What do you think?
Rate this book
Inferno World
Burned
I didn’t want to be this man.
I never wanted to be like my father.
I just wanted to be loved by him. Accepted. That’s how this happened, that’s how I became this person. Too many years of listening, too many years craving his approval. His words burned into my mind.
And now I crave things the world says I shouldn’t.
I open doors that should remain closed. I cross lines meant to be straight and narrow. But they’ll understand, they’ll see just like I did.
This is the right way of things. The way it’s meant to be.
And whether I have his name or not, at least I’ve finally become the perfect son.
I never wanted to be like my father.
I just wanted to be loved by him. Accepted. That’s how this happened, that’s how I became this person. Too many years of listening, too many years craving his approval. His words burned into my mind.
And now I crave things the world says I shouldn’t.
I open doors that should remain closed. I cross lines meant to be straight and narrow. But they’ll understand, they’ll see just like I did.
This is the right way of things. The way it’s meant to be.
And whether I have his name or not, at least I’ve finally become the perfect son.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2019
80 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bene
63 books1,942 followersJennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter
Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 6, 2019
The Perfect Son
Bryden wants nothing more than to be the perfect son. The perfect father, the perfect ... everything. What got me about Bryden is that he loves his entire family equally, and very deeply. He never wants any of them to feel the way he felt as a child and will not abandon any of them by the wayside.
Is this a good thing?
Yes and no.
Yes, because it shows just how much he cares about his little family.
No, because he of how he goes about it.
If you're brave enough to step into the Hell that Jennifer created, you will 100% not regret this decision. Sometimes, the strongest souls are forged from the fire, and Bryden's flame burns with a passion that will consume his entire family. A fire built from love, longing, and the want to keep them all close to his heart.
Bryden wants nothing more than to be the perfect son. The perfect father, the perfect ... everything. What got me about Bryden is that he loves his entire family equally, and very deeply. He never wants any of them to feel the way he felt as a child and will not abandon any of them by the wayside.
Is this a good thing?
Yes and no.
Yes, because it shows just how much he cares about his little family.
No, because he of how he goes about it.
If you're brave enough to step into the Hell that Jennifer created, you will 100% not regret this decision. Sometimes, the strongest souls are forged from the fire, and Bryden's flame burns with a passion that will consume his entire family. A fire built from love, longing, and the want to keep them all close to his heart.
May 29, 2019
Alright....I've had a few days to process my emotions. Grab yourself a snack and some tissues folks...it's about to be a bumpy ride.
First, I must preface-- If you haven't ready Inferno by Yolando Olson, put down this review and go read that one first. Although this can be read separately, I highly encourage you to start there and work your way through the Inferno world.
Now--with that being said--- I gotta be honest here.... I didn't like Burned by Jennifer Bene....
I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT!
Almost a week later and my head is still reeling, my heart is still pumping fast and my brain can't seem to let it go. How can fictional characters mentally destroy you like that?
I'll tell you how---Jennifer Bene doesn't shy away from her words. She doesn't try and put a pretty pink bow on a brutal and graphic story. She tells it like it is and sucks you into their world. Throughout the entire book, I didn't even realize I was reading. I felt like a fly on the wall of Bryden and Marian's home; an intruder into Ella and Wesley's lives.
I cried with them. I hurt with them. I hated for them. I lost my innocence with them.
To call this book a romance would be a huge injustice, but to say this is a love story would be hitting the nail on the head. I know--I know--If you've read Inferno or Burned, you're probably like
"Uh--Shannon-- This is NOT a love story"
To that I say---You. Are. Wrong.
Never in my life have I witnessed so much "love" in one book. It isn't wholesome, and it isn't hearts and flowers.
It's brutal, and heart wrenching, and depraved. It will suck the soul out from your body, cut it into little paper people and shove it back in. It isn't kind, or beautiful. It is DEVASTATING and ALL ENCOMPASSING.
All I can remember after I finished it was the complete emptiness I felt. My emotions were raw, my heart was black, and my mind was numb.
But----that is how you tell a story. When a reader is so engrossed into your book that she can't feel anything for hours after it; you know you've done your job, and let me tell you folks--Jennifer is damn fucking good at her job.
If you take anything from this review-- I beg to you---take this:
This Book will NOT give you butterflies in your tummy.
This book will NOT give you the warm and fuzzies.
This book will NOT convince you Happily Ever After's exist.
But.....
This book WILL stab daggers into your heart.
This book WILL throw your soul down the garbage disposal.
This book WILL break you....
-----and you'll love every fucking second of it......
June 6, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨
Who knew that the Inferno Series would turn into a whole new world filled with such dark and twisted tales? I love it! Admittedly, I read Yolanda Olson’s Inferno a couple of days prior to this and to say I was consumed is an understatement!!
Does that say anything about me? 😉
First and foremost, if you haven’t read the book I just mentioned, Inferno by Yolanda Olson, stop right here.
Do yourself a favor and get that book, devour it first, and then come back to this one. I promise you, it will enhance your reading experience. By reading that book, it will give you an understanding of this particular world and how it works.
And no, I’m not saying all books are the same, but it will mentally and emotionally prepare you for what’s to come. These books can be read as a standalone, but I highly, highly suggest reading that first!
Now, onto my review :)
With that being said, Burned by Jennifer Bene really gutted me. It captivated my attention, grabbed hostage of my heart, and it promised to never, ever let go!
“I didn’t want to be this man. I never wanted to be my father.”
It’s been however long since I’ve finished Burned and let me tell you, I’ve read this book TWICE. Yes, you heard me correct, TWICE! I was utterly consumed and drawn by this read that wrecked me, gutted me, and damn near took a knife and stabbed me in the heart! Bene doesn’t sugarcoat a thing! She doesn’t put hearts and flowers into this story.
Burned is brutal, gutting, reeling, powerful, dark and twisted, intense, horrific, and extremely taboo.
“I want them all to be happy. I want them all to feel loved.”
And just like that, I felt part of Bryden, Marian, Ella, and Wesley’s lives. I felt everything they felt. I felt the unconditional love, the pain, the hurt, and the hate.
I wouldn’t say this is a romance novel, per say. But when I tell you it’s full and filled with love, IT IS. In its own fucked up way, it actually is. I felt it while reading.
Jennifer Bene is doing something absolutely right if she’s able to evoke this many emotions out of me after this read!! I’m still reeling, I’m still processing, and I’m still so in love with every aspect of Burned!
“You never play favorites with your family. You don’t abandon each other. You bring each other together...”
Just know that there there is NO HEA. If you have triggers, I beg you, really take into consideration this warning. This read is devastating and pitch black dark!
But if you are into taking risks and having an open mind, take a read and be ready to be absolutely sucked into this world! Bene really does an amazing job into staying true to this world AND this story of hers.
Five burning and dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
Who knew that the Inferno Series would turn into a whole new world filled with such dark and twisted tales? I love it! Admittedly, I read Yolanda Olson’s Inferno a couple of days prior to this and to say I was consumed is an understatement!!
Does that say anything about me? 😉
First and foremost, if you haven’t read the book I just mentioned, Inferno by Yolanda Olson, stop right here.
Do yourself a favor and get that book, devour it first, and then come back to this one. I promise you, it will enhance your reading experience. By reading that book, it will give you an understanding of this particular world and how it works.
And no, I’m not saying all books are the same, but it will mentally and emotionally prepare you for what’s to come. These books can be read as a standalone, but I highly, highly suggest reading that first!
Now, onto my review :)
With that being said, Burned by Jennifer Bene really gutted me. It captivated my attention, grabbed hostage of my heart, and it promised to never, ever let go!
“I didn’t want to be this man. I never wanted to be my father.”
It’s been however long since I’ve finished Burned and let me tell you, I’ve read this book TWICE. Yes, you heard me correct, TWICE! I was utterly consumed and drawn by this read that wrecked me, gutted me, and damn near took a knife and stabbed me in the heart! Bene doesn’t sugarcoat a thing! She doesn’t put hearts and flowers into this story.
Burned is brutal, gutting, reeling, powerful, dark and twisted, intense, horrific, and extremely taboo.
“I want them all to be happy. I want them all to feel loved.”
And just like that, I felt part of Bryden, Marian, Ella, and Wesley’s lives. I felt everything they felt. I felt the unconditional love, the pain, the hurt, and the hate.
I wouldn’t say this is a romance novel, per say. But when I tell you it’s full and filled with love, IT IS. In its own fucked up way, it actually is. I felt it while reading.
Jennifer Bene is doing something absolutely right if she’s able to evoke this many emotions out of me after this read!! I’m still reeling, I’m still processing, and I’m still so in love with every aspect of Burned!
“You never play favorites with your family. You don’t abandon each other. You bring each other together...”
Just know that there there is NO HEA. If you have triggers, I beg you, really take into consideration this warning. This read is devastating and pitch black dark!
But if you are into taking risks and having an open mind, take a read and be ready to be absolutely sucked into this world! Bene really does an amazing job into staying true to this world AND this story of hers.
Five burning and dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
May 5, 2025
well, fast reading and very exciting, very taboo... I would have liked to see the relationship between Marian and Wesley developed further... I recommend it for lovers of forbidden and abusive relationships!
August 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️
Honestly, I found this one rather dull. Not a lot happened until the end but I get building slowly. I just wish it was more of a rollercoaster and less of a kiddie ride.
That ending though.
🌶️🌶️
Honestly, I found this one rather dull. Not a lot happened until the end but I get building slowly. I just wish it was more of a rollercoaster and less of a kiddie ride.
That ending though.
May 22, 2019
Who knew that the Inferno series would turn into a whole world? More importantly, Why am I so drawn to this world? I am not sure if I need to up my therapy or if it speaks accolades about this particular author and her ability to take me to the dark side. She doesn't even have to offer me cookies. 
After reading this book, I am trying to get my emotions in check. Even having read Inferno I was not fully prepared for this. Even with the disclaimer and warning, it still was gut-wrenching to read. This truly is horror at its finest. There is no passing Go and collecting $200 dollars.
Yet, that is part of the lure of this author. Knowing, I shouldn't take pleasure in this book but somehow knowing that I do. Again, not because of the horrifying story itself but in the appreciation of the skill that this author has at crafting something that still compels me to not be able to look away while simultaneously wanting to take a scalding shower and throw up at the same time. That takes skill.
I implore people to read the warnings about this book and to not take them lightly. This is NOT a romance in any shape or form. Even if this book is disturbing (which it totally is) I implore people to see the stylistic choices that made this a fantastic read. This author took this world and proved that there is nothing that she cannot write.
Great stuff!
After reading this book, I am trying to get my emotions in check. Even having read Inferno I was not fully prepared for this. Even with the disclaimer and warning, it still was gut-wrenching to read. This truly is horror at its finest. There is no passing Go and collecting $200 dollars.
Yet, that is part of the lure of this author. Knowing, I shouldn't take pleasure in this book but somehow knowing that I do. Again, not because of the horrifying story itself but in the appreciation of the skill that this author has at crafting something that still compels me to not be able to look away while simultaneously wanting to take a scalding shower and throw up at the same time. That takes skill.
I implore people to read the warnings about this book and to not take them lightly. This is NOT a romance in any shape or form. Even if this book is disturbing (which it totally is) I implore people to see the stylistic choices that made this a fantastic read. This author took this world and proved that there is nothing that she cannot write.
Great stuff!
November 11, 2019
Geez...I am not sure how to rate this or what to make of it. There is no moral compass in their world so be prepared to enter a most shockingly horrific situation. This story was not just taboo but wicked, obscene, disgusting. And people, it just kept getting worse with no end in sight! My feelings can only be describe with the strongest words for angry and 😢 . The writing was the only thing that kept me turning the pages hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel as the story is so warped and the characters so deprave and despondent. There is no HEA in a world like theirs. I am torn between a zero-no one should read this horror show or 3.75 as the writing is great and the characters, although dark, well written. Thank Fk it was a short novella as I couldn’t last a full book of this.
April 11, 2024
F**k me sideways, what the ever loving hell did I just read?
I read all the warnings, fully heading the author repeatedly saying this was dark and hopeless. And boy did this take me to the darkest, most depraved depths of hell. I knew going in that this wouldn't totally be my kind of read, but I also adore Ms Bene so much that, despite that fact, I had to read this. It very much makes it difficult for me to rate the book though. I've settled on four stars quite simply because I felt the story flowed, the characters were well crafted and had personality, there was some good world building and background detail and the writing is of a high standard.
Burned is a no-holds-barred and no happiness whatsoever type of read, just in case you didn't know. There is NO romance, NO happiness and NO satisfactory bad guy getting their just deserts. And until you've read one of these types of books you can't be sure whether or not you will like it. What I will say is that I did enjoy this much more than the original Inferno books. It just felt like it had a little more direction and reason. I also like that the ending, whilst totally a Debby Downer of a conclusion, felt like a hopeless hope. Believe me that will make more sense if and when you've read the book!
Bryden is a loathsome man and whilst his actions are not reasonable or acceptable, I could almost understand the 'why' of it. Marian was much more of a monster to me, she knew the truth, she knew right from wrong, she knew better. To allow, condone and participate in those acts made her much more of a monster in my eyes. It takes a talented author to craft truly believable, hateful and despicable characters.
My only criticism, which was also true of the original Inferno book, is that there is no explanation of how the family is funded. Bryden goes grocery shopping and I didn't get the impression that they were self sufficient. Whilst that information wasn't vital to the story, it was something that I made me ponder and pulled me from the story at one point.
The connection between Ella and Wesley, despite the way Bryden tried to pervert it, gave my poor little soul something good to cling to. It was what allowed me to connect to the story and 'enjoy' it, though I'm not sure how appropriate a description enjoy is. They gave each other strength, comfort and ultimately a choice. It was a tiny sliver of grey amidst the pitch black.
I read all the warnings, fully heading the author repeatedly saying this was dark and hopeless. And boy did this take me to the darkest, most depraved depths of hell. I knew going in that this wouldn't totally be my kind of read, but I also adore Ms Bene so much that, despite that fact, I had to read this. It very much makes it difficult for me to rate the book though. I've settled on four stars quite simply because I felt the story flowed, the characters were well crafted and had personality, there was some good world building and background detail and the writing is of a high standard.
Burned is a no-holds-barred and no happiness whatsoever type of read, just in case you didn't know. There is NO romance, NO happiness and NO satisfactory bad guy getting their just deserts. And until you've read one of these types of books you can't be sure whether or not you will like it. What I will say is that I did enjoy this much more than the original Inferno books. It just felt like it had a little more direction and reason. I also like that the ending, whilst totally a Debby Downer of a conclusion, felt like a hopeless hope. Believe me that will make more sense if and when you've read the book!
Bryden is a loathsome man and whilst his actions are not reasonable or acceptable, I could almost understand the 'why' of it. Marian was much more of a monster to me, she knew the truth, she knew right from wrong, she knew better. To allow, condone and participate in those acts made her much more of a monster in my eyes. It takes a talented author to craft truly believable, hateful and despicable characters.
My only criticism, which was also true of the original Inferno book, is that there is no explanation of how the family is funded. Bryden goes grocery shopping and I didn't get the impression that they were self sufficient. Whilst that information wasn't vital to the story, it was something that I made me ponder and pulled me from the story at one point.
The connection between Ella and Wesley, despite the way Bryden tried to pervert it, gave my poor little soul something good to cling to. It was what allowed me to connect to the story and 'enjoy' it, though I'm not sure how appropriate a description enjoy is. They gave each other strength, comfort and ultimately a choice. It was a tiny sliver of grey amidst the pitch black.
October 14, 2020
After the trainwreck I just finished, this book seems pale in comparison. Maybe that's the reason I one-upped the star rating. I don't know and don't ask me when I just have the scare of a lifetime.
As for this book, it closely resembles the original Inferno series, so if that's your kink, sure it's good.
For me personally, I could probably live better without knowing anything about the Inferno world. 😂 Everything is dark, gloomy and hopeless in this world. No one is going to save you and bad people will always trying to beat you down and you can't do anything. Again, if that's what you need in any point of your life, sure, pick it up.
As for this book, it closely resembles the original Inferno series, so if that's your kink, sure it's good.
For me personally, I could probably live better without knowing anything about the Inferno world. 😂 Everything is dark, gloomy and hopeless in this world. No one is going to save you and bad people will always trying to beat you down and you can't do anything. Again, if that's what you need in any point of your life, sure, pick it up.
June 19, 2019
So yeah errmm..yeah...I don't know what I'm feeling right now..I'm not sure if I wanna cry or not..My heart broke for Wesley and Ella my skin crawled from their damn mother and I just straight up hate Bryden but thats what anything to do with Inferno does it's makes you feel a whole bunch of emotions and this was uncomfortable and 100% rip your heart out sad..Good job.
August 27, 2020
I loved the title for this one: Burned
We've all had our turn in the fire so far, haven't we? If you've come this far.. I'm sure you have.
Enter Bryden. The author makes you feel for this one. He's trying so hard, you can't help but feel for him. But he wants to walk in the footsteps of his father, Luke, but better. Can you fault someone who just wants to be better?
Better in the inferno world can take many turns. Bryden tries his best to love equally. No favorites. To keep the balance. Boy does he try. It's not his fault everyone around him is ungrateful, right? I mean at least he keeps his family inside the home when they're punished.
right?
I thought the author did an amazing job. Bryden has a son, and we actually get to get into the son's head more than the other books so far.
Just be careful. Because he does love equally. You, as well, might find yourself a little .. burned.
We've all had our turn in the fire so far, haven't we? If you've come this far.. I'm sure you have.
Enter Bryden. The author makes you feel for this one. He's trying so hard, you can't help but feel for him. But he wants to walk in the footsteps of his father, Luke, but better. Can you fault someone who just wants to be better?
Better in the inferno world can take many turns. Bryden tries his best to love equally. No favorites. To keep the balance. Boy does he try. It's not his fault everyone around him is ungrateful, right? I mean at least he keeps his family inside the home when they're punished.
right?
I thought the author did an amazing job. Bryden has a son, and we actually get to get into the son's head more than the other books so far.
Just be careful. Because he does love equally. You, as well, might find yourself a little .. burned.
December 13, 2024
Estremecedor
April 3, 2025
I don’t know why I keep reading about this freaking world. They disgust me so much that I feel like throwing up for most of the book. But I think I just might find it fascinating how much evil humanity can hold.
Bryden is the son of Luke “Peter,” and just like his father, he has his wicked mind and disgusting nature. But he intends to do better than his father did, so he kept his wife with him (who he met in school), and he loved his family ‘equally.’ Also, unlike Luke, he actually kept his violence to a minimum, made good of himself, until he didn’t.
We could see from the beginning that his wife was obsessed with him, and to my surprise, his daughter also loved him! Obviously, everything changed eventually, and we know the reasons for that from past experience with Jocelyn and Darby.
But it was weird to see that the vibe in Bryden’s house was slightly different from Luke’s.
And then he’d opened the door. Tall. That was the first thing I’d noticed as I’d looked all the way up at him, watching as he laughed and leaned against the doorframe, smiling the whole time. “Look at you showing up here.”
We got to see snippets of Bryden’s past and his first impression of Luke, and my god, the authors really did a good job of making him this insufferable and SCARY throughout the series. The effect he has on his children? The women he brings? Fuck him. I don’t think I’ll ever find a character as scary and sickening as him. He just ingrained himself in my memory, and not in a good way.
Daddy took almost a third of the pork loin all for himself. Daddy takes half the mashed potatoes. Daddy takes a third of the green beans. Daddy took all of me.
The way the author described Ella’s emotions, and how she was slowly breaking down, tore me up.
The sibling relationship… I’m glad nothing has tarnished their bond, no matter how much Bryden tried. Even though in the epilogue we got to know of some “changes,” I think this is how anyone can survive in a Greene household.
Her love doesn’t make me feel cold, it doesn’t make me want to cry, and I hope that I’m doing that for her too. Just holding her hand, keeping my arm around her back. Nothing more. I never want anything more.
I give this one five stars, because for the first time reading this series, I actually feel satisfied with the ending even though it’s not a HEA.
If the branch could hold two, I’d take him with me tomorrow. But I know I’ll see him again soon. And we’ll be free. Where Daddy can’t love us.
And I must clarify that this series isn’t a dark romance.
Bryden is the son of Luke “Peter,” and just like his father, he has his wicked mind and disgusting nature. But he intends to do better than his father did, so he kept his wife with him (who he met in school), and he loved his family ‘equally.’ Also, unlike Luke, he actually kept his violence to a minimum, made good of himself, until he didn’t.
We could see from the beginning that his wife was obsessed with him, and to my surprise, his daughter also loved him! Obviously, everything changed eventually, and we know the reasons for that from past experience with Jocelyn and Darby.
But it was weird to see that the vibe in Bryden’s house was slightly different from Luke’s.
And then he’d opened the door. Tall. That was the first thing I’d noticed as I’d looked all the way up at him, watching as he laughed and leaned against the doorframe, smiling the whole time. “Look at you showing up here.”
We got to see snippets of Bryden’s past and his first impression of Luke, and my god, the authors really did a good job of making him this insufferable and SCARY throughout the series. The effect he has on his children? The women he brings? Fuck him. I don’t think I’ll ever find a character as scary and sickening as him. He just ingrained himself in my memory, and not in a good way.
Daddy took almost a third of the pork loin all for himself. Daddy takes half the mashed potatoes. Daddy takes a third of the green beans. Daddy took all of me.
The way the author described Ella’s emotions, and how she was slowly breaking down, tore me up.
The sibling relationship… I’m glad nothing has tarnished their bond, no matter how much Bryden tried. Even though in the epilogue we got to know of some “changes,” I think this is how anyone can survive in a Greene household.
Her love doesn’t make me feel cold, it doesn’t make me want to cry, and I hope that I’m doing that for her too. Just holding her hand, keeping my arm around her back. Nothing more. I never want anything more.
I give this one five stars, because for the first time reading this series, I actually feel satisfied with the ending even though it’s not a HEA.
If the branch could hold two, I’d take him with me tomorrow. But I know I’ll see him again soon. And we’ll be free. Where Daddy can’t love us.
And I must clarify that this series isn’t a dark romance.
January 19, 2023
Omg this was insane . I mean wtf did I just read!?
. This was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I did see the trigger warnings and realize this may be the first pitch black book I’ve ever read. I mean I thought I’ve read dark but wtf! Wow!! I’ve read books where people have complained about tw and I was okay with the ending. But my god this book literally has no hope. I really hoped they just poisoned him or stabbed him. It seems he literally just turned into his father. I never read the original book but through the flashbacks I see he wanted to be different but literally became what he hated . I wish beyond wish the brother had just ran with his sister when she begged him to and when they had the chance. Omg this was so sad but such an engaging story. It was not at all very descriptive in the sex scenes and I typically hate fade to black but I’m notsure if I couldve handled it especially seeing how he tortured the kids. I felt the worse for the brother bc he really had no one other than his sister. Both parents were his preditors. Also I think maybe what made it worse was they seemingly had a good upbringing and close knit family. So turning into this family dynamic was more shocking for them and maybe made it worse than if it had always been bad. I did appreciate the mom finally standing up for her kids. I am curious about her back story and plan to try to read the other books. I honestly understand their desire for everything to end because for them everything was hopeless. I love u predictable books, where things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows , but man this really pushed me to wanting a little peak of sun lol
. This was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I did see the trigger warnings and realize this may be the first pitch black book I’ve ever read. I mean I thought I’ve read dark but wtf! Wow!! I’ve read books where people have complained about tw and I was okay with the ending. But my god this book literally has no hope. I really hoped they just poisoned him or stabbed him. It seems he literally just turned into his father. I never read the original book but through the flashbacks I see he wanted to be different but literally became what he hated . I wish beyond wish the brother had just ran with his sister when she begged him to and when they had the chance. Omg this was so sad but such an engaging story. It was not at all very descriptive in the sex scenes and I typically hate fade to black but I’m notsure if I couldve handled it especially seeing how he tortured the kids. I felt the worse for the brother bc he really had no one other than his sister. Both parents were his preditors. Also I think maybe what made it worse was they seemingly had a good upbringing and close knit family. So turning into this family dynamic was more shocking for them and maybe made it worse than if it had always been bad. I did appreciate the mom finally standing up for her kids. I am curious about her back story and plan to try to read the other books. I honestly understand their desire for everything to end because for them everything was hopeless. I love u predictable books, where things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows , but man this really pushed me to wanting a little peak of sun lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
This is not a HEA at all. Believe what the author says.
Powerfully written this story makes you want to scrub your eyes out. The horror of a father with such a twisted idea of what parenting is terrifying. The knowledge that there are things like this actually happening makes you want to turn vigilante.
My heart was heavy reading this and I have to say I felt dirty. Reading this is like a trainwreck where you want to stop but you have to know what happens.
This is not for the faint of heart. Jennifer Bene is an extremely descriptive writer that you can feel the aura of the air in this off the grid home, the terror this family lives on day to day and the desire to make things better for each other.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Powerfully written this story makes you want to scrub your eyes out. The horror of a father with such a twisted idea of what parenting is terrifying. The knowledge that there are things like this actually happening makes you want to turn vigilante.
My heart was heavy reading this and I have to say I felt dirty. Reading this is like a trainwreck where you want to stop but you have to know what happens.
This is not for the faint of heart. Jennifer Bene is an extremely descriptive writer that you can feel the aura of the air in this off the grid home, the terror this family lives on day to day and the desire to make things better for each other.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
June 11, 2019
Oh damn what a book. This book sucked me in from start to finish I didn't want it to end.
Well Jennifer has gone above and beyond on the creep scale in this book as all Bryden wants is for his family to love him and to show love for each other, because he doesn't want them to go without love like he had to it's just the special kind of way he goes about it.
This was definitely a tripping wild ride straight into a lovefest of incest, but damn was it a good story.
Well Jennifer has gone above and beyond on the creep scale in this book as all Bryden wants is for his family to love him and to show love for each other, because he doesn't want them to go without love like he had to it's just the special kind of way he goes about it.
This was definitely a tripping wild ride straight into a lovefest of incest, but damn was it a good story.
May 24, 2019
OMG! This book was extremely dark! Bryden is trying to keep his family together by loving them all equally.
Jennifer's characters are very quickly created and the reader feels their anguish and hopelessness.
And just WOW! I don't have words.
6 crazy stars for Jennifer's book!
Jennifer's characters are very quickly created and the reader feels their anguish and hopelessness.
And just WOW! I don't have words.
6 crazy stars for Jennifer's book!
December 18, 2019
Dark & twisted
Like all the others before, I loved this little dark and twisted book. Even without the HEA in some of these, I am still obsessed and in love with them.
Like all the others before, I loved this little dark and twisted book. Even without the HEA in some of these, I am still obsessed and in love with them.
August 7, 2020
This book is engrossing in an OMG I can’t believe that happened kind of way. The story sucks you in and doesn’t turn you loose until the very end.
May 10, 2019
This is a novella in the Inferno world which was created by Yolanda Olson.
Jennifer Bene does an amazing job of staying true to this world. It has the same vibe and that eerie feeling you get while reading. There is such tension in the book. Everyone expert Beyden is walking around on eggshells.
Jennifer Bene did Inferno and then upped it. It was intense, horrific, really taboo and heartbreaking and also extremely well written. It is one of those book that will stay with you for a while.
And do head the warning. This book is not for everyone.
Jennifer Bene does an amazing job of staying true to this world. It has the same vibe and that eerie feeling you get while reading. There is such tension in the book. Everyone expert Beyden is walking around on eggshells.
Jennifer Bene did Inferno and then upped it. It was intense, horrific, really taboo and heartbreaking and also extremely well written. It is one of those book that will stay with you for a while.
And do head the warning. This book is not for everyone.
May 8, 2019
Each story I read from the Greene family hurts. It's emotional, and honestly I thought I would never make it through the first one, that it was a hard limit in my books.
I'm working past that.
And if I am able to read Inferno World, I'll consider it leaps and bounds!
Burned takes you into the world of Pater's long-lost son. But when they say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, I think this might have been the family they were talking about.
Emotional, riviting, gut-wrenching.
Scary.
I don't know how Jennifer made it through writing this, or me reading it, but now I know what he considers to be the perfect son.
I'm working past that.
And if I am able to read Inferno World, I'll consider it leaps and bounds!
Burned takes you into the world of Pater's long-lost son. But when they say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, I think this might have been the family they were talking about.
Emotional, riviting, gut-wrenching.
Scary.
I don't know how Jennifer made it through writing this, or me reading it, but now I know what he considers to be the perfect son.
May 13, 2020
The note of the author before the book started it's exactly how i feel about this inferno world and it's exactly why i read it and i was sucked in the story....this horrific tragedy.
Her words are perfect in describing it :
[Foreword
Okay, lovelies, before you start this book, let’s talk, because there’s a warning you need to read before you get too far in to turn back. I have been a fan of Yolanda Olson’s Inferno series since I first discovered it in a takeover on Facebook a few years ago. I was surrounded by dark romance authors in this takeover and I loved the cover of ‘Inferno’ so I snagged it. But I realized very quickly into that book that it was not a dark romance. It was a tragedy. A suspenseful, horrific tragedy, but it was the kind of slow-motion train wreck I couldn’t look away from. Once I’d started it, it was something that just had to be survived. And I did. I went on to read ‘Cinere’ (I’m even quoted on the cover of that book, thanks Yolanda!) and then ‘Sparks’, and each book left me devastated. I cannot stress enough that the Inferno series is not dark romance. There is no one coming to save anyone, there are no happy endings, it’s just… a tragedy. Honestly, writing this book was kind of like reading one of the books in the Inferno series. Once you start, you just can't look away from the train wreck. You know it's all bad, it's all going to end badly, but you *can't fucking look away*. Here is the big ol' warning I put out with my announcement for this release: 'Burned' is not even remotely "dark romance". Think of this more as a horror-tragedy with *extremely* taboo subject matter. NO ROMANCE. You need to read Yolanda Olson's book ‘Inferno’ before you look at mine. It is a horrific, slow-moving train wreck where you're just waiting to find out the final toll of dead and injured at the end. There are no happy endings in the world of Inferno, and there is no happy ending here. This book starts out uncomfortable and wrong and just goes downhill from there. That being said, if you’re already sucked into the world of Inferno, then there’s probably nothing I could say to deter you. It’s the train crash we keep coming back to over and over just to get hurt again. This book is going to break your heart. Bryden, Marian, Ella, and Wesley’s story is devastating, and it’s meant to be… but I think Pater would be proud. Good luck.]
Now...what i think about this book
The author did an amazing job jumping in this series, at midway read i had to stop because i felt sick, i wanna cry , i feel i gonna puck etc.... but like she said above, even tho i couldn't fucking look away, this one made me truly emotional,not like any of the other books in this series because she did an AMAZING JOB describing the characters, their feelings, she developed them so well that i felt my self sucked in it,with brain and all, what a mind fuck, and the end? as sadly as it was, i felt like it was a good one, the only way they all can be free,because even if they didn't do that AND kill the father they will never be ok....so yeah...wow...good job, this was awesome , being sick reading it and all. In the other ones i could shut my brain out but i couldn't do it here, this truly means her writing style it's good lol.
wow.
Her words are perfect in describing it :
[Foreword
Okay, lovelies, before you start this book, let’s talk, because there’s a warning you need to read before you get too far in to turn back. I have been a fan of Yolanda Olson’s Inferno series since I first discovered it in a takeover on Facebook a few years ago. I was surrounded by dark romance authors in this takeover and I loved the cover of ‘Inferno’ so I snagged it. But I realized very quickly into that book that it was not a dark romance. It was a tragedy. A suspenseful, horrific tragedy, but it was the kind of slow-motion train wreck I couldn’t look away from. Once I’d started it, it was something that just had to be survived. And I did. I went on to read ‘Cinere’ (I’m even quoted on the cover of that book, thanks Yolanda!) and then ‘Sparks’, and each book left me devastated. I cannot stress enough that the Inferno series is not dark romance. There is no one coming to save anyone, there are no happy endings, it’s just… a tragedy. Honestly, writing this book was kind of like reading one of the books in the Inferno series. Once you start, you just can't look away from the train wreck. You know it's all bad, it's all going to end badly, but you *can't fucking look away*. Here is the big ol' warning I put out with my announcement for this release: 'Burned' is not even remotely "dark romance". Think of this more as a horror-tragedy with *extremely* taboo subject matter. NO ROMANCE. You need to read Yolanda Olson's book ‘Inferno’ before you look at mine. It is a horrific, slow-moving train wreck where you're just waiting to find out the final toll of dead and injured at the end. There are no happy endings in the world of Inferno, and there is no happy ending here. This book starts out uncomfortable and wrong and just goes downhill from there. That being said, if you’re already sucked into the world of Inferno, then there’s probably nothing I could say to deter you. It’s the train crash we keep coming back to over and over just to get hurt again. This book is going to break your heart. Bryden, Marian, Ella, and Wesley’s story is devastating, and it’s meant to be… but I think Pater would be proud. Good luck.]
Now...what i think about this book
The author did an amazing job jumping in this series, at midway read i had to stop because i felt sick, i wanna cry , i feel i gonna puck etc.... but like she said above, even tho i couldn't fucking look away, this one made me truly emotional,not like any of the other books in this series because she did an AMAZING JOB describing the characters, their feelings, she developed them so well that i felt my self sucked in it,with brain and all, what a mind fuck, and the end? as sadly as it was, i felt like it was a good one, the only way they all can be free,because even if they didn't do that AND kill the father they will never be ok....so yeah...wow...good job, this was awesome , being sick reading it and all. In the other ones i could shut my brain out but i couldn't do it here, this truly means her writing style it's good lol.
wow.
June 20, 2019
The Family that Lays together.....
#ShockAtWhatIJustRead! I can't even begin to tell you what's in this book.
First, it's so dark and horrific, that it's just the right amount to this story.
From the beginning, it get right into the story and by the end you'll be saying wow!
"The Perfect Son", there's no such thing, and it's sad that someone has to feel that they have to be. This story is exceptional. It follows the theme well and it keeps you engaged. Jennifer, is great and she put her all in this book.
Burned is about Bryden and how he wants to keep his family close, no matter the consequences. He believes that if they follow his rules and live the way he thinks a family should, that they will be perfect.
Wesley and Ella, is his children and Marian is his wife and he wants them to be obedient for him. The children are willing to do whatever they are asked of, but when something's become too much, they start to think that being good is not enough. Marian wants all his affection and is grateful when she gets it, but when things start to change and she can't take it, she start to think being the perfect family is a problem.
Inferno World Series, is a couple of novellas, that is dark themed with a whole lot of taboo situations. If you're not into these type of books, then don't read them but if you are, get them and enjoy! ( Read the Inferno series by Yolanda Olson first to get an understanding)
#ShockAtWhatIJustRead! I can't even begin to tell you what's in this book.
First, it's so dark and horrific, that it's just the right amount to this story.
From the beginning, it get right into the story and by the end you'll be saying wow!
"The Perfect Son", there's no such thing, and it's sad that someone has to feel that they have to be. This story is exceptional. It follows the theme well and it keeps you engaged. Jennifer, is great and she put her all in this book.
Burned is about Bryden and how he wants to keep his family close, no matter the consequences. He believes that if they follow his rules and live the way he thinks a family should, that they will be perfect.
Wesley and Ella, is his children and Marian is his wife and he wants them to be obedient for him. The children are willing to do whatever they are asked of, but when something's become too much, they start to think that being good is not enough. Marian wants all his affection and is grateful when she gets it, but when things start to change and she can't take it, she start to think being the perfect family is a problem.
Inferno World Series, is a couple of novellas, that is dark themed with a whole lot of taboo situations. If you're not into these type of books, then don't read them but if you are, get them and enjoy! ( Read the Inferno series by Yolanda Olson first to get an understanding)
Want to read
June 24, 2019
get the book: http://thedarknewsletter.com/index.ph...
Merged review:
get the book: http://thedarknewsletter.com/index.ph...
changes may occur throughout the day
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter: http://thedarknewsletter.com/index.ph...
Submit for FREE: http://thedarknewsletter.com/index.ph...
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/TheDARKNewsle...
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Become a listed Author: http://thedarknewsletter.com/index.ph...
get your book reviewed: http://thedarknewsletter.com/index.ph...
June 15, 2019
Burned by Jennifer Bene pretty much left my feels burned. Destroyed. OMG.
You read about Bryden who, for being a Greene, you must know didn't have the best child hood. All he wanted was to feel love, and let his family feel love and treat them with all the same love - and not feel alone and abandon like he did. And by George that's what he does. He shows his family love. He is determined by all cost. But does his family return the same values? ??
I was numb reading this and then I got to the end...my feels...poof...into flames and were done. This is not your good-times-ever-after read, but that's what makes it another great collection to the Inferno World.
Five flames from me. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
#EmotionallyBroken #InfernoWorld/Series
#Dark #TrueTaboo #ThePerfectSon
You read about Bryden who, for being a Greene, you must know didn't have the best child hood. All he wanted was to feel love, and let his family feel love and treat them with all the same love - and not feel alone and abandon like he did. And by George that's what he does. He shows his family love. He is determined by all cost. But does his family return the same values? ??
I was numb reading this and then I got to the end...my feels...poof...into flames and were done. This is not your good-times-ever-after read, but that's what makes it another great collection to the Inferno World.
Five flames from me. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
#EmotionallyBroken #InfernoWorld/Series
#Dark #TrueTaboo #ThePerfectSon
March 26, 2024
Absolute darkness.
This one, for me at least, was much more emotional than the original series.
Bryden and his need to love his family since he didn't get it from his father Luke, and the fucked up way he goes about it is absolutely inane.
Marian who went from one shitty life to end up in another as not only a victim but a perpetrator.
But really it's Wesley and Ella trying to save each other and unfortunately failing.
Much doesn't happen for a majority of the book but towards the end, the shit hits the fan and everything goes from bad to hell's basement.
This one, for me at least, was much more emotional than the original series.
Bryden and his need to love his family since he didn't get it from his father Luke, and the fucked up way he goes about it is absolutely inane.
Marian who went from one shitty life to end up in another as not only a victim but a perpetrator.
But really it's Wesley and Ella trying to save each other and unfortunately failing.
Much doesn't happen for a majority of the book but towards the end, the shit hits the fan and everything goes from bad to hell's basement.
Read
June 3, 2019Holy shit this book tore me apart. I cried and then cried some more. Kudos to Jennifer Bene for writing the epitome of the Inferno World and everything it stands for. I'm in awe right now.
June 14, 2019
Leave your moral compass behind when you crack the cover…
Taboo is a genre that is one of three things; your go-to for reading material (or at least something you regularly enjoy), an acquired taste that you occasionally indulge in when the mood strikes you, or it is something that is just not your thing, and leaves you feeling squicky as if covered in a slimy film when you accidentally come across it.
So if you fall in the third category, heed the author’s warnings and do *not* go past the cover page of this book.
Burned is taboo. Almost from word one it is a story which is clearly meant to push boundaries and buttons. There’s a family, there’s sex, and not to give away any spoilers, but I’m pretty sure from just those two items of information you can connect the dots as to what the taboo here may be. Or you’ll think you understand, except that the author takes you on a twisted journey in this story where you think the one dot that should connect to A to B actually goes to D, and then back to B before sliding to C. Our two main protagonists are Wesley and Ella, a brother and sister duo and not of the porn trope brother – step-sister variety. They are part of a family. A very dysfunctional family. A seriously, terribly, disturbingly dysfunctional family. Because of Amazon reviewing standards (and to avoid spoilers too), nothing further can be said.
Rather than go on about *what* this story is about, let’s talk about *how* this story made me feel. This is a disturbing piece of fiction about a disturbing man and his family. By any metric of ‘normalcy’ in the first dozen paragraphs I should have been going “Oh hell no!” and shutting the cover. But this is the disturbing thing…
I didn’t.
I kept reading, and—to be fair—I did spend a fair amount of time going “Oh my God, I can’t believe this…” along with “Why am I still reading this?” However, each of those instances was answered by a voice inside me that said, “Because it’s good.” and, even more unsettling, especially as the book went on, with “Because you like this.”
And I did.
Mostly it’s because the language and flow of the story kept me sucked in, even as the story got ever-more uncomfortable. And it did. This story is unflinching. It does not pull back away from the subject matter, even at its deepest and darkest moments. There are no cutaways here, no fades to black. You are subjected to what is happening to all these characters in a brutally clear, almost clinical fashion. And it’s probably because of that, because it does not let you hide from the horror of what is happening by letting you create the worst of it as your own theater-of-the-mind, that it works. No. Every depraved action is laid before you in words that make you see what is happening, feel what these people are being subjected to. Sure, this is a dark, intense, taboo story, filled with all sorts of debauched scenes, but don’t let *that* stop you. Assuming you heed the author’s warnings, turn that moral compass over for a moment so you can’t see the direction pointer pin-wheeling out of control as you continue from wicked scene to wicked scene, perhaps you’ll surprise yourself as it taps into some of the deeper, darker recesses of your soul and enjoy it.
Or not. But you’ll never know until…
Taboo is a genre that is one of three things; your go-to for reading material (or at least something you regularly enjoy), an acquired taste that you occasionally indulge in when the mood strikes you, or it is something that is just not your thing, and leaves you feeling squicky as if covered in a slimy film when you accidentally come across it.
So if you fall in the third category, heed the author’s warnings and do *not* go past the cover page of this book.
Burned is taboo. Almost from word one it is a story which is clearly meant to push boundaries and buttons. There’s a family, there’s sex, and not to give away any spoilers, but I’m pretty sure from just those two items of information you can connect the dots as to what the taboo here may be. Or you’ll think you understand, except that the author takes you on a twisted journey in this story where you think the one dot that should connect to A to B actually goes to D, and then back to B before sliding to C. Our two main protagonists are Wesley and Ella, a brother and sister duo and not of the porn trope brother – step-sister variety. They are part of a family. A very dysfunctional family. A seriously, terribly, disturbingly dysfunctional family. Because of Amazon reviewing standards (and to avoid spoilers too), nothing further can be said.
Rather than go on about *what* this story is about, let’s talk about *how* this story made me feel. This is a disturbing piece of fiction about a disturbing man and his family. By any metric of ‘normalcy’ in the first dozen paragraphs I should have been going “Oh hell no!” and shutting the cover. But this is the disturbing thing…
I didn’t.
I kept reading, and—to be fair—I did spend a fair amount of time going “Oh my God, I can’t believe this…” along with “Why am I still reading this?” However, each of those instances was answered by a voice inside me that said, “Because it’s good.” and, even more unsettling, especially as the book went on, with “Because you like this.”
And I did.
Mostly it’s because the language and flow of the story kept me sucked in, even as the story got ever-more uncomfortable. And it did. This story is unflinching. It does not pull back away from the subject matter, even at its deepest and darkest moments. There are no cutaways here, no fades to black. You are subjected to what is happening to all these characters in a brutally clear, almost clinical fashion. And it’s probably because of that, because it does not let you hide from the horror of what is happening by letting you create the worst of it as your own theater-of-the-mind, that it works. No. Every depraved action is laid before you in words that make you see what is happening, feel what these people are being subjected to. Sure, this is a dark, intense, taboo story, filled with all sorts of debauched scenes, but don’t let *that* stop you. Assuming you heed the author’s warnings, turn that moral compass over for a moment so you can’t see the direction pointer pin-wheeling out of control as you continue from wicked scene to wicked scene, perhaps you’ll surprise yourself as it taps into some of the deeper, darker recesses of your soul and enjoy it.
Or not. But you’ll never know until…
June 16, 2019
I received a copy of this book fromt he publsher/author to review.
I didn't want to be this man. I never want to be like my father. I just wanted to be love by him. Accepted. That's how this happened, that's how I became this person. Too many years of listening, too many years craving his approval. His words bruned into my mind. And now I crave things the world says I shouldn't. I open doors that should remain closed. I cross lines meant to be straight and narrow. But they'll understand, they'll see just like I did. This is the right way of t hings. The way it's meant to be. And whether I hae his name or not, at least I"ve finally become the perfect son.
Burned is Jennifer Bene's contribution to the Inferno World that was created by Yolanda Olson. If you have read any of these book you know that they are terrribly taboo and not meant to be a dark love story or a happily ever after kind of read. Burned is the story of the family of Brayden, Marian and their children Ella and Wesley. They have been kept away by Brayden from the real world and Brayden wanted nothing more than to be his father's son but he never accepted him or gave him his last name. That is why he is so determinded that his family be the perfect happy loving family and that they show their love to each other in the ways that he sees fit. I do not want to give much of this story away. You just need to read it and find out what happens to everyone. This book is not for the faint of heart and you need to heed the warning in the front of the book before you dive into it. I thought that Jennifer Bene did a fantastic job with this story and I am still spinning from the ending.
I didn't want to be this man. I never want to be like my father. I just wanted to be love by him. Accepted. That's how this happened, that's how I became this person. Too many years of listening, too many years craving his approval. His words bruned into my mind. And now I crave things the world says I shouldn't. I open doors that should remain closed. I cross lines meant to be straight and narrow. But they'll understand, they'll see just like I did. This is the right way of t hings. The way it's meant to be. And whether I hae his name or not, at least I"ve finally become the perfect son.
Burned is Jennifer Bene's contribution to the Inferno World that was created by Yolanda Olson. If you have read any of these book you know that they are terrribly taboo and not meant to be a dark love story or a happily ever after kind of read. Burned is the story of the family of Brayden, Marian and their children Ella and Wesley. They have been kept away by Brayden from the real world and Brayden wanted nothing more than to be his father's son but he never accepted him or gave him his last name. That is why he is so determinded that his family be the perfect happy loving family and that they show their love to each other in the ways that he sees fit. I do not want to give much of this story away. You just need to read it and find out what happens to everyone. This book is not for the faint of heart and you need to heed the warning in the front of the book before you dive into it. I thought that Jennifer Bene did a fantastic job with this story and I am still spinning from the ending.
May 24, 2019
I have read Inferno and Cinere by Yolanda Olson.
So I knew exactly what I was getting with the novellas that are revolving around this world.
My thoughts were that these people were a product of their environment.
They were isolated from the real world so they knew nothing but what they lived and were told.
Burned differs in that Bryden lived in the outside world for a bit.
But he willing chose to “love” his family the way he did.
The rejection of his father was the driving force behind his actions.
But I felt no sympathy or empathy for him and I hope he burns in Hell.
My heart bleed and was destroyed for Ella and Wesley.
I hope they find their peace.
Ms. Bene wrote an extremely intense raw story.
It’s emotional and devastating beyond anything else I have ever read.
The story and characters are forever ingrained in my mind and heart.
The sign of an incredible author is this book.
When a writer takes a subject of extreme taboo,extreme darkness and the reader can’t put it down. Well then the author went above and beyond in the writing to have you so gripped to the point of your heart is breaking and your tears flowing but you still can’t stop reading.
Ms. Bene did exactly that.
**please take the authors warning very seriously.
Knowing what you know when starting this book and giving it a low rating because of the subject matter isn’t fair to the author or her writing abilities.**
So I knew exactly what I was getting with the novellas that are revolving around this world.
My thoughts were that these people were a product of their environment.
They were isolated from the real world so they knew nothing but what they lived and were told.
Burned differs in that Bryden lived in the outside world for a bit.
But he willing chose to “love” his family the way he did.
The rejection of his father was the driving force behind his actions.
But I felt no sympathy or empathy for him and I hope he burns in Hell.
My heart bleed and was destroyed for Ella and Wesley.
I hope they find their peace.
Ms. Bene wrote an extremely intense raw story.
It’s emotional and devastating beyond anything else I have ever read.
The story and characters are forever ingrained in my mind and heart.
The sign of an incredible author is this book.
When a writer takes a subject of extreme taboo,extreme darkness and the reader can’t put it down. Well then the author went above and beyond in the writing to have you so gripped to the point of your heart is breaking and your tears flowing but you still can’t stop reading.
Ms. Bene did exactly that.
**please take the authors warning very seriously.
Knowing what you know when starting this book and giving it a low rating because of the subject matter isn’t fair to the author or her writing abilities.**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews