That’s only a few of the names people call me, and all of them are true. I did the unforgivable. I killed a man in broad daylight. I did it for her. I paid my dues, did my time. Now I’m out and I want her back, no matter the cost. She hates me, but that won’t stop me from hunting after her. I need her to be mine again. And there’s a secret I have to tell … But everything has its price. I’m willing to pay. Is she?
Hanged is a Standalone Dark Romance NOVELLA from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Clarissa Wild, previously titled The Hanged Man.
Note: This story contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
**NOTE FOR LIBRARIANS: please check with me before making any changes - I generally make all necessary changes and updates myself. :)**
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Clarissa Wild is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author with ASD, who was born and raised in the Netherlands. She loves to write Dark Romance and Contemporary Romance novels featuring dangerous men and feisty women. Her other loves include her hilarious husband, her cutie pie son, her two crazy but cute dogs, and her adorable kitties. In her free time, she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, playing video games, and cooking up some delicious meals.
It’s finally time. I grab one of the dull pencils from the tray and a piece of paper from the stack and place it down in front of me. Biting my lip, I stare wistfully at the sheet, wondering what I should write. If I should even write anything. There are so many things I want to say, so much I have to explain, but none of the words in my head will suffice. She’ll never understand. She’s too innocent to know the truth. So I opt for something else instead. Something familiar and loving, so she’ll know how much I care. “Are you gonna start or what?” the woman across the shoddy table says while glaring at me. I look up from my paper and gaze blankly ahead. “As soon as I know what to write.” “You don’t get much time, y’know,” she adds, shrugging. “Suit yourself.” I nod a few times. Advice is best not taken for granted, so I pick up the pencil and rub my lips together.
Dear Daisy,
You’ll probably never read this letter, but I want you to know that at least I tried. I’ve told your auntie Dana to hold onto the letters I send her until I get the chance to hand them to you myself. As much as I want to, I can’t be with you right now. But I promise it won’t be long. I’ll be with you again soon. Before you even know it. I know you’ll be good. I know you’ll do great out there in the world. And you know … I will find you again.
Love, Mommy
Smiling, I read over the words again before my letter and those of all the other women next to me are taken by the guard as she passes us. They’ll read the contents and decide whether it’s suitable to send. This is how it always goes … here in prison. There’s no choice to make, no autonomy whatsoever. Nothing but sleep, eat, work, and wait. Wait until your time is up. Until you can see your baby again. But I knew the consequence when I did what I did. That I’d end up sacrificing precious time I could’ve spent with her. But it was the only choice I could make, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat if I had to. It’s no one’s fault. Not mine or his. Circumstances brought me here, and I accept that wholeheartedly. Love … is what brought me here. I made the ultimate sacrifice for my little girl. For a man I couldn’t stop loving even when that same love ripped her away from me. For both … I’d willingly hang.
This book was OK. I kind of felt I was dropped into the middle of an ongoing story, and a pretty f@cking depressing one at that. However, it wasn't a bad book either. Just a little too short and underdeveloped to really connect with the characters or plot. In any case, as I said, it wasn't a bad book, and I am looking forward to reading a few more of the novellas in this series.
Wow!! Ms. Wild delivers a quick wild story. The characters were doomed from the start. The interesting part was how the author didn’t deliver the whole story at once. She gave us a wait and keep reading to find the whole plot. When it happens I was left with “Wow” Love was sacrificed for these two in order to protect the main character. Great story
The Hanged Man Meaning: Upright: Pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives. Reversed: Delays, resistance, stalling, indecision. This is the card of ultimate surrender, of being suspended in time and of martyrdom and sacrifice to the greater good.
well well well.
a little bit unrealistic but fuck if I don't love it. too fatuously dramatic but fuck if I don't like it. Wild repeating things and fuck "I didin't like it".
both character were perfect. daisy the daughter were perfect. but Wild's pen lack of feelings I guess. still it was good to read. it's why 3 stars.
he knows his place, pushing but not forcing, cute but broken. after getting away from jail, he came for them and oh my, he flied a paper plane to show himself. I give credit if someone deserve.
short novella for your sleepless nights. kinda immoral LOL
"Fuck. I want her as much as I wanted to smell the fresh air morning while I was still in jail." xoxoxo iko
This author sure knows how to grab her readers attention and hold it right through the story. Like previous books I’ve read by her I absolutely loved this story.
The story is told through two points of view- Lilian and Hanson. We also get the story through before, present and after.
When I finished reading this I sat and all I could think was wow. The storyline is so so good. The characters are brilliant. No matter what they’ve done I couldn’t help but like them.
How far would you go to save and protect your child?
Fabulous story. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Criminal. Outlaw. Murderer. That's only a few of the names people call me, and all of them are true. I did the unforgivable. I killed a man in broad daylight. I did it for her. I paid my dues, did my time. Now I'm out and I want her back, no matter the cost. She hates me, but that wont stop me from hunting after her. I need her to be mine again. And there's a secret I have to tell...But everything has it's price. I'm willing to pay. Is she?
The Hanged man is a darkish romance from Clarissa Wild. This is more the size of a novella and I absolutely devoured it. I had to know what was going on with Lilian and Hanson. We get the story from both other their points of view and we get the past and the present. This is a story of love and how far your willing to go for that love. You can not help but to fall in love with Lilian and Hanson, their precious daughter Daisy. If you have read a Clarissa Wild book before you know that your in for a shock at some point and this one delivers. However I don't know that I would so much call it a shock as a huge question in your head of would I have done the same thing. The answer just might surprise you!!
Jess ~ I've started this review about four times now because I'm not quite sure what to say. From the beginning, I was intrigued by this twisted story. We start in the "after" but it takes a while for all of the pieces to make sense. Once it is all clear the story is about over and now I feel...complete but also like I really wanted some more. There is not a lot of time to really get to know these characters but I was so interested in how we get back to the beginning I almost didn't mind.
Hanson is a criminal and Lilian can't force herself to stay away. This story had a darker edge and it was complex. It had a touch of danger and firey hot emotions. We moved through time pretty seamlessly and there was enough to understand the characters and their choices. I did feel a little disconnect with them though because there were not enough pages to get me all the way there with them. I struggle because I enjoyed the story and idea and all the working parts, but I was really desperate for more. More of the after, more of the before and maybe more of the present. And I would be happy to read this in a full length, but also happy to leave this just as it is. While short, it packed a punch and certainly left it opened for many strains of discussions. This is just another example of the uniqueness that Ms. Wild creates.
The Hanged Man is a novella story by Clarissa Wild and is a part of the Cards of Love series. This is a dark romance story that was intriguing as it is heartwrenching. While the story started out slowly for me, leaving me feeling confused at first like I stepped into a story halfway through. I quickly became fascinated with the characters and was drawn into the story reading it in one sitting. Great storyline, with intense characters, just need to get past the confusing beginning.
This can’t be all, can it? I felt like Lillian and Hanson’s story had only just begun… and then it was over. And I was left hanging (whoops! Lol). And that after the ultimate WTF-way Ms. Wild began her story with... Seriously, that freaking beginning confused the motherlovin’ shit outta me – I mean, just read the blurb and then the first few pages and you will see what I’m getting at. After going back between prologue and blurb more than that one time, I finally accepted that I didn’t even have a clue what was going on and dived in. And it took forever before I finally understood the logistics and where the story was going. And then …. IT WAS OVER!!! What the heck?? I’m still in limbo, somewhere in between feeling satisfied how it all turned out and yearning for more. It’s a really strange feeling to describe.
All wobbly, non-committal rambling aside, I loved the set-up of the story. There’s just something taboo about reading about an escaped felon who is a murderer – no less. You shouldn’t find him attractive and fall for him … it’s wrong. Unethical. Frowned-upon big time. And yet you do. Sigh.
As part of the Cards of Love collection, THE HANGED MAN can be read as a complete standalone, but you should definitely check out those hot, steamy novellas by all the other amazing authors contributing to it.
la verdad esta super corto pero realmente me entretubo fue realmente bueno para mi al menos me gusto todo ese misterio aunque me dejaron con duda para empezar 1 Por que la niña ocupaba un riñon 2 Nacio asi? 3 Quien era el hombre al que mato su papa?
Eso fue uno de los que no entendi realmente que onda ? osea me dejaron con nausas en el cerebro pero me gusto mucho y mas daisy ♥ la bebe y que oso eso que tubo que mirar la pequeña
Pero ame todo lo que estubo dispuesto hacer el padre por su hija y viceversa
Ok where do I begin?? Because this one was kind of a mindfuck in the very beginning because I read the blurb and as I read the prologue I was all WTF? Wait. Hold up. Went back and read the blurb. Started again and was still WTF? And decided to keep going because now my curiosity was peaked and I needed to know WTF was going on and in the end I felt like I ran a damn marathon and was happy when I got to the finish line, but wanted, NEEDED, more.
That’s what this short story did to me I NEED MORE
This is not a “slice of life” not really.
It’s more and yet you get a complete story. It’s all kinds of wonky but it’s wonky, dark, smexy and heart melting goodness with characters you need to know more about.
I know this is all kinds of vague and verbal comity, but trust me. When you read this one, and you should, you’ll feel the same way.
You will want more even though you are satisfied with how everything turns out.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I am so excited about this series of books by these authors. Clarissa came out with a bang of a story.
I will be honest at first I was confused about what was going on. But it didn't take long to figure out that this is a dark but humanely sweet story. This story is about what would you do for your child? Would you do anything to save the child you love with all your heart no matter what it did to you? And then would you do anything to save your family?
I loved this novella. In what is a short amount of pages, Clarissa shows you what true love and family means. Loved it.
Still waiting on a bunch of the Cards of Love series from all those authors, not sure when all will be out ...but i find it a bit confusing as to how to know when they will be available ... i see that Clarissa was out and I did check it out. Love this style. definitely a wowza kind of read, written with a edge and one that will immediately pull ya in. Must read! ( ;
Another great read by Clarissa Wild, short, but still had plenty of thrills and suspense that kept satisfied. Lillian and Hanson had to make some very difficult choices in their lives and it was all for the love of their daughter. And what they will do for the sheer magnitude of their love will astound you. An astonishing read, I loved it!
Wow, another amazing read by Clarissa Wild. I love anything she writes and this is no exception. Hanson and Lillian made some difficult choices for their daughter and it was done out of love. They put their love on hold and put their daughter first and this book touches your heart.
This is short but to the point kind of story. It’s fast-paced and action packed. The first half of the book is quite vague but by the end of the book, everything has slotted into place. I like that in a book, though at the time I feel I was scratching my head trying to figure it out.
As always, Clarissa Wild’s writing style is on point and incredibly descriptive. You’ll definitely be drawn into this intense story.
Overall, it was a great read, a little vague in places but has a brilliant ending that made my heart soar. Such a twisted, intense yet beautiful read.
Wow! What a book this was!! While Clarissa piles in the steam (which she does very well ) the underlying story is just so dark and heart warming all at the same time. Hanson and Lillian are both such well written characters and I just wish this book were a little longer so I could become more of their story. How a story that is so short could pull at my heart strings in this way is mind blowing but part of the magic of Clarissa Wild.
Clarissa Wild is among one of my favourite authors. I love how her stories are engaging. How they always have a twist that I never see coming, and especially, how they push the boundaries of what we consider as ‘normal’ social mannerisms.
The hanged man was one of those books that really made me question things. Some were about the story. Others, about the storyline. I wondered who in the world was Lillian, and Hansons? What is their story? Why in the world did Lillian sacrifice everything for her daughter and Hansons?
I’ll admit that the fact I couldn’t pinpoint the who, what, where and why in the beginning was something that worked against me. But I assure you that once you get over that ‘little’ hurdle, The Hanged Man is totally worth it.
So many twists and turns that I never saw coming nor did I expect and it only made me want more from this author. For sure, until I can get my grubby little hands on her next release, I’ll be going back in time to read her previous books!
What would you do to save the one most precious to you? Would you hang?
Is there a line in the sand, or a legal area of grey that you would venture into, to ensure their safety, or to save their life? What about the sacrifice to your safety or your freedom?
For many, the issue is black and white, but for others that will not be so, and maybe there will even be readers out there who have already risked all to save that precious life, keeping that event their deepest and darkest secret to accompany them to the grave. This is just that story, and I have no words that can amply convey the deep on my feelings that this is your next must read.
This book isn’t a sob-fest; it wouldn’t create the rip-your-heart-out impact on your soul if it was. Nor does it spoon feed you the story. It peels away it away in layers like the proverbial onion, and does just as much damage, not to your tear ducts, but to your heart. It has you questioning whether you would go to the extent of our Hanged Man, admire his sacrifice knowing you couldn’t go there, or condemn him for his actions.
This is the first book from Clarissa Wild that I’ve read, and I was absolutely engrossed. I wonder whether this review even does it justice. I’ve also seen a verified review stating that they’d bought it and not read it based on the author alone, urging others to not miss out on this book. I can easily say I have joined those legions of Ms Wild’s proponents because this books was total gold. The Cards of Love series looks to be amazing. 5 Stars
What wouldn’t you do to protect your child? For Lilianna, it meant fleeing with her daughter when her husband does the unthinkable. For Hanson, it means committing murder. Hanson knows what the world thinks of him. He knows even his wife, who has always loved him is scared of the man she thinks he became. When he is finally released from prison, he seeks out his wife and child and is desperate to get his family back. Lilianna May be scared of him, but he did what he had to do to protect their daughter, Daisy. When Lilianna finally learns the truth, will she rethink her desperate decision to run from the man she loves?
In true Clarissa Wild fashion, The Hanged Man is a dark romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a novella, and there in lies my only complaint, I desperately wanted this story to be longer. At the beginning it is a bit confusing as we’re brought into the story immediately without much set up. As you read things make more sense and then it’s over leaving us hungering for more. The ending was not what I was expecting and I kept hoping more pages would appear on my kindle. The story though was very well written with some dark and disturbing moments.
You know you're getting a high caliber book when it's a Clarissa Wild book.
She can pull off a complete story in a short novella that some authors can't do in a full length book.
THM is told in dual POV and before, present & after timeline.
What would you do for your child? Hanson was put in that position and he did what he must. It tore him away from his family and now he will do what he must to reunite them and keep them together forever.
Lillian knows she should push him away, make him leave but now that she knows the whole truth she will now do what she must to keep him safe and bring her family back together.
I loved this as is but I sure wish Ms. Wild decides to turn this into a full length novel at some point. It's really that great!
Clarissa Wild is known to me for dark, dirty, and boundary pushing in a lot of ways but that's one of the things I love about her books and words... She is a master at captivation and a seasoned pro at making you feel from the first page to the very last word. And this book...no different at all.
The Hanged Man is a brand new prequel to a upcoming new series...and was a quick, suspenseful, enticing novella that had me racing through the pages as fast as I could because I needed all the answers.
A twisted romance told in dual pov... and flashing from past, present and future throughout the journey... Y'all it's got me all kinds of ready for this brand new series.
This is dark, romance that leaves you feeling so strong out from the emotions you go through reading it.
Lillian and Hanson have a story that makes your heart hurt , your mind race and your body feeling like you have run a marathon. He has killed for her and paid the price but now she doesn't want anything to do with him. She is trying to protect her family aka Daisy . Their love is so strong . Ok that's it I don't want to give things away
4 Stars Review by Lisa Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog
This is the first book that I have read in the House of Cards collection. The Hanged Man by Clarissa Wild is a fast paced short story. It jumps right into a situation that has already occurred and is literally off and running. There is a disclaimer that this story contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some and this is true. Although it does not get into it heavily or too deep, the situations are a big part of what happens in the story.
Hanson is a criminal, an outlaw and a murderer. He did it for love but now has come to share his secret. Can she hold up her end of the story?
LOVED it. This is not your typical love story. It’s a love story with a twist about that unconditional love that we have and hold for certain people in our lives. That love that we will do anything, absolutely anything, for.
Very well written. Even though it is a short story, it is fulfilling and has all the elements of a great story.
I really don't like rating a book this low, but it just moved way too fast for me to get into. Yes, I understand it's a novella, but this one just jumped back and forth too quickly between the main characters. Not enough time developing the characters and storyline, and some of it didn't make any sense. Skimmed through most of it (finished in less than 45 minutes) and had it been a longer story, I can't say that I would have finished the book.
A short intense story about what will you risk for your child? Hanson wow this man is so deep and dark but you fall head over heels in love with him. Lillian a strong woman that loves Daisy her daughter so much she will protect her from anyone even the man she loves. A great romance story that keeps you on the edge till the end. 5/5 stars
I am so torn with reviewing this book. I liked the story so much, it had suspense and it was completely intriguing but I felt like there wasn’t enough of the story explained, and it felt a little rushed.
I read it quite quickly, it only took about an hour. We are dropped right into the thick of things and I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. Once I did however, I really liked the storyline. This book could definitely make a good prequel if the author was to go on to write a full length novel that explains the story more.
This addition to the fabulous Cards of Love series is a great contribution. It is a fast read but packs so much into it. Lillian and Hanson are brought to life and their story told with economy and finesse. The style is crisp and no nonsense, but wraps up a very emotional situation and tale with love and care.