One powerful serial killer. One visceral connection. One deadly secret that should have stayed buried.
Men like Ethan Reilly should never fall in love. Dark, enigmatic and dangerous, Ethan is the perfect predator until he meets Lily Simpson, a woman passionate enough to placate him and strong enough to surrender to him.
For a while Lily’s love is enough.
But the darkness inside Ethan is too powerful to contain, and soon it spills into their burgeoning love affair. As he wrestles with his demons, Ethan must come to terms with who he really is, but if he does, what happens to Lily? Can any love be strong enough to survive a past as terrible as Ethan’s? And what kind of future can they forge from the ashes of his awful admission?
Read Flawed, a Dark Necessities prequel, and discover the making of not one, but two monsters.
This book was weird and not at all what I was expecting. It had a bizarre paranormal feel to it with the dreams, and the meditation thing that wasn't working for me.
“Flawed” the prequel to the Dark Necessities trilogy, is an intensely dark, disturbing, deeply erotic, highly emotional, psychological thriller and totally impossible to put down! The prologue sets the tone for the novel, enticing the reader to proceed with heightened trepidation. Professionally written and extremely fast-paced, the plot flows seamlessly, pitting predator against prey. Told from dual perspectives, the reader is immersed into the mind of a monster and his young, innocent target. Ethan, the antihero, is a deadly master manipulator who seduces the heroine, Lily, with his good looks, dominant sexuality and Machiavellian traits. With a hint of the preternatural, the lead characters are intuitively connected through an inexplicable, ethereal bond. Ethan is essentially a heinous psychopath with a beguiling allure and an uncanny ability to ensnare Lily as well as the reader. Both lead characters are complex, multilayered and as their relationship develops so does the darkness, depravity as well as the dominance.
Although the novel concludes on a cliffhanger, “Flawed” is a multifaceted, completely riveting, dark erotic romance, evoking a gamut of strong emotions, easily earning a five-star rating.
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only due to dark, sexually explicit content within a power exchange relationship.
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar or misplaced commas.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars): STEAM FACTOR: 5 Decadent, Erotic Stars WRITING STYLE: 5 Professional Stars PLOT: 5 Riveting Stars ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 Dominant, Machiavellian Stars CONCLUSION: 5 Wait and See Cliffhanger Stars
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ***
I love the writing style of Felicity Brandon but I don't think I was prepared for a story like this. Intense, gritty and very, very dark. Ethan is someone I don't think I've read in any other story before and I'm still in limbo as to if I like him or not. Lily brought out emotions in me that were mixed also. I honestly can't say a whole lot because I don't want to give the story away but man......this book had me sucked right in from the first, even though I don't normally read these stories! Ms. Brandon just has a way of dragging you right in. There is a cliffhanger but I'm pretty sure that the next book isn't that far off so I will wait and see if this couple grows on me!!
Well it's become very clear that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Ms Brandon had me sobbing with the prologue, even though I should probably hate Ethan. It was a massively powerful start to the book and the pace and darkness didn't let up from there. Flawed is such a perfect title and can apply to so many aspects of this tale, the most obvious of which is Ethan, but it could just as easily refer to Lily and their relationship.
Despite knowing how soulless Ethan is, how dangerous and just so very wrong, I couldn't help but find him hot. I didn't always like him, Lily was a lot more forgiving than I would have been, but he was a massively attractive anti-hero/sociopath. Speaking of Lily I adored her, especially with how unafraid she was to explore her burgeoning sexuality and her submissive desires. Her battles and struggles were so believable and the way she stood up to Ethan when he pushed too far was perfect.
This is steamy hot, darkly depraved and slightly scary in equal measures. I loved every damn second of reading about Ethan, Lily and their unusual relationship. There is a slight paranormal element to the book - Ethan and Lily 'meet' in their dreams, with Ethan also able to read her mind. As an avid reader of fantasy, sci-fi and other paranormal stories this was fine by me, I also felt the reasoning behind it was well constructed. I really do encourage you to set your inhibitions and preconceptions aside for this one.
I knew I was getting towards the climax of the story, but that ending seemingly came out of nowhere. It was both unexpected and yet simultaneously it was also the only possible outcome. I was left reeling and am massively curious as to how the story will continue in book #2. Particularly as Lily still isn't yet aware of
This is just as good as the Dark Necessities trilogy, dark and edgy but in its own unique way. If you love a dark story then I definitely recommend this one to you.
This story had me on my toes and reading late into the night because I started it late in the night and I figured okay I will read a few chapters and then finish the book in the morning. So I started reading and could not stop lord let me tell you this has a hint of paranormal as the main characters Ethan and Lily meet in their dreams and Ethan can read Lily's mind.
This is one of those stories that I wanted to jump into the book and slap Ethan. At times he made me so mad and at times I wanted to hug and kiss him. But I loved Lily and her strength because she did not take Ethan's crap. She knew he had a bad past and she was willing to stay with him and to try things she never thought she would.
This is an amazing beginning to the series and I can't wait for book one because that effing ending had me screaming at my kindle like oh hell to the no that can't be.......
Dark and disturbing. Disturbing and dark. What a thriller should be. Ethan and Lily’s story is actually darker than the Dark Necessities Trilogy. At times, I thought, this is too much, maybe I should stop...but I didn’t. Glad I didn’t. Essentially revolving around Ethan, who would bevthe villan in Law and Order SVU, for sure. I was riveted by how Lily’s thought processes were working, how she could or could not justify her actions. A fabulously uncomfortable book. Highly recommended.
Another dark n more darker story from felicity Brandon. I always think I can't enjoy this n i won't read it but in no time I am hooked. The plot is tight knit. We as readers can't relate to the story but yes I applaud Ms Brandon over the edge and out of the box thinking. Well done as always.Ethan and lily... Two different opposite personalities. I wonder why the author makes the male protagonist hard to like. He has a super strong personality.i haven't come across a character like him yet. Lily is good for him. We are left at a cliffhanger. Waiting for the next book
Oh my goodness. Intense, gritty, dark, amazing. Ethan has an amazing capability. He's been meditating for years. It allows him to enter a different plane of thought! Connected to Lily, he knows she is in danger. He rescues her from four thugs. Just this short time and distance emits an intense chemistry. Ethan has to know her. He follows her, finds her, connects with her. They date! The relationship begins. Not so healthy! In her typical fashion, Ms. Brandon' characters and plot, stalk your brain. This story will stay with you and infiltrate your thoughts long after you finish this book! Loved it!
It's hard to know how to feel about this book, as the brilliant Felicity Brandon really messed with my head this time around, and that's why I gave it 5 stars. See, I should hate Ethan, the serial killer, and on many levels I do, but then there's a small dark & twisty part of me that feels for him, which is where I almost hate myself to be honest. And that's also where I am calling Ms. Brandon colorful metaphor names. Flawed is a very dark read that I was not prepared for, so I'm still reeling days after finishing it, and that's why I had to take some time before I wrote the review. The heroine, Lily, also gave me mixed emotions, which I'm not really going to reveal because it would maybe give away too much of the book, and I just think going in blind is better for your own mind screw. Yeah, I know that's darkly cryptic, but I can't be sorry because this is a hell of an intense ride with so many f-bomb dropping twists before this mean author leaves you hanging off the side of a cliff. Hopefully that next book isn't too far off, because this addictive author, (yes she's so talented that I have all kinds of descriptive words for her), obviously has the it factor which sucks the reader into her stories that makes me want to call her even more names when she does that cliffy dance! So in the end, I have no choice but to HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Chilling, horrifying, mesmerizing, fascinating, erotic & emotionally consuming: ALL superbly combined together into a story so dark & deceptively enthralling, this reader was sucked into a totally frightening tale of predator & prey I couldn't escape. The author grabbed me by the throat immediately & all I can say is the suspense, the emotional horror & plot itself, along with the 2 main characters never released me. This story, the plot & the CHARACTERS completely consumed me! And *everything* only continued to intensify up to & including the pulse pounding cliffhanger ending, GAH!!! It's England, 1969 & the main characters are 29 yr old Ethan Reilly (anti-H) an experienced lethal predator & 19 yr old Lily Simpson (h) an innocent naïve woman just beginning to spread her wings towards independence. And both are on a collision course that will fundamentally alter their lives forever. But not how either of them expects, or realizes . . . . The frightening beauty of this terribly dark story with its equally dark characters is the deft & stellar writing of the author. The author lets the reader into both Ethan & Lily's minds via alternating POV's which helps the reader experience & sometimes understand their respective thoughts, motives, fears & lusts. Ethan is a terrifying anti-H, because in spite of the heinous acts he's committed there is a piece of him that, while not remotely 'likable' is horribly mesmerizing. His self-confidence, his aura of power & control, his tall handsome muscular good looks & a devastating & lethal smile. Not all predators hunt the same way, & Ethan is like a leopard: silent, deadly, focused, intense & his true colors are never seen until his prey is locked in his Herculean grip. And his prey never realizes he is stalking them. And while as a reader I should have found him loathsome & horrifying, some how the author kept me enthralled & fascinated by this dark, dark predator. Lily is one of Ethan's unrealizing prey, she is seduced by his maturity, his low key natural dominance, his sexual magnetism & the mysterious psychic dreams & connection they both share. She's inexperienced, sheltered, a pampered only child & has no understanding or defense against the suave & mature predator now focused on her. The author does a superb job of pulling the reader into the growing darkness of the relationship that blooms between Ethan & Lily, his 'Little Flower': how Ethan ramps up his initial gentle dominance to ever increasing heights physically, sexually & mentally until Lily can think of, dream of & crave only Ethan. And Ethan is in equally in unknown waters as Lily has affected him like no other woman & that means treading a path he's never before walked. As the story progressed, the author drew me ever deeper into Lily's realization of the horrifying situation in which she found herself. And as a counterpoint to Lily's increasingly panicked & disbelieving POV, came Ethan's POV which was almost always calm, measured & focused on HIS goals, wants & dark dominant desires. And the ending while a cliffhanger, IMO was hands down OUTSTANDING & the last 2 paragraphs literally caused my heart to clench . . . . A dark, dark, dark read that was emotionally gut wrenching & I loved it. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
This book...wow, it really threw me, not what I expected at all. This was such a unique and well-written story! Flawed is a prequel to the Dark Necessities trilogy of Taken, Tamed and Entwined, written by Felicity Brandon, one of my favorite authors. Her books never disappoint.
This is the story of Ethan and Lily, and it is quite a dark story. Be prepared. I like dark romances and this one was right up my alley. I don’t want to give too many details (read the blurb for those) as I had little when I started the book, and that’s what made reading it such a pleasure. Ethan, one of the darkest anti-heroes I’ve encountered in quite a while, enters into the innocent and protected life of Lily. Both are passionately drawn to each other.
There are aspects to Ethan and Lily that are quite surprising, dark, frightening, mysterious and intriguing. Since I knew little of the plot before I read this, the story unfolded in a truly marvelous fashion. I actually lost track of the passage of time while I read it, that’s how deeply it drew me in. And there’s another one coming as it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. I can wait. Stories like these are worth waiting for. Highly recommended.
Well this book is about monters, the ones who appear as normal, until they are not. Who blend in with their surroundings like a chameleon until their true colors show, in red, in black and blue and in the darkest of dark the final color of death. They feed of fear, intimidation, torture, control, pain and false promises. But some monsters feed of the light, and the pure in people, with manipulation and emotion and promises of love, or what they believe to be love. Ethan is one of these monsters. Controlled by compulsions he in turn controls others with deadley force and the ability to read minds. A master apex predator his strike is swift and deadly. But he in turn is compelled by a vision of Lily, but these are different and so is Lily. Captivated by each other they are pulled into a relationship through paranormal means. A relationship of control, discipline, bondage and incredible heat, rewards and punishment. Will Lily pull Ethan into the light and end his reign of death? Or will Ethan bring her over into the dark and create another monster to rule at his side? The journey has just begun. Read and find out!
Flawed A Dark Necessities Prequel is another great beginning of a dark romance that is both thrilling and exciting as only Felicity Brandon can tell. You will be on edge throughout this whole story as you follow the relationship between Ethan who is a deadly prediator who also can read minds. Innocent young Lily who has no idea that she is now in Ethan's sight as his visions of her leads him on this path that he must have her. After a chance encounter, Lily is drawn to Ethan even as far as having visions of him which troubles her. Their relationship is based on control, passion, discipline and bondage as well as lies and deceit. Can these two be together amongst all of the terror and turmoil that surrounds this relationship and can Lily save Ethan or will she turn to the dark side when all is revealed. Will they have a future together? This is one story that you will not be able to put down as you find that your feelings are all over the place as the reader now has to wait to see what happens to these amazing characters. I voluntairly reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Oh Ms. Brandon. In the last few books she keeps pushing her readers’ boundaries further and further. I wonder what it must be like in her writing cave (because it has to a cave to be this dark). After her last trilogy (already dark and twisty), Ms. Brandon walks further into the abyss... Flawed definitely pushed the envelope farther. Take Ethan. I picture Ms. Brandon in that dark cave of hers, rubbing her writer’s hands together, plotting an anti-hero hero. Daring us, the reader to not only like him, but to love him, want him. She’s a temptress. She throws out this dark, unlikeable man... a serial killer... a man without remorse. He is a man who wants the sweet innocent Lily. Then she says, “I dare you, reader, to like him.” I have to say, I stopped reading for a time, to gather myself. Could I go farther? Could I emotionally attach myself to this man? (Because I am sure that Ms. Brandon was going to do her best to make me- and was probably going to succeed.) And when I returned, there was so much more unexpected in this book. It was like a slow motion train crash you can’t look away from. And I couldn’t look away. Will you be able to?
Monsters aren’t supposed to be sexy and drop dead gorgeous. They aren’t supposed to have dazzling smiles and alluring personalities. But that is exactly what Ethan is. Ethan is the monster that takes the victim by surprise because he doesn’t “look” like a serial killer. He’s a man with no empathy and no remorse. Ethan is psychopath. But he fits into society because he gets by on his looks and his unassuming personality. Lily is a nineteen year old young lady. Growing up in the late sixties. Caught up between being what society perceives as what a woman’s role should be. And her desire to live the life the young ladies at that time were striving for. One fateful night Ethan comes barreling into her life. Neither one of them will ever be the same again. Ethan is not someone I would want to meet on a dark lonely street. But to my horror I don’t totally hate him. I credit that to Ms. Brandon’s writing. So not only did this book get my attention from the get go. It held it all the way through. It also gave me such conflicting feelings and emotions. Can’t wait for more!
Flawed by Felicity Brandon was as intense as it was disturbing as i tried to make sense of the level of deprivation a master manipulator such as Ethan Reilly could also have such an intuitive reaction with no rational explanation towards Lily Simpson.Could Ethan's hunger be satiated as Lily knelt before him.Was she enough to calm the monster within Ethan.They were a monster and prey trapped together in one final,beautiful dance.Could she be enough,his salvation.
Flawed is another brilliant,sinful and twisted story by this creative author.It was engrossing,scintillating and full of dark desire.The images grab you buy the throat taking your thoughts deeper than you ever thought possible.A dichotomy of good verses evil.
This book pushed my boundaries but how i loved it.I felt Lily's every emotion as they delved deep within her soul.The title of this book definitely defines the plot.What a horrifying journey of discovery. Another masterpiece by Ms Brandon.
Felicity Brandon never fails me in the dark and forbidden category. She had created masterpieces with Taken, Tamed, and Entwined already. This book just gives you the back story of him and lily, which is oh so delicious and dark. She creates a world of forbidden, but captivating scenes that drug you and keep you under for hours after you have read it.
Ethan is your anti-hero that you have come to love from the other books written by her. Lily is drawn to him and they are captivated. Their story is one that you need to read on your own. They are strong together. This book has themes of bdsm that might be hard for some to read, but she does an amazing job of putting it on paper. Just read it for yourself. No spoilers here!!!
Truly, go read this book. She writes some of my favorite books and never leaves me disappointed or questioning.
In this trilogy we go back in time and meet Connor parents Ethan and Lily. And we the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I didn’t feel this book was very dark, but I have a feeling that will change in the next book.
Ethan is a hunter and when he sees Lily, she knows she is the one for him. Ethan knows who he is and he doesn’t make excuses for it. That is just the way he is. he is darkness, but Lily is all light.
I loved how the author showed the internal struggles and emotions of Lily. She is very young and innocent and the feelings that Ethan ignites in her and the things he makes her do, make her confused and a bit ashamed. Who is this Lily.That makes the characters real and layered.
I look forward to reading the second book and find out what happens.
The preface really got me hooked on this book. I am very curious to see how there relationship will go from where it is now to that moment in the preface. If you liked the other dark necessities series you will like this book. It is dark but it’s not to dark as a lot of the things that make it a “dark” book are not described in detail. This book is written from lily and Ethan’s point of view which I love since we get to know what both of the main characters are feeling about everything. There a quite a few sex scenes that last quite a while in normal Felecity Brandon style. One thing that is different about these books is the supernatural element of mind reading. It only bothered me when Ethan wouldn’t let Lily deal with her own thoughts alone. All in all I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
A dark, dark read that in itself is so compelling to the very end. Set in the UK in 1969. A great unexpected storyline that drags you in from the outset with a gripping story of predestined love. Lily Simpson is naive, brought up strictly but nevertheless is fascinated by Ethan her compelling mystery man. There dreams join and compel them! But is she losing her mind with her intense dreams, were they real or not? Dreams that she never wants to wake up from, as she is caught in his seductive web and the dark promising conflict at the edge of heaven! Will the hunter return in his killing spree? I can definitely recommend this superb read. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
Felicity Brandon’s latest book Flawed really floored me. Her characters are both complex and yet compelling and you feel like you know them by the end of the book. Felicity has the power to create original storylines that pull you in and keep you involved throughout. I found Flawed characters Ethan and Lilly relationship interesting and complex and I was sorry the story ended where it did. Their love for each other intrigued me in wanting to know them more. To me Flawed is a dark story full of romance and the hope that they will overcome all the obstacles in their way. I sure hope Felicity Brandon will write a book two and three I think there is a lot of story left untold and I can’t wait to find out more. I highly recommend this book to everyone, you wont be disappointed.
This was an interesting read. I think between the world building and introduction of the characters it started off slower. But once the characters meet and start interacting it really starts picking up.
I have to admit it is a dark book, but i was expecting a bit darker. The author starts off in the lighter area of dark, then ends up going darker. So I got the darker I was expecting more towards the end. But I'm still good with that because I feel the next book is going to be even more of the dark I want.
This book ends on a cliffhanger with things very much up in the air. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
WOW!!! This was amazingly well written and sucks you right into the crazy of Ethan Reilly an intense predator with amazing powers like I have never read before and he is one to fear and he has his sights on Lily who is much younger and very easily the connection alone is intense and what he introduces her to starting in dreams which was fascinating then in the now she is introduced to a whole new world of HOT!!!! Im not sure yet what to think of either one of them and that makes for a great story with the different personalities, all I know is I love it and Im craving more needing to know.
This book is so so so bad that it’s good! It is very dark and you’ve been warned. You have a serial killer, Ethan, hunting his next victim who is a sweet innocent virgin named Lily. There is also Lily’s slutty friend and coworker, her overprotective parents and his clueless sister. Ethan starts hunting Lily and then begins dating (?) her. They also find each other in their dreams. Ms. Brandon, your mind is a messed up beautiful dark place. I can’t wait for the second book eek!
Wow!! I have not read the Dark Necessities as of yet but if they are this good as this prequel they will be my next on my list to read. Love every thing about this book seeing and hearing both of their thoughts is a bonus to me. And this strange and dark charismatic Ethan and Lily have it's so over the top of obsessive I can't wait to get my hands on the next one and see what more mayhem this two will bring.
I have read the whole Taken trilogy, so I’m very familiar with Ethan. Reading his story from the very beginning is so interesting, I couldn’t put this down. The sex is non stop action, but now I have to read the next part now. I hate spoilers but we all know what happens if you have read the trilogy. I’m not going to give anything away. Excellent storyline, Felicity knows erotic romance.
Ethan and Lily's story is dark and engrossing, leaving you hanging by a thread while waiting for the next book in the series . This is a prequel to the Dark Necessities trilogy of Taken, Tamed and Entwined. You've been warned by the previous reviews this is not for the faint hearted it is deliciously dark. Lily is a bright and sparkling innocent and Ethan dark serial killer/hunter is it possible for him to find any redemption or will be take Lily into the dark with him?
I've been waiting for this book since Felicity Brandon announced she was writing it. I couldn't put it down. Very dark, intense,twisted and erotic. We meet Ethan, who makes you believe monsters in the dark are real. Lily is a young and innocent lady whom Ethan becomes infatuated with. You'll need to hang on tight as this ride will take you over the cliff before you realize there is a cliff. Awaiting impatiently, patiently for the next book.