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Torn Worlds #1
Gut Deep
PenelopeThey steal our world, destroy our lives and view us as worthless chattel. I never thought I’d be desperate enough to ask one of them for help, and worse, one of their leaders. But with a vampire stalking me, a werewolf might be my only salvation. I’m still not sure which is worse, him or death.DonovanShe’s nothing to me but an inconvenience, a burden, another complaining human singing the song of the wronged. She strolls into danger as if she’s begging for death, taking risk after risk. I should let the monsters she tempts have her. I would if I didn’t want her for myself. Author's This is book one in a series of standalone romances, set within the same dystopian world.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
311 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 3, 2019
I don’t know what to say. This is not Ms. Agustine’s usual style of writing. Disappointed? Yes.
Did not love it but could not, for the life of me, give her anything less than 4 🌟 simply because she is my favourite writer.
Update: 20 minutes later, after tossing and turning and punching my pillow, i could not live with myself and changed to 3 🌟.
This book was disappointing. ☹️
Damn!!
Did not love it but could not, for the life of me, give her anything less than 4 🌟 simply because she is my favourite writer.
Update: 20 minutes later, after tossing and turning and punching my pillow, i could not live with myself and changed to 3 🌟.
This book was disappointing. ☹️
Damn!!
April 30, 2022
I really like the world the author built. At first, it feels reminiscent of a Hitler-inspired paranormal world. Paranormal beings, particularly vamps and wolfs reign as supreme, and humans live as unchained slaves. Humans are starving, second class, outlawed from information and technology.
Yet, as the world progresses, the above slowly fades off into a convenient backdrop. The human plight the author starts with fades to black for the sole purpose of the FMC/MMC being together… yet, the world around them hasn’t actually changed. Not good writing.
The tone is odd. As this progresses, it becomes a little too cheesy, YA, and Lifetime-inspired. If not for the use of the word “fuck” and a few short basic insert P into the V sex scenes, this would actually make a good YA dystopian. As is, though, this is too graphic for that pool and lacks the steam and maturity to be an adult novel.
At first, the want/not want tension between the wolf MMC and human FMC is good, but the inner thoughts are quite repetitive. It runs in a circle ⭕️ verses advancing and developing. At 94%, the MMC sums up the entirety of the book…
“My life won’t be worth shit without her. When I had her, all I kept telling myself was why it wouldn’t work and how miserable we’d both be. Over and over again I’d remind myself of all the issues, tell her there was no future. When I saw something that didn’t add up, I used it as my stamp on how right I’d been.”
^^^ Don’t read this for a bedazzling plot.
At times, the dialogue is too simpleminded for the world. At times, the scenes are too mundane for the situation. At times, the emotions are too flat for the gravity. IOW this is like a great haircut that hasn’t been washed in weeks - needs washing, drying, and styling.
At times the FMC is smart, like the on the fly excuse she gives his mom. At times, she’s an idiot. He helped me, but he did it to help himself, too. Ah, he wasn’t helping himself at all the first time he helped you. He had everything to lose and nothing to gain, and it made her response come off as a TSTL brat.
Yet, there are also pieces of this that work so well. The author is very good at writing the scenes with a realistic lens… keeping the motion believable, realistic.
Overall, I liked both characters. I liked the world. I liked what little there was to the plot. But, I wanted more! I wanted this to stop repeating itself and give me MOVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT! I wanted more spice in the romance and sex scenes, which were highly disappointing from an alpha lol - blink and you miss it. I wanted more action.
The romance ends on a complete note, but this is part of a series to be built within this world. Sadly, this didn’t have enough substance to make me want to go further down the rabbit hole.
Some sweet romance readers will really dig his grand gestures at the end to win his human.
3 stars.
I think this is best suited for Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Hunger Games kinda fans between the ages of 17-24.
Yet, as the world progresses, the above slowly fades off into a convenient backdrop. The human plight the author starts with fades to black for the sole purpose of the FMC/MMC being together… yet, the world around them hasn’t actually changed. Not good writing.
The tone is odd. As this progresses, it becomes a little too cheesy, YA, and Lifetime-inspired. If not for the use of the word “fuck” and a few short basic insert P into the V sex scenes, this would actually make a good YA dystopian. As is, though, this is too graphic for that pool and lacks the steam and maturity to be an adult novel.
At first, the want/not want tension between the wolf MMC and human FMC is good, but the inner thoughts are quite repetitive. It runs in a circle ⭕️ verses advancing and developing. At 94%, the MMC sums up the entirety of the book…
“My life won’t be worth shit without her. When I had her, all I kept telling myself was why it wouldn’t work and how miserable we’d both be. Over and over again I’d remind myself of all the issues, tell her there was no future. When I saw something that didn’t add up, I used it as my stamp on how right I’d been.”
^^^ Don’t read this for a bedazzling plot.
At times, the dialogue is too simpleminded for the world. At times, the scenes are too mundane for the situation. At times, the emotions are too flat for the gravity. IOW this is like a great haircut that hasn’t been washed in weeks - needs washing, drying, and styling.
At times the FMC is smart, like the on the fly excuse she gives his mom. At times, she’s an idiot. He helped me, but he did it to help himself, too. Ah, he wasn’t helping himself at all the first time he helped you. He had everything to lose and nothing to gain, and it made her response come off as a TSTL brat.
Yet, there are also pieces of this that work so well. The author is very good at writing the scenes with a realistic lens… keeping the motion believable, realistic.
Overall, I liked both characters. I liked the world. I liked what little there was to the plot. But, I wanted more! I wanted this to stop repeating itself and give me MOVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT! I wanted more spice in the romance and sex scenes, which were highly disappointing from an alpha lol - blink and you miss it. I wanted more action.
The romance ends on a complete note, but this is part of a series to be built within this world. Sadly, this didn’t have enough substance to make me want to go further down the rabbit hole.
Some sweet romance readers will really dig his grand gestures at the end to win his human.
3 stars.
I think this is best suited for Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Hunger Games kinda fans between the ages of 17-24.
November 6, 2019
3.25 stars - This book had a really different tone to Augustine’s other books. Although interesting, I wasn’t a big fan of the world she built and did not like the H for a good portion of the book. That being said, he ended up redeeming himself for me and I couldn’t put the book down. I will read Sassy’s story when it’s released. Liked it...just didn’t love it like all the others.
April 23, 2020
Gut Deep was not a book without its problems, but in the end, it left me in a good mood. And I think ultimately, that's all we can really want from a book.
I understand Donna Augustine is an author with an established fanbase of people that like her style of writing, so changing it up (slightly) was disconcerting to them. The changes were geared a bit more to the "mainstream" UF reader. That being said, I liked the way it was handled. A lot. Donna Augustine improves with every new book. Her writing has great flow, and I wasn't sure if I would like the dual POVs (heroine and hero), but she managed to convey a each character's distinct personality in a way that was pleasant to read. While the hero was slightly more enamored with the heroine than is usual for her books, it wasn't nearly to the extent that many current UF books (especially reverse harem) and it did not detract from my reading experience. Succintly said, I thought there would be insta-love but there wasn't... really? Maybe like, semi-instalove? Quarter insta-love? I didn't mind it, but of course YMMV.
Moving on to the characters. One issue I had with Donna Augustine's older books were that the heroines sometimes bordered on Too Stupid To Live territory, mostly through stubborn bull-headedness and rebellion for no apparent reason. This kept improving and I'm happy to say that while Penelope does have the same spirit, it also comes with a heavy dose of logic, which drags her firmly outside of TSTL territory. She is still stubborn, but if she sees the logic in something, she will stop. I appreciate that very much.
In conclusion, Gut Deep is a new book that is semi-controversial for some older fans of Donna Augustine, but that effortlessly enters the mainstream while still maintaining that distinctive Donna Augustine flavor (meant figuratively, not literally, haha).
I understand Donna Augustine is an author with an established fanbase of people that like her style of writing, so changing it up (slightly) was disconcerting to them. The changes were geared a bit more to the "mainstream" UF reader. That being said, I liked the way it was handled. A lot. Donna Augustine improves with every new book. Her writing has great flow, and I wasn't sure if I would like the dual POVs (heroine and hero), but she managed to convey a each character's distinct personality in a way that was pleasant to read. While the hero was slightly more enamored with the heroine than is usual for her books, it wasn't nearly to the extent that many current UF books (especially reverse harem) and it did not detract from my reading experience. Succintly said, I thought there would be insta-love but there wasn't... really? Maybe like, semi-instalove? Quarter insta-love? I didn't mind it, but of course YMMV.
Moving on to the characters. One issue I had with Donna Augustine's older books were that the heroines sometimes bordered on Too Stupid To Live territory, mostly through stubborn bull-headedness and rebellion for no apparent reason. This kept improving and I'm happy to say that while Penelope does have the same spirit, it also comes with a heavy dose of logic, which drags her firmly outside of TSTL territory. She is still stubborn, but if she sees the logic in something, she will stop. I appreciate that very much.
In conclusion, Gut Deep is a new book that is semi-controversial for some older fans of Donna Augustine, but that effortlessly enters the mainstream while still maintaining that distinctive Donna Augustine flavor (meant figuratively, not literally, haha).
November 14, 2019
2.5 stars
I lost interest in the story about 50% in, but I powered through to the end. The characters didn’t keep me engaged nor did any chemistry between the couple. The truth is the world kept me curious enough to finish the book. I may read book 2 mostly bc her sister seems to have more personality.
I lost interest in the story about 50% in, but I powered through to the end. The characters didn’t keep me engaged nor did any chemistry between the couple. The truth is the world kept me curious enough to finish the book. I may read book 2 mostly bc her sister seems to have more personality.
November 4, 2019
Not my favorite
Donna Augustine is always a one click for me. I've loved all of her books that I've read so I was really excited when this one unexpectedly came out but I didn't enjoy it as much as her others. She usually masters the slow burn and the angst but this one was light on both. I also felt like the characters as well as the world building wasnt nearly as in depth. It felt like it was quickly written without as much detail to the plot or characters. I'll still read the next one though!
Donna Augustine is always a one click for me. I've loved all of her books that I've read so I was really excited when this one unexpectedly came out but I didn't enjoy it as much as her others. She usually masters the slow burn and the angst but this one was light on both. I also felt like the characters as well as the world building wasnt nearly as in depth. It felt like it was quickly written without as much detail to the plot or characters. I'll still read the next one though!
November 3, 2019
Gut Deep: Torn Worlds book #1
Donna Augustine’s Gut Deep, book one in her fantastic new paranormal romance series has it all, forbidden love, a post apocalyptic America run by Werewolves and Vampires, a company of unforgettable costars and a couple who are as different as night and day, Penelope’s (Pen) life is in shambles yet she’s determined to keep on keeping on for herself and her sister and then there's Donovan who’s an alpha in every way except for his unexpected obsession with Pen. Donna takes readers on a wild wide through a Washington D.C. where humans are chattel and cattle and a government that’s overrun with monsters from nightmares even scarier than the ones who run the U.S. now. With a decidedly noir feel this fast paced novel will leave her audience breathless, thunderstruck and anxiously awaiting book 2!
Series set up: Three years ago after years of being considered “less than human” Vampire and Werewolves have successfully infiltrated all levels of government and taken over the U.S. putting themselves at the top of the pecking order and making humans second class citizens where even owning a smartphone or laptop could get them executed. But the pact between the Vamps and Weres is anything but secure and there is trouble on the horizon.
Penelope Abbot’s dream of becoming a doctor died three years ago when the “scourge” took over every aspect of rule in the U.S. left her motherless, with a father coping by drinking himself into a coma and a sister sick from a Vamp’s bite. Luckily she’s still working or else they wouldn’t be able to eat, unluckily she seems to have caught the eye of a very dangerous, very handsome predator.
Donovan has enough on his plate being the shifter alpha of DC and doesn’t know why he can’t seem to stop coming to the rescue of this haughty slip of a human woman who apparently doesn’t know her place and is a catastrophe magnet. Darned if he doesn’t find that incredibly sexy, God he needs his head examined.
Donna Augustine’s Gut Deep, book one in her fantastic new paranormal romance series has it all, forbidden love, a post apocalyptic America run by Werewolves and Vampires, a company of unforgettable costars and a couple who are as different as night and day, Penelope’s (Pen) life is in shambles yet she’s determined to keep on keeping on for herself and her sister and then there's Donovan who’s an alpha in every way except for his unexpected obsession with Pen. Donna takes readers on a wild wide through a Washington D.C. where humans are chattel and cattle and a government that’s overrun with monsters from nightmares even scarier than the ones who run the U.S. now. With a decidedly noir feel this fast paced novel will leave her audience breathless, thunderstruck and anxiously awaiting book 2!
Series set up: Three years ago after years of being considered “less than human” Vampire and Werewolves have successfully infiltrated all levels of government and taken over the U.S. putting themselves at the top of the pecking order and making humans second class citizens where even owning a smartphone or laptop could get them executed. But the pact between the Vamps and Weres is anything but secure and there is trouble on the horizon.
Penelope Abbot’s dream of becoming a doctor died three years ago when the “scourge” took over every aspect of rule in the U.S. left her motherless, with a father coping by drinking himself into a coma and a sister sick from a Vamp’s bite. Luckily she’s still working or else they wouldn’t be able to eat, unluckily she seems to have caught the eye of a very dangerous, very handsome predator.
Donovan has enough on his plate being the shifter alpha of DC and doesn’t know why he can’t seem to stop coming to the rescue of this haughty slip of a human woman who apparently doesn’t know her place and is a catastrophe magnet. Darned if he doesn’t find that incredibly sexy, God he needs his head examined.
November 13, 2019
Fantastic new world!
I really enjoyed this new world and look forward to seeing what the next book in the series brings although I wish it were a continuation of this story rather than starting with a new character. This storyline was great, and the characters are well-written, if not entirely fleshed-out. There is honestly much more that could be added to their story. Also, the writing is exceptional, with little to no grammatical errors.
The only reason this did not get a better rating is that there were a few plot holes that drove me crazy, the biggest being how to handle her human aging vs. his were aging.
I really enjoyed this new world and look forward to seeing what the next book in the series brings although I wish it were a continuation of this story rather than starting with a new character. This storyline was great, and the characters are well-written, if not entirely fleshed-out. There is honestly much more that could be added to their story. Also, the writing is exceptional, with little to no grammatical errors.
The only reason this did not get a better rating is that there were a few plot holes that drove me crazy, the biggest being how to handle her human aging vs. his were aging.
September 30, 2021
A mostly enjoyable dystopian paranormal romance.
This romance was very well edited and written, with no typos that I found and gripping authorial voice. The world building was grim and vivid. This romance used the Enemies to Lovers trope, though I felt like it was maybe too much Enemies and not enough Lovers for my personal taste. I thought the heroine was deeply sympathetic and nuanced, and the hero was definitely an alphahole, so this would be a good pick for readers who are into that. There was enough angst in this novel to choke an elephant, which I know a lot of readers love. Personally, it was too much angst for me. However, I liked the novel enough that I am now off to read the second in the series.
This romance was very well edited and written, with no typos that I found and gripping authorial voice. The world building was grim and vivid. This romance used the Enemies to Lovers trope, though I felt like it was maybe too much Enemies and not enough Lovers for my personal taste. I thought the heroine was deeply sympathetic and nuanced, and the hero was definitely an alphahole, so this would be a good pick for readers who are into that. There was enough angst in this novel to choke an elephant, which I know a lot of readers love. Personally, it was too much angst for me. However, I liked the novel enough that I am now off to read the second in the series.
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October 15, 2021
I enjoyed this one. It's a mix of UF and dystopian that is not seen as often. There was quite a bit of social justice messaging sprinkled throughout which worked for me but might make some people uncomfortable. This is a series of standalone's and I do plan on reading the next book which is a different set of characters.
May 6, 2020
Guy Deep was interesting, and a little sad at times, but it wasn't as good as some of this authors other books. I did like it overall I though and I enjoyed the storyline a lot.
November 3, 2019
Surprisingly good. 4/5
January 14, 2022
Delightful stand alone
On a different Earth, werewolves and vampires have risen, taking over the government and army of the US.... while subjugating the human population to nothing but food and labor. Into this world, a mismatched pair find themselves in the most unusual of circumstances, and is volatile love.
M/F, dystopian/PNR, HEA
Rating = R
character age range = 25+
Pros:
- This author always writes interesting characters, and this FMC has her head on her shoulders more firmly than most.
- World building.
- Sassy. Love her.
Cons:
- The conclusion was a bit quick.
- Didn’t answer the issue of life spans?
- Seriously, we need more answers, hoe the heck is this going to work in that world?
On a different Earth, werewolves and vampires have risen, taking over the government and army of the US.... while subjugating the human population to nothing but food and labor. Into this world, a mismatched pair find themselves in the most unusual of circumstances, and is volatile love.
M/F, dystopian/PNR, HEA
Rating = R
character age range = 25+
Pros:
- This author always writes interesting characters, and this FMC has her head on her shoulders more firmly than most.
- World building.
- Sassy. Love her.
Cons:
- The conclusion was a bit quick.
- Didn’t answer the issue of life spans?
- Seriously, we need more answers, hoe the heck is this going to work in that world?
November 8, 2019
I've been a Donna Augustine fan for quite some time now, so for me, it's a given - If she writes something, I'm gonna read it. That being said, I'm disappointed that I only felt this book was worth 3 stars.
I don't generally like standalone romance novels. I never feel like there is enough time for relationships to develop. This was my overall feeling with this book as well. I missed all of the signature interactions that I've grown accustomed to with her previous series. Everything felt rushed here and I wanted more of the current issues with the setting, maybe more of a plot and some background. The main focus here was the relationship between the two main characters. I might have been satisfied with just that but I didn't find them nearly as interesting, funny, or charming as in previous books. Even if the past female leads might be said to fit the same mold and have the same "you're important, but not that important" type attitude with regard to the male leads, I actually love those characters and I would be happier reading them over and over again than I was reading about Pen, who in my opinion was a little bit dull.
I didn't like how all the power was held by the male lead. I really like it when the females have a bit more power. All Pen really did was try, unsuccessfully, to find a cure for her sister. In the end it was Donovan who saved the day. I also didn't like the big "misunderstanding." Like with most romances, I thought it was totally avoidable and somewhat out of character.
One thing I did like, however, was the Pen refusing to tell Donovan the truth about her reasons for talking to the vamps wasn't because she was ashamed or thought he would be mad, but rather because it "wasn't her secret to tell"
All in all, this book was adequately engrossing and enjoyable. I just missed the I-can't-put-this-down-and-I-have-to-be-up-sooo-early feeling I usually get when reading books by this author. I will certainly read the rest of the books set in this world though. I only hope that there is maybe a little more plot development, character development and overall plot progression.
I don't generally like standalone romance novels. I never feel like there is enough time for relationships to develop. This was my overall feeling with this book as well. I missed all of the signature interactions that I've grown accustomed to with her previous series. Everything felt rushed here and I wanted more of the current issues with the setting, maybe more of a plot and some background. The main focus here was the relationship between the two main characters. I might have been satisfied with just that but I didn't find them nearly as interesting, funny, or charming as in previous books. Even if the past female leads might be said to fit the same mold and have the same "you're important, but not that important" type attitude with regard to the male leads, I actually love those characters and I would be happier reading them over and over again than I was reading about Pen, who in my opinion was a little bit dull.
I didn't like how all the power was held by the male lead. I really like it when the females have a bit more power. All Pen really did was try, unsuccessfully, to find a cure for her sister. In the end it was Donovan who saved the day. I also didn't like the big "misunderstanding." Like with most romances, I thought it was totally avoidable and somewhat out of character.
One thing I did like, however, was the Pen refusing to tell Donovan the truth about her reasons for talking to the vamps wasn't because she was ashamed or thought he would be mad, but rather because it "wasn't her secret to tell"
All in all, this book was adequately engrossing and enjoyable. I just missed the I-can't-put-this-down-and-I-have-to-be-up-sooo-early feeling I usually get when reading books by this author. I will certainly read the rest of the books set in this world though. I only hope that there is maybe a little more plot development, character development and overall plot progression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
2.5 Stars
The romance. Rinse & Repeat is what I'd call this book. Penelope would get in trouble somehow, intentionally or not, and Donovan would bail her out. I totally lost count on how many times, and THIS was all the relationship-building they did. I don't know when and where they could have fallen in love but I wasn't convinced.
The conflict. I'm probably in the minority here but when the h had the chance to tell him her secret and didn't, I had to side with the H. She didn't trust him, plain and simple, and the "it's not my secret to tell" and "he-should-have-known-better" were pretty lame excuses. I mean, based on what exactly should he have known better? From all the "interactions" they had? Everything could have been avoided if they'd just talk to each other or at least have some bonding time, but I guess that's the whole point, right? To not truly interact and let the distrust and miscommunication built towards the big conflict.
And I'm sorry to say this but the h confessing her feelings right after half-assing the truth had to be the biggest insult of all. There's no love without trust and I hated that she chose that specific moment to tell him how she felt.
I'm so mad at the heroine but then I could also kinda see her side of things later. Guess I'm mad at both now.
People who are familiar with Donna Augustine's books may have noticed that she uses this formula quite often (or dare I say, every time?).
And while I don't like this no-communication thing between H and h, I know that D. Augustine's books can be addictive as hell, despite the issue. Gut Deep wasn't for me, but you can bet your ass that I'll buy her future books anyway.
The romance. Rinse & Repeat is what I'd call this book. Penelope would get in trouble somehow, intentionally or not, and Donovan would bail her out. I totally lost count on how many times, and THIS was all the relationship-building they did. I don't know when and where they could have fallen in love but I wasn't convinced.
The conflict. I'm probably in the minority here but when the h had the chance to tell him her secret and didn't, I had to side with the H. She didn't trust him, plain and simple, and the "it's not my secret to tell" and "he-should-have-known-better" were pretty lame excuses. I mean, based on what exactly should he have known better? From all the "interactions" they had? Everything could have been avoided if they'd just talk to each other or at least have some bonding time, but I guess that's the whole point, right? To not truly interact and let the distrust and miscommunication built towards the big conflict.
And I'm sorry to say this but the h confessing her feelings right after half-assing the truth had to be the biggest insult of all. There's no love without trust and I hated that she chose that specific moment to tell him how she felt.
I'm so mad at the heroine but then I could also kinda see her side of things later. Guess I'm mad at both now.
People who are familiar with Donna Augustine's books may have noticed that she uses this formula quite often (or dare I say, every time?).
And while I don't like this no-communication thing between H and h, I know that D. Augustine's books can be addictive as hell, despite the issue. Gut Deep wasn't for me, but you can bet your ass that I'll buy her future books anyway.
November 19, 2019
The next series of Augustine is Torn Worlds starting with Book 1 Gut Deep. The supernatural decided they’d had enough of humans and took over America. The vampires, shifters, fairies, as well as many other supernatural beings, are now the upper class where humans have been demoted to the lowest class possible. Humans aren’t allowed to have smartphones or help each other to name a few of the rules of the new society. If caught with anything that is considered an infraction death is a real possibility.
Penelope now works for a shifter family in this new world of terror. She makes just enough to barely feed her family and that’s if her dad doesn’t get ahold of it and use it to buy booze. When she’s asked to work an event at her shifter employer’s house, she’s ecstatic because this might be the chance, she needs to find the cure for her sick sister that one of the higher up vampires is rumored to possess.
Donovan is the Alpha of the DC pack and has been summoned to his mother’s house for a dinner between the shifters and the vampires. Donovan hates going to his mother’s get-togethers but this is his once a year stay at her house so he will suffer through it. What he finds is Penelope, a server who has found herself in more trouble than she could possibly imagine. Against his usual indifference for humans, he extends help to her and finds himself in over his head with this human.
Penelope now works for a shifter family in this new world of terror. She makes just enough to barely feed her family and that’s if her dad doesn’t get ahold of it and use it to buy booze. When she’s asked to work an event at her shifter employer’s house, she’s ecstatic because this might be the chance, she needs to find the cure for her sick sister that one of the higher up vampires is rumored to possess.
Donovan is the Alpha of the DC pack and has been summoned to his mother’s house for a dinner between the shifters and the vampires. Donovan hates going to his mother’s get-togethers but this is his once a year stay at her house so he will suffer through it. What he finds is Penelope, a server who has found herself in more trouble than she could possibly imagine. Against his usual indifference for humans, he extends help to her and finds himself in over his head with this human.
April 23, 2020
Gut Deep - Torn Worlds Book one. By Donna Augustine.
This book is not for the faint hearted. It's charged sexual relationship between two unlikely people pulls you into the book straight from the start.
Penelope is a human young 20 something's surviving a life that's now run by werewolves and vampires, let alone other creatures. Humans are now the cattle and the general dogs bodies.
Fighting for survival, not just for her but her sick sister, who could have a death sentence on her head if her sickness is found out.
Pen will take any job, even if it means working for the very enermy that changed her world upside down.
Though Pen has an agenda, a vile of vampire blood can help her sick sister recover.
Though getting this vile puts her life in danger with the vampires. So when Donovan, the Alpha werewolf ends up saving her, things take on a unexpected turn that they both try to fight.
Pen now needs Donovan to protect her life from a vampire and Donovan needs Pen to help him keep his rank and pack and peace between the werewolves and vampires.
I love the characters. Pen is such a fighter and very loyal and protective.
Donovan is the strong dominant male who is fierce and protective to those under his care.
Their chemistry is explosive and despite both of them trying to resist it, it's help along from other high ranking creatures who plant there own poison words of doubts.
Absolutely loved reading this book and look forward to reading more.
This book is not for the faint hearted. It's charged sexual relationship between two unlikely people pulls you into the book straight from the start.
Penelope is a human young 20 something's surviving a life that's now run by werewolves and vampires, let alone other creatures. Humans are now the cattle and the general dogs bodies.
Fighting for survival, not just for her but her sick sister, who could have a death sentence on her head if her sickness is found out.
Pen will take any job, even if it means working for the very enermy that changed her world upside down.
Though Pen has an agenda, a vile of vampire blood can help her sick sister recover.
Though getting this vile puts her life in danger with the vampires. So when Donovan, the Alpha werewolf ends up saving her, things take on a unexpected turn that they both try to fight.
Pen now needs Donovan to protect her life from a vampire and Donovan needs Pen to help him keep his rank and pack and peace between the werewolves and vampires.
I love the characters. Pen is such a fighter and very loyal and protective.
Donovan is the strong dominant male who is fierce and protective to those under his care.
Their chemistry is explosive and despite both of them trying to resist it, it's help along from other high ranking creatures who plant there own poison words of doubts.
Absolutely loved reading this book and look forward to reading more.
December 30, 2019
Oh no! I have never ever before disliked a book from Donna Augustine but this one did not do it for me. I felt it was lacking in so many ways that I can not even explain it to you.
There is a new dystopian world and that is the only good thing in the book. All other parts of it failed and I gave only one star out of five.
Reasons the book failed: Firstly for me, it had a too fast romance that did not feel real – compared to Donna Augustine’s books before it had a super speed romance and no character building at all. Where the slow style disappeared where the characters rounded each other and had more funny moments than weird situations. Secondly, the book did not have enough plot. It was all about ”Do I like him enough” and ”no this will never work out” moments to actually have any kind of reasonable plot in it. I am so disappointed.
Thirdly, I would have loved to read more about the world. How it was like that and what actually happened before. Also, politics and other small details would have brought more to the story. Now it felt like it was stripped version of Donna Augustine’s former books.
So sorry, but this is the first book in the year 2019 that I can not recommend at all.
There is a new dystopian world and that is the only good thing in the book. All other parts of it failed and I gave only one star out of five.
Reasons the book failed: Firstly for me, it had a too fast romance that did not feel real – compared to Donna Augustine’s books before it had a super speed romance and no character building at all. Where the slow style disappeared where the characters rounded each other and had more funny moments than weird situations. Secondly, the book did not have enough plot. It was all about ”Do I like him enough” and ”no this will never work out” moments to actually have any kind of reasonable plot in it. I am so disappointed.
Thirdly, I would have loved to read more about the world. How it was like that and what actually happened before. Also, politics and other small details would have brought more to the story. Now it felt like it was stripped version of Donna Augustine’s former books.
So sorry, but this is the first book in the year 2019 that I can not recommend at all.
April 10, 2022
Well this was a supernatural read with a difference, a world where humans have been lowered to cattle , the vampires and shifters are the ruling species, I had mixed feelings about that but I couldn’t stop reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Penelope is just surviving each day, trying her best to make sure her sister, Sassy, remains under the radar, as her sickness may lead to her death, but a confrontation with firstly an alpha shifter, then a nearly murderous vampire leads her life in a completely different direction.
Great story and plot, and so much angst it’s unreal, in so many forms it’s nail biting. The characters are great, and although there were some grammatical errors it’s nothing that takes away from the story. This is a slow burn when it comes to our love birds, both having pre conceived notions of the other but also falling for the other, the love scenes are great, not crude. I enjoyed Donavon’s protectiveness, and Pen’s feistiness, they made a great couple and I absolutely loved the end, but I’m looking forward to seeing how Sassy’s story goes. Would recommend to shifter lovers.
Great story and plot, and so much angst it’s unreal, in so many forms it’s nail biting. The characters are great, and although there were some grammatical errors it’s nothing that takes away from the story. This is a slow burn when it comes to our love birds, both having pre conceived notions of the other but also falling for the other, the love scenes are great, not crude. I enjoyed Donavon’s protectiveness, and Pen’s feistiness, they made a great couple and I absolutely loved the end, but I’m looking forward to seeing how Sassy’s story goes. Would recommend to shifter lovers.
November 12, 2019
Donna Augustine has gifted us with an enemies to lovers Paranormal Romance, first in series book, that blew my mind. A master at building new worlds, Donna's latest creation explores what the US looks like when werewolves and vampires take control of the US. Hint: it's not a pretty picture for humans.
Caught in a world she hadn't been born to, Pen struggles to keep her family fed and healthy. Part of her struggle to survive includes working for the enemy.
Donovan, a werewolf, is in a position of power he never wanted. But as leader of his pack he will do what is necessary to protect them. His attraction to his mother's maid throws him into a tailspin. Watching the dynamics shift between Pen and Donovan makes for a book that's impossible to put down.
Can't wait for the next in this alternate reality where much is familiar but so much more is bizarre and terrifying for humans. LOVE IT!
Caught in a world she hadn't been born to, Pen struggles to keep her family fed and healthy. Part of her struggle to survive includes working for the enemy.
Donovan, a werewolf, is in a position of power he never wanted. But as leader of his pack he will do what is necessary to protect them. His attraction to his mother's maid throws him into a tailspin. Watching the dynamics shift between Pen and Donovan makes for a book that's impossible to put down.
Can't wait for the next in this alternate reality where much is familiar but so much more is bizarre and terrifying for humans. LOVE IT!
March 7, 2020
I've read all of Donna's books (I think) and felt that they continued to get better and better. I've read the "Karma" series several times, and feel like the Ollie Wit series is her best to date.
Karma
Ollie Wit Box Set: Books 1-3
When/if she releases another book series, I'm definitely going to read it. That being said, I'm probably not going to read the other books in this series, because I barely got through this one. I'm underwhelmed. The world building didn't work for me, I didn't necessarily like the "hero", nor did I feel the chemistry between the main characters.
I do recommend reading her other books though.
Karma
Ollie Wit Box Set: Books 1-3
When/if she releases another book series, I'm definitely going to read it. That being said, I'm probably not going to read the other books in this series, because I barely got through this one. I'm underwhelmed. The world building didn't work for me, I didn't necessarily like the "hero", nor did I feel the chemistry between the main characters.
I do recommend reading her other books though.
March 16, 2022
This book was surprisingly unique and a bit dark and dangerous and rather interesting. I found myself rather enraptured with this story. Its much different than what I usually read but in a good way.
Penelope and Donovan had a almost awkward kind of chemistry at first but as the story progressed it changed to a smoldering kind of thing that made it hard to ignore. It had a really cool vibe in a apocalyptic paranormal world which really topped the story off nicely. The world itself is fascinating and a bit scary but very interesting. I actually really got into it and just started on book 2 and am excited to see where this author takes me next.
Gut Deep gets a UNIQUE FOUR MIGHTY STARS! Its dark, sexy intriguing fun and I most certainly recommend giving it a go!
Penelope and Donovan had a almost awkward kind of chemistry at first but as the story progressed it changed to a smoldering kind of thing that made it hard to ignore. It had a really cool vibe in a apocalyptic paranormal world which really topped the story off nicely. The world itself is fascinating and a bit scary but very interesting. I actually really got into it and just started on book 2 and am excited to see where this author takes me next.
Gut Deep gets a UNIQUE FOUR MIGHTY STARS! Its dark, sexy intriguing fun and I most certainly recommend giving it a go!
November 2, 2019
Penelope and Donovan are not star-crossed lovers in this new world, where humans are relegated to servant status among the ruling monsters, no, not star crossed lovers, casualties of a system that casts them in certain roles, each doing the best that they can to survive. When their paths cross, Donavan is forced to decide if he will help Pen or allow her to suffer from monsters who have it out for her. His choice sets the story in motion down a windy path.
I loved this book, Donna Augustine is at top form in this story of honor and hope. The novel was well written, she breaks out of some of her normal genre but stayed well within things that go bump in the night. Great book!
I loved this book, Donna Augustine is at top form in this story of honor and hope. The novel was well written, she breaks out of some of her normal genre but stayed well within things that go bump in the night. Great book!
November 21, 2019
This book was a departure from the usual Donna Augustine. It’s a stand alone instead of a trio about the same character.
The world building is interesting and along her usual lines of something kind of apocalyptic- in this case, werewolves and vampires have taken over the US and humans are subjugated.
I enjoyed the character and the world building. The hero was decent too. But it felt a little rushed, especially the big ‘misunderstanding’. I .... did not feel it at ALL. I couldn’t believe it- that was the big drama? But.... what? I am still confused as to the whole thing.
I wish it had been three books instead of one. Shrug.
The world building is interesting and along her usual lines of something kind of apocalyptic- in this case, werewolves and vampires have taken over the US and humans are subjugated.
I enjoyed the character and the world building. The hero was decent too. But it felt a little rushed, especially the big ‘misunderstanding’. I .... did not feel it at ALL. I couldn’t believe it- that was the big drama? But.... what? I am still confused as to the whole thing.
I wish it had been three books instead of one. Shrug.
September 29, 2021
Donna Augustine is one of my favorite authors and while I absolutely LOVE her long, slow-burn single POV series to distraction, this standalone, dual POV book was just as beloved, a fast-paced paranormal/dystopian romance complete with a strong heroine and alpha hero. Still a little bit of a slow-burn with sex scene(s) only just slightly more than fade to black (for those that matters to) but the story/world/dialogue/characters are right up there with some of my favorites from her. Looking forward to reading Sassy's book next.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
November 3, 2021
Hello Donovan !!!!!
Love shifter romance stories, this is my first time reading this author and I did enjoy the read. This really is a different spin on the human and shifter relation in the world and most definitely intriguing, all the characters are good both main and supporting but I thought there would have been more drama from Veronica and more stalking from Mallard because what's a good story in any genre without those who want what they can't have drama. Anyway I did enjoy the read and looking forward to Sassy's story and more.
Love shifter romance stories, this is my first time reading this author and I did enjoy the read. This really is a different spin on the human and shifter relation in the world and most definitely intriguing, all the characters are good both main and supporting but I thought there would have been more drama from Veronica and more stalking from Mallard because what's a good story in any genre without those who want what they can't have drama. Anyway I did enjoy the read and looking forward to Sassy's story and more.
November 2, 2019
Great start to a series!
This is an author that has always been an auto-buy since the first book I read if hers. I was not disappointed by this one. This book has alot more romance than her books normally have and I can't say that I'm sorry. You still get your strong and some what naive heroine along with a stubborn alpha male who needs to learn some lessons of his own. Can't wait for Sassy's story alone with several other characters that have lots of appeal.
This is an author that has always been an auto-buy since the first book I read if hers. I was not disappointed by this one. This book has alot more romance than her books normally have and I can't say that I'm sorry. You still get your strong and some what naive heroine along with a stubborn alpha male who needs to learn some lessons of his own. Can't wait for Sassy's story alone with several other characters that have lots of appeal.
November 16, 2019
Not as juicy
In general, nothing new about the storyline...typical paranormal stuff. Just wished that there was more drama. The whole killing of enemies and feud was sooo drawn out and when it did happen, it was like what that was it? And it was kinda annoying how at every chapter the heroine and hero had to reiterate why they didnt "like" each other. We get it. I guess I was just expecting a high action, juicy plots, sexy times and it was just bleh.
In general, nothing new about the storyline...typical paranormal stuff. Just wished that there was more drama. The whole killing of enemies and feud was sooo drawn out and when it did happen, it was like what that was it? And it was kinda annoying how at every chapter the heroine and hero had to reiterate why they didnt "like" each other. We get it. I guess I was just expecting a high action, juicy plots, sexy times and it was just bleh.
November 1, 2019
Intriged from the start. Monsters become the elite and humans become the prey. But you cant help who you love. Can you?
Suspense, romance, heartbreak, monsters, humans unwilling to accept their new fate , it's all in here and more.
You wont want to put it down. I didn't It's the best book to date in Donna Augustines collection of fantastic books.
I cant wait for the next stand Alone .
Suspense, romance, heartbreak, monsters, humans unwilling to accept their new fate , it's all in here and more.
You wont want to put it down. I didn't It's the best book to date in Donna Augustines collection of fantastic books.
I cant wait for the next stand Alone .
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