What do you think?
Rate this book
Vanquished
If I should die before I wake... Then my soul is Caesar's to take. He pulls me down, he lifts me up. And then he leaves me in the muck. If I should fall before I fly... Then they know it was the fault of mine. He taught me better, he led the way. I just didn't know how to stay. And if I should not gain his heart... Fuck that, he made me this way. Curled my thoughts and twisted me. He belongs to me, forever. WARNING: This book is DARK. So dark, I barely found my way writing it. Know this. Understand it. Believe it. It's one long warning from beginning to end, but the love found between the pages is everlasting. This is NOT a conventional couple, and they don't come together with rainbows and silver linings. There's pain. There's violence. There's blood. You have been warned. Please ... Please, walk away if a filthy dark story isn't right for you. You will find no softness here. But if you like it so dark the sun won't make you feel warm again, then you've found the right place, and Caesar is waiting.
Paperback
First published August 8, 2017
289 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
LeTeisha Newton
81 books557 followersWriting professionally since 2008, LeTeisha Newton’s love of romance novels began long before it should have. After spending years sneaking reads from her grandmother’s stash, she finally decided to pen her own tales. As many will do during their youth, she bounced from fantasy, urban literature, mainstream, interracial, paranormal, heterosexual, and LGBT works until she finally rested in contemporary romance.
LeTeisha is all about deep angst and angry heroes who take a bit more loving to smooth their rough edges. Love comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors, as well as with—or without—absolute beauty and fairy tale sweetness. She writes the darker tales because life is hard … but love is harder.
FOLLOW HER ON AMAZON
http://bit.ly/FollowLN
CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE
http://leteishanewton.com/
FIND HER ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeTeis...
FIND HER ON INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/thereallete...
FIND HER ON WATTPAD
https://www.wattpad.com/user/LeTeisha...
LeTeisha is all about deep angst and angry heroes who take a bit more loving to smooth their rough edges. Love comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors, as well as with—or without—absolute beauty and fairy tale sweetness. She writes the darker tales because life is hard … but love is harder.
FOLLOW HER ON AMAZON
http://bit.ly/FollowLN
CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE
http://leteishanewton.com/
FIND HER ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeTeis...
FIND HER ON INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/thereallete...
FIND HER ON WATTPAD
https://www.wattpad.com/user/LeTeisha...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
Read
August 17, 2017I won't rate this as I knew it was dark before I went into it. I love dark romance but I have to admit this was too much even for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"Maybe we were both trapped in the makings of our prisons, ones that didn't have physical ties but kept us locked away."
I love dark romances, but two things that bother me a lot with these types of stories are that it's either incomplete (rushed) or the initial personalities of the characters are unrecognizable after a while. I was really happy that that was NOT the case with Vanquished. I am really picky with my dark romances, and it takes a lot to keep me interested from start until finish. LeTeisha did an incredible job in doing that. It was also unpredictable and I loved the unexpected things that happened, because it kept me on my toes. I was intrigued by both Ashlyn and Caesar. They were both so complicated and knew nothing but evil. I have a thing for villains and Caesar definitely fit the bill. He was ruthless, dark, twisted and broken.
"I didn't imagine a knight in brilliant golden armor riding in to save the day. No, not me. I saw a black knight, wrapped in blood and vengeance, not promising me life but the easy peace in the end."
He did some really messed up things to Ashlyn and others. Ashlyn herself had a much worse past than him, and my heart broke for her. I really wanted her to be okay in the end. After all she has been through, she goes through more horrific things in the present. She is completely broken and doesn't know how to live. What I loved most about this book is that the author stayed true to the characters. She was very consistent and everything fit perfectly together. I also loved seeing the fighter in Ash peeking through at times. Even though she was completely destroyed, there was still something in her holding on to life. Vanquished is a great dark romance and I hate saying goodbye to these characters. I am curious to see how the characters will grow further, so the only thing missing was an epilogue. I have this author on my radar and I am looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
PS: Ash and Caesar are a very unconventional couple and there are very dark and twisted scenes!
"Maybe we were both trapped in the makings of our prisons, ones that didn't have physical ties but kept us locked away."
I love dark romances, but two things that bother me a lot with these types of stories are that it's either incomplete (rushed) or the initial personalities of the characters are unrecognizable after a while. I was really happy that that was NOT the case with Vanquished. I am really picky with my dark romances, and it takes a lot to keep me interested from start until finish. LeTeisha did an incredible job in doing that. It was also unpredictable and I loved the unexpected things that happened, because it kept me on my toes. I was intrigued by both Ashlyn and Caesar. They were both so complicated and knew nothing but evil. I have a thing for villains and Caesar definitely fit the bill. He was ruthless, dark, twisted and broken.
"I didn't imagine a knight in brilliant golden armor riding in to save the day. No, not me. I saw a black knight, wrapped in blood and vengeance, not promising me life but the easy peace in the end."
He did some really messed up things to Ashlyn and others. Ashlyn herself had a much worse past than him, and my heart broke for her. I really wanted her to be okay in the end. After all she has been through, she goes through more horrific things in the present. She is completely broken and doesn't know how to live. What I loved most about this book is that the author stayed true to the characters. She was very consistent and everything fit perfectly together. I also loved seeing the fighter in Ash peeking through at times. Even though she was completely destroyed, there was still something in her holding on to life. Vanquished is a great dark romance and I hate saying goodbye to these characters. I am curious to see how the characters will grow further, so the only thing missing was an epilogue. I have this author on my radar and I am looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
PS: Ash and Caesar are a very unconventional couple and there are very dark and twisted scenes!
February 24, 2018
This was very dark with lots of triggers. It was downright uncomfortable to read at times, but that's not why it gets 3 stars. A lot of really screwed up stuff happened to Ash. The damage to her psyche wasn't taken seriously enough. Several times throughout the book she mentioned wanting to die. The desperation, the deep unwillingness to live, wasn't in her thoughts. The biggest mental issue she grappled with was why she got off on pain. This wasn't nearly as depressing as it could have been considering what Ash went through.
I wasn't a fan of Caesar. His assholery didn't bother me too much. It was his lack of compassion for people that bothered me. He was deeply hurt when his sister was murdered. That experience didn't give him a deep respect for women; all it did was turn him into the type of person he hated. He did evolve slightly by the end of the book, but not enough for me to like him. His attachment to Ash didn't make sense. It was insta-love for him. She was beautiful but that wasn't anything new for him. All they shared was abuse. It felt more like obsession than love.
I wasn't a fan of Caesar. His assholery didn't bother me too much. It was his lack of compassion for people that bothered me. He was deeply hurt when his sister was murdered. That experience didn't give him a deep respect for women; all it did was turn him into the type of person he hated. He did evolve slightly by the end of the book, but not enough for me to like him. His attachment to Ash didn't make sense. It was insta-love for him. She was beautiful but that wasn't anything new for him. All they shared was abuse. It felt more like obsession than love.
September 5, 2017
Not everyone will like every book written. And that is certainly ok. We all have our likes and dislikes. We all have our limits whether they're soft or hard limits. We're individuals with individual tastes.
I can almost guarantee Vanquished is not for 85% of the readers who will read it. I will go as far as 90%. Why? Not everyone will understand the dynamics of Caesar and Ashlyn's co-existence. This story is a work of fiction. Although fiction, 60% of the scenes will offend some readers. Instead of discontinuing reading the book, someone will FINISH the story and complain it's too dark in a review or post somewhere. Yes the story is dark. Yes the violence is extreme. But Caesar is "MF King" and extreme is his middle name! Caesar is rough. Soft is not in his realm of understanding. Anyone privileged enough to enter his world must be tough! This story is not soft or pretty....
Although not soft, pretty, nor romantic, Vanquished is AH-MAZING!
To the infamous 10 who can understand and appreciate the level of darkness detailed in this story, mount up and let's ride! Welcome to Caesar's world! Once you step into Caesar's world you are forever changed!
Five fabulous stars!
I can almost guarantee Vanquished is not for 85% of the readers who will read it. I will go as far as 90%. Why? Not everyone will understand the dynamics of Caesar and Ashlyn's co-existence. This story is a work of fiction. Although fiction, 60% of the scenes will offend some readers. Instead of discontinuing reading the book, someone will FINISH the story and complain it's too dark in a review or post somewhere. Yes the story is dark. Yes the violence is extreme. But Caesar is "MF King" and extreme is his middle name! Caesar is rough. Soft is not in his realm of understanding. Anyone privileged enough to enter his world must be tough! This story is not soft or pretty....
Although not soft, pretty, nor romantic, Vanquished is AH-MAZING!
To the infamous 10 who can understand and appreciate the level of darkness detailed in this story, mount up and let's ride! Welcome to Caesar's world! Once you step into Caesar's world you are forever changed!
Five fabulous stars!
January 14, 2026
Phew. 😮💨
Caesar has taken Ashlyn as payment for drugs that a dealer has used instead of sold. What follows is very graphic and rough to read. She is put through extreme violence, torture, kidnapping, abuse, and rape - and I mean lots of rape, like…lots. This isn’t sweet. This isn’t romantic. Cesar is a fucked up psychopath and Ashlyn is a product of her upbringing and what she’s been put through her whole life.
This book is brutal. You’ve been warned.
Caesar has taken Ashlyn as payment for drugs that a dealer has used instead of sold. What follows is very graphic and rough to read. She is put through extreme violence, torture, kidnapping, abuse, and rape - and I mean lots of rape, like…lots. This isn’t sweet. This isn’t romantic. Cesar is a fucked up psychopath and Ashlyn is a product of her upbringing and what she’s been put through her whole life.
This book is brutal. You’ve been warned.
August 23, 2020
Dnf at 52%. 1.5 generously rounded to 2. Just wasn’t doing it for me. I have a hard time being attracted to an H who says things like “liar, liar pants on fire” and “snitches get stitches,” coupled with calling the h “Ashy Lashy” for some reason. Add to that the myriad of typos and the addition of OW/OM, and I’m calling this one quits.
Want to read
March 27, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/27/2020)! 🎁
August 14, 2017
Oh hell is this book dark and so full of possible triggers. It's not an easy read, and I found myself having to put the book down for a short while on a couple of occasions. But I also really enjoyed the book.
Ashlyn tried so hard to be both free and also the person she thought she wanted to be. Some of her fear based reactions, where she reverted to her 'Jason' behaviour, were heartbreaking. And yet through out it all she had incredible strength.
Caesar is the monster who grows on you and finds a way to touch your heart. The book is written first person from both POV's and his last chapter was the wonderful twist this story needed.
The pace was amazing with lots of twists and turns. I found the author's style of writing easy to read and felt that the story flowed smoothly. The chemistry was intense, and even though this was in no way a romantic read, I did feel and believe in the connection between Ashlyn and Caesar.
If you like a dark read I do recommend this, although be warned that it does contain abuse, rape and graphic violence.
Ashlyn tried so hard to be both free and also the person she thought she wanted to be. Some of her fear based reactions, where she reverted to her 'Jason' behaviour, were heartbreaking. And yet through out it all she had incredible strength.
I wanted that Devil to strip me of ever believing in heaven and turn me into his Lileth.
I'd rather be beside the Devil, than beholden to a God who'd forgotten me.
Caesar is the monster who grows on you and finds a way to touch your heart. The book is written first person from both POV's and his last chapter was the wonderful twist this story needed.
The pace was amazing with lots of twists and turns. I found the author's style of writing easy to read and felt that the story flowed smoothly. The chemistry was intense, and even though this was in no way a romantic read, I did feel and believe in the connection between Ashlyn and Caesar.
If you like a dark read I do recommend this, although be warned that it does contain abuse, rape and graphic violence.
July 9, 2022
Note: This book is extreme dark graphic sexual violence, (for graphic violence, including scenes of bloodshed, torture, and extreme cruelty)
The cover is very deceiving. Your thinking, hot guy with beard on cover, romance right? Hell To The No! This book is very well-written and dark with a capital "D!" I love dark romance but this one I had to take a breather! Yes, I, Jessica, needed a break or two! I know right. And no I'm not becoming a softie! NEVER!!! I can't even put into words what I just read... Ashlyn - my goodness (I felt deeply for her) everything she's been through just to be put in a terrible environment again. and again.. Caesar St. Clair - I'm sorry, but this sadistic sinister alpha-man (scared the crap out of me! The only thing sexy about him was his beard) I loved the fact that the author kept him still sadistic to the very end and not turn him into some love sick puppy dog! Kept him more like frickin' Cujo! *Woof Baby* There was one scene with Caesar (that had me rolling my eyes)
The only negative I have: there was a lot of pages blank! (I wanted to scream) especially on crazy scenes (a whole page was missing) a total of "38" pages. So, the story for me was chopped up! Very annoying! That's why I dropped stars. This could have been easily a 5-star rating!
The cover is very deceiving. Your thinking, hot guy with beard on cover, romance right? Hell To The No! This book is very well-written and dark with a capital "D!" I love dark romance but this one I had to take a breather! Yes, I, Jessica, needed a break or two! I know right. And no I'm not becoming a softie! NEVER!!! I can't even put into words what I just read... Ashlyn - my goodness (I felt deeply for her) everything she's been through just to be put in a terrible environment again. and again.. Caesar St. Clair - I'm sorry, but this sadistic sinister alpha-man (scared the crap out of me! The only thing sexy about him was his beard) I loved the fact that the author kept him still sadistic to the very end and not turn him into some love sick puppy dog! Kept him more like frickin' Cujo! *Woof Baby* There was one scene with Caesar (that had me rolling my eyes)
The only negative I have: there was a lot of pages blank! (I wanted to scream) especially on crazy scenes (a whole page was missing) a total of "38" pages. So, the story for me was chopped up! Very annoying! That's why I dropped stars. This could have been easily a 5-star rating!
February 19, 2018
This book is so hard to even write about. It was so freaking dark, confusing and infuriating. I was disgusted by it yet drawn to it. I couldn’t put it down.
Both the characters were messed up. Like twisted individuals messed up. I got what she was trying to portray with the characters, but as a social worker I could not understand it. Ashlyn went through so much trauma in this book that she needed a freaking psychiatrist. No way and hell she could survive what she did and not need a shrink. The author tried to play it off that she didn’t but she freaking did. Trust me she did.
Now I have read some dark romances many in fact but this kind of takes the cake. I gave this book a three because I didn’t like how it ended. I wanted to see some growth from the characters and I didn’t see much of any. I also gave this book a three because I wanted the female character to be strong and take
back her freaking life and when she had the chance of freedom she went back to him. That really infuriated me.
All in all I wouldn’t recommend for the faint of heart!
Happy Reading!!
Both the characters were messed up. Like twisted individuals messed up. I got what she was trying to portray with the characters, but as a social worker I could not understand it. Ashlyn went through so much trauma in this book that she needed a freaking psychiatrist. No way and hell she could survive what she did and not need a shrink. The author tried to play it off that she didn’t but she freaking did. Trust me she did.
Now I have read some dark romances many in fact but this kind of takes the cake. I gave this book a three because I didn’t like how it ended. I wanted to see some growth from the characters and I didn’t see much of any. I also gave this book a three because I wanted the female character to be strong and take
back her freaking life and when she had the chance of freedom she went back to him. That really infuriated me.
All in all I wouldn’t recommend for the faint of heart!
Happy Reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 17, 2017Reviews too scary.
August 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I have to stay this is a romance but not the easiest one your ever going to read. There may be certain events that will trigger some people.
Caesar and Ashlyn do not meet under any kind of normal circumstances. In fact he takes her. They are both two very messed up characters. Ashlyn never stood a chance between her brother and his friend and a mother who could have cared less. Caesar is a crime boss in Miami and no one messes with him. However Ashlyn is offered up to him basically on a silver platter. However, all she has ever wanted is to be free of the life she never asked for. Now in the clutches of Caesar Ashlyn has given up any hope of the life she should have had and deserved.
I am not really what to say about this book without giving everything away. There is so much that happens that you are sucked in from the first page and kept reading as fast as you can to the last. This story isn't pretty and it isn't your typical romance by any means. Its dark. Really really dark. I however am a fan of dark books and loved every second of it. But, I will admit some of the parts were really hard to read. Just buckle up and enjoy. I'm not giving anything away.
I have to stay this is a romance but not the easiest one your ever going to read. There may be certain events that will trigger some people.
Caesar and Ashlyn do not meet under any kind of normal circumstances. In fact he takes her. They are both two very messed up characters. Ashlyn never stood a chance between her brother and his friend and a mother who could have cared less. Caesar is a crime boss in Miami and no one messes with him. However Ashlyn is offered up to him basically on a silver platter. However, all she has ever wanted is to be free of the life she never asked for. Now in the clutches of Caesar Ashlyn has given up any hope of the life she should have had and deserved.
I am not really what to say about this book without giving everything away. There is so much that happens that you are sucked in from the first page and kept reading as fast as you can to the last. This story isn't pretty and it isn't your typical romance by any means. Its dark. Really really dark. I however am a fan of dark books and loved every second of it. But, I will admit some of the parts were really hard to read. Just buckle up and enjoy. I'm not giving anything away.
December 24, 2024
Stumbling past the deeply problematic and racist AF rhetoric from the MMC in the first 11% 😒, I decided to see how this whole "I'm mixed and so I'm a true child of America" comment was going to unfold. Like is everyone appalled by this thinking, and it's just a way to show what an a-hole the MMC is etc etc. As I kept reading, I realized something. The writing just was lacking. The FMC had some characteristization holes. The MMC was dead serious about being mixed race (his descriptor) and that making him edgy or something or like more hard-core from the hard-core or whatever and by the time he smacked the FMC in the face before entered his condo I thought about another read I had (Vendetta by Ellie Sanders) that had more maturity and naunce with the same exact tropes. I asked for an irredeemable MMC but as a Black woman I don't need to stumble upon dopey stupid lines like "whaaa I'm a true child of America bc I'm not white enough for poor white trash but I'm not Black enough for the ghetto" being a full blown statement and it just gets glossed over. No. No. I struggled with connecting to the text even though I sped through the next 30%, but that line and subsequent behavior was unshakable in its absurdity. It was appalling on a lot of different levels. So DNF and I'm not mad at it.
August 24, 2017
Wow this book took me by surprise. I've not read anything by this author but as soon as I saw she had written a dark read I knew I needed to read it. I wasn't disappointed. From start to finish I was engrossed in the story. My dark heart loved the characters and I couldn't get enough of them.
Ashlyn and Caeser are a great match. Both are dark and twisted although Caeser was so much darker. My heart broke for Ashlyn. I felt her pain and I also was rooting she would find happiness too. Caeser is so dark. He really doesn't know any different. He became the man he is to survive and the dark part of me loved him.
This is a dark read so if your like me and you love a well written dark story then I highly recommend you read this. I can't praise this story highly enough and I hope the author writes more in this genre.
Ashlyn and Caeser are a great match. Both are dark and twisted although Caeser was so much darker. My heart broke for Ashlyn. I felt her pain and I also was rooting she would find happiness too. Caeser is so dark. He really doesn't know any different. He became the man he is to survive and the dark part of me loved him.
This is a dark read so if your like me and you love a well written dark story then I highly recommend you read this. I can't praise this story highly enough and I hope the author writes more in this genre.
April 5, 2020
Wow this story takes dark and dirty to a whole new level.
Caesar is ruled by his past and is the ultimate alpha male. His actions are ruthless and he acts without remorse.
Ashlyn was dealt a cruel hand from a young age. Controlled by others she was never given a chance to make her own decisions.
The depths of darkness, sexual torture and brutality that bled through the pages had my heart racing and at some points I felt so dirty reading it that I needed a shower. Lol.
This is the first time reading this author and I read the book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down so 8 will be seeking out all of this authors dark reads.
Caesar is ruled by his past and is the ultimate alpha male. His actions are ruthless and he acts without remorse.
Ashlyn was dealt a cruel hand from a young age. Controlled by others she was never given a chance to make her own decisions.
The depths of darkness, sexual torture and brutality that bled through the pages had my heart racing and at some points I felt so dirty reading it that I needed a shower. Lol.
This is the first time reading this author and I read the book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down so 8 will be seeking out all of this authors dark reads.
June 10, 2020
Twisted & tainted
Just when I thought I had read dark romance, I get a recommendation for vanquished. This book was the darkness that you find inside of darkness. There are so many disturbing parts about this book that I was surprised I enjoyed it. I definitely did. The author's ability to tell a great story filled with emotions and triggers makes this a riveting page-turner.
Just when I thought I had read dark romance, I get a recommendation for vanquished. This book was the darkness that you find inside of darkness. There are so many disturbing parts about this book that I was surprised I enjoyed it. I definitely did. The author's ability to tell a great story filled with emotions and triggers makes this a riveting page-turner.
August 18, 2017
5 amazing stars
I'm literally struggling with how to rate this book. Net because it was bad- quite on the contrary; it was one of those books that was fascinating and pushed a little more of my, what I originally thought were, dead set boundaries and what I wouldn' t find interesting in books. Vanquished wasn't my first book by Leteisha Newton, but it was nothing like the previous ones I had read, nor do I think it will be my last from her.
4.5 sexy dreams
While I do struggle with my rating, I'm not when it comes to making an opinion of it. Honestly, Bravo to this author for writing a mafia type novel that is dark enough to make my breath catch in my throat. For writing a story that shows you exactly what the human person will go through to not only survive, but protect themselves. She also goes so far as to prove just how much a person will sacrifice for love- and it is not always pretty. While lingering - book a 5 star rating, mostly because I'm some sort of crazy, I'M also aware that this won't be for everyone. Triggers? There are plenty and it was all sorts of wrong in my own good way, making me more than little excited for Leteisha Newton's next release.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Goodreads |
[image error]
Amazon |
Facebook |
By Email
September 3, 2017
van·quish
[ˈvaNGkwiSH]
1. to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle.
2. to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over.
3. to overcome or overpower.
The title is so befitting of this story in more ways than one. Caesar’s desire to conquer Ashlyn, and Ashlyn’s will to overcome her life’s circumstance. Breaking her is part of the game, loving her may be what breaks him.
I was the past he tried to run away from, and he was my future I could not stomach, and yet we could not escape the other.
Caesar is a special kind of asshole. He is wildly destructive, dangerously insane, and a complete raging lunatic. He does some pretty offensive and heinous things, particularly to Ashlyn. His darkness calls to her and her's relishes in every little demoralizing act he dispenses.
I loved the dark within this story for the shapes that came out of the shadows, and the light that shone through in the way of a black knight wrapped in blood and vengeance slaying demons as he went. I appreciated the struggle and the strength of the characters that were not destroyed by the weight of the tragedy, but were reinforced by not having given in.
The man of my dreams. He loved me, hurt me, cared for me, and was darker than my night, so I could know what it was to have the light.
Vanquished is superbly conceived and meticulously woven. It is depraved and sinister with ample amounts of raw, rough, and angry sexual situations. This is a darker than dark romance and I revelled in it.
[ˈvaNGkwiSH]
1. to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle.
2. to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over.
3. to overcome or overpower.
The title is so befitting of this story in more ways than one. Caesar’s desire to conquer Ashlyn, and Ashlyn’s will to overcome her life’s circumstance. Breaking her is part of the game, loving her may be what breaks him.
I was the past he tried to run away from, and he was my future I could not stomach, and yet we could not escape the other.
Caesar is a special kind of asshole. He is wildly destructive, dangerously insane, and a complete raging lunatic. He does some pretty offensive and heinous things, particularly to Ashlyn. His darkness calls to her and her's relishes in every little demoralizing act he dispenses.
I loved the dark within this story for the shapes that came out of the shadows, and the light that shone through in the way of a black knight wrapped in blood and vengeance slaying demons as he went. I appreciated the struggle and the strength of the characters that were not destroyed by the weight of the tragedy, but were reinforced by not having given in.
The man of my dreams. He loved me, hurt me, cared for me, and was darker than my night, so I could know what it was to have the light.
Vanquished is superbly conceived and meticulously woven. It is depraved and sinister with ample amounts of raw, rough, and angry sexual situations. This is a darker than dark romance and I revelled in it.
March 1, 2018
Caesar St.Clair is 28 years old and works with Sean. When he is double crossed by Trace owing him his money, Trace promises Caesar his sister, Ashlyn.
Ashlyn Myers is 22 years old and engaged to college football star Matthew Hughes. She knows marrying Matthew will help her escape her troubled past and save her best friend Tamara.
But when Ashlyn finds herself taken by Caesar she finds her whole world turned upside down and a prisoner once again. Can Ashlyn find her way out of the darkness before she loses herself completely?
This is a dark book and will not be enjoyed by everyone as it could be a trigger for some people.
So Caesar was just pure evil from start to end and I had a hard time relating to him. I was so mad at him for grabbing Ashlyn and punishing her for what her brother owed. Caesar was just as cruel as Jason and Trace were and I was frustrated that he treated Ashlyn almost the same way.
I liked Ashlyn and felt awful for her with what she went through in the past and I could understand why she needed to do whatever it took to get away from her former life. I was shocked at how she was treated by Caesar and I could understand why she wanted to escape.
There were a few twists and turns in the book that left me wondering what was going to happen next. I was shocked at what happened with Gleason and then Sean and what Caesar did in return.
I was so mad at Ashlyn at the end as I felt like she didn't give herself a chance!!
Ashlyn Myers is 22 years old and engaged to college football star Matthew Hughes. She knows marrying Matthew will help her escape her troubled past and save her best friend Tamara.
But when Ashlyn finds herself taken by Caesar she finds her whole world turned upside down and a prisoner once again. Can Ashlyn find her way out of the darkness before she loses herself completely?
This is a dark book and will not be enjoyed by everyone as it could be a trigger for some people.
So Caesar was just pure evil from start to end and I had a hard time relating to him. I was so mad at him for grabbing Ashlyn and punishing her for what her brother owed. Caesar was just as cruel as Jason and Trace were and I was frustrated that he treated Ashlyn almost the same way.
I liked Ashlyn and felt awful for her with what she went through in the past and I could understand why she needed to do whatever it took to get away from her former life. I was shocked at how she was treated by Caesar and I could understand why she wanted to escape.
There were a few twists and turns in the book that left me wondering what was going to happen next. I was shocked at what happened with Gleason and then Sean and what Caesar did in return.
I was so mad at Ashlyn at the end as I felt like she didn't give herself a chance!!
September 10, 2017
I really liked the story, but I rated it only 3 stars because of Ash and her evolution, or should I say her non evolution. She never stopped being the pet of someone, never stopped being a victim, I would've loved seeing her seize the opportunity of freedom given by Caesar and do something with her life, even though she would've returned to him in the end. You can be a masochist and a strong and accomplished women, it's not incompatible.
It was very dark, but not gratuitously if you keep in mind that the characters are evolving in a very violent environment.
LeTeisha Newton work is definitely one to follow.
It was very dark, but not gratuitously if you keep in mind that the characters are evolving in a very violent environment.
LeTeisha Newton work is definitely one to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
4.5 stars
Great story. I couldn’t put this book down. The heroine's life was simply tragic but was perfectly matched to the dark knight of a hero, totally alpha, possessive, dominant. The evolution of their love story is a dark, embattled, personal tale, definitely unconventional but well matched.
This story has descriptive, graphic abuse. It did not bother me, but felt at times unnecessary to progressing the plot, and in fact did not endear me to the hero or wanting their happily ever after. Also I seriously has to suspend disbelief, since a person does not recover so easily from the amount and type of abuse and tragedy this heroine endured.
Overall great story.
Great story. I couldn’t put this book down. The heroine's life was simply tragic but was perfectly matched to the dark knight of a hero, totally alpha, possessive, dominant. The evolution of their love story is a dark, embattled, personal tale, definitely unconventional but well matched.
This story has descriptive, graphic abuse. It did not bother me, but felt at times unnecessary to progressing the plot, and in fact did not endear me to the hero or wanting their happily ever after. Also I seriously has to suspend disbelief, since a person does not recover so easily from the amount and type of abuse and tragedy this heroine endured.
Overall great story.
March 2, 2022
4.8 dark stars
This book met all my expectations. Dark and twisty? Check. Antihero? Check. Dirty steam? Double check. I had never heard of this author before but if this is what she writes I'm her new number one fan.
If you need books without a trigger warning then move along.
This book met all my expectations. Dark and twisty? Check. Antihero? Check. Dirty steam? Double check. I had never heard of this author before but if this is what she writes I'm her new number one fan.
If you need books without a trigger warning then move along.
Read
August 23, 2017I'm not going to rate this. I knew it was very dark going into it, and I don't mind dark reads, but this one was too much for me. It came across as plain abuse to me, so I didn't enjoy it.
April 14, 2024
Caesar, my man, you're not quite Silas thankfully, but you make Calvin from Descent look like a Boy Scout Leader! 😂 This book was great! This man was vicious and cruel, but he was more than your usual rich, psychopath who's been so spoiled he's used to getting whatever he wants. Instead he's been fired and tempered by personal loss and rage and it makes him such a complex man. Plus, he has an excellent sense of macabre humor. This is what Haunting Adeline didn't have the balls to be, he's Zade done right. I will say I saw the obvious betrayal ahead of time, I was disappointed it got as far as it did. For one thing, nothing in this book was very realistic and that was fine because it fit the tone of the book, but the idea that the enemy could hold onto her while brutally gang raping and torturing her every day for a month and she's still be alive seems incredibly far fetched. Like villian was purposely baiting the H into a war by torturing her and yet didn't manage to actually use her for any leverage? Plus, Sean put all those fail safes in order and did all this work to insure he wasn't caught by Cesar and if he was he could protect himself and yet he did something as stupid as hand her over to the enemy and then lie about how she died? It would have made so much more sense to say that they attacked and got her or something. I guess they did a good job of showing how truly mentally damaged she was after everything, but at that stage it's almost like "What's even the point?" He pretty much failed to protect her from the very worst things that could happen to her, yes he eventually got her back, but who even cares at that point, ya know? Plus their reunion was just way too short. I wanted more of them living their every day life and just seeing a little bit of them together at the end, not just 'Here I am again, let's fuck and end scene!" Overall though, still a great read. I know this is an older book, but I'm glad I stumbled across it. I'll definitely recommend it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
My top dark book of 2017! Ever read a book that you can't stop reading even though you know deep in your gut you shouldn't love it so much? This is that book! Very very dark so much that you almost wish for a little light but you fall in the darkness with these characters they pull you in and won't let you go. I'm not gonna post any spoilers it's best to go in with a open mind and only read this if you truly love dark, sick,gritty, hard core stories! Ever since reading this I can't get the characters out of my head. Ashlyn and Caesar open your mind to a world of pain and darkness that consumes you with every page. Will Caesar make you his pet like he did me? A must read for the dark book fans. If I could give this book 10 stars I would 5/5 stars ****Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Read provided for a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****
August 13, 2017
Dark and Twisty- oh my!
I've never read a LeTeisha Newton "dark book" and was definitely prewarned that it was exactly that. Now some of you would go off about triggers. Abuse, rape and violence. If you can't handle that don't read it. But it is most definitely a roller coaster of emotions, which just tells me how amazing this author is to be able to write this so graphically, igniting pretty much every emotion possible with this book!
There were moments of shock, awe, anger, disgust, heat, surprise, tension, the "OMFG NO WAY" and there were tears. Basically the last 20 % of the book I cried. But a good cry. I went from hating Caesar, and feeling sorry for Ashlyn to completely understanding why the two of them are the way they are... to completely loving Caesar and thinking Ashlyn is bloody amaze balls!
Dark and twisty, hair raising, gasping for breath from many different emotions and totally shocked at the end. Totally enthralled with each chapter and didn't want to put it down!! Read within a day! Almost want to start it over again to be sure I didn't miss anything!!
I've never read a LeTeisha Newton "dark book" and was definitely prewarned that it was exactly that. Now some of you would go off about triggers. Abuse, rape and violence. If you can't handle that don't read it. But it is most definitely a roller coaster of emotions, which just tells me how amazing this author is to be able to write this so graphically, igniting pretty much every emotion possible with this book!
There were moments of shock, awe, anger, disgust, heat, surprise, tension, the "OMFG NO WAY" and there were tears. Basically the last 20 % of the book I cried. But a good cry. I went from hating Caesar, and feeling sorry for Ashlyn to completely understanding why the two of them are the way they are... to completely loving Caesar and thinking Ashlyn is bloody amaze balls!
Dark and twisty, hair raising, gasping for breath from many different emotions and totally shocked at the end. Totally enthralled with each chapter and didn't want to put it down!! Read within a day! Almost want to start it over again to be sure I didn't miss anything!!
June 18, 2024
There’s dark and then there is WTF.
This is truly a WTF did I just read. This is not romance, I’m sorry but to say they fall in love, umm…where? This is straight up abuse and assault didn’t matter if it was the FMC was awake or not. And I’ve read twisted things before and I honestly don’t know how to categorize this.
TikTok got me to challenge the this is bad I had to stop reading. With that in mind I read it through even though I should have stopped early on.
This just wasn’t good.
This is truly a WTF did I just read. This is not romance, I’m sorry but to say they fall in love, umm…where? This is straight up abuse and assault didn’t matter if it was the FMC was awake or not. And I’ve read twisted things before and I honestly don’t know how to categorize this.
TikTok got me to challenge the this is bad I had to stop reading. With that in mind I read it through even though I should have stopped early on.
This just wasn’t good.
January 6, 2023
My goodness! Now that was a very satisfying read! That innermost part of my depravity was soothe! The rawness and twisted love that was created through tragic memories came alive on the pages! Entertaining and enjoyable!
August 17, 2017
I have a huge ball of dark & twisty deep down that I try to keep hidden, so I tend to read dark romance books to feed it every so often, but Vanquished almost broke me completely! I'm not going to go into details, as really, it won't help anything, because everyone brave enough just needs to experience it for themselves. So on to my emotions, and trust me, there are many out to create havoc. First of all, I don't care who likes it or not, I WANT TO HURT CAESAR, as I NEVER softened towards him at all! He's definitely a twisted soul that needs a good junk punch or two. And Ashlyn didn't just have me with leaky eyes, full on b*tch baby tears flooded everything, as her pain was palpable, and I hurt for her! Honestly, I'm not really sure if I loved or hated this book, but there can be no argument that LeTeisha Newton has a brilliant writing style, as I couldn't put it down even with all the rage swirling around for anything, and HAD to see how it all ended. And frankly, I didn't just read a story, I experienced it, and to me, Vanquished was more realistic, as life can be so cruel and evil, so that is the reason for the perfect rating, because this brilliant author destroyed any/all boxes that other cookie cutter "dark romance" come out of. I cannot lie, I will be reading more of her work, and to all who are brave enough, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this twisted tale that will engulf all!
February 17, 2019
5 WARNING-Stars! ★★★★★
Violence, Rape, Extreme Torture, Human Trafficking & Murder are not just mentioned in this book. They are this book.
That being said, it was excellently written. The story captivated me and had me hooked.
Caesar is an angel masked as a demon. He kills with no emotion. When he buys Ashlyn, he treats her like all the pets before her that he bought, until he slowly falls for her. And the Romance begins! The sex scenes, even when forced were HOT! They were sexy, however when Ashlyn was kidnapped and gang-raped.... eek! That was disturbing & graphic. The visuals...Jesus!
“How tight is that p#ssy?” he asked me, but he didn’t wait for an answer. He knelt between my legs and angled his c#ck to my p#ssy. I sucked in a breath as he ripped inside. No hesitation. No softness. I bit my lip, fighting the urge to scream as stars danced in my vision, dimming it at the corners. He f#cked me, jerking his hips hard against my groin and forcing his d!ck further into me. My labia burned and stretched around his girth until I couldn’t catch my breath.”
I loved how Caesar stopped at nothing to get his girl back. He killed everyone and anyone to get to her. No one was safe. This was a twisted dark romance.
Violence, Rape, Extreme Torture, Human Trafficking & Murder are not just mentioned in this book. They are this book.
That being said, it was excellently written. The story captivated me and had me hooked.
Caesar is an angel masked as a demon. He kills with no emotion. When he buys Ashlyn, he treats her like all the pets before her that he bought, until he slowly falls for her. And the Romance begins! The sex scenes, even when forced were HOT! They were sexy, however when Ashlyn was kidnapped and gang-raped.... eek! That was disturbing & graphic. The visuals...Jesus!
“How tight is that p#ssy?” he asked me, but he didn’t wait for an answer. He knelt between my legs and angled his c#ck to my p#ssy. I sucked in a breath as he ripped inside. No hesitation. No softness. I bit my lip, fighting the urge to scream as stars danced in my vision, dimming it at the corners. He f#cked me, jerking his hips hard against my groin and forcing his d!ck further into me. My labia burned and stretched around his girth until I couldn’t catch my breath.”
I loved how Caesar stopped at nothing to get his girl back. He killed everyone and anyone to get to her. No one was safe. This was a twisted dark romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews