Here kitty, kitty, kitty…. You can run, but you can’t hide.
Before you were born, your father traded your life to secure his. He thought hiding you in another state under a new alias would save you from your awaiting fate, but I always get what’s mine. And it’s time to cash in. While your father paid in blood, you’ll pay with your life; and now you belong to me. My rules are simple. You will bow. You will break. You will obey. Follow them, and you’ll survive. And if you don’t? I will break you in ways that’ll make you wish you were dead.
I am Bennett Moreno, devil in the flesh. Welcome to Hell.
Ember Michaels is a dark fiction author from South Carolina. When she's not writing, you can find her binge-watching crime shows, hanging at the beach, and devouring books from her favorite authors! Be sure to follow her on social media!
I know this was a prequel but I won’t be reading the series. This guy Bennett is utterly irredeemable. He is a murderer, owns and sells girls, likes to torture and kill them and force the people he is torturing to kill others. I have no other words.
So this was just a short 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓵 novel that sets up this author's upcoming ɾմӀҽՏ օƒ ҍҽղղҽԵԵ ՏҽɾíҽՏ. 🔪 I enjoyed it. 🙌 It is 🅢🅤🅟🅔🅡 dark and twisted. 😈 The hero is a true "₳₦₮ł-ⱧɆⱤØ" and there wasn't much to 🅴🅽🅳🅴🅰🆁 him to readers in this novella. 😳 I'm curious to see how his character ṖṙṏḠṙḕṠṠḕṠ in the next book. 👀 Th heroine was Ø₭. 👌 I found her a little 🅣🅞🅞 🅢🅣🅤🅟🅘🅓 🅣🅞 🅛🅘🅥🅔 in parts. 😵 Call me weak, but if someone 𝕜𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕒𝕡𝕤 me with people's lives in the balance, I am 𝖗𝖊𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖑𝖞 sure I am just going to do what he asks and 🅱🅸🅳🅴 🅼🆈 🆃🅸🅼🅴 until I can come up with a plan. 😉 But you know...that is just Μ€. 😂 All in all, it 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓾𝓮𝓭 me enough that I can't wait to get my 🅗🅐🅝🅓🅢 🅞🅝 the next book. 👍👍
Rules of Bennett is utterly dark, degrading, and full of so much promise! Ahhh! I'm so excited to see where this story goes. Bennett, *le sigh*, all my dark ladies are gonna drool all the feck over him. The commanding presence. The darkness. The cold way he holds himself. The give no fecks in his depravity. Yum. I need more. Aurora shows a bit of backbone and I can only hope she fights him, I mean let's be honest she will enjoy the punishment.
Ember Michaels sets you all aflutter with the beginning of this series. Let the dark reign free as you read this.
That was kinda dark... and twisted. Since it was just a short prequel, I can't exactly form a comprehensive thought on the plot. But so far, I could see myself enjoying it whenever I'm in the tortured scenes aficionado mood.
For now, it was a decent start to a dark captive romance.
So I completely just devoured this one. It is raw and twisty and oh so sinful. Bennett is just completely twisted. Like what in the heck are you thinking twisted! Getting into his mind just messes with mine even more. I adore Aurora's spunk though. She is going to bite back and give Bennett a run for his money. I really love the concept of this story because you hear of this in passing that mobs do, but not really seen it come to fruition that much. But for Michaels debut, this is gonna be one heck of a ride! I am excited to see what will come next in these books. Bennett is gonna knock your socks off if you love a seriously messed up mind! And is it just me and I know it doesn't really work because he isn't British, but I totally see Tom Ellis aka Lucifer as Bennett. The quirk and the smirk and so much more! I was so reading Bennett's dialogue in his voice!
How i needed this book in my life. Here when i thought i couldn't find one good dark horrific book, Ember Michaels falls into my lap and into my head.
Bennett is both terrifying and drool worthy. He's crass and yet oddly endearing. He's a fucking monster, but at least he's honest.
Michaels has a canny way of drawing you into her words while the rest of the world falls away around you. You flinch, grab your chest, and gasp while the Earth spins and life continues. It's as if you've been sucked into Bennett's world and you're hopeless to get out.
For a first time author, i am absolutely in love and i cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. Bravo, Ember! #PetForBennett
This is a book that is truly as dark as it claims to be! Bennett is one sick, twisted motherfucker, and I absolutely loved reading about him! So far, there are no signs that he’s going to change, falling in love his captive and suddenly going soft. He is 100% sociopath true through and through!!! I cannot wait to find out what happens next!!!!
The first book in this series is utterly depraved and awfully dark. Bennet Moreno is an evil, cold bastard who enjoys degrading people and does not give a shit about any of it all. I wasn’t in the business of feeling emotions or caring about how someone else felt.
Aurora DuPont became Moreno property when her father bargained his unborn daughter in change to leave the life of crime. When Bennett shows up to collect she knows her life as she has known it is over. Looking forward to the next book I hope to will surprise the hell out of Bennett when she fights him. Taking him off-kilter when she will actually welcome his punishments.
There is a new kid on the block and keep an eye on her: Ember Michaels is gunning for the Queen of Dark and, man, is she a contender! If this is just the prequel I can't wait to read the books in this series that looks like it will be a trilogy. This prequel holds the promise of one hell of a dark, twisted series but I do hope the editing will be way better than in this book.
This was a short quick read that made me want more. Bennett is a capo in his father's organization. Vanessa is living her life her makeup company is doing well and her boyfriend Heath just popped the question. When Bennett comes collecting a debt her. When her father left the business he traded her life for his and then he sent her away. This was a good short story from this first time author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This was brutal! I had no idea it was going to go where it did. Vanessa aka Aurora is living the life, she has everything. Until Bennett comes to collect her as his payment of a debt. But the way he collects her...wow! This book sucked me in all the way. It's been a while since I read anything like this. I can't wait to continue the series. There are no hearts and flowers in this tale. Bennett gives zero f*s! Bravo!
Wow, the author isn’t beating around the bush with the antihero. He is mean, ruthless, a killer who sells and own women. Our heroine unfortunately so far is an annoying, selfish and at the end of this book I say so far, as i am planning on reading the next book....yes I think I may need my head examined 🤨but I do want to know what happens next.
I fuckin loved this entire series of books so much!!Iam a sucker for dark twisted romance books, and this one just raised the standards and now I cannot feed my depraved soul with anything else because other books just seem so damn docile in before these lengendary books! P.S. I will welcome the dark twisted abusive romance books like this in my suggestions from my fellow good reads bibliophiles. Thank You ^_^.
Seriously, I am not usually one for Dark Romance but Rules for Bennett is a great intro to the genre. I love how Ember Michaels really captures how ruthless, cutthroat and utterly maniacal Bennett is. He is the definition of unstable and I LOVE IT! I shouldn't be attracted to him right? Because, if it's wrong to love him, then I don't want to be right anymore LOL
Rules of Bennett is a prequel novella that leads right into You Will Bow, the full-length novel that follows Bennett and Aurora, the woman he's hunting.
Guys, you need to read this book. If you love dark, twisted stories with characters that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. This one is for you.
Ember Michaels, you are a twisted, twisted person (in the best way possible), and I cannot wait to see what you do next!
I found this one in my Kindle picks for me. I have KU so I will rarely buy a book unless I've read something prior from that author that I couldn't live without diving into the pages of but the description sucked me in and I thought I would take a chance for $.99. So far, I'm enamored and have already pre-ordered "You Will Bow".
I absolutely LOVE 💖 what I've read so far and enjoy both characters. I can't wait for the first book! This checks all my boxes for everything I want to read. If you're not comfortable with the dark, move along because this short intro drops you into a pit and it isn't for you.
There is nothing I crave more than an insanely brutal dark romance with no boundaries. I have no issues with ANYTHING that gets thrown at me. I just hope at the end of the road there's an HEA for the lead characters, together, but I hate that sh*t where the evil anti-hero turns into a light dwelling wimp sans balls. (Since I don't know where this is going, fingers crossed 🤞they will rule in Hell together)
This dark & degrading masterpiece is a delicious prequel novella to what I am hoping will be a belter of a series. Bennett is a devilishly disturbing character, his thoughts and actions equal to that of any bad boy I've come across before. But Aroura is definitely going to give him a run for his money. Its definitely not going to be a case of plain sailing. Either they'll rip each apart or become a team to be reckoned with. Already desperate for the first full length to get here!
Dark preview to an intriguing tale of the coming interaction between a heroine whose inner strength is just under the surface and a sociopathic, depraved (hopefully redeemable) anti-hero. A mafia family in which once you’re a member you are joined for life, strips the heroine of her family, friends, and lifestyle. The story development was spectacular in this prequel evoking fear and desperation. In addition to the disheartening of what could have been and the anticipation of how the story will unfold I was left disquietingly, darkly unbalanced. Excellent read.
A dark, delicious start to Bennett and Aurora, your next butthole and heroine. This book starts their dark, twisted tale of Aurora and Bennett. It’s a twisted tale of greed, deception and force.
Ok. So WOW - what an amazing prequel to this story. If you’re like me you will ❤️
🍎A butthole who makes you drool 🍎 A girl being forced to do something she doesn’t want to do.
This author is new to me and she DEFINITELY got my attention with this start of the series. The thing I love about these stories is trying to predict how the story is going to unfold. Will she put him in his place? Will he see her for more than just a bargain and deal?
It gives you enough information to hook you and make you crave the next book. The characters are dark and dirty (hello Bennett🔥🔥). Their world is described as “hell” and you gives you just a taste of what it’s going to be like. I am in love with this dark, delicious beginning of Bennett and Aurora. If you love a dark romance, just go ahead and one click this prequel.
“I will bow. I will break. I will obey. I will bow. I will break. I will obey. I will bow. I will break. I will obey,”
Aurora is this simple girl who is just living her life. Her life is completely turned upside down and destroyed. She will face things she has never had to face before. She will have to be strong and maneuver in a world she’s never been in before. Bennett is oh so cruel. I’m sure we will learn more about him as this series unfolds. The ending will make you sit with your mouth open for a few minutes. I have hopes and dreams that Aurora will make Bennett pay for everything he has done to her so far. I need the next book now!
Desperately Want More! Mind blowing twisted that what this read is. A perfectly twisted read that I feasted off the darkness all while taking hold of my senses making we want more. With this being the start of this series it makes me wonder how the heck will I be able to endure more of the wicked twists that I can only hope will continue to dominate and blow my ever loving mind just like this one has. Try it, I'm pretty darn sure you be hooked and begging for more just like me.
I always love discovering a new to me author, but what is even better is finding a debut author who is knocking it out of the park! When I first stumbled across a teaser for Rules of Bennett on my Social Media account over the weekend, I knew I was desperate to find out more about Ember Michaels. Dark Romance’s are sometimes hard to endure, depending on how strong your moral compass is, but when I find one I can actually make it through I am always fascinated by this genre. I have had to walk away from several over the years for taking it too far, but so far with Bennett I am simply in awe of this tortured, dark soul!
Rules of Bennett is simply a prequel to the 1st book of the series due out in August. In this book, we see how Bennett acquires Aurora and how her whole world flips upside down once he’s part of her existence. The book gives us a quick peek into what this world will be about, and I am thrilled to read more. Why it is dark and twisted, it had a way of putting me in the right head-space to be able to swoon over what I see Bennett becoming to Aurora.
I can’t wait to see where Ember takes this series & can’t wait for the first installment after this teaser of a novella! Bravo!
First and most importantly this prequel novella is fantastic! Second, let me say Bennett frightens the hell out of me, It’s very dark and disturbing!!! Yikes, this guy is scary. This author has put so much story and details into these few pages, I’m excited, yet frightened to read more.
Bennett is so matter of fact about his rules; he’s cold. Break them and it won’t ever turn out good for you. He sometimes made me laugh though, I know that sounds weird in this dark story but I did laugh out loud a couple of times. Him humming the jeopardy theme, he’s so sick and twisted, I couldn't help it.
As for Aurora, well this is just messed up beyond messed up. It’s going to be a long bumpy road for her is this new life. I’m hoping maybe she can bring out a softer side of Bennett. I’m hoping there’s a heart or soft spot somewhere in there; she just needs to find it. That could be just what I need to be hooked on Bennett.
I can’t wait for You Will Bow and I’m so glad I don’t have to wait too much longer. I’m hooked on this author, who is new to me.
Rules of Bennett by Ember Michaels Rules of Bennett, is the prequel novella leading into “You Will Bow”. Aurora has been running since the age of eight. Finally, she has found the love of her life, built a million dollar cosmetic company, and changed her name. She should be safe. But years before her father traded his life for hers and then he tried to hide her. But the past has come back to collect what they are owed and what they are owed is Aurora. Bennett is cruel and sinister and he can’t wait to break Aurora. Can this woman survive this evil monster of a man? If you love dark, twisted and ruthless, then give this one a try. You will love to hate Bennett and if this man can redeem himself I will be surprised. Ms Michaels has written a dark, explosive, and gut-wrenching novella. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes. Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
This a new to me author and wow. This book started off all sweet and before you knew it, I was like WTFF just happened. Imagine a life as Vanessa but you are really Aurora DuPont. Vanessa is successful, beautiful, has friends and a sexy boyfriend named Heath and living the dream life. Aurora DuPont was traded at birth by her father to secure his life. Then at 8 years old abandoned, shut out from her family and left to fend for herself with someone she barely knew. Out of the blue in walks the devilishly suave Bennett Moreno. He tells Vanessa that she is his property and he has a few simple rules: You will bow. You will break. You will obey. Follow them, and you’ll survive. And if you don’t? I will break you in ways that’ll make you wish you were dead.
5 Stars Review by Leah Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Holy Mother of Pearl! What did I get sucked into? Rules of Bennett by Ember Michaels is dark, nasty, freaking give me more type of book. I thought I knew what I was getting into since I do read A LOT of dark reads but Ember has taken this to a whole new level.
Bennett, freaking Bennett. He is cold, calculating, the devil himself and his character is written beautifully. Just the freaking first scene with him interacting with someone who turned rat I just wanted to dive into his twisted up brain.
Aurora I am curious about her. I am wondering how strong she is going to turn out to be. I am hoping she is strong enough to handle Bennett. If so this freaking series is going to be EPIC! Where is book 2??? I need to know!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **