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Braxians #1
Anton's Grace
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Dark Romance
Grace is in trouble. Her agent and ex-boyfriend, Marcus, has fled, leaving her stranded on the Venus Hive pleasure barge. His creditors want compensation and with Marcus nowhere to be found, they’ve decided Grace will do nicely. Desperate for help, she turns to Anton Myers, the wealthy and ruthless owner of the Hive Network. He agrees to help her. The terms: anything he wants for six months.
Anton has waited a long time for this moment. Grace may not remember him, but he hasn’t forgotten her. Signing herself over to his every command will not keep her safe. A Braxian never forgets a slight to his honor. And Grace will pay… with interest.
Anton's Grace is a twisted tale of unlikely second chances that will leave you squirming in your seat. Can you stomach the darkness?
WARNING: Adult reading. This book contains scenes that may be disturbing to some readers including dubious permission and graphic violence.
Dark Romance
Grace is in trouble. Her agent and ex-boyfriend, Marcus, has fled, leaving her stranded on the Venus Hive pleasure barge. His creditors want compensation and with Marcus nowhere to be found, they’ve decided Grace will do nicely. Desperate for help, she turns to Anton Myers, the wealthy and ruthless owner of the Hive Network. He agrees to help her. The terms: anything he wants for six months.
Anton has waited a long time for this moment. Grace may not remember him, but he hasn’t forgotten her. Signing herself over to his every command will not keep her safe. A Braxian never forgets a slight to his honor. And Grace will pay… with interest.
Anton's Grace is a twisted tale of unlikely second chances that will leave you squirming in your seat. Can you stomach the darkness?
WARNING: Adult reading. This book contains scenes that may be disturbing to some readers including dubious permission and graphic violence.
Unknown Binding
First published June 9, 2017
484 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Regine Abel
78 books2,661 followersUSA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.
Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.
Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
August 4, 2020
I'm going to come right out and say that I don't understand the appeal of many of these "dark" stories. I've liked some, but not those that follow this formula. And it's not because Anton humiliates Grace (though that's part of it); it's not because he tortures her (though that's part of it); it's not because she's his slave (that's actually not part of it); it's not even because of the rapes (though that's part of it and "dubious permission and graphic violence" doesn't begin to cover what happens here). Rather, my fundamental objection is that this book is yet another "edgy" sex & violence tale underpinned by a deeply conservative, heteronormative ideology in which a "bad" boy is redeemed by the unwavering love and forgiveness of the "good" girl. Stop me if you've NEVER heard this trope before. I realize that I've given a spoiler, but, seriously, did you expect that this wouldn't happen?
Now, certainly this trope works: countless -- countless -- books depict it and I assume authors wouldn't write it and readers wouldn't, well, read it if they didn't like it. But, my question is: why? Leaving aside the rape- and torture-porn aspect of it (yes, it's fantasy; yes, no one is advocating for rape and torture in the real world; yes, the book itself condemns Anton's treatment of Grace), just what is interesting here? What is interesting about a woman who instantly and without his having to provide any restitution forgives a man who has treated her so abominably (indeed, he almost kills her and is shocked, shocked at her condition)? What is compelling about a plot that has so little complexity, a couple that has so little conflict, or a story arc that has so little tension because after he rapes her, places her in a small cage that dangerously cuts off her circulation, and threatens to give her to men who want to rape and cut her to death, all he has to do is say "Sorry, we good?" and she immediately and with no hesitation, says "Whatevs, dude, it's cool" -- not once, but twice! Because I like my heroines to have more grit and my narratives to not essentially end even though the book is only at the half-way mark (yes, more happens, but only so the author can include another scene of rape/torture porn), I found this storyline and the characters boring and predictable beyond belief.
Finally, here's who we're supposed invest in: multi-millionaire and multi-ethnic (or multi-species) Anton, who can't move on and decides to take revenge on a young woman who insulted him six years ago when she was sixteen. Sixteen! Let me say that again: Sixteen! Yes, Anton, because we should all hold those who said stupid things when they were teenagers responsible forevermore.
I note that many of the reviews don't like Grace, calling her a doormat -- and she is -- but Anton is, as he says, little more than "a snot-nosed schoolboy." Since I like to read about men -- not little boys -- this book wasn't for me. And I want to repeat: it's not (just) because of the "darkness" (that ridiculously vague and overused word), the rapes, the torture, the beatings, the humiliation, or the enslavement; rather, it's because I like to read about rising action, unexpected plot points, complex characters, and HEAs that aren't easily earned -- none of which are present in this book. I realize that generic readers expect certain tropes and that that familiarity is part of genre's appeal, but in far too many of these books, I just feel that I'm reading the exact same story over and over again -- only the names andplanets locations have been changed.
Side Note: The Braxians' thing for bashing in the heads of their "half-breed" newborns seems like more than a minor "cultural difference." Just sayin'.
Now, certainly this trope works: countless -- countless -- books depict it and I assume authors wouldn't write it and readers wouldn't, well, read it if they didn't like it. But, my question is: why? Leaving aside the rape- and torture-porn aspect of it (yes, it's fantasy; yes, no one is advocating for rape and torture in the real world; yes, the book itself condemns Anton's treatment of Grace), just what is interesting here? What is interesting about a woman who instantly and without his having to provide any restitution forgives a man who has treated her so abominably (indeed, he almost kills her and is shocked, shocked at her condition)? What is compelling about a plot that has so little complexity, a couple that has so little conflict, or a story arc that has so little tension because after he rapes her, places her in a small cage that dangerously cuts off her circulation, and threatens to give her to men who want to rape and cut her to death, all he has to do is say "Sorry, we good?" and she immediately and with no hesitation, says "Whatevs, dude, it's cool" -- not once, but twice! Because I like my heroines to have more grit and my narratives to not essentially end even though the book is only at the half-way mark (yes, more happens, but only so the author can include another scene of rape/torture porn), I found this storyline and the characters boring and predictable beyond belief.
Finally, here's who we're supposed invest in: multi-millionaire and multi-ethnic (or multi-species) Anton, who can't move on and decides to take revenge on a young woman who insulted him six years ago when she was sixteen. Sixteen! Let me say that again: Sixteen! Yes, Anton, because we should all hold those who said stupid things when they were teenagers responsible forevermore.
I note that many of the reviews don't like Grace, calling her a doormat -- and she is -- but Anton is, as he says, little more than "a snot-nosed schoolboy." Since I like to read about men -- not little boys -- this book wasn't for me. And I want to repeat: it's not (just) because of the "darkness" (that ridiculously vague and overused word), the rapes, the torture, the beatings, the humiliation, or the enslavement; rather, it's because I like to read about rising action, unexpected plot points, complex characters, and HEAs that aren't easily earned -- none of which are present in this book. I realize that generic readers expect certain tropes and that that familiarity is part of genre's appeal, but in far too many of these books, I just feel that I'm reading the exact same story over and over again -- only the names and
Side Note: The Braxians' thing for bashing in the heads of their "half-breed" newborns seems like more than a minor "cultural difference." Just sayin'.
January 22, 2019
Warning: Rape - Don't read it, if you've been in such situation/s
Anton rapes her! I'm not on board with that scene! I read this book because of the link between Amalia's daughter and Anton's son. I thought Amalia series was awesome and I wanted to see the connection between Anton's son and Amalia's daughter.. however, it shocked me that there was a rape scene! And she forgave him? I'm not ok with that. Besides this scene, I found the heroine, simpid, clumsy and easily swayed etc and the hero, an arrogant bastard... not much redeeming about him.. The rest of the book was ok, however, it's not up to par as Amalia's series. This book needs a rewrite or some changes, to get it up to scratch. I was bit disappointed. I gave it 2 stars, when I wanted to give it 1½.
Anton rapes her! I'm not on board with that scene! I read this book because of the link between Amalia's daughter and Anton's son. I thought Amalia series was awesome and I wanted to see the connection between Anton's son and Amalia's daughter.. however, it shocked me that there was a rape scene! And she forgave him? I'm not ok with that. Besides this scene, I found the heroine, simpid, clumsy and easily swayed etc and the hero, an arrogant bastard... not much redeeming about him.. The rest of the book was ok, however, it's not up to par as Amalia's series. This book needs a rewrite or some changes, to get it up to scratch. I was bit disappointed. I gave it 2 stars, when I wanted to give it 1½.
November 24, 2021
POV: boohoo I'm a rich powerful macho man
Setting: a horny space station
Plot: insecure alpha mob boss is redeemed by the love of a doormat
Setting: a horny space station
Plot: insecure alpha mob boss is redeemed by the love of a doormat
Want to read
April 14, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2018)!💝
April 16, 2017
Anton has wanted Grace from the moment he saw her six years ago when she slighted him, dismissed and humiliated him. Just because he was a human Braxian hybrid. Which didn't make him very attractive in the looks department. He had it in the works all this time to get her to come to him. He is ready for his revenge.
So far I have read two of Regine's books and so far both have brought tears to my eyes. She has a way of drawing you into these characters without you even noticing it. I love Regine's writing style. She gives details but she doesn't go over board. I can't wait to read her next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book .
So far I have read two of Regine's books and so far both have brought tears to my eyes. She has a way of drawing you into these characters without you even noticing it. I love Regine's writing style. She gives details but she doesn't go over board. I can't wait to read her next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book .
October 4, 2021
Lots of triggers in this dark read. The H treated the h badly, she didn't value herself so accepted his abuse. She cared for him, and believed he had cared for her too. Then he punishes her, physically and emotionally. It was a turning point for her to be stronger. He was really mean and conflicted about his place as he straddled two cultures. I loved this scifi fantasy, great plot and characters.
April 12, 2022
The trigger warning says dubious consent. But she's raped, twice.. there's nothing dubious about it. She's tortured and raped, you might think I am over reacting, but no.. Head my warning. It's got detailed, descriptive scenes of rape.
March 3, 2020
DNF
I couldn’t finish it...I think the author should’ve been clearer regarding the trigger warnings. I like dark romance...but it has to be romance...this was just brutality
I couldn’t finish it...I think the author should’ve been clearer regarding the trigger warnings. I like dark romance...but it has to be romance...this was just brutality
November 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Right now, I am fascinated by the high-octane level of Regine Abel's story telling abilities. Reading the first chapter, one might believe that this would essentially be a high smut story with dark themes. But that would only be the superficial assessment and one which could make one totally miss out on a one of kind love story with so much depth and a complex world building.
Fair warning: this book is not for everyone. Dark themes abound, including rape/assault, public humiliation, violence, gore, torture, brutal beating, traumatising childhoods, (alien) racial slurs, harsh patriarchal societies. The rest of this review may be spoiler heavy and contain opinion that contradict your own sensibilities.
I would like to read more stories into Grace and Anton's well deserved HEA. I will definitely read the other two books in the series, and possibly the Veridian chronicles as well.
P.S. I love all the meanings behind the book's title.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2020
Dnf. Dont like rapists, men who abuse and humiliate women or women who are shallow doormats
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
Dark Sci-Fi Romance!
M/F human/half breeds
Triggers
I'm beginning to think this author can do no wrong in my eyes. This my fourth book and I devoured it in one sitting. I barely put the book down to eat today. It was suggested by the author to read this one, as I just finished the third book in The Veredian Chronicles (a phenomenal series that you should read.) and this series crosses over in the future. I honestly didn't want to break my stride with The Veredian Chronicles, but I had this one on my kindle already. So here we are.
This is definitely a dark romance, one of my favorite genres. Add in this author's ability to create unique characters and intriguing world-building. I was addicted. I was engrossed, lost to my world and completely immersed in theirs. If you don't read dark books, you should heed the warnings. I found this book to be unbridled with revenge filled passion. Sparking my curiosity and sating my darker needs.
I highly recommend to dark romance readers!
This author continues to keep my attention.
M/F human/half breeds
Triggers
I'm beginning to think this author can do no wrong in my eyes. This my fourth book and I devoured it in one sitting. I barely put the book down to eat today. It was suggested by the author to read this one, as I just finished the third book in The Veredian Chronicles (a phenomenal series that you should read.) and this series crosses over in the future. I honestly didn't want to break my stride with The Veredian Chronicles, but I had this one on my kindle already. So here we are.
This is definitely a dark romance, one of my favorite genres. Add in this author's ability to create unique characters and intriguing world-building. I was addicted. I was engrossed, lost to my world and completely immersed in theirs. If you don't read dark books, you should heed the warnings. I found this book to be unbridled with revenge filled passion. Sparking my curiosity and sating my darker needs.
I highly recommend to dark romance readers!
This author continues to keep my attention.
June 19, 2017
Title: Anton's Grace
Author: Regine Abel
5 amazing stars
There are quite a few genres that I love to read: dark romances, BDSM themed and paranormal romances. When I saw that there was a book that combined all three aspects, I was more than a little curious. Until now, I hadn't heard of Regine Abel but I'm so very happy that I took a chance on reading a new author. It was different than what I had expected. I forgot that the story was about two people, one hybrid Braxian (human/alien) and a human woman in a space station where customs and size differ like peanut butter and jam.
4.5 sexy dreams
The way that these two started their relationship was unconventional to say the least, but I really did enjoy seeing how they evolved. How Grace finally started acting like an adult, asking decisions for herself and even take notice of her own actions. Anton, as much as he can be a product of a human and Braxian coupling, the fact that he survived his childhood was a miracle to say the least, but the many changes he made while in Grace's presence was astonishing. There are many triggers in this book, but at the same time, I can't help but believe that they were necessary for the storyline, and I can only hope that Regine Abel decides to continue writing about Anton and Grace and their extended and immediate family.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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Author: Regine Abel
5 amazing stars
There are quite a few genres that I love to read: dark romances, BDSM themed and paranormal romances. When I saw that there was a book that combined all three aspects, I was more than a little curious. Until now, I hadn't heard of Regine Abel but I'm so very happy that I took a chance on reading a new author. It was different than what I had expected. I forgot that the story was about two people, one hybrid Braxian (human/alien) and a human woman in a space station where customs and size differ like peanut butter and jam.
4.5 sexy dreams
The way that these two started their relationship was unconventional to say the least, but I really did enjoy seeing how they evolved. How Grace finally started acting like an adult, asking decisions for herself and even take notice of her own actions. Anton, as much as he can be a product of a human and Braxian coupling, the fact that he survived his childhood was a miracle to say the least, but the many changes he made while in Grace's presence was astonishing. There are many triggers in this book, but at the same time, I can't help but believe that they were necessary for the storyline, and I can only hope that Regine Abel decides to continue writing about Anton and Grace and their extended and immediate family.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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May 30, 2017
Grace had the childhood from hell. Her only savior was the friendship of Marcus her friend turned lover and then friend again.
Grace made a mistake as a teen that kept her in the eye of Anton. He has waited for the exact moment to exact his revenge and he has found it. I fell in love with Anton from the beginning. As mad as he is with Grace he still tries to help her excel. The combo of dark erotic and sci-fi was definitely a win with me. The story was original and creative. I was able to see the hives in my head. The plot twisted and turned and I could not stop reading.
This was a great read and I am extremely excited to have found Regine's writing which is oh so fluid and colorful. I look forward to more from her. 5 stars from Reviews by Reds!
Grace made a mistake as a teen that kept her in the eye of Anton. He has waited for the exact moment to exact his revenge and he has found it. I fell in love with Anton from the beginning. As mad as he is with Grace he still tries to help her excel. The combo of dark erotic and sci-fi was definitely a win with me. The story was original and creative. I was able to see the hives in my head. The plot twisted and turned and I could not stop reading.
This was a great read and I am extremely excited to have found Regine's writing which is oh so fluid and colorful. I look forward to more from her. 5 stars from Reviews by Reds!
June 10, 2017
☆☆☆☆.5
~Lindsey
I enjoyed every word of this book and if It wasn’t for the way Anton made me want to scream at his issues it would have been a five. Anton and Grace gave me the lives of two people, two different situations and one man’s determination to get what he wants and give this story life. I love their growth and how they overcame their issues. This was a wonderful story of love, passion, hate, submission, and finding the one for you. Regine Able did a great, well,awesome job at writing this story. There was so much to like about this story and I’m glad I got to enjoy it. The writing, the characters (main and secondary), and the plot was a great. I read this story in hour, nonstop because I just couldn’t put it down.
This story is so worth reading, I got lost in this book. One I love sci fi, love romance, and love a good BDSM themed book. These characters will grab you and hold you until the end on their crazy rollercoaster of love and lust. This is a great story of finding happiness within yourself self and with that one special person. Grace and Anton will make you hot, mad, and leave you with the urge to throw your kindle once or twice before you're done . I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
~Lindsey
I enjoyed every word of this book and if It wasn’t for the way Anton made me want to scream at his issues it would have been a five. Anton and Grace gave me the lives of two people, two different situations and one man’s determination to get what he wants and give this story life. I love their growth and how they overcame their issues. This was a wonderful story of love, passion, hate, submission, and finding the one for you. Regine Able did a great, well,awesome job at writing this story. There was so much to like about this story and I’m glad I got to enjoy it. The writing, the characters (main and secondary), and the plot was a great. I read this story in hour, nonstop because I just couldn’t put it down.
This story is so worth reading, I got lost in this book. One I love sci fi, love romance, and love a good BDSM themed book. These characters will grab you and hold you until the end on their crazy rollercoaster of love and lust. This is a great story of finding happiness within yourself self and with that one special person. Grace and Anton will make you hot, mad, and leave you with the urge to throw your kindle once or twice before you're done . I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
May 29, 2017
This book gets a little painfully dark at times. I totally get why Anton and Grace's relationship had to play out the way it did, but there were times when I wasn't sure if Anton deserved Grace or her loyalty. I was very glad Grace took a long, hard look at their relationship at one point and parsed through Anton's actions and what she was willing to put up with from him emotionally. And physically, for that matter.
So. Anton and Grace. He's a hard, driven half-breed who is determined to prove he's just as good as a full-blood. Except, he knows he never will be because of the prejudices of his people. So he uses his ruthless intellect and sets things up to put himself in a position of power.
Having Grace in his grasp allows him to right a wrong to his honor, but as he grows to care for her it gets harder for him to maintain his distance. Which means he acts even more harshly toward her at times.
Dark, sexy, and utterly engaging. It took a ruthless alien species, sprinkled in some human softness and gave us a complicated romance.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. Anton and Grace. He's a hard, driven half-breed who is determined to prove he's just as good as a full-blood. Except, he knows he never will be because of the prejudices of his people. So he uses his ruthless intellect and sets things up to put himself in a position of power.
Having Grace in his grasp allows him to right a wrong to his honor, but as he grows to care for her it gets harder for him to maintain his distance. Which means he acts even more harshly toward her at times.
Dark, sexy, and utterly engaging. It took a ruthless alien species, sprinkled in some human softness and gave us a complicated romance.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 30, 2018
Worth reading and re-reading. This book is one of the few I've read where the characters grow and change in front of the reader's eye. It's easy to force characters into situations where they have to respond and change their attitudes. Usually that's done by way of narration. The beauty of this book is that it is shown, very viscerally. Grace and Anton both grow, hugely, into real adults, bearing all the responsibility and heartache, but also all the joy, that maturity brings.
That said, the first couple of chapters were tough to get through. The chapters from Grace's perspective reveal exactly how shallow she is; the chapters from Anton's perspective clue the reader in to what's about to happen to Grace, and it is not pretty. This book goes dark, very dark, but it's the darkness before the dawn. Stick with it. The book has a heart of gold as big as its half-human hero, and it is worth your time.
At the end, there's a hint as to Gavin's story. I'll be finding that one (I hope it's out!) and adding it to my TBR pile.
That said, the first couple of chapters were tough to get through. The chapters from Grace's perspective reveal exactly how shallow she is; the chapters from Anton's perspective clue the reader in to what's about to happen to Grace, and it is not pretty. This book goes dark, very dark, but it's the darkness before the dawn. Stick with it. The book has a heart of gold as big as its half-human hero, and it is worth your time.
At the end, there's a hint as to Gavin's story. I'll be finding that one (I hope it's out!) and adding it to my TBR pile.
March 28, 2019
Why didn’t i read this beauty before? Why did i wait this long? I really don’t know! Because having read it,it left an impact on my soul,it’s worked its way into my heart and decided to stay.
Grace was a foolish grl at the start of this story,while Anton....being a halfbreed may have made him more sensitive to humiliation,but still...what he did to Grace in the beginning? That wás harsh. But,he redeemed himself in my eyes,and made up for his brutal treatment of Grace.
And Grace herself? She may have been foolish,but she was a sweet girl at heart. One desperate for someone to love her. They both changed along the line,they changed eachother. For the better.
But! This story comes with a warning,and with good reason. There are things done,that are not for the fainthearted,trust me. If you can take that,you will enjoy this story as i did,i promise!
Grace was a foolish grl at the start of this story,while Anton....being a halfbreed may have made him more sensitive to humiliation,but still...what he did to Grace in the beginning? That wás harsh. But,he redeemed himself in my eyes,and made up for his brutal treatment of Grace.
And Grace herself? She may have been foolish,but she was a sweet girl at heart. One desperate for someone to love her. They both changed along the line,they changed eachother. For the better.
But! This story comes with a warning,and with good reason. There are things done,that are not for the fainthearted,trust me. If you can take that,you will enjoy this story as i did,i promise!
Read
June 12, 2020Read the 1and 2 star reviews and decided to pass. Not into torture porn.
June 29, 2025
RANT INCOMING!
Look, I'm cool with dark romance but this was just bad, over the top torture/ humiliation and rape porn. We have Grace, a stunted and immature heroine who's resorted to sex work and singing after a lifetime of childhood sexual abuse as an orphan. she's uncultured, a doormat, desperate for love and naive to a fault. She comes to the hero after her manager and ex leaves her with a huge debt and takes off and she has to get someone to cover it or get sold into sexual slavery. Then we have Anton..... WHO I WANTED TO PUNCH IN THE FACE!!!!
OH MY GOD. He starts off as an interesting character, a half breed alien hell bent on restoring his honor after the heroine trashed it as a dumb teenager. that's ok right? it'll just be some pet play, some submissive stuff, he'll learn to love her etc. cool right?
NO. NOPE.
Anton literally treats grace like a slutty uncultured pet. She's low class to him and basically a toy he can trot out to humiliate when it suits him. he goes out of his way to change everything about her from her voice, clothes, style, singing act etc. nothing about her is good enough for him. He's basically a creep who manipulated her WHOLE LIFE and career to get her to a point where she would need to seek him out.
then there's the punishment thing. This girl does ANYTHING this guy asks for, like literally anything she's accommodating to but when grace has the audacity to ask that he not share her sexually with his friends (who are GIANT aliens with cocks that would split her in half) and he locks her in a torture changer with no bathroom for 24 HOURS and then trots her out to be assaulted and groped by them anyways..... then when dumb grace REALIZES what all this degradation is about and how he's angry about what she did in the past to him and sincerely apologizes for her actions....
HE BRUTALIZES AND RAPES HER??!?!
What the hell, how is this romantic? this poor girl did everything this guy asked her aside from not wanting to die fucking his "friends" and he literally beats her, takes her against her will and almost crushes her THROAT causing damage???
NUH UH. Throw the whole man out.
ALSO this wasn't a "she was struggling but into it in reality" type situation, this girl get violently raped and is screaming, crying and sobbing for him to stop. LITERAL BARF.
Anton KNEW she came from a bad situation and that it was a prank her "friends" had her pull, yet he still hurts and terrorizes her to get "retribution"? and all the while she STILL tries to be what he wants. ugh. we then read on to watch a brutalized and confused grace flinching and basically being rightfully traumatized from her treatment, end up "redeeming" and loving the male lead which makes it ok .... WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! he's basically all "sorry for raping you" and she's all "it's ok, I made you mad :'( " GIRL WHAT?!? she forgives him for raping her because "she's a servant" and "it's ok, you stopped before anally raping me" OH MY GOD THE BAR IS IN HELLLLL
OH and it takes him ALMOST KILLING HER from negligence leaving her in the torture chamber for hours for him to realize he fucked up.
THROW THE WHOLE BOOK OUT
Look, I'm cool with dark romance but this was just bad, over the top torture/ humiliation and rape porn. We have Grace, a stunted and immature heroine who's resorted to sex work and singing after a lifetime of childhood sexual abuse as an orphan. she's uncultured, a doormat, desperate for love and naive to a fault. She comes to the hero after her manager and ex leaves her with a huge debt and takes off and she has to get someone to cover it or get sold into sexual slavery. Then we have Anton..... WHO I WANTED TO PUNCH IN THE FACE!!!!
OH MY GOD. He starts off as an interesting character, a half breed alien hell bent on restoring his honor after the heroine trashed it as a dumb teenager. that's ok right? it'll just be some pet play, some submissive stuff, he'll learn to love her etc. cool right?
NO. NOPE.
Anton literally treats grace like a slutty uncultured pet. She's low class to him and basically a toy he can trot out to humiliate when it suits him. he goes out of his way to change everything about her from her voice, clothes, style, singing act etc. nothing about her is good enough for him. He's basically a creep who manipulated her WHOLE LIFE and career to get her to a point where she would need to seek him out.
then there's the punishment thing. This girl does ANYTHING this guy asks for, like literally anything she's accommodating to but when grace has the audacity to ask that he not share her sexually with his friends (who are GIANT aliens with cocks that would split her in half) and he locks her in a torture changer with no bathroom for 24 HOURS and then trots her out to be assaulted and groped by them anyways..... then when dumb grace REALIZES what all this degradation is about and how he's angry about what she did in the past to him and sincerely apologizes for her actions....
HE BRUTALIZES AND RAPES HER??!?!
What the hell, how is this romantic? this poor girl did everything this guy asked her aside from not wanting to die fucking his "friends" and he literally beats her, takes her against her will and almost crushes her THROAT causing damage???
NUH UH. Throw the whole man out.
ALSO this wasn't a "she was struggling but into it in reality" type situation, this girl get violently raped and is screaming, crying and sobbing for him to stop. LITERAL BARF.
Anton KNEW she came from a bad situation and that it was a prank her "friends" had her pull, yet he still hurts and terrorizes her to get "retribution"? and all the while she STILL tries to be what he wants. ugh. we then read on to watch a brutalized and confused grace flinching and basically being rightfully traumatized from her treatment, end up "redeeming" and loving the male lead which makes it ok .... WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! he's basically all "sorry for raping you" and she's all "it's ok, I made you mad :'( " GIRL WHAT?!? she forgives him for raping her because "she's a servant" and "it's ok, you stopped before anally raping me" OH MY GOD THE BAR IS IN HELLLLL
OH and it takes him ALMOST KILLING HER from negligence leaving her in the torture chamber for hours for him to realize he fucked up.
THROW THE WHOLE BOOK OUT
March 23, 2022
This was a difficult book for me. It wasn't the darkest book I've read, but man....f@ck the Braxians. Regine Abel excels at giving characters and stories depth by giving them a detailed cultures that shape them. In this case, the Braxian culture is dark AF and is some worst-case mix of Sparta and Nazism. Our hero, Anton, is a product of that culture and because of his origin has only been exposed to the worst of it. To restore his honor (and that of his clan) he manipulates our heroine, Grace, into entering a servitude contract with him to clear her debts. He plans to exact his revenge showing that he is worthy of being a Braxian and hopefully gain acceptance. But the reality is Braxians have very f'ed up expectations for restoring honor and he can't carry through with it. Does he go too far? Yes, 100%. Does he own it, admit what it is, and beg for forgiveness and time to prove that what he did isn't who he is? Also yes.
The whole story was heart breaking. Anton and Grace are both desperate to find someone who loves and accepts them and they do end up finding that with each other, but the road there is rough...bone-jarringly rough. I know there are a lot of low star reviews because of content, but as much as I hate some of what happens to Grace, it is directly tied to the culture and code of the world she lives in, and it also is a turning point for Anton to really reflect on who he is and his desire to be accepted by the Braxians. The last contentious part is Grace's forgiveness for what Anton did to her. Does she forgive him too easily??? I honestly can't answer that. I go back and forth because despite her acceptance of his apology it wasn't a forgive and forget situation. She calls him on it and forces him to see that what he did broke her ability to trust him and that any action she felt put her at risk would be the last because she would leave. He also came to her with the apology, was direct with his wrongdoing (calling it r@pe even if per the contract she signed it wouldn't be), made amends, and gave a promise to never hurt her in the future. She gave him the chance to keep that promise but was fully ready to GTFO if he didn't keep it. At the same time, I wanted him to suffer more. His self-flagellation, guilt, and shame, as well as the care he gave her afterward were not quite enough for me.
I liked the hopeful end to this story. The leader of Braxia working to change its backwards, violent, misogynistic, and racial purity laws made me happy. I know his story is next, but I need a break before I read it...just getting his background story in this book was devastating. I do plan to continue reading though.
The whole story was heart breaking. Anton and Grace are both desperate to find someone who loves and accepts them and they do end up finding that with each other, but the road there is rough...bone-jarringly rough. I know there are a lot of low star reviews because of content, but as much as I hate some of what happens to Grace, it is directly tied to the culture and code of the world she lives in, and it also is a turning point for Anton to really reflect on who he is and his desire to be accepted by the Braxians. The last contentious part is Grace's forgiveness for what Anton did to her. Does she forgive him too easily??? I honestly can't answer that. I go back and forth because despite her acceptance of his apology it wasn't a forgive and forget situation. She calls him on it and forces him to see that what he did broke her ability to trust him and that any action she felt put her at risk would be the last because she would leave. He also came to her with the apology, was direct with his wrongdoing (calling it r@pe even if per the contract she signed it wouldn't be), made amends, and gave a promise to never hurt her in the future. She gave him the chance to keep that promise but was fully ready to GTFO if he didn't keep it. At the same time, I wanted him to suffer more. His self-flagellation, guilt, and shame, as well as the care he gave her afterward were not quite enough for me.
I liked the hopeful end to this story. The leader of Braxia working to change its backwards, violent, misogynistic, and racial purity laws made me happy. I know his story is next, but I need a break before I read it...just getting his background story in this book was devastating. I do plan to continue reading though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2019
Amount of sex 4 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall 4.5 / 5
Anton’s Grace is the first book in the Braxians series written by author Regine Abel. It's a complete standalone, and even though the story is set in a SciFy world, it deals with realistic issues of revenge, power, and prestige. The characters are well developed, complex, and I became completely engrossed in the book!
In this story, Grace is a singer and her agent left her in debt and now people are after her. She has nowhere else to go, but ask Mr. Anton Meyers, a wealthy business mogul, to help her. Anton agrees to pay her debt if she agrees to do whatever he wants for 6 months. Little does she know that Anton plans to seek revenge for an incident that occurred 6 years ago. Grace does not realize that Anton was the one she hurt 6 years ago until it is too late.
Anton’s Grace is a dark romance and does have some difficult scenes. The surprise twists kept me mesmerized and I highly recommend to all those who like to read a dark romance!
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
How explicit are the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall 4.5 / 5
Anton’s Grace is the first book in the Braxians series written by author Regine Abel. It's a complete standalone, and even though the story is set in a SciFy world, it deals with realistic issues of revenge, power, and prestige. The characters are well developed, complex, and I became completely engrossed in the book!
In this story, Grace is a singer and her agent left her in debt and now people are after her. She has nowhere else to go, but ask Mr. Anton Meyers, a wealthy business mogul, to help her. Anton agrees to pay her debt if she agrees to do whatever he wants for 6 months. Little does she know that Anton plans to seek revenge for an incident that occurred 6 years ago. Grace does not realize that Anton was the one she hurt 6 years ago until it is too late.
Anton’s Grace is a dark romance and does have some difficult scenes. The surprise twists kept me mesmerized and I highly recommend to all those who like to read a dark romance!
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
November 26, 2024
I absolutely love the Veredian Chronicles series! LOVE LOVE IT! Ghan will forever have my heart. Ok all the men have my heart lol But I couldn’t STAND Anton in this book. He knows what he is doing is wrong yet continues to do it because it’s the ‘Braxian’ way…….there is absolutely no excuse for rape. It wasn’t even one of those scenes where she ‘enjoys’ it but still denies it. He full on rapes her while she is screaming and crying no. Then later literally says ‘Sorry for raping you’ and she says ‘Okay’. Like, no girl it is NOT OKAY! And she gets tortured and raped again later. William was cool and I adored Romero. Screw Gerwin though he made a really good bad guy so props for that lol if you could eliminate when he rapes her and cages her I think I’d enjoy this much better. There were definitely scenes I enjoyed with them but I couldn’t get over the rape scene. Ruined any chance of me really ever liking him. MAYBE if he did ALOT of groveling and she really made him work for it, then I could give this more stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
Yeah, this one was pretty dang dark, and while I did enjoy the character's overall journey... I just felt so bad for the h.
She has some serious dependence issues, and a lot of crap happened to her in this one that left me feeling wrung out and exhausted by the end.
She has some serious dependence issues, and a lot of crap happened to her in this one that left me feeling wrung out and exhausted by the end.
July 13, 2018
3.5 stars. its an "ok" read, no depth of the story or characters. Grace is week and lets people walk all over her. Anton has potential. It skims the surface so you don't have to put alot of thought into the story, no suspense or mystery, its just there.....
December 15, 2020
I don’t like it because I feel like the hero is not man enough. Act like a boy..
June 6, 2017
**I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.**
Ms. Abel created a vivid sci-fi world of humans, varying species of alien, and sex amongst the stars. Her descriptions weren’t over-long or flowery, but gave a stunning picture nonetheless. Entertainment barges were extremely lucrative and popular while indentured sex servitude was an accepted part of the society and often treated as a business arrangement. Slavery did occur, but contracts between the involved parties was apparently more normal. BDSM appeared to be commonplace and the participants were quite open about it. There were definitely darker, seedier activities hinted at, though they lurked on the fringes of the story for the most part. Venus Hive was an interesting place and I could see more stories taking place there or on one of its sister Hives.
I feel the need to address this right away: “Anton’s Grace” contained scenes of rape, an attempted-and-partly-successful rape, demeaning treatment of women, and graphic violence. And before you ask, no, I don’t think Ms. Abel was glorifying, condoning, justifying, or excusing any of it. This was a fantasy couple in a made-up world, which for me at least, made all the difference in this bearing a resemblance to ‘real life’. Each reader will need to decide for themselves, however, and even those who are okay with the above subject matter may find scenes that make them uncomfortable. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.
As for the characters…we get quite a cast. Grace and Anton were fucked up in their own unique, complicated, heart-breaking ways. She had dependence issues, low self-worth, and an addiction to attention of all kinds. He was angry, controlling, and a slave to the customs and dictates of his people (despite their utter disregard and contempt for him). Both had awful childhoods and were desperate for love and acceptance and belonging, but they handled those needs in different ways. From the jump, he had all the control and he certainly misused it a few times. The scenes of Anton abusing Grace were uncomfortable and anyone with triggers regarding sexual and physical violence should steer clear. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried for Grace at one point. I also cheered when William stepped in and put Anton in his place. It was needed and very well done when dubious consent turned into flat-out non-con. It was a relief to watch as Anton and Grace grew and learned as events progressed. Did that make his behavior okay? Absolutely not and each was well aware of it. However, by the end, they were completely different people than who they were when we met them. Redemption and forgiveness were two of the brighter notes of this tale and they struck such a poignant chord.
Bottom line: This is not for the squeamish, faint of heart, or easily triggered. That being said, I highly recommend “Anton’s Grace” for lovers of sci-fi/fantasy and those who don’t mind dark content. Just heed this disclaimer, folks.
Ms. Abel created a vivid sci-fi world of humans, varying species of alien, and sex amongst the stars. Her descriptions weren’t over-long or flowery, but gave a stunning picture nonetheless. Entertainment barges were extremely lucrative and popular while indentured sex servitude was an accepted part of the society and often treated as a business arrangement. Slavery did occur, but contracts between the involved parties was apparently more normal. BDSM appeared to be commonplace and the participants were quite open about it. There were definitely darker, seedier activities hinted at, though they lurked on the fringes of the story for the most part. Venus Hive was an interesting place and I could see more stories taking place there or on one of its sister Hives.
I feel the need to address this right away: “Anton’s Grace” contained scenes of rape, an attempted-and-partly-successful rape, demeaning treatment of women, and graphic violence. And before you ask, no, I don’t think Ms. Abel was glorifying, condoning, justifying, or excusing any of it. This was a fantasy couple in a made-up world, which for me at least, made all the difference in this bearing a resemblance to ‘real life’. Each reader will need to decide for themselves, however, and even those who are okay with the above subject matter may find scenes that make them uncomfortable. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.
As for the characters…we get quite a cast. Grace and Anton were fucked up in their own unique, complicated, heart-breaking ways. She had dependence issues, low self-worth, and an addiction to attention of all kinds. He was angry, controlling, and a slave to the customs and dictates of his people (despite their utter disregard and contempt for him). Both had awful childhoods and were desperate for love and acceptance and belonging, but they handled those needs in different ways. From the jump, he had all the control and he certainly misused it a few times. The scenes of Anton abusing Grace were uncomfortable and anyone with triggers regarding sexual and physical violence should steer clear. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried for Grace at one point. I also cheered when William stepped in and put Anton in his place. It was needed and very well done when dubious consent turned into flat-out non-con. It was a relief to watch as Anton and Grace grew and learned as events progressed. Did that make his behavior okay? Absolutely not and each was well aware of it. However, by the end, they were completely different people than who they were when we met them. Redemption and forgiveness were two of the brighter notes of this tale and they struck such a poignant chord.
Bottom line: This is not for the squeamish, faint of heart, or easily triggered. That being said, I highly recommend “Anton’s Grace” for lovers of sci-fi/fantasy and those who don’t mind dark content. Just heed this disclaimer, folks.
June 19, 2019
His saving grace 5 gold stars
I love Regine Abel. Her writing is so vivid that I can literally see the scenes playing out. With Anton's Grace, it was the same. But Grace and Anton plays a major part in yanking my emotions every which way.
Grace never had anything, she wasn't likeable at first. I wasn't even sure I would like her, at all. But boy did I love her. She didn't just grow on me, she was exactly of what I presumed her to be. And Anton, boy was the dude just yummy or what. And then there was his plot to avenge his clan's honor. And did that put the monkey in the wrench of me fangirling for him.
Grace isn't what everyone thinks she is, and Anton slowly finds that out the hard way. But being a half breed and with all the politics involved what he to do but be a complete and utter prick. Sigh. I wanted to punch him, in my mind I did. And Grace, she broke my heart. Her backstory was utterly soul destroying and then Anton does what he does and I broke.
This story brings to light how we treat people who are different. How so called innocent pranks can leave lasting wounds scraping at your soul. How your broken childhood can shape you to be something you are not! Would I recommend this story for everyone? YES! I would. I love every nuance of Anton and his Grace.
But will these two broken souls be able to unite to heal their old wounds? Or will the powers that shape our world, break them forever? Find out by 1-clicking this bad boy.
I love Regine Abel. Her writing is so vivid that I can literally see the scenes playing out. With Anton's Grace, it was the same. But Grace and Anton plays a major part in yanking my emotions every which way.
Grace never had anything, she wasn't likeable at first. I wasn't even sure I would like her, at all. But boy did I love her. She didn't just grow on me, she was exactly of what I presumed her to be. And Anton, boy was the dude just yummy or what. And then there was his plot to avenge his clan's honor. And did that put the monkey in the wrench of me fangirling for him.
Grace isn't what everyone thinks she is, and Anton slowly finds that out the hard way. But being a half breed and with all the politics involved what he to do but be a complete and utter prick. Sigh. I wanted to punch him, in my mind I did. And Grace, she broke my heart. Her backstory was utterly soul destroying and then Anton does what he does and I broke.
This story brings to light how we treat people who are different. How so called innocent pranks can leave lasting wounds scraping at your soul. How your broken childhood can shape you to be something you are not! Would I recommend this story for everyone? YES! I would. I love every nuance of Anton and his Grace.
But will these two broken souls be able to unite to heal their old wounds? Or will the powers that shape our world, break them forever? Find out by 1-clicking this bad boy.
June 9, 2017
OMG this book was intense! I was drawn in from the very first page and could not put it down! While definitely filled with some very graphic moments both sexual, violent and sometimes both at once, the author used these moments as a way to build on the story and really makes you feel so many emotions while reading. I adored both Anton and Grace's characters. Both had so much depth and watching them grow while the story progressed was something that I enjoyed. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming, which really kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Grace is in desperate need of help after her ex-boyfriend racks up a huge debt and then disappears. With no one else to turn to for help she goes to Anton, the owner of the pleasure barge she is on. Anton agrees to help her, but only if she signs a contract and becomes his for six months. What Grace doesn't realize is that this is not the first time or even the second time she has come face to face with Anton and he is looking to get revenge.
This was my second book by Regine Able and it did not disappoint. Her ability to create these amazing Alien worlds, draw you in and make you feel like you are apart of the story.
A must read book for sure!- By Alisa
Grace is in desperate need of help after her ex-boyfriend racks up a huge debt and then disappears. With no one else to turn to for help she goes to Anton, the owner of the pleasure barge she is on. Anton agrees to help her, but only if she signs a contract and becomes his for six months. What Grace doesn't realize is that this is not the first time or even the second time she has come face to face with Anton and he is looking to get revenge.
This was my second book by Regine Able and it did not disappoint. Her ability to create these amazing Alien worlds, draw you in and make you feel like you are apart of the story.
A must read book for sure!- By Alisa
May 27, 2018
This book comes with a warning label and I am glad it did. Some of the scenes were hard to read, but clearly important for the premise of the story. I couldn't help falling for Anton just as Grace did. Anton was much like an onion with many layers only to be revealed by the woman who was now in his care, all his, everyday, anyway, anytime. Grace knew the contract would be a challenge to uphold considering the Braxian ways, but she had no other choice when Marcus left her with such a huge debt. Anton was not in this agreement to play nice with Grace he wanted to make her pay for what she had done six years ago. Would he be able to carry on with the plan considering Grace was all he ever thought about, dreamed about, and wanted in his life?
I enjoyed the sci-fi influence along with the outer worldly diversity of all the characters. Anton and Grace face many trials and suffering, but all the pain does have an end game that will be worth it, I promise. This was a great read for my Memorial Day weekend.
I enjoyed the sci-fi influence along with the outer worldly diversity of all the characters. Anton and Grace face many trials and suffering, but all the pain does have an end game that will be worth it, I promise. This was a great read for my Memorial Day weekend.
April 24, 2025
I should have just listened to the warnings and skipped this book. Even the author said it was optional reading for the Veredian Chronicles. The only tie in to the VC happens in the epilogue. Save yourself and skip this book. I have a world of regret and a head full of disturbing images.
I started to read Regine's books with the Prime Mating Agency series. That's a happy series with HEAs. From there I went to the Veredian Chronicles. I had no intentions of reading the Braxian series, until I read the author's suggested reading order.
I started to read Regine's books with the Prime Mating Agency series. That's a happy series with HEAs. From there I went to the Veredian Chronicles. I had no intentions of reading the Braxian series, until I read the author's suggested reading order.
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