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The Debt #0.5
The Debt
LOVE AND SECOND CHANCES ARE NOT FREE
For the five kids who live at St. Jude’s Home for Court Placed Juveniles, life is a nightmare.
Carissa, the youngest, has been there the longest. And barely speaks. Rosa is sixteen and pregnant.
Simon keeps his head down and studies, hoping to get back the life he lost.
Beth and Tommy, in the middle of the darkness, have found each other, and all they want is to be together. But when they get caught making out at school, it puts everyone in danger. Tommy is used to the beatings from their foster father, but when Beth is singled out for punishment, Tommy can’t sit back and let it happen.
AND ALL DEBTS MUST BE PAID
What happens that night rips apart the lives of the five teenagers forever.
After the blood has been spilled, a bargain is made. A deal with the devil that should have solved things. It should have fixed everything.
But nothing is free - not love, not innocence, and certainly not freedom. And sooner or later, all debts must be paid...
For the five kids who live at St. Jude’s Home for Court Placed Juveniles, life is a nightmare.
Carissa, the youngest, has been there the longest. And barely speaks. Rosa is sixteen and pregnant.
Simon keeps his head down and studies, hoping to get back the life he lost.
Beth and Tommy, in the middle of the darkness, have found each other, and all they want is to be together. But when they get caught making out at school, it puts everyone in danger. Tommy is used to the beatings from their foster father, but when Beth is singled out for punishment, Tommy can’t sit back and let it happen.
AND ALL DEBTS MUST BE PAID
What happens that night rips apart the lives of the five teenagers forever.
After the blood has been spilled, a bargain is made. A deal with the devil that should have solved things. It should have fixed everything.
But nothing is free - not love, not innocence, and certainly not freedom. And sooner or later, all debts must be paid...
52 pages, ebook
First published June 5, 2017
127 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Molly O'Keefe
108 books2,135 followersThis author is also published under: M. O'Keefe.
Molly O'Keefe has always known she wanted to be a writer (except when she wanted to be a florist or a chef and the brief period of time when she considered being a cowgirl). And once she got her hands on some romances, she knew exactly what she wanted to write.
She published her first Harlequin romance at age 25 and hasn't looked back. She loves exploring every character's road towards happily ever after.
Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she went to university in St. Louis where she met and fell in love with the editor of her school newspaper. They followed each other around the world for several years and finally got married and settled down in Toronto, Ontario. They welcomed their son into their family in 2006, and their daughter in 2008. When she's not at the park or cleaning up the toy room, Molly is working hard on her next novel, trying to exercise, stalking Tina Fey on the internet and dreaming of the day she can finish a cup of coffee without interruption.
Molly O'Keefe has always known she wanted to be a writer (except when she wanted to be a florist or a chef and the brief period of time when she considered being a cowgirl). And once she got her hands on some romances, she knew exactly what she wanted to write.
She published her first Harlequin romance at age 25 and hasn't looked back. She loves exploring every character's road towards happily ever after.
Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she went to university in St. Louis where she met and fell in love with the editor of her school newspaper. They followed each other around the world for several years and finally got married and settled down in Toronto, Ontario. They welcomed their son into their family in 2006, and their daughter in 2008. When she's not at the park or cleaning up the toy room, Molly is working hard on her next novel, trying to exercise, stalking Tina Fey on the internet and dreaming of the day she can finish a cup of coffee without interruption.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 31, 2017
This was a super short prologue that sets up THE DEBT series. I have to admit it was a bit on the depressing and violent side. That said I am intrigued to see where the author is going to go with this series and characters. Next up is Beth and Tommy's book. I am not overly crazy about her being a pop star as I am not a fan of musician books but I'll keep an open mind.
June 8, 2017
Find my review in the review for book #1 LOST WITHOUT YOU
This here was just a free novella to introduce us to the story - you don't need to read it - this will be included in Lost Without You!
July 1, 2017
Review to be written soon...
June 2, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/06/review-...
Favorite Quote: “I know who you are… Who you really are.”
Five teenagers…
The St. Jude’s Home for Court Placed Juveniles is a nightmare run by an abusive pastor and his wife. Five teenagers try to band together for protection and safety. Carissa, the youngest and non-verbal. Rose, alone and pregnant. Simon, one mistake away from losing everything. Beth, a rich girl who is there for unknown reasons, and Tommy, the boy who loves her.
One deadly secret…
The only good part of living at St. Jude’s for Tommy is Beth and his love for her. When he and Beth are caught making out at school and a teacher tells the Pastor, it puts everyone in danger. Tommy is used to the beatings but when Beth is singled out for punishment, Tommy can’t sit back and let it happen.
A debt owed…
A single act seals their fate in the blood. When a mysterious man shows up, they are given one shot at freedom. The price? They owe a debt to him. And when he commands, they will come.
The Debt is a roller coaster ride as we are taken on a journey through a foster home run by a sadistic pastor and his equally cruel wife. Children are placed there for various reasons and struggle to stay healthy and alive until they are free. Fans of O’Keefe’s Bad Boy Romance series may notice some familiar names in here as this story is set in the same world. I can;t WAIT to see where O’Keefe runs with this. I do want to add a warning that this may trigger some as there is abuse, violence, and sexual assault.
As always, O’Keefe doesn’t hold back as she gives readers a front row seat to the dark and gritty edges life has to offer. O’Keefe offers no promises as she slowly peels back the layers to show us the truth and the price some pay for it. Though this novella is only fifty-two pages long, it reads like a full-length novel with a strong emotional storyline, intriguing characters, and a suspense-filled conflict. I was wiped by the end; completely wore out from the emotional avalanche I experienced while reading.
Heavily character driven, the story is told from alternating points of view. The dispassionate voices of these teenagers hits home far harder than if they were colored in fear and/or anger. O’Keefe does an excellent job setting the scene for the next book-Lost Without You-one of two full-length novels that make up the series. We are only given the bare bones of why these kids are in foster care but the overall feeling is they are victims of fate or bad parenting. We see the extreme length they are forced to go to and the price they have to pay.
This quick dark read is hard in the heart but necessary to understand the journey these kids will take in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend M O’Keefe’s The Debt and am looking forward to book two which releases June 19th. The Debt is currently being offered for free for a limited time. If you miss this deal, I am told this title will be included with book two.
GRADE: B
Favorite Quote: “I know who you are… Who you really are.”
Five teenagers…
The St. Jude’s Home for Court Placed Juveniles is a nightmare run by an abusive pastor and his wife. Five teenagers try to band together for protection and safety. Carissa, the youngest and non-verbal. Rose, alone and pregnant. Simon, one mistake away from losing everything. Beth, a rich girl who is there for unknown reasons, and Tommy, the boy who loves her.
One deadly secret…
The only good part of living at St. Jude’s for Tommy is Beth and his love for her. When he and Beth are caught making out at school and a teacher tells the Pastor, it puts everyone in danger. Tommy is used to the beatings but when Beth is singled out for punishment, Tommy can’t sit back and let it happen.
A debt owed…
A single act seals their fate in the blood. When a mysterious man shows up, they are given one shot at freedom. The price? They owe a debt to him. And when he commands, they will come.
The Debt is a roller coaster ride as we are taken on a journey through a foster home run by a sadistic pastor and his equally cruel wife. Children are placed there for various reasons and struggle to stay healthy and alive until they are free. Fans of O’Keefe’s Bad Boy Romance series may notice some familiar names in here as this story is set in the same world. I can;t WAIT to see where O’Keefe runs with this. I do want to add a warning that this may trigger some as there is abuse, violence, and sexual assault.
As always, O’Keefe doesn’t hold back as she gives readers a front row seat to the dark and gritty edges life has to offer. O’Keefe offers no promises as she slowly peels back the layers to show us the truth and the price some pay for it. Though this novella is only fifty-two pages long, it reads like a full-length novel with a strong emotional storyline, intriguing characters, and a suspense-filled conflict. I was wiped by the end; completely wore out from the emotional avalanche I experienced while reading.
Heavily character driven, the story is told from alternating points of view. The dispassionate voices of these teenagers hits home far harder than if they were colored in fear and/or anger. O’Keefe does an excellent job setting the scene for the next book-Lost Without You-one of two full-length novels that make up the series. We are only given the bare bones of why these kids are in foster care but the overall feeling is they are victims of fate or bad parenting. We see the extreme length they are forced to go to and the price they have to pay.
This quick dark read is hard in the heart but necessary to understand the journey these kids will take in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend M O’Keefe’s The Debt and am looking forward to book two which releases June 19th. The Debt is currently being offered for free for a limited time. If you miss this deal, I am told this title will be included with book two.
GRADE: B
Read
August 9, 2017Ooooh, i like how dark they've gone with this.
i have a massive soft spot for simon and clarissa :)
i have a massive soft spot for simon and clarissa :)
June 15, 2017
Molly O'Keefe's The Debt is one of the most haunting love stories that I have read.
Ever.
This story about the five teenage residents of St. Jude's Home for Court Place Juveniles (aka St. Jokes) kept me up at night ruminating over the events that occur in this prologue. Tommy and Beth's sweet, lovely high-school romance tattooed its place on my heart from the very first line of the first chapter. I will never eat another bag of Skittles without thinking about this book. The author brilliantly highlights the joys of first love and the physical, mental and emotional highs associated with the sweetness of experiencing a teenage love affair for the very first time.
On the other hand, where there is blinding light, there is also infinite darkness, because the events that occur after school at St. Jude's Home for Court Place Juveniles shattered me and had me sick to my soul. Allow me to be perfectly clear: The Debt is chilling. It gave me the creeps. I shook my head in denial like "No...No...NOOOO!!!!" What happens behind closed doors hit me hard and deep with a level of sadness that I was not prepared for.
This unconventional love story about young love and innocence lost had me shedding tears. My heart pounded due to anxiety, my stomach plummeted because of my sense of dread and my eyes wept for the plight of these characters. When the shit hit the fan I was relieved, thrilled that the imminent threat was finally eliminated, only to discover that an entirely different menace loomed ahead of these teenagers' futures.
The events of one night resulted in a debt. The tagline suggests that "love is never free," and Molly O'Keefe has done an excellent job wetting my palette for Lost Without You . I am dying to start the next installment to see where Beth and Tommy's dark, raw and outright gritty love story leads me.
In spite of the emotional roller coaster, I tremendously enjoyed this prequel! Never have I been so emotionally affected by four short chapters! The Debt is profound. It is beyond twisted, yet there is a sense of vindication that I absolutely fell in love with. I am definitely looking forward to solving the mystery surrounding the suspense in this series and I am SO eager for more! Hats Off to Molly O'Keefe for a job well done!
5/5 evocative, powerful stars!
Ever.
This story about the five teenage residents of St. Jude's Home for Court Place Juveniles (aka St. Jokes) kept me up at night ruminating over the events that occur in this prologue. Tommy and Beth's sweet, lovely high-school romance tattooed its place on my heart from the very first line of the first chapter. I will never eat another bag of Skittles without thinking about this book. The author brilliantly highlights the joys of first love and the physical, mental and emotional highs associated with the sweetness of experiencing a teenage love affair for the very first time.
On the other hand, where there is blinding light, there is also infinite darkness, because the events that occur after school at St. Jude's Home for Court Place Juveniles shattered me and had me sick to my soul. Allow me to be perfectly clear: The Debt is chilling. It gave me the creeps. I shook my head in denial like "No...No...NOOOO!!!!" What happens behind closed doors hit me hard and deep with a level of sadness that I was not prepared for.
This unconventional love story about young love and innocence lost had me shedding tears. My heart pounded due to anxiety, my stomach plummeted because of my sense of dread and my eyes wept for the plight of these characters. When the shit hit the fan I was relieved, thrilled that the imminent threat was finally eliminated, only to discover that an entirely different menace loomed ahead of these teenagers' futures.
The events of one night resulted in a debt. The tagline suggests that "love is never free," and Molly O'Keefe has done an excellent job wetting my palette for Lost Without You . I am dying to start the next installment to see where Beth and Tommy's dark, raw and outright gritty love story leads me.
In spite of the emotional roller coaster, I tremendously enjoyed this prequel! Never have I been so emotionally affected by four short chapters! The Debt is profound. It is beyond twisted, yet there is a sense of vindication that I absolutely fell in love with. I am definitely looking forward to solving the mystery surrounding the suspense in this series and I am SO eager for more! Hats Off to Molly O'Keefe for a job well done!
5/5 evocative, powerful stars!
June 4, 2017
I'm Hooked!
Whoa, that was an extremely well-done set up/tease for the series! Need books for each of the characters, like, ASAP!!
Whoa, that was an extremely well-done set up/tease for the series! Need books for each of the characters, like, ASAP!!
July 19, 2017
Sucked me right in from page one. This one is a page turner for sure. Great storyline, developed characters, and a cliffy that will leave you wanting more. On to Where I Belong!
May 31, 2017
Rated 4.5 Stars
This author knows how to weave a story that has you anxious, dreading what's to come yet practically salivating to see what happens next. I cannot wait to read the duet that follows.
This author knows how to weave a story that has you anxious, dreading what's to come yet practically salivating to see what happens next. I cannot wait to read the duet that follows.
December 30, 2017
Each time I encounter this author's recent stories, I know that I will get an intense, emotional response to them. The Debt, an intro to a new series, is no exception. Five abused foster kids live through something horrific and have to make a deal with the devil to gain their freedom.
In the moment of this short prequel piece, I was gutted for these kids. They were good and loyal, but got some tough breaks that monsters exploited. The Debt did the job of getting me hyped for the rest of the series.
In the moment of this short prequel piece, I was gutted for these kids. They were good and loyal, but got some tough breaks that monsters exploited. The Debt did the job of getting me hyped for the rest of the series.
June 3, 2017
this is the prologue to her next duet of books... there are 5 kids that live at the St. Judes Home for Court placed Juveniles - Beth, Carissa, Rosa, Simon and Tommy under the 'care' of the Pastor and his Wife (capitals intended).
The book opens with two of the kids, Tommy and Beth, making out in the art room at the HS. They are interrupted by the school principal... it seems like he is going to let them get away with this but then he says he has to let The Pastor know about it... it seems that the deal with the HS is that residents of St Judes cant be in the same classes or fraternize and any infractions have to be reported back to the The Pastor. Beth knows that if it gets reported Tommy is going to get a really bad punishment (because things at St Judes aren't what they seem).... she seems to be about to tell the principal what really goes on but...
Things are weird back at St Judes that night... Tommy gets to eat dinner which he usually doesn't... the girls are doing dishes as usual but then Beth is left to do them alone...
Later that night, Tommy is woken up from a sweet dream about Beth ... there are screams and then then thumps coming from the girls rooms ... everyone is locked into their rooms at night at St Judes... he thought that The Pastor would come for him but The Pastor went for Beth... Tommy knows that if The Pastor gets Beth in his office, he will rape her, that is what The Pastor does with the foster children in his care.
Tommy and Simon try to figure out how to get out of their room - it is locked from the outside.... somehow Rosa has gotten a set of keys. Carissa has gotten a knife; they get into the office and Tommy gets The Pastor off Beth....
Tommy wakes up in a police station in hand cuffs, bloodied and broken, next to Simon and Carissa. Tommy had no idea where Beth was,other than her mother had come for her (and I don't know about the rest of you but I got creepy vipes about Beth's mom's) In strolls Bates, who we met in Baby Come Back - he was Lazarus's henchmen. He ordered out the police officer in the room. He told Carissa, Simon and Tommy that if they agreed to come work for him, when he called in THE DEBT, they could walk out of the police station.
I can't wait to see where this goes... Where did Rosa go? Carissa? We know that Simon went to UCLA and Tommy works in construction... Beth becomes a pop star....
I can't wait to see how the Debt get paid...
The book opens with two of the kids, Tommy and Beth, making out in the art room at the HS. They are interrupted by the school principal... it seems like he is going to let them get away with this but then he says he has to let The Pastor know about it... it seems that the deal with the HS is that residents of St Judes cant be in the same classes or fraternize and any infractions have to be reported back to the The Pastor. Beth knows that if it gets reported Tommy is going to get a really bad punishment (because things at St Judes aren't what they seem).... she seems to be about to tell the principal what really goes on but...
Things are weird back at St Judes that night... Tommy gets to eat dinner which he usually doesn't... the girls are doing dishes as usual but then Beth is left to do them alone...
Later that night, Tommy is woken up from a sweet dream about Beth ... there are screams and then then thumps coming from the girls rooms ... everyone is locked into their rooms at night at St Judes... he thought that The Pastor would come for him but The Pastor went for Beth... Tommy knows that if The Pastor gets Beth in his office, he will rape her, that is what The Pastor does with the foster children in his care.
Tommy and Simon try to figure out how to get out of their room - it is locked from the outside.... somehow Rosa has gotten a set of keys. Carissa has gotten a knife; they get into the office and Tommy gets The Pastor off Beth....
Tommy wakes up in a police station in hand cuffs, bloodied and broken, next to Simon and Carissa. Tommy had no idea where Beth was,other than her mother had come for her (and I don't know about the rest of you but I got creepy vipes about Beth's mom's) In strolls Bates, who we met in Baby Come Back - he was Lazarus's henchmen. He ordered out the police officer in the room. He told Carissa, Simon and Tommy that if they agreed to come work for him, when he called in THE DEBT, they could walk out of the police station.
I can't wait to see where this goes... Where did Rosa go? Carissa? We know that Simon went to UCLA and Tommy works in construction... Beth becomes a pop star....
I can't wait to see how the Debt get paid...
September 6, 2017
Oh My Gosh This Was Amazing!! This Short prologue to the "Debt" series was SO good! This has be craving "Lost Without You" I need to know what will happen next with all these characters. This short book sets up the Debt series and if this book is any indication it will be a wild ride. I am so excited for this series!!
June 4, 2017
Ce prologue de la nouvelle saga de Molly O'Keefe remplit amplement son rôle . Les bases sont posées et nous avons envie de connaitre la suite . Même si je veux évidemment en savoir plus sur Beth et Tommy , les destins de Simon , Carissa ou encore Rosa m intriguent tout autant .
Chronique à venir ...
Chronique à venir ...
June 20, 2017
The Debt 0.5 sets the scene for what happens next - I will read the series but this is one of those that starts off reasonable but each subsequent book the price goes up.
this one is free on Amazon UK at the moment but you can also read the prologue in book 1.
this one is free on Amazon UK at the moment but you can also read the prologue in book 1.
Want to read
November 2, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/02/2017)!
August 29, 2017
Ready for more!
June 5, 2017
review to come
June 1, 2017
I don't typically give 5 stars to a novella that is the start to a series but omg Molly O'Keefe has clearly made me a fan for life with her latest.
This extremely emotional beginning had me right from the very first pages. The story of a home for youths, abused by the Pastor and his wife gave me pause. Focusing on 5 of the young people, they seemingly make a deal with the devil after a horrific incident that results in them being taken in for questioning by the police. And now they are set free...3 of them with the other two missing.
I cannot wait to see how their journey continues as they seek out true freedom and find themselves being a productive part of society. Truly another fantastic adventure that the author delivers each and every time I pick up one of her books.
You need to give this one a try. It promises to be as different as it is compelling.
5 solid stars.
This extremely emotional beginning had me right from the very first pages. The story of a home for youths, abused by the Pastor and his wife gave me pause. Focusing on 5 of the young people, they seemingly make a deal with the devil after a horrific incident that results in them being taken in for questioning by the police. And now they are set free...3 of them with the other two missing.
I cannot wait to see how their journey continues as they seek out true freedom and find themselves being a productive part of society. Truly another fantastic adventure that the author delivers each and every time I pick up one of her books.
You need to give this one a try. It promises to be as different as it is compelling.
5 solid stars.
June 13, 2017
There's one thing you can count on with Molly O'Keefe, whatever she writes, it's going to be an emotional roller coaster, and this very short novella is no exception. We are very quickly introduced to Tommy, Rosa, Beth, Simon and Carissa, all have the unfortunate commonality of being in the same foster home, all have dark secrets, all have been abused by the caretaker and his wife of the home. Honestly, this really isn't my kind of book, but damn if the author hasn't sucked me in to where I now need to read the next installment coming out soon. Genius that she made this novella free, because readers will definitely follow after reading it. I love the way Molly writes, very descriptive, even when you would rather it not be, and flows quickly keeping you very engaged in the story. I hesitantly will purchase the second book in the series, I have to find out how this works it's way out, even though I know I will be on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
June 5, 2017
A tease of what will be...
The Debt is the beginning of the end for these kids and they never even knew it. Ok, maybe they did but not the way you think.
St. Jude's isn't exactly home sweet home. Not all of them were certain they would actually leave on their own two feet but I can guarantee that never expected this to happen.
What a great tease. You formed a bond with these characters now you need to know what happens next!
Reviewer for Naughty Book Blog
The Debt is the beginning of the end for these kids and they never even knew it. Ok, maybe they did but not the way you think.
St. Jude's isn't exactly home sweet home. Not all of them were certain they would actually leave on their own two feet but I can guarantee that never expected this to happen.
What a great tease. You formed a bond with these characters now you need to know what happens next!
Reviewer for Naughty Book Blog
May 31, 2017
This is a good start to what looks like a promising story.
Five children in a court appointed home find themselves in debt to a man after they fight for their freedom.
What will they have to do??
I'm looking forward to reading more of this story.
Five children in a court appointed home find themselves in debt to a man after they fight for their freedom.
What will they have to do??
I'm looking forward to reading more of this story.
June 1, 2017
Omg! I need more! This series is going to be epic.
June 4, 2017
This was a great intro in to the series. So many questions. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 9, 2017
A wonderful suspenseful start to what we know will be a great series from Molly. Can't wait for book one.
And great to see the younger Bates! ( will this bad man ever have his own story? )
And great to see the younger Bates! ( will this bad man ever have his own story? )
October 19, 2017
Quick little read that was pretty engaging.
November 7, 2017
I devoured this short prologue to The Debt series. I'm totally hooked!
November 28, 2017
Really did the job of hooking me up to keep reading the series!
October 21, 2017
This is a well written book, it’s just the subject matter and plot is darker than I would have preferred.
This is also a somewhat bloody and violent book. It is short, but it packed a punch. Trigger warning for rape, violence and assault.
This is also a somewhat bloody and violent book. It is short, but it packed a punch. Trigger warning for rape, violence and assault.
June 5, 2017
*thank you to the author for providing an arc*
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Debt may be short but it certainly packs a punch.
You are introduced to Tommy and Beth who live together at St. Jude's but have found a budding romance between them. While things at St. Jude's is not the best life, at school they are able to steal a few moments to be with each other. When they are found together one afternoon they know it will not end well.
That night while at St. Jude's, Tommy begins to think maybe they will be okay, the pastor hasn't come to find him and so far he believes the girls are all okay. Little does he know that this night will change not only his life, but the lives of three others.
Molly O'Keefe does an amazing job grabbing your attention with this short story and gets you set for the next book and find out what has happen to Tommy and the others.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Debt may be short but it certainly packs a punch.
You are introduced to Tommy and Beth who live together at St. Jude's but have found a budding romance between them. While things at St. Jude's is not the best life, at school they are able to steal a few moments to be with each other. When they are found together one afternoon they know it will not end well.
That night while at St. Jude's, Tommy begins to think maybe they will be okay, the pastor hasn't come to find him and so far he believes the girls are all okay. Little does he know that this night will change not only his life, but the lives of three others.
Molly O'Keefe does an amazing job grabbing your attention with this short story and gets you set for the next book and find out what has happen to Tommy and the others.
June 5, 2017
Such an intriguing (and bleak) introduction to the series! Can't wait to find out what happens next...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews