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From USA TODAY Bestselling Author N.K. Stackhouse comes a new Contemporary Why Choose Mafia Suspense Romance Series that is sure to leave you questioning everything…
Once upon a time, there lived a pure girl,
who abided behind her safe sheltered walls.
But catastrophe descend on those unaware.
Once upon a time, there lived a girl who fled,
fled from her school,
fled from her home,
fled from the only life she had ever known.
But for while this broken Little Bird was left all alone,
she stumbled upon a pack of sick vicious wolves,
who played with Death and had destruction in their gaze.
But Instead of devouring her whole the second she fell
the wolves decided rather to corrupt the last remaining sheds
of her stained and tattered soul.
But why did this girl try to run from her scars?
Now isn’t that the question we all want to find.
See the problem with running, is,
that the only way to find freedom
is to take on the Darkness, and Win.
Once upon a time, there lived a pure girl,
who abided behind her safe sheltered walls.
But catastrophe descend on those unaware.
Once upon a time, there lived a girl who fled,
fled from her school,
fled from her home,
fled from the only life she had ever known.
But for while this broken Little Bird was left all alone,
she stumbled upon a pack of sick vicious wolves,
who played with Death and had destruction in their gaze.
But Instead of devouring her whole the second she fell
the wolves decided rather to corrupt the last remaining sheds
of her stained and tattered soul.
But why did this girl try to run from her scars?
Now isn’t that the question we all want to find.
See the problem with running, is,
that the only way to find freedom
is to take on the Darkness, and Win.
- GenresContemporaryCollege
Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
40 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
N.K. Stackhouse
14 books143 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author N.K. Stackhouse
https://linktr.ee/nkstackhouse_author
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 19, 2019
I don’t really read a lot of mafia books, but this one was really entertaining. I enjoyed the plot and I had a love/hate relationship with the characters. This was the first book I have read by this author, and I can’t wait to read more.
August 30, 2019
Excellent plot and characters!
The story and characters are engaging - this series has so much potential and I would have rated it 5 stars if not for the horrible editing/proofreading. Misspelled words, incorrect words, duplicated words in the same sentence, punctuation - all the things a good editor would have caught, but in this book didn't. And it wasn't the odd error here or there - they were all over the place, on almost every page. I tried real hard to ignore it because the story was so engaging, but it was blaring and difficult to overlook, and therefore, distracting. I was provided an ARC of this book and thinking perhaps the errors were fixed in the kindle version, I got it and read it again. They were not. I'm still going to read the next book in the series - for the story. I just hope the author gets a new editor and proofreader by then - her work deserves to shine! This was a difficult review for me to write because it could have been a 5 star read, but I had to knock off 2 stars for poor editing and proofreading.
Update: The author has had the book re-edited to correct the errors so I have happily revised my rating to 4 stars.
The story and characters are engaging - this series has so much potential and I would have rated it 5 stars if not for the horrible editing/proofreading. Misspelled words, incorrect words, duplicated words in the same sentence, punctuation - all the things a good editor would have caught, but in this book didn't. And it wasn't the odd error here or there - they were all over the place, on almost every page. I tried real hard to ignore it because the story was so engaging, but it was blaring and difficult to overlook, and therefore, distracting. I was provided an ARC of this book and thinking perhaps the errors were fixed in the kindle version, I got it and read it again. They were not. I'm still going to read the next book in the series - for the story. I just hope the author gets a new editor and proofreader by then - her work deserves to shine! This was a difficult review for me to write because it could have been a 5 star read, but I had to knock off 2 stars for poor editing and proofreading.
Update: The author has had the book re-edited to correct the errors so I have happily revised my rating to 4 stars.
August 24, 2019
I received an ARC COPY and now I’m leaving my honest review. So Bryce is the MFC and she has been dealt s***** cards. She is running and changed her identity just know a few snippets as to why in the beginning the prologue explains a past scene and then moves to the present. So with her knowing that the world is a s***** place filled with evil on a chance encounter she meets Lakelynn or is it a chance encounter? But she also meets other HELLRAISERS sexy god looking men who are always with Lake. Something about Lake and her company sends uneasiness and red flags and Bryce ignores them against her better judgement. It is a mafia reverse harem so if it isn’t your cup of tea then I do not recommend. But if it is be prepared for the cluster**** of emotions NK Stackhouse is going to put you through along with a hell of a rollercoaster ride then strap yourselves in my beauties because you’re in for a ride. This book left me freaking salivating for the next fix and some books rarely leave me like that only a few authors ( Ashley Amy, Meagan Brandy) to name a few have left me needing the next book ASAP especially when they make a series of the book I’m usually chill about it but this one I’m like please I need the next NK Stackhouse please!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2019
Ive only read a handful of books that made me wish i could punch one of the characters out and this book is one of those. It had one of those ending that not only p***ed me off, it made me dying to read the next part in the hope that Bryce (the MFC) gets a lot of revenge in it. It was hard for Bryce to see who to trust and who was out to get her. So it keeps you on your toes reading it that's for sure. This book is blindingly good. Absolutely loved it!!!
August 28, 2019
Good...could be better
I would have loved to give this book 5 stars, it has all the makings of a great book but I couldn't get past simple mistakes throughout the book. A simple proof reading would have picked up most of these mistakes if not all. At some points the story struggled to flow. What I did love was the characters and original story.
I would have loved to give this book 5 stars, it has all the makings of a great book but I couldn't get past simple mistakes throughout the book. A simple proof reading would have picked up most of these mistakes if not all. At some points the story struggled to flow. What I did love was the characters and original story.
August 28, 2019
When the encounter with Grayson & Luc.. and Bryce......I was hooked ... need the next soon❤️❤️❤️
March 16, 2020
Well this was just a tease!!
I randomly came across this book and was sucked in by the fact it was a RH story which included tatted up, bad ass, incredibly hot guys. Yeah - that was enough to get me to read it but I honestly had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised!!!!
Stained is book 1 in the Hellraisers of the Underground series and what an awesome start it is!
It is basically a book full of unanswered questions and one hell of a cliffhanger! An awesome set up for the next book!
Bryce is an interesting FMC as she is a total mystery. She has a dark past which she has abandoned and fled. The guys are an even bigger mystery!! Who on earth are they?! and what on earth are they a part of?!
I was completely addicted from the first chapter and could not put it down. So much suspense, twists and turns. And not to mention, the scenes with the guys are freaking HOT!!! Wowzers..
The ending left me screaming with frustration. Its pure torture!! I desperately need to know what happens next!!!
I randomly came across this book and was sucked in by the fact it was a RH story which included tatted up, bad ass, incredibly hot guys. Yeah - that was enough to get me to read it but I honestly had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised!!!!
Stained is book 1 in the Hellraisers of the Underground series and what an awesome start it is!
It is basically a book full of unanswered questions and one hell of a cliffhanger! An awesome set up for the next book!
Bryce is an interesting FMC as she is a total mystery. She has a dark past which she has abandoned and fled. The guys are an even bigger mystery!! Who on earth are they?! and what on earth are they a part of?!
I was completely addicted from the first chapter and could not put it down. So much suspense, twists and turns. And not to mention, the scenes with the guys are freaking HOT!!! Wowzers..
The ending left me screaming with frustration. Its pure torture!! I desperately need to know what happens next!!!
August 30, 2019
Stained is a wild freaking ride. I did not know what to expect but I know it was not what I read. N.K. does an excellent job of drawing the reader into Bryce's world. She is just what the blurb suggests. She is a broken Little Bird, but she has claws too. When she starts at the university, that is where things get very interesting. She draws the eyes of, I don't know what you would call them. But they look dangerous. You get the sense that they are nothing but trouble.
I think that Bryce was supposed to be drawn in slowly into who and what they are, but the pace and the actions of the story are fast. She is cautious, but the darkness in them calls to the darkness in her. You catch glimpses here and there of the kind of world that Grayson, Lakelyn, Declan, Hudson, and Lucas live in. Lakelyn is like an open book, funny, outgoing, does not take anything from anybody. She has the group at her back and she knows it. But is she really someone that Bryce can trust? The guys, OMG, are so freaking hot!! You know that they are dangerous, they are not shy about making that clear. They pretty much stay at A-hole mode most of the book, and just when you think that you may start liking them. Bam! The ending!!! Yes it is a WTF ending!! I wanted to scream nooooo!! I need to know what happens next.
So overall, Stained is another great darker read that has definitely caught my eye. The pace is fast, the female lead likable. The male leads are grade A a@@'s, but you are drawn to them anyway. The sex scenes are freaking hot, and yeah I believe they would have talked me into sex with them just as quick as she did. And that ending will leave you needing to know what happens next. What a great read!!
I think that Bryce was supposed to be drawn in slowly into who and what they are, but the pace and the actions of the story are fast. She is cautious, but the darkness in them calls to the darkness in her. You catch glimpses here and there of the kind of world that Grayson, Lakelyn, Declan, Hudson, and Lucas live in. Lakelyn is like an open book, funny, outgoing, does not take anything from anybody. She has the group at her back and she knows it. But is she really someone that Bryce can trust? The guys, OMG, are so freaking hot!! You know that they are dangerous, they are not shy about making that clear. They pretty much stay at A-hole mode most of the book, and just when you think that you may start liking them. Bam! The ending!!! Yes it is a WTF ending!! I wanted to scream nooooo!! I need to know what happens next.
So overall, Stained is another great darker read that has definitely caught my eye. The pace is fast, the female lead likable. The male leads are grade A a@@'s, but you are drawn to them anyway. The sex scenes are freaking hot, and yeah I believe they would have talked me into sex with them just as quick as she did. And that ending will leave you needing to know what happens next. What a great read!!
September 3, 2019
The idea overall is fantastic, and the FMC is someone I always love reading about (tough, vulnerable, sassy), and who doesn't love an asshole (or 3!) to keep the story interesting. However, I'm not going to lie, I did find myself getting confused a number of times during this book. I feel like there are chapters or parts missing, and that the scenario skips over some important information that would probably help the flow of the series in the long run. A personal scenario this happens to me is when we are getting introduced to the MMCs- I wasn't sure who was who, and had to keep going back to double check who was who. Aside from some awkward phrasing, and spelling errors, this is a series I will definitely be continuing. Can't wait for the second book!
September 20, 2019
Review
My rating for this books falls between a 4-4.5 because as much as I start to really like Bryce(MFC) along with Grayson, Lucas and Hudson. I felt like something was missing, I felt the connection between the 4 characters wasn’t really developed but that could change throughout the series.
I would love it in you have different view points especially from the 3 main guys since it would be interesting to know what they are thinking. This book had so many twists and s crest that it felt me wanting more.
For me, Bryce(MFC) is going to be an interesting leading lady. By the way she is written, you sense a badass just waiting to come out. But man that cliffhanger really had me, shakes fists lol
My rating for this books falls between a 4-4.5 because as much as I start to really like Bryce(MFC) along with Grayson, Lucas and Hudson. I felt like something was missing, I felt the connection between the 4 characters wasn’t really developed but that could change throughout the series.
I would love it in you have different view points especially from the 3 main guys since it would be interesting to know what they are thinking. This book had so many twists and s crest that it felt me wanting more.
For me, Bryce(MFC) is going to be an interesting leading lady. By the way she is written, you sense a badass just waiting to come out. But man that cliffhanger really had me, shakes fists lol
August 27, 2019
Good book but desperate for the answers
This book has got me booked and needing to know more, all the secrets and mystery are being kept held close to the authors chest and I just wish we were giving a couple more breadcrumbs of information to satisfy my appetite. There were a couple of times during the book I felt we were meant to of been told something but jumped straight last it to the aftermath. I enjoy the characters and the potential for the plot. It does end on a cliff hanger for those of you who aren't fans of those, and I will definitely be awaiting the next instalment to find out what the help is going on.
This book has got me booked and needing to know more, all the secrets and mystery are being kept held close to the authors chest and I just wish we were giving a couple more breadcrumbs of information to satisfy my appetite. There were a couple of times during the book I felt we were meant to of been told something but jumped straight last it to the aftermath. I enjoy the characters and the potential for the plot. It does end on a cliff hanger for those of you who aren't fans of those, and I will definitely be awaiting the next instalment to find out what the help is going on.
October 8, 2019
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review
I Give this Book a 3.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 3.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!!
Romance: 0/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 5/5
Dark(?): hmmm...2ish/5, for me but it may be darker for others :)
No Spoilers!
I honestly have no idea what’s going on which is great, and I need to know! Lol
I can’t describe much about anything without giving something away! XD
But on another note when I closed the book at the cliffhanger, it almost felt like everything I read wasn’t important and/or it felt like not much happened.
But I am drawn to this series and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Looking forward to Book 2!!!
Definitely will be reading more from this Author :)
I Give this Book a 3.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 3.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!!
Romance: 0/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 5/5
Dark(?): hmmm...2ish/5, for me but it may be darker for others :)
No Spoilers!
I honestly have no idea what’s going on which is great, and I need to know! Lol
I can’t describe much about anything without giving something away! XD
But on another note when I closed the book at the cliffhanger, it almost felt like everything I read wasn’t important and/or it felt like not much happened.
But I am drawn to this series and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Looking forward to Book 2!!!
Definitely will be reading more from this Author :)
October 22, 2019
Storyline that pulls you, cliffhanger
This would have definitely been a 5 star read it the lack of editing/proofreading didn't keep pulling me from the story.
There is a really good story here and hopefully the author will get a better proofreader (or pay attention to her ARC readers based on other reviews) and clean up mistakes (wrong words, double words, word order, spelling).
I will be reading the rest of the series just for the story because that cliffhanger leaves so many questions...I'll just be editing in my head.
This would have definitely been a 5 star read it the lack of editing/proofreading didn't keep pulling me from the story.
There is a really good story here and hopefully the author will get a better proofreader (or pay attention to her ARC readers based on other reviews) and clean up mistakes (wrong words, double words, word order, spelling).
I will be reading the rest of the series just for the story because that cliffhanger leaves so many questions...I'll just be editing in my head.
September 2, 2019
Oh my.... where to even begin? I loved the FMC, the men, and the secondary characters in this book so much! There are many what the h@#! moments and times where I wanted to reach through the kindle and punch someone! All together I really enjoyed this book I love a book that is darker and this is definitely one. It ends on a killer cliffhanger and I need the next book like yesterday! I can't wait to see where this series continues to go!
September 13, 2019
To be honest I didn't know how to rate this, let me start off saying I love the characters, although the leading female gave me mix feelings because I felt like she was rushed into a strong leading lady. As for the story it felt a short and rushed as well abit, given the time an a little extra work it could of turned out to be a 5 star book!.
September 28, 2019
Stained
Loved the ideas and themes here. It seems to take awhile to really develop and is still a little scattered but you can’t help but love the story. Needs some proof reading/editing or beta readers but overall great star to a new series. The cliff hanger will have you throwing your reader and mad the next one isn’t here!
Loved the ideas and themes here. It seems to take awhile to really develop and is still a little scattered but you can’t help but love the story. Needs some proof reading/editing or beta readers but overall great star to a new series. The cliff hanger will have you throwing your reader and mad the next one isn’t here!
August 27, 2019
💜💜💜💜💜
This book was phenomenal! These people are so damaged, yet they have built a family they would die for! But that ending though.... OMG I cannot wait for Savaged! The things she’s been through, the lead up to that ending, JUST WOW!!!!
This book was phenomenal! These people are so damaged, yet they have built a family they would die for! But that ending though.... OMG I cannot wait for Savaged! The things she’s been through, the lead up to that ending, JUST WOW!!!!
September 29, 2019
Right now I'm in a WTF kind of mood. Like seriously, what did I just read in the end. Ughhh. It's 4:13am. In all seriousness though, I really enjoyed this book. It was my first from this author, and certainly won't be my last.
August 28, 2019
Oh that cliffy!
Good book! Need the second one now! There are some editing errors that hopefully will be fixed by the second book.
Good book! Need the second one now! There are some editing errors that hopefully will be fixed by the second book.
September 12, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed this one...I really liked all the characters and the mysteriousness of this story... Looking forward to book 2.
I really enjoyed this one...I really liked all the characters and the mysteriousness of this story... Looking forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews