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Thalia #1
Security Binds Her
“I’ll break you down. It may take time, but I will.”
“And if I don’t break?”
“You will.”
Taken from work one night, Thalia is thrust into the violent, controlling world of a man she thought had been the security guard for her building, but she quickly learns that this was only a cover to get to her, to take her. As her old life is erased, the guard pushes Thalia to recognize the darker sides of herself, while Thalia endeavors to hold on to who she is.
Trapped alone with her abductor, can Thalia fight to retain her self, or will his small glimpses of kindness cause her to finally submit to him?
‘Security Binds Her’ is a brutal journey that leaves readers breathless and waiting to turn the page to find out if Thalia will break, or be lost forever to the darkness around her.
**WARNING: This book contains graphic punishments, disturbing situations, scenes of dubious consent, and very strong language. Intended for mature audiences.
“And if I don’t break?”
“You will.”
Taken from work one night, Thalia is thrust into the violent, controlling world of a man she thought had been the security guard for her building, but she quickly learns that this was only a cover to get to her, to take her. As her old life is erased, the guard pushes Thalia to recognize the darker sides of herself, while Thalia endeavors to hold on to who she is.
Trapped alone with her abductor, can Thalia fight to retain her self, or will his small glimpses of kindness cause her to finally submit to him?
‘Security Binds Her’ is a brutal journey that leaves readers breathless and waiting to turn the page to find out if Thalia will break, or be lost forever to the darkness around her.
**WARNING: This book contains graphic punishments, disturbing situations, scenes of dubious consent, and very strong language. Intended for mature audiences.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
753 people are currently reading
1676 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bene
63 books1,945 followersJennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
August 4, 2018
4 STARS!
I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or not . . . my dark-smut bender continues. :D
So, the first 30% or so was just the usual for this kind of read: the 'hero' does unforgivable things and the heroine hates/likes it - a.k.a: the author takes things too far in the name of sensationalism to grab the reader's attention. Eye-roll inducing, basic 3 star, non-review kind of stuff.
But then somewhere around that mark the characters hit their stride and began to show some depth. The psychological push and pull entered into their relationship and suddenly it was much more interesting.
It turned out that I really liked this one! And that cliff-hanger was kick-ass . . . Suck on that, you bastard!
Book 2 here I come!
Warning : non-con kinky fuckery that revolves around sex trafficking
I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or not . . . my dark-smut bender continues. :D
So, the first 30% or so was just the usual for this kind of read: the 'hero' does unforgivable things and the heroine hates/likes it - a.k.a: the author takes things too far in the name of sensationalism to grab the reader's attention. Eye-roll inducing, basic 3 star, non-review kind of stuff.
But then somewhere around that mark the characters hit their stride and began to show some depth. The psychological push and pull entered into their relationship and suddenly it was much more interesting.
It turned out that I really liked this one! And that cliff-hanger was kick-ass . . . Suck on that, you bastard!
Book 2 here I come!
Warning : non-con kinky fuckery that revolves around sex trafficking
March 11, 2018
*shrug* I got bored.
The whole kidnapping scenes was not plausible. The hero was kinda, bleh . Just very bland and boring. Most of the time I read dark erotica because the male character and how they carry that mysterious yet cruel and enigmatic air about them pulls me in. But it didn't happen with this one.
The heroine was weak and kind of meh . I mean, she doesn't seem like she wants to put up a good fight and seem to be just going along with it despite her protests.
So yeah. A no for me.
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February 13, 2021
***This is an updated review for my second reading of the book.***
The first time I tried to read this it proved too dark and non-consensual for me. It was a DNF and whilst I appreciated the quality of writing the content proved too much. However since then I've been corrupted by the writings of Addison Cain and Cari Silverwood, who both write IMO excellent dub/non-con stories but in the Sci-Fi/fantasy genre. For some reason I find it easier to accept non-con in a 'not-reality' setting.
Since this series was repeatedly mentioned and recommended I entered a competition on FB and won an e-book copy of this story. This time, knowing about the story AND being fully prepared for the non-con elements, I not only read all the book but I enjoyed it. This is NOT and never will be an easy read. It has some very difficult and challenging scenes, but what makes the difference is Thalia's strength through out.
You can't help but like Thalia and hope she gets a HEA of some sort. Marcus/The Guard is a complex character, obviously twisted and evil (or mentally unbalanced) to think it is ok to snatch women off the street and force them to be sex slaves. However he shows real moments of tenderness and care for Thalia too. You would need to have lived under a rock, or not have Facebook, to not know the huge twist at the end of this book. Just in case you've missed it I won't spoil things but I will say that I loved this unusual approach to resolving the story.
I read this in two sittings, and that was only because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open last night to finish it then. Whilst in some ways you could read this as a stand alone, the story does continue in other books and once I've finished writing this review I will be purchasing them.
The first time I tried to read this it proved too dark and non-consensual for me. It was a DNF and whilst I appreciated the quality of writing the content proved too much. However since then I've been corrupted by the writings of Addison Cain and Cari Silverwood, who both write IMO excellent dub/non-con stories but in the Sci-Fi/fantasy genre. For some reason I find it easier to accept non-con in a 'not-reality' setting.
Since this series was repeatedly mentioned and recommended I entered a competition on FB and won an e-book copy of this story. This time, knowing about the story AND being fully prepared for the non-con elements, I not only read all the book but I enjoyed it. This is NOT and never will be an easy read. It has some very difficult and challenging scenes, but what makes the difference is Thalia's strength through out.
You can't help but like Thalia and hope she gets a HEA of some sort. Marcus/The Guard is a complex character, obviously twisted and evil (or mentally unbalanced) to think it is ok to snatch women off the street and force them to be sex slaves. However he shows real moments of tenderness and care for Thalia too. You would need to have lived under a rock, or not have Facebook, to not know the huge twist at the end of this book. Just in case you've missed it I won't spoil things but I will say that I loved this unusual approach to resolving the story.
I read this in two sittings, and that was only because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open last night to finish it then. Whilst in some ways you could read this as a stand alone, the story does continue in other books and once I've finished writing this review I will be purchasing them.
July 1, 2022
I've read a few stories around kidnapping for the purpose of selling, but it doesn't do anything for me, kink-wise. I find that I like some of the master-slave stuff but I get bored when the whole plot is about the training and the selling.
When I read the Author's Note at the end that this story sprung from Literotica, I was like, oh this makes a lot of sense. This is pure smut. Well-written smut, but after the first 3 chapters or so I started to lose interest, as there was no plot beyond training, punishment. Not enough plot teased out about why the hero is involved in this line of business, the sale etc. Another story that I wish had more of a plot to balance out the decent smut. Oh well.
Also, it's hard for me to like or find the hero attractive when his work is in this line of business.
When I read the Author's Note at the end that this story sprung from Literotica, I was like, oh this makes a lot of sense. This is pure smut. Well-written smut, but after the first 3 chapters or so I started to lose interest, as there was no plot beyond training, punishment. Not enough plot teased out about why the hero is involved in this line of business, the sale etc. Another story that I wish had more of a plot to balance out the decent smut. Oh well.
Also, it's hard for me to like or find the hero attractive when his work is in this line of business.
June 5, 2015
“I want you to know that with me you could have something consensual, but I will be honest that my appetites are very similar to his. What would change is your right to stop it. You could stop me with a word.”
Book 1, Part of a Trilogy
Thalia has a temp job at a corporate company as an encoder thus making her stay at the office at odd hours and late into the night. It has become a norm, what with the security guard walking her to her car every night for the past few weeks. A smile, some small talks about a movie and whatnot, a joke here and there. But it never occurred to her that that guard would soon be her worst nightmare.
I actually had a hard time connecting with the characters, Thalia and the guard. It maybe because I can’t help, but compare the story to another dark read Capture in the Dark or twist series by anna zaires. Yeah, so sue me.
I find Thalia as foolish, stupid at some point, or mostly stupid and she is expecting too much. I get it, she was kidnapped and then she woke up to whole new world where there are rules and every wrong move, or every move there is punished. Although, some actions of her were downright brave, and at least she is feisty.
The guard, though. I don’t really get him. Or maybe I do, but I didn’t take into liking his character nor hate it. That’s just the point, my feelings were all neutral. I don’t really get why he finds Thalia special or unique. I find him unstable, as rules change depending on his moods and he is indecisive.
I keep thinking, I know where this is going. I can feel it. I am reading just to finish it but at 14% left, I just thought everything has had a purpose and damn, but my blood became alive.
I met James, and now I really want to know what happens next.
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Warning: Not for the faint of heart.
This book contains graphic punishments, disturbing situations, scenes of dubious consent, and very strong language. Intended for mature audiences.
March 28, 2019
Nope, nope, NOPE.
I did not fall into the majority that liked this book. And I’m concerned for the majority that did like this book.
Fuck I’m balls deep for some dark erotica, I eat forced marriages and forced pregnancy up like double stuffed Oreo cookies. But this... this was straight up abuse and rape from page one.
There was not one redeeming thing about the predator in this book. Oops did I say predator? I meant protagonist. No I meant predator. And don’t even get me started on Thalia - who told said predator she did not want to be sold as a sex slave so he literally slapped her across the face and she was like ‘ok no prob love u anyways’ NAH SIS kick that mf in the face.
In a nutshell this book is a poor attempt at making abduction, rape and human trafficking/sex slavery a sexy topic. Make of that what you will and just read something by Anna Zaires instead.
I did not fall into the majority that liked this book. And I’m concerned for the majority that did like this book.
Fuck I’m balls deep for some dark erotica, I eat forced marriages and forced pregnancy up like double stuffed Oreo cookies. But this... this was straight up abuse and rape from page one.
There was not one redeeming thing about the predator in this book. Oops did I say predator? I meant protagonist. No I meant predator. And don’t even get me started on Thalia - who told said predator she did not want to be sold as a sex slave so he literally slapped her across the face and she was like ‘ok no prob love u anyways’ NAH SIS kick that mf in the face.
In a nutshell this book is a poor attempt at making abduction, rape and human trafficking/sex slavery a sexy topic. Make of that what you will and just read something by Anna Zaires instead.
May 16, 2015
This book was so fantastic. I mean it had so much mystery and suspense that I almost couldnt control myself. It was edgy and just downright sinful and sexy.
It starts when Thalia is abducted from her office by a psychotic 'security guard'(who turns not to be a security guard but someone evil who sells girls to the highest bidder). She goes through hell and back in the hands of the man. The guy is evil. Trust me there are no roses with this man. Just pain and misery.
I loved the characters and go to know a little bit about each character of the book. Thalia is a lonely girl living a lonely. After she is abducted I saw a someone who is strong. Even all the pain and suffering she was enduring she was still strong. I found that engaging. She didnt back down and she was always finding a way to flee. I admired that. She was a lilttle bit emotional which found out to be a flaw. But I was cheering her on. Next is the evil security guard ( I will not reveal the name because the author reveals the name at the end to give out a air of mystery so I will keep you in suspennse) is evil. I wanted to stab him with a big knife. He is very commanding and controlled. He also was a confused soul especially towards Thalia. He was just hot and cold all the time. Very confusing.
The writing was superb. I love when an author is very descriptive in her writing. Jennifer Bene was able to let me visualize everything in the book. I could feel every emotion and I could just see what everything looked like just by the writing. Thats what I loved the most.
The book as a whole was dark and twisted. I love a good dark and twisted story. So be warned. This is not a love story or a fluffly book. This is dark but I urge to read this book because this is fantastic. What more could you ask for. I cant wait to read the next.
ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
5 DARKLY TWISTED STARS
It starts when Thalia is abducted from her office by a psychotic 'security guard'(who turns not to be a security guard but someone evil who sells girls to the highest bidder). She goes through hell and back in the hands of the man. The guy is evil. Trust me there are no roses with this man. Just pain and misery.
I loved the characters and go to know a little bit about each character of the book. Thalia is a lonely girl living a lonely. After she is abducted I saw a someone who is strong. Even all the pain and suffering she was enduring she was still strong. I found that engaging. She didnt back down and she was always finding a way to flee. I admired that. She was a lilttle bit emotional which found out to be a flaw. But I was cheering her on. Next is the evil security guard ( I will not reveal the name because the author reveals the name at the end to give out a air of mystery so I will keep you in suspennse) is evil. I wanted to stab him with a big knife. He is very commanding and controlled. He also was a confused soul especially towards Thalia. He was just hot and cold all the time. Very confusing.
The writing was superb. I love when an author is very descriptive in her writing. Jennifer Bene was able to let me visualize everything in the book. I could feel every emotion and I could just see what everything looked like just by the writing. Thats what I loved the most.
The book as a whole was dark and twisted. I love a good dark and twisted story. So be warned. This is not a love story or a fluffly book. This is dark but I urge to read this book because this is fantastic. What more could you ask for. I cant wait to read the next.
ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
5 DARKLY TWISTED STARS
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July 13, 2017
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August 3, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/3/2018)!💝
Blurb:
“I’ll break you down. It may take time, but I will.”
“And if I don’t break?”
“You will.”
Taken from work one night, Thalia is thrust into the violent, controlling world of a man she thought had been the security guard for her building, but she quickly learns that this was only a cover to get to her, to take her. As her old life is erased, the guard pushes Thalia to recognize the darker sides of herself, while Thalia endeavors to hold on to who she is.
Trapped alone with her abductor, can Thalia fight to retain her self, or will his small glimpses of kindness cause her to finally submit to him?
‘Security Binds Her’ is a brutal journey that leaves readers breathless and waiting to turn the page to find out if Thalia will break, or be lost forever to the darkness around her.
Blurb:
“I’ll break you down. It may take time, but I will.”
“And if I don’t break?”
“You will.”
Taken from work one night, Thalia is thrust into the violent, controlling world of a man she thought had been the security guard for her building, but she quickly learns that this was only a cover to get to her, to take her. As her old life is erased, the guard pushes Thalia to recognize the darker sides of herself, while Thalia endeavors to hold on to who she is.
Trapped alone with her abductor, can Thalia fight to retain her self, or will his small glimpses of kindness cause her to finally submit to him?
‘Security Binds Her’ is a brutal journey that leaves readers breathless and waiting to turn the page to find out if Thalia will break, or be lost forever to the darkness around her.
June 19, 2017
"You are mine, Thalia. Mine. I am not letting you go, and I will break you and enjoy myself while I do it. The sooner you give in the happier you will be.”
OMG where to start... the authors warning, it is there for a reason. You've been warned!
When I first started reading this book I wasn't too sure what direction it was going to take. This is a story about a girl who is abducted from her place of work by the security guard and forced into the world of human trafficking. As we read the book we find out that she's never really been sexually satisfied in previous relationships and although she's been abducted and raped, she's surprised to find that her body and mind can't agree on her predicament. During Thalia's "training period" she finds her body responding differently than she would have expected, leaving her to wonder if certain aspects of her training are what her body secretly desires...
“You haven’t accepted it yet but you were always meant to be a slave, I know you’re not ready to hear that yet, but you need this. No other relationship would ever fulfill you like submitting will.”
I couldn't put this book down... It sucked me in from the first chapter and I couldn't stop until it was done! OMG the ending.... all I've got to say is thank GOD that they rest of the series is already out!! This book took me on such an emotional ride, and I love how the author was able to capture and describe all the motions and emotions that took place in this book. At times it was gut wrenching (hence the dark part of the genre), and then a few pages later, you are back to having hope that Thalia would survive her ordeal and find her freedom. I loved how the author left her captor "Guard" as a wild card... as the reader you're never really sure who he is or what his intentions are. All of this combined made for a page turner of a story and I can't wait to continue on with book 2!
OMG where to start... the authors warning, it is there for a reason. You've been warned!
When I first started reading this book I wasn't too sure what direction it was going to take. This is a story about a girl who is abducted from her place of work by the security guard and forced into the world of human trafficking. As we read the book we find out that she's never really been sexually satisfied in previous relationships and although she's been abducted and raped, she's surprised to find that her body and mind can't agree on her predicament. During Thalia's "training period" she finds her body responding differently than she would have expected, leaving her to wonder if certain aspects of her training are what her body secretly desires...
“You haven’t accepted it yet but you were always meant to be a slave, I know you’re not ready to hear that yet, but you need this. No other relationship would ever fulfill you like submitting will.”
I couldn't put this book down... It sucked me in from the first chapter and I couldn't stop until it was done! OMG the ending.... all I've got to say is thank GOD that they rest of the series is already out!! This book took me on such an emotional ride, and I love how the author was able to capture and describe all the motions and emotions that took place in this book. At times it was gut wrenching (hence the dark part of the genre), and then a few pages later, you are back to having hope that Thalia would survive her ordeal and find her freedom. I loved how the author left her captor "Guard" as a wild card... as the reader you're never really sure who he is or what his intentions are. All of this combined made for a page turner of a story and I can't wait to continue on with book 2!
June 2, 2015
This is my second time reading this book—the first was two days ago, and as soon as I was finished I had to go back to the beginning and start again. It's so dark, and twisted, and full of emotion that I couldn't put it down. I hated the Guard, as we come to know him, wished he'd find his path to redemption, and just plain wished he'd give Thalia her freedom. But then, you also kind of love him for introducing her to this side of herself, circumstances not withstanding.
This book is dark. And I do mean DARK. It opens with a warning, and this warning is well deserved, should any potential readers be faint of heart. But if you want to read about honest characters, a heroine you can really sympathize with—even if you hope to never be in her position—and a villain you love to hate, this book is for you. The ending at first, leaves your heart pumping, ready to tear your hair out... but the more time you have to think about it, the more you just HAVE to know what's going to happen in book 2!! Thalia's story is far from over, and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Thank you, Miss Bene.
This book is dark. And I do mean DARK. It opens with a warning, and this warning is well deserved, should any potential readers be faint of heart. But if you want to read about honest characters, a heroine you can really sympathize with—even if you hope to never be in her position—and a villain you love to hate, this book is for you. The ending at first, leaves your heart pumping, ready to tear your hair out... but the more time you have to think about it, the more you just HAVE to know what's going to happen in book 2!! Thalia's story is far from over, and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Thank you, Miss Bene.
March 12, 2017
If you're looking for something a little bit darker than your typical romance, then look no further.
Thalia isn't your typical young woman. She doesn't come from a close-knit family, doesn't have many friends, no real job to speak of and if she up and vanished one day no one would look too hard for her. All of this makes her the perfect target.
When Thalia is leaving work late one night she is accosted by a nameless man who takes what he wants from her body but shows her a dark longing within herself. As events progress, Thalia comes to acknowledge that she desires submission and having his dark demands forced on her. But all of this has been done for a greater cause...she is to be sold. The time spent with her Master is simply her training for what is to come.
This book deals with some very dark subject matter that all readers may not be comfortable with. But if you're a fan of C.J. Robert or Pepper Winters I think you'll really enjoy this series. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Thalia after the auction.
Thalia isn't your typical young woman. She doesn't come from a close-knit family, doesn't have many friends, no real job to speak of and if she up and vanished one day no one would look too hard for her. All of this makes her the perfect target.
When Thalia is leaving work late one night she is accosted by a nameless man who takes what he wants from her body but shows her a dark longing within herself. As events progress, Thalia comes to acknowledge that she desires submission and having his dark demands forced on her. But all of this has been done for a greater cause...she is to be sold. The time spent with her Master is simply her training for what is to come.
This book deals with some very dark subject matter that all readers may not be comfortable with. But if you're a fan of C.J. Robert or Pepper Winters I think you'll really enjoy this series. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Thalia after the auction.
December 15, 2017
This book is absolutely stunning!
It’s dark,no actually it’s pitch black,suspenseful and sinfully sexy.
Naturally when one is kidnapped they would be terrified.
But what happens when the mind knows the danger it’s in but the body is responding so very differently?
Thalia’s mind and body are working against each other and she’s responding not according to her circumstances.
The guard has woken things up in Thalia that she never even knew existed.
I liked that Thalia never broke even with all she endured.
She’s feisty and brave and even in the end knowing what the consequences are going to be with the choice she makes she chooses “the life raft.”
This book is very well written. With a powerful storyline and plot.
Gripping,intense powerful book with strong BDSM interwoven in it.
The scenes are dark but thrilling and so very hot.
The characters are twisted yet intriguing.
I’m very excited about reading the next book.
It’s dark,no actually it’s pitch black,suspenseful and sinfully sexy.
Naturally when one is kidnapped they would be terrified.
But what happens when the mind knows the danger it’s in but the body is responding so very differently?
Thalia’s mind and body are working against each other and she’s responding not according to her circumstances.
The guard has woken things up in Thalia that she never even knew existed.
I liked that Thalia never broke even with all she endured.
She’s feisty and brave and even in the end knowing what the consequences are going to be with the choice she makes she chooses “the life raft.”
This book is very well written. With a powerful storyline and plot.
Gripping,intense powerful book with strong BDSM interwoven in it.
The scenes are dark but thrilling and so very hot.
The characters are twisted yet intriguing.
I’m very excited about reading the next book.
July 5, 2022
Wow, this was brutal and with elements of stockholm syndrome. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. Excellent writing.
March 6, 2016
I am stuck between three and four stars for this book. I respect the author warning us about the dubious consent and everything. I do not have a problem with that at all because it's what I love in my dark reads.
As much as I'm all for the punishments in BDSM I feel like they don't push things far enough for me most of the time. Well not this author. She had me almost in tears for the poor heroine.
I was so pissed with the trainers brother that I almost thought of the security guard as a true hero. You'll understand what I'm saying if you read the book. The reason why I'm forced to have much respect for this author is because similar stories have been told in the past and I'm usually bored with them but I was never bored reading this one. The very last scene in this book made me understand how misguided I was about who was good and who was . (M) the security guard was no hero, just the lesser of two evils.
The last half of this book was better than the first. I've already read the second book and loved it. The third book is proving to be even better. I'm glad I kept reading this series, although I will add that there was much in here that pissed me off like nobody's business. I was completely annoyed as well as intrigued.
I recommend this series to people who are okay with the heroine suffering tremendously yet there is hope that her torment dosent last forever.
As much as I'm all for the punishments in BDSM I feel like they don't push things far enough for me most of the time. Well not this author. She had me almost in tears for the poor heroine.
I was so pissed with the trainers brother that I almost thought of the security guard as a true hero. You'll understand what I'm saying if you read the book. The reason why I'm forced to have much respect for this author is because similar stories have been told in the past and I'm usually bored with them but I was never bored reading this one. The very last scene in this book made me understand how misguided I was about who was good and who was . (M) the security guard was no hero, just the lesser of two evils.
The last half of this book was better than the first. I've already read the second book and loved it. The third book is proving to be even better. I'm glad I kept reading this series, although I will add that there was much in here that pissed me off like nobody's business. I was completely annoyed as well as intrigued.
I recommend this series to people who are okay with the heroine suffering tremendously yet there is hope that her torment dosent last forever.
April 28, 2019
This is my first book by Jennifer Bene outside of the Black Light Series. I have been wanting to read this book for a while but kept talking myself out of it because I was worried since this is my first dark romance. But I finally ripped off the band-aid and I am so glad I did!
Jennifer Bene does an amazing job bringing to light an issue that many people don't think is as prominent as it is. The feelings that Thalia goes through are an accurate depiction of a dark and scary reality.
Jennifer made me feel all sorts of confused about Marcus. His actions and feelings are contradictory. I want to view him as an asshole but there is a part of me that wonders if he can be redeemed.
Jennifer gives us an inticing story that keeps us guessing as to what is gonna happen next! It is a good book to start with if you are venturing into the dark world for the first time!
Jennifer Bene does an amazing job bringing to light an issue that many people don't think is as prominent as it is. The feelings that Thalia goes through are an accurate depiction of a dark and scary reality.
Jennifer made me feel all sorts of confused about Marcus. His actions and feelings are contradictory. I want to view him as an asshole but there is a part of me that wonders if he can be redeemed.
Jennifer gives us an inticing story that keeps us guessing as to what is gonna happen next! It is a good book to start with if you are venturing into the dark world for the first time!
August 17, 2015
Holy smokes...what an amazing trilogy!!!
This is the 1st book in the series and they must be read in order.
This story is dark....gut wrenching....heart shattering.....magnificent!!!! At one point I completely broke down....cried....had to step away to gather my emotions before I could continue. Fantastic ending to such an emotional journey.
This Is NOT hearts and flowers...its dark....extremely dark. There is violence, kidnapping, rape, and very explicit BDSM scenes so reader beware!!!
This has been added to my all time favorite trilogy....
This is the 1st book in the series and they must be read in order.
This story is dark....gut wrenching....heart shattering.....magnificent!!!! At one point I completely broke down....cried....had to step away to gather my emotions before I could continue. Fantastic ending to such an emotional journey.
This Is NOT hearts and flowers...its dark....extremely dark. There is violence, kidnapping, rape, and very explicit BDSM scenes so reader beware!!!
This has been added to my all time favorite trilogy....
April 19, 2019
This story started out very interesting. I was excited about following this down-on-her-luck heroine. I knew it was a dark tale but it did not evolve enough in this first part. There was a no undercurrent of romance, even somewhat twisted and forsaken. Instead I read very gratuitous punishment administered by a weak, unredeemable protagonist. Not even an alpha male to salivate over.
The story was not without intrigue, just subjugative and little character latitude.
The story was not without intrigue, just subjugative and little character latitude.
August 24, 2019
Oooo! Deliciously Dark!
December 10, 2017
Dark, deviously decadent and exciting.
*NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. SERIOUSLY DARK STORY*
I really enjoyed this dark bdsm story, it was unexpected with turns I couldnt predict, as simple as the main male character not being who I expected. I was genuinely surprised by it. Well written and had a story that hooked me from start to finish. Such a surprising story with a finish that left me speechless. I loved how I couldnt work out how it was going to pan out as it went along. I really enjoyed reading Thalia's story and that she never loses her spark even in the most desperate situation. There was a good deal of intrigue, particularly with the anonymity of her Master which I felt worked really well with the story, reinforcing the themes in the book. His partner is a terrifying character that I cant decide if I want to read more of or not. Looking forward to book 2!
Note: the length of time it took me to finish is due to a period of illness that hit me shortly after starting the book.
*NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. SERIOUSLY DARK STORY*
I really enjoyed this dark bdsm story, it was unexpected with turns I couldnt predict, as simple as the main male character not being who I expected. I was genuinely surprised by it. Well written and had a story that hooked me from start to finish. Such a surprising story with a finish that left me speechless. I loved how I couldnt work out how it was going to pan out as it went along. I really enjoyed reading Thalia's story and that she never loses her spark even in the most desperate situation. There was a good deal of intrigue, particularly with the anonymity of her Master which I felt worked really well with the story, reinforcing the themes in the book. His partner is a terrifying character that I cant decide if I want to read more of or not. Looking forward to book 2!
Note: the length of time it took me to finish is due to a period of illness that hit me shortly after starting the book.
June 9, 2019
Beginnings, the Security Guard
Well, I gave in and started the Thalia series.
I am happy I finally got to read this dark, dirty and very
thrilling story of abduction, restraint and training for her
position as an owned slave. The situations Thalia finds
herself in and her many reactions to her treatment are at
times frightening and other times oddly satisfying. The
unknown kept me reading so I could either cheer for her
or yell at her handler for causing Thalia such fear and pain.
I am now looking forward to reading the next part of the
life of Thalia and all the changes I expect to see.
Well, I gave in and started the Thalia series.
I am happy I finally got to read this dark, dirty and very
thrilling story of abduction, restraint and training for her
position as an owned slave. The situations Thalia finds
herself in and her many reactions to her treatment are at
times frightening and other times oddly satisfying. The
unknown kept me reading so I could either cheer for her
or yell at her handler for causing Thalia such fear and pain.
I am now looking forward to reading the next part of the
life of Thalia and all the changes I expect to see.
September 2, 2019
While this book definitely has it merits, and I do appreciate the fiestyness of the main Character, there wasn't enough plot wise to keep me interested in the series as a whole. While I do like a book filled with the naughty bits as much as the next girl, it was hard to get three pages without Thalia being bent over something.
To that degree, what plot there was as a standalone book I enjoyed it. It gave me my HEA in a way that I'm fine not going into the next book to find out more. A bad thing for a series, but a good thing for a novel. Hence the 4 stars.
To that degree, what plot there was as a standalone book I enjoyed it. It gave me my HEA in a way that I'm fine not going into the next book to find out more. A bad thing for a series, but a good thing for a novel. Hence the 4 stars.
February 9, 2025
A book about trafficking where the girls actually want to be trafficked? Weird!!
I have been reading a lot of dark pitch black romance in recent months.So this wasn't so dark.It actually has some sweet scenes.There's still assaults, but they weren't brutal.Some of the men were actually nice but then again, I am just trying to find the bare minimum.
The world is interesting, and I might read book two. However, don't read if you do not like the captive storyline.Because most of the time, they're just pretty much variety assaults.
I have been reading a lot of dark pitch black romance in recent months.So this wasn't so dark.It actually has some sweet scenes.There's still assaults, but they weren't brutal.Some of the men were actually nice but then again, I am just trying to find the bare minimum.
The world is interesting, and I might read book two. However, don't read if you do not like the captive storyline.Because most of the time, they're just pretty much variety assaults.
July 24, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This book was a thrill ride from beginning to end. The writing is so well done that you feel like you are right there with Thalia through all the ups and downs of her abduction. You won't want to put this down until you reach the very end and won't want to wait for the next book in the series.
February 16, 2024
Firstly, do read the TWs there is a list for a reason. Our FMC Thalia is kidnapped, thrown into a world her captor believes she belongs (whether she does or doesn’t it is still non con). ‘The guard’ has his own darkness, is definitely not a Dom, more of a narcissist, I could go on. His brother/partner is worse, equally, is most definitely not a Dom, a total psychopath and woman hater. They are both sadists, so this book is more on the S than M side. This one is a dark erotica read and maybe a struggle for some.
August 12, 2018
Jennifer Bene is one dark and twisted woman. Did I mention that I love that about her? Her travels into the dark and dangerous mind of borderline psycho men who make the average woman cringe but at the same time hold her breath. She is my type of writer.
March 6, 2017
Ladies and Gentlemen, if you crave the dark, here is one heck of a hot, kinky, thriller !! From the first page I was hooked by Thalia and her "Guard". The two of them together gave me goose-bumps. He is torn between having her as his own and knowing that his brother is expecting a slave-sale and making a large amount of money. At first he's just training a new slave but by the end of Book I he's ready to keep her as his own pet, a first for him. I kept kind-of hoping that he would decide to kick his brother in the balls and let Thalia go, but I knew the closer we got to the auction it just wasn't meant for these two to stay together. I guess I'm just a softie at heart and always hope for an HEA ending. This isn't that kind of story though is it Ms. Bene ?? This is definately a top notch read but be warned, you might need a night light close by.
July 25, 2017
This is an extremely dark novel. I usually enjoy dark stories but I had to force myself to finish this one. There were just no redeeming qualities in "Master". It is a part of a series but concludes fairly nicely so I have no need to read the rest of the series. This one just wasn't for me.
May 13, 2015
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I have read books of this type and have been disappointed, but can honestly say that I was not disappointed in my choice of book to read for my second R2R book. The book was the very dark side of the Master/slave relationship. He did try to break her will but found out that he fell in love with the slave. Only to find out that he lost his chance to own her. I did like that another Master stood up to offer for and she took the chance to something different than what they showed her .
I look forward to reading to other two books from by Jennifer Bene
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January 24, 2024Considered reading this but, I've never been big on the whole BDSM scene no matter how fucking hot it gets. I read that there was a twist at the end, but can anyone tell me if Marcus and James are completely two different characters?
I'm not a fan of a heroine bonding with one guy and if not mistaken, she ends up with a new guy for the HEA...a complete waste of my time if that's the case.
And I'm here for the whole captor-captive troupe, not the smut - which I know is a butt load of smut to the point I'm a little put off, because I do want me so romance in my dark romance....
I'm not a fan of a heroine bonding with one guy and if not mistaken, she ends up with a new guy for the HEA...a complete waste of my time if that's the case.
And I'm here for the whole captor-captive troupe, not the smut - which I know is a butt load of smut to the point I'm a little put off, because I do want me so romance in my dark romance....
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