Little Dove

by K.C. Decker

A Gritty, Erotic Romance from National Award-Winning Author KC Decker

My name is Etta Freeman.

There is something special about me.

Not special in a good way though, more like special in a way that will get me killed one day.

It’s not something I talk about with anyone, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to snare my neighbor in my devious web.

He is angsty and brooding and completely sexy in a scrappy, bloody knuckle kind of way.

I should also mention that he’s a scheming, felonious drug dealer and I’m drawn to him like flies on shit.

The problem is, he doesn’t yet know his role in my narrative, but he will fall in line.

They always do.

Trigger Warning: This book contains references to past abuse, violence, and a sexual assault that some readers may find distressing.

Follow National Award-Winning Author KC Decker, as she takes you on an intense, sensual ride through the dark corners of the human psyche. Little Dove is a commanding story that explores both the mercy and self-destructiveness that lives within us all.

Genres: Dark, Romance, Abuse, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Suspense

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2018

About the author

INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR!
Winner of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award AND a Silver Medal in the 2021 Reader's Favorite International Book Awards!


KC Decker is the author of the runaway hit —Jessie Hayes Series, consisting of the Award-Winning 1462 South Broadway, 720 Linden Street, 1700 Grant Street and 945 Cedar Avenue, as well as her SEXY standalones... Little Dove, Of Ash and Angels, Gradation and Mercy! KC is a voracious reader, compulsive daydreamer, and romantic escapist. Find out more at www.KCDeckerBooks.com or follow her on Instagram @author_kc_decker, Facebook at KC Decker Books, Twitter @KCDeckerBooks, BookBub.com and www.Goodreads.com

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
My name is Etta Freeman. There is something special about me. Not special in a good way though, more like special in a way that will get me killed one day. It’s not something I talk about with anyone, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to snare my neighbor in my devious web. He is angsty and brooding and completely sexy in a scrappy, bloody knuckle kind of way. I should also mention that he’s a scheming, felonious drug dealer and I’m drawn to him like flies on shit. The problem is, he doesn’t yet know his role in my narrative, but he will fall in line. They always do.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some readers may think it’s a fluffy love story behind this ‘sweet’ title and sunny cover.
But nope… The books has many triggers. It was actually one big trigger (which didn’t bother me till the very last point of my disappointment).

Engaging writing, strong beginning, unique characters, great premise…

TBH I didn’t expect the prologue being the middle of the story…
I thought it was the past or a bad dream. Yes, I hoped it would be a dark vengeance story with a female vigilante.
But damn, her plan didn’t work out and she became to a victim again…
How much can a young woman suffer??? How much more???

The book is not safe. The male protagonist was highly unlikable character till approx. 55%; but I suspected he wasn’t what she thought of him, so even their insulting ‘banter’ didn’t bother me much.
She tried to be with OM, which I actually appreciated. Male protagonist was an asshole (or it’s how he fake-behaved), and the OM was an ok guy.
About 45% into the book the heroine was raped.

*Rant*
- After the semi-detailed rape-scene and detailed aftercare incl. description of her injuries, I expected a very detailed scene of rapist’s murder. Detailed and torturous. They ‘imitated’ his suicide? Such an easy death for an abhorrent rapist, who raped and killed many women? Really??!
- The heroine was brutally raped and sadomized (anal rape), and only after max 2 weeks she had sex with the male protagonist... Only 2 weeks??? I don’t speak about her mental health, I know after all she suffered, she did need it; but physically it’s not possible to be able to have sexual intercourse only 2 weeks after being brutally raped!
- The male protagonist nursed her after the rape and saw her every single injury. The woman was sadomized – raped anal – after that he said he wanted to have her ass? 3 or 4 weeks after she was brutally raped???

It takes 6 weeks for a healthy female body after a natural childbirth to be able to be sexually active again.

And this poor girl was a willing participant only after a couple of weeks after she was raped??!

I say it’s a BS and disrespectful.

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I was hooked into this one in the beginning. What should've been a 4-5 star read for me, fizzled in the end. Yes, there was a nice HEA all wrapped up in a bow. I will keep an eye on this author though. Lots of potential.

This review fits exactly. Little Dove review by Tarsoaga Madalina

[Dilek VT]

Brutal rape:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tarsoaga Madalina · Rating 3 out of 5]

👁👁👁
- 3,75 stars of "dark souls" stars -

Uhhh! I'm so frustrated. I wanted to give this book 5 stars and I couldn't bring myself to do it. To be fair for me this is 3.75 to 4 stars. This was so weird for me. When I began to read the book I thought that it was going to be a new favorite of mine. The story was interesting, I loved the characters and the book had a psychological vibe that wins me over really quickly and I love it for the start. We had the damaged but surviving character and we had a sassy BFF in the mix. How could you not get exited? Unfortunately the end just didn't fit with the rest of the book. On the last 10-15 % of the book I just didn't feel it anymore and it was so sad 'cause I really loved the book so far. I got frustrated and it really kind of upset me.

OK! I want to tell you guys about what i liked in this book 'cause when this book was good, GOD was it good. From the first pages of the book you get hocked. Our girl Etta has a rough childhood. An alcoholic mom and her abusive partners make her life a living hell. One day she gets run over by the school's buss and after that her life gets to a turning point. She gets ride of her mother and after the near death experience she gets to see other people energies (like read their souls). This right here made the book for me. After this point is clarified in the begging we get to a journey of how Etta manages her life with this power and what moral responsibilities she has because of the said powers. Etta's morality is a strong part in her character and we get to see her bending of the said morality. This was fascinating for me. I also was amazed of the way K.C Deker managed to transmit Etta's feeling and perception of the auras to us the reader. I could feel how they affected her and I truly felt for her as a character.

“I’ve come close to telling them a few times, usually when tequila is involved, but I value their friendship, and I don’t need my only friends in the world to think I’m crazy. It’s bad enough that I think that.”
“I’ll tell you what’s wrong, I’m damaged. I’m a damaged whore. I’m a damaged whore who is going to kill someone.”

Etta's character is a complex one. Her perception of the world is a bit disorientated, especially her perception of sexuality mostly her sexuality. She had a confidence that was hard to obtain in her condition and she is aware of her own sexual power. Her little manipulation games while using her body made her so much more interesting to me. The contrast between her strong confident moment and her break-downs made me attached myself to the character and you rotted for her at every minute.

“Eventually, he walks away from me, and the high-frequency screech in my ears begins. I drop down, tucking my chest to my knees and jamb my fingers into my ears. Anxiety is rippling off of me strong enough to create its own gravitational pull”

The second characters were carefully constructed. They were fascinated, funny and their emotional connection with Etta helps her development as a character so much more powerful. Mox is one of my favorite secondary characters in a while.

“I can’t figure out why Moxie has to mop the drool from her chin when he is around. She must like the verbal abuse. Although, she gives it right back. As a matter of fact, nine times out of ten she starts it. “
“Tobias, I’m begging you, can we please install a hidden camera in his room? I would die a thousand deaths to see him stroke his cock just once”

So you can see I had high expectation of this book and all of it went good until the final. The thing felt rushed and I didn't even feel angry at the book. I really felt heart-broken because I wished s much for this book to be perfect, to succeed. The final part of the book just didn't have any of the existing elements that make the book amazing for me in the first place. And this is just a bad.

-At the final of the day would I read this book again?
Hell yes.

There are parts of the book that are worth for you to read the entire book. I really enjoyed the story overall and maybe if I wouldn't compare it with other books that I read I would give it a 4 stars, but I can't do that so I give it a mark just as close as I could.
If you have the occasion please read the book for the first two parts. It's worth it.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (9/25/18)!💝

Blurb:
My name is Etta Freeman. There is something special about me. Not special in a good way though, more like special in a way that will get me killed one day. It’s not something I talk about with anyone, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to snare my neighbor in my devious web. He is angsty and brooding and completely sexy in a scrappy, bloody knuckle kind of way. I should also mention that he’s a scheming, felonious drug dealer and I’m drawn to him like flies on shit. The problem is, he doesn’t yet know his role in my narrative, but he will fall in line. They always do.

Follow National Award Winning Author KC Decker, as she takes you on an intense, sensual ride through the dark corners of the human psyche. Little Dove is a commanding story that explores both the mercy and self-destructiveness that lives within us all.

[Sháy The Obscure Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars- definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Although, it seemed like I couldn't quite connect with this book and immerse myself, I liked it. Also, I loved that this book approaches the whole " you're not a victim, you're a survivor " outlook- I could relate on a personal level. Keep up the writing and I appreciate having the opportunity to read this author of the month in my goodreads group!

[Jennifer Veer-Boyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good

I loved the darkness in this book. It was an incredible read. The storyline was dark but so passionate too. I kinda guessed Dallas’ story before the end but it was still great twist.

This book made my cry but also laugh. It touched my heart in so many ways.

[Urban Fairy Godmother aka... Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to read this, I've never read anything by KC Decker before and this isn't her first book. This is a a standalone though. I was initially intrigued, a romance, gritty, possible paranormal elements. I wasn't dissapointed. It was fascinating. While this book isn't for those with delicate sensibilities, if you have an open mind and an interest in the nature of people, both good and evil, you'll love this story. The characters felt real, naive, broken, confused. The wording was often darkly poetic and even though the subject matter can be touchy, I think it was respectfully done. Definitely a book I could reread, I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of a seedier element in society that I personally know exists. I can't wait to get my hands on one of KC Decker's other books. I am most certainly a new fan.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provided with a free ARC for an honest review. Wonderful, really wonderful. Great characters, breathtaking story, and a fantastic ending. Etta, the narrator, is a young woman who is emotionally traumatized by a horrific childhood. The book opens with her as an adult bleeding out in a ditch after being beaten, raped and tortured. Dallas is a drug dealer living in the same motel. The romance is lovely with some graphic sex scenes, but they are mostly of a loving nature. I really really loved it and highly recommend it.

[✴ Cindy ✴ · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟1/2 stars

I liked this book a lot. It had a lot of potential, but could have been better. The seeing aura's talent was intriguing, but she didn't use her ability to the fullest. This could have taken the book in a different direction and given us a more powerful heroine. One that rises from the ashes of a horrible tragedy.

I also would have liked to seen her exact her own revenge on her perpetrator.

Safety: Both experienced. She takes men when she feels like it and nothing was mentioned about his past sex life, but he clearly had experience in order for him to get her body to do something she'd never done before. I wasn't a fan of how fast he initiated sex after ordeal. It made me feel like he was more interested in what she could give him rather than for her comfort both mentally and physically. I mean come on, the poor woman was laid up and on pain killers for a couple weeks.

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I get the chance to read amazing books. Let me tell you this Little Dove is beyond amazing. I love how different this is from others I've read in the past. That right there makes for a book that I would come out and say is a MUST READ. Yes you have a little bit dark and twisty with this one. You also will get an amazing mystery too. I say that because hello wait until you meet Dallas. He is a mystery upon himself that you are going to try and solve the entire read. I really loved his soft side along with that little mysterious broody ways. He may have a few secrets that will come out eventually. I started with him just because he needs to be mentioned and he eventually becomes a huge part of Little Dove. The main focus is though on Etta. Strong, courageous, a fighter, a survivor are just a few ways I would describe Etta. As you read Little Dove you will see why I would describe her in that way. She is the kind of character that will pull at your heart and make you tear up a little with everything so goes through. Etta is one to stay will you for awhile. She carries around a few secrets and doesn't let her past scars rule her life too much. She uses her new found ability to take down the evil that surrounds. The bound that Dallas and Etta form is everything. They make so much sense as a couple as you read. Dallas may fight the attraction for Etta from the start but you really understand why once you get the whole picture. Once he gave into Etta you knew there was no way he could give her up. The love that forms is beautiful and so heartwarming through everything. I love every moment of Little Dove. It is dark, yet hauntingly beautiful that will pull you in from the start. I for one couldn't put this one down and can honestly say is one of my favorite reads for 2018. You must pick this one up.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This book is the story of Etta who has had a traumatic childhood due to being brought up in a neglectful home where she is molested by her mothers partners. A freak bus accident and payout gives her the opportunity to move away and distance herself from her past yet skews her perception of sex. The accident also provides her with a gift/curse of seeing the aura or energies surrounding people.

It is noticing the lack of an energy in people and experiencing the panic of the darkness of their sounds that prompts her to consider her moral obligation in relation to these bad people. Trying to enlist the help of the resident ‘drug dealer’ to provide drugs to induce an overdose backfires and results in a brutal and near deadly sexual assault by the dark soul that has been haunting her. The drug dealer luckily finds her and nurses her back to health and turns out to be more than she first believed.

After the first chapter I was slightly confused as I hadn’t realised we had gone back to before the attack. Once I realised this I got into the story and enjoyed the interactions with the supporting characters especially BFF Moxie.

The end dragged slightly and lost some of the power and excitement and character of Etta that I had gotten used to. Overall I did enjoy this story which is a stand-alone.

[Anne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Blessing and a Curse

Geez this amazing writer KC Decker blew me away with such an intriguing, beautifully written story, of fate, fear, and how love should be! This is my first read of this great writer who has changed my perception of what I really should be reading and not the usual tropes that are trendy with some authors. The storyline was different, in an extremely good way, so unique but wonderful and beautiful in all its glory. I simply couldn’t put this book down it drew me in from the very first page. Does fate and timing happen for a reason? This writer managed to show that it really does! The character of Etta was superbly written, she was the sacrifice for her mother’s cause! Is she broken or will she be a survivor? Who really is Dallas in this amazing story? How do colours and auras become Etta’s life and how will they affect her future and will she ever have a future without looking back? Is she damaged completely or will the “Dark Soul” destroy her? So, so much in this superbly written book to reflect on that you simply must read this highly recommended read!
I voluntarily reviewed this book for a free copy.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ An intriguing ride of a story ~

Etta has been stuck in the small logging town of Merrit her whole life, having grown up in a trailer park. She did have a single slim chance of escape after she was involved in an accident when she was younger, but the insurance payout was not enough. Instead she was blessed with a gift, a gift she couldn’t really use. Until the right person came along.

What a tale this author spins in this story. I really didn’t know what I was getting into. It takes you into someone’s twisted mind frame, and forces you to experience it right along with that main character. It has many twists, and those all get worked out straight by the end of the story. It is utterly realistic with its evil energy, balanced with tenderness and compassion during moments of caretaking. Strengths and weaknesses ebb and flow throughout the whole book.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a shallow, quick romance story. There is so much packed into this one. It has an emotional depth that starts on the first page and doesn't quit. The connection I felt with the characters made them feel real and I had to keep reminding myself it was a fictional story. The well-written story line is captivating and kept me glued to the pages. Warning: The rape/abuse references had me a little worried, they were gut wrenching, and I'm glad the author noted them as a possible trigger warning. I haven't had the pleasure of reading this author before, but I am going to be picking up more of her work.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Voluntarily received a copy of this book to review! I love K.C. .Decker. I have read other books of her so I wanted to jump on this one! It’s such a dark taboo thing to talk about and read about but it happens. I love that she didn’t mince words or leave out anything that you would feel was important! I love the relationship this woman has with Dallas. Granted her friendships with Tobias and Moxie are important but nothing compares to the care and love that Dallas, aka Ryan shows her. True love knows no bounds and over comes many obstacles!

[Debra Johnson]

Purchase Amazon August 5, 2019

[Noelle Brighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel snagged me and I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting and loved every page. The main character is a compelling, believable presence and I couldn't put the book down without knowing how it ended, how Etta's story ended. Depth of characterization and an incredibly raw, powerful back story combined with an agonizing story line and intense sex scenes kept me hooked. Highly recommend.

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith)]

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Blurb:
My name is Etta Freeman.

There is something special about me.

Not special in a good way though, more like special in a way that will get me killed one day.

It’s not something I talk about with anyone, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to snare my neighbor in my devious web.

He is angsty and brooding and completely sexy in a scrappy, bloody knuckle kind of way.

I should also mention that he’s a scheming, felonious drug dealer and I’m drawn to him like flies on shit.

The problem is, he doesn’t yet know his role in my narrative, but he will fall in line.

They always do.

Merged review:


→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←



→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

Blurb:
My name is Etta Freeman.

There is something special about me.

Not special in a good way though, more like special in a way that will get me killed one day.

It’s not something I talk about with anyone, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to snare my neighbor in my devious web.

He is angsty and brooding and completely sexy in a scrappy, bloody knuckle kind of way.

I should also mention that he’s a scheming, felonious drug dealer and I’m drawn to him like flies on shit.

The problem is, he doesn’t yet know his role in my narrative, but he will fall in line.

They always do.

[Epicbookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for honest review

If like me you stumbled upon KC Decker through her Jessie Hayes series do not expect this to be anywhere near that world. In comparison this book takes place in a land far, far away although I can see a little bit of Salinger and Silas peeking out through Dallas and Tobias but that's where it ends my friends. The writing is tight and the storyline moves forward at fast pace. I got a little bogged down in the beginning when we are getting the info on Moxie and Tobias-being transparent here-I skimmed a little there.....but once the story began I was off and running. It's a gritty, sad, sexual, raw, uplifting emotional roller coaster. If you feel nothing from this book check your pulse mate because you are likely dead. If I could change anything it would be the last page, the ending left me staring into space *uhhhh, what....that's it?*
Ok maybe 2 things, I think the title may mess with this books potential sales-I get it, I do-but this book was about so much more that I don't feel it conveyed with the title-my 2 cents for what it's worth.
Happy Reading!

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Etta was in an accident in school, she died. When she was brought back to life, she was able to read the aura of those around her. At 25, she's working weekends at a bar and lives at a motel. She spends her days with Tobias, the son of the motel owner, and Moxie, her best friend. When she comes across the dark soul of a bar patron, she decides to kill him, with the help of motel drug dealer, Dallas. But it's harder than it should be to get Dallas to sell to her. And when she takes Stephens life into her own hands, she finds she might not be as prepared as she had first thought.

OMG. This book! I was tortured through the entirety. I couldn't stop reading and I finished it in one sitting. I had no idea the twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat and just when I thought I knew things, they just got deeper and crazier and sexier. So so good. Amazing writing. Wonderful, crazy characters. Loved it!

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survivor of Life💕

Alpha Male 🐺🍆🌋Adult Romance and Murder🔪 Mystery.

What a great book📑! I was so fascinated by Etta's story I read it all the way through at one sitting. This is a gritty, violent, and bloody book at times, but it's also a book📑 about a broken young woman who finally finds the true love she deserves.

Etta💃💋 is a victim of life, but she was really a survivor all the time!
She grows up in a broken home, molested at times by her mother's random boyfriends. She never knows her father.
When she is hit by the school bus and all busted up and in a coma, she becomes emancipated from her mother.

Afterwards, she is left with a new mental ability. She can see an aura around a person and tell if they are a decent person or not.
Her adult job as a bartender gives her plenty of chances to see the auras of a lot of men. This ability finally almost gets her killed!

ARC Received from HG.
I also got the book with KU.

[Renata Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just reading the prologue had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I couldnt put the book down even though from page one i could see that this was going to be a dark emotional and disturbing book.
Etta can see peoples auras and can tell what kind of person they are. When one of the dark souls walks into the bar she works at she decides to kill him before he causes any harm.
Etta has planned how she will get rid of the evil but things dont go as planned and she ends up lying in a ditch left for dead.
Our hero in the story Dallas, a drug dealer, finds Etta and nurses her back to health.

I simply cant carry on telling you more.....you need to get this book and read it for yourself as this is an amazing book and i would be disrespecting the author by giving away spoilers.
A warning though....this book is not for the faint hearted.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kakashi Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting.

This book took me a few days to finish because I had a hard time getting into it. Even though the story was decent, it lacked the emotional impact that I was looking for. For that, I give this book 3.5 stars.

Even though I find the emotional impact that I was craving, I do recommend this book for those who struggle. Turn a nightmare into one of strength. You are a survivor, remember that when you read her story.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with an intriguing story line. The author does a fantastic job bringing strong characters and weaves an emotional page turning story that drew me in from page one to the end. She does a wonderful job making the characters lifelike. Well Done!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Diana Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This is quite an emotional, soul bearing story. Etta has had one of the worst lives possible but is intelligent enough and strong enough to figure a way out of it. She’s come near death more than once but gains peace and strength from her experiences. Her angel of mercy come to her rescue and changes her life forever.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Disturbing Hidden Love

Fantastic dark tale of living in fear and never feeling like you belong. One day you see someone who you think you can connect with but because of how you were raised don't know how. You don't feel worthy of love and happiness. Then the worse happens.
Exciting passionate powerful will pull you in and keep you on edge.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story of love and finding deep connections with others. I liked what Decker did with the characters and thought there were a lot of good moments in here. It made me emotional :)

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.