO!
I really enjoyed Paul Brion & Stephanie Murphy's narration, they are both new to me but I will be looking for more book they have narrated.
I really enjoyed this book for the sensitive story line and the suspense. The writing was great, with the right amount of detail for me. I don't normally listen to books like this (suspense/thriller/mystery) because I am easily bored with too much detail and this book was a perfect balance. I also really could tell that a lot of research went into the BDSM world when writing this book and that is important. This story pulled me in from chapter 1 and I finished in 1 day, I needed to know how it ended.
The characters were strong and bold and I think that was a great combination for this story. Hope started off a skeptic of the BDSM lifestyle but she was ready to do whatever it took to find her missing friend. Eric was a man on a mission and showed right away that he would do anything he needed to get the job done. Together these two had chemistry and a mutual goal. The heat between them is a low simmer in the beginning and turns out to be boiling by the end. The sex scenes were good because they leave a lot to your imagination.
While it wasn't what I was expecting based on the genre it was listed under on Audible (Erotica - Fiction), it was exactly what I wanted it to be. I would say it's more Romantic Suspense because it's mainly about an investigation which takes place in the BDSM community. Erotica to me is the amount of sex & how detailed the sex scenes are. While this book has sex scenes, they are few, short and light on details. If you don't read erotica because you need more story and less sex, don't let the genre sway you, this might be just for you. It's worth the credit IMHO!
I really enjoyed Paul Brion & Stephanie Murphy's narration, they are both new to me but I will be looking for more book they have narrated.
October 6, 2017
Blew me away!
Let me start by saying this is not the genre I'd normally read. Nope, this is about as far away from sci fi as you get, but when a friend recommended it I definitely wanted to give it a go.
And WOW! I was NOT disappointed. It gripped me from the first page, with its excellent writing, well developed and likable(and hateful in the case of the bad guys) characters. The story is also incredible. It really opened my eyes to the BDSM subculture and it's clear the author has done her homework.
The author ramps up the tension throughout the story, so by the end I was a quivering bundle of nerves, but she ends it perfectly, leaving it open to more books in a series I dearly hope will continue.
Let me start by saying this is not the genre I'd normally read. Nope, this is about as far away from sci fi as you get, but when a friend recommended it I definitely wanted to give it a go.
And WOW! I was NOT disappointed. It gripped me from the first page, with its excellent writing, well developed and likable(and hateful in the case of the bad guys) characters. The story is also incredible. It really opened my eyes to the BDSM subculture and it's clear the author has done her homework.
The author ramps up the tension throughout the story, so by the end I was a quivering bundle of nerves, but she ends it perfectly, leaving it open to more books in a series I dearly hope will continue.
December 29, 2019
Terrific Story & Narration🎧 Captivating Suspense!
Hopeless
By: P. Rose
Narrated by: Stephanie Murphy, Paul Brion
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, P. Rose is a gift author, she created a great story here, a thrilling romantic suspense, with a side of BDSM, mystery along with some investigative elements too. The story grabbed my attention right from start and held it right to the end. The characters are complex and well developed. Hope Pendleton’s friend Callie enjoys her kink and alternative lifestyle, Hope is not into that lifestyle but when Callie goes out to play she is supposed to call Hope to let her know she is OK. When she misses her check in she knows something is not right when she finally gets in touch with her Callie drops her safe word to let her know something is wrong. Hope, an investigative reporter reports it immediately to the police. When an FBI agent reaches out to her she knows how much danger her friend is in, she teams up with him to get her friend back. Going undercover is not new to Hope but the world of BSDM is and it is way out of her comfort zone but she is willing to do it to save her friend. Eric has been working on this case and is close to getting all involved, he plays an alpha Dom and he is going to teach her ropes so she can join him and infiltrate an exclusive BDSM club, where he is a Dom. I loved how well plotted this book it, there is never a dull moment and the author keeps you thinking and on your toes all the way to the climatic ending. P. Rose thank you for this great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stephanie Murphy and Paul Brion are terrific narrators and voice artists. They bring the characters to life giving each their own voice and personality. They do a great job portraying the characters and projecting their emotions into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
Hopeless
By: P. Rose
Narrated by: Stephanie Murphy, Paul Brion
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, P. Rose is a gift author, she created a great story here, a thrilling romantic suspense, with a side of BDSM, mystery along with some investigative elements too. The story grabbed my attention right from start and held it right to the end. The characters are complex and well developed. Hope Pendleton’s friend Callie enjoys her kink and alternative lifestyle, Hope is not into that lifestyle but when Callie goes out to play she is supposed to call Hope to let her know she is OK. When she misses her check in she knows something is not right when she finally gets in touch with her Callie drops her safe word to let her know something is wrong. Hope, an investigative reporter reports it immediately to the police. When an FBI agent reaches out to her she knows how much danger her friend is in, she teams up with him to get her friend back. Going undercover is not new to Hope but the world of BSDM is and it is way out of her comfort zone but she is willing to do it to save her friend. Eric has been working on this case and is close to getting all involved, he plays an alpha Dom and he is going to teach her ropes so she can join him and infiltrate an exclusive BDSM club, where he is a Dom. I loved how well plotted this book it, there is never a dull moment and the author keeps you thinking and on your toes all the way to the climatic ending. P. Rose thank you for this great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stephanie Murphy and Paul Brion are terrific narrators and voice artists. They bring the characters to life giving each their own voice and personality. They do a great job portraying the characters and projecting their emotions into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
June 29, 2019
What a surprise! A very good thriller more please!
Hope and Eric are strong, well developed very likeable characters. Rose certainly deals with some very sensitive subject matter -- human trafficking and the criminal elements that surrounds it. It's a real gem of a story - I literally couldn't and didn't want to stop listening, it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat! The narration is smooth and perfectly done. I would love if Rose would give us further adventures involving Hope and Eric. I would happily spend more time with them. The BDSM elements in this story were very well done, informative (I definitely learned some things) and assisted in developing the plot line. The sex was not gratuitous but it was steamy and intense.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Hope and Eric are strong, well developed very likeable characters. Rose certainly deals with some very sensitive subject matter -- human trafficking and the criminal elements that surrounds it. It's a real gem of a story - I literally couldn't and didn't want to stop listening, it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat! The narration is smooth and perfectly done. I would love if Rose would give us further adventures involving Hope and Eric. I would happily spend more time with them. The BDSM elements in this story were very well done, informative (I definitely learned some things) and assisted in developing the plot line. The sex was not gratuitous but it was steamy and intense.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 15, 2019
A gripping mystery about sex trafficking and the world of BDSM. Hope is your normal girl but when she finds out her best friend Callie has been drugged and possibly entered into a sex trafficking ring, she will stop at nothing to save her friend. Even if that means being a submissive in the BDSM world.
Hopeless kept me intrigued with just the right amount of erotica and romance that I prefer. It is more heavily focused on the story. I highly recommend this book!
Hopeless kept me intrigued with just the right amount of erotica and romance that I prefer. It is more heavily focused on the story. I highly recommend this book!
June 25, 2019
Great thriller with a sexy twist
Not knowing anything about BDSM the author was very good at making it understandable
I like the dual narrators feels more natural
A pleasant surprise and possibly more books to com highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Not knowing anything about BDSM the author was very good at making it understandable
I like the dual narrators feels more natural
A pleasant surprise and possibly more books to com highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
August 12, 2021
Hopeless was a great read by P. Rose. Hope Pendleton’s best friend, Callie, is into kink. Hope is okay with it, until Callie doesn’t come home after a play date. She finds out that Callie’s last known play partner is wanted for racketeering and human trafficking. She follow’s Callie’s trail and the game becomes a nightmare. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
July 6, 2022
Excellent read! I love that it gave a more accurate view of the BDSM community - not like that 50 Shades bullshit. I also love the way she built the tension of trying to find Callie. I’d read a sequel to this.
March 18, 2017
The book blurb does warn you what this book contains, and even though I wouldn't normally read a book with BDSM/sex slavery in, that isn't all this book is about. Hope is trying to find her missing friend and has to become involved in a very dark world to find out what happened to her.
There are mystery, suspense and police procedural elements to this book that I enjoyed. The BDSM element I didn't, but could see why it was used in the plot. I found the characters to be well developed and the storyline was always interesting and fast flowing.
There are mystery, suspense and police procedural elements to this book that I enjoyed. The BDSM element I didn't, but could see why it was used in the plot. I found the characters to be well developed and the storyline was always interesting and fast flowing.
March 14, 2017
I went into this book for the BDSM themes but found a whole lot more. The book has a ton of really complex themes going on and it can be a tad convoluted to follow at times but it's compelling.
Hope and Callie are closer than best friends, they're practically sisters. Hope is Callie' s "safe call" for those times when she goes out on her more...adventurous... dates. When Callie's latest call doesn't go as planned and then Callie turns up missing, Hope drops everything to find her friend.
Erik has been working this case long enough to carry the scars on his body and his soul. Despite an instant attraction to Hope Pendleton, he does all he can to warn her away from her friend's case, knowing she's not ready for the dark world they live in. But she's persistent and rather than let her go it alone and risk it all, he has to teach her the ways of BDSM and make Mr. Lau want to buy her.
The main characters were well developed and easy to root for. I enjoyed the book and the way the author dealt with the really important topic of sex trafficking.
Review by AnnMarie
Hope and Callie are closer than best friends, they're practically sisters. Hope is Callie' s "safe call" for those times when she goes out on her more...adventurous... dates. When Callie's latest call doesn't go as planned and then Callie turns up missing, Hope drops everything to find her friend.
Erik has been working this case long enough to carry the scars on his body and his soul. Despite an instant attraction to Hope Pendleton, he does all he can to warn her away from her friend's case, knowing she's not ready for the dark world they live in. But she's persistent and rather than let her go it alone and risk it all, he has to teach her the ways of BDSM and make Mr. Lau want to buy her.
The main characters were well developed and easy to root for. I enjoyed the book and the way the author dealt with the really important topic of sex trafficking.
Review by AnnMarie
March 19, 2017
when I signed up to read this book I did not think It was going to be this suspenseful. It had me on the edge of seat wondering what was going to happen next. At times it had me thinking the situations in this book could happen to me. I loved Hope's take charge/no bullshit attitude! I loved Eric's calm but forceful nature. Although, I loved the characters. I didn't feel like they belonged together. I wasn't feeling the sexual chemistry between them. I did however love the bringing to light situations most others would just put to the side. Overall I give this book a 3.5/5.
March 7, 2017
Callie is into bsdm and met a mysterious man online. Dangerous!
Hope is an investigative reporter who loves Callie like a sister and doesn't judge her based on her kink preferences.
Special agent, Eric not only works for the FBI but is undercover to bring down Jimmy Lau and the Triad Society.
Falcon introduces Chloe to the bdsm world testing her limits.
This book is full of mystery, suspense, teachings and pleasures of the bdsm world. Also be careful of who you decide to date online. I'm volunteering a review for an advance reader's copy.
Hope is an investigative reporter who loves Callie like a sister and doesn't judge her based on her kink preferences.
Special agent, Eric not only works for the FBI but is undercover to bring down Jimmy Lau and the Triad Society.
Falcon introduces Chloe to the bdsm world testing her limits.
This book is full of mystery, suspense, teachings and pleasures of the bdsm world. Also be careful of who you decide to date online. I'm volunteering a review for an advance reader's copy.
March 8, 2017
Another author to love and follow
I was reading this for the BDSM romance and got caught up in a very legitimate action thriller. All my reader buttons got pushed in one book, that seldom happens. I look forward to any book Ms. Rose feels led to write for us. . . Just hope she writes quickly.
I was reading this for the BDSM romance and got caught up in a very legitimate action thriller. All my reader buttons got pushed in one book, that seldom happens. I look forward to any book Ms. Rose feels led to write for us. . . Just hope she writes quickly.
March 8, 2017
I loved this book from page one. Each character was intricately developed, with roles to play in the entire plot. I loved the interactions between Hope and Eric, and none of the story seemed rushed or forced out. Another five star read from someone who doesn't always enjoy contemporary romance.
February 17, 2017
From the very first page this story just sucked me in. I love a good mystery and this one has it and then some. There's a couple of different things at play and there is a few surprises thrown in that gave me that wonderful "ahhh, I didn't see that coming" moment. This book has some BDSM scenes and a lot of discussions about BDSM. It's a dark novel as kidnapping and the sex slave business is a focal point. This could be a trigger for some.
Overall I immensely enjoyed this book. The character development was spectacular. She made characters that you could relate to. I loved the way she handled the subject of BDSM. Eric the FBI agent and Cassie the woman kidnapped are very much into the lifestyle of BDSM. Hope however struggles with understanding why anyone would want to explore that lifestyle. The author writes it in a way that if the reader has the same struggles you don't feel out of place because your guided along through Hopes journey of BDSM.
I highly recommend this book.
****I received an ARC of this book, but voluntarily reviewed this book wth my honest opinion.****
Overall I immensely enjoyed this book. The character development was spectacular. She made characters that you could relate to. I loved the way she handled the subject of BDSM. Eric the FBI agent and Cassie the woman kidnapped are very much into the lifestyle of BDSM. Hope however struggles with understanding why anyone would want to explore that lifestyle. The author writes it in a way that if the reader has the same struggles you don't feel out of place because your guided along through Hopes journey of BDSM.
I highly recommend this book.
****I received an ARC of this book, but voluntarily reviewed this book wth my honest opinion.****
February 19, 2017
I recieved a voluntary arc of the book hopeless. Hope is trying to find her friend Callie! She even signs up for a bdsm because that's what Callie was in before she went missing and she even meets a handsome detective!! Very awesome story!!! Will hope find her friend before it's to late you will have to read this great book to find out :)
March 24, 2017
So many layers to this story. Investigative Reporter Hope's friend Callie is into BDSM, Hope is fine with that until she doesn't come home. So Hope goes looking for her friend Callie and gets sucked into a deep dark world of sex, BDSM, trafficking, and all sorts of fun stuff. And just trying to figure out where her friend is. That's where Hope meets Erik who has been assigned to this case and has been working on it for years. Not Callie's disappearance but the whole trafficking ring. And this starts the whole spiral of Hope's interest and exploration of the BDSM lifestyle.
April 15, 2017
Review is coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews