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Mate #1-4
Forever His
Simone Winston is twenty-two, a single mother, and in love with a faceless man who kept her for two months before setting her free.
After the mysterious, intriguing stranger Isaac Toft leaves her a generous tip, she’s drawn to him despite her reservations and soon he takes over her life all in the name of helping.
When Isaac’s secrets endanger the life of her as well as her child, will he lose the chance to make her forever his?
After the mysterious, intriguing stranger Isaac Toft leaves her a generous tip, she’s drawn to him despite her reservations and soon he takes over her life all in the name of helping.
When Isaac’s secrets endanger the life of her as well as her child, will he lose the chance to make her forever his?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
About the author
Violet Haze
87 books113 followersViolet Haze is a big fan of writing & reading romance. The autistic mother of one, she currently lives in Ohio and is self-employed. When not working or writing, she spends her days reading, procrastinating, & listening to her son play video games she doesn't understand, at all.
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December 20, 2015
Bittersweet with a twist
Dark non-con sexual slavery stories always pique my interest. In Mate, Simone is a woman who goes through a couple of incredulous experiences. This book a serial and I am thankful I read it all in one sitting. If I had it serial by serial, I might not have finished it due to cliffhanging frustration. Simone's life is shattered when she is kidnapped and turned into a sex slave. She does not know what is going on, just that she must please her Master. When she is finally resigned to her life as a sex toy, she is tossed back into her real life. This is when it becomes clear what has happened.
Ms. Haze does a great job of setting up this story. It caught me a little off guard and I liked the early twist. From there on out, the story is predictable. There are little surprises which throws the reader off. Near the last part of the story, there is another twist which kind of makes a reader wonder what is up with Simone. Does she have a sign on her head which flashes in neon lights "Sex Slave for the taking"?
The BDSM in this tale is medium intensity. Whilst the concepts are dark, the actual bdsm scenes are light to moderate. There is a nice underlying sexual tensions dealing with erotic power exchange. The dungeon is an important one to note. I liked how Ms. Haze presents this one because in the "darkness" the dungeon seems stark and desolate. When the light is turned on so to speak, it makes this room much less intimidating. It is almost a nice safe place to enjoy one's erotic desires.
Simone and Isaac's relationship in this story is mixed for me. I liked both characters. They behaved in believable manners for the most part. Their interactions are a bit stilted for me due to the lack of communication. It is as if Isaac is not able to talk with a person normally. True, he is a reclusive man with a past. True he can be mysterious. What confounds me is that if he is portrayed as a type of uber dominant, why would he have such issues communication with a submissive? Perhaps it is designed in this manner to show how much Isaac is hung up on Simone. For me, it seemed a bit contrived with the miscommunication. The last item which bothered me a bit is Simone's response to Isaac. Granted Simone is young; her reaction and stubborn demand for three little words is beneath her. After everything she's been through and how she has pulled herself together, this one sticking point is disappointing and makes me think less of her.
Overall, this story is a good read. I can be easily read in a couple of hours. The kinky tale is recommended for those who enjoy a bit of bittersweet with their erotic romances.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Dark non-con sexual slavery stories always pique my interest. In Mate, Simone is a woman who goes through a couple of incredulous experiences. This book a serial and I am thankful I read it all in one sitting. If I had it serial by serial, I might not have finished it due to cliffhanging frustration. Simone's life is shattered when she is kidnapped and turned into a sex slave. She does not know what is going on, just that she must please her Master. When she is finally resigned to her life as a sex toy, she is tossed back into her real life. This is when it becomes clear what has happened.
Ms. Haze does a great job of setting up this story. It caught me a little off guard and I liked the early twist. From there on out, the story is predictable. There are little surprises which throws the reader off. Near the last part of the story, there is another twist which kind of makes a reader wonder what is up with Simone. Does she have a sign on her head which flashes in neon lights "Sex Slave for the taking"?
The BDSM in this tale is medium intensity. Whilst the concepts are dark, the actual bdsm scenes are light to moderate. There is a nice underlying sexual tensions dealing with erotic power exchange. The dungeon is an important one to note. I liked how Ms. Haze presents this one because in the "darkness" the dungeon seems stark and desolate. When the light is turned on so to speak, it makes this room much less intimidating. It is almost a nice safe place to enjoy one's erotic desires.
Simone and Isaac's relationship in this story is mixed for me. I liked both characters. They behaved in believable manners for the most part. Their interactions are a bit stilted for me due to the lack of communication. It is as if Isaac is not able to talk with a person normally. True, he is a reclusive man with a past. True he can be mysterious. What confounds me is that if he is portrayed as a type of uber dominant, why would he have such issues communication with a submissive? Perhaps it is designed in this manner to show how much Isaac is hung up on Simone. For me, it seemed a bit contrived with the miscommunication. The last item which bothered me a bit is Simone's response to Isaac. Granted Simone is young; her reaction and stubborn demand for three little words is beneath her. After everything she's been through and how she has pulled herself together, this one sticking point is disappointing and makes me think less of her.
Overall, this story is a good read. I can be easily read in a couple of hours. The kinky tale is recommended for those who enjoy a bit of bittersweet with their erotic romances.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2025
Nice simple love story
Well, I loved the whole series. It kept me interested the whole way through.
I loved the chemistry between Simone and Isaac was good but sort of weak. What he did about not telling his true self was good start for her to get mad but there needed to be something that was very hard to forgive. Isaac did seem honest and sincere and had an easy going disposition. For a master in BDSM he was not very powerful. Simone seemed really gullible.
I think one character should of been the stronger one.
But the story flowed smoothly and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The ending was a little disappointing, I thought it would have a more of a bang at the end.
But all in all a nice simple love story. I really enjoyed
Til next time - Sweets Books
(Written by Colleen - SBAH)
Well, I loved the whole series. It kept me interested the whole way through.
I loved the chemistry between Simone and Isaac was good but sort of weak. What he did about not telling his true self was good start for her to get mad but there needed to be something that was very hard to forgive. Isaac did seem honest and sincere and had an easy going disposition. For a master in BDSM he was not very powerful. Simone seemed really gullible.
I think one character should of been the stronger one.
But the story flowed smoothly and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The ending was a little disappointing, I thought it would have a more of a bang at the end.
But all in all a nice simple love story. I really enjoyed
Til next time - Sweets Books
(Written by Colleen - SBAH)
April 15, 2019
An intense emotional read!!!
I absolutely loved book intensely emotional read that held me captivated from beginning to end. This is a truly intriguing story and has some excellent characters. Simone and Isaac are truly perfect for each other even if they are both being stubborn about it. This is a truly captivating story and I highly recommend it! I look forward to reading Owen's story, Forever Yours, when it comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved book intensely emotional read that held me captivated from beginning to end. This is a truly intriguing story and has some excellent characters. Simone and Isaac are truly perfect for each other even if they are both being stubborn about it. This is a truly captivating story and I highly recommend it! I look forward to reading Owen's story, Forever Yours, when it comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2019
This was an intriguing book. Keeps you guessing. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
April 14, 2019
This is the first book of the In the Dark series. I did find the story intriguing. Simone is a single mother and has fallen for someone who kept her for two months. Isaac want to control Simone, will he? Entertaining story but I just wish it had been a bit darker, Isaac wasn’t quite as dominant as I would have personally liked. Overall the story was good.
April 14, 2019
I read the first one and I really enjoyed it. I loved the way the author brought the characters to life. I received a free copy for a honest review from booksprout.
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January 9, 2016Had dark&delicious potential but it ended up disappointing
At no point did Isaac actually exert his power over Simone, except the very surprisingly dark but so damn good and exciting part of the story when Simone is asleep, Isaacs in her room watching her sleep as he cant stop touching himself at the sight of her when the touching goes way beyond and it's no longer on himself. It's even better that Simone never wakes up during his graphic fondling fetish. Simone is hilarious at times, so much so that parts make you laugh out loud, and Isaac too, especially the counting Isaac does for her swearing. I loved how he reprimanded her like an errant hormonal teenager, had me craving his divine discipline. However rarely did he enforce it. This book could have been tantalizing but Isaac is all talk and no action. The story leads you to believe that Isaac will get to the delicious part where Isaac shows his power by imposing his wants/desires over Simone, reminding her why she fell in love with him in the dark, however it never happens. I'd be surprised to find out Isaac actually owned a set if you know what I mean! Simone's character was equally disappointing as well. Both characters start off strong w/promises of delivering dark deliciousness with battles of lusty resistance, sultry submission, authority, dangerous dominance, the reason we read books of this nature, however Isaac and Simone never deliver, never! In the beginning they're characters are mysterious, tasty, alluring, and hard core sexually but they turn out to be soft cuddly teddy bears riding on the backs of butterflies while passing each other tissues during heartfelt proclamations of their love to one another. The beast from Disney's classic "Beauty and the Beast" yields more Dominance than Isaac! Someone grab Isaac a tampon because he was bleed dry of any manliness he exhibited in the beginning of the book and don't forget Simone, although that's what I think Simone did, she must have gotten amnesia some where because she forgot how to make a man earn her submission! Disney's princess Sleeping beauty puts up more resistance than Simone. She gave chase but no struggle. Basically the characters in the first part are amazingly daring and awesome like a hurricane, but they lose their edge and get all soft and sappy acting like totally different people. I was shocked that Isaac put up with Simone's decisions and actions, especially because he goes on and on about how she can never leave because she belongs to him and will not allow it. Yea ok sure whatever you say Isaac. That supposedly dark, dominating man pretty much packed up Simone's bags for her, and didn't fight one ounce to get her and the baby to stay, nor did he fight to get them back!! Some random man he barely has more than an acquaintance with did the fighting for him practically hand delivering Simone wrapped in a bow (blindfold) same difference to Isaac. I liked the characters in beginning, like their story, love the darker fantasies in this story but I just expected more from them
At no point did Isaac actually exert his power over Simone, except the very surprisingly dark but so damn good and exciting part of the story when Simone is asleep, Isaacs in her room watching her sleep as he cant stop touching himself at the sight of her when the touching goes way beyond and it's no longer on himself. It's even better that Simone never wakes up during his graphic fondling fetish. Simone is hilarious at times, so much so that parts make you laugh out loud, and Isaac too, especially the counting Isaac does for her swearing. I loved how he reprimanded her like an errant hormonal teenager, had me craving his divine discipline. However rarely did he enforce it. This book could have been tantalizing but Isaac is all talk and no action. The story leads you to believe that Isaac will get to the delicious part where Isaac shows his power by imposing his wants/desires over Simone, reminding her why she fell in love with him in the dark, however it never happens. I'd be surprised to find out Isaac actually owned a set if you know what I mean! Simone's character was equally disappointing as well. Both characters start off strong w/promises of delivering dark deliciousness with battles of lusty resistance, sultry submission, authority, dangerous dominance, the reason we read books of this nature, however Isaac and Simone never deliver, never! In the beginning they're characters are mysterious, tasty, alluring, and hard core sexually but they turn out to be soft cuddly teddy bears riding on the backs of butterflies while passing each other tissues during heartfelt proclamations of their love to one another. The beast from Disney's classic "Beauty and the Beast" yields more Dominance than Isaac! Someone grab Isaac a tampon because he was bleed dry of any manliness he exhibited in the beginning of the book and don't forget Simone, although that's what I think Simone did, she must have gotten amnesia some where because she forgot how to make a man earn her submission! Disney's princess Sleeping beauty puts up more resistance than Simone. She gave chase but no struggle. Basically the characters in the first part are amazingly daring and awesome like a hurricane, but they lose their edge and get all soft and sappy acting like totally different people. I was shocked that Isaac put up with Simone's decisions and actions, especially because he goes on and on about how she can never leave because she belongs to him and will not allow it. Yea ok sure whatever you say Isaac. That supposedly dark, dominating man pretty much packed up Simone's bags for her, and didn't fight one ounce to get her and the baby to stay, nor did he fight to get them back!! Some random man he barely has more than an acquaintance with did the fighting for him practically hand delivering Simone wrapped in a bow (blindfold) same difference to Isaac. I liked the characters in beginning, like their story, love the darker fantasies in this story but I just expected more from them
October 31, 2015
Serials?? I don't usually like serials. Since this was complete I gave it a shot. Was I ever surprised, pleasantly. Sometimes I will read a book just because the title catches my eye as this did. I actually didn't expect this story. I enjoyed the mystery, the betrayals, the BDSM elements, the hot sex, the surprise parenting. I also liked Issac he was so damaged & conflicted but good none the less. I also liked Simone who although a bit strange was so much stronger than she ever imagined. The support characters were awesome as well. There has to be more about them as they are screaming loudly for stories of their own. Those are stories I look forward to reading. I have a new appreciation for serials.
A review copy was provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
A review copy was provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
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August 23, 2019
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August 18, 2015
I am a huge fan of Violets books and this serial is some of her very best work! Mate is unique, sexy, suspenseful and just when you think you've got it all figured out, the twists and turns take you places you couldn't have imagined!! As always I highly recommend and look forward to more!
April 16, 2017
Good read
Liked the surprise factor that led to them reuniting in the end. It made it exciting unlike the usual events in most stories.
Liked the surprise factor that led to them reuniting in the end. It made it exciting unlike the usual events in most stories.
May 22, 2020
Abduction romance contains major spoilers
Well written with good characters and dialogue, so why the one star, the storyline. It didn't offer anything new or explore the characters especially when the main lead found out the truth. It was just simply brushed aside with a few lines. Spoiler
Being abducted, being subjected to slavery and multiple rapes in the dark would leave her scared and jaded. Finding out her husband was behind it and not acting by contacting the police after two months. The woman wasn't in love she was conditioned to accept systematic abuse from an unknown assailant and kept on a leash like a dog.
It's not sexy abusing a defenseless restrained woman with a belt.
Then finding out she was pregnant by that same man, and leaving to start again. She has the baby then gets involved with the man who kept her prisoner and professes love for him. He says she was a client then why is he having unprotected sex with her when he abducted her.
The whole thing was just hard to swallow. It's a shame because it the story explored the crime angle and then built up the love story more slowly then it would have been a more captivating romance.
Not really for me but will appeal to some.
Well written with good characters and dialogue, so why the one star, the storyline. It didn't offer anything new or explore the characters especially when the main lead found out the truth. It was just simply brushed aside with a few lines. Spoiler
Being abducted, being subjected to slavery and multiple rapes in the dark would leave her scared and jaded. Finding out her husband was behind it and not acting by contacting the police after two months. The woman wasn't in love she was conditioned to accept systematic abuse from an unknown assailant and kept on a leash like a dog.
It's not sexy abusing a defenseless restrained woman with a belt.
Then finding out she was pregnant by that same man, and leaving to start again. She has the baby then gets involved with the man who kept her prisoner and professes love for him. He says she was a client then why is he having unprotected sex with her when he abducted her.
The whole thing was just hard to swallow. It's a shame because it the story explored the crime angle and then built up the love story more slowly then it would have been a more captivating romance.
Not really for me but will appeal to some.
October 6, 2018
I really wanted to love this book! I loved the blurb and the plot of the book. But Issac as the Hero and her 'Master' really lacked everything for me. He failed to communicate, even simple things and through the whole book he turned everything to sex instead of a connection. When she left with their son, he let them go and didn't fight for them. He reflect to his previous relationship and everything he did to protect her because that was love... yet fails the woman time and again who he is actually supposed to LOVE!! The ending was then very rushed and all is forgiven. The End.
August 27, 2020
I've read some sick, dark & twisted shit in my life. But FUCK. This has got to be the best thing I've read in a while that makes me take a deep, good look inside of me. I'm a twisted bitch for even being turned on by any, all, of this. That sleeping scene in Isaac's chapter 11 segment?? FUUUCK ME FIFTY WAYS TO SUNDAY PLEASE!?! And throwing in a psychotic ex-girlfriend!? (let me just disregard her keeping Malik hostage here, ok!) Maaan! 😊
Great book Vi. Great fucking content!!! 😭❤❤❤
Great book Vi. Great fucking content!!! 😭❤❤❤
May 2, 2019
Oh what a brilliant twist, I could give this ten stars I just loved it. The chemistry between Isaac and Simone is breath taking, I couldn't put it down, but didn't want it to end,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2019
Awwwww
Contemporary Romance. MF. Hint of BDSM. It wasnt what I expected at all but it was super sweet and I really liked it. I their making up was a teensy bit rushed, but I'm happy with the HEA.
Contemporary Romance. MF. Hint of BDSM. It wasnt what I expected at all but it was super sweet and I really liked it. I their making up was a teensy bit rushed, but I'm happy with the HEA.
February 1, 2020
Forever His
A dark and backwards love that never ceased drawing me in. A love found in unbelievable circumstances. You have to read it. I couldn't put it down other than to go potty lol. Thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to reading more of your books.
A dark and backwards love that never ceased drawing me in. A love found in unbelievable circumstances. You have to read it. I couldn't put it down other than to go potty lol. Thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to reading more of your books.
October 12, 2015
Interesting, Dark, and a Little Funny
Recommendation:
Totally acceptable. I liked it. It was light enough to read easily. It was deep enough to keep me interested. There was character evolution and plot. Am I a better person for having read it? Eh. My takeaways are the philosophical bonus (because that’s what I love) and the notion that a BDSM relationship doesn’t have to come across as degrading or violent.
If you read these kinds of stories, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
If you don’t read these kinds of stories, this is one of the better ones.
What you get:
• You get a romance about a young woman named Simone who was involuntarily introduced to something scary that she discovered she loved. She’s not an experienced girl, but she’s not stupid. She’s witty and she’s not afraid to call people out or—my favorite—use people’s own words against them. I dislike stupid heroines in romance/erotica/all stories so Simone was refreshing. I found her further refreshing because she kept her identity. She enjoyed pleasing her partner in their sexual encounters but she was never degraded.* She was also not afraid to take charge.
• You get a man, Isaac, with a somewhat complicated past, a past which he will not talk about and naturally rears its ugly head to bite everyone in the butt. He’s a little stilted in his speech. Simone says he talks like he’s got a stick up his ass—she’s right. But he’s also funny. He’s not entirely inclined to obey when his partner takes charge but he doesn’t dismiss the notion and does his best to please her in these few encounters.
• You get two people who talk to each other. They might not always do it well, but they do it.
• You get a story that’s not too heavy but not a walk in the park, a pretty easy read. The tone is kind of conversational but not stream of consciousness. It’s written in the first and third persons and in the present tense. Personally, I have a difficult time writing in the present tense, so kudos to Ms. Haze for doing it well.
What you don’t get:
• You don’t get a weak heroine who just wants to be someone’s slave.
• You don’t get a stupid heroine who is completely clueless.
• You don’t get an asshole hero who just wants to beat up and overpower someone.
• You don’t get a hero who’s dark and brooding all the time.
• You don’t get a heroine who keeps fretting about what she did wrong to make the hero dark and brooding.
• You don’t get great grammar. (Disclosure: I’m a freelance editor.) It’s not hard to read this story at all. But it has a little room for improvement regarding grammar. A lot of sentences are overly long and get convoluted. Some pronouns get ambiguous. Some verb tenses and numbers get confused. But it’s not bad, certainly not bad enough that I wouldn’t recommend it (and I’ve read things with such poor grammar that I gave up on them).
Some WTF things:
• *Simone is such a sound sleeper that she can deep throat a penis—a penis so large that she can’t wrap her hand around it—without waking up. Amazing.
• Isaac is okay with deep throating his guest, who doesn’t know who he really is, in her sleep, but he thinks it’s not right for them to have sex together until she knows who he is. He also doesn’t run his hands through her hair or caress her face immediately after she discovers his deception because he doesn’t have the right to. A curious character, indeed.
A bonus:
It seems like a lot of stories try to psychoanalyze BDSM-ers, and Mate does to a small extent. But, more than that, Mate takes a philosophical stance about finding truth in darkness (which truly has nothing to do with the BDSM aspects). And even ties the hero and heroine’s coupled evolution to turning the light on. It doesn’t overburden the book; really, it’s only briefly mentioned in some key conversation—it’s well-placed. Plato and Socrates wouldn’t ponder its ramifications. But it’s interesting and refreshing.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher through Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Recommendation:
Totally acceptable. I liked it. It was light enough to read easily. It was deep enough to keep me interested. There was character evolution and plot. Am I a better person for having read it? Eh. My takeaways are the philosophical bonus (because that’s what I love) and the notion that a BDSM relationship doesn’t have to come across as degrading or violent.
If you read these kinds of stories, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
If you don’t read these kinds of stories, this is one of the better ones.
What you get:
• You get a romance about a young woman named Simone who was involuntarily introduced to something scary that she discovered she loved. She’s not an experienced girl, but she’s not stupid. She’s witty and she’s not afraid to call people out or—my favorite—use people’s own words against them. I dislike stupid heroines in romance/erotica/all stories so Simone was refreshing. I found her further refreshing because she kept her identity. She enjoyed pleasing her partner in their sexual encounters but she was never degraded.* She was also not afraid to take charge.
• You get a man, Isaac, with a somewhat complicated past, a past which he will not talk about and naturally rears its ugly head to bite everyone in the butt. He’s a little stilted in his speech. Simone says he talks like he’s got a stick up his ass—she’s right. But he’s also funny. He’s not entirely inclined to obey when his partner takes charge but he doesn’t dismiss the notion and does his best to please her in these few encounters.
• You get two people who talk to each other. They might not always do it well, but they do it.
• You get a story that’s not too heavy but not a walk in the park, a pretty easy read. The tone is kind of conversational but not stream of consciousness. It’s written in the first and third persons and in the present tense. Personally, I have a difficult time writing in the present tense, so kudos to Ms. Haze for doing it well.
What you don’t get:
• You don’t get a weak heroine who just wants to be someone’s slave.
• You don’t get a stupid heroine who is completely clueless.
• You don’t get an asshole hero who just wants to beat up and overpower someone.
• You don’t get a hero who’s dark and brooding all the time.
• You don’t get a heroine who keeps fretting about what she did wrong to make the hero dark and brooding.
• You don’t get great grammar. (Disclosure: I’m a freelance editor.) It’s not hard to read this story at all. But it has a little room for improvement regarding grammar. A lot of sentences are overly long and get convoluted. Some pronouns get ambiguous. Some verb tenses and numbers get confused. But it’s not bad, certainly not bad enough that I wouldn’t recommend it (and I’ve read things with such poor grammar that I gave up on them).
Some WTF things:
• *Simone is such a sound sleeper that she can deep throat a penis—a penis so large that she can’t wrap her hand around it—without waking up. Amazing.
• Isaac is okay with deep throating his guest, who doesn’t know who he really is, in her sleep, but he thinks it’s not right for them to have sex together until she knows who he is. He also doesn’t run his hands through her hair or caress her face immediately after she discovers his deception because he doesn’t have the right to. A curious character, indeed.
A bonus:
It seems like a lot of stories try to psychoanalyze BDSM-ers, and Mate does to a small extent. But, more than that, Mate takes a philosophical stance about finding truth in darkness (which truly has nothing to do with the BDSM aspects). And even ties the hero and heroine’s coupled evolution to turning the light on. It doesn’t overburden the book; really, it’s only briefly mentioned in some key conversation—it’s well-placed. Plato and Socrates wouldn’t ponder its ramifications. But it’s interesting and refreshing.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher through Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2015
Compelling
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
The book grabbed my attention from the beginning at the shock of finding “Cara” kidnapped by a stranger, who sexually enslaves her for two months and while she is captive, is entirely nude and always in the dark. The captivity scene between “the Master” and Cara is a very powerful one as it sets the tone for the story. The Master reveals he must release her as she does not belong to him, but has trained her to respond to his touch. A final punishment/reward exchange is delivered and the Master reluctantly blindfolds Cara before he drives her home. Simone, who is renamed Cara while she is the Master’s slave, is finally free to return to her normal life. Once at home, though, she’s absolutely outraged, betrayed to find her cheating husband had arranged the whole abduction as a fantasy without her consent. But what Simone didn’t expect from her ordeal is how close a bond she feels towards the faceless stranger and the dark desires he’s awakened within her.
Isaac helps clients create their fantasy into reality. He can’t forget Simone and the sweet way she fit so well. And then months later, he stumbles across Simone at the restaurant she works, looking ill-fed, poorly dressed and exhausted. Isaac is sick over the discovery of the betrayal done to Simone and feels the need to redeem himself by helping her and her child. But he keeps his identity a secret a little longer and there is someone in Isaac’s past that becomes a threat to their blossoming romance.
I have mixed feelings about Mate. Don’t get me wrong I thoroughly loved the story line, but something went awry for me in the writing. Simone’s POV is told in first person, and as readers we share in her emotions and what’s happening with her in the story, while Isaac’s is written in third person. His portion jarred me out of the story, as I found myself often rereading parts. It felt awkward to read about Isaac as an observation with no personal emotions which kind of gave the story an uneven flow. I understand the author wrote Isaac’s speech as being proper which made him sound stilted at times, and his character came across as stoic and unfeeling. But his actions were described as loving when he had scenes with Malik, his son. And though I felt his past had a detrimental affect on him, making him emotionally unavailable, I think he could have been developed more likeable. We have two strong leads with plenty of supporting characters that helped the plot along. I was really rooting for these two to getting together but there were plot twists I didn’t see coming. It really got my heart racing when Simone was kidnapped and sold, along with the baby in danger, and Isaac tied up unable to help rescue them both. What started out as a dark erotic romance bloomed into a sweet romance, albeit, an unconventional one. But I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Haze has written an intriguing story of love and redemption, one that I could not put down until I finished. Thank goodness I had the chance to read all the parts together. Good job, Ms. Haze.
My rating: 4
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
The book grabbed my attention from the beginning at the shock of finding “Cara” kidnapped by a stranger, who sexually enslaves her for two months and while she is captive, is entirely nude and always in the dark. The captivity scene between “the Master” and Cara is a very powerful one as it sets the tone for the story. The Master reveals he must release her as she does not belong to him, but has trained her to respond to his touch. A final punishment/reward exchange is delivered and the Master reluctantly blindfolds Cara before he drives her home. Simone, who is renamed Cara while she is the Master’s slave, is finally free to return to her normal life. Once at home, though, she’s absolutely outraged, betrayed to find her cheating husband had arranged the whole abduction as a fantasy without her consent. But what Simone didn’t expect from her ordeal is how close a bond she feels towards the faceless stranger and the dark desires he’s awakened within her.
Isaac helps clients create their fantasy into reality. He can’t forget Simone and the sweet way she fit so well. And then months later, he stumbles across Simone at the restaurant she works, looking ill-fed, poorly dressed and exhausted. Isaac is sick over the discovery of the betrayal done to Simone and feels the need to redeem himself by helping her and her child. But he keeps his identity a secret a little longer and there is someone in Isaac’s past that becomes a threat to their blossoming romance.
I have mixed feelings about Mate. Don’t get me wrong I thoroughly loved the story line, but something went awry for me in the writing. Simone’s POV is told in first person, and as readers we share in her emotions and what’s happening with her in the story, while Isaac’s is written in third person. His portion jarred me out of the story, as I found myself often rereading parts. It felt awkward to read about Isaac as an observation with no personal emotions which kind of gave the story an uneven flow. I understand the author wrote Isaac’s speech as being proper which made him sound stilted at times, and his character came across as stoic and unfeeling. But his actions were described as loving when he had scenes with Malik, his son. And though I felt his past had a detrimental affect on him, making him emotionally unavailable, I think he could have been developed more likeable. We have two strong leads with plenty of supporting characters that helped the plot along. I was really rooting for these two to getting together but there were plot twists I didn’t see coming. It really got my heart racing when Simone was kidnapped and sold, along with the baby in danger, and Isaac tied up unable to help rescue them both. What started out as a dark erotic romance bloomed into a sweet romance, albeit, an unconventional one. But I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Haze has written an intriguing story of love and redemption, one that I could not put down until I finished. Thank goodness I had the chance to read all the parts together. Good job, Ms. Haze.
My rating: 4
June 15, 2016
I loved this series, I read each book as an individual and was drawn in by the authors words.
Book 1
Simone has been gone for 2 months kidnapped and used as a slave but now her master tells her her time is up and he wishes she was his. Skip ahead now with a baby Simone is a single mum and divorced after she found out her husband was behind the kidnapping. Working and just making ends meet a stranger shows an interest in her but he seems to know more a lot about her apart from the fact she has a son.
Just what is Issac's intentions? Will Simone find out who her kidnapper was/is
Book 2
A month goes by before Simone hears or sees Issac. But with him trying to distant himself from her he has found he is more drawn to her. And after finiding ut what her now ex husband had done and Issac giving him a seeing to that he wont forget in a hurry.
Just what is Issac hiding and how does he know so much about Simone and her past?
Will Simone figure out Issac before she gets in to deep or will she leave?
We still don't find much about Issac and why he lives the way he lives but we do get his POV and a small insight into his past and I do hope Violet goes into more of this over the next couple of books.
I was drawn in with Violet's writing I couldn't put the book down but I guessed one bit from the first book and with the answer revealed in this one I was right, but sorry not going to give spoiler away. Can't wait for more of this series and be warned the book does end on a cliffhanger and will leave you cursing {heck I curse when I finish every book}. Had a few lol moments when reading this and may I add don't read first few chapters in public as you tend to get stared at for laughing. Anyway enjoy this series
Book 3
With Isaac's secret now out just how will Simone react?
After learning who he really is and how he is the man that she fell in love with, she just has the face to put to the one she knew as master.
But now Isaac's past has come back to haunt him, will this mean trouble for Simone, Malik and Isaac?
After reading this I soooo desperately want the 4th book now, I am not a patient person and I said a few choice words with the cliffhanger of this book.
Book 4
With Isaac’s past catching up to him, and now they are threating things between him and Simone. But not knowing how unstable Lizzy is and what she is capable of Isaac is going to have to play along if he wants his family safe and well.
Now Simone has found herself kidnapped again and this time she will fight back, but all is not as it seems when her captor realises she didn’t go willingly, will he help save Malik from Lizzy? or will they be to late?
Will Simone ever trust Isaac again? Will she be able to put what happened to her and her son behind her?
Will they get the HEA?
A great end to the series at one point I had a lump in my throat, have to say I loved this series.
I was soooooo eager for this book to be released and I have to say it was worth the wait, and as soon as I got it I started reading it even leaving the book I was half way through just to find out what happened.
Book 1
Simone has been gone for 2 months kidnapped and used as a slave but now her master tells her her time is up and he wishes she was his. Skip ahead now with a baby Simone is a single mum and divorced after she found out her husband was behind the kidnapping. Working and just making ends meet a stranger shows an interest in her but he seems to know more a lot about her apart from the fact she has a son.
Just what is Issac's intentions? Will Simone find out who her kidnapper was/is
Book 2
A month goes by before Simone hears or sees Issac. But with him trying to distant himself from her he has found he is more drawn to her. And after finiding ut what her now ex husband had done and Issac giving him a seeing to that he wont forget in a hurry.
Just what is Issac hiding and how does he know so much about Simone and her past?
Will Simone figure out Issac before she gets in to deep or will she leave?
We still don't find much about Issac and why he lives the way he lives but we do get his POV and a small insight into his past and I do hope Violet goes into more of this over the next couple of books.
I was drawn in with Violet's writing I couldn't put the book down but I guessed one bit from the first book and with the answer revealed in this one I was right, but sorry not going to give spoiler away. Can't wait for more of this series and be warned the book does end on a cliffhanger and will leave you cursing {heck I curse when I finish every book}. Had a few lol moments when reading this and may I add don't read first few chapters in public as you tend to get stared at for laughing. Anyway enjoy this series
Book 3
With Isaac's secret now out just how will Simone react?
After learning who he really is and how he is the man that she fell in love with, she just has the face to put to the one she knew as master.
But now Isaac's past has come back to haunt him, will this mean trouble for Simone, Malik and Isaac?
After reading this I soooo desperately want the 4th book now, I am not a patient person and I said a few choice words with the cliffhanger of this book.
Book 4
With Isaac’s past catching up to him, and now they are threating things between him and Simone. But not knowing how unstable Lizzy is and what she is capable of Isaac is going to have to play along if he wants his family safe and well.
Now Simone has found herself kidnapped again and this time she will fight back, but all is not as it seems when her captor realises she didn’t go willingly, will he help save Malik from Lizzy? or will they be to late?
Will Simone ever trust Isaac again? Will she be able to put what happened to her and her son behind her?
Will they get the HEA?
A great end to the series at one point I had a lump in my throat, have to say I loved this series.
I was soooooo eager for this book to be released and I have to say it was worth the wait, and as soon as I got it I started reading it even leaving the book I was half way through just to find out what happened.
Read
November 5, 2015I'm not going to put a star rating on this, since I don't think it would be fair. I listened to the audiobook, and quickly discovered this isn't the sort of story I really enjoy, and I don't want to rate it based solely on it being a sub-genre I don't generally read. I was just intrigued enough to keep listening and not give up, but it was touch and go at times.
If you like a story that reads like Cinderella and her prince acting out a sexual fantasy, if you like angst and emotional trauma/drama, then you will probably love Mate. There's something about the fantasy of being tied up and used as a sex slave that turns some people on. And for some, the fantasy of being so desirable that you can make powerful men bend to your will is intoxicating. (I'm not one of those people.) Mate is a definite roller-coaster.
I prefer external conflict, myself. Granted, there is some of that in Mate, too, which is why I didn't give up, but most of the book - especially the last part - was people being too stubborn to talk things out. That drives me nuts. I didn't relate to Simone at all, but I could sometimes glimpse why she might do what she does. I'm not a mother, and she's put in a fucked up situation and she has to make decisions for two.
The sex scenes were pretty hot, though, and also a reason I didn't give up.
The voice talent reading for the audiobook was pleasant and easy to listen to.
If you like a story that reads like Cinderella and her prince acting out a sexual fantasy, if you like angst and emotional trauma/drama, then you will probably love Mate. There's something about the fantasy of being tied up and used as a sex slave that turns some people on. And for some, the fantasy of being so desirable that you can make powerful men bend to your will is intoxicating. (I'm not one of those people.) Mate is a definite roller-coaster.
I prefer external conflict, myself. Granted, there is some of that in Mate, too, which is why I didn't give up, but most of the book - especially the last part - was people being too stubborn to talk things out. That drives me nuts. I didn't relate to Simone at all, but I could sometimes glimpse why she might do what she does. I'm not a mother, and she's put in a fucked up situation and she has to make decisions for two.
The sex scenes were pretty hot, though, and also a reason I didn't give up.
The voice talent reading for the audiobook was pleasant and easy to listen to.
August 29, 2015
Simone was kept two months as a slave, believing she was kidnapped. Little did she know that when she was released the secret would be out and she would become a single and a mother at a young age. When Isaac takes an interest in her he doesn't know the secret that he is keeping. When it comes out in the open do they have a chance.
This four part series kept the secrets flowing and the angst coming from each page. Demons from the past arise and they threaten their relationship. It is a not an easy road. Even with all of the drama and angst you can feel the emotion between Simone and Isaac. They know they love each other but is that enough.
The characters are strong and you will feel the emotion of each and every one of the them. Ms. Haze weaves an intricate story of deceit, love, and heartache. She throws in some twists that make you wonder if Simone and Isaac will get their HEA and it will keep you reading and crossing your fingers that they will
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review. Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng (
This four part series kept the secrets flowing and the angst coming from each page. Demons from the past arise and they threaten their relationship. It is a not an easy road. Even with all of the drama and angst you can feel the emotion between Simone and Isaac. They know they love each other but is that enough.
The characters are strong and you will feel the emotion of each and every one of the them. Ms. Haze weaves an intricate story of deceit, love, and heartache. She throws in some twists that make you wonder if Simone and Isaac will get their HEA and it will keep you reading and crossing your fingers that they will
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review. Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng (
September 24, 2015
Fully Enjoyed
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
I fully enjoyed Mate: The complete Serial.
I loved the interaction between Simone and Isaac in the very first chapter.
You could tell that Isaac (The Master) cared for Simone (Cara) and didn't want to let her go. I defiantly felt bad for Simone when she found out it wasn't real and her dirtball of a husband set it up. All that time she felt that wrong with falling in love with the very person who kept her as a prisoner.
I was so happy when Isaac came back into Simone's life, I just wish he would of did it in a better way. Like tell her the truth right away instead of her finding out on her own.
I wish it was a little longer, I didn't want the story to end.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
I fully enjoyed Mate: The complete Serial.
I loved the interaction between Simone and Isaac in the very first chapter.
You could tell that Isaac (The Master) cared for Simone (Cara) and didn't want to let her go. I defiantly felt bad for Simone when she found out it wasn't real and her dirtball of a husband set it up. All that time she felt that wrong with falling in love with the very person who kept her as a prisoner.
I was so happy when Isaac came back into Simone's life, I just wish he would of did it in a better way. Like tell her the truth right away instead of her finding out on her own.
I wish it was a little longer, I didn't want the story to end.
July 19, 2015
Unexpected, shocking, totally sucked me in and has me intrigued and I truly didn't know what to expect from Mate but I'm so glad I dove into this story. What starts as a bizarre encounter between a master/abducted slave turns into an amazing journey of love and redemption. The road isn't easy and both Simone and Isaac will be tested as they face their own personal demons, embrace the opportunity for love and family while allowing forgiveness to guide them. Violet Haze continues to amaze me with her no-holds-barred writing, always pushing the boundaries while allowing the characters journeys unfold naturally with all the trials and tribulations that challenge us every day.
January 6, 2016
The book pulled me in at first. However after reading a bit and getting into the third book I found I was losing interest. I like more complicated characters. This is a good book when looking for a lite read. At least for me anyways.
October 1, 2015
My first read by this author and I was intrigued. I will definitely read more. This was a well developed serial that had plenty of plot and heat.
January 27, 2016
I found this to be such a unique story. Really great read -- another new favorite author!
January 28, 2016
Loved it
Loved this book highly recommend this book couldn't put this book down a easy five star for me. . .
Loved this book highly recommend this book couldn't put this book down a easy five star for me. . .
March 5, 2016
Very good read
Love it want more. Need to know what happens with them more. An going to try more books by her.
Love it want more. Need to know what happens with them more. An going to try more books by her.
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