What do you think?
Devil's With Halos #4
Depredation
Blurb
Kidnapped. Tortured. Corrupted.
He stole me away in the middle of the night.
A windowless cell with a floor of stone became my new home.
He took, and he took until I had nothing left to entertain him with.
And then I was abandoned and left to die, just like all the other girls.
He has no idea I’m alive.
He doesn’t know he woke the devil inside me.
When I find him, nothing in the world will be strong enough to save his tar black soul.
Kidnapped. Tortured. Corrupted.
He stole me away in the middle of the night.
A windowless cell with a floor of stone became my new home.
He took, and he took until I had nothing left to entertain him with.
And then I was abandoned and left to die, just like all the other girls.
He has no idea I’m alive.
He doesn’t know he woke the devil inside me.
When I find him, nothing in the world will be strong enough to save his tar black soul.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2018
About the author
Natalie Bennett
114 books2,676 followersLover of all things pǝʇsıʍʇ & unusual.
I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.
Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB
I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.
Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 26, 2018
I spent two years of my life as a f*ck toy to a sadistic, psychopath that had just as much fun torturing me psychologically as he did physically.
F*CK TOY: Is a standalone short read, dark novel by Natalie Bennett.
Harper had been held captive by a man she calls J for two long gruelling years, seven hundred and thirty days. Seven thousand five hundred and twenty hours to be precise.
She’s never going to be the same again, no amount of therapy or talking about her ordeal will make her better, it is what it is, it happened, there's no getting over it.
Don't go into this thinking all the feels in the world will come at you, because they don't, it's dark, it's gritty, it's not even a romance novel. You may not even connect with the characters.
This is a short, quick read, jam packed of goodness that will tick a lot of dark lovers boxes.
This isn't the first girl J has captured and held against her will, Harper was his lucky number 7.
I'd scare her shitless, deprive her senses, and screw with her head so much she'd start to think that I was a fucking god.
The only reason why this wasn't a five star read for me was the abrupt ending, you could even say it ended on a cliffy, I'd felt like I'd been robbed, I wanted her wraith, I wanted his tears, I wanted his pain, but sadly we got none of that because it all just ended but at the end of the book the author has stated that her next book 'Devils with Halos' is loosely connected to F*ck Toy. So who knows? Maybe we do get closure?
* Teasers used are off the Authors facebook page *
July 26, 2018
This was classic Natalie Bennet. Super Dark. Super Twisted. Majorly cringe-worthy. I enjoyed it a lot. However, this wasn't in any way a romance book. So please don't go into it expecting that. And, as much as I enjoyed it, I can't justify giving it more than 3-Stars simply because it was so incredibly short and underdeveloped. On top of that, the ending was so jarringly abrupt, I kind of felt like my ARC copy was missing pages or something!
So yea, not my favorite book by this author. I think it would have made a fantastic full-length book. However, it was still an entertaining read, and it is briefly mentioned at the end of this book that Miz Bennet's new upcoming book Devils With Halos is going to somehow be loosely related to F*ck Toy. So maybe we will hear more about this characters in that book? In any case, Natalie Bennet is still one of my all-time favorite dark authors, and I for one can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
August 1, 2018
4 Stars
Arc Book Review
Release Date-12/8/18
As per usual this author managed to deliver a completely corrupt tale filled with depravity and vicious immoral behaviour.
This author is the master of this type of fiction managing to deliver such dissolute debased conduct while still also somehow hooking the reader like a fish on a line.
You so want to look away in horrific denial but It's almost like you just have to watch so great is the compulsion and magnetism of the scene set before you.
The basic premise here is the kidnapping and incarceration of young Harper and the trials and tribulations she has to endure to escape from a nightmare at the sadistic hands of her kidnapper J.
She is not the first visitor to J's basement prison but she's determined to be his last.
Kept in squalor and filth by her Jailor Harper is prepared to do whatever it takes to survive her abominable ordeal.
Told from two points of view Harper and her captor this is a dark tale of extraordinary extremities and the resilience of the human spirit and psyche.
I also really adored the karmic justice this deviant narrative imparted it left me with a feeling of deep satisfaction and an almost gratification for the fate it eventually delivered to those deserving of such torments and tortures.
The only reason I haven't scored this higher is that I would have myself liked a slightly more drawn-out process with some added closure when it came to the finish here.
It seemed to end rather abruptly which I was not a big fan of.
But as usual, a fabulously unique endeavour that certainly stand out in its genre.
Oh and I should probably mention as well that this is not a romance; nope not at all, if I had to classify it I would say erotic horror is probably the closest term to describe this.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of "
Depredation: A Dark Erotica" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 28, 2018
4 Stars
Arc Book Review
As per usual this author managed to deliver a completely corrupt tale filled with depravity and vicious immoral behaviour.
This author is the master of this type of fiction managing to deliver such dissolute debased conduct while still also somehow hooking the reader like a fish on a line.
You so want to look away in horrific denial but It's almost like you just have to watch so great is the compulsion and magnetism of the scene set before you.
The basic premise here is the kidnapping and incarceration of young Harper and the trials and tribulations she has to endure to escape from a nightmare at the sadistic hands of her kidnapper J.
She is not the first visitor to J's basement prison but she's determined to be his last.
Kept in squalor and filth by her Jailor Harper is prepared to do whatever it takes to survive her abominable ordeal.
Told from two points of view Harper and her captor this is a dark tale of extraordinary extremities and the resilience of the human spirit and psyche.
I also really adored the karmic justice this deviant narrative imparted it left me with a feeling of deep satisfaction and an almost gratification for the fate it eventually delivered to those deserving of such torments and tortures.
The only reason I haven't scored this higher is that I would have myself liked a slightly more drawn-out process with some added closure when it came to the finish here.
It seemed to end rather abruptly which I was not a big fan of.
But as usual, a fabulously unique endeavour that certainly stand out in its genre.
Oh and I should probably mention as well that this is not a romance; nope not at all, if I had to classify it I would say erotic horror is probably the closest term to describe this.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of "F*ck Toy" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Arc Book Review
As per usual this author managed to deliver a completely corrupt tale filled with depravity and vicious immoral behaviour.
This author is the master of this type of fiction managing to deliver such dissolute debased conduct while still also somehow hooking the reader like a fish on a line.
You so want to look away in horrific denial but It's almost like you just have to watch so great is the compulsion and magnetism of the scene set before you.
The basic premise here is the kidnapping and incarceration of young Harper and the trials and tribulations she has to endure to escape from a nightmare at the sadistic hands of her kidnapper J.
She is not the first visitor to J's basement prison but she's determined to be his last.
Kept in squalor and filth by her Jailor Harper is prepared to do whatever it takes to survive her abominable ordeal.
Told from two points of view Harper and her captor this is a dark tale of extraordinary extremities and the resilience of the human spirit and psyche.
I also really adored the karmic justice this deviant narrative imparted it left me with a feeling of deep satisfaction and an almost gratification for the fate it eventually delivered to those deserving of such torments and tortures.
The only reason I haven't scored this higher is that I would have myself liked a slightly more drawn-out process with some added closure when it came to the finish here.
It seemed to end rather abruptly which I was not a big fan of.
But as usual, a fabulously unique endeavour that certainly stand out in its genre.
Oh and I should probably mention as well that this is not a romance; nope not at all, if I had to classify it I would say erotic horror is probably the closest term to describe this.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of "F*ck Toy" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 25, 2021
This is my stop! The stop right before I get deeper into whatever this genre is because this is not for me. 😬😬😬 Depredation is not a romance. It's not erotica. It is not non-con, dub-con - this is just straight up torture porn. 🥴🤡😳
Yikes. But I also couldn't stop reading this. For 120 pages or so, it is highly addictive, which is why 3 stars, and my curiosity to know what kind of author Natalie Bennett was, and well.
Anyways. To each their own. Cari Silverwood is my limit for these types of ambiguous dark reads, because after reading this, I need to go bleach my brain, meditate or something because I'm still 🥵 but in the bad way, not the good way.
Yikes. But I also couldn't stop reading this. For 120 pages or so, it is highly addictive, which is why 3 stars, and my curiosity to know what kind of author Natalie Bennett was, and well.
Anyways. To each their own. Cari Silverwood is my limit for these types of ambiguous dark reads, because after reading this, I need to go bleach my brain, meditate or something because I'm still 🥵 but in the bad way, not the good way.
August 13, 2018
This book to me felt like something was missing and rushed. This book was a dark sick and twisted short quick read that was okay and wished was longer. Harper Lane was kidnapped while leaving work one day ahead of a storm. Jayce Haywood was a sick twisted man who came from a sick twisted family who I would love to read about his mother taught him that it was ok to take what you want. J has a wife who knows all about his activities. Harper is beaten raped and tortured by him for almost two years. I was shocked when Harper ran into his wife Minnie in a grocery store. I was also glad that Harper was able to get revenge. This book was told from both their POV past and present. This book was also fast and the ending I felt it was rushed and I was confused did it end on a cliffhanger? I couldn't tell it left me with a lot of questions. I have read this author before this book had quite a few errors in it. This was not a romance story it was dark and twisted. If you like reading dark twisted tells than I recommend you read this book. I hope that the author writes a book two.
August 15, 2018
A banned book ... at first this book is named as F*ck Toy which I found really attractive.
The story is great, plot thick and excitement from each chapter I read increases.
J, a psychopath who kidnaps any girl he wants, lock them in a cell and use them as a f*ck toy. In reality, J owns a real estate company, rich and married but totally f*ck up mind! His wife Minnie knows about all his doings and never minded a bit of it.
Harper, on the other hand, a strong-minded woman who was being kidnapped and stay strong to stay alive. She was kidnapped during one of the cold nights in winter. J planned it all along and locked her up in the cell. J always think Harper is her special one but Harper hates him to death.
Harper is lucky, after her attempt to run away but unfortunately, J pulled her back to the cell and lock her up with other girls and continue to break her until she begged to die but Harper never wanted to die.
The whole story reminds me of another book - The Lovely Bones. I have no idea how to comment on this book, my head is blank and all I want to know is how on earth is Harper going to revenge. While reading I feel what Harper feels, it’s not a good feeling at all. Trapped and locked is the worst nightmare for any girl and woman, this is all I can conclude about after reading. I really like Harper, she doesn't panic and always seeking a way to stay alive and hope to escape.
I seriously want to continue to read the story, however, I will have to wait for the next book. Hopefully, the author will write about J's psychopath friends. 4.8 stars, not one single page I find boring, the excitement from reading this book keep increasing and increasing.
Highly recommended to read not because the story is sick f*ck and all psychopath from all the other normal erotica novel, read this book because you should know the world is surrounded by psychopath near us daily and as a woman, we should always be aware of our surroundings.
Recommended to everyone but be warned in this story you won't find anything other than monsters.
The story is great, plot thick and excitement from each chapter I read increases.
J, a psychopath who kidnaps any girl he wants, lock them in a cell and use them as a f*ck toy. In reality, J owns a real estate company, rich and married but totally f*ck up mind! His wife Minnie knows about all his doings and never minded a bit of it.
Harper, on the other hand, a strong-minded woman who was being kidnapped and stay strong to stay alive. She was kidnapped during one of the cold nights in winter. J planned it all along and locked her up in the cell. J always think Harper is her special one but Harper hates him to death.
Harper is lucky, after her attempt to run away but unfortunately, J pulled her back to the cell and lock her up with other girls and continue to break her until she begged to die but Harper never wanted to die.
The whole story reminds me of another book - The Lovely Bones. I have no idea how to comment on this book, my head is blank and all I want to know is how on earth is Harper going to revenge. While reading I feel what Harper feels, it’s not a good feeling at all. Trapped and locked is the worst nightmare for any girl and woman, this is all I can conclude about after reading. I really like Harper, she doesn't panic and always seeking a way to stay alive and hope to escape.
I seriously want to continue to read the story, however, I will have to wait for the next book. Hopefully, the author will write about J's psychopath friends. 4.8 stars, not one single page I find boring, the excitement from reading this book keep increasing and increasing.
Highly recommended to read not because the story is sick f*ck and all psychopath from all the other normal erotica novel, read this book because you should know the world is surrounded by psychopath near us daily and as a woman, we should always be aware of our surroundings.
Recommended to everyone but be warned in this story you won't find anything other than monsters.
May 25, 2018
This was my first short-story/book by this author and it was very erotic in a twisted sort of way. Stick with it to the end if you are struggling with the "triggers" in the opening pages as it eventually makes sense in a fantasy sort of way. I liked how the mystery of the story pulled me along and the sex scenes made me squirm...in a good sort of way. Like the victim in the book, I was appalled at how much of a delightful, physical reaction I had to the warped scenarios. Shame on my inner slut, shame, shame.
September 3, 2018
So, this is calssically good Natalie Bennett in her almighty dark powers.
As she says herself, this is NOT a romance.
NOT. AT. ALL.
So, don't go fooling youselves in thinking you can redeem and excuse and forgive this anti-hero's actions.
He's a fucking villain in his true dark mode and yeah, he pays for his malescent deeds in the end. So, hell yeah, it was worth it LOL
Dark, twisted, ugly, vile and depraved.
And very well written.
and it demands an acquired taste.
As she says herself, this is NOT a romance.
NOT. AT. ALL.
So, don't go fooling youselves in thinking you can redeem and excuse and forgive this anti-hero's actions.
He's a fucking villain in his true dark mode and yeah, he pays for his malescent deeds in the end. So, hell yeah, it was worth it LOL
Dark, twisted, ugly, vile and depraved.
And very well written.
and it demands an acquired taste.
July 27, 2018
Ahhh. I read this in about an hour to an hour and a half before i had to be at work . It might be short but it packs a punch. This is dark and depraved and thats what i love about Natalie's writing. This book takes me back to why i love her writing. It reminds me of the love obscene series and that was my first ever book ive read by her. This novella is a must read for dark fans.
July 28, 2018
This is another of those holy wowzers what have I just read stories from this author. If you like her dark stories then your going to love this read. It’s a quick read but a great one. Like previous books I’ve read by her I just didn’t want this to end.
If you like dark reads then just jump in. The blurb is a teaser of what to expect. The author knows how to play with your head. Here was me loving this story and thinking I must have a warped mind to love it lol
Seriously can’t wait to see what else this author writes. I don’t think it would matter as I’d read it anyway.
If you like dark reads then just jump in. The blurb is a teaser of what to expect. The author knows how to play with your head. Here was me loving this story and thinking I must have a warped mind to love it lol
Seriously can’t wait to see what else this author writes. I don’t think it would matter as I’d read it anyway.
August 19, 2018
5 star story but needs to be proofread....
“I spent two years of my life as a fuck toy to a sadistic psychopath who had just as much fun torturing me psychologically as he did physically.” “My friends and family needed to understand that the girl who was taken is not the same girl who came back.”
Prior to this book, I’d only read one book by Natalie Bennett, MERCY. I loved the darkness and depravity but was very frustrated by how poorly edited MERCY was. Because MERCY was her first or one of Bennett’s first books, I agreed to give her another chance by reading DEPREDATION. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that her editing has not improved at all. DEPREDATION was riddled with typos, grammatical errors and straight up messy editing. Careless, easy to fix errors such as, “I saidfirmly” and, “Lifting a stand of her long brown hair,” were rampant. Also, sentences containing missing or extra words such as, “Her tits were the just the right size” were common. I found these errors to be very, very distracting, especially knowing that Bennett could easily pay under $100 for a proofreader, resulting in a fabulous, 5 star book! Somehow I was somehow able to ignore the numerous typos and enjoy the story which was really dark and disturbing… I LOVED Harper and J’s story!!! It’s a brief book with no extraneous material or filler, Bennett getting straight to the dark storyline. At times I did wish there was a bit more though, specifically in the end when things end extremely abruptly. Overall, DEPREDATION is a fantastic story that is poorly edited.
“I spent two years of my life as a fuck toy to a sadistic psychopath who had just as much fun torturing me psychologically as he did physically.” “My friends and family needed to understand that the girl who was taken is not the same girl who came back.”
Prior to this book, I’d only read one book by Natalie Bennett, MERCY. I loved the darkness and depravity but was very frustrated by how poorly edited MERCY was. Because MERCY was her first or one of Bennett’s first books, I agreed to give her another chance by reading DEPREDATION. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that her editing has not improved at all. DEPREDATION was riddled with typos, grammatical errors and straight up messy editing. Careless, easy to fix errors such as, “I saidfirmly” and, “Lifting a stand of her long brown hair,” were rampant. Also, sentences containing missing or extra words such as, “Her tits were the just the right size” were common. I found these errors to be very, very distracting, especially knowing that Bennett could easily pay under $100 for a proofreader, resulting in a fabulous, 5 star book! Somehow I was somehow able to ignore the numerous typos and enjoy the story which was really dark and disturbing… I LOVED Harper and J’s story!!! It’s a brief book with no extraneous material or filler, Bennett getting straight to the dark storyline. At times I did wish there was a bit more though, specifically in the end when things end extremely abruptly. Overall, DEPREDATION is a fantastic story that is poorly edited.
August 2, 2018
Ahhh. I read this in about an hour to an hour and a half before i had to be at work . It might be short but it packs a punch. This is dark and depraved and thats what i love about Natalie's writing. This book takes me back to why i love her writing. It reminds me of the love obscene series and that was my first ever book ive read by her. This novella is a must read for dark fans.
July 29, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this story. The story line is fabulous but the presentation is lacking. It pains me greatly to admit it because Bennett is one of my favorite authors.
Several elements confused me, the story seemed rushed, and the scenes are incomplete. I’m unsure of the ending. I think my copy may have a few pages missing.
I think with a bit more editing and additional character and scene development, this story could be phenomenal!
2 stars!
Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
Several elements confused me, the story seemed rushed, and the scenes are incomplete. I’m unsure of the ending. I think my copy may have a few pages missing.
I think with a bit more editing and additional character and scene development, this story could be phenomenal!
2 stars!
Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
December 9, 2018
Reading a dark erotica after a long time.
Depredation: An act of attacking or plundering.
Before the book starts, the author forewarns that this is not a romance, that the characters don't have any redeeming qualities, and that it is not a love story (and that it includes extreme violence). And still this Mills and Boon romance reader is giving in to her crazy side and gonna read it anyway.
Harper Roseanne Lane is with her therapist, whom she is visiting for the past seven months on her parents' insistence, and she just states that she is a fucked up person. After reading all that she has to say, I'd say I agree with her!
She was kidnapped by J, who now thinks she is dead. And then starts Part One with a flashback. The book is written in the first person, alternating between the POV of Harper and the mystery man J (I would applaud the author here for the twist that is his name!). It gives complete Dexter-esque feels.
Harper works at a gas station. It is a late night, snowing heavily, and a customer comes in, covered from top to toe, with only his silvery eyes visible. From the first meet itself, Harper has an uneasy feeling about him. And that is confirmed when he comes back to kidnap her.
In Harper's words, he is a deranged psychopath. And I couldn't agree more. He is the most depraved anyone can ever be. Having a wife on the side, Minnie, who knows about it all, is just gross. After I started this one, I was so disgusted with J (who wouldn't) but kept on reading just to know the ending. As disgusting as the scenes are, thankfully the author didn't drag them. And when it's revealed how he became what he became, it was nothing less than shocking!
It improved a bit when I got to this:
At last, all I would say is: It was totally cringeworthy. But what a bloody revenge story! Full of blood and gore. Aaargh!
This is my first Natalie Bennett, and I think it'll be my last, I simply can't stomach this depraved shit.
P.S. There is a playlist at the end of the book, mostly consisting of hard rock/heavy metal songs. Now I definitely know that this book was not for me. I'm more of a Fifty Shades/Takeover kind of reader.
Depredation: An act of attacking or plundering.
Before the book starts, the author forewarns that this is not a romance, that the characters don't have any redeeming qualities, and that it is not a love story (and that it includes extreme violence). And still this Mills and Boon romance reader is giving in to her crazy side and gonna read it anyway.
Harper Roseanne Lane is with her therapist, whom she is visiting for the past seven months on her parents' insistence, and she just states that she is a fucked up person. After reading all that she has to say, I'd say I agree with her!
I spent two years of my life as a fuck toy to a sadistic psychopath who had just as much fun torturing me psychologically as he did physically.
She was kidnapped by J, who now thinks she is dead. And then starts Part One with a flashback. The book is written in the first person, alternating between the POV of Harper and the mystery man J (I would applaud the author here for the twist that is his name!). It gives complete Dexter-esque feels.
Harper works at a gas station. It is a late night, snowing heavily, and a customer comes in, covered from top to toe, with only his silvery eyes visible. From the first meet itself, Harper has an uneasy feeling about him. And that is confirmed when he comes back to kidnap her.
All my girls went through the same thing. They had to be broken in and initiated.
In Harper's words, he is a deranged psychopath. And I couldn't agree more. He is the most depraved anyone can ever be. Having a wife on the side, Minnie, who knows about it all, is just gross. After I started this one, I was so disgusted with J (who wouldn't) but kept on reading just to know the ending. As disgusting as the scenes are, thankfully the author didn't drag them. And when it's revealed how he became what he became, it was nothing less than shocking!
It improved a bit when I got to this:
He deserved to reap everything he’d sowed.
At last, all I would say is: It was totally cringeworthy. But what a bloody revenge story! Full of blood and gore. Aaargh!
This is my first Natalie Bennett, and I think it'll be my last, I simply can't stomach this depraved shit.
She has a penchant for writing about villainous immoral men and crazed anti-heroines and tends to deviate from traditional HEAs.
P.S. There is a playlist at the end of the book, mostly consisting of hard rock/heavy metal songs. Now I definitely know that this book was not for me. I'm more of a Fifty Shades/Takeover kind of reader.
August 16, 2018
***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***
*ARC*
So, I am trying put into words my feelings after reading Depredation and honestly, I am not sure what to even say. It’s not a secret that I am a huge fan of darker romances, they tend to call to that dark piece if my soul as my husband would call it. Depredation though, I thought would go one way but went a complete opposite and I don’t know if it worked for me, I don’t know if I could even really call it dark more disturbing may be the correct description for this one. This is a novella, so a lot is packed into a short length and I think for me this may have been part of the issue. I think this needed to be longer, to really get into the depth that I think the author was trying for. The way it ends as well, leaves us, or me for that matter like this is how it is ended? There just wasn’t a sense of closure and I don’t know if the author plans to write more to give closure, but I think without it, a lot will feel like I am, like I am missing something.
*ARC*
So, I am trying put into words my feelings after reading Depredation and honestly, I am not sure what to even say. It’s not a secret that I am a huge fan of darker romances, they tend to call to that dark piece if my soul as my husband would call it. Depredation though, I thought would go one way but went a complete opposite and I don’t know if it worked for me, I don’t know if I could even really call it dark more disturbing may be the correct description for this one. This is a novella, so a lot is packed into a short length and I think for me this may have been part of the issue. I think this needed to be longer, to really get into the depth that I think the author was trying for. The way it ends as well, leaves us, or me for that matter like this is how it is ended? There just wasn’t a sense of closure and I don’t know if the author plans to write more to give closure, but I think without it, a lot will feel like I am, like I am missing something.
July 27, 2018
Whoa, this is a short book from Natalie Bennett and what a book it is.
It is kind of messed up and twisted but really stick with it until the very end. The beginning I was a little confused but it does all make sense once you read the end. The story will have you squirming in some scenes cringe in others but so good.
I liked the story. It was dark and twisted and I should not have liked it as much as I did. My bad lol
I would say it is very well written. It is a complete standalone. If you are a fan of this author, you will love this book. It will not be for everyone but I would really recommend it if you love dark and twisted.
It is kind of messed up and twisted but really stick with it until the very end. The beginning I was a little confused but it does all make sense once you read the end. The story will have you squirming in some scenes cringe in others but so good.
I liked the story. It was dark and twisted and I should not have liked it as much as I did. My bad lol
I would say it is very well written. It is a complete standalone. If you are a fan of this author, you will love this book. It will not be for everyone but I would really recommend it if you love dark and twisted.
August 26, 2018
4.5*
( Some Spoilers Ahead)
Any book that I can read 3 times in a row deserves at least 3-4 stars. Granted, I did so to help me lead a BOTM discussion, but I would have just winged it, if there wasn’t something that grabbed me.
I find most novellas to be some of the most difficult to review, and for an author to tick every box, that is deserving of a 5 star rating from me.
Yes, there were parts in this book that I wanted “more” of; but after much thought about this book, and novellas in general, perhaps that is a sign of a good or great novella. Idk. I’m still in thought about that...
I very much enjoyed the Erotic Horror in this book. There were a few scenes, that again, I would have loved to have read more about, but I think Ms. Bennett probably pushed the boundaries about as far as she could, to still get the work published.
I do believe this would have made a phenomenal full length novel, with further character development, insight into the women’s similarities to the villain, Jacye’s mom, more about his childhood with his perverse parents that ‘taught him to be the man he was’, and of course, Harper’s retribution possibly most of all.
However, if all that were added this would no longer be a novella. The questions would all be answered, leaving nothing left to our imagination . Perhaps the point is for the reader to get to “fantasize” and “daydream” about Harper’s revenge?.
If so, BRAVO Ms Bennett! I sure have!! *evil grin*
Depredation has stuck with me, and left me questioning far beyond this book. I also have many passages highlighted just because I enjoyed the lines written by the author, and how they flowed.
(Looking past the few grammatical errors)
For all these reasons, I will be reading more from this author, and closely watching for anything tying into J and Harper’s story.
( Some Spoilers Ahead)
Any book that I can read 3 times in a row deserves at least 3-4 stars. Granted, I did so to help me lead a BOTM discussion, but I would have just winged it, if there wasn’t something that grabbed me.
I find most novellas to be some of the most difficult to review, and for an author to tick every box, that is deserving of a 5 star rating from me.
Yes, there were parts in this book that I wanted “more” of; but after much thought about this book, and novellas in general, perhaps that is a sign of a good or great novella. Idk. I’m still in thought about that...
I very much enjoyed the Erotic Horror in this book. There were a few scenes, that again, I would have loved to have read more about, but I think Ms. Bennett probably pushed the boundaries about as far as she could, to still get the work published.
I do believe this would have made a phenomenal full length novel, with further character development, insight into the women’s similarities to the villain, Jacye’s mom, more about his childhood with his perverse parents that ‘taught him to be the man he was’, and of course, Harper’s retribution possibly most of all.
However, if all that were added this would no longer be a novella. The questions would all be answered, leaving nothing left to our imagination . Perhaps the point is for the reader to get to “fantasize” and “daydream” about Harper’s revenge?.
If so, BRAVO Ms Bennett! I sure have!! *evil grin*
Depredation has stuck with me, and left me questioning far beyond this book. I also have many passages highlighted just because I enjoyed the lines written by the author, and how they flowed.
(Looking past the few grammatical errors)
For all these reasons, I will be reading more from this author, and closely watching for anything tying into J and Harper’s story.
December 9, 2018
Titled Depredation on Amazon. It was a brutal story, in the vein of Break Her. No romance here at all. No hea but there's vengeance.
July 31, 2018
4 Stars
Review by Amy W.
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Short and sweet? Nope! Depredation (formerly titled F*uck Toy) by Natalie Bennett is a dark, disturbing read that will make your skin crawl and stomach churn with its depravity. In other words, this is my kind of read with its twisted sense of justice.
Everyone thought they knew the secret method to make me better. J used to say that too, that he'd make me 'better'.
Harper escaped her captor but she can't forget what she went through. She's determined to bring him to justice as soon as she finds out who he is.
Yes, yes, yes!!! I LOVED it so freaking much! I am super excited about what I saw in the back of the book too. A new series, gimme!
This is hands down my favorite kind of read, but I need to caution you to please take the 18+, no HEA warning serious... well there is some kind of happy ending, in a completely twisted kind of way. But seriously, don't read this if you don't like to read about tortured and demented characters in the truest sense of those words. This isn't a he-is-a-bad-man-but-she-redeems-him type of book. No one is being redeemed in these pages and I couldn't have been happier about that.
**ARC provided for honest review**
Review by Amy W.
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Short and sweet? Nope! Depredation (formerly titled F*uck Toy) by Natalie Bennett is a dark, disturbing read that will make your skin crawl and stomach churn with its depravity. In other words, this is my kind of read with its twisted sense of justice.
Everyone thought they knew the secret method to make me better. J used to say that too, that he'd make me 'better'.
Harper escaped her captor but she can't forget what she went through. She's determined to bring him to justice as soon as she finds out who he is.
Yes, yes, yes!!! I LOVED it so freaking much! I am super excited about what I saw in the back of the book too. A new series, gimme!
This is hands down my favorite kind of read, but I need to caution you to please take the 18+, no HEA warning serious... well there is some kind of happy ending, in a completely twisted kind of way. But seriously, don't read this if you don't like to read about tortured and demented characters in the truest sense of those words. This isn't a he-is-a-bad-man-but-she-redeems-him type of book. No one is being redeemed in these pages and I couldn't have been happier about that.
**ARC provided for honest review**
July 31, 2018
Depredation, previously F*ck Toy (thanks a lot Amazon), is another winner for me. I love everything Natalie writes. Her words are so dark and delicious, every time I open a book from her, I'm giddy with excitement over what feelings she will throw at me. You just never know!
"My friends and family needed to get it through their heads that the girl who was taken, is not the same girl that came back."
I love me some good ol' revenge. And that's exactly what this is. It's not a love story, it's a hate story. And my gosh you will hate characters and you will want that revenge just as much as our MC here.
It's a quick read and that's my only complaint. I want more!
Pick it up, read it, love it, then go read Savages (my fave)!
"My friends and family needed to get it through their heads that the girl who was taken, is not the same girl that came back."
I love me some good ol' revenge. And that's exactly what this is. It's not a love story, it's a hate story. And my gosh you will hate characters and you will want that revenge just as much as our MC here.
It's a quick read and that's my only complaint. I want more!
Pick it up, read it, love it, then go read Savages (my fave)!
July 29, 2018
This storyline is your standard typical Natalie Bennett. She has become quite a favorite of mine and when I seen this promo I just knew I had to read it!! This is not short and sweet, it is short and sadistic.
So as much as I love Natalie and her books, I’m a little indecisive on my opinion and review of this story. While it was dark and depraved, just like I like my reads, I would have preferred if it were a full length rather than a novella. I found that it was deficient of the character and world building necessary to give the readers the information that they need to understand the characters and plot lines. This then affected the delivery of the story leaving it unpolished and depriving the reader of what could have been a top rated story. The base elements were there, it just needed the embellishment to flourish to the potential it deserves.
So as much as I love Natalie and her books, I’m a little indecisive on my opinion and review of this story. While it was dark and depraved, just like I like my reads, I would have preferred if it were a full length rather than a novella. I found that it was deficient of the character and world building necessary to give the readers the information that they need to understand the characters and plot lines. This then affected the delivery of the story leaving it unpolished and depriving the reader of what could have been a top rated story. The base elements were there, it just needed the embellishment to flourish to the potential it deserves.
August 15, 2018
Well I’ve been waiting for a Natalie Bennett fix for awhile now. Yeah I know she just had a release a month ago... that doesn’t matter though. As soon as I’m done with one I need another.
This story was all kinds of messed up goodness.
Blood- check, sex- check, darkness- check. Now I need Devils & Halos stat.
This one follows a young girl and all the twisted things she endures. I loved every word.
This story was all kinds of messed up goodness.
Blood- check, sex- check, darkness- check. Now I need Devils & Halos stat.
This one follows a young girl and all the twisted things she endures. I loved every word.
October 29, 2021
I loved the ending. I don’t really care to know what became of him. 🤷🏾♀️🤗
July 31, 2018
3.5 Stars
Two things you should know before starting this book:
1) This is a quick read. Novella length, with a tight focus on the events between the protagonist and antagonist.
2) THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE! This is a Dark Erotic Thriller. Take the author's warning seriously.
This was my very first book by this author and I'm happy to say I've found another author to add to my watch list. There is nothing fluffy in this book. Just a quick, unvarnished tale of one woman's survival and revenge on a madman. And, oh boy, is J. a madman.
J. likes his toys. He is meticulous in picking his women. He plans, plots, stalks until everything is perfect and the time is right. And then he takes what he wants. Harper is to be his last, his perfect toy. Keeping her captive in the basement of a remote cabin, he plans to enjoy her for as long as he can. But you know what they say of the best-laid plans...
I loved Harper and how strong she was throughout. She was the perfect match for J., whose slowly revealed background will make your jaw drop and skin crawl. I really would have loved for this to be novel length so there would have been time to explore them more individually and dig deeper into the psychological aspects of what was happening.
The ending, while satisfying, did feel abrupt and had me wondering if this was it or if we would get more in Devils With Halos. Which I have every intention of reading regardless, btw. The snippets about "Malignant" within this book have me beyond excited to see what is to come.
Two things you should know before starting this book:
1) This is a quick read. Novella length, with a tight focus on the events between the protagonist and antagonist.
2) THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE! This is a Dark Erotic Thriller. Take the author's warning seriously.
This was my very first book by this author and I'm happy to say I've found another author to add to my watch list. There is nothing fluffy in this book. Just a quick, unvarnished tale of one woman's survival and revenge on a madman. And, oh boy, is J. a madman.
J. likes his toys. He is meticulous in picking his women. He plans, plots, stalks until everything is perfect and the time is right. And then he takes what he wants. Harper is to be his last, his perfect toy. Keeping her captive in the basement of a remote cabin, he plans to enjoy her for as long as he can. But you know what they say of the best-laid plans...
I loved Harper and how strong she was throughout. She was the perfect match for J., whose slowly revealed background will make your jaw drop and skin crawl. I really would have loved for this to be novel length so there would have been time to explore them more individually and dig deeper into the psychological aspects of what was happening.
The ending, while satisfying, did feel abrupt and had me wondering if this was it or if we would get more in Devils With Halos. Which I have every intention of reading regardless, btw. The snippets about "Malignant" within this book have me beyond excited to see what is to come.
March 10, 2020
We can't have it all can we? I have waited forever for this book. The blurb had the little monster in me all giddy. So when it released I couldn't wait to read it. Once I did though, my expectations were dashed. Dashed I tell you.
The story was so full of promise and so were the characters, at first. We have the kidnapper, the main kidnappee, the kidnapper's wife, and the kidnapper's other kidnappees. It was set up to be a great dark read. I was so like, 'this is gonna be good'.
But then a few chapters in, it set in. No, this was not what I envisioned. This can't be happening.
I expected more from the characters. They weren't fleshed out. Some parts of the book left me all wtf not in a good way but in the I have no fucking clue what is going on. Honestly, the story felt rushed and parts were missing. Especially the fucking ending.
Can someone tell me what the hell happened with this book?! I get it's a damn novella but give me a fucking break. Don't mini size what could have been a helluva book.
April 14, 2019
This story is dark.. no romance at all.. just dark gory and a wtf ending.. don't read if you cant handle that type of dark.. triggers are at the end.. this was a fast pace book.. i did stop few times.. this has been on my kindle for ages.. i just never gotten around to reading it. I wasn't into dark reads back then lol now i am.... i know its been banned on Amazon or taken down so idk where you can get it..
Harper has been kidnapped and it shows her ordeal flashbacks and present time, she has been through so much rape, torture, mental abuse and abuse.. for 2 years.. 2 YEARS!! J the sick twisted jackass didn't want to kill her so soon he enjoyed playing with his toy since he couldn't do these twisted things to his snobby wife.. she tried escaping few times even if the punishments were cruel.. what made me not enjoy it that much was the rush ending.. i wanted so badly to see Harper kill, torture and all the things he did to her when she did escape.. and sadly we didnt get that.. it felt unfinished to me.. :/
Angst, just lots of angst..
Rape
Not safe
No condom
Sex toys
Torture
Harper has been kidnapped and it shows her ordeal flashbacks and present time, she has been through so much rape, torture, mental abuse and abuse.. for 2 years.. 2 YEARS!! J the sick twisted jackass didn't want to kill her so soon he enjoyed playing with his toy since he couldn't do these twisted things to his snobby wife.. she tried escaping few times even if the punishments were cruel.. what made me not enjoy it that much was the rush ending.. i wanted so badly to see Harper kill, torture and all the things he did to her when she did escape.. and sadly we didnt get that.. it felt unfinished to me.. :/
Angst, just lots of angst..
Rape
Not safe
No condom
Sex toys
Torture
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
What a wild and messed up ride.
This is a fast read and moves quite quickly if you can handle it. This is dark, this is not a love story, it is not a romance, it is a disturbing thriller type story that leaves you wondering if there will be more or if this will be it.
Harper is our main character who has lived through the worst of the worst times. And because of what she had to endure she came out a bit broken, a lot damaged and hell-bent on fixing herself. The story is told both in the present and the past and I promise the chapters don't get easier to digest. But there is something about the grossly fascinating that I can't put down. I wanted to know what was going to happen. I needed to know what Haper had planned and how she got out.
We relive all of the dank and disturbing details of her past and left hoping that karma is a bitch. This book sure does tick off all of the trigger buttons which are my some of my favorite kinds of reads. I like my sensibilities to tested and my mind to be blown, and this little book did both. I can't wait for what's next from this author as she is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.
August 14, 2018
There is ZERO erotic content in this, despite it being placed in that category on Amazon. Erotic to me means sexual activity that is a turn on to the reader. Instead there is . This took me less than 90 minutes to read and felt a little incomplete, lacking both depth and detail at times. It was easy to read and held my attention, but I wouldn't bother reading it again. Thankfully I borrowed it the KU.
Because blurbs are open to interpretation I was under the impression that
meant that a chunk of the book would deal with this, but it is set mostly during her capture period.
I'm a very character driven reader, which is the main reason this didn't work for me. It was too short to get to know or understand the two main characters. Had it been more fleshed out I'm sure I would have rated this as at least a 4 star read.
*****Goodness knows why anyone has shelved this under erotica or BDSM?????!!! Sorry but you have a HUGE misunderstanding of the kink world if you think this in any way shape or form is BDSM - it is horror or a dark psychological thriller-ish book.
Because blurbs are open to interpretation I was under the impression that
'He has no idea I’m alive.
He doesn’t know he woke the devil inside me.
When I find him, nothing in the world will be strong enough to save his tar black soul.
meant that a chunk of the book would deal with this, but it is set mostly during her capture period.
I'm a very character driven reader, which is the main reason this didn't work for me. It was too short to get to know or understand the two main characters. Had it been more fleshed out I'm sure I would have rated this as at least a 4 star read.
*****Goodness knows why anyone has shelved this under erotica or BDSM?????!!! Sorry but you have a HUGE misunderstanding of the kink world if you think this in any way shape or form is BDSM - it is horror or a dark psychological thriller-ish book.
July 28, 2018
* 4.5 Hearts
Holy fuck, that was some twisted shit. And I liked it. I don’t know what that says about me but whatever. I crave the darker reads and this was definitely one of the darkest I have read. This was the first book I have read by Natalie and I know it won’t be my last. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will make it quick.
Harper is taken, tortured, and left for dead by a sadist psychopath. Two years of her life was hell and now she was trying to get her life back together. But first, it was her turn to show him the devil, he left behind.
This is not an easy read. Not at all. But if you are like me and need some darkness between the rom-coms and lighter reads...then read this book. It won’t take long.
Overall...It’s short, twisted, and not for the faint at heart.
Quotes:
“I don’t have a skewed perception of reality, Dr. Powell. And I don’t need a fake diagnosis or a little orange pill bottle to hide behind. I’m a fucked up bitch, period. It’s something the world is just going to have to deal with.”
He had a face meant to charm and deceive.
“But I don’t want to kill you, Harper. You’re not going to be like any of the others.”
Holy fuck, that was some twisted shit. And I liked it. I don’t know what that says about me but whatever. I crave the darker reads and this was definitely one of the darkest I have read. This was the first book I have read by Natalie and I know it won’t be my last. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will make it quick.
Harper is taken, tortured, and left for dead by a sadist psychopath. Two years of her life was hell and now she was trying to get her life back together. But first, it was her turn to show him the devil, he left behind.
This is not an easy read. Not at all. But if you are like me and need some darkness between the rom-coms and lighter reads...then read this book. It won’t take long.
Overall...It’s short, twisted, and not for the faint at heart.
Quotes:
“I don’t have a skewed perception of reality, Dr. Powell. And I don’t need a fake diagnosis or a little orange pill bottle to hide behind. I’m a fucked up bitch, period. It’s something the world is just going to have to deal with.”
He had a face meant to charm and deceive.
“But I don’t want to kill you, Harper. You’re not going to be like any of the others.”
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