Violent Hearts

Violent #3

by Linnea May

Others see the devil in me. All she sees is her perfect match.
They call me a prodigy in the business world. Rich, powerful and cunning. At 29 years old, I'm running an empire, built from scratch.

The political realm is next. I want my voice heard and my name on the ballot.

But my character credentials are lacking.

I need a woman at my side, under contract. Someone with a pretty smile for the public eye, to make me look like a trustworthy, loyal man.

She is the woman I want for the job - smart & sexy Ann Porter.

Her heart is just as violent as mine, her mind sharp and cunning.
Her body willing and begging to be broken - ready to bend at my will.

She has the potential to get me where I want to be - or to destroy everything I've worked for all those years.

She’s the perfect risk.

**VIOLENT HEARTS is a Dark Romance with themes of violence & steamy BDSM scenes. Intended for audiences 18+ & not for the faint-hearted. Contains situations some readers might find objectionable.
NO cheating, NO cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA. **

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Romance, Contemporary

ebook

First published July 8, 2017

About the author

I'm an indie author of steamy Billionaire Romances, and I love strong alpha men with loaded bank accounts and skeletons in their closets.

My heroes are as sexy and beautiful as they are broken - only to be fixed by the smart & captivating heroines who cross their paths.

Lately, I've been writing more Dark Billionaire Romances. I'm very excited about my current VIOLENT series and its current spin-off The Velvet Rooms Series!

I live in Europe with my very own hero.
And I love squirrels. ❤

Find me on AMAZON here:
https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-May/e/B...

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinneaMay

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MY BOOKS

The Violent Series

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a difficult time to like this book to give 3 stars. The plot has so many holes that left me shaking my head in disbelieve. The insta lust is also not convincing. I want to see more resistance from Ann, but she turns into puddle of mess right after she got kissed.

And what is really throw me back off is Jared. He has trust issue due to his past relationship. But when He met Ann, he gives in right away. Not checking her background. She is a reporter for God sake. He lets her into his penthouse and gives her everything. Every access without minding who she is.

Anyway, I do not enjoy this book.

2 stars

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had an interesting time reading this. For one, I definitely think this ended a little too abruptly and I do think that there could have been more of a developed plot. But, I really wasn't expecting to really think this was a full novel so really it was an interesting read.

I read this through the short story compilation of Long Live The King Anthology: Fifteen Steamy Contemporary Royal Romances by Skye Warren.

Find me on:
My Blog | My BookTube | My Book Club | Instagram | Twitter

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live to 💘Love Again
THIS DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING!
Jared🐺🍌🌋✋, the tall, jacked💪 alpha dominator character in this book, is pretty hard to like. He's an arrogant s.o.b. and doesn't seem to care about anyone, even his most trusted employees. It seems like he's only in it for himself at every turn.
The author tries to justify Jared's slash🔪 and burn🔥 behavior on a past relationship gone wrong. Whatever happened to "live to love💓 again. "? Jared's character is a little over the top, making him appear as a total user, a man whore.
But that's what readers want! YEHAW!
Ann💋📝 comes along just trying to do an investigative journalism piece on the Violent Hearts💔 agency that procures the submissive type of women that men like Jared want. She goes in to ask questions and the owner ends up talking her into applying!
Ann gets in way over her head when Jared🐺🍌🌋✋ picks her out of all the applicants!
Jared🐺🍌🌋✋, a successful business man, has ideas on running for the house of representatives, and he wants a fake girlfriend, a submissive💃💋 who will be under contract to him. She must be a woman who will submit to his violent✋💪 and dark desires🔥🍌🌋 in the bedroom, but be smart enough and pretty enough to have on his arm at functions and not put her foot in her mouth, or make him look bad in public.
Jared🐺🍌🌋✋ chokes🙌 her during sex🍌🌋 and bruises her neck. Then He decides he can't have that because someone might see the marks, so then he spends time whipping✋✋✋ her butt with various implements, so he can get his jollies and see the welts and bruises, but no one will see them and suspect he's so twisted. Ann💋 goes along with it because she's a closet submissive who loves pain with her pleasure. It's a sick twisted👹 relationship, but it works for them!
Will Ann💋📝 put up with his selfish personality and his crazy needs and desires for a great big fat paycheck💰 at the end?

Jared🐺🍌🌋✋🔥 is a very very naaasssty man...... He's a hard spanker✋💪✋💪, a whipper, a binder, a choker🙌, he's a humiliator, a manipulator, and he always gets his way!

YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

Read at your own peril! You may not like what you find.......

[Diana Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linnea does it again!! Terrific book full of Dark Steamy Sexy Scenes that are sure to leave you panting & begging for more. Jared has everything he ever wanted except one thing. His opinions expressed & heard in the political world. He needs a woman by his side that understands the score. Ann is a reporter seeking that perfect story of all time. By chance these two happen to find each other. A means to a mutual end or something deeper? Find out by getting your copy now. I voluntarily read this ARC & this is my honest review

[C Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was too hardcore for me. The story was not bad, but I didn't enjoy the BDSM aspect because I'm not into choking.

I liked the part where their story developed. While there was an intent to destroy Jared, Ann didn't push through with it. The author probably thought that it's insignificant, but I would've liked to see Ann get revenge on Brandon for the things he said.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addition to the Violent Delights series. Jared seeks a new submissive to work with and Anne is the perfect choice.
A deep and dark story, a story of searching for trust and the ultimate sexual experience. An exciting read!

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense read that leaves you feeling a compassion for Jared and Ann. I felt like I was standing on the sidelines watching their story unfold.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Elizabeth Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This authors writing pulls you into the story and keeps you trapped until the end. Definitely recommend this book and this author.

[Jos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars just ok for me

OK, first off, I grabbed this book yesterday on a whim, the cover SOLD me but the story itself for me personally was just ok

I was looking for something "different" and light but it didn;t quite meet my hopes! This is my first read by this author and I will definitely give her another chance in the future for sure. Could have just been me or my mood, who knows, but I always like to give a an author whom is new to me a second chance:)

[Natalia]

On Hold!

The H of the audiobook had a way of talking that i hate... he talks like in a almost growling form!!

The story it self was meahhh...

[Natshane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC generously provided by the author.

Warning: Not for the faint heart.

It's been a while since I've read something as intense and steamy as this one.

Did it make my heart flutter at certain scenes? More like thundering beats.
Did it make me uncomfortable? Only the good kind.
Did it make me bite my lips? More times than I could count.

Jared is your typical super loaded alpha male with trust issues. Ann is your Anastasia Steele, naive, curious and in denial. Sounds familiar? Still, I devoured it with my heart and soul. Jared may be dominating and commanding, but there's a glimpse into the softness that he only allowed Ann to see. Their relationship may be flawed, heck, both of them carried around a baggage from the past, but the emotional transformation was incredible!

I didn't expect myself to be fully immersed in the story.

The only thing I wished the author has explored more is Ann's relationship with her family, and I was expecting more angst from their big fight, but I'd be lying if I say that the ending did not make me cry happy tears.

Highly recommended!

[Rhiannon Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read❣
I loved this book it grabbed me right from the start and held on to me until the very last page!
It's intense and I enjoyed every bit of it.
I loved the chemistry between these characters even though they deny it to themselves the chemistry jumps right off the page.
Jared is a strong independent alpha with a specific taste in the bedroom and Ann is also a strong independent woman who rediscovers her self through Jared's specific tastes. Can they trust each other to make this "relationship" work or will it blow up in their faces? Read to find out ...YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED ❣
I received an arc for an honest review and I'm so happy I did what a fantastic story this is❣

[SusanAhh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"His heart has been broken enough, and all I want to do is to glue it back together. I want to fix what others have destroyed."-Button, (Ann)

As a fan of Linnea May, I am always delighted by her skill with crafting the darkly romantic story. Somewhere in each of them is always a beautiful beacon of pure white light. As lovers of this art, we readers often can get carried away with the eroticism, even the seemingly forbidden "violent play" that Ms. May skillfully presents to us in all of its facets, the psychologically bonding, physically pleasurable, and emotionally fulfilling. In our delight and excitement from the read, we may miss some of the deeper truths and elucidating themes in her story. I actually reread the book and found that I almost missed the heartbreakingly transformative story of the male protagonist, Jared.
Ann, our female protagonist describes Jared as below:
"He's undeniably gorgeous, hot as hell, a rugged character with a matching voice, wrapped in an impeccable exterior. I could stare at his face forever, watch every furrow as his expression changes from serious to amused, from annoyed to relaxed. And his voice. That [effing] sexy voice."
The reader finds him in the Prologue bemoaning his bad luck at finding that perfect partner who will be a submissive play partner who remains emotionally detached and a pretend girlfriend who is able to negotiate the social intricacies and pitfalls of a politician's significant other.
We learn that he has a past of some sort which involved his heart and a very public betrayal.
Ann, who while doing research on an article involving a very private, discreet and specialized matchmaking agency, catches the eye of Jared. There meeting while brief and fraught with erroneous preconceived notions ultimately leads to Ann's hire as his submissive.
Ann is perfect in this role...maybe a little too perfect. As a result, we watch Jared struggling with his own self-imposed rules.
"I have to distance myself from her, even if it means getting out of bed, and detaching myself from an embrace that couldn't feel any more comfortable if I wanted it to. I could lie there forever, talking to her, watching her lively face while she speaks or ponders, feeling her body pressed against mine until the urges return, and my hardness orders us to connect as one again. Hell, I could even watch her sleep. I want to watch her sleep. I have to get out of here." -Jared
"...I may be a fool for this, but she's managed to bewitch me." - Jared
Ann is not left unchanged. She discovers that she enjoys the pain/pleasure exchange even to the extreme of breathe play. They are true match of "Violent Hearts".
Vulnerability and the inviolate value/need for trust are shown to be a part of every D/s relationship. Each vulnerable to the other and each requiring an unshakeable trust from the other There is an added complication to the budding love story of Ann and Jared, when Ann just cannot seem to stop her journalistic writing; challenging Jared's trust in her.
With all the super thematic content, there is the absolute hot, hawt, hot, style of writing the erotic scenes. Did I mention this book is smokin' hot!😛
I received an ARC of this wonderful read but I simply had to purchase the book. The author deserves her due. On any level, this read is worth the value! So dear prospective reader let your finger click away for a read that feeds the mind and well you know...😊

[Sara MacRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark. Delicious. Raw. Searing.

Jared: egocentric, handsome, success-driven, and hardened to emotions and affairs of the heart. Dominant.

Ann: independent, centered, focused on being financially self-sufficient by the time she turns thirty, and convinced love is an illusion. Submissive.

A chance meeting at the high-end escort agency Violent Delights evolves into what turns out to be the opportunity of their lifetimes for Ann and Jared.

There’s more to Ann than what Jared initially bargained for. He had gone through professional “high quality” escorts/call girls in his search for the perfect combination arm candy/personal slut he could find to fulfill his two immediate needs: a “stable” girlfriend to launch his Congressional campaign, and a no-feelings-involved sex kitten to feed his dark desires.

Ann, on the other hand, accepts Jared’s one-year lucrative offer so she can achieve her goal of being financially self-sufficient by the time she reaches the age of thirty. Unfortunately, she has to agree to Jared’s stipulation that she not publish anything she writes. She can no longer pursue her career path as a freelance journalist while she’s under contract to Jared, but he finally agrees to let her do the actual process of writing. Ann decides to capture their secret arrangement in words without Jared’s knowledge. Of course, as the reader suspects, those actions will not turn out well.

Author Linnea May once again crafts a riveting dark and steamy romance that’s built around a solid and thoroughly scripted story between two vulnerable hearts. As usual, what initially is focused on sex and physical release, dark desires, and the complicated psyches of the D/s relationship, transcends into a deeply intimate and loving relationship. May always invests in her readers’ literary satisfaction by writing an intense, emotional, character-driven plot that plays to both the dark and denied crevices of the heart. Lust and dark need masking buried vulnerabilities may be the match that ignites the initial flame, but it’s the process of stripping away life’s cruel layers and allowing the heart to feel that fans the flames into a raging inferno.

May’s writing continues to get better with each new offering, and the creative story concepts continue to amaze and delight.

Worth noting: the chapter when Jared shares his life’s story with Ann? In a word: brilliant. If the story didn’t already have you clutched up in its grasp, the raw outpouring in this chapter will do it. It’s the punch to the gut that will hook you and not let go.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars.

She got under his skin without even trying…

I received an Advance Reader Copy for Violent Hearts written by Linnea May and voluntarily reviewed this book. Jared King has had to reject the last few girls he has hired from his usual go-to agency, Violent Delights, where he goes when he requires a girl to keep the devil inside him in check. Why? They haven’t been able to adhere to the conditions specified on the signed and agreed-upon contacts. While visiting Violent Delights to choose a replacement, he runs into Ann Porter, who was not there to offer herself at all. She was there to conduct an interview as a freelance reporter, with the owner, Belinda Barry, to see what she can dig up about her business, specially concerning the more special or customized services rumored to be offered only to exclusive clientele. In her, Jared sees an unmolded and demanding challenge…just thinking about her whets his appetite. Only this time, Jared requires a longer contract because he is running for Congress and will require more than just sexual satisfaction.

Ann is quite taken by this gorgeous man who stops to question her in the agency’s lobby where she was waiting. The idea of him stays in her mind throughout the interview, and when Ann is dared by Ms. Barry to make an application, she does so, answering the raw curiosity in her gut, drawn to the financial advantages of becoming a Violent Delight girl now that she has gathered more elucidating facts for her article and for herself.

Fate and Ms. Barry intervene, and Ann’s application finds it way into Jared’s hands, which he pounces on immediately. He draws a ready and willing Ann into his home as well as his lifestyle in public and into his darkly sensuous and lust-filled web in private, both playing their roles perfectly - too perfectly. When doubt and mistrust come into play, will they be able to continue with their dual-purpose contract or will Jared need to fire her as well?

Another terrific dark-romance read from this author, about a man with a painful past, who does everything in his power to avoid all emotional ties, but who finally met a girl who got under his skin and was so perfect for him, he wanted much more.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was it just me?...

Let me begin by saying how much I thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels in this series, “Violent Delights” and “Violent Cravings”. Both are (in my opinion) fantastic, dark five-star reads. I missed the ARC for the second installment but purchased it without hesitation when released. I’m one of those readers who requires a strong connection between characters (even if it simply begins with lust) need to identify with the characters as well as discover some redeeming qualities within the characterizations.

“Violent Hearts” is well written and for most readers a potentially worthwhile read. The third installment is a bit different than the first two (nothing wrong with that right!?…) but I had a great deal of difficulty connecting with either character. For me it was not exactly dark, the steam evaporated midway through and I just didn’t feel any connection between the characters. The male protagonist felt a bit stiff, rather stuffy, self-centered, selfish (and not in a hot way…) and he just didn’t set my world (or me) on fire. I truly enjoy the cool, detached, confident Dom persona… but this guy was simply condescending. The female protagonist also seemed incredibly selfish, cold, calculating and her integrity truly questionable. While the male lead’s shortcomings appeared to result from a bad experience, the heroines character is a quite different matter and I simply could not relate. By the time either protagonist revealed the least bit of affection for each other, it was simply too late (my emotions had left the building…). I did find some redeeming qualities in the male lead toward the end but the female protagonist… still seemed rather self-absorbed. “Violent Hearts” also felt a little long at times and I found myself skimming through some of the inner dialogue. I also noted a bit more telling (rather than showing) especially in the second half of the book.

Ultimately, I recommend everyone read and form your own opinion. Since Linnea May is one of my favorite authors (and my opinion is not the norm) I’ve rounded up from 3.5 to 4 stars.

***I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ***

[PointedlyBlunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared King is in quite the pickle. He plans on running for Congress soon, but due to a nasty rumor from years ago that smeared his character, he needs a woman willing to play the perfect girlfriend on his arm in public. There’s a caveat, however. He doesn’t actually want to date anyone, but he still has needs and is looking for a ‘freak in the sheets’ to warm his bed at night. That’s where the high-class escort service, Violent Delights, comes in.

Jared’s seen all VD has to offer and isn’t impressed. Leaving Miss Burry’s (the madam) office in a huff, he comes across Ann, a freelance reporter there to interview Miss Burry. The introduction is tense and angsty, but that only makes Jared desire Ann more. Miss B finds out about this and convinces Ann to fill out an application. It will definitely help her achieve her goal of not having to work for money once she reaches 30. Just days later, Jared purchases Ann for one-year. Let the games begin!

Gonna be honest. I didn’t like Jared in the prologue. I found him skeezy and degrading, so I wasn’t quite looking forward to the story. But my concerns were quickly dispelled. Meeting Ann brought out most of the good in Jared, primarily his vulnerabilities. His dominant side was definitely not lacking, so it helped make him appear more human and sympathetic. Then when you find out what the rumor was from his past, you just want to hug him. …then maybe do other things.

Ann was harder to connect with. She was strong and feisty, but she almost never let her walls down. It didn’t help that I got bits of info about her past but they were vague and never explained. Mainly, what’s the deal with her dad and brother?

The plot moves steadily and easily kept my interest. Just like May’s first book in the series, Violent Delights, the intimate scenes are always risqué and sometimes, uncomfortable. Worth the read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jinx · Rating 3 out of 5]

23 year old free lance journalist Ann Porter aka Button, is given the task to write about Violent an escort agency, while waiting for her interview she has an encounter with a sexy mysterious man, who leaves her questioning if she should consider joining the agency and indeed make a lot of money as the man suggested.

Her curiously gets the Better of her and Ann goes through the motion of being interviewed for the agency while doing her interview, telling herself it's just research. Soon Ann's profile with the agency has been created and within two days she's going to meet her first interested client.... Mr Jared King, the man she encountered briefly in the waiting area at Violent.

When they first meet it's like the first day of school, where she's curious about everything but doesn't want to be to be seen as too eager. Their first sexual encounter is hot and steamy. And it gets even more so as the journey continues. Ann signs a contract to become Jared's slut in the bedroom and perfectly presentable in public as he's gearing up towards running for the senate. Can Ann be all that he wants her to be, and not fall for Sir? Will she always be journalist? Wanting to know more? Writing about Jared when he's not aware could be her ticket to big fortunes.

I liked this book, but I was glad it ended. While the story was good, I'm not big on BDSM where the dom leaves marks on the sub, that's not really my cup of tea. And this story was a little heavy on that, which was off putting. It was difficult for me to like either character, especially the heroine. Ann expects Jared to bare his soul but doesn't reciprocate, she never told him about her father, she hints at it but doesn't talk about it, while Jared tells her all about the woman who used him.

Anyway not really my cup of tea, a middle of the road story.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared whose running for congress went to Miss Barry looking for a new girl to pose as his girlfriend in public and his submissive in private but with no love ties. He's gone through a few and none have worked out. He has looked in the catalog but he doesn't see anyone he likes. Ann is a journalist who is assigned to do a story on an escort agency. She sets up an appointment to meet Miss Berry from Violent Delights. While waiting Jared King sees her and thinks she works there and comes up to her and she tells him she doesn't work there. He tells her to bad she could make big money and he'd love to see her picture in their catalog. When she talks to Miss Barry she asks about Jared King .
Miss Barry is thrilled to find out Jared showed interest in her. She convinces Ann to fill out an application to become a Violent Delights escort. She made it seem like it would be a long shot for anyone to pick her but it would help with her research. Within a few days she was notified to meet with a client that wants to purchase her for an extended period of time as his pretend girlfriend in public and submissive at night. When she arrives at the restaurant she is shocked and angered to find the person is none other than Jared King. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Jared is a dominant and into BDSM and he pushed her to her sexual limits. Sometimes she likes to push back. As time goes on they begin to reveal more and more about themselves. Both have secrets that can potentially destroy the other. Will they come clean before the other one finds out? Will their trust be broken forever? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Long-&-Predicable-Stars! ☆☆
First off, I already knew how this story was going to end from 20% into the book. I wish it had more suspense, plot twists, something! Anything! I had to DNF at 70% because it felt like pulling teeth at certain points. The story was either semi-intriguing or down-right boring.

The sex was good though. It was all consuming and erotic as f#%k. I wish the story matched.

“She rolls her eyes at me.
Big mistake.
I lean forward, placing my elbows on the table as I move in closer to her.
"Do that again and I'll bend you over the table right here and now," I calmly tell her in a low voice. "And spank that attitude out of you."
The look on her face in response to my warning is priceless.”

“My hands are tied here because you haven't f#%king agreed to anything yet, but if it was up to me, I'd bend you over my knees right here and now, spank the hell out of that tight ass of yours, and then f#%k you into oblivion because that's what you deserve, that's what you need. That's who you're going be when you're with me. You're going to be my sl#t, and you're going to f#%king love it.”

“His brute thrusts slow down when he begins massaging my cl!t. I throw my head back, warm water pouring down my face while he brings me closer to release in gradual waves, sending sparks of pleasure raging through my center with every deep thrust. I groan when he clasps my cl!t between two fingers, now pinching instead of massaging.”

I liked the other books in this series and wish it lived up to my expectations, but sadly if i could go back in time, I’d tell future me to skip it. It sucked getting my hopes up once every couple of chapters and then back to disappointment.

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared meets Ann while trying to find a perfect match at the upscale agency he uses. None of the women they have available are what he is looking for, frustrated he leaves knowing he needs to find something soon- his team has been suggesting with his past media scandal he would look better with an elegant woman on his arm at all his events. Walking out Anna catches his eye- Ann is a breath of challenging fresh air! She is not an escort. She is a reporter - he should be running the other way, but she has him fascinated. Jared balls to the wall waste no time with pleasantries, he lets her know what he feels she would be good for. Then leaves Ann standing opened mouthed ready to fight.
Ann all lighting and fire- is doing a story on the agency, once the interview gets going. She ends up getting talked into taking a few of the tests the escorts go through, thinking of all the crazy thing Jared said to her earlier, she uses this to her advantage. Playing along she decides to be " an escort " thinking this would be great pieces for her story, of course, the only man who sees her file is Jared.
What starts out as Frustrating, a hot fight of wits and stamina ends up someplace deeper than they both had planned on going.
This emotionally charged - oh no he didn't, high- five that girl, white hot- demon chasing detailed fast paced well-written read had me at first good girl and did not want to let me go until the very end! These books just keep better and better! Another winner by Linnea May
I voluntarily read advanced readers copy of this book

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It is a little on the darker side but nothing too bad. It is BDSM and it is not on the light side either. This is where most of the darkness enters the story. Everything is consensual though Ann is new to the scene. Jared is looking to enter the political scene and has a little bit of dirt in his past that could hurt him and so he has been advised that he needs a woman on his arm that will look good to the public. He also needs someone that can handle his desires in the bedroom so he goes to Violent Delights to help him find the right girl. He is having a hard time of it and then finds Ann. He wants it to be more of a business transaction and to leave the emotions out of it. Ann ends up saying yes even though she has never done anything like this. This is an interesting story and I thought that it did a great job weaving the tale and making you feel and like the characters. They don't exactly have it easy with the situation that they have set up for themselves. They both have growth that needs to happen for them to get their HEA and I thought that that was portrayed well. The BDSM is a large part of this book and in Jared's and Ann's interactions with each other. The sex is explicit and plays a large role because of that. I did enjoy how it was blended in with everything else though. The story is not just sex. There is a lot more to it than just that. I thought it had a good pace and plenty to keep me entertained while reading it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Bookworm223 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linnea May has done it again! I loved this book (eventually), and the series continues to get better with each new addition. Jared King is a billionaire with kinky desires that he seeks to keep hidden during his bid for a Congressional seat. He uses Violent Delights for a submissive but can't seem to find one that doesn't fall in love with him, which is a BIG no-no. Another requirement for his submissive is that she look good on his arm while out and about on the town.

Ann Porter is a freelance journalist who wants to be financially set before she's 30. When she goes to interview Belinda Barry, the woman behind matching the escorts of Violent Delights with clients, she's talked into becoming an escort. The thing I loved most about Ann is that she wasn't aware that she was a submissive, albeit a very bratty, headstrong one. It's beautiful when someone discovers the freedom that can be found in submission.

I took a star off because this book was hard to get into. In the very beginning, I didn't really care for either Jared, who seemed like the king of all douchebags (that James Bond introduction, anyone?) and Ann, who came off as an airhead when a hot guy was around, and a little too bi***y for my tastes. However, as the book progressed, and we learned more of the characters' backstories, my opinion of them changed and I was rooting for them to have a HEA. The book overall wasn't as dark as the other two in the series, but I have to give props to Ms. May for writing sex scenes that get steamier in each book without feeling repetitive. Give this book a try.

[Shatire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't Know What Happened

I don't know what happened, but I did not like Violent Hearts as much as it's predecessors. I think it was Ann, I had a serious love/hate thing going with her. I liked that she challenged Jared, but there were a few things that annoyed the heck out of me. First, looking down on Violent Delight, it's girls and clientele. They're grown men and women, and everything they do is consensual. She's judges them, then turns around and does the same thing. Second, until about halfway, she's always on edge. She's ready to find fault in everything he does and picks a fight. He calls her out on it and admits ALL of her exes have said the same thing. News flash: if they're all saying it, adjust your attitude. Third, is the end when she says she never considered telling Jared's secrets. She wrote about their relationship and lied about what she was writing. She asked herself what if all time about selling the things she wrote down. Several times Jared gave her opportunities to be honest with him, and she didn't until her back was against the wall. Yes, she improved on the first two and I appreciate the growth. However, she really feels she didn't do anything wrong where writing about Jared and then lying about it is concerned. That bothers me most because of Jared's history.
He could be jerk, but he owned it and was honest about the type of person he was from the beginning. He's a beautiful troubled soul and I really loved his character.
I do still recommend the book, as my feelings for Ann will not be the same as everyone else's.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the theme of the other A Dark Billionaire Romances the main characters are darker, sensual billionaire and a younger or less experienced female. In these novel Jared is a successful business mogul who is interested in entering politics, but has certain darker needs that wouldn't be understood by the general public. Ann in a young free lance reporter who wants nothing more to be in a financial secure enough to be able to selectively choose the stories she right.
When Ann is asked to write a story about one of the most notorious and exclusive escort services, Violent Delights, she can't afford to say no. Little did she know that by end of her interview she would have been intrigued by a handsome client and submitting profile with a purchase price high enough to fulfill her desire to be financially secure. When Violent Delights sends Jared the profile of the intriguing women that he met in the waiting area of Violent Delights, he couldn't believe his luck. But upon discovering that she is a reporter, he knew that he was playing with fire but couldn't resist the impulse.
This is a darker themed romance, with BDSM scenes. Appreciated the the characters went through full progression and there struggles were fully developed and resolved.
I received this book from the author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second book in this series I have read by this author and yes, Yes, YES I definitely keep coming back for more. I guess I am strange but I love the concept of the exclusive escort agency Violent Delights. Why shouldn't there be a place for women who have certain needs whether financial or physical get to spend time with like-minded filthy (no pun intended) rich men who are willing to pay for their company. As in Jared King's case, the previous women he has selected all forgot the one very important clause in the contract which is do not get emotionally involved since this is only business. Well, the saying be careful what you wish for since it may come true is brought to fruition when free-lance journalist Ann Porter goes to Violent Delights to do an interview but ends up signing as an escort. Of course Jared is the man who buys her to help be his fake fiancé while he launches a bid for Congress. It is amusing to see the frustration as Jared starts to have feelings for "Button" (go ahead and read to find out about that) forgetting the "business only" clause but finds that Button is sticking to the terms of their agreement. Does this book have an HEA? You are kept on the edge of your seat as one minute you say, YES they will find a life together only to feel after the next pages that no, things won't work out. This is definitely a must read story that has a dark scene so be forewarned.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book, so I'm giving my honest review. Violent Hearts is book #3 in the series based around the Violent Delights Agency (a very exclusive escort agency) by Linnea May. The book is a Dark Romance with themes of violence & sizzling BDSM scenes. Intended for audiences 18+ and if you don't like this themes, well don't read it. It's a standalone story, NO cheating, NO cliffhangers and a guaranteed great end. This installment is very well written bit more darker than the first two books and full of intrigue, trust and betrayal, passion, hot sexual chemistry. I enjoyed reading about freelance journalist Ann Porter and Jared King, a sexy billionaire business tycoon with ambitions toward becoming a congressman. He needs her to make him look good, dependable, honorable and trustworthy. Ann is writing an interview about an escort agency and ends up doing a trial run of what the real escorts go through. Then they meet and .......no spoilers here! If you like reading dark and erotic romances go ahead and read this. You will not be disappointed! I highly recommend it.

[Shannon S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violent Hearts is an amazing Dark Romance. Be prepared though, it will definitely set your heart and body on fire.

This was my first time reading Linnea May's books. From the very beginning the story was captivating until the very end.

Jared is a sexy dominant man looking for a new submissive at Violent Delights, where he meets Ann. He needs someone to help him with his image, but someone who he can dominate in the bedroom. Jared definitely had my mind racing and heart aching. He may have seemed so closed off, but I could feel his emotions without anything being said.

Ann is a sexy reporter doing a story on the club. She decides to be an escort for Jared. Jared only wants Ann and leaves her to make the decision to follow him or not.
What starts out as just a "contract" between two people, turns into an emotional roller coaster ride of frustration, passion, trust, betrayal, and love.
Ann and Jared must decide to be who they are together or live in silence without ever having that other piece of their heart.
This book is well written and a definite must read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. My review is my own and in no way influenced.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series from Linnea May and this one may be my favorite so far. While each book can be read alone I have read all three and they just keep getting better. Violent Delights is a service that hooks up men with the money to buy what their tastes demand with the women who will fit their needs. In Violent Hearts it sets up an aspiring Congressman with a reporter who will learn more about herself than she ever imagined. Jared needs a woman who can be seen on his arm out in public and yield to his every demand behind closed doors without looking for a deeper commitment and that's just what he finds in Ann the reporter who signs up with Violent Delights on a whim. Ann will be broken down in ways she never imagined liking and learn to trust someone with her everything. Jared will learn to let the ghosts of his past go in order to find what he never thought he would want. Two people who have be broken by their pasts will be rebuilt stronger than ever. This is a hot and dark read that I couldn't get enough of. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡♡I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.♡♡

Hero, Ann  = 4/5
Heroine, Jared = 4/5
Secondary Characters = 4/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 2/5
Action =  1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = Dual POV
Ending = HEA
Stars =  4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Author = Linnea May
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I re-read this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes

Great book with BDSM theme. The involves the club, Violent Delights (which we have seen in other books, Violent Delights & Violent Cravings) all of which are standalones and amazing as well.

This book has amazing characters, decent plot, & awesome chemistry. The bond that is shared between the hero and heroine is fabulous.

Ann is learning the basics of being a submissive and Jared certainly has a love/hate relationship with her. At least they both love the punishments. Jared has secrets from his past that eventually come out in the open. He's afraid that it will run Ann away. Can she trust him?