The Box: A Dark Romance

by Marisa Oldham

When THE BOX opens, it’s HIS time to play...

Abducted and helpless, Iris Pierce wakes to find herself trapped in THE BOX.

Every time the lid opens, the life she once knew slips farther and farther away.

Each time HE wants to play, Iris is forced into unbelievable sexual acts. She struggles against losing touch and the terror of her fate.

Will her captor keep her alive or finish her off when he’s done?

***THE BOX is a steamy, dark romantic / erotic thriller novel with themes of kidnapping, captivity, and BDSM scenes that some readers may find shocking. Intended for audiences 18+ & not for the faint-hearted.**

Genres: Dark

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2018

About the author

Marisa Oldham is an Amazon bestselling author of the popular The Falling Series - The Falling of Love, The Falling of Grace, and The Falling of Hope. A passionate writer with immense depth, Marisa published a highly emotional spinoff of the series, Learning to Breathe, that connected her readers with her by sharing her personal experiences in a fictional manner. In a short story collection, After We Fell, that follows Learning to Breathe, Marisa continued to dive into the trials and tribulations of her characters’ lives with Falling in Paris, Falling Apart, and Falling Forever. Marisa has also contributed to anthologies and has many works in progress.

Marisa lives in a small town in Tennessee with her sister Carraine and her adorable Yorkshire
Terrier mix, Winnie. Outside of writing, Marisa enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, horror
movies, and crafting. One of Marisa’s favorite aspects of being a writer is connecting with her
readers. You may reach Marisa via social media or email.

Reviews

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I want to know that what I’m doing is pleasing him. Why the fuck I care is beyond me, but this man has done something to me. He’s changed me. He’s turned me into a carnal beast who lives to please him.”


HOLY HELL!!! I never guessed this book would end the way it did!!!! What a mind fu
One day Iris wakes up and finds herself in a coffin-like box with just enough room to only move 3 or 4 inches. This box becomes her new home and she is only taken out to be fed, washed and sexually used (in very interesting ways ranging from f/m, f/f, group sex, BDSM, Shibari, forced sex with an audience - the list goes on and on and all within just 126 pages)!!!

I loved how dark and depraved this story was however I found it extremely hard to believe that Iris not only didn’t put up any fight but actually enjoyed what was done to her from the very start. I recently read a book where a woman was kidnapped and she too immediately succumbed to her captor. In that book, the female had a plausible, believable reason for acting this way: her kidnapper had taken her out of a more abusive situation. In this book, there is no explanation given for why Iris so quickly succumbs to her captivity captors UNTIL THE LAST PAGE. The entire time I was reading this book I continuously felt frustrated that Iris not only gave in quickly but craved being used sexually by her captor within just days of being kidnapped. I kept thinking to myself that if Oldham would just give us a reason for this, perhaps I could wrap my brain around it but since none was given, it felt very unrealistic. However, as I keep eluding to, everything makes sense at the very end and if we had been given early warnings or explanations, the ending would not have been at all powerful. If nothing else, this book certainly is thought-provoking!!! Overall, I was very impressed with Oldham’s dark creativity and ingenuity!!!

[Leigh Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book but the teasers were awesome and the blurb caught my fancy right away! This book is dark—very dark and for those of us—like myself that love a dark read—this is right up our alley. It has every element that a dark read should have—an ominous alpha male—a heroine attracted to the darkness in the man and some very disturbing but fascinating scenes. I read this book with the need to flip to the next page immediately; never missing a second that had me almost suspended in the book. See, there is so much to the book but if I give too much away; the beauty that is this wonderful read will be ruined for you. However, let me set it up for you. Iris wakes up inside a box. She is groggy and she's out of it. A man appears and right away; shows his dominance; telling her he could kill her if he wants yet through all of this; she is attracted to the man. This stockholm twisty read will have the reader asking so many questions throughout the book and at the end—the whole story will transcend reality—leaving you wanting more.

[Stacey McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this book five stars because Marisa Oldham has written a captivating story. The story flowed well and the characters were real, at times terrifying and intriguing. Even though this is the first and perhaps last time I will read a dark romance novel I can appreciate that this book, The Box certainly has a place for readers who love and appreciate this genre.

The idea of just how far you would go to save your own life will linger with me for some time.

I would take a chance on reading other novels by this author, just perhaps not that of the dark romance genre.

[Yvonne Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, twisted turn in this story.

I enjoyed this story line so much. I actually felt sorry for Iris and wanted her to escape or try to run put up some type of fight against the King (Nathan). I was cheering for her and really hated King. The whole story carried you on a sexual journey and you watch Iris give in to her needs and wants. The end really floored me, never saw it coming. A really good job. Looking forward to more work by this author.

[Cora Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me way out of my comfort zone, but it’s a must read if you love bdsm and erotica. Locked in a box and only taken out when King wants to play, Iris is subjected to all kinds of kink. This book is beyond what you’ll ever expect to read. If you love Bdsm and Erotica, you’ll love The Box..
there are tons of oh crap moments, lots of heat. Marisa Oldham hits another book out of the park..

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took my breath away with what Iris endured after her abduction. This is an incredible story and you'll think so too when you finish it.

[Caryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really?

Can’t believe I paid good money for this. Very dark story which ends up being a surprise but I really hated it. I’m no prude but this was just overdone.

[DS_Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this had heart racing moments, Angst, fear at times and always kept you guessing.
I loved this read and following what would happen to Iris who was somehow taken and kept hostage against her will having numerous acts acted upon with one and various people.
She begins to thrive on being a submissive and craves the acts even though her mind races and she questions herself all the time.
The twist at the end was a massive BOMB I Did not see coming at all, it completely Gobsmacked me to the point I had to stop and take it all in and believe me that not an easy thing to do (I can usually sense what’s coming) but this author has the ability to sneak up and grab you when you don’t see it coming.
I think the ending changed it from dark to BDSM for me but what a read!! It sucks you in from the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end.

[Wanda Slack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Dark Read

Dark read that grabs you from the first page. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
I was wanting more and hope Marisa plans on writing other dark stories soon.

[Maria Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

another incredible book from this amazing woman! everything Marisa writes is gold and this was no different. the suspense and thrill of what happens next literally left me on the edge of my seat dying for more!!!!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, just wow I don't know what to say really. The Box is a story where Iris has been taken and kept in. She is only taken out to be used and played with. Her captor The King 👑 enjoys his torture as he gives her pain turn to pleasure. What Iris doesn't understand is how she could want to escape but also stay. This book I devoured. It's twisted but good

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Dark and Twisted Stars for The Box

This definitely ain't your mama's romance, so be forewarned that this is some delightfully dark and twisted erotica for you.

It's so hard to say much about this without giving any hints to the plot twist, so I am just going to say dive in my open minded friends.

The masks... I can't leave a review without mentioning the masks. I don't know that those images will ever completely leave me...and I live the way they completely freak me out.

Dark erotica at its absolute finest.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like nothing you have read before. Author Marisa Oldham has reached out of THE BOX and brought something dark and a undeniably realistic story!
I have read all of Marisa Oldham’s books and this was completely different from any of her books.
There are some triggers in this book so please be cautious when reading but it made it even more tantalizing to read.
I am very impressed with her writing and I think anyone else that does will love this also.
Thank you for such a mind F**k.

[The Ardent Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Box is sexy, creative, and....a mystery. I loved following the main character and trying piece the puzzle together. “Why was she there? Who is behind the mask? Omg, that was so hawt and yet so twisted! Is she going to be ok? So many questions!”
This was a read that kept me captivated!

[Jessica Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

This is a very different genre than I normally read. It’s dark and will make you uncomfortable and turn you on and realize there are some desires you have that maybe you’ve never even considered!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking up and finding herself confined to what appears to be a wooden box, Iris looks to try to find a way out, but the only way out is when her capture turns up and lets her out, they make it clear that she needs to follow the rules, or she will be punished.
Iris can’t believe the things that her capture puts her through, and even more that she becomes aroused at some of it, and, wants more. What confuses Iris more is at times her capture, King, can be cruel and at other times kind and caring.
Although King makes her do things that she would never dream of doing, Iris finds herself surprised that she’s more aroused than she’s ever been in her life. When Iris can escape, she doesn’t as her desire to please King overrides her desire to escape.
Finally finding herself alone and not in the room with the box, Iris decides to take the chance and run, only to be brought back to King who lets her know that the he won’t ever let her go. Amazing story about Iris and King and an ending I didn’t see coming.

[Lisa Marie ~ Words We Love By · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book recommended by someone on my Facebook feed and after reading the summary, I decided to give it a read.  I had never read anything by Marisa Oldham so I didn't know what to expect ~~  holy shit!!~~ was I in for a surprise.

Iris wakes up in a box.  A small box where she has no room to move and she doesn't know how she has gotten there.  She soon finds out that she is the captive of a man. A man who keeps her blindfolded or himself masked so she doesn't know who he is.  He calls her pet and my doll and expects her complete obedience as he uses her sexually. He drugs her to keep her disoriented and lets others play with her.  Throughout it all, Iris is scared but oddly compliant.  She enjoys the things "King" does and allows even as her mind wonders why.  
This is a mind fuck of read, plain and simple.  At first I was terrified for Iris. I wondered what kind of horrors she will be subjected to at the hands of a sadistic stranger.  Then I was confused because while King is strict and demanding, kinky as all hell, he is also weirdly caring toward his captive.    Ms. Oldham wrote this in Iris' POV so you only know what she knows, feel what she feels so I kept thinking that I was being pulled into a Stockholm Syndrome situation.   

At 118 pages, this is slightly more than novella sized and Ms. Oldham used each page to its advantage, leaving little, subtle hints to what the ending is.  The pace is taut and the sex scenes well crafted.  The ending made my heart race thinking that I was wrong in my assumptions along the way only to read the end and be a very pleased reader. 

Not for the faint of heart but a must grab for those that love high kink with their dark.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Box by Marisa Oldham

This is a hot, steamy and dark, erotic romance. It is also a shockingly graphic view into the daily life and sexual torture of the lead character – her captivity in and outside The Box.

The BDSM scenes were well written and emotive to read. The book itself was wonderfully written, descriptive and enticing. Ms Oldham has clearly done her research for this novel and it shows through the page-turning scenes and an overwhelming need to know what happens to Ivy.

I thought this novel, from the description, would be along the lines of an erotic thriller. However, this book was not what I thought it would be and left me uncomfortably wondering if I should have read it – some scenes stick in the mind long after you turn the page.

[Nico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it had me totally enthralled. It’s extremely dark so be warned. It’s well written with vivid descriptions that will stay with me, especially the visuals of the masks. It’s dark erotica at its finest and I devoured it in one sitting. It’s intriguing and clever and it kept me guessing. I understand this is a totally different subject matter from the authors other books but I definitely will be reading more from her and I do hope she writes another book in a similar vein as she obviously has a talent for writing on the dark side. It’s a well deserved five stars from me

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book which starts out very scary and then takes off to an even scarier place. I could not imagine what she must have gone through. The writing was good...very intense. It put you right in her shoes. Chemistry...not so much. I wasn't sure what I was expecting with this book and where it was taking me. Although glad that the ending was as it was, in a way, it was almost a disappointment. I can't give away spoilers but I have so much to say about that. Seriously, who would be okay with that by someone.... And I'll leave it at that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a shorter book that really had me wondering what was going to happen next. It was to the point but at the same time strung me along enough to keep me intrigued. If that makes sense. It had an intense sexual factor and while I am really into dark and twisted things, this one didn’t really do it for me. I really did like the ending though. It was the biggest twist of them all. Maybe it was the timing that I read it, I’m not sure. I do like this authors books so will continue to read more by her. 3 stars #2OCCJD

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's in the box?? A woman pushed to her sexual limits...

Dark, dirty and surprising. Pared down, novella-sized story that gets right to the point without being too short. Focuses on Iris and what her captor does to her in and out of that box and how he makes her like it.

Pay attention to the content warning, but don't get scared away if you like dark erotic stories. You definitely should read this one. this should read it. It's about 100 pages or so, and I'm glad I spent the money to buy it.

[Jennifer Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short and predictable

I knew what this was the minute I started reading it..I don't think I have read anything from this author before but this story reminded me too much of this other one where a girl was stranded and came upon a mansion where two hot guys lived and they basically had their way with her body and it turned out to be nothing more then a couple fulfilling some dark fantasies. So yeah this is the same exact thing it was okay but still I like stories with more to them.

[Angie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a reader of erotica or even dark erotica, but this book had me hooked. I was so into the heroine's plight, and the tension was high as I wondered how she would survive. The imagery was well-written to the point that I could see it in my mind. The ending - WOW! What a twist! It's so subtle that you may have to read it twice, but once you get it, it's really cool and unexpected. Makes the book even better!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh be still my erraticly beating heart. This was a showstopper of a book. I was pulled into this incredibly dark and intense story that as it unravels you feel your breath bearly exhaling while you feel the angst and pain and terror of Pet as her King makes her perform. I was captivated while reading and in awe of the feelings the author was able to make me feel. Nice job

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark read but you will enjoy it. She has been taken and locked into a box. She is only allowed out when he wants to play. She has to everything he says no matter what. After he is done she is put back in. How long can this to on for? Will it always be !one this? Follow her and see if she can ever get away

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I...enjoyed this. It was dark, disturbing, erotic, and incredibly confusing but this short read sucked me in. I loved the creepy details, like the masks. I liked how the captor had an affection for Iris despite being a monster. But the wtf ending left me so incredibly frustrated! So many unanswered questions! So much story left out! It makes me want a sequel or a prequel or something that gives us more information about Iris and her life.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book... Holy cow. I sat here reading it the same way I watch horror films-- with my hands over my face but unable to look away. The author did an exceptional job making me feel what Iris was feeling. It kept going from one ext eye to another. AND that ending?!? Totally didn't see that coming.

[Chrissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is 3.75 star for me, and thats only because it has some super hot scenes. The book is well written, and definitely skates the line into darkness- but just falls a little short for me. This book could have gone many places had the author explored the scenes a little more and the ending?? I felt it ended abruptly and don't even ask me about the twist thrown in.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that has a dark and twisted side to it as I love not beings able to figure out a book until the very end. I love the erotic romance with the twisted dark side. My only advise on this one is to jump in and go for it. Sooooo good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.