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To Have and to Hold
My name is Worthington Winters, and I have a confession before I die. I know he's a killer. I know one day he'll even kill me, but I don't care. Because I feel more free with my captor than I ever did with my husband.
My husband courted me, seduced me, ensnared me, then subjugated me in my own home. He pushed and I would bend. Until, one day he pushed too far, and I pushed back. I escaped and thought I was free, but I was so wrong.
Now, my Captor has me in his grasp. He’s supposed to squeeze me until I give him the information I took from my husband. I’ll never do it, so I know I’m destined to die. But, he’s beginning to see beyond my scars, my shriveled heart, and he’s forcing me to look, too.
As he makes me look into the darkest depths of my soul, I finally find my truth, who I truly am and want to be. As strange as it may be, through the sweetest pain and most exquisite torture he inflicts, I’ll finally feel free.
The truth may give me a new life I never existed. If I can survive.
This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.
Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.
My husband courted me, seduced me, ensnared me, then subjugated me in my own home. He pushed and I would bend. Until, one day he pushed too far, and I pushed back. I escaped and thought I was free, but I was so wrong.
Now, my Captor has me in his grasp. He’s supposed to squeeze me until I give him the information I took from my husband. I’ll never do it, so I know I’m destined to die. But, he’s beginning to see beyond my scars, my shriveled heart, and he’s forcing me to look, too.
As he makes me look into the darkest depths of my soul, I finally find my truth, who I truly am and want to be. As strange as it may be, through the sweetest pain and most exquisite torture he inflicts, I’ll finally feel free.
The truth may give me a new life I never existed. If I can survive.
This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.
Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2019
113 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Kade
23 books174 followersAbigail Kade lives on the Gulf Coast of Alabama with her husband, two children, two cats and one dog. She absolutely believes in true love because she married her high school sweetheart. She saw him at a party, picked him up and they were married five years later. They're still married, and he supports her writing about all things men and love, even if he doesn't understand half of the terms she uses, bless his heart.
She was a full time mom and home CEO until she finally decided recently to become what she always wanted to be when she grew up...a writer. She believes everyone deserves their happily ever after, but sometimes it's a difficult path to get there. Now she spends her spare time dreaming and writing about these wonderful characters she has in her head, and telling anyone who will listen that instalove is a very real thing.
She was a full time mom and home CEO until she finally decided recently to become what she always wanted to be when she grew up...a writer. She believes everyone deserves their happily ever after, but sometimes it's a difficult path to get there. Now she spends her spare time dreaming and writing about these wonderful characters she has in her head, and telling anyone who will listen that instalove is a very real thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
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June 23, 2024
|| 3.0 stars ||
This was okay, but nothing great.
The book is about Worthy and Crow. Worthy is in an abusive marriage where he is being tortured and humiliated to the highest degree. He decides to escape his husband and steal back all the money his husband took from him. Unfortunately, his soon-to-be ex-husband sends a hired killer (Crow) after him to get the money back.
However, Crow has a moral code that he only hurts those who are evil and never those who are good. So when he finds out Worthy was actually the victim in the marriage things go completely off course..
I liked the idea of this book, and the execution was decent, but I felt like things mostly stayed surface level. Nothing was explored particularly in depth, which I thought was a bit of a shame.
I thought Worthy and Crow had good chemistry, but there wasn't much of a build-up between them, and their connection also wasn't completely established. It was pretty much insta-love.
I especially liked the way Crow saw Worthy: sweet, innocent and good. Someone he wants to protect like a puppy. It was cute how he tried his best to make Worthy want to stay with him.
The relationship is, for the most part, based on the fact that Worthy and Crow share the same kink. They're into pain and blood-play, which they want to try to make work between them. There is a lot of talk of these kinks, but we don't see them do much of it.
I guess it depends per person whether you think the lack of showing the kink rather than talking about it is a good or a bad thing.
PS. If there is ever a book released about Osprey and Diego I would read that ASAP, no questions asked. I would genuinely love that so much! We only got a glimpse of their relationship here, but they still stole the show completely: I was already obsessed.
'CRIMINAL DELIGHTS' COLLECTION:
Taken:
1. Wrong Way Home - 4.0 stars
5. Sweating Lies (Lies #1) - 4.5 stars
15. To Have and to Hold - 3.0 stars
16. Splitting Lies (Lies #2) - 3.5 stars
Assassins:
12. By Way of Pain - 1.0 star
14. Cold Light - 2.0 stars
This was okay, but nothing great.
The book is about Worthy and Crow. Worthy is in an abusive marriage where he is being tortured and humiliated to the highest degree. He decides to escape his husband and steal back all the money his husband took from him. Unfortunately, his soon-to-be ex-husband sends a hired killer (Crow) after him to get the money back.
However, Crow has a moral code that he only hurts those who are evil and never those who are good. So when he finds out Worthy was actually the victim in the marriage things go completely off course..
I liked the idea of this book, and the execution was decent, but I felt like things mostly stayed surface level. Nothing was explored particularly in depth, which I thought was a bit of a shame.
I thought Worthy and Crow had good chemistry, but there wasn't much of a build-up between them, and their connection also wasn't completely established. It was pretty much insta-love.
I especially liked the way Crow saw Worthy: sweet, innocent and good. Someone he wants to protect like a puppy. It was cute how he tried his best to make Worthy want to stay with him.
The relationship is, for the most part, based on the fact that Worthy and Crow share the same kink. They're into pain and blood-play, which they want to try to make work between them. There is a lot of talk of these kinks, but we don't see them do much of it.
I guess it depends per person whether you think the lack of showing the kink rather than talking about it is a good or a bad thing.
PS. If there is ever a book released about Osprey and Diego I would read that ASAP, no questions asked. I would genuinely love that so much! We only got a glimpse of their relationship here, but they still stole the show completely: I was already obsessed.
'CRIMINAL DELIGHTS' COLLECTION:
Taken:
1. Wrong Way Home - 4.0 stars
5. Sweating Lies (Lies #1) - 4.5 stars
15. To Have and to Hold - 3.0 stars
16. Splitting Lies (Lies #2) - 3.5 stars
Assassins:
12. By Way of Pain - 1.0 star
14. Cold Light - 2.0 stars
dnf
June 30, 2019DNF 57%
Oh man...I tried stepping out of my comfort zone again because I love a good anti-hero but cutting is not my thing. I’m bummed. But I know lots of people will like this and I really enjoyed the rest.
Oh man...I tried stepping out of my comfort zone again because I love a good anti-hero but cutting is not my thing. I’m bummed. But I know lots of people will like this and I really enjoyed the rest.
July 1, 2019
WOW another dark and gritty book from this fabulous series. I really enjoyed this - not the torture or the serious triggers ... but more the pace, the unique storyline and the fact that I read this in one hit ! I was so intrigued as to how this was going to happen. Worthy & Crow made for a fine team in the end. There really is someone for everyone.
June 13, 2019
Whoa.. awesome, f” awesome!!
The Criminal Delights series is unbelievable original! All the stories can be read as stand-alone and all dark as the darkest night.
Humiliation, pain, blood, just a few of the appropriate words Worthington Winters, hostage of his own husband, has to go through. He should love it, but getting it from the wrong person in the wrong way, hurts like hell.
When he finally can escape, he got kidnapped by a new Captor, a kind of very dark, bloody assassin, paid by his husband. He knows his life will be over soon and accepts his faith.
When his captor understands the situation, it looks likes his razor-sharp knives can do more than end human.
I don’t want to give the story away but believe me, it’s an amazingly written dark read.
Written as if the wrong could be right. I loved it that it shakes my head up. I loved it that it made me aware of my perception and standards.
The way of writing was smashing good. The reflections totally with the right proportions for this story. The submissiveness was stunning. The torture ditto.
It’s all about being owned, cherished and used, to possess, revere, and to use.
I loved the extremity of the content, to reach the limits. Very well done here!
Highly recommended for the lovers of dark, criminal delights.
The Criminal Delights series is unbelievable original! All the stories can be read as stand-alone and all dark as the darkest night.
Humiliation, pain, blood, just a few of the appropriate words Worthington Winters, hostage of his own husband, has to go through. He should love it, but getting it from the wrong person in the wrong way, hurts like hell.
When he finally can escape, he got kidnapped by a new Captor, a kind of very dark, bloody assassin, paid by his husband. He knows his life will be over soon and accepts his faith.
When his captor understands the situation, it looks likes his razor-sharp knives can do more than end human.
I don’t want to give the story away but believe me, it’s an amazingly written dark read.
Written as if the wrong could be right. I loved it that it shakes my head up. I loved it that it made me aware of my perception and standards.
The way of writing was smashing good. The reflections totally with the right proportions for this story. The submissiveness was stunning. The torture ditto.
It’s all about being owned, cherished and used, to possess, revere, and to use.
I loved the extremity of the content, to reach the limits. Very well done here!
Highly recommended for the lovers of dark, criminal delights.
August 9, 2023
I finished this hook's some days ago but completely forgot to write an review for it. I enjoyed the relationship between Worthy and Crow. Not my favorite of the kind, wished it was a little longer. But a good book nevertheless
dnf
March 12, 2020dnf @30%
I couldn't take this seriously.
I couldn't take this seriously.
April 26, 2020
This was a good read this was also my first time reading this author. Worthington "Worth" Winters has been through a of his parents died when he was 18 leaving him the family company his husband Terrence wines and dined him for a year after they got married he turned him into a slave he also stole money from the company. When he finally can escape, he gets kidnapped by a very dark bloody assassin paid by his husband. He knows his life will be over soon and accepts his faith. Crow is a paid crazy sadist killer who rids the world of the worse kinds of sick people. When it comes to his latest job kill Worthington or take a chance that the story he tells him about the abusive husband who wants him dead is true making Terrence the real monster. This was a read dark twisted story. I also liked the secondary characters like his half sister and Crow's nest friend who are getting married. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. This was book 15 in this series but each book can be read as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
August 28, 2021
This book is a 2/5 for me, for various reasons it didn’t hit right for me.
Let’s start with what I did like! I’ve not read a sensory play scene before despite the various BDSM books I’ve read, so this one was fun. I liked the playing around and asking for word associations. I enjoyed how aftercare in various scenes was detailed out and showed how much Crow did care for Worthington. This book has a certain softness because Crow falls into being a protector, and there is some decent hurt/comfort. It’s a dark romance that doesn’t feel too ‘dark’ until the end, in my opinion. The writing in terms of typos and grammar etc, was fine. Nothing glared out at me as being incorrect.
Worthington is a bad name for your kid in my opinion, but I like the way it was played with for Worthless/Worth/Worthy in both naming and the chapters. It was a glaring point of character growth, I guess.
One of the main things is the writing just didn’t engage me, and felt a little juvenile. There was an issue with telling and not showing, and some attempt at dramatic irony that just felt weird - such as writing “this would be a fatal mistake”, so the reader knows that in fact something is actually happening the character doesn’t realize. I just didn’t like that.
Crow as a character obviously a Dexter type, but he felt almost comical instead of gritty or serious, though his POV and internal monologue helped a little but it was just laid on thick it felt like. A lot of the author’s internal monologue written felt like it was too direct or too obvious, back to the telling and not showing.
Overall, I felt both characters were rather underdeveloped and immature.
Some nitpicks are the lack of lube being used in sex scenes or it coming what feels much too late. I get it’s dark but uh, are you sure you wanna do that? Lips don’t bleed as much as it made it seem and Crow really isn’t a vampire. The scene with the love confession and the clouds and sun moving at hyper speed was… weird. I didn’t understand why Crow was so willing to reveal the information about his Coworkers such as their names and their statuses. That was strange, he’s not very good at keeping it to himself I suppose.
At the end, the Diego/Osprey thing felt random and forced. Didn’t understand the need for it.
Finally, there should be a warning for non-con and sexual assault as a form of torture, and it is not veiled. *Yes*, I don’t think the abusers in this book deserve to live, but I just wasn’t expecting it. It’s also described another time for a past job Crow did. He says “it’s just a job, I’m not a serial killer”, but you got off on sexually assaulting a victim but it’s okay because he was a bad person. That sounds like it’s more than just a job to me.
YMMV, obviously.
Let’s start with what I did like! I’ve not read a sensory play scene before despite the various BDSM books I’ve read, so this one was fun. I liked the playing around and asking for word associations. I enjoyed how aftercare in various scenes was detailed out and showed how much Crow did care for Worthington. This book has a certain softness because Crow falls into being a protector, and there is some decent hurt/comfort. It’s a dark romance that doesn’t feel too ‘dark’ until the end, in my opinion. The writing in terms of typos and grammar etc, was fine. Nothing glared out at me as being incorrect.
Worthington is a bad name for your kid in my opinion, but I like the way it was played with for Worthless/Worth/Worthy in both naming and the chapters. It was a glaring point of character growth, I guess.
One of the main things is the writing just didn’t engage me, and felt a little juvenile. There was an issue with telling and not showing, and some attempt at dramatic irony that just felt weird - such as writing “this would be a fatal mistake”, so the reader knows that in fact something is actually happening the character doesn’t realize. I just didn’t like that.
Crow as a character obviously a Dexter type, but he felt almost comical instead of gritty or serious, though his POV and internal monologue helped a little but it was just laid on thick it felt like. A lot of the author’s internal monologue written felt like it was too direct or too obvious, back to the telling and not showing.
Overall, I felt both characters were rather underdeveloped and immature.
Some nitpicks are the lack of lube being used in sex scenes or it coming what feels much too late. I get it’s dark but uh, are you sure you wanna do that? Lips don’t bleed as much as it made it seem and Crow really isn’t a vampire. The scene with the love confession and the clouds and sun moving at hyper speed was… weird. I didn’t understand why Crow was so willing to reveal the information about his Coworkers such as their names and their statuses. That was strange, he’s not very good at keeping it to himself I suppose.
At the end, the Diego/Osprey thing felt random and forced. Didn’t understand the need for it.
Finally, there should be a warning for non-con and sexual assault as a form of torture, and it is not veiled. *Yes*, I don’t think the abusers in this book deserve to live, but I just wasn’t expecting it. It’s also described another time for a past job Crow did. He says “it’s just a job, I’m not a serial killer”, but you got off on sexually assaulting a victim but it’s okay because he was a bad person. That sounds like it’s more than just a job to me.
YMMV, obviously.
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/06/02/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
June 19, 2019
Ok folks. If you haven't figured it out by now, this series is dark and there are mega triggers. Abuse, torture, kidnapping, rape, murder etc. It is not for front of heart.
This is not much more in this life than I hate more than a bully. Worse is a bully who thinks he's some kind of Dom when he's nothing but a douche taking advantage of someone's kink. Pisses me off so bad.
And that is what Worth is going through. He likes pain with his pleasure. Needs it to get off. But after the honeymoon phase, his his and refused to touch him unless it was in real pain. As in burns and cuts he didn't ask for. Having to kneel in rice for hours at a time, his knees being shredded. He was trying to hold on. He had a plan, he just had to hold on. He fulfilled his plan and finally got free, until he ex sends an assassin after him to kill him for things he never did. When Crow finds out the real truth, after hurting Worth who was an innocent, he is livid and vows to teach this ex a lesson. Because he caused Crow to hurt an innocent, something he NEVER does. But he vows to make it up to Worth in every way he can. And he's trying, until Worth is kidnapped again. And this time Worth's ex may not let him make it out alive.
Whatever they did to Worth's ex for me was not enough. I try not to be a violent person but abuse sets me off and I want to hurt the abuser. I think he it off easy to be honest. You'll see what I mean. But man, was I so proud of Worth. After years of being beaten down, not only did he stand in the face of his ex and neat him down, he took down a badass criminal that was there as well. He tore them up! So proud!! Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and fight like hell no matter what.
The funny part about all this was Crow. He's a Softy to a point. He's got a little rescue kitten he spoils rotten and now he's thinking of a dog, when Worth drops in his lap lol. Looking like a puppy Crow would want. And Crow didn't know how to deal. Crow knows he's not normal. He never expected a relationship. Kind of hard in his line of work anyway. But here was Worth accepting it all. He mouth hung open a lot lol.
This is such a good book. It's a mystery, thrillers and suspense all in one. Be careful of the triggers but it's worth the read. So so good. And I honestly would love to see what happens with the rest of the crew. And if Diego can finally let go for Os. No spoilers. Gotta read and find out.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
This is not much more in this life than I hate more than a bully. Worse is a bully who thinks he's some kind of Dom when he's nothing but a douche taking advantage of someone's kink. Pisses me off so bad.
And that is what Worth is going through. He likes pain with his pleasure. Needs it to get off. But after the honeymoon phase, his his and refused to touch him unless it was in real pain. As in burns and cuts he didn't ask for. Having to kneel in rice for hours at a time, his knees being shredded. He was trying to hold on. He had a plan, he just had to hold on. He fulfilled his plan and finally got free, until he ex sends an assassin after him to kill him for things he never did. When Crow finds out the real truth, after hurting Worth who was an innocent, he is livid and vows to teach this ex a lesson. Because he caused Crow to hurt an innocent, something he NEVER does. But he vows to make it up to Worth in every way he can. And he's trying, until Worth is kidnapped again. And this time Worth's ex may not let him make it out alive.
Whatever they did to Worth's ex for me was not enough. I try not to be a violent person but abuse sets me off and I want to hurt the abuser. I think he it off easy to be honest. You'll see what I mean. But man, was I so proud of Worth. After years of being beaten down, not only did he stand in the face of his ex and neat him down, he took down a badass criminal that was there as well. He tore them up! So proud!! Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and fight like hell no matter what.
The funny part about all this was Crow. He's a Softy to a point. He's got a little rescue kitten he spoils rotten and now he's thinking of a dog, when Worth drops in his lap lol. Looking like a puppy Crow would want. And Crow didn't know how to deal. Crow knows he's not normal. He never expected a relationship. Kind of hard in his line of work anyway. But here was Worth accepting it all. He mouth hung open a lot lol.
This is such a good book. It's a mystery, thrillers and suspense all in one. Be careful of the triggers but it's worth the read. So so good. And I honestly would love to see what happens with the rest of the crew. And if Diego can finally let go for Os. No spoilers. Gotta read and find out.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
June 16, 2019
A misunderstanding and web of lies leads Worthington to be kidnapped.
I found that I really liked Crow, Worthington's kidnapper.
Both men were funny and sweet. I know that doesn't seem to fit these Criminal Delights books but it totally works. Don't get me wrong, Crow is a dangerous man, but I love that he has values too.
"Wait, you have coworkers? What do you mean coworkers? Like, kidnappers you work with? Assassins you have poker night with? Explain this to me, because that's the most fascinating shit I've ever heard. I always thought you guys were the loner type."
This is a fantastic, thrilling, edgy story of hope, strength and finding your worth.
I need to read Deigo and Osprey's story.
Highly recommend.
I found that I really liked Crow, Worthington's kidnapper.
Both men were funny and sweet. I know that doesn't seem to fit these Criminal Delights books but it totally works. Don't get me wrong, Crow is a dangerous man, but I love that he has values too.
"Wait, you have coworkers? What do you mean coworkers? Like, kidnappers you work with? Assassins you have poker night with? Explain this to me, because that's the most fascinating shit I've ever heard. I always thought you guys were the loner type."
This is a fantastic, thrilling, edgy story of hope, strength and finding your worth.
I need to read Deigo and Osprey's story.
Highly recommend.
November 18, 2019
DNF 70% in. I just couldn’t bring myself to finish this. I was liking it a lot and then they hook up. But after the domestic abuse or rather trauma Worthy endured for 2 years he immediately jumps into another violent relationship. No. Just no.
June 8, 2019
After years of abuse, Worthington makes his getaway. Running to his sisters wedding, he finds himself running straight into the arms of a killer.
Crowe, a black web hired killer, only takes out those who shouldn’t walk among the innocent. Can Worth convince Crowe he’s not the bad guy?
A bit dark, but well written characters and a great plot. Part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Recommended.
Crowe, a black web hired killer, only takes out those who shouldn’t walk among the innocent. Can Worth convince Crowe he’s not the bad guy?
A bit dark, but well written characters and a great plot. Part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Recommended.
September 1, 2020
Great book. My first Criminal Delights. Ms. Kade packed a lot of action and feels in a relatively short read. Worthy and Crow are great characters. Plus strong secondary characters. Oddly, yes there is angst but not too much IMO. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2021
Holy hot
This was a fantastic book. I was a little worried at the beginning but oh man it is so worth the read! I hope there are more about this group! Love love it
This was a fantastic book. I was a little worried at the beginning but oh man it is so worth the read! I hope there are more about this group! Love love it
August 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Would love to get the stores for the rest of the birds!!
June 19, 2019
this was amazing.. creepy... horrifying.. and so very sexy all thrown into one pot. haha the feelings and emotions are... wow! it was all around.. this was dark... delicious.. and so very much a dark and fun read. i loved it!
September 29, 2021
Excellent
This is an excellent series and I absolutely loved this one . Crow and Worthy are a great couple and whilst these are very dark reads they’re also beautiful. Highly recommended
This is an excellent series and I absolutely loved this one . Crow and Worthy are a great couple and whilst these are very dark reads they’re also beautiful. Highly recommended
January 5, 2022
Dark needs love too.
Caution: if you don't like very dark romance than don't read. If you're not sure, go for it. I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure, but I did. Now I would like to see an Osprey story.
Caution: if you don't like very dark romance than don't read. If you're not sure, go for it. I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure, but I did. Now I would like to see an Osprey story.
November 1, 2021
Yikes 😱
I just finished reading this story - it didn’t take long, I only stopped once to check my food in the oven. I was hooked. Great job 👏🏼
I just finished reading this story - it didn’t take long, I only stopped once to check my food in the oven. I was hooked. Great job 👏🏼
Want to read
June 21, 2019
Part of the Criminal Delights series. While part of a series each can de be read as a standalone:
March 1, 2021
Engaging concept that actually does a decent enough job conveying why a man who recently escaped a violent, emotionally abusive relationship would fall so quickly into a relationship with a violent killer. Worthy's abusive husband weaponized Worthy's need for blood play, pain and submission against him, after he had already hidden his true nature and tricked Worthy into loving him. Worthy's relationship with Crow is the opposite; he knows who Crow is, what he does and his violent nature. He also can see that Crow respects power dynamics, and for better or worse Worthy knows who he's with and what he's getting into. The ex stole Worthy's choice, while Crow earned it.
Worthy as a character is an interesting dichotomy; he's smart, clever, skilled in unexpected ways, shy but also bloodthirsty. I never got a real lock on Worthy as a character, and normally for me that's a bad thing bc it's usually a symptom of inconsistent character portrayal. However, most of the moments the reader spends with Worthy are emotional/intense for one reason or another and you only get to spend a small bit of time with the different aspects of his character.
Crow, on the other hand, is pretty straight forward in who he is and his desires even though he is the one leading a double life. The ending was a bit wonky and tonally disjointed for me. Unexpectedly emotional on Crow's part, sometimes a bit too OTT in others and connections and threads between characters that are intriguing but at times feel shoehorned in as stepping stones to future stories about secondary characters. A quick read and an entertaining enough way to pass the time if you're in the mood for dark romance.
Worthy as a character is an interesting dichotomy; he's smart, clever, skilled in unexpected ways, shy but also bloodthirsty. I never got a real lock on Worthy as a character, and normally for me that's a bad thing bc it's usually a symptom of inconsistent character portrayal. However, most of the moments the reader spends with Worthy are emotional/intense for one reason or another and you only get to spend a small bit of time with the different aspects of his character.
Crow, on the other hand, is pretty straight forward in who he is and his desires even though he is the one leading a double life. The ending was a bit wonky and tonally disjointed for me. Unexpectedly emotional on Crow's part, sometimes a bit too OTT in others and connections and threads between characters that are intriguing but at times feel shoehorned in as stepping stones to future stories about secondary characters. A quick read and an entertaining enough way to pass the time if you're in the mood for dark romance.
June 7, 2019
After years of abuse Worthington finally has the strength to leave his abusive husband. While staying at his sister’s house he meets a man that stirs something inside him but when his husband spreads lies and hires someone to kill him that someone turns out to be Crow. Can Worthington survive a hired killer and prove that he is the innocent one and just what should he do about the feelings he begins to have for this man?
Crow always relied on his instincts and they seemed to have failed him when he met Worthington but is all as it seems? Soon Crow discovers the truth and is more than ready to punish those that he sees need it. Crow may be a killer, but he is more than that and those that he kills deserve it. When he finds out the truth about Worthington, he also finds something that he never expected; love. It was nice to see Crow help Worthington feel special and that it was okay for him to want what he did, the two make a nice couple and seeing their relationship take shape made for a good read. Worthington has some strong kinks and Crow is just the man for him. Their attraction soon turns into something deeper and it was nice to see Worthington begin to grow into a strong man with the help of Crow. I also liked the other men that worked with Crow and would love to see more from this world. This is a fast paced story that grabbed me right from the start and I did not put it down until the very end.
Crow always relied on his instincts and they seemed to have failed him when he met Worthington but is all as it seems? Soon Crow discovers the truth and is more than ready to punish those that he sees need it. Crow may be a killer, but he is more than that and those that he kills deserve it. When he finds out the truth about Worthington, he also finds something that he never expected; love. It was nice to see Crow help Worthington feel special and that it was okay for him to want what he did, the two make a nice couple and seeing their relationship take shape made for a good read. Worthington has some strong kinks and Crow is just the man for him. Their attraction soon turns into something deeper and it was nice to see Worthington begin to grow into a strong man with the help of Crow. I also liked the other men that worked with Crow and would love to see more from this world. This is a fast paced story that grabbed me right from the start and I did not put it down until the very end.
November 1, 2021
Setelah baca By Way of Pain - Criminal Delights: Assassins dan dnf @15% ternyata hal ini berlanjut ke serial Criminal Delights berikutnya To Have and to Hold - Criminal Delights: Taken yang hanya mampu bertahan 40%.
Kesamaan dari keduanya :
- Profesi Dominant merupakan pembunuh bayaran.
- Submissive nya cenderung lemah, meski di To Have and to Hold - Criminal Delights: Taken si Worthy agak mending daripada Harrison di By Way of Pain - Criminal Delights: Assassins.
- Heavy BDSM dengan adegan sayatan O HELL NO 😣
Tambahan satu lagi, ada satu hal yang amat sangat menggangu dan mengganjal, kenapa Abigail Kade kasih nama tokoh utamanya aneh dan cringey dibaca. Worthington 'Worthy' dan Crow duh🙄
Kesamaan dari keduanya :
- Profesi Dominant merupakan pembunuh bayaran.
- Submissive nya cenderung lemah, meski di To Have and to Hold - Criminal Delights: Taken si Worthy agak mending daripada Harrison di By Way of Pain - Criminal Delights: Assassins.
- Heavy BDSM dengan adegan sayatan O HELL NO 😣
Tambahan satu lagi, ada satu hal yang amat sangat menggangu dan mengganjal, kenapa Abigail Kade kasih nama tokoh utamanya aneh dan cringey dibaca. Worthington 'Worthy' dan Crow duh🙄
April 19, 2020
Good book
I agree with the other reviewers in that I did not find this to be a dark fantasy. There were dark elements, like the abuse and kidnapping. Crow did torture some people, but they were really evil and having escaped justice, would not have been punished. In Crow's world what he did was not necessarily bad. There were also a lot of sweet moments and cute clothes! I did enjoy this book in how Crow helped Worthy gain his strength back, both mentally and physically. It was sweet how Crow cared for him. Worthy helped Crow realize that he did have a heart and could care for another person.
This is a work of fiction and keeping that in mind, when Crow makes mistakes and doesn't act like a professional killer it's ok. His actions work for the story. It's all right when the bad guys show weakness in the end when they are beat, this shows that they are bullies after all and weak at the core.
So I I enjoyed this story. I liked how Crow reached out for help when Worthy is in danger and rushed to the rescue. I would like to see more of how Crow and Worthy's partnership grows.
I agree with the other reviewers in that I did not find this to be a dark fantasy. There were dark elements, like the abuse and kidnapping. Crow did torture some people, but they were really evil and having escaped justice, would not have been punished. In Crow's world what he did was not necessarily bad. There were also a lot of sweet moments and cute clothes! I did enjoy this book in how Crow helped Worthy gain his strength back, both mentally and physically. It was sweet how Crow cared for him. Worthy helped Crow realize that he did have a heart and could care for another person.
This is a work of fiction and keeping that in mind, when Crow makes mistakes and doesn't act like a professional killer it's ok. His actions work for the story. It's all right when the bad guys show weakness in the end when they are beat, this shows that they are bullies after all and weak at the core.
So I I enjoyed this story. I liked how Crow reached out for help when Worthy is in danger and rushed to the rescue. I would like to see more of how Crow and Worthy's partnership grows.
November 29, 2019
I love this story. It was dark and twisted and exactly what I wanted to read in the Criminal Delights series. This book is not for the faint of heart – there’s cutting, torture, blood, kidnapping, and death. I personally love dark romances, so this book was perfect for me, but I know my tastes are not for everyone, so please make sure you read all warnings.
Worthington was an interesting character. He was a victim, but he wasn’t broken. He had been abused, but took control back over his life. Then there’s Crow, the mercenary and assassin – definitely not a man to be crossed. The sex scenes between Worthington and Crow were hot. I love kink and the kink in this book did not disappoint. I’m glad a sequel is planned, because I want to know more about these characters and their associates.
Overall Rating: 3.75 Stars. The plot and characters were great, but the writing was a little clunky and awkward in certain areas, but overall it was a great book. I had fun reading this book and I will definitely recommend this book to others.
Worthington was an interesting character. He was a victim, but he wasn’t broken. He had been abused, but took control back over his life. Then there’s Crow, the mercenary and assassin – definitely not a man to be crossed. The sex scenes between Worthington and Crow were hot. I love kink and the kink in this book did not disappoint. I’m glad a sequel is planned, because I want to know more about these characters and their associates.
Overall Rating: 3.75 Stars. The plot and characters were great, but the writing was a little clunky and awkward in certain areas, but overall it was a great book. I had fun reading this book and I will definitely recommend this book to others.
March 5, 2020
A most worthy read
Worthington escapes from a cruel abusive husband after taking back the money and assets originally belonging to him. Husband Terrance puts out a contract on him to find out where the money is hidden. Crow is the killer who accepts the contract and kidnaps Worthington and works him over before he sees the signs of abuse on his body and realizes Terrence lied and Worthington is innocent. We find a very dark romance begins between Crow and his captive. An exciting story of Worthington's kidnapping away from Crow, more very bad men and a surprising and satisfying end. If you enjoy dark stories with unusual expression of love, this is your story. I am enjoying this series and will read more of these books.
Worthington escapes from a cruel abusive husband after taking back the money and assets originally belonging to him. Husband Terrance puts out a contract on him to find out where the money is hidden. Crow is the killer who accepts the contract and kidnaps Worthington and works him over before he sees the signs of abuse on his body and realizes Terrence lied and Worthington is innocent. We find a very dark romance begins between Crow and his captive. An exciting story of Worthington's kidnapping away from Crow, more very bad men and a surprising and satisfying end. If you enjoy dark stories with unusual expression of love, this is your story. I am enjoying this series and will read more of these books.
May 29, 2020
I like how fresh the concept is. It is different from a typical abductor-abductee relationship and I don't think Stockholm syndrome applies here. There are a lot of kinks and pains but so as other books in the series. I like how sweet and romantic Crow is and how protective he is to Worthington. I like how the author throws a subtle reminder of how BDSM is supposed to be about "pleasure from pain" instead of "pain from pleasure". And that, in my opinion, deserves my four-stars!
What I don't love? There is an excessive emphasis on differentiating between the good and bad as well as the concept of the black and white. I find it unnecessary to paint the kidnapper with the role of "Killing evil doesn't make me evil" or that he is a "judge" on his victims.
What I don't love? There is an excessive emphasis on differentiating between the good and bad as well as the concept of the black and white. I find it unnecessary to paint the kidnapper with the role of "Killing evil doesn't make me evil" or that he is a "judge" on his victims.
December 30, 2021
2.5/5 stars
This started off promising; Worth's courage was admirable and the first meeting between him and Crow was actually adorable. I also love that Crow is secretly a cat lover. I will also never begrudge a love story that shows just how important it is to be seen and accepted just as we are. Both of our leads have unconventional desires but they are willing and able to meet that need for each other.
What I didn't like as much was the excessive amount of telling vs showing. It made it hard to connect emotionally with the characters and made so much of the dialogue feel cringey and inauthentic. And while I fully endorsed Worth getting his revenge in the end, I draw a line at .
This started off promising; Worth's courage was admirable and the first meeting between him and Crow was actually adorable. I also love that Crow is secretly a cat lover. I will also never begrudge a love story that shows just how important it is to be seen and accepted just as we are. Both of our leads have unconventional desires but they are willing and able to meet that need for each other.
What I didn't like as much was the excessive amount of telling vs showing. It made it hard to connect emotionally with the characters and made so much of the dialogue feel cringey and inauthentic. And while I fully endorsed Worth getting his revenge in the end, I draw a line at .
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