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Defiance #2
Broken Princess
Will they be her saviours or executioners?
Laya is called the Princess, but in fact, she’s nothing but a slave to her husband and cult leader Andros. Abused and suppressed, she has no hope of escape until three new recruits enter her life.
They quickly take to living in the compound, but Laya can’t help feeling that they’re different. That they might not believe in what they have to do for Andros. That they aren’t as cold and cruel as him.
With Andros planning his cruellest deed yet, she needs to escape - but will these three men be her salvation or her doom?
***Warning: This is a dark story that contains violence, sexual abuse and other topics that may be triggering. Read at your own discretion.***
The Defiance Series - Three books, three women, three real-life stories. These dark, contemporary reverse harem romances can be read individually or as part of the series. They are loosely connected by side characters and settings, but they each have a different heroine and love interests.
Laya is called the Princess, but in fact, she’s nothing but a slave to her husband and cult leader Andros. Abused and suppressed, she has no hope of escape until three new recruits enter her life.
They quickly take to living in the compound, but Laya can’t help feeling that they’re different. That they might not believe in what they have to do for Andros. That they aren’t as cold and cruel as him.
With Andros planning his cruellest deed yet, she needs to escape - but will these three men be her salvation or her doom?
***Warning: This is a dark story that contains violence, sexual abuse and other topics that may be triggering. Read at your own discretion.***
The Defiance Series - Three books, three women, three real-life stories. These dark, contemporary reverse harem romances can be read individually or as part of the series. They are loosely connected by side characters and settings, but they each have a different heroine and love interests.
198 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2018
About the author
Skye MacKinnon
242 books936 followersSkye MacKinnon is a USA Today & International Bestselling Author whose books are filled with strong heroines who don't have to choose.
She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.
When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).
Join her mailing list ➜ http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter
Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem
Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com
Follow her on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.
When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).
Join her mailing list ➜ http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter
Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem
Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com
Follow her on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 27, 2022
So i have to say, I'm a little confused by the negative reviews / ratings on here. Based on those, I was expecting a mess of a book. But I actually REALLY enjoyed this book.
Broken Spirit is about our female main character Leila whom is in a cult. She was brought into the cult in the very beginning as the 'wife' of the cult leader. In the beginning, the relationship was good. However, as it continues, she is continuously abused in horrific ways.. all in the name of the "angel" according to the leader. He claims that she is "lucky" to be given this role by the "angel"... the role of taking on the punishments of all the cult members. And unfortunately, she believes it.
She is eventually rescued from the cult just as they are to 'ascend' to meet the angel, and she almost dies. She struggles with being outside of the compound and adjusting to the regular way of life. IT's hard to reprogram the brain after all of that trauma and abuse.
Overall, a GREAT read.
Broken Spirit is about our female main character Leila whom is in a cult. She was brought into the cult in the very beginning as the 'wife' of the cult leader. In the beginning, the relationship was good. However, as it continues, she is continuously abused in horrific ways.. all in the name of the "angel" according to the leader. He claims that she is "lucky" to be given this role by the "angel"... the role of taking on the punishments of all the cult members. And unfortunately, she believes it.
She is eventually rescued from the cult just as they are to 'ascend' to meet the angel, and she almost dies. She struggles with being outside of the compound and adjusting to the regular way of life. IT's hard to reprogram the brain after all of that trauma and abuse.
Overall, a GREAT read.
October 21, 2023
4 STARS!
This was exactly what I needed; short and shocking, like a bit of a slap to the face. I've been slowly sinking into a slump for the last few weeks and this renewed my love for reading.
Triggers galore
This was exactly what I needed; short and shocking, like a bit of a slap to the face. I've been slowly sinking into a slump for the last few weeks and this renewed my love for reading.
Triggers galore
September 16, 2019
ok so I really like this story but unfortunately is was ruined for me with there being no romance. Since it is in the romance category I expected there to be some.
All was crammed into the final chapter, it would have been better as a duet that follows the MFC and the guys.
I loved following along with Laya’s story and all she endure when part of the cult and he joining society again.
Iam giving it 2stars because it says it’s a RH romantic suspense but there is none of that and for that reason I felt let down and misled.
All was crammed into the final chapter, it would have been better as a duet that follows the MFC and the guys.
I loved following along with Laya’s story and all she endure when part of the cult and he joining society again.
Iam giving it 2stars because it says it’s a RH romantic suspense but there is none of that and for that reason I felt let down and misled.
July 9, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Wow just wow! That is all my mind keeps repeating over and over again after I finished this book. yes it is dark and yes it covers bunches of hot button issues but all of it is handled in a way that really attaches you to the main character whether you want to or not. It allows you to really enter her mind space which just hooks you that much more on the story as you find yourself rooting for her survival and eventually her recovery even it is outside the norm. I absolutely loved for the incredible writing that it contains so I give it 5/5 stars.
Wow just wow! That is all my mind keeps repeating over and over again after I finished this book. yes it is dark and yes it covers bunches of hot button issues but all of it is handled in a way that really attaches you to the main character whether you want to or not. It allows you to really enter her mind space which just hooks you that much more on the story as you find yourself rooting for her survival and eventually her recovery even it is outside the norm. I absolutely loved for the incredible writing that it contains so I give it 5/5 stars.
May 15, 2021
“To the others, he’s a holy man, a prophet. To me, he’s the devil.”
This book sucked me in right away, seeming to be in a cult-setting and dark. It gets even more dark, fast and I’m officially hooked (and def going to seek out anything else that’s considered dark by this multi-genre-writing author! That’s it, I’m a huge fan of Skye MacKinnon!).
I liked it a lot; I hadn’t realized it’s book 2 in a series so I’ll likely go back and read book 1 and I may read on in the series with book 3. It could be dark at times, but ultimately it isn’t, if that makes sense.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; amazing performance. I’m a huge fan of this narrator, Kyo Sija.
Note:
I borrowed this book from my library which has it listed as Broken Spirit.
Amazon & BookBub hae it listed as Broken Spirit: Trapped in a Cult, Defiance Book 2.
Goodreads apparently has it listed as Broken Princess.
Lost a lot of time figuring that out, figured I’d note it in case anyone else goes through this.
This book sucked me in right away, seeming to be in a cult-setting and dark. It gets even more dark, fast and I’m officially hooked (and def going to seek out anything else that’s considered dark by this multi-genre-writing author! That’s it, I’m a huge fan of Skye MacKinnon!).
I liked it a lot; I hadn’t realized it’s book 2 in a series so I’ll likely go back and read book 1 and I may read on in the series with book 3. It could be dark at times, but ultimately it isn’t, if that makes sense.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; amazing performance. I’m a huge fan of this narrator, Kyo Sija.
Note:
I borrowed this book from my library which has it listed as Broken Spirit.
Amazon & BookBub hae it listed as Broken Spirit: Trapped in a Cult, Defiance Book 2.
Goodreads apparently has it listed as Broken Princess.
Lost a lot of time figuring that out, figured I’d note it in case anyone else goes through this.
May 6, 2020
*spoilers*
I liked this story. I liked the cult aspect and the fact that the heroine got away because of the guys that helped her. The author pulled emotions out of me when her "husband" the cult leader was abusing her and even when finding out about all his lies. But I gave it 3 stars for a couple reasons. The number one reason being that there was no romance, no sexy times, NOTHING along those lines especially since it was told to be a reverse harem. Yea the guys and her seemed to kind of live together but it seemed more like friends to me. And I kept getting so frustrated at the heroine still believing her husbands lies even after she was rescued. She didnt believe he was lying to her, stealing her money etc. I guess I didnt connect much with the characters but the story definitely had potential. I loved all the cult stuff. I would say it more or less felt rushed and even the ending seemed unresolved.
I liked this story. I liked the cult aspect and the fact that the heroine got away because of the guys that helped her. The author pulled emotions out of me when her "husband" the cult leader was abusing her and even when finding out about all his lies. But I gave it 3 stars for a couple reasons. The number one reason being that there was no romance, no sexy times, NOTHING along those lines especially since it was told to be a reverse harem. Yea the guys and her seemed to kind of live together but it seemed more like friends to me. And I kept getting so frustrated at the heroine still believing her husbands lies even after she was rescued. She didnt believe he was lying to her, stealing her money etc. I guess I didnt connect much with the characters but the story definitely had potential. I loved all the cult stuff. I would say it more or less felt rushed and even the ending seemed unresolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2019
This book was very different for me, the story was new and fresh something I've never read before, it kept me intrigued and hooked at all times.. I didn't know what to expect and the characters and the story kept surprising me. definitely was intense but I love how it kept me wondering what was going to happen next..at some parts it was hard to read as it had a lot of realistic elements but at the same time it made you want to know more about it..
great characters, great Narration by Kyo Sija, she really made me feel every emotion the characters were going through and even made the story more interesting and with a lot of depth..
this was my first book by Skye MacKinnon and I'm looking forward to know more about her work.
AudiobookObsessionReviewer.
great characters, great Narration by Kyo Sija, she really made me feel every emotion the characters were going through and even made the story more interesting and with a lot of depth..
this was my first book by Skye MacKinnon and I'm looking forward to know more about her work.
AudiobookObsessionReviewer.
March 8, 2019
En éste la historia es un pelín mejor que el anterior, aunque sigue sin complicarse la existencia y sin profundizar en nada. Pero los protagonistas están tan desdibujados que al final te da igual lo qué pasa.
De reverse Harem no tiene nada de nada, porque la verdad, con la historia que narra no había manera humana de meter sexo por ningun lado
Eso sí, se sigue leyendo de un tirón.
De reverse Harem no tiene nada de nada, porque la verdad, con la historia que narra no había manera humana de meter sexo por ningun lado
Eso sí, se sigue leyendo de un tirón.
November 4, 2018
I found myself completely sucked into this book from the start. It deals with the tough issues of abuse and cults but it is still hopeful without pretending issues can immediately get better. The female main character is a strong woman who has managed to survive for years and keep her faith through everything. The writing is suspenseful and keeps the story interesting throughout and Laya’s developing relationships with the men are sweet. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2018
This is a gritty, hard hitting reverse harem read. It deals with real life situations that occur but are lot widely known about. It is beautifully written with sensitivity and and care. Laya is married to cult leader Andros, she is brainwashed and living in hellish circumstances that are created to break her and those around her
This story is emotionally charged, I felt for Laya and how she is living. Unfortunately this happens in real life, I think that the author has done complete justice to Laya’s story, written very well drawing you in but keeping a sensitivity and not glamourising the situation. I highly recommend this read, but it does have trigger warnings for those sensitive to the subject, I throughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next story in the trilogy, an outstanding piece of writing
This story is emotionally charged, I felt for Laya and how she is living. Unfortunately this happens in real life, I think that the author has done complete justice to Laya’s story, written very well drawing you in but keeping a sensitivity and not glamourising the situation. I highly recommend this read, but it does have trigger warnings for those sensitive to the subject, I throughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next story in the trilogy, an outstanding piece of writing
January 6, 2019
Such a let down
This book has good bones to be a really good book, however everything was rushed and you don't get any closer.
This book has good bones to be a really good book, however everything was rushed and you don't get any closer.
June 29, 2019
Wow, was not expecting that (in a good way)!
This book was nothing like I expected. If I could curse in a review I would, to explain some of the epicness I just listened too! So before listening or reading, make sure you read the blurb and understand what you are getting into before you move forward. I knew it was dark and there would be some tough moments, but the emotions that this book evoked were sometimes very very intense and tough for me to drive to work and be composed.
Skye does a brilliant job with this story of a member of the cult being saved from her situation, but only after having suffered a great deal. We get to see what it could be like to be in that situation and how manipulative, controlling, and brainwasher extraordinaire the leader of a cult can be. I was not prepared for some of the things mentioned but Skye does a great job weaving in the storyline, bringing the guys/rescuers into our MC's life. I sometimes wanted to scream while listening like I want to do in horror or suspense films haha. It was great, I didn't want it to end. This is the main reason I couldn't give the story and the overall audiobook 5 stars. I thought with Abandoned Heart, Skye did a great job wrapping up the storyline and gave us a happy ending. Now I didn't expect this to be necessarily a 100% normal happy ending, because that wouldn't have fit with the story and message. I do think the ending was rushed and wish the loose ends could have been wrapped up. I know they are all standalones within the same universe, but we didn't get a lot of resolution in this ending. I for one wanted to know what was going to happen to certain characters that we never find out about. Also, it felt like the MC and her guys story wasn't the end. I was expecting another chapter but didn't get one. Like I said, loved this story and the execution, but personal preference, I think the ending was not as strong at the beginning and middle of the haunting dark RH book.
On to the narration!!! I have to give Kyo Sija another standing ovation because her narration in this series has been spot in. I think she dove into these characters and really brought them to live. Like I could imagine the cult leader and his dove and how I would see it on TV/a movie. I think Kyo has drastically improved in the couple books I have listened to her and I will definitely keep her on my radar when looking for new audiobooks. I felt her sorrow and frustration, her will to live but also give up, her strength when most people wouldn't have any. The little changes she did in the accents of various male voices. Wonderful job ❤️
This book was nothing like I expected. If I could curse in a review I would, to explain some of the epicness I just listened too! So before listening or reading, make sure you read the blurb and understand what you are getting into before you move forward. I knew it was dark and there would be some tough moments, but the emotions that this book evoked were sometimes very very intense and tough for me to drive to work and be composed.
Skye does a brilliant job with this story of a member of the cult being saved from her situation, but only after having suffered a great deal. We get to see what it could be like to be in that situation and how manipulative, controlling, and brainwasher extraordinaire the leader of a cult can be. I was not prepared for some of the things mentioned but Skye does a great job weaving in the storyline, bringing the guys/rescuers into our MC's life. I sometimes wanted to scream while listening like I want to do in horror or suspense films haha. It was great, I didn't want it to end. This is the main reason I couldn't give the story and the overall audiobook 5 stars. I thought with Abandoned Heart, Skye did a great job wrapping up the storyline and gave us a happy ending. Now I didn't expect this to be necessarily a 100% normal happy ending, because that wouldn't have fit with the story and message. I do think the ending was rushed and wish the loose ends could have been wrapped up. I know they are all standalones within the same universe, but we didn't get a lot of resolution in this ending. I for one wanted to know what was going to happen to certain characters that we never find out about. Also, it felt like the MC and her guys story wasn't the end. I was expecting another chapter but didn't get one. Like I said, loved this story and the execution, but personal preference, I think the ending was not as strong at the beginning and middle of the haunting dark RH book.
On to the narration!!! I have to give Kyo Sija another standing ovation because her narration in this series has been spot in. I think she dove into these characters and really brought them to live. Like I could imagine the cult leader and his dove and how I would see it on TV/a movie. I think Kyo has drastically improved in the couple books I have listened to her and I will definitely keep her on my radar when looking for new audiobooks. I felt her sorrow and frustration, her will to live but also give up, her strength when most people wouldn't have any. The little changes she did in the accents of various male voices. Wonderful job ❤️
September 15, 2022
Kolejny potencjał, w którym źle położono nacisk w akcji 🥺
Zaczęło się świetnie - Laya należy do kultu Anioła, do którego wciągnął ją Andros. Jako Prorok poślubił ją... A potem zmienił życie kobiety w piekło. Skazał ją na życie w cierpieniu i przemocy. Gdy przybywają trzej nowicjusze, wszystko ma się zmienić. Ale jesteśmy w tym kulcie i jesteśmy, a Laya zbiera cios za ciosem, aż wszyscy si�� dziwimy, czemu ona jeszcze żyje (włącznie z nią samą). Przekraczamy połowę książki i nic się nie zmienia! Ciągle ten sam ponury, przerażający los Layi z tak niewielkim promykiem nadziei na wyrwanie się z tej sytuacji, że... Czy mnie się przewidziało? Czy do samego końca autorka będzie torturować nas wszystkich?
To ogromny minus powieści, bo jeśli czytało się tom poprzedni, to ma się świadomość kim są nowicjusze. Fakt ten jednak niewiele zmienia - akcja w kulcie jest zbyt przeciągnięta, żeby kolejne części fabuły miały znaczenie czy solidny grunt na rozwinięcie się. Kiedy myślałam, że teraz zacznie się właściwa akcja (na co zacierałam ręce) to książka... się kończy. Całe pole do popisu zostało zwyczajnie spalone. Niestety dostarczono czytelnikowi tyle cierpienia Layi, że już zabrakło miejsca na cokolwiek innego i życie poza kultem jest tylko minimalnie zaznaczone. W moich oczach zdecydowanie umniejsza to powieści, bo sam czas w tej sekcie był monotematyczny jak dni Layi. I nie bagatelizuję w tym przypadku przemocy - ale nie dostałam nic ponad nią, małe skrawki rzucane od niechcenia nie przeradzają się później w coś solidnego, więc nawet i one stają się nieważne.
Cóż, na razie kończę przygodę z panią Mackinnon, ale mam nadzieję, że kiedyś się przełamię i sprawdzę jakieś inne jej książki, bo tych ma sporawo! 🤔
Zaczęło się świetnie - Laya należy do kultu Anioła, do którego wciągnął ją Andros. Jako Prorok poślubił ją... A potem zmienił życie kobiety w piekło. Skazał ją na życie w cierpieniu i przemocy. Gdy przybywają trzej nowicjusze, wszystko ma się zmienić. Ale jesteśmy w tym kulcie i jesteśmy, a Laya zbiera cios za ciosem, aż wszyscy si�� dziwimy, czemu ona jeszcze żyje (włącznie z nią samą). Przekraczamy połowę książki i nic się nie zmienia! Ciągle ten sam ponury, przerażający los Layi z tak niewielkim promykiem nadziei na wyrwanie się z tej sytuacji, że... Czy mnie się przewidziało? Czy do samego końca autorka będzie torturować nas wszystkich?
To ogromny minus powieści, bo jeśli czytało się tom poprzedni, to ma się świadomość kim są nowicjusze. Fakt ten jednak niewiele zmienia - akcja w kulcie jest zbyt przeciągnięta, żeby kolejne części fabuły miały znaczenie czy solidny grunt na rozwinięcie się. Kiedy myślałam, że teraz zacznie się właściwa akcja (na co zacierałam ręce) to książka... się kończy. Całe pole do popisu zostało zwyczajnie spalone. Niestety dostarczono czytelnikowi tyle cierpienia Layi, że już zabrakło miejsca na cokolwiek innego i życie poza kultem jest tylko minimalnie zaznaczone. W moich oczach zdecydowanie umniejsza to powieści, bo sam czas w tej sekcie był monotematyczny jak dni Layi. I nie bagatelizuję w tym przypadku przemocy - ale nie dostałam nic ponad nią, małe skrawki rzucane od niechcenia nie przeradzają się później w coś solidnego, więc nawet i one stają się nieważne.
Cóż, na razie kończę przygodę z panią Mackinnon, ale mam nadzieję, że kiedyś się przełamię i sprawdzę jakieś inne jej książki, bo tych ma sporawo! 🤔
November 17, 2020
I enjoyed the second half way more than the first and I'll tell you why.
The first 30% is full of telling, not showing. And because of this style, the violence seems gratuitous, even though it's not. What I mean is while the majority of the novel we pass inside the h's head, the torture scenes and violence was always on page. And boy it was a lot. I would liked more if we could see the false prophet interacting with the others, how the cult work and things like that. Instead I got about 40% percent of one on one torture between the h and her husband.
The second part is when she is free from the cult. The writing changed a bit so it was more pleasant. There is no romance and the little that have, didn't need to be there, IMO. There is no attraction between them, they seem more like friends than lovers. I don't think this should have been marked as romance.
But I think the author could get the expense of a brainwashed person, I wanted to strangled the h so many times! But I knew she didn't have another choice besides believe in the "angel".
The narrator is new to me. But I enjoyed her narration very much and that's saying something because I'm very picky with my female narrators.
3 stars because of the beginning, otherwise it would be 4.5
#AudiobookObssessionReview
The first 30% is full of telling, not showing. And because of this style, the violence seems gratuitous, even though it's not. What I mean is while the majority of the novel we pass inside the h's head, the torture scenes and violence was always on page. And boy it was a lot. I would liked more if we could see the false prophet interacting with the others, how the cult work and things like that. Instead I got about 40% percent of one on one torture between the h and her husband.
The second part is when she is free from the cult. The writing changed a bit so it was more pleasant. There is no romance and the little that have, didn't need to be there, IMO. There is no attraction between them, they seem more like friends than lovers. I don't think this should have been marked as romance.
But I think the author could get the expense of a brainwashed person, I wanted to strangled the h so many times! But I knew she didn't have another choice besides believe in the "angel".
The narrator is new to me. But I enjoyed her narration very much and that's saying something because I'm very picky with my female narrators.
3 stars because of the beginning, otherwise it would be 4.5
#AudiobookObssessionReview
February 28, 2019
A story of hope
What if everything you believed in, everything you worked and strived and suffered for was wrong?
Laya is in a cult. She's been chosen as the bearer of sins, she will be punished to save them all.
But the three new members of their community aren't in agreement. They want to change her mind about EVERYTHING.
I enjoyed this book. The first half was expertly written. I think some of the later parts, however, let it down. Things progress a little too quickly and some of her thoughts are quite inconsistent. It may have been an attempt at showing her confusion during deprogramming, but it came across as multiple edits that were a little out of sequence.
Having said that, I enjoyed this book and I would not hesitate to purchase another by Ms MacKinnon.
What if everything you believed in, everything you worked and strived and suffered for was wrong?
Laya is in a cult. She's been chosen as the bearer of sins, she will be punished to save them all.
But the three new members of their community aren't in agreement. They want to change her mind about EVERYTHING.
I enjoyed this book. The first half was expertly written. I think some of the later parts, however, let it down. Things progress a little too quickly and some of her thoughts are quite inconsistent. It may have been an attempt at showing her confusion during deprogramming, but it came across as multiple edits that were a little out of sequence.
Having said that, I enjoyed this book and I would not hesitate to purchase another by Ms MacKinnon.
November 15, 2018
Every once in a while I come across a story that leaves me breathless and feeling gutted. I refer to this experience as a book hangover because, like alcohol drinking after a night of partying, the thought of starting a new book isn't something I can stomach. That is how I felt after finishing this one. It was gritty, dark, and there were some parts where my stomach churned. It is also one of the most beautiful stories I have read this year. It is full of possible triggers and the fact that the story is believable and realistic in a haunting way makes those triggers slightly more intense. This isn't a story for everyone, and it isn't like anything else by this author, but if you love the dark then you must one-click this. You won't be disappointed!
November 3, 2018
FANTASTIC!
WOW! One heck of an intense read that grabs hold of you taking you on a full blown twisted emotional rollercoaster ride that will shock the crap out of you over and over again keeping you in a euphoric state of thirst wanting and needing more but trying to dissipate the pages because you can't take anymore of the savage grueling words pulling you in holding you hostage refusing to let you go loving insanely twisted word! Raw, fierce, edgy, intense, shock, horrorified, spellbound, adrenaline fueled, searing hot chemistry, emotionally gripping, page turning twists and impossible to put down! An enthralling must read that will have you shuddering and gasping in both shock and delight!
WOW! One heck of an intense read that grabs hold of you taking you on a full blown twisted emotional rollercoaster ride that will shock the crap out of you over and over again keeping you in a euphoric state of thirst wanting and needing more but trying to dissipate the pages because you can't take anymore of the savage grueling words pulling you in holding you hostage refusing to let you go loving insanely twisted word! Raw, fierce, edgy, intense, shock, horrorified, spellbound, adrenaline fueled, searing hot chemistry, emotionally gripping, page turning twists and impossible to put down! An enthralling must read that will have you shuddering and gasping in both shock and delight!
November 3, 2018
When I first picked this book up I knew it was going to be dark, but I also thought it would be a reverse harem sort of book. No, I was so wrong this book is one that will give you goose bumps and at times make you sick to your stomach it is unbelievably good. It shows what a person will allow when they are brainwashed and how hard it is to get their life back. Thank God Laya has the help of three men. We all have read about cults, but this book put a face to the stories we have seen. A simply masterful piece of writing I would recommend this one for the simply diabolical and horrible events. There has to be a special place in hell for a character like Andros. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 5, 2018
this one was very different that what I usually read but I really enjoyed it. At some point Layla has joined a religious cult and become involved in a one sided abusive relationship with the cult leader. When 3 new members join up and the cult implodes she finds her self back in a world she left behind with three men who are very different but work together well as a cohesive unit. this story is heartbreaking in many ways and does not have any sensual scenes outside of her abuse by the cult leader but it still reads like a reverse romance, just a platonic one, I would have loved for the story to continue so I could see more of their romantic relationship evolve
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2020
Skye MacKinnon wrote a compelling story about the effects of being in a cult. Laya, Andros wife and Princess, takes the beatings, punishments for all the sins of the people. All is the will of the Angel as stated by Andros the self-proclaimed prophet. How could one person manipulate, brainwash, and gain control over the people in the cult? I gave 4 stars because the last chapter kept me hanging. Laya was possibly still in danger, Andros trial didn't come up yet, so there wasn't a finality to the story.
Kio Sijo is phenomenal in her narration. Her voices and personalities for each character were spot on! Her ability to transition from one character to the other is flawless. 🎧#audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧🎧.
Kio Sijo is phenomenal in her narration. Her voices and personalities for each character were spot on! Her ability to transition from one character to the other is flawless. 🎧#audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧🎧.
July 15, 2018
Broken princess 👸
Wow 😮 what can I say .....this book 📖 brought me to tears 😭 I got angry 😡 at the suffering ,manipulation and the horrid abuse Laya suffered at the hands of a monster Andros...it’s hard to read at times , but at same time you can’t help but be engrossed in the book 📖Skye MacKinnon has wrote ...it’s wrote so well , it’s gritty ,real life ,violent mentally, psychically and sexually ......but out off that comes strength , hope , friendship and happiness ....so I’m happy 😊 that Laya gets her happy ending in the end because she so deserves it after everything she suffered ... well done 👍 Skye MacKinnon 😘
Wow 😮 what can I say .....this book 📖 brought me to tears 😭 I got angry 😡 at the suffering ,manipulation and the horrid abuse Laya suffered at the hands of a monster Andros...it’s hard to read at times , but at same time you can’t help but be engrossed in the book 📖Skye MacKinnon has wrote ...it’s wrote so well , it’s gritty ,real life ,violent mentally, psychically and sexually ......but out off that comes strength , hope , friendship and happiness ....so I’m happy 😊 that Laya gets her happy ending in the end because she so deserves it after everything she suffered ... well done 👍 Skye MacKinnon 😘
November 5, 2018
This was a horrific tale of a young woman who is brainwashed into a cult. She believes everything that the Prophet tells her even as she struggles to understand why. The author wrote a very twisted yet compelling tale that you will find hard to read yet unable to put down. The ending was wonderful yet shocking at all of the reveals. And still she has her beliefs. I was impressed by the character building and delivery of this story. I didn't want to like it because of the unbelievable abuse. Yet even as I say that, this book wouldn't have been as good as it was without that aspect. Well done.
March 20, 2019
I found the story intriguing and heartbreaking. It’s about a women being broken by a man she thought loved her.
The storyline is good except maybe a little abrupt ending. I also didn’t feel a connection to the characters so it lacked something to give it full score. But it’s HEA so I’m good .
There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and plenty of dialogues
Some of the content in this book might be triggers for some, I found it was described in a way that it was bearable to listen to.
Don’t expect steamy love scenes.
Narrator:
Not my favourite but it’s read with passion and the pronunciation is clear.
4 stars overall
🎧AudiobookObsession reviewer
The storyline is good except maybe a little abrupt ending. I also didn’t feel a connection to the characters so it lacked something to give it full score. But it’s HEA so I’m good .
There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and plenty of dialogues
Some of the content in this book might be triggers for some, I found it was described in a way that it was bearable to listen to.
Don’t expect steamy love scenes.
Narrator:
Not my favourite but it’s read with passion and the pronunciation is clear.
4 stars overall
🎧AudiobookObsession reviewer
August 7, 2019
If I could have broken into this story and killed Andros... I would have within minutes of this story beginning! He is a hatful and vicious man who preys in those who follow him blindly!
I am a fan of dark listens, and I listened to the watnings at the beginning of this.. and decided to listen. It was a difficult listen because of Leah’s heart, she is so trusting and believes that all will be well!! I love her strength!
Without spoilers... I am not as happy with the ending as I wanted to be from the beginning, but still happy. How’s that for convoluted!
Kyo Sija does a wonderful job with the narration!!! You can hear the emotion and discern the characters so well!!!
I am a fan of dark listens, and I listened to the watnings at the beginning of this.. and decided to listen. It was a difficult listen because of Leah’s heart, she is so trusting and believes that all will be well!! I love her strength!
Without spoilers... I am not as happy with the ending as I wanted to be from the beginning, but still happy. How’s that for convoluted!
Kyo Sija does a wonderful job with the narration!!! You can hear the emotion and discern the characters so well!!!
August 24, 2019
Broken Princess: Trapped in a cult by Skye MacKinnon is a Contemporary Reverse Harem that I listened on audio narrated by Kyo Sija. This is book two in the Defiance Trilogy. All three books are standalones that are loosely connected by side characters and settings, but they each have a different heroine, theme and love interests. The storyline is dark and contains violence, sexual abuse, and other topics that may be triggering. Listen at your own discretion.
This is the second book of Skye’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait until book three Stolen Soul is released.
Kyo did an amazing job narrating. She did a great job with the different voices for each character. It really helped pull me into the story. They are an amazing duo. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Dark Reverse Harem Novels.
#AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
This is the second book of Skye’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait until book three Stolen Soul is released.
Kyo did an amazing job narrating. She did a great job with the different voices for each character. It really helped pull me into the story. They are an amazing duo. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Dark Reverse Harem Novels.
#AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
July 1, 2020
Amazed.. and Disappointed
I know I rated this 4 because it deserves it. It could have easily been 5, but because it ended abruptly, going from: the story is still going... relationships are still tentative...just accepting that she needs to heal and relearn the world... to 6 months later being in a perfect relationship. It threw the ENTIRE book off, messing up the message and story.
4 stars almost 5 because it was very entertaining, and I also learned a lot. It made me think about religion, hope, emotions and relationships and how they all tie in to each other - and how all of those managed to change someones whole life (in this case, joining a cult). It was written beautifully and captivating. I never thought about cults before (except that famous jamestown thing we learned in school) so this was an interesting take on it.
I loved how the story was written, portrayed and how it made me feel.
****this book is like a heart-attack of triggers. Abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, financial - basically master / slave). This only ends at about 60% into the book.
I know I rated this 4 because it deserves it. It could have easily been 5, but because it ended abruptly, going from: the story is still going... relationships are still tentative...just accepting that she needs to heal and relearn the world... to 6 months later being in a perfect relationship. It threw the ENTIRE book off, messing up the message and story.
4 stars almost 5 because it was very entertaining, and I also learned a lot. It made me think about religion, hope, emotions and relationships and how they all tie in to each other - and how all of those managed to change someones whole life (in this case, joining a cult). It was written beautifully and captivating. I never thought about cults before (except that famous jamestown thing we learned in school) so this was an interesting take on it.
I loved how the story was written, portrayed and how it made me feel.
****this book is like a heart-attack of triggers. Abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, financial - basically master / slave). This only ends at about 60% into the book.
November 8, 2018
After reading Broken Princess, I have a greater reverence for victims of abuse and seeing what Laya endured. But even through it all, she stayed and even found love. Very strong character you will come to respect even if it is with a bit of pity thrown in. Well written dark read that I have not seen before from the author but this is a great book and one that should be read. Laya will touch your heart and spirit with her struggles. Definite must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2019
Layla is married to the leader of a cult...you'd think that she's be treated like a princess, at least that's what she's called, but she's not. Her husband is an abusive SOB and you really want him to get just desserts...but I digress...enter 3 new cult recruits. Layla suspects that something's different with these men and hopes that they will not go along with her husband's cruelty. This story sets you on a roller coaster of emotions and leaves you gasping at the end. Worth the listen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2018
reading this book, my mind has been blown.
it is emotional, and although you know what is going on is different (and in my opinion wrong) you see it from the point of view of someone who is an amazingly strong character, who gets put through so many trials and tribulations.
emotionally heartbreaking, yet i found strength in the writing. it has to be one of the best books ive read. im still recovering from a book hang over because of it.
it is emotional, and although you know what is going on is different (and in my opinion wrong) you see it from the point of view of someone who is an amazingly strong character, who gets put through so many trials and tribulations.
emotionally heartbreaking, yet i found strength in the writing. it has to be one of the best books ive read. im still recovering from a book hang over because of it.
August 16, 2018
This was a freaking heartbreaking story. I cried like a baby for the MC, then I cried some happy tears for her. It takes one hell of a strong person to be in this situation and make it out alive. I’ve been in abusive relationships before, nothing to this extent, but I’ve never endured this type of trauma. It made me feel glad to be alive and healthy and appreciative of the will it took to rise above my past.
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