Hold Me

Twist Me #3

by Anna Zaires

Captor and captive. Lovers. Soulmates.

We’re all that and more.

We thought we were past the worst of it. We thought we finally had a chance.

We thought wrong.

We’re Nora and Julian, and this is our story.

***Hold Me is the conclusion of the Twist Me trilogy, told from Nora & Julian's point of view.***

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2015

About the author

Anna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.

After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.

Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.

In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.

She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Hold Me, book 3 of 3. Dark & violent tale of high school grad being held captive by ruthless alpha, Julian!

“Apparently, a conscience is a useful thing to lack.”

Books in the Twist Me Trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: Twist Me
Book 2: Keep Me
Book 3: Hold Me

In Twist Me, boo 1 and 2 recent high school graduate Nora Leston was kidnapped by heir and arms dealer Julian Esguerra. Amidst violence and rape, cocooned on a remote island, their attraction grew into more with Nora fighting her feelings and Julian taking whatever she would not give willingly.

Hold me, book 3 is the conclusion to their story with Nora growing up, standing up to Julian and coping with the trauma and her conflicting feelings for Julian. It’s a battle of wills, test of commitments, attempts at amends and ultimately Julian and Nora coming to terms with their destiny.



Seven words to describe Julian Esguerra: Determined, entitled, broken, flawed, ruthless, possessive and analytical.



Seven words to describe Nora Leston: Stubborn, naïve, smart, determined, reckless, spirited and loyal.

Hold Me, told from dual POV’s, is a story of an obsessive love marred by secret pasts, conflicting emotions, intense attraction, and terrorizing villains. It ends with healing, compromise, sacrifice and love.

“My moral compass has been gradually tilting off-course, and I’ve been letting it happen.”

***
Hero: ★★★★1/2
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★1/2
Sexual tension: ★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | HIGH FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | HIGH FOCUS |



Thank you to everyone reading & chatting on Shh… Shhurrender your TBR! https://goo.gl/ccVTB7

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So not gonna lie...I am straight hung the fuck over from Christmas.

Now don't get me wrong, the pain is not to THIS level:

*
*
*



But rather, this level:



Meaning I...overdid the "Hallelujah" - aka the wine, champagne, cookies, pie, ice cream...and of course, last but not least, the exhausting as fuck totes awesome family fucking interaction.

And, as a result, I now find myself not wanting to leave my house - or bed to be specific - or socialize with anyone - including through the interwebs.



Anyway, I digress...my whole point is this:

I am so drained and mentally wasted right now that I have NO clue what to fucking say about this book and series except to say that I really loved it.

All three books were just great, especially the last two when Julian and Nora's relationship is more defined.

I LOVE me some captivity themes and some OTT ridiculous possessive alpha male and this series delivered that in a manner I really enjoyed.

I am really looking forward to reading more from this author, especially the upcoming spin-off from this series.

Anyway, I'm off to go read some more.

[Clumsy Storyteller · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 shining Stockholm syndrome stars

[Anna Zaires]

Coming June 9th!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
iBooks
Google Play
Kobo
Paperback on Amazon US

Teaser #4


Teaser #3


Teaser #2


Teaser #1

[Mada Linx · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve just read a very long porn.

If upset, they fuck.
If happy, they fuck.
If you’re in the middle of a panic attack, what do you do? You fuck.
Find out you’re expecting? No problem, take some fuck.

These series went downhill for me. Regardless of how the author tried to portrait and redeem Julian, it just didn’t save him for me. Also, continuing with the series just made me dislike Nora more and more. Compared with the character from the first book, in this one Nora is plain and stupid.

I doubt I’ll read more by this author...

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5** This is probably my most reread series. It's dark, disturbing, violent, and manipulative. But it's also wonderfully crafted, and a searingly, deeply wrong, obsessive love story. You must read them in order, and try to keep an open mind. Julian is awful, but also not...but he really is.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 10.6.2015

BASICS

Love triangle? No.
Cheating? No.
HEA? YES.
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex? Definitely a big no.
Would I read more by this author/or in this series?Yes.
Rating: 5 stars


Review

Loved it!!! Can't believe it's the end of the trilogy.
Julian is simply OTT as always and I wouldn't love him as much as I do, if he wasn't. He and Nora go through some tought times miscarriage and Chicago mafia who wants to kill them and come at the end standing stonger than ever. Loved the epilogue and can't wait for Lucas's story in Capture me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those who can't wait :)
Anna Zaires posted in her facebook group an EXCERPT from Julian's POV. If you haven't read Keep Me, do NOT read it. There will be a spoiler for Keep Me!


“What did you dream about?” I ask softly. “Was it Beth?”
“No.” She shakes her head, and I see that her breathing is beginning to return to normal. Her voice, however, still holds echoes of horror as she says hoarsely, “It was you this time. Majid was cutting out your eyes, and I couldn’t stop him . . .”
I try not to react, but it’s impossible. Her words hurl me back to that cold, windowless room, to the nauseating sensations I’ve been trying to forget for the past several days. My head begins to throb with remembered agony, my half-healed eye socket burning with emptiness once again. I feel blood and other fluids dripping down my face, and my stomach heaves at the recollection. I’m no stranger to pain, or even to torture—my father believed that his son should be able to withstand anything—but losing my eye had been by far the most excruciating experience of my life.
Physically, at least.
Emotionally, Nora’s appearance in that room probably holds that honor.
It takes all of my willpower to wrench my thoughts back to the present, away from the mind-numbing terror of seeing her dragged in by Majid’s men. “You did stop him, Nora.” It kills me to admit this, but if it weren’t for her bravery, I would probably be decomposing in some dumpster in Tajikistan. “You came for me, and you saved me.”
I still have trouble believing that she did that—that she voluntarily placed herself in the hands of psychotic terrorists to save my life. She didn’t do it out of some naive conviction that they wouldn’t harm her. No, my pet knew exactly what they were capable of, and she still had the courage to act.
I owe my life to the girl I abducted, and I don’t quite know how to deal with that.
��Why did you do it?” I ask, stroking the edge of her lower lip with my thumb. Deep down, I know, but I want to hear her admit it.
She gazes at me, her eyes filled with shadows from her dream. “Because I can’t survive without you,” she says quietly. “You know that, Julian. You wanted me to love you, and I do. I love you so much that I would walk through hell for you.”
I take in her words with greedy, shameless pleasure. I can’t get enough of her love. I can’t get enough of her. I wanted her initially because of her resemblance to Maria, but my childhood friend had never evoked even a fraction of emotions Nora makes me feel. My affection for Maria had been innocent and pure, just like Maria herself.
My feelings for Nora are anything but.
“Listen to me, my pet . . .” My hand leaves her face to rest on her shoulder. “I need you to promise me that you will never do something like that again. I’m obviously glad to be alive, but I would sooner have died than had you in that kind of danger. You are never to risk your life for me again. Do you understand me?”
The nod she gives me is faint, almost imperceptible, and I see a mutinous gleam in her eyes. She doesn’t want to make me mad, so she’s not disagreeing, but I have a strong suspicion she’s going to do what she thinks is right regardless of what she says right now.
This obviously calls for more heavy-handed measures.
“Good,” I say silkily. “Because next time—if there is ever a next time—I will kill anyone who helps you against my orders . . . and I will do it slowly and painfully. Do you understand me, Nora? If anyone so much as endangers a hair on your head, whether it’s to save me or for any other reason, that person will die a very unpleasant death. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes.” She looks pale now, her lips pressed together as if to contain a protest. She’s angry with me now, but she’s also scared. Not for herself—she’s beyond that fear now—but for others. My pet knows I mean what I say.
She knows I’m a conscienceless killer with only one weakness.
Her.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

*audiobook

Did my yearly re-rereading of this masterpiece trilogy.

Julian and Nora will forever remain the standard, I fear.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Gif Review of Hold Me!

Julian and his team went in search of revenge against the “Al Qaedar” Terrorists that kidnapped Nora.



Julian’s plane crashed



Nora had a plan to save Julian when she found “Al Qaedar” kidnapped him.



Nora is kidnapped yet again.



Of course we know it had to turn out Ok since this is a romance.



Though Julian is not happy about what Nora did.



Julian is just as possessive as before.



Nora worries that Julian’s violent life is rubbing off on her.



Nora is deeply disturbed by the fact that she is no longer disturbed by Julian



Julian makes all the rules



Julian fears losing Nora.



There is a car chase.



And they live happily ever after…



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[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third and final book in this trilogy, the end of Julian and Nora

This book reads like if it was a movie……. If I can compare it to any movie. I would have to say it is. a cross between 50 Shades of Grey, but much much darker and action pack Like Bourne identity. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I’m Once again, will warn you to keep in mind this read has dark elements, including rape, physical violence and psychological/physical abuse…….
So once again, I will remind you, do not throw your Kindle across the room like I did in the previous book. It might result in cracking your Kindle.

I would like to say thank you to my best friend BB. Who recommended me this book and purchase me A new Kindle for my birthday

Yes Nora & Julian will have you Shaking your head and thinking WTF



It was so different seeing Nora’s character develop into a strong-willed woman, yes Nora still enjoys being the submissive. But she also. Is starting to stand up for herself.

I must admit my favorite Part of this book is when it came to Nora’s standing up to Julian in the bathroom scene. With the laptop.

There are times when I feel like Nora takes Two steps forward. And Three steps backwards.

I just love when Julian starts training Nora on how to be a bad ass, Nora can now fight and defend herself and knows how to use a gun as well
OMG….. I almost forgot about …..There is another scene were Nora gives Julie run for his money. However, it was what Julian needed.


I don’t know if I mentioned it in my previous review. Keep Me …. That the author just left us dangling in the air. At the end. Thankfully, we received epilogue on this one. So that the author could close it out.


Lucas Kent is Julian’s second in command, I’m a bit curious about this character. And I noticed that Lucas also has his own spin-off Trilogy. Maybe later on in the future, I’ll try picking that one up. And I know that It took me nearly Five years to read this series. Hopefully it doesn’t take as long for the next series.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern-Day Bonnie & Clyde

With assaults and shoot-outs, this book concludes Nora and Julian's unconventional love story. There was not a boring moment in this book. I devoured it, practically reading it straight through.

A surprise pregnancy brings a softer, sweeter, side of Julian to the surface. Meanwhile, Nora struggles to come to terms with their lifestyle and what that will mean for a baby.

Action-packed, this book stays true to character. At the same time, 'Hold Me' shows a softer, more vulnerable side of this couple. Anything but ordinary, this couple finally seems to get their HEA.

While the Series does have dark elements, this third book was far less dark than earlier books in the series. Nonetheless, there are scenes including rape. If that is a trigger for you, then this may be a story you want to avoid. If you enjoyed the first two books, then you won't want to miss this one!

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the end of this fantastic series… and I’m sad.
Something’s amiss. That’s what happens when you’ve had so much fun and did things out of the ordinary and now, you’re reminded you have to wake up, feed the kids, go to work. I’m no longer in the dangerous jungle with a hot arms dealer and muscled guards, having brutal and raw sex with a god looking hero. Sigh…

And cherry on top, it was so enthralling, gripping, raw, thrilling, breathtaking (I had literally to be reminded to breathe) I could not put my Kindle down. I read till the wee hours, knowing I had to teach a bunch of unruly adults today and be on top of my game to capture and hold their attention… But I don’t regret anything, it was more than worth it!

Ok, enough rambling and inner monologue and more of Nora and Julian.

At the end of book 2, I had some questions needing answers: “Will Nora take a greater part in Julian’s business? Will she overcome her anxiety of bearing a child? Will Julian lose his edge or hold his strong animal sex appeal? Will new threat arise????”
I don’t know if Mrs Zaires heard the many readers pleas but she gives us all that and more. How can she make it so interesting and keep the tension throughout the series? Julian’s character certainly plays a major role in this “keep the reader panting on his toes”.

Julian is raw, hot, commanding and is what you could call a anti-hero with his lack of morals. He takes what he wants. What he wanted and will always want is Nora. He is still completely obsessed with her, craves her but he’ll have to curb his violent instincts in this last installment. Don’t worry, we still have out of the charts hot sex scenes as he as a huge sexual appetite! Dangerous, ruthless, smart, he’ll do everything to keep Mia safe and to keep her with him, period.
He’ll never let her go and that’s what I loved so much in this series: his obsession. I know it’s unhealthy and amoral as he kidnapped her but it must speak to some buried cavewoman in me.
Julian has evolved from cold and detached predator in the first book to a still brutal but caring man all for Nora. He’s come to realize he may be worth loving and Nora is the perfect woman for him. He’ll make compromise, try to fight his will of keeping her always sheltered in a golden cage and give her what she needs to be happy. I want to be her hero, her savior. For just one night, I want to be the husband of her dreams."

The pace was steady/slow in the first part as Nora and Julian go back to the compound and have to heal and deal with Nora’s trauma. There was not as much action as inner reflection and life choice to make.
Nora has nightmares from her time with Malik. Only extreme brutal sex can soothe her. She also is very conflicted by her feelings. She loves Julian “to death”, would do anything for him but her greatest worry is her moral compass. Nora is a very strong heroine as she as an incredible capacity to survive and adapt. She knows Julian’s world is a bad world but she does not see everything in black and white anymore and it frightens her.
”Murder, torture, illegal arms dealing-intellectually, I still condemn it all, but it no longer bothers me as it once did. My moral compass has been gradually tilting off-course, and I’ve been letting it happen. I’ve been letting Julian’s world change me without so much as putting up a fight.”
But would she remain sane if she was constantly torn between her morals and her love?

Nora discovers she is pregnant and is riddled with anxieties as she has no certainties about her and Julian’s future with all the threats around them. The lack of Julian’s morals and her acceptance of them is also a cause of concern. How could she raise a child in such threatening environment? What kind of father would Julian be? What kind of role model would she be, the girl abducted by an arm dealer and completely in love with him?
But as Rosa said: “Bad things can happen to anyone, anywhere. There are soldiers who live to a ripe old age, and office worker who die young. There’s no rhyme or reason to life. You can choose to live every moment in fear, or you can enjoy life… Enjoy this baby you have growing inside you. It’s a gift, not a curse, to bring forth life. You might not have chosen to bring a child into this world, but it’s here now, and all you can do is love it. Treasure it.”

On the bright side, knowing she is pregnant puts an end to her nightmares : “Apparently, stressing about being overly stressed is particularly bad having a child with a sadistic arms dealers-are less anxiety provoking.”

Nora is a kickass heroine. She is small, she’s been abducted but she has a real talent to adapt and survive. A real tigress when she has to protect those she loves, we’ll see her in action in this book and it’s worth the best James Bond! If the beginning is steady, the pace accelerates tremendously: one major event triggers many others and we’ll have nonstop action with rocket shooting, car pursuit, helicopter explosion, etc. Daniel Craig could not do better. Yay!

The only thing I regret is the end: I would have loved to read more of the “after”. I know, I never have enough of Julian and Nora…

[The Girl Murdered by Her TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-JULIAN-SHOULD-BE-MINE-NOT-NORA’S-STARS!!!!

Oh my gosh! I can’t believe I’ve finished reading this series already. I’m going to miss this ocassionally uncomfortable yet absolutely captivating series.

I am going to miss Julian Esguerra and his delectable body. Lol. I’m going to miss his unpredictable behavior, overwhelimg presence, badass reputation, smart and charismatic personality and his obsession for Nora. Seriously how cool can this guy be?

I am going to miss Nora and her stubborn ass. I might find her annoying sometimes, but still I love the way she embraced Julian and his life.

I am also going to miss Rosa. I was hoping that she and Lucas are going to happen but I saw that Lucas is going to be with Yulyia which is a bummer.

Anyways, I think this series is absolutely perfect and awesome. The action scenes, the plot, the sexy times, the complex relationship of Julian and Nora, the mild humor, and even the writing style.

I wish Rosa would have a story. I really love her character so much. I’m a bit disappointed because she and Lucas were not paired.

[Coco.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the entire series 3 times already and this time around I listened to the Audio version. I'm still completely in love with Julian and Nora. Their story is passionate, raw, powerful and sizzling hot. The world Anna Zaires creates is haunting and addicting with emotional richness and depth.

[Skye-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know...it's still a great book, but compared to the first two, the conflict seemed a bit forced. There was a lot going on and at the same time there was no substance to it.
But don't let me spoil the fun, it was still an amazing read.

[Lorelei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hold Me is the conclusion of the Twist Me series. I picked up this book just after it was released and pretty much devoured it just to see what happens in the end.
Let me start by saying this book was slow. The first 100 pages are about Nora, her nightmares, her PTSD, her unexpected pregnancy and her doubts about Julian's feelings. I found myself yawning after a certain point cause it felt like i was reading a contemporary flick and this was supposed to be dark romance which it wasn't. The story was pretty much vanilla and whatever plot there is happens near the end.
Nora is trying to grow a backbone as Julian's wife and soon to be mother . She wants them to be normal which is kinda impossible since Julian is an arms dealer and also the man who kidnapped her. Surprisingly he grows very sensitive when he hears the news of the pregnancy but he continues to be controlling and menacing when it comes to Nora's safety and her right to have a life.
It was kinda funny to see him so gentle and careful with her in sex considering what he has put her through all this time, like for real, a doctor should inform him that you can't have a miscarriage so easily during sex . I liked the fact that he was more open and understanding this time, and listened to Nora's needs but we still have the occassional threats a normal husband wouldn't say.

"My breath catches. “I’m your wife, not your  slave—”
“You’re whatever I wish you to be, my pet. I own you.” The casual cruelty of his words hits me like a blow, knocking all air out of my lungs. Something of my reaction must’ve shown because his grip on me eases, his tone softening slightly as he says, “This is your home, Nora. Here. With me. Not out there.”

All that because she wanted to see her parents. And when he agrees it goes like this :
“If you disobey me, or do anything to endanger yourself while we’re in Chicago, I will punish you. Do you understand me?”

Yeah, these tendencies didn't go away but i was hoping for the moment Nora would snap out of it and confront him. Was her Stockholm Syndrome so strong to prevent her from standing up to him? I didn't like how all the sudden she completely forgot the things he did to her and that wasn't okay. Am i supposed to buy that they are in love now? Does that makes it all right? Those things had to be addressed and Julian should have somehow express his remorse, like wasn't that the purpose of this book?
No matter how hard they tried to be a normal couple i didn't feel it. Nora was still his submissive and he was her captor.

By the time we walk out of the restaurant, I feel like I’m in seventh heaven. Our dinner tonight was the closest thing we’ve had to a real date, and for the first time in months, I’m feeling hopeful about the future.

We may never be “normal,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t be happy.

As we drive to the club, I allow myself that daydream again, the one where Julian and I are a family. It feels more real now, more substantial. For the first time, I can picture us raising our child together. It wouldn’t be easy, and we’d constantly be surrounded by guards, but we could do it. We could make it work. We’d live on the estate most of the time, but we’d travel too. We’d visit my parents and friends, and we’d go to places in Europe and Asia. I would have a career as an artist, and Julian’s business would be something that’s in the background of our lives, instead of front and center.
It wouldn’t be the kind of life I dreamed of when I was younger, but it would be a good life nonetheless

Considering how he wouldn't even let her see her parents and her friends for a few hours i'd say Nora is being clearly delusional. She knows very well that his job put them both in danger numerous times and the one who makes the decisions is Julian, not her. They aren't equals and unfortunately by the end of the book i realized they'd never be.
Also Nora is justifying Julian's killing pretty vigorously. I don't know if it's because she killed a man too but she perfectly agrees Julian is the one who has to serve justice by causing a bloodpath and she is just fine with it completely. I guess being a mobster's wife requires such thinking.

In the final chapters i realize 3 books have been futile and pointless since Julian forces her to have anal sex with him and she is reluctant because she thinks he's punishing her for so basically she starts crying and blaming herself, accepting the fact that she must be punished. Yup. 3 books later we still get this. Then he tells her he loved her since the beginning so it automatically erases all the nasty parts of their relationship, right? Was it love when he abducted and raped her? Was it love when he nearly choked her during sex? Was it love when he forced her to get trackers?
This book was kinda unnecessary, the story could have concluded in two books without too much drama and going back and forth. I liked the writing and some scenes but overall this failed to be a thrilling book like The Dark Duet series.

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian & Nora story had you entranced, it kept you on the edge of your seat. It was different seeing Nora character develop into a strong willed woman, however it was what Julian needed. Once Nora accepted her fate on the estate Julian stop treating as his captor he started grooming her to be the woman by his side. Once he start training Nora on how to be a bad ass, she could fight, and knew how to use a gun...she became his sounding board. But one thing remained the same Julian was obsessed with Nora he let her know constantly he would never let her go, he wanted to spend as much time with her than without her. Nora craved Julian even more she loved dark lover/monster he was, although Julian kipnapped her they found a rhythm that worked for them. Nora was his Pet first then wife, lover & soulmate. Being in love with an arms dealer came with real fear at all times, the drama, action and violence in this book kept you reading, like OMG what else can happen and it did.

Although Julian & Nora story ended in HEA its their HEA dark Arms Dealer style...

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah...
The end...

Well, i embraced more drama of the added baby factor...and the doubts lingering in, both Nora & Julian...

There's danger, action, more action and more drama...

But i somehow ended up unraveling the 'what might happen' to the secondary character Lucas Kent and the woman held as a traitor in his captivity after a fallout mission...yeah, that kinda stirred my imagination more...

Nevertheless, i gulped this trilogy in no time and i bloody liked it!

I will be immersing myself into the spin-off series with Lucas Kent and his blonde Russian captive in Capture me series

👍😜

[mel ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ✩⋆

— julian is fucking crazy but the crazy bitch in me wants him
— nora and rosa? love a good girl friendship
— rosa is me. i am rosa. we are one. why? because she was nosy af.
— lucas and yulia? im intrigued.
— again, ROSA NEEDS A BOOK ASAP

br with @mina and @phuong

[crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●• · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want to protect her, heal her from the wounds she should’ve never sustained. I want to be her hero, her savior.
For just one night, I want to be the husband of her dreams.”
- Julian Esguerra

* * *
“I want to believe in the illusion of his caring, in the mirage of his twisted love, and so I let the dark memories fade, leaving me in the brighter present.
Leaving me with the man I love.”
- Nora Esguerra

* * *
“Nobody can be sure of anything. Bad things can happen to anyone, anywhere. There are soldiers who live to a ripe old age, and office workers who die young. There’s no rhyme or reason to life, Nora. You can choose to live every moment in fear, or you can enjoy life.”
- Rosa

* * *
“Don’t let your soul get tarnished by what you can’t change.”
- Rosa

* * *
“I don’t know what other answer I expected. That he fell in love with me and now regrets having caused me suffering? That I came to mean so much to him that he now sees his actions as wrong?”
- Nora Esguerra

* * *
“We survived, we’re together, and nothing will ever tear us apart again.”
- Nora Esguerra

* * *
“I feel my heart expanding, filling with the mixture of dark possessiveness and tender love she always evokes in me.
My captive. My wife. My entire world.
I will love her to the end of time, and I will never, ever let her go.”
- Julian Esguerra

[Mysti · Rating 5 out of 5]

She knows my true nature, yet she still feels safe with me. I have trained her to feel that way. I have made her love me.

The explosive conclusion to Julian and Nora’s unconventional love story. Julian’s obsession reaches new heights. When Nora wants to take a trip to see her parents, they encounter more drama and enemies. Nora steps up and shows just how strong and fierce she has become. She’s the perfect woman for Julian. In this book they also suffer a painful loss. Can Nora’s love finally melt the ice that surrounds Julian’s heart? Ha! Do you even have to ask?

She’s my world, my everything, and I want her so much I ache with it.

We also get a glimpse of Lucas and his obsession with a woman he should hate. Thankfully his story is told in Capture Me.

Personally, I wasn’t happy with the epilogue, but overall – I still love this series. It’s one of my most favorite dark series. I love a good Stockholm Syndrome fic.

JULIAN + NORA = FOREVER

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third and final book in this trilogy. And it’s another great read. I love both Julian and Nora.
This is another exciting almost non stop read. It’s straight onto Capture Me next.

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: Narrators – Robert Scarlato & Shirl Rae

Another amazing performance by both narrators! They totally sold me on this series. Each of their voices conveyed the darkness, the domination, the fear and the pain each of these characters experienced through the story. Absolutely stunning in every way!


While I was at first a bit on edge about the change in Nora’s character that arises during this book, I quickly realized that it was actually perfect for not only the situation but for Julian as well. This is filled with so much drama, action, violence and agony my heart was twisted (oops, didn’t mean to use that as a pun but I’ll leave it) in every direction. I grew to love each of these characters the deeper into the dark they went. Nora’s own personal emotional journey was painful to experience in every way. With Julian’s added to it I was torn between wanting the perfect HEA with a white picket fence and wanting the happy ending that only a dark soul could ever have. Be assured, it does have a HEA, but what it’s made of will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Without a doubt, I am now a fan of this trilogy and I am so curious to read more by this author.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama
Triggers violence; rape of secondary character – some off page but enough to use caution; miscarriage; dubious consent

['Q' aka CoCo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tore through the first books in this series, but this one took me forever to finish. I even stopped in the middle and started reading another, which is something I never do. I just couldn't get into it. I found it to be highly repetitive, redundant to the point where I was sighing and saying, "yes, I know! She loves him, yet she fears him. She hates that she fears him, yet wants him... on and on and on."
I felt like the main plot point in the book was stretched out too far. What could have been cleared up with a simple conversation, was left to fester and both parties suffered for it. I didn't understand this because the Julian I remember would never have allowed secrets between them. He would never have allowed things to progress to the point that they did where Nora would be that far gone.
In the end, I found it to be a disappointing end to what was an exciting series.

[❤Casey❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.75 stars***(so close to 5)

First off, if you like Captive in the Dark or Monsters in the Dark, these books are for you!! This series is similar to Monsters in the Dark but still so different in many ways. This book, Hold Me, is the 3rd and final book in the Twist Me trilogy.

I won't go into spoiling the first 2 books, but here's a basic backstory.......

Julian kidnapped Nora and brought her to his private island simply because he "had to have her". As the story goes, Julian wears Nora down until she eventually falls in love with him. Mixed in with all of that is the fact that Julian is a very dangerous man involved in weapons. So you have international espionage, violence and torture mixed in, as well. At the end of book 2, the reader assumes Nora and Julian are back on their way to paradise/compound in the jungles of Colombia.......

Now here we are........Hold Me

Nora has come to terms with the fact that she is more than likely suffering from Stockholm's. Really, all she is 100% sure of is her unwavering love for Julian. But she also craves the love and acceptance of her parents back home in Chicago even though they have no tolerance for Julian. Both Julian and Nora have overcame losing people, losing vital body parts;) and killing people. Now they just want to be together in peace......but their wish isn't granted.

This book is filled again with violence and action, upsetting the balance Julian and Nora have finally found. There is also a heartbreaking situation thrown in, that threatens the two as a couple.

The only reason I didn't give this 5 complete stars was the ending. Please don't click on the spoiler if you haven't read this series. It's not a total spoiler if you've read the first two, though. I wished for more of an ending. I know that Nora was pregnant again, but I would have liked an epilogue into the later future. Being that Nora already miscarried at 10 weeks, I wanted to see this pregnancy come to fruition. I wanted an image in my mind of Julian playing with a chubby, dark haired little girl. That is my only complaint with this book

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[misz lei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟++++

¹ˢᵗ ʳᵉᵃᵈ: ᴼᶜᵗᵒᵇᵉʳ ²⁰²⁰ ²ⁿᵈ ʳᵉᵃᵈ: ᴰᵉᶜᵉᵐᵇᵉʳ ²⁰²⁰ ³ʳᵈ ʳᵉᵃᵈ: ᴹᵃʳᶜʰ ²⁰²¹ ⁴ᵗʰ ʳᵉᵃᵈ: ᴶᵘⁿᵉ ²⁰²¹

ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ was ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ, ᴅᴀʀᴋ, ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ, ɪɴꜱᴀɴᴇ, ᴍᴇꜱᴍᴇʀɪᴢɪɴɢ, ᴜɴᴘᴜᴛᴅᴏᴡɴᴀʙʟᴇ...

...and Julian Esguerra is MINE!

I love him.

My anti hero forever love❤️

The first man who made me question my own morality.

He was manipulative, cruel, sensual, dangerous, sociopath, an anti hero and I'm here for it.

My baby.

My precious.

I can't even remember my life without him.

I surrender to your darkness and I can be your f*cking pet forever!

🌹🌹🌹

I love AZ writing. She isn't poetic but she is profound! She doesn't waste words. She is direct, incisive and doesn't annoy you with repetition. An eloquent story teller.

This book was extremely well written, the plot was amazing and the chemistry of the characters was intense!🔥 Especially on book 2 and 3 where their relationship was more define.

A.Z did a phenomenal job of keeping the reader in suspense, wanting and craving to know what's next. I was obsessed with this book!

🌹🌹🌹
For me dark romance must be...Dark!

Morally questionable characters, captivity, dubious to non consent, a bit of violence, obssesion and OTT possesive anti hero. This book is NOT for everyone but it's definitely one of the best book I've ever read.

If this is not your cup of tea it's ok, don't read this book.

Otherwise, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

This will be on my keeper shelves forever.

[Izzah ꒰Duchess of Cabria ಇ ⭑✧ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀᴛʀᴇᴏɴ ✧ ⋆꒱ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the last

We are finally out of Maria's shadow. Yay! It's just them and healing.

Once again the author misses a great opportunity for angst when
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
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[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to read this next but I didn't sleep very well after finishing book 2 and processing everything that could maybe have been from the pizza I had which was pretty rank. I'm not taking any chances though.

Update and review 28.01.2016 -turns out it was the pizza.

5 ‘life has no rhyme or reason’ Stars

Before you check out my review note that I've given it 5 stars but this will be a somewhat nit picking review and it's my review so there.

Moving on peeps.

Initially my first impression of this book was that it was pretty fucking depressing and has some real over the top moments. But I'll get to those shortly. I still enjoyed it hence the 5 star review.

Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed this book although there were times I did wonder if a third book in the series was necessary. It wrapped the series up tight so I guess that was why it was done. It is also an introduction to Lukas's books and his story to come

The dynamics of Nora and Julian's relationship developed well and I was fascinated about how Ms. Zaires described them. But there were moments where I forgot that they have a unique relationship and thought that they were actually in a normal relationship but then something would happen and then BAM you’re thrown off kilter, and you’re like eh WTF happened?

Julian is missing an eye, he survived torture, a plane crash, a warehouse explosion. Impressive right? Okay so it happened over a time span of two years. He's like a cat, has nine lives and all that shite.

In ways I was surprised how demure this book was compared to the others. It is still an emotional read. We see how Nora and Julian grow. How Nora loses some of her innocence and her morality.

“My moral compass has been gradually tilting off-course, and I’ve been letting it happen.”

Julian realizes with the tragic event that he is capable of emotions.

”Yes, Nora,” he says hoarsely. “Yes, I love you. I love you so fucking much it hurts. I didn’t know it, or maybe I just didn’t want it, but it’s always been there.” “It just took me two years to realize it.”

It is tragic what happened and that Nora blames herself whereas Julian blames himself. The loss that they felt brought me to my knees.

He eradicates the whole Sullivan Mafia of Chicago and this is where it goes OTT in the scenes that are written. I don't think that you’re supposed to laugh but I nearly peed me pants. A rocket launcher and another explosion. Go superman *cough* super Julian

I hope that Peter gets a book. I reckon he'll end up with the doctor Cubakis after he assassinated her husband of course. As he is on a rampage to kill everyone who is involved in the death of his wife and child.

[Sophia Triad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian’s POV: ��My captive. My wife. My entire world. I will love her to the end of time, and I will never, ever let her go.”
Nora’s POV: “My moral compass has been gradually tilting off-course, and I’ve been letting it happen.”

This series started as the dark story of an innocent young girl’s abduction. The last book of the series “Hold Me” does not really resemble the first book “Twist Me”. The story is still dark, but in the last book it looks more like a big adventure with Hollywood standards. Lots of gunshots, car chasing, mafia, corrupted police etc.
Nora has changed. She has embraced her husband’s world. She has accepted the killings, the torturing, and the importance of cruelness.
Julian has changed. He has adapted to the needs of his wife. He wants not only to satisfy his needs, but also to make her happy.
There will be a happy ending. And this is the point where you will forgive Julian completely.

[Sherly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm in the mood for some dark romance, so I pick this series.
Well I'm disappointed, yes its very dark, lots of actions but too OTT for me.
I didn't like how the H treated the h till the end and I fucking didn't like how Julian keeps calling Nora "My pet" I'm cringing every time.
The sex scenes, not hot, boring, repetitive.
And it ticks me off whenever Maria is mentioned I mean i feel sorry for what happened to Julian childhood bestfriend but meh whatever!

This is my review and rating for this series..