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The standalone prequel to the Truculence series and also part of The Fidelity World.

Every king needs a queen…

My job was to find a wife, one malleable and well-trained, to protect my empire and keep the rules of La Cosa Nostra from ruining what I built and stealing my chance to destroy those who hurt my family. Infidelity had failed me; after two agreements, I had nothing to show for it.

Angry and pushed to my limit, I cruised for a body to accept my sort of release. She was knock-kneed, sickly, and dirty, but her eyes cut through me. Her words were foul and her nails brittle, but she understood my needs better than I did. And when I had a chance to end her, she rose from the ashes like a phoenix, and I could do nothing but let her live. I needed to give her the world, one bloody body at a time.

She sold herself to save her son, and I bought them both to save myself.

Unknown Binding

First published January 8, 2018

9 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

LeTeisha Newton

81 books557 followers
Writing 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.

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5 stars
22 (37%)
4 stars
16 (27%)
3 stars
11 (18%)
2 stars
8 (13%)
1 star
2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for DeeReads.
2,284 reviews
March 11, 2018
Hero, Benecio aka Midas was an awful monster who needed both a wife and an heir to secure his legacy with the noted La Cosa Nostra. So when the prominent Fidelity (a company that provides companions for influential business people) was unable to find him what he needed permanently, Benecio and his bodyguard/driver and friend, Nathan drives around the city and Benecio finds a dirty, knocked-kneed prostitute who turned out being a lot more than he desired. He offered her a deal: 10 million dollars for three months but fail to tell her of his original plan. Of course she agreed but this cunning man was no fool because he lied to the woman for this would be a business transaction with both pain and pleasure for only him! Little did he know her past was in ways similar to his whereas she would enjoy his kinks of pain and pleasure intertwined!

Heroine, Tamantha Healy might have been a prostitute but she was strong, had spunk and downright perfect for flawed and manipulative Benecio Rey. She too had her demons from her past and something more valuable than life itself because with being used by him but getting paid 10 million dollars, Tamantha could make things right and really disappear from Alec with her son. Also, Tamantha was a hellcat who challenged Benecio and never failed to bend completely to his will outside the bedroom until Benecio discovered too late that he was literally pushing her away because he didn't understand the allusive 'L' word. Strange that a cunning man so powerful would be clueless to that emotion yet he demonstrated it with all his 'wounded pets' in his life from Nathan, Rene, Domino, Prince Quill and of course Tamantha! But you would have to read of his past to really and truly understand why Benecio Rey was the way he was! That alone was a cringe worthy part of "Midas."

"Midas" by LeTeisha Newton was a dark and twisted story with more twists and turns to snap a person's neck quite easily if you weren't careful. The story kept me on alert from the first chapter to the very last sentence of the story. Though from different backgrounds, Benecio Rey and Tamantha Healy were perfectly beautiful together. They saved each other and that's what made this story so hard to put down for me.

“And don’t you forget that, Benecio. I give you the power you have over me because I want to.” -Tamantha Healy

So if you like truly dark and gritty stories with a lot of detail to the darkness over the light including an alpha hero who was clueless about the words NO and LOVE, then this book you will enjoy.

5 perfectly twisted but beautifully written stars *****
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews194 followers
January 28, 2018
"I am Benecio. I have purchased your body and your time, but I lied."

King Midas, aka Benecio Rey, is a bastard and knows it but with his Midas touch he can get away with anything. On the prowl for a dispensable female, Benecio picks up a prostitute who is receptive to his special kind of sex. Unfortunately, it's a given the unlucky girl will permanently disappear once he's been adequately sated.

Tamatha Healy. Prostitute. Tramp. Whore. Slut. Baby Girl. Call her whatever you want for the right price. In this case it's ten million but mama didn't raise no fool and if an offer looks too good to be true...... run. Unfortunately it's too late as Tamatha has caught the eye of Midas who has plans that will last longer than one single night as long as she submits to his dark side.

Secrets and history will surface as the two explore how deep BDSM will take them. All while looking at an uncertain future.

* * * *

Warning: This is a dark contemporary BDSM story between sadist and masochist main characters. It should only be read by those who can appreciate this form of adult literature. All others should proceed with caution understanding that premise. Look at the tags and trigger warnings before reading this book as it has the potential to stretch comfort zones and may be disturbing and/or offensive. Consider yourself warned.

There's dark and then there's DARK. This story definitely falls under the later. Don't take the following analogy wrong as it's not intended to parallel or indicate any similarity premise, it's just my way of providing insight into the TYPE of story this is: I always wondered what would have happened if Christian Grey had embraced his sadist Dom side and Anastasia Steele her masochist/pain slut submissive side. I believe this prequel story gives me that glimpse into the what if.

This was a story that had it's moments in both wrenching emotionalism and edgy BDSM play scenes. Not to be taken lightly, the path these two took during the course of this story was painful. I did appreciate that the author was able to validate the who/what/when/where/how aspects or I might not have been a fan.

Benecio. The story started out with circumstances that led him to seek out an outlet, that being a female for the night. Can't say that I had any empathy for Benecio as he was cold and ruthless and a bastard.

Enter Tamatha. As a prostitute she knows the ropes and what it takes to satisfy her John, all for the end game which was money. Why did she need the money? Drugs? Addiction? Support mother/father health issue? College tuition? What reason could it be that she'd do pretty much anything for the right price.... the reason is surprising so nothing further about that from me.

Once the stage is set, the story then turns to the meat and potato content of BDSM play scenes. Yup, expect edgy adult erotica and expect to squirm but in the end expect two consensual adults engaging in their form of kink. Does it last though as this book is a prequel? Scathed (Truculence #1) confirms the series is just getting started and the author has included a number of open ended sub plot twists and turns that will peak the interest of potential readers, of which I will be one.

My only issue is while the author provided a solid story that worked, for whatever reason, ended less intense (for me) in an anti-climatic fashion. Not sure if I'm on the right train of thought in feeling the author didn't want to end on a cliffhanger (bravo if that's the case) or hit a muse roadblock of sorts as a key scene which should have been more fleshed out wasn't. I would have been crying if that scene had been more powerful for sure. Alas. It is what it is and my only criticism.

For fans of contemporary BDSM dark romance, this is a book worth checking out. I enjoyed it more than I thought and am highly looking forward to the next installment which doesn't seem to have a release date yet.
sigh
Profile Image for Expresso.
877 reviews139 followers
January 3, 2018
My, my, my, my, MY!! Midas is SOLID GOLD!

Benecio has one goal. One focus. To secure his future. Everything is so easy for Benecio. One call, one verbal command and his will is done! Sometimes his will can be conveyed by a look and BOOM it’s done! But fate has plans for Midas and his future. Fate has spoken and will teach Benecio a crucial lesson: kings fall just as hard as anyone else. Fate has several lessons to teach Benecio aka Midas. The most memorable lesson comes in the form of a petite beauty, Tamatha.

Newton NAILED the chemistry, the intensity, the raw beauty between King Midas and his queen! From the moment they met, each scene intricately build and nurture the darkness they need in order to survive. You won’t find anything soft or vanilla within the pages of this five-star read! What you will find are two people created for each other. You’re invited to share their journey through denial city, then pleasure island, and finally paradise!

This review is MY PERSONAL OPINION of this amazing story.! My opinion should have zero influence on your reading experience. I am a lover of dark relationships and this story gave me LIFE!

Five delicious stars!
Profile Image for NC Reader.
391 reviews27 followers
January 2, 2018
Well damn. Tamatha is one tough chick! Her determination to protect & save her son is admirable. Benecio’s lust and desire to hurt Tamatha is undeniable but his adoration for Domino a breath of fresh air.
Then we have Midas..... the true monster hiding behind the knight’s armor. He’s the asshole his parents made him out to be. He’s vicious and gives zero fucks about everyone and thing other than inflicting severe pain and taking what he wants.

I can not wait for Scathed!!
Profile Image for Shirley.
857 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2017
Benecio has been with Infidelity for two cycles now and has not made a match. To say his tastes are specific is an understatement. He has specific needs that are difficult at best to find, though Karen has tried, he was unable to make his match so his time has come to an end. As he leaves the building, he arranges to pick up a 'distraction' only to find another that pulls him in instead.
Benecio and Tamatha are two lost souls fighting for their own futures the only way they know how. When their paths cross that fateful day little did either know just how much their lives were about to change.
I loved this story, broken souls that everyone has given up on, even themselves, find their way. As rocky and unnatural as it seems, they work together and heal eachother. Great read!
Profile Image for Chris.
656 reviews
January 9, 2018
Having read some of LeTeisha Newton's books and enjoyed them, I was excited to read Midas. Once again, this author does not disappoint. Her writing ebbs and flows, instantly capturing your interest and keeping you turning page after page. This story and its characters are dark, disturbing, gritty, dismal and raw. Be forewarned--it's intense and will not be for everyone. However, if you can immerse yourself in the story and let yourself be taken away by the wonderful writing of this author, you will emerge at the end feeling completely satisfied and wanting more! It appears more is coming too! Can't wait to see what Ms. Newton brings us next!
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
December 31, 2017
Two broken souls that need each other... Benecio a very spoken man and knows what he wants and will get it even if he is a monster. Tamatha is one strong woman doesn’t put up with nothing voices her opinion and will do anything for her son. Will they end up both helping each other or will they end up more broken than ever? Benecio is such a jerk but he had his reasons and you fall for him in the end. Tamatha oh do I love her character she was that heroine in a way I wish I was! Definitely a must read if you love dark romance! 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Betül.
1,068 reviews291 followers
January 24, 2018
description

It was a short dark romance with very hot scenes. I couldn't rate it higher than three stars due to the length of this prequel. It was just too short to fully connect with the characters. I wish it was a full-length novel, because it had great potential. However, I am intrigued by the world LeTeisha has created so it was a great introduction to the Truculence series. I am looking forward to the next book in the Series: Scathed.
Profile Image for Brandi.
23 reviews
January 4, 2018
Are you looking for something dark and sensual? Then this book is for you! The absolute depravity of this book is AMAZING! You can't help but feel sorrow for the things done in Midas and love it all at the same time.
450 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2018
Yes

This was definitely erotic and dark. I wasn't sure how the author would make Midas likeable, but she did. I will be reading more he by this author.
Profile Image for WendyW ~ Girls Just Wanna Have Books.
567 reviews19 followers
January 6, 2018
Leteisha Newton is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Her darker nature within her books speak to me and I delight in every story of hers that I have read. This is my second book and it is written with the same proficiency and merit as my previous read of hers. I was granted the opportunity to delve into this and was awarded with a 5* star read!

Every king needs a queen. King Midas has built his fortune with ease and is in search to secure his empire. But Benecio (Midas) has particular tastes and needs. A waif meant just for gratification purposes, who has known torment and suffered hardships by those who used and took what they wanted, braced the challenge and withstood Benecio’s needs.

This was what Benecio was: pleasure and pain. Destruction and beauty. Love and hate. A man and a confused boy. Looks of an angel and the heart of a demon.

Both Tamantha and Benecio have demons, and while he slayed hers she was soothing his. But unlike the historical King Midas, not everything he touches turns to gold. His greed and ignorance lead him to realize the consequences when we become slaves to our own desires and fear.

Love is more precious than gold.
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
January 2, 2018
This is NOT your typical love story....
Benecio isn't a man that enjoys being told no. He runs his world by getting what he wants without that word being uttered... Until he was denied what he yearned for to cement his name and empire for the future. But that ONE word sends him spiraling out of control. Benecio NEEDS control BREATHES control..... That is until he runs into HER.
Tamatha KNOWS pain, she KNOWS failure, but she also KNOWS the consequences in giving up and THAT is unforgivable because she isn't the only one that relies on her.

Two wounded souls that know that there is more than THIS in life but they fight it every step of the way until they can't fight anymore.
This story is extremely powerful and may not be for everyone, but it gives hope to the hopeless. A story this EXTREMELY emotional deserves to be told and LeTeisha Newton does so in a way that grabs you from the very 1st page!!
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,181 reviews20 followers
January 11, 2018
Loved this brutally raw and gritty read. Hot fast paced I was immediately enraptured by this story.
The characters were fantastic and the chemistry between them was explosive!!
These characters are not very nice. Tamatha's character is a badass female heroine who will do whatever she has to to protect her son. Benicio aka Midas is is another badass and one major a-hole, equally determined to get what he wants.
The result was a suspenseful, adrenaline rush twisted read, that affirms that things are not always what they seem!
Profile Image for Juli Hall.
1,318 reviews43 followers
January 9, 2018
Hmm, I don't know really what to say about this book. Parts of it I liked but others not so much. Benito seems like an arrogant ass most of the book. Tamatha is a strong woman who was almost broken by Benito, I really liked her character. The storyline was okay.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
January 10, 2018
Everything LeTeisha Newton writes turns to GOLD and Midas is no exception! I love the dark aspect. This story sucked me in from the first page and kept me engaged throughout. I LOVED it! I can’t wait to read Nathan’s story next.
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,319 reviews
January 9, 2018
Wow!!! This story is intense, but amazing!! LeTeisha Newton is a genius! Broken souls that need each other and sensuality that cannot be denied!
Profile Image for Xyla Turner.
Author 85 books715 followers
January 20, 2018
Wow

I was not expecting this but it was sexy, dark and a page turner. The author is a good writer and this world is oh so tempting.
Great job and I'll be reading more of your work.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,130 reviews
April 28, 2018
First of all, can we all just take a minute to appreciate this insanely gorgeous, shiny, sparkly cover? It’s also a great representation of what’s on the inside, in more ways than one. Newton paints a dark monster with just hints of light coming through; this book isn’t like anything else I’ve ever read.

I quickly became addicted, and this left me wanting more of the Fidelity World and also Truculence. Highly recommend. Newton is an incredible artist of the word, painting a dark picture and splashing in light just where it’s needed, just before it becomes to much.

4 stars.
1,269 reviews
January 20, 2018
This was not what I expected at all. I was intrigued by this book and I will say it is definitely different and a very twisted, dark love story? It is a unique read and the characters are harsh, scarred and flawed but there was something about the book that I found I could not put down.
Profile Image for Racheal Celatka yunk.
145 reviews29 followers
January 23, 2018
Nobody does dark reads like LeTeisha! I was hooked as soon as I started this book! It is a powerful read through the eyes of a dark and twisted man that needs a wife and a heir to make his empire stronger.
A broken woman is what others see when they look upon the dirty worn out hooker working the streets.
Benecio sees a woman that he can buy and train for his own use and purposes. A woman who will bend to his command to get off the streets but what he gets is more then he can bargain for when the real Tamatha is unleashed.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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