What do you think?
Rate this book
The Director
Everybody wants to be an actress, right?
The lights, the camera, the action? The fame, the money, the beauty and esteem? It’s all part of the package.
Unless, of course, you’re part of HIS films.
Ethan Cole was one of the best directors in the business until the day he disappeared. He was charismatic, gorgeous, intriguing and so brilliant that no other person could compare. People believed he’d simply quit. In truth, he’d gone underground.
I found him after being stolen from the streets. I was thrown into his new world, his fantasies, his decadent chaos, and I found myself fighting just to stay alive.
He seduced me while tormenting me.
Made me a star while keeping me hidden from the public’s eye.
He asked me one simple question before shoving me in front of the glittering lights and dark lens of his camera.
One question, requiring only one response:
Fuck or Die?
***This book is dark romance with all the trigger warnings imaginable. This is the first of Lily White’s Dark Exclusives and will only be available on her website and Smashwords. Uncensored. Raw. Compelling. This book should only be read by those who truly love the DARK.*
The lights, the camera, the action? The fame, the money, the beauty and esteem? It’s all part of the package.
Unless, of course, you’re part of HIS films.
Ethan Cole was one of the best directors in the business until the day he disappeared. He was charismatic, gorgeous, intriguing and so brilliant that no other person could compare. People believed he’d simply quit. In truth, he’d gone underground.
I found him after being stolen from the streets. I was thrown into his new world, his fantasies, his decadent chaos, and I found myself fighting just to stay alive.
He seduced me while tormenting me.
Made me a star while keeping me hidden from the public’s eye.
He asked me one simple question before shoving me in front of the glittering lights and dark lens of his camera.
One question, requiring only one response:
Fuck or Die?
***This book is dark romance with all the trigger warnings imaginable. This is the first of Lily White’s Dark Exclusives and will only be available on her website and Smashwords. Uncensored. Raw. Compelling. This book should only be read by those who truly love the DARK.*
335 pages, ebook
First published December 13, 2017
12 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
Lily White
35 books2,677 followersLily White is a bestselling author who likes to dabble on the dark side of romance. She is most known for her Masters Series, Target This, Wishing Well, and The Five.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 7, 2017
Oh man, I think I need to go watch puppy and baby videos on YouTube for the next week to cleanse my poor mind of this book. This may be the most twisted and darkest book I have read to date. Don't let my puppy video watching fool you though I LOVED this book. Saying that seems wrong, but it doesn't make it any less true. From beginning to end this one had me enthralled. I will leave this review pretty vague as I think the book is best experienced with little prior knowledge. That said, this isn't for the faint of heart <--- I am serious. The book isn't even going to be sold on Amazon (that should tell you something about its content). If you are unsure about reading it and want to know more than feel free to drop me a line and I will happily answer any questions, you may have. Now that my public service announcement is over onto the deets...
I found this one to be fantastically well written and paced. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. It was dark. It was twisted. It was vile. It was bloody. It was shocking. It was taboo. The characters were intriguing and well developed. Ethan will make you hate him but there is just something about him that will worm its way under your skin and you'll be left trying to reason out why after everything he has done you sort of kind of want him to get a HEA. Does he get what he deserves? Well telling you that would just be cheating. ;D Emma was a great heroine. Strong. Sassy. With steel running through her veins. Have to say the woman didn't have a lot of self preservation but it made her an excellent character to get behind. Last, the ending, and this is where it lost half a star for me. I will not go into details as to the why, but I was hoping for something different from what I got. That said, it was still a fitting ending. So I wasn't overly disappointed. Wrapping this up, I enjoyed this one immensely. Therefore yours truly is giving it two HUGE thumbs up.
Want to read
December 13, 2017LIVE! | SMASHWORDS | WEBSITE |
FUCK OR DIE?!
LIVE! | SMASHWORDS | WEBSITE |
Blurb:
Everybody wants to be an actress, right?
The lights, the camera, the action? The fame, the money, the beauty and esteem. It’s all part of the package.
Unless, of course, you’re part of HIS films.
Ethan Cole was one of the best directors in the business until the day he disappeared. He was charismatic, gorgeous, intriguing and so brilliant that no other person could compare. People believed he’d simply quit. In truth, he’d gone underground.
I found him after being stolen from the streets. I was thrown into his new world, his fantasies, his decadent chaos, and I found myself fighting just to stay alive.
He seduced me while tormenting me.
Made me a star while keeping me hidden from the public’s eye.
He asked me one simple question before shoving me in front of the glittering lights and dark lens of his camera.
One question, requiring only one response:
Fuck or Die?
FUCK OR DIE?!
LIVE! | SMASHWORDS | WEBSITE |
Blurb:
Everybody wants to be an actress, right?
The lights, the camera, the action? The fame, the money, the beauty and esteem. It’s all part of the package.
Unless, of course, you’re part of HIS films.
Ethan Cole was one of the best directors in the business until the day he disappeared. He was charismatic, gorgeous, intriguing and so brilliant that no other person could compare. People believed he’d simply quit. In truth, he’d gone underground.
I found him after being stolen from the streets. I was thrown into his new world, his fantasies, his decadent chaos, and I found myself fighting just to stay alive.
He seduced me while tormenting me.
Made me a star while keeping me hidden from the public’s eye.
He asked me one simple question before shoving me in front of the glittering lights and dark lens of his camera.
One question, requiring only one response:
Fuck or Die?
December 9, 2017
This isn’t one of those books that you read for pure enjoyment. Nope! This is one of those stories where you simply observe the gore, chaos, narcissism, depravity, and lack of humanity unfold right before your very eyes!
This story will shock and anger you, but you won’t be able to stop reading, either.
Triggers? Yes.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This story will shock and anger you, but you won’t be able to stop reading, either.
Triggers? Yes.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2021
Dying was preferable when Emma watched an examplerary rape. On a good day turned bad when a nasty date turned handsy. Dumping her date in the middle of traffic was a big mistake, her life has changed forever, she was kidnapped and after that it was a struggle for survival - light. camera. action.
Ethan Cole is a devatatingly handsome man. He was a well-known Hollywood director but went underground because of the stiffled facade of the acting world. He wants to exceed boundary of acting performance, in short captured unadultured violence in films.
As expected the book is dark and twisted but too much disturbing down to the core. I'm still surprised by Lily White. Ethan captures his performers based on emotions, no one escapes his despicable challenges, Emma endures every diffucult situations, she learns to use manipulation to advantage, agreeing to every depicable acts while holding a shred of humanity.
Ethan and Emma find a 'connection' between them. Slowly Emma wants Ethan to like her performances and he is drawn to her. Emma doesn't agree to what he does but in a weird way they connect.
This book has depraved non consensual acts. The story is truely boundary exceeded. A director who wants genuine emotions and a performer who is presented an illusion of choice. I can't wait for you to find out when you choose to "fuck or die".
Ethan Cole is a devatatingly handsome man. He was a well-known Hollywood director but went underground because of the stiffled facade of the acting world. He wants to exceed boundary of acting performance, in short captured unadultured violence in films.
As expected the book is dark and twisted but too much disturbing down to the core. I'm still surprised by Lily White. Ethan captures his performers based on emotions, no one escapes his despicable challenges, Emma endures every diffucult situations, she learns to use manipulation to advantage, agreeing to every depicable acts while holding a shred of humanity.
Ethan and Emma find a 'connection' between them. Slowly Emma wants Ethan to like her performances and he is drawn to her. Emma doesn't agree to what he does but in a weird way they connect.
This book has depraved non consensual acts. The story is truely boundary exceeded. A director who wants genuine emotions and a performer who is presented an illusion of choice. I can't wait for you to find out when you choose to "fuck or die".
December 10, 2017
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Emma Hart never thought one mindless decision could drastically changed her life. After being taken, everyday became a struggle for survival when she was force to give a performance of her life.
Ethan Cole was a well known Hollywood director until he felt stifled by the glittering facade and gone underground. For him, art should have no boundary but even then he wasn't fully satisfied. That was until he met a muse that could potentially be a game changer.
With this book being a dark exclusive, non Amazon book, I had very high expectations for it to be loaded with fucked-upness. In that aspect the book delivered.
I like how Ethan played his role in the story. He served his purpose. However I couldn't feel his soul (it doesn't matter the positive or negative aspect of it) therefore I didn't know him well enough. I would love to dig his character more to the core.
Emma was thrown into difficult situations throughout the book. While I'm not a fan of her, I could appreciate how her character evolved showing her strengths and weaknesses.
I am very particular when it comes to dark contents. This book satisfied my dark and depraved needs in the physical aspect, but not quite there in term of psychological aspect.
The Director is a story of adapting for survival. It would appeal to readers who like to cross into the dark side.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Emma Hart never thought one mindless decision could drastically changed her life. After being taken, everyday became a struggle for survival when she was force to give a performance of her life.
Ethan Cole was a well known Hollywood director until he felt stifled by the glittering facade and gone underground. For him, art should have no boundary but even then he wasn't fully satisfied. That was until he met a muse that could potentially be a game changer.
With this book being a dark exclusive, non Amazon book, I had very high expectations for it to be loaded with fucked-upness. In that aspect the book delivered.
He was the Director, the man behind the screen, the puppet master who pulled the strings of every person around him.
I like how Ethan played his role in the story. He served his purpose. However I couldn't feel his soul (it doesn't matter the positive or negative aspect of it) therefore I didn't know him well enough. I would love to dig his character more to the core.
Emma was thrown into difficult situations throughout the book. While I'm not a fan of her, I could appreciate how her character evolved showing her strengths and weaknesses.
She was perfection on stage, a living, breathing incarnation of human desire, hope slashed through by betrayal, of the avalanche of complex emotions that every person faces when danger stands at their back.
I am very particular when it comes to dark contents. This book satisfied my dark and depraved needs in the physical aspect, but not quite there in term of psychological aspect.
There is no good or bad. There is only life and death. To ignore one is to never fully understand the other.
The Director is a story of adapting for survival. It would appeal to readers who like to cross into the dark side.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 27, 2018
There is no good or bad. There is only life and death. To ignore one is to never fully understand the other.
Reading these dark stories always has me being thankful that these authors decided to put there active minds into writing instead of becoming cold, detached mastermind criminals/killers.
I’ve finished the Director two days ago, but had to give myself time to process what I’ve read.
I knew this was going to be a gritty story and it was, really. Heed the trigger warnings. It even looks like this book will not be available on Amazon, is it because it is Uncensored. Raw. Compelling., yeah, probably!
But despite all of this, I was hooked from page one and was not able to put it down.
And now I wonder: is something wrong with me???? Hope not!
If you love reading gruesome, horrid and shocking stories you want to add this one to your TBR-list!
'Killing is not an easy feat. It takes drive, desire and a certain level of heartlessness and lack of humanity that many people don't possess.'
"That shouldn't have happened, Emma. You don't know how much trouble this can cause."
Where there had been satisfied relief, panic now returned. "I don't care about trouble," I argued weakly.
There was no mercy in his voice when he answered, "You will, beautiful girl. You have no idea how much, but you will."
Lungs burning, I stretched open my mouth desperate to gulp in air that wasn't coming. The room spun faster before slowing into a peaceful, lazy silence. My body relaxed next, mind slipping off into the ether...
He let go suddenly and air rushed down to my lungs. It hurt to breathe again, my lungs desperate and greedy, sucking in large gulps only to force them back out again on wrenching sobs that shook my body against the bed.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered reverently, fingers dragging through my hair, the tips tracing the line of my cheek, my jaw, my lips. Once the sobs had quieted down their fury, he smiled at me, excitement flashing in his eyes before he wrapped his hands around my neck and squeezed again.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2017
Emma Hart’s life irrevocably changes when she is abducted and given a terrifying proposition. With limited options, Emma’s rationale for her choice is the path of least resistance. However, when confronted with what lies behind door number two, her perspective radically changes to where every single last moment is earned.
“So, what will it be?” He asked, the silky croon like sandpaper against my senses now that I understood the type of monster he was. “Fuck or die?”
Ethan Cole is a director with certain professional goals. As he studies people for emotional subtleties, he captures each unadulterated nuance on film. Without filters, Ethan creates a world of violence, pain and raw fear.
“But I have better uses for a woman like you.” Leaning closer, his lips brushed across my cheek when he said, “You won’t like them, but I will.”
As Emma’s time becomes limited, she learns how to survive in ways she could have never foreseen. Using what she believes to be an advantage to manipulate her situation, Emma is still left vulnerable as the time for her final performance nears. While Ethan continues to control the environment in furtherance of his vision, the course set.
“I believe there’s a fire inside you that’s not present in many women. I’d like to use that fire for my personal gain.”
Told in dual POV, the nefarious tone of this novel is mainly felt through the perspective of Emma as she endures the reprehensible actions of her captors. Yet, even with these conditions, Emma manages to retain a sense of humanity. As Ethan’s experience is shared sporadically, his agenda is clear showing his ability and willingness to thrive in this depraved environment. Knowing her demise is near, Emma must process all her emotions and summon her resolve into the ultimate final act.
This novel definitely dives head first into a dark and evil world where limits are nonexistent. While Emma’s situation is desperate, she managed to channel an inner strength she didn’t know existed though at times it seemed to provide exactly what Ethan wanted. However, with the level of darkness evident in the physical acts, I was hoping the psychological elements between Emma and Ethan would have been equally as potent. Though there was manipulation, it felt offset by certain actions at times.
In The Director, Lily White creates a disturbing and grisly story that will keep readers on edge at all times. The theme of adaptation pervades the plot which allows for the characters to act the way they do. While it isn’t justification, it just becomes a means to an end. This one isn’t for the fainthearted but for those who like to test their limits. I recommend!
*An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
December 17, 2017
★5 “Fuck or Die” stars!!!★
WTF??????
I’m trully speechless!!!!
”You should know that I will see everything there is to see about you. Your body. Your mind. Your soul. Not one thing is hidden from my view, not one facet able to be covered or disguised. I know people better than they know themselves and I've run across hundreds of girls like you.”
Estou sem palavras e sem saber distinguir o que eu estou sentindo no momento ou descrever quais foram os sentimentos predominantes durante a leitura desse livro.
“Fuck or die. Those are your two choices.”
Eu já li muitos tipos de darks, mas tenho que confessar que “The Director” me causou um desconforto enorme, me tirou completamente da zona de conforto ou do que já vi dentro desse gênero. Isso é um nível de dark totalmente diferente do que já li e afirmo ser o mais dark entre todos da minha lista!
Sem cortes, sem censura, cru... Com cenas chocantes, descritivas e pra lá de revoltantes.
“Still, some religions and cultures believed that to be raped was a sin on the part of the woman, regardless of her choice in the matter.”
Esse é o primeiro livro que li dessa autora e apesar dos pesares, não posso deixar de destacar o quanto a escrita dela é boa.
“The Director” por mais revoltante, impactante e chocante... foi muito bem escrito e eu não consegui parar a leitura.
Então, se você pensa em ler esse livro, aconselho que, leia atentamente e leve em consideração todos os avisos contidos na sinopse. Porque esse livro definitivamente não é pra todos, não mesmo.
“There was no true line between right and wrong because, in each of us, both light and darkness exist. To refuse one was to diminish the other. To never fear was to never feel brave. To never hurt was to never find joy. To turn away from what society deemed disturbing was to never fully understand that even in ugliness there was beauty.”
WTF??????
I’m trully speechless!!!!
”You should know that I will see everything there is to see about you. Your body. Your mind. Your soul. Not one thing is hidden from my view, not one facet able to be covered or disguised. I know people better than they know themselves and I've run across hundreds of girls like you.”
Estou sem palavras e sem saber distinguir o que eu estou sentindo no momento ou descrever quais foram os sentimentos predominantes durante a leitura desse livro.
“Fuck or die. Those are your two choices.”
Eu já li muitos tipos de darks, mas tenho que confessar que “The Director” me causou um desconforto enorme, me tirou completamente da zona de conforto ou do que já vi dentro desse gênero. Isso é um nível de dark totalmente diferente do que já li e afirmo ser o mais dark entre todos da minha lista!
Sem cortes, sem censura, cru... Com cenas chocantes, descritivas e pra lá de revoltantes.
“Still, some religions and cultures believed that to be raped was a sin on the part of the woman, regardless of her choice in the matter.”
Esse é o primeiro livro que li dessa autora e apesar dos pesares, não posso deixar de destacar o quanto a escrita dela é boa.
“The Director” por mais revoltante, impactante e chocante... foi muito bem escrito e eu não consegui parar a leitura.
Então, se você pensa em ler esse livro, aconselho que, leia atentamente e leve em consideração todos os avisos contidos na sinopse. Porque esse livro definitivamente não é pra todos, não mesmo.
“There was no true line between right and wrong because, in each of us, both light and darkness exist. To refuse one was to diminish the other. To never fear was to never feel brave. To never hurt was to never find joy. To turn away from what society deemed disturbing was to never fully understand that even in ugliness there was beauty.”
December 13, 2017
You know what I love most about reading a book from Lily White? That I never know how truly dark or twisted a road this author will lead me down.
NEVER!!
Just when I think I have a grip on what will happen next or how a character will react to certain stimuli, I’m almost always shown I have absolutely no clue how this thing works.
Emma was your typical 22-year old. Living a carefree life without worrying about the consequences. And although her momma taught her to be aware of her surroundings, those lessons didn’t really stick. After a complete fail of a date, she leaves her would-be suitor at a red light and walks to find a cab home. She’s then taken right off the street and spirited off to a compound that houses other women who perform at the pleasure of the pervs who troll the dark net. The man to lead her through her new life is Ethan Cole, The Director of the films that take place in her new home. He’s ruthless, calculating and lethal. One wrong move... a girl dies. Don’t comply… a girl dies. Don’t cooperate… a girl dies. You get the drift, right?
Seriously, I didn’t know which way was up with this story and the ending was completely unexpected, which is my favorite kind of read. Because everything that happened through this book was a surprise, I had to give it five stars. When you can pull the rug out from under me and still leave me with a smile on my face, you deserve all the kudos that feat deserves!
Release Date: December 13, 2017
Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone
Emma was your typical 22-year old. Living a carefree life without worrying about the consequences. And although her momma taught her to be aware of her surroundings, those lessons didn’t really stick. After a complete fail of a date, she leaves her would-be suitor at a red light and walks to find a cab home. She’s then taken right off the street and spirited off to a compound that houses other women who perform at the pleasure of the pervs who troll the dark net. The man to lead her through her new life is Ethan Cole, The Director of the films that take place in her new home. He’s ruthless, calculating and lethal. One wrong move... a girl dies. Don’t comply… a girl dies. Don’t cooperate… a girl dies. You get the drift, right?
Seriously, I didn’t know which way was up with this story and the ending was completely unexpected, which is my favorite kind of read. Because everything that happened through this book was a surprise, I had to give it five stars. When you can pull the rug out from under me and still leave me with a smile on my face, you deserve all the kudos that feat deserves!
Release Date: December 13, 2017
Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone
January 8, 2018
DNF at 55%
I liked the beginning, it was dark; but now story became soooo boring I just can't continue reading!
Yesterday I struggled whole afternoon and managed to read only 10 pages; today I managed only 3 pages, so I think it's time to close my e-reader even though I am corious what would happen at the end :(
I liked the beginning, it was dark; but now story became soooo boring I just can't continue reading!
Yesterday I struggled whole afternoon and managed to read only 10 pages; today I managed only 3 pages, so I think it's time to close my e-reader even though I am corious what would happen at the end :(
Read
September 9, 2020I read this book two weeks back and since then I have been trying to figure out what to say and what rating to give it.
So I am just going to end this misery of mine and give it no stars.
The book was well written.
It's just it was toooo fucking dark for me. I cried so many times. I was extremely disgusted most of the time.
And I just wish Ethan had died in the end.
Since the books ending was open ended,
My version of the ending is ETHAN COLE DEAD. DEAD. DEAD. DEAD.
EMMA FOUND ANOTHER MAN WHO IS NOT A FUCKING HORRIBLE HUMAN BEING AND IS HAPPILY MARRIED TO HIM!
THE UNDERGROUND TRAFFICKING IS EXPOSED AND EVERYONE OF THOSE DISGUSTING FUCKERS ARE CAUGHT AND DEAD. THEY DON.T DESERVE JAIL. THEY DESERVE TORTURE. TORTUROUS DEATH.
So I am just going to end this misery of mine and give it no stars.
The book was well written.
It's just it was toooo fucking dark for me. I cried so many times. I was extremely disgusted most of the time.
And I just wish Ethan had died in the end.
Since the books ending was open ended,
My version of the ending is ETHAN COLE DEAD. DEAD. DEAD. DEAD.
EMMA FOUND ANOTHER MAN WHO IS NOT A FUCKING HORRIBLE HUMAN BEING AND IS HAPPILY MARRIED TO HIM!
THE UNDERGROUND TRAFFICKING IS EXPOSED AND EVERYONE OF THOSE DISGUSTING FUCKERS ARE CAUGHT AND DEAD. THEY DON.T DESERVE JAIL. THEY DESERVE TORTURE. TORTUROUS DEATH.
March 5, 2023
Lily White has vastly become one of my favorite dark authors. This book just broke me. Her writing captures you from the start and keeps you there.
The Director is not for the faint of heart. On my dark scale, it’s pitch black.
She is abducted and forced to Hell. Emma faces a choice she makes, both equally terrifying. Emma chose what she thinks will be the quicker out. It’s twisted and insane. Ethan, the director Of horrific films, is intrigued by Emma and her choices. Ethan fuels her anger before filming. It’s not only intense and dark; it’s hair-raising and gruesome. Ethan is a mastermind, the man pulling the strings—a complete monster.
Emma sheds her damsel in distress persona and plays games, and goes toe to toe with Ethan. Even when forced to do the unthinkable. She does what she has to do to survive—sacrificing herself for others, at the same time, dying a little each time inside.
What a tangled web they have both weaved. When you think you have it figured out, the author proves you’re dead wrong. She blew my mind away. ���� It Completely ruined me. Left me with a complete book hangover. Which is always my goal with dark books.
The Director is not for the faint of heart. On my dark scale, it’s pitch black.
She is abducted and forced to Hell. Emma faces a choice she makes, both equally terrifying. Emma chose what she thinks will be the quicker out. It’s twisted and insane. Ethan, the director Of horrific films, is intrigued by Emma and her choices. Ethan fuels her anger before filming. It’s not only intense and dark; it’s hair-raising and gruesome. Ethan is a mastermind, the man pulling the strings—a complete monster.
Emma sheds her damsel in distress persona and plays games, and goes toe to toe with Ethan. Even when forced to do the unthinkable. She does what she has to do to survive—sacrificing herself for others, at the same time, dying a little each time inside.
What a tangled web they have both weaved. When you think you have it figured out, the author proves you’re dead wrong. She blew my mind away. ���� It Completely ruined me. Left me with a complete book hangover. Which is always my goal with dark books.
March 13, 2018
So...me after finishing...
First of all, I love how Lily White pushes every single atom of possible sanity in my composure, and I applaud her for that. She manages to rile me up, stun me, amaze me, get me enraged every single time I read one of her books.
She's beyond dark, and not just by actions delivered in her stories, yes, the deeds described here would/could make you cringe and wince, there are triggers all over the place - rape, violence, rape, killings, multiple dubious mind fucking deeds that will push your own reasoning out of the box and make you question your own sane mental state in the matter!
and I was okay with all that, right up until 70% or so, when the author decided to "romantisize" the fucked up involvement of the captor/captive realtionship. I wouldn't even call it a Stocholm syndrom, per se, it's not even defined like that, in fact I have a feeling it was meant to give some sort of redeeming notion for the male character...
BUT for me, that felt just more sickening and lame...
and it ruined the fucked up thing I had going on with this story!
i really didn't want or expect their LOVE...cause, there was no place for that emotion in this story, so, in my humble opinion, this should have stayed a HORROR inflicted VILE, DISGUSTING and SICKENING portrayal of human nature in its full blossom.
and NOT romantisize the shit out of it....and thus, giving us a semi "something" that looks like a HEA but, in fact, is NOT...I don't really care about it, at this moment, cause it has lost its appeal for me...
In fact, I would have been much happier if the heroine came through with her "fuck you" attitude from the beginning til the end...
*drops mic*
First of all, I love how Lily White pushes every single atom of possible sanity in my composure, and I applaud her for that. She manages to rile me up, stun me, amaze me, get me enraged every single time I read one of her books.
She's beyond dark, and not just by actions delivered in her stories, yes, the deeds described here would/could make you cringe and wince, there are triggers all over the place - rape, violence, rape, killings, multiple dubious mind fucking deeds that will push your own reasoning out of the box and make you question your own sane mental state in the matter!
and I was okay with all that, right up until 70% or so, when the author decided to "romantisize" the fucked up involvement of the captor/captive realtionship. I wouldn't even call it a Stocholm syndrom, per se, it's not even defined like that, in fact I have a feeling it was meant to give some sort of redeeming notion for the male character...
BUT for me, that felt just more sickening and lame...
and it ruined the fucked up thing I had going on with this story!
i really didn't want or expect their LOVE...cause, there was no place for that emotion in this story, so, in my humble opinion, this should have stayed a HORROR inflicted VILE, DISGUSTING and SICKENING portrayal of human nature in its full blossom.
and NOT romantisize the shit out of it....and thus, giving us a semi "something" that looks like a HEA but, in fact, is NOT...I don't really care about it, at this moment, cause it has lost its appeal for me...
In fact, I would have been much happier if the heroine came through with her "fuck you" attitude from the beginning til the end...
*drops mic*
December 9, 2017
Writing her first, “dark exclusive“ without restrictions or limitations, Lili White was able to let her freak fag fly and show us once again how truly talented she is! Having been a fan of her work for years, I knew what Ms. White was capable of yet this book reminded me that she is capable of much, much more than most, “dark” erotica writers. Over and over I am disappointed by books people recommend to me which they claim are, “dark“. The Director however is an example of what a DARK book truly is!! Graphic, explicit, detailed descriptions of rape, murder, snuff films, etc.! The only bad part about coming across a gem like this is that it raises the bar even higher, making it even less likely that us hardcore dark lovers will find something comparable afterwards. Luckily, Lily White plans on writing more dark exclusives so we have those to look forward to!
THE DIRECTOR took me to depths greater than any book has in a long, long time!
“Fuck or die. Those are your two choices.”
Of course I can’t ever come close to understanding the feelings of terror or panic a woman forced to fight for life would experience but while I read those scenes, it was almost as though I was there. Because of how eloquent Lily White is, I felt like I was WATCHING certain scenes unfold in front of me. I wouldn’t realize that my breath was unconsciously being held until the scene was over and it burst from my lungs! For me to be so viscerally impacted by a book says a lot about how well written it is! There were more than two instances where I was shocked by the brilliant twists in the storyline, reminding me just why I think of Lily as the Queen of Mind-Fu(kery! I could go on and on but the bottom line is that this book is fantastic and if you enjoy dark erotica, you will absolutely love it!
THE DIRECTOR took me to depths greater than any book has in a long, long time!
“Fuck or die. Those are your two choices.”
Of course I can’t ever come close to understanding the feelings of terror or panic a woman forced to fight for life would experience but while I read those scenes, it was almost as though I was there. Because of how eloquent Lily White is, I felt like I was WATCHING certain scenes unfold in front of me. I wouldn’t realize that my breath was unconsciously being held until the scene was over and it burst from my lungs! For me to be so viscerally impacted by a book says a lot about how well written it is! There were more than two instances where I was shocked by the brilliant twists in the storyline, reminding me just why I think of Lily as the Queen of Mind-Fu(kery! I could go on and on but the bottom line is that this book is fantastic and if you enjoy dark erotica, you will absolutely love it!
December 9, 2017
The book is super dark , so much so that Lily has decided to only publish through smashwords & website and not through Amazon. Well that's as explicit a warning as they come. Don't want no uptight , self appointed guardian of the modalities read it, then go around shaming it.
The content is no holds barred, no prisoners taken , even by LilyMeter! I had to stop at several places to just take a deep breath, Then continue on, cause book keeps you guessing what's next, where's the hope in this dismal, hopelessness ? A slap to the face warning about the monsters lurking around us in broad daylight. We warn our kids about it , we watch over our shoulders , we don't venture after dark in questionable neighbourhoods, lest we get taken. And that's exactly what happens to Emma.
She gets abducted in a seedy part of Boston and thrown into a dark van. Immediately her ordeal starts. Bound, tied, gagged.......and Raped ! . Then stuffed in a container, shipped overseas. Landing in the hovels of the Earth , she's in a maze of horror chambers , treated like fodder & prey , to be devoured by predators.
The world was a cruel place full of monsters, and if you weren't constantly on guard, eventually one would sneak up from behind to drag you into the shadows.
I'd read about the subject as it happened in South Africa once, saw some movies about it, but reading a book ,is my first. It happens for real, in Our World, In modern day, Right under our noses.
Emma meets the Director. He's a maker of horror films, lost to the real world, hiding in these dungeons, trying to create his kind of art , that pushes boundaries and is very realistic in the emotions. There's a market for it in rich depraved society and shadowed hallways of dark web. Everything is illegal and immoral, but does that stop it - NO !
I'd offered new stories, new visions, new ways of looking at the world around us,How would you like to direct whatever you want? The actual occurrence of true horror and helplessness that can't be found in the films you so tirelessly vomit out?
Emma is projected as a victim but soon shows her steely spine. Not to be easily subdued , her sass trumps her brain sometimes. She's forever curious, questioning and a survivalist. Keen observer and her meek persona hides a true warrior within. Ironically THIS warrior is very early noticed by Ethan Cole, The Director, who thoroughly goes about exploiting that vein in her and capturing it on film.
Ethan Cole - The Director is suave, polished and a Devil with piercing Light eyes that observe EVERYTHING ! Nothing escapes his attention ! Every minute detail on the set and off it is carefully logged and recorded for future usage.
Monsters shouldn't be good looking. They're supposed to be big, lumbering men with scarred skin and receding hairlines. Their teeth should be absent , or they should have eyes that are dead instead of sparkling. They should have big rounded guts and meaty hands that bruise and maim when they touch you. But they shouldn't look like Ethan.
Meticulous. Businesslike. Lacking warmth, emotion, remorse or regret. His desire to produce this film - his need to create his art - was the only driving factor for Ethan Cole.
I would learn quickly after meeting this well dressed man, that no matter how bad your circumstance, it could always deteriorate, that Hell itself could rise up and swallow you when you'd convinced yourself you'd experienced it all.
He's a handsome Devil with pure ice running in his veins and a stone mask for a face that gives nothing, shares nothing.
Their relationship is of The Director & Actress . very hands off, professional and work related only. So when do emotions seep in through the cracks ?
How do they deal with it?
How will their relationship survive when they are on a treadmill of death?
"I've just given myself to you. That's what I've done. It's up to you now to decide what to do with it."
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Emma, but you just sold your soul to the devil."
One thing that I observed , during this process. When you read in pages, chapters, the story has nothing but heinous INTENT on the directors part. He's merely there to make the product and deliver it, absolving himself of all responsibility of blood on his hands !! But something somewhere must be sticking to his soul , so filthy and caustic, that to wash it off , he deviates from his established norm of letting the girls be eaten alive. He let's Emma employ a weapon .
Now why would he do that ?
There's a possibility that he's attaching subconsciously to Emma
OR....
His own ego pushes him to prove over and over again , that he can top himself !!!
Seriously I'm having an epiphany here 💡 I had to finish the book and step back to see the story in its entirety, to understand the concept.
Why doesn't he let her escape, because, in my opinion, his ego as the BEST DIRECTOR , refuses to stop before he completes his perfection of a movie made with his Offcuts !! So technically he's the Hero AND the villain, BOTH !
I dunno if Lily intended that way, but I had to go and read the last chapter THREE TIMES to get into her headspace ! She is his MUSE, and in a role reversal, The Director not only gets inspired by her , he almost ends himself in order to live up to the pure standards of his MUSE !
Emma is triumphant purely on the Ferocity Of The Spirit , even when trapped in Clutches of death , that she involuntarily forces The Director to finish his project, putting both their lives in danger
Know what I'm saying !!!
Mindfuckery of the highest order , only could be grown in the overly fertile mind of Lily. How she's remained sane for so long is a million dollar question.
But then sanity is subjective !I'd say tread carefully in these illusive corridors of The Set. NOTHING is what it seems, NOTHING is real and The Director controls EVERYTHING.
He's the Ultimate Puppet Master ! The alpha dog always wags the Tail when the Studio Head Masters whistle and summon, unless of course Emma open her mouth, then the Tail Wags The Dog !!!
5 psychological stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
The content is no holds barred, no prisoners taken , even by LilyMeter! I had to stop at several places to just take a deep breath, Then continue on, cause book keeps you guessing what's next, where's the hope in this dismal, hopelessness ? A slap to the face warning about the monsters lurking around us in broad daylight. We warn our kids about it , we watch over our shoulders , we don't venture after dark in questionable neighbourhoods, lest we get taken. And that's exactly what happens to Emma.
She gets abducted in a seedy part of Boston and thrown into a dark van. Immediately her ordeal starts. Bound, tied, gagged.......and Raped ! . Then stuffed in a container, shipped overseas. Landing in the hovels of the Earth , she's in a maze of horror chambers , treated like fodder & prey , to be devoured by predators.
The world was a cruel place full of monsters, and if you weren't constantly on guard, eventually one would sneak up from behind to drag you into the shadows.
I'd read about the subject as it happened in South Africa once, saw some movies about it, but reading a book ,is my first. It happens for real, in Our World, In modern day, Right under our noses.
Emma meets the Director. He's a maker of horror films, lost to the real world, hiding in these dungeons, trying to create his kind of art , that pushes boundaries and is very realistic in the emotions. There's a market for it in rich depraved society and shadowed hallways of dark web. Everything is illegal and immoral, but does that stop it - NO !
I'd offered new stories, new visions, new ways of looking at the world around us,How would you like to direct whatever you want? The actual occurrence of true horror and helplessness that can't be found in the films you so tirelessly vomit out?
Emma is projected as a victim but soon shows her steely spine. Not to be easily subdued , her sass trumps her brain sometimes. She's forever curious, questioning and a survivalist. Keen observer and her meek persona hides a true warrior within. Ironically THIS warrior is very early noticed by Ethan Cole, The Director, who thoroughly goes about exploiting that vein in her and capturing it on film.
Ethan Cole - The Director is suave, polished and a Devil with piercing Light eyes that observe EVERYTHING ! Nothing escapes his attention ! Every minute detail on the set and off it is carefully logged and recorded for future usage.
Monsters shouldn't be good looking. They're supposed to be big, lumbering men with scarred skin and receding hairlines. Their teeth should be absent , or they should have eyes that are dead instead of sparkling. They should have big rounded guts and meaty hands that bruise and maim when they touch you. But they shouldn't look like Ethan.
Meticulous. Businesslike. Lacking warmth, emotion, remorse or regret. His desire to produce this film - his need to create his art - was the only driving factor for Ethan Cole.
I would learn quickly after meeting this well dressed man, that no matter how bad your circumstance, it could always deteriorate, that Hell itself could rise up and swallow you when you'd convinced yourself you'd experienced it all.
He's a handsome Devil with pure ice running in his veins and a stone mask for a face that gives nothing, shares nothing.
Their relationship is of The Director & Actress . very hands off, professional and work related only. So when do emotions seep in through the cracks ?
How do they deal with it?
How will their relationship survive when they are on a treadmill of death?
"I've just given myself to you. That's what I've done. It's up to you now to decide what to do with it."
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Emma, but you just sold your soul to the devil."
One thing that I observed , during this process. When you read in pages, chapters, the story has nothing but heinous INTENT on the directors part. He's merely there to make the product and deliver it, absolving himself of all responsibility of blood on his hands !! But something somewhere must be sticking to his soul , so filthy and caustic, that to wash it off , he deviates from his established norm of letting the girls be eaten alive. He let's Emma employ a weapon .
Now why would he do that ?
There's a possibility that he's attaching subconsciously to Emma
OR....
His own ego pushes him to prove over and over again , that he can top himself !!!
Seriously I'm having an epiphany here 💡 I had to finish the book and step back to see the story in its entirety, to understand the concept.
Why doesn't he let her escape, because, in my opinion, his ego as the BEST DIRECTOR , refuses to stop before he completes his perfection of a movie made with his Offcuts !! So technically he's the Hero AND the villain, BOTH !
I dunno if Lily intended that way, but I had to go and read the last chapter THREE TIMES to get into her headspace ! She is his MUSE, and in a role reversal, The Director not only gets inspired by her , he almost ends himself in order to live up to the pure standards of his MUSE !
Emma is triumphant purely on the Ferocity Of The Spirit , even when trapped in Clutches of death , that she involuntarily forces The Director to finish his project, putting both their lives in danger
Know what I'm saying !!!
Mindfuckery of the highest order , only could be grown in the overly fertile mind of Lily. How she's remained sane for so long is a million dollar question.
But then sanity is subjective !I'd say tread carefully in these illusive corridors of The Set. NOTHING is what it seems, NOTHING is real and The Director controls EVERYTHING.
He's the Ultimate Puppet Master ! The alpha dog always wags the Tail when the Studio Head Masters whistle and summon, unless of course Emma open her mouth, then the Tail Wags The Dog !!!
5 psychological stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
March 8, 2018
3.5* fuck or die STARS!
Beware of the warning! This book contains sadistic, explicit and gore scenes. Totally uncomfortable. Also involve kidnapping, forced sex, violence and stockholm syndrome. I did inhale-exhale-inhale when I read this. Not my usual but, hellooo this is Lily White. Prepare your plastic bag. You might turns green.
Emma Hart's life is no longer hers since she was kidnapped and forced to be an "actress". Fuck or die; that's Ethan Cole's single word. As The Director, he's in control everything in the scene and for the sake of his movie. Ethan has obsession towards Emma's dark side leads into another affair.
I already sense where this story leads. Ethan is an enigma and no one can read him. He's private person and very focused on his job. Ethan was once a famous director that people assume gone missing. However, his dark passion to make something more "alive" leads him to this gore job. I hardly like Ethan. Even when he described as handsome and charming. Totally not a "hero" material; because he's the devil.
Emma is no one. Her stupidity leads her into the dangerous world. Fuck or die. She wants to die but desperately want to survive. I really admire Emma's strength. Even from the hardest pressure, she didn't lose her humanity to save others. Her survival instinct brought Emma to his attention. She becomes his main actress. With her power and a bit of craziness.
I've read other story about this type of gore porn videos. Maybe it's real? Out there, somewhere in the dark web. Who's really wanna watch it? Yeah, you all know the answer. That's what Ethan provided as The Director in this story. I might say, Ethan has really disturbing minds but he slowly change because of Emma. Not to be a "kind" person, but more "human". I kinda enjoyed their banter especially with Ethan's jealousy. Really intense. They're both playing a dangerous game.
I'm a bit surprised when Ethan said he didn't have power outside his status as The Director. Yup, there's people with higher power above him. But Ethan did everything he can to save Emma. I really wanna give more stars if only they have a "happy" ending. Overall, I'd recommend this for you thrill seekers. Really engaging that I couldn't put it down. Lily White and her brilliant writing are two thumbs up!
Beware of the warning! This book contains sadistic, explicit and gore scenes. Totally uncomfortable. Also involve kidnapping, forced sex, violence and stockholm syndrome. I did inhale-exhale-inhale when I read this. Not my usual but, hellooo this is Lily White. Prepare your plastic bag. You might turns green.
Emma Hart's life is no longer hers since she was kidnapped and forced to be an "actress". Fuck or die; that's Ethan Cole's single word. As The Director, he's in control everything in the scene and for the sake of his movie. Ethan has obsession towards Emma's dark side leads into another affair.
I already sense where this story leads. Ethan is an enigma and no one can read him. He's private person and very focused on his job. Ethan was once a famous director that people assume gone missing. However, his dark passion to make something more "alive" leads him to this gore job. I hardly like Ethan. Even when he described as handsome and charming. Totally not a "hero" material; because he's the devil.
Emma is no one. Her stupidity leads her into the dangerous world. Fuck or die. She wants to die but desperately want to survive. I really admire Emma's strength. Even from the hardest pressure, she didn't lose her humanity to save others. Her survival instinct brought Emma to his attention. She becomes his main actress. With her power and a bit of craziness.
I've read other story about this type of gore porn videos. Maybe it's real? Out there, somewhere in the dark web. Who's really wanna watch it? Yeah, you all know the answer. That's what Ethan provided as The Director in this story. I might say, Ethan has really disturbing minds but he slowly change because of Emma. Not to be a "kind" person, but more "human". I kinda enjoyed their banter especially with Ethan's jealousy. Really intense. They're both playing a dangerous game.
I'm a bit surprised when Ethan said he didn't have power outside his status as The Director. Yup, there's people with higher power above him. But Ethan did everything he can to save Emma. I really wanna give more stars if only they have a "happy" ending. Overall, I'd recommend this for you thrill seekers. Really engaging that I couldn't put it down. Lily White and her brilliant writing are two thumbs up!
December 13, 2017
UMMMM, WOW!
This book has to be one of the most RAW books I have ever read. Their is a primal beast living in many and this story shows how depraved the beast can be.
FUCK or DIE what a choice to make but really is it a choice at all? Would you be okay with being raped constantly by men that have absolutely no soul because the beast within them has taken hold of it or would you choose to die instead hoping and praying that a single bullet to the head would do the trick but not really knowing what they would do to kill you and it can be absolutely worse than being left to the soulless beast.
You can see my full review here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
This book has to be one of the most RAW books I have ever read. Their is a primal beast living in many and this story shows how depraved the beast can be.
FUCK or DIE what a choice to make but really is it a choice at all? Would you be okay with being raped constantly by men that have absolutely no soul because the beast within them has taken hold of it or would you choose to die instead hoping and praying that a single bullet to the head would do the trick but not really knowing what they would do to kill you and it can be absolutely worse than being left to the soulless beast.
You can see my full review here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
June 19, 2020
Waaaay too dark for me.
July 20, 2022
I don’t know how to go about rating this. The director isn’t your hero at all. He’ll watch you get fucked to death by someone else and then proceeds to do the same thing to you after. It’s very intense. Very dark. No strings pulled back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2017
The Director
By: Lily White
5 Stars
I should have known better. I solely based what I thought this book would be about by the title alone. Cute Actress want to be moving to California to pursue her dreams of becoming the most sought-after actress…who falls madly in love with the first Director she meets… Buhahaha!!!! This is Lily White people….
Right out of the starting gate, this story had me hooked. Started and finished in one day due to the intensity of this story. My nails are chewed down to the quicks, my hair has been twirled constantly, I’ve done nothing but junk it food wise today… All because of this book!!!
It’s one that will test your limits in the dark scene… Will have to admit to constantly chain smoking while reading this book! Because of the stress level that not only Emma goes through but what Laura went through reading this.
Poor Emma just wanted to make it home after a date turned upside down. Walking to find a place to hail a taxi, she finds herself being tossed in the back of a van.
Now at her final destination, acting is now her calling. However, these are not the movies you see on the Hallmark channel!
Ethan is the director of these movies…he has finally taken the step to more freedom in his abilities to direct. A more beautiful way to show the ‘art’. He runs a tight ship, that’s for sure.
Emma is quick to realize though that...
Ethan is like a sour onion with many layers that only made you cry harder the closer you go to his core.
Along with being like a sour onion…
Monsters shouldn’t be good looking. They’re supposed to be big, lumbering men with scarred skin and receding hairlines.
Without giving more away, put dinner in the crockpot, grab you a pot of coffee and dive in to this one!!! You will be so glad that you are at home reading this and not auditioning for a part in Ethan Cole’s next movie!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
By: Lily White
5 Stars
I should have known better. I solely based what I thought this book would be about by the title alone. Cute Actress want to be moving to California to pursue her dreams of becoming the most sought-after actress…who falls madly in love with the first Director she meets… Buhahaha!!!! This is Lily White people….
Right out of the starting gate, this story had me hooked. Started and finished in one day due to the intensity of this story. My nails are chewed down to the quicks, my hair has been twirled constantly, I’ve done nothing but junk it food wise today… All because of this book!!!
It’s one that will test your limits in the dark scene… Will have to admit to constantly chain smoking while reading this book! Because of the stress level that not only Emma goes through but what Laura went through reading this.
Poor Emma just wanted to make it home after a date turned upside down. Walking to find a place to hail a taxi, she finds herself being tossed in the back of a van.
Now at her final destination, acting is now her calling. However, these are not the movies you see on the Hallmark channel!
Ethan is the director of these movies…he has finally taken the step to more freedom in his abilities to direct. A more beautiful way to show the ‘art’. He runs a tight ship, that’s for sure.
Emma is quick to realize though that...
Ethan is like a sour onion with many layers that only made you cry harder the closer you go to his core.
Along with being like a sour onion…
Monsters shouldn’t be good looking. They’re supposed to be big, lumbering men with scarred skin and receding hairlines.
Without giving more away, put dinner in the crockpot, grab you a pot of coffee and dive in to this one!!! You will be so glad that you are at home reading this and not auditioning for a part in Ethan Cole’s next movie!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
December 12, 2017
Lily White takes readers on a trip into the dark and depraved with The Director, the first in a new series of Dark stories being released exclusively on her website and Smashwords.
Emma is like countless other young women living in LA. She is trying to live her life when the unthinkable happens. One night, Emma is trying to find a cab after a bad date, when her life is irrevocably changed. She is kidnapped and finds herself falling down a rabbit hole into the dark underbelly of Hollywood. In this secret little known world, she stumbles onto Ethan Cole.
Ethan is a famous director who led a star studded career until he vanished. Everyone thought he quit, but in actuality, he is still making movies, just not the kind you will find in mainstream cinemas. When he finds Emma, he knows she is the perfect actress for his movies and when given the choice between acting for him or dying, who could refuse. As Emma gets sucked farther and father into his world, she finds herself doing things she never imagined and wondering if one's savior can also be one's own personal demon.
The Director was a whirlwind of well written, disturbing, impossible to put down action that kept me on the edge of my seat. I say often when reviewing dark romances that they are not for the faint of heart. I can not stress that enough in this particular book. There were parts that were extremely disturbing. You need to pay attention to the trigger warnings for this as it is both unnerving and unsettling at various times. Ethan is a character that is easy to hate and you probably should. Lily White worked her magic though and despite the despicable, inhuman things he does, there is something charismatic about. If you love your dark reads of the pitch black variety this story will be right up your alley.
Emma is like countless other young women living in LA. She is trying to live her life when the unthinkable happens. One night, Emma is trying to find a cab after a bad date, when her life is irrevocably changed. She is kidnapped and finds herself falling down a rabbit hole into the dark underbelly of Hollywood. In this secret little known world, she stumbles onto Ethan Cole.
Ethan is a famous director who led a star studded career until he vanished. Everyone thought he quit, but in actuality, he is still making movies, just not the kind you will find in mainstream cinemas. When he finds Emma, he knows she is the perfect actress for his movies and when given the choice between acting for him or dying, who could refuse. As Emma gets sucked farther and father into his world, she finds herself doing things she never imagined and wondering if one's savior can also be one's own personal demon.
The Director was a whirlwind of well written, disturbing, impossible to put down action that kept me on the edge of my seat. I say often when reviewing dark romances that they are not for the faint of heart. I can not stress that enough in this particular book. There were parts that were extremely disturbing. You need to pay attention to the trigger warnings for this as it is both unnerving and unsettling at various times. Ethan is a character that is easy to hate and you probably should. Lily White worked her magic though and despite the despicable, inhuman things he does, there is something charismatic about. If you love your dark reads of the pitch black variety this story will be right up your alley.
December 12, 2017
I've just finished this dark read and I'm in two minds about it. Firstly, I must say I love Lily's writing style, she definitely has an incredible way with words by pulling you into the world she creates. But, in saying that, this book wasn't my favorite of hers.
The beginning and the last few chapters really had my attention, but the middle of the book seemed to drag for me. I think after the explosive beginning, when it slowed down I felt like we were just going through the motions. But then we get to the last few chapters and the pace picks up and I'm once again on the edge of my seat.
I look forward to the other dark exclusive books Lily has planned, but for me, this one wasn't my favorite.
The beginning and the last few chapters really had my attention, but the middle of the book seemed to drag for me. I think after the explosive beginning, when it slowed down I felt like we were just going through the motions. But then we get to the last few chapters and the pace picks up and I'm once again on the edge of my seat.
I look forward to the other dark exclusive books Lily has planned, but for me, this one wasn't my favorite.
December 6, 2017
One question, requiring only one response:
Fuck or Die?
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!!!
This is the first of Lily White’s Dark Exclusives and will only be available on her website and Smashwords.
I don’t want to give away any details of the story I went in blind I seen the cover and heard it was going to be dark and I was like where do I sign up for this book. it is so well written, as is with all Lily’s books.
This book is Raw, consuming, dark. It draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. What a story it is.. Once I started I could not put it down. I loved the characters, I really liked Emma, what a woman she is. I just loved her.
Everybody wants to be an actress, right?
The lights, the camera, the action? The fame, the money, the beauty and esteem? It’s all part of the package.
Unless, of course, you’re part of HIS films.
August 23, 2020
sooo this is what an actual mindfuck feels like... i’m rendered speechless. this was such a disturbing book with several triggers but i was addicted to it and couldn’t stop reading.
honestly, in the beginning i thought i wouldn’t like it because the plot was so dark but whoa i ended up loving it. i was on the edge of my seat throughout the book.. everything was so unpredictable.
the heroine is so strong.. a queen. i love herr. the way she didn’t break and continued to fight WOW
if you’re into thrillers with a dash of romance, then go for it.
honestly, in the beginning i thought i wouldn’t like it because the plot was so dark but whoa i ended up loving it. i was on the edge of my seat throughout the book.. everything was so unpredictable.
the heroine is so strong.. a queen. i love herr. the way she didn’t break and continued to fight WOW
if you’re into thrillers with a dash of romance, then go for it.
December 20, 2017
Just when I think the last Lily White I read was my favorite, she releases another one to come and take it's place....so until the next book, The Director is my favorite Lily White book.
The Director is Lily at her finest. It's dark, depraved, and takes subject matter that is so twisted and makes you think. It's a dark exclusive, so it's Lily unrestricted and I love when she isn't writing with constraints in her dark books. With this book, she pushes the reader to think, how far would you go to survive? Would you do whatever it takes, or would you give up and accept your fate ? The answers are never as easy as the seem, that much we learn. This book will make you think, it will give you hope then snatch it away, it will make you realize monsters are closer than they appear.
I loved this book and it is a must read for lovers of dark
The Director is Lily at her finest. It's dark, depraved, and takes subject matter that is so twisted and makes you think. It's a dark exclusive, so it's Lily unrestricted and I love when she isn't writing with constraints in her dark books. With this book, she pushes the reader to think, how far would you go to survive? Would you do whatever it takes, or would you give up and accept your fate ? The answers are never as easy as the seem, that much we learn. This book will make you think, it will give you hope then snatch it away, it will make you realize monsters are closer than they appear.
I loved this book and it is a must read for lovers of dark
July 23, 2020
*** 4 estrelas ***
Eu literalmente não sei o que falar desse livro, na verdade ainda tenho dúvidas de como avaliar.
Esse livro é sombrio em todos os lados, não é um livro que você não lê com sorriso no rosto, muito pelo contrario é mais fácil seu estômago revirar durante a leitura.
O começo acho que foi o mais difícil, mas chegou um ponto que não sei se eu me acostumei com a violência ou se realmente deu uma diminuída pra focar em outro tema (talvez ambos), mesmo com essa "diminuida" eu li tão freneticamente que até me assustei quando acabei.
Esse livro por mais doentio que seja te prende e você não consegue largar, a escrita da autora é viciante, além de ter usado um cenário que eu nunca tinha lido no dark.
Esse foi meu primeiro contato com a autora, e já pretendo ler outros livros dela em breve.
Só sei que agora preciso de algo fofo e um pedaço de chocolate pra tentar digerir tudo isso.
Eu literalmente não sei o que falar desse livro, na verdade ainda tenho dúvidas de como avaliar.
Esse livro é sombrio em todos os lados, não é um livro que você não lê com sorriso no rosto, muito pelo contrario é mais fácil seu estômago revirar durante a leitura.
O começo acho que foi o mais difícil, mas chegou um ponto que não sei se eu me acostumei com a violência ou se realmente deu uma diminuída pra focar em outro tema (talvez ambos), mesmo com essa "diminuida" eu li tão freneticamente que até me assustei quando acabei.
Esse livro por mais doentio que seja te prende e você não consegue largar, a escrita da autora é viciante, além de ter usado um cenário que eu nunca tinha lido no dark.
Esse foi meu primeiro contato com a autora, e já pretendo ler outros livros dela em breve.
Só sei que agora preciso de algo fofo e um pedaço de chocolate pra tentar digerir tudo isso.
August 1, 2021
5 Stars
“I'd taken a script written to show the most depraved of all nightmares and had somehow discovered notations of love scribbled hastily within its pages.”
This book is SHOCKING, CONFRONTING, MIND-BENDING, SOUL-SHATTERING, DARK, TWISTED, and ALL SHADES OF F**KED UP! It definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. This is a HARDCORE dark read! It is explicit in its content- depicting brutal violence, graphic sex scenes, rape, abuse, murder, and every other trigger you could possibly imagine- you will find in this book. When I first read this book, I came away from it not sure how to go about reviewing, let alone rating, it. There were so many moments through the book where I thought I shouldn’t be reading it, moments of disgust at what I was reading- and you know what, we are meant to be disgusted- as most of the content I would NEVER EVER tolerate in real life!!! Let me say that again- I would never tolerate these things in REAL LIFE!!! But this isn’t real life…. It’s made up, it’s a fantasy. And I am adult enough, and aware enough, to realise that fact. So, my review is based solely on the story as it was intended- as pure FICTION!
I know this book will be polarizing, you will either love it or hate it- with nothing in between. Please do not even contemplate reading this book if you are sensitive to any types of triggers, as this is most definitely NOT the book for you. There are warnings that come with the book that you really need to take notice of! You have been warned.
I read this book for the first time several years ago, and had never left a review because quite frankly, I didn’t know if I should share it. But it’s a book that I have thought of so often over the years- whenever anyone asks for dark read recommendations, this is the first book that comes to my mind. It was so soul shatteringly unsettling that I have to applaud the author for her ability to convey so much intensity, revulsion, torment, emotion, pain, humiliation, hope, loss, grief, rage, and pure unadulterated brutality. It takes some serious talent to be able to evoke so much, using only words to paint such vividly graphic images. I was so torn while reading it, because it was so traumatic- and I was left so very conflicted because when it came down to it, I really enjoyed the book- and maybe felt a little guilty for that fact.
So, after reading it again so everything is still fresh in my mind, I have decided to pull up my big girl panties and finally out myself! This book may have used me up and then spat me out- but I can’t help but applaud Ms. White for her masterful storytelling, and bravery for sending something so controversial out into the world.
I LOVE IT! There, I admit it! There will be no more hiding my thoughts. I always go into a book open-minded, and try to rate a book on how it made me FEEL. Well, this book strapped my emotions onto a rocket, and thrust me head first into one of the most incredibly intense and emotional rides I’ve ever taken. Challenging my morals, and everything I thought I felt about life and humanity. I felt guilty for loving it! But I have come to realise that those things are in fact the sign of a really great author, and a brilliant word-smith!
This book is banned by Amazon and a most other retailers. I purchased my copy from Smashwords.
I have read quite a few of Ms. White’s books now and have loved them all. She is one of my go-to, one-click, must-read authors! But I am sure she will admit that she isn’t to everyone’s tastes- so again, take note of the warnings!
Heart-stopping! Tears! Ugly Cry! Raw! Distressing! Brilliant!!! It certainly takes intense to a whole new level! And those last few chapters- I have no words! WOW!!
Dark and incredibly twisted reading at its best!
Thank you, Ms. White!
“I'd taken a script written to show the most depraved of all nightmares and had somehow discovered notations of love scribbled hastily within its pages.”
This book is SHOCKING, CONFRONTING, MIND-BENDING, SOUL-SHATTERING, DARK, TWISTED, and ALL SHADES OF F**KED UP! It definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. This is a HARDCORE dark read! It is explicit in its content- depicting brutal violence, graphic sex scenes, rape, abuse, murder, and every other trigger you could possibly imagine- you will find in this book. When I first read this book, I came away from it not sure how to go about reviewing, let alone rating, it. There were so many moments through the book where I thought I shouldn’t be reading it, moments of disgust at what I was reading- and you know what, we are meant to be disgusted- as most of the content I would NEVER EVER tolerate in real life!!! Let me say that again- I would never tolerate these things in REAL LIFE!!! But this isn’t real life…. It’s made up, it’s a fantasy. And I am adult enough, and aware enough, to realise that fact. So, my review is based solely on the story as it was intended- as pure FICTION!
I know this book will be polarizing, you will either love it or hate it- with nothing in between. Please do not even contemplate reading this book if you are sensitive to any types of triggers, as this is most definitely NOT the book for you. There are warnings that come with the book that you really need to take notice of! You have been warned.
I read this book for the first time several years ago, and had never left a review because quite frankly, I didn’t know if I should share it. But it’s a book that I have thought of so often over the years- whenever anyone asks for dark read recommendations, this is the first book that comes to my mind. It was so soul shatteringly unsettling that I have to applaud the author for her ability to convey so much intensity, revulsion, torment, emotion, pain, humiliation, hope, loss, grief, rage, and pure unadulterated brutality. It takes some serious talent to be able to evoke so much, using only words to paint such vividly graphic images. I was so torn while reading it, because it was so traumatic- and I was left so very conflicted because when it came down to it, I really enjoyed the book- and maybe felt a little guilty for that fact.
So, after reading it again so everything is still fresh in my mind, I have decided to pull up my big girl panties and finally out myself! This book may have used me up and then spat me out- but I can’t help but applaud Ms. White for her masterful storytelling, and bravery for sending something so controversial out into the world.
I LOVE IT! There, I admit it! There will be no more hiding my thoughts. I always go into a book open-minded, and try to rate a book on how it made me FEEL. Well, this book strapped my emotions onto a rocket, and thrust me head first into one of the most incredibly intense and emotional rides I’ve ever taken. Challenging my morals, and everything I thought I felt about life and humanity. I felt guilty for loving it! But I have come to realise that those things are in fact the sign of a really great author, and a brilliant word-smith!
This book is banned by Amazon and a most other retailers. I purchased my copy from Smashwords.
I have read quite a few of Ms. White’s books now and have loved them all. She is one of my go-to, one-click, must-read authors! But I am sure she will admit that she isn’t to everyone’s tastes- so again, take note of the warnings!
Heart-stopping! Tears! Ugly Cry! Raw! Distressing! Brilliant!!! It certainly takes intense to a whole new level! And those last few chapters- I have no words! WOW!!
Dark and incredibly twisted reading at its best!
Thank you, Ms. White!
December 7, 2017
Gah! What did I read?! I'm still trying to catch my breath. I swear every time I read a Lily White book I'm left in flux with huge amounts of emotion sitting in the pit of my stomach. This novel is truly brilliant. It is dark and depraved and so gritty and violent. But is also emotional and beautiful as you can't help but root for the heroine. I truly loved this novel and honestly can't wrap my head around how I could equally love and hate the villain. This is one of the best novels I have ever read and I could not get enough.
When I first heard that Lily was writing a Dark exclusives series where she could let her inner dark goddess out free reign, I was intrigued and nervous AF as you never know what to expect from her. And honestly? She knocked it out of the park. I sat consumed and terrified but so enthralled I could not stop reading. Picture this: reading late at night with all the lights on, my kindle in my lap and my face half covered by my hands, I was honestly rocked by this book.
Without giving anway any spoilers, all I will say is that The Director is honestly one of the BEST dark novels I have ever read. We meet our heroine, Emma Hart, who is forced to make a difficult decision: "Fuck or Die" and is then subject to the vile consequences of her decision at the hands of the Director, Ethan Cole.
This novel was so disturbing and depraved but so amazing. Through her experiences, Emma found a piece of herself that she never expected to find. She also discovered that there is a more grey area in life as both light and darkness exist within us all. This really is a story of change and an evolution of self and begs the question: Who really is the hero or villain in a story as we all are forced to wear different hats in order to survive? But in true Lily White fashion we never expected it to be so twisted. I absolutely loved this and look forward to more stories like this in the future! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
When I first heard that Lily was writing a Dark exclusives series where she could let her inner dark goddess out free reign, I was intrigued and nervous AF as you never know what to expect from her. And honestly? She knocked it out of the park. I sat consumed and terrified but so enthralled I could not stop reading. Picture this: reading late at night with all the lights on, my kindle in my lap and my face half covered by my hands, I was honestly rocked by this book.
Without giving anway any spoilers, all I will say is that The Director is honestly one of the BEST dark novels I have ever read. We meet our heroine, Emma Hart, who is forced to make a difficult decision: "Fuck or Die" and is then subject to the vile consequences of her decision at the hands of the Director, Ethan Cole.
This novel was so disturbing and depraved but so amazing. Through her experiences, Emma found a piece of herself that she never expected to find. She also discovered that there is a more grey area in life as both light and darkness exist within us all. This really is a story of change and an evolution of self and begs the question: Who really is the hero or villain in a story as we all are forced to wear different hats in order to survive? But in true Lily White fashion we never expected it to be so twisted. I absolutely loved this and look forward to more stories like this in the future! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
December 8, 2017
“She was everything to me and nothing at all.”
If you’re looking for hearts and flowers, this isn’t the book for you. Hell, if you’re looking for broken hearts and dead flowers, this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking for depravity, suffering, and bedevilment, well, you’ve hit the jackpot. This book will make you cringe, gasp, and, in all honesty, probably question the sanity of Lily White. It will also make feel. It will make you feel hatred, sorrow, and at times, you’ll feel hopeful. Don’t be fooled.
“Meticulous. Businesslike. Lacking warmth, emotion, remorse or regret. His desire to produce this film – his need to create his art – was the only driving factor for Ethan Cole.”
Emma is a normal woman in her early 20’s. There’s nothing spectacular about her. Until him. Ethan Cole. A once renowned director, famous for his acclaimed films. Now, he’s a hidden man, directing movies of true horror. Women abducted. Forced to live in inhumane conditions. Forced to endure abuse for the sake of his art. Sold on the dark web for the depraved.
Emma catches his attention immediately. She isn’t the typical meek woman, doing as she’s told, doing whatever is necessary to survive. No, she’s a woman that has inspired him to direct honest and sui generis films that will capture the audiences attention long after watching the film. She is his muse.
Lily, I don’t know where you come up with these ideas, but I thoroughly enjoy seeing the boundaries you push in your novels. Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC!
If you’re looking for hearts and flowers, this isn’t the book for you. Hell, if you’re looking for broken hearts and dead flowers, this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking for depravity, suffering, and bedevilment, well, you’ve hit the jackpot. This book will make you cringe, gasp, and, in all honesty, probably question the sanity of Lily White. It will also make feel. It will make you feel hatred, sorrow, and at times, you’ll feel hopeful. Don’t be fooled.
“Meticulous. Businesslike. Lacking warmth, emotion, remorse or regret. His desire to produce this film – his need to create his art – was the only driving factor for Ethan Cole.”
Emma is a normal woman in her early 20’s. There’s nothing spectacular about her. Until him. Ethan Cole. A once renowned director, famous for his acclaimed films. Now, he’s a hidden man, directing movies of true horror. Women abducted. Forced to live in inhumane conditions. Forced to endure abuse for the sake of his art. Sold on the dark web for the depraved.
Emma catches his attention immediately. She isn’t the typical meek woman, doing as she’s told, doing whatever is necessary to survive. No, she’s a woman that has inspired him to direct honest and sui generis films that will capture the audiences attention long after watching the film. She is his muse.
Lily, I don’t know where you come up with these ideas, but I thoroughly enjoy seeing the boundaries you push in your novels. Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews