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Embattled Dreams #1
Embracing My Nightmare
If our dreams sometimes come true, what about our nightmares?
What happens when one monster saves you by destroying another?
He freed me from my nightmares and left me to live my life, always looking over my shoulder waiting for him to return. He was my dark savior, living life in the shadows, promising to make me his. He said he would be back for me and I waited so long; I thought I had imagined him. When I least expected it, he returned, ripping open the wounds that had long ago healed.
Am I willing to give my heart to my savior, or have I been chasing a lie? His touch, his words, satisfy my darkest cravings. His secrets frighten me to my core. Obsession fueled my dark savior, and I let the nightmare overtake me, giving in to my desires. Now I’m fighting for my life, forsaking everything he promised to find the truth.
What happens when one monster saves you by destroying another?
He freed me from my nightmares and left me to live my life, always looking over my shoulder waiting for him to return. He was my dark savior, living life in the shadows, promising to make me his. He said he would be back for me and I waited so long; I thought I had imagined him. When I least expected it, he returned, ripping open the wounds that had long ago healed.
Am I willing to give my heart to my savior, or have I been chasing a lie? His touch, his words, satisfy my darkest cravings. His secrets frighten me to my core. Obsession fueled my dark savior, and I let the nightmare overtake me, giving in to my desires. Now I’m fighting for my life, forsaking everything he promised to find the truth.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2020
237 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Marshall
34 books447 followersH.J. Marshall began her love of reading and writing at an early age and has always dreamed of being a writer full time. A nomadic youth exposed her to different perspectives of life, community, and culture, resulting in a lifelong love of food, music, and history.
When she is not writing, she enjoys the music of all generations and genres, reading, and living in her cabin in the woods. Currently landlocked, H.J. dreams of her beach house, salty air, a life filled with laughter.
When she is not writing, she enjoys the music of all generations and genres, reading, and living in her cabin in the woods. Currently landlocked, H.J. dreams of her beach house, salty air, a life filled with laughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
dnf-nope
February 17, 2020DNF at 20%
ok the time apart , in this case was good, maybe 9 years where to many, but ok .
ok of her living her life...but, i didn't like her being almost slutty , with random hook ups or friends with benefits ... i could pass that if it wasn't for that first night they see each other again.
Basically she was about to f*ck her friend with benefits when HE come back and he blocked her in a bathroom , where they had a lil something going on, then he said to go to the other guy and continue what they planned, WTF?!?!?!?! and she was also thinking and saying that after what they did she didn't want it anymore but he insisted and SHE FREAKING SLEPT WITH THE OTHER GUY, and he was hidden in a corner watching and also enjoying it....well folks with that scene the book is ruined for me.
Even if then they get together bla bla i can't stand the fact that he let her do that,sorry but NOPE,I DON'T WANT THIS KIND OF HERO AND I DIDN'T LIKE HER EITHER.
The story could be way better.
ok the time apart , in this case was good, maybe 9 years where to many, but ok .
ok of her living her life...but, i didn't like her being almost slutty , with random hook ups or friends with benefits ... i could pass that if it wasn't for that first night they see each other again.
Basically she was about to f*ck her friend with benefits when HE come back and he blocked her in a bathroom , where they had a lil something going on, then he said to go to the other guy and continue what they planned, WTF?!?!?!?! and she was also thinking and saying that after what they did she didn't want it anymore but he insisted and SHE FREAKING SLEPT WITH THE OTHER GUY, and he was hidden in a corner watching and also enjoying it....well folks with that scene the book is ruined for me.
Even if then they get together bla bla i can't stand the fact that he let her do that,sorry but NOPE,I DON'T WANT THIS KIND OF HERO AND I DIDN'T LIKE HER EITHER.
The story could be way better.
January 31, 2024
This was amazing. I loved them in the other books but to read their story. It was stunning, and I can't wait to read the next book.
Read
February 19, 2020Won’t rate as I couldn’t finish.
July 1, 2022
creepy in some ways but really good!
Love over comes all even very dark things. Devlin is hot yet creepy sometimes with his obsessiveness. She is tough as nails and so strong.
Love over comes all even very dark things. Devlin is hot yet creepy sometimes with his obsessiveness. She is tough as nails and so strong.
April 28, 2024
MY 5-STAR REVIEW
BY JUDY ROBICHAUD/
DARE TO LOVE ROMANCE REVIEWS
EMBRACING MY NIGHTMARE BY H.J. MARSHALL
★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★
EMBRACING MY NIGHTMARE IS AN EXTRAORDINARY 5-STAR EPIC ROMANCE. I WAS LEFT BREATHING OUT THE BIGGEST SIGN OF CONTENTMENT AND WIPING THE TEARS OF JOY FROM MY EYES. THIS BOOK IS A TOP 2 READ FOR 2020.
★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★
I’m going to try my very best to be as vague as possible and not give spoilers. I have written in some of the quotes of the story to give you an idea of how the hero thinks and get to know him a bit.
Devlin is owner of Callahan Cyber Security and is co-operated and run by his best friend James.
According to our Hero, Devlin, he is not a good man. I beg to differ. He’s a good man who’s done some very bad things for the best reasons and the reason's name is Elise.. He is a man who gets the job done and one who stays true to his word and his convictions. He’s over the top obsessed with the Heroine, Elise, but for very good reasons and is as alpha as they come. He just might be the “alphaest” hero I’ve ever come across. Devlin has protected Elise for years, ever since she was a young girl. Years without Elise ever knowing he “was always watching”.
Certain events changed from him being a protector of a little girl, to savior of the woman he knew he was meant to be with one day. That was the night he killed her “parents” and stayed hidden for 10 years. But not before making a declaration, a promise to a young girl.
“Live your life, lamb. …… but remember one thing. You belong to me. I’ll be back for you when you least expect it. When that day comes, be prepared. I won’t take no for an answer.”
That little girl grows into a beautiful woman who awaits the return of the man she believes is the one she is destined to be with. The man who made a promise to her.
If there ever was a heroine to love it would be Elise. Elise is so freaking special and won a permanent spot in my heart. Her young life was extraordinarily difficult. One filled with horrendous abuse. Her upbringing up until the age of 10 left her scarred mentally with nightmares. I don’t want to give too much away but can tell you that after being placed in foster home after foster home, she is finally adopted by Chuck and Blaire, a couple unable to have children of their own. This couple was the best thing to happen to Elise. Well, besides Devlin. Chuck is an unbelievable father to her and teaches her to be a survivor. Blaire is both nurturing and loving.
10 years later…….. He returns for her……… Sorry, I’m giving nothing away. Although I will say this. Villains of epic proportions rear their ugly little heads and threaten the life of the one woman Devlin dedicated his life to and he will stop at nothing and I mean nothing until that threat is eliminated.
“..... And I would kill any motherfu**er who thinks they can take you away from me. I will bathe in their blood and watch them die. You’re mine, Elise”.......
Gah!!! Devlin’s love for Elise is so intense and so very powerful. His overwhelming need to protect her from any threat is so great, that God forbid you’re that threat of danger. You hurt Elise, cause her any amount of pain, then it’s BING BANG BOOM BYE BYE & SEE YOU IN HELL time for sure.
Here’s a little teaser for you…..
“I’ve never done this before and I won’t do it again. I saw something in you that night that called to me. I walked away because you were too young and I was too damaged. You deserved a life and for years I stayed away. Just like I promised you. It was when I knew your demons were screaming that I came back for you. I understand you, Elise. I know what it’s like to want to be destroyed but together, we don’t have to crumble. We can climb.”
If that’s not sigh worthy and swoony I don’t know what is. Let me tell you Elise is as in love and obsessed with Devlin as Devlin is with her. Their love is unbeatable, unstoppable and unyielding.
When truths are revealed and nightmares become clear then it’s a race against time. When a vital threat makes a move, it is a fight for survival. The suspense level in this story is so gripping and intense. I just couldn’t get enough. Courage and determination and training all play a role in the final showdown.
“I had no enemies. Not anymore. Anyone who crossed me either begged for forgiveness at the end of my blade or fell to their death at my feet.”
There will be no hiding from the storm that is Devlin Callahan. Righteous fury will ignite and wrath will rain down, wreak havoc with such a deadly force that it will decimate, destroy and eliminate the enemy. Anything less than that is unacceptable. And believe you me, he is a man of his word.
How will it end? Hmmmmm. You’ll have to read the book to find out. I mean I’m leaving so much out because it needs to be read by every romance lover. But, I’ll leave you with this…..
Love works in mysterious ways. It sure did in the book. Out of all the deep seeded darkness that is intricately weaved within the pages of this absolutely beautifully written and moving romance, springs eternal hope for a future filled with happiness, an abundance of light that shows them the way out of all that darkness to a love that simply defies all odds. A love so strong that it built the foundation that carried them through painful pasts and planted the seeds that bound them together for life.
From this day forward I will never look at a surveillance camera again without remembering Embracing My Nightmare by H.J. Marshall. The incredibly heart wrenching story of one boy’s endless crusade to save a little girl from the worst kinds of betrayal and unimaginable depths of depravity. And a truly dark and yet, ever so beautiful love story of one man’s deep rooted obsession who made it his mission in life to erase one womans’ nightmare and turn it into something only dreams are made of. And no one deserves this kind of triumphant love more than Elise and Devlin. Now one of my all time favorite couples.
Embracing My Nightmare by author H.J. Marshall is an EXTRAORDINARY 5-STAR EPIC ROMANCE and a TOP 2 READ FOR 2020. Epic as in both time and romance. Their epic love story transcended time and came full circle. By the time I turned that last page, I was left breathing out the biggest sigh of contentment and wiping the tears of joy from my eyes..
If I ever have the good fortune to meet this author in person, I am going to give her the squeeziest hug of thanks for writing this incredible book. It took my breath away.
BY JUDY ROBICHAUD/
DARE TO LOVE ROMANCE REVIEWS
EMBRACING MY NIGHTMARE BY H.J. MARSHALL
★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★
EMBRACING MY NIGHTMARE IS AN EXTRAORDINARY 5-STAR EPIC ROMANCE. I WAS LEFT BREATHING OUT THE BIGGEST SIGN OF CONTENTMENT AND WIPING THE TEARS OF JOY FROM MY EYES. THIS BOOK IS A TOP 2 READ FOR 2020.
★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★‿➹⁀✵‿➹⁀★ღ‿¸.•*•.¸ ೋ ೋ¸.•*•.¸‿ღ★
I’m going to try my very best to be as vague as possible and not give spoilers. I have written in some of the quotes of the story to give you an idea of how the hero thinks and get to know him a bit.
Devlin is owner of Callahan Cyber Security and is co-operated and run by his best friend James.
According to our Hero, Devlin, he is not a good man. I beg to differ. He’s a good man who’s done some very bad things for the best reasons and the reason's name is Elise.. He is a man who gets the job done and one who stays true to his word and his convictions. He’s over the top obsessed with the Heroine, Elise, but for very good reasons and is as alpha as they come. He just might be the “alphaest” hero I’ve ever come across. Devlin has protected Elise for years, ever since she was a young girl. Years without Elise ever knowing he “was always watching”.
Certain events changed from him being a protector of a little girl, to savior of the woman he knew he was meant to be with one day. That was the night he killed her “parents” and stayed hidden for 10 years. But not before making a declaration, a promise to a young girl.
“Live your life, lamb. …… but remember one thing. You belong to me. I’ll be back for you when you least expect it. When that day comes, be prepared. I won’t take no for an answer.”
That little girl grows into a beautiful woman who awaits the return of the man she believes is the one she is destined to be with. The man who made a promise to her.
If there ever was a heroine to love it would be Elise. Elise is so freaking special and won a permanent spot in my heart. Her young life was extraordinarily difficult. One filled with horrendous abuse. Her upbringing up until the age of 10 left her scarred mentally with nightmares. I don’t want to give too much away but can tell you that after being placed in foster home after foster home, she is finally adopted by Chuck and Blaire, a couple unable to have children of their own. This couple was the best thing to happen to Elise. Well, besides Devlin. Chuck is an unbelievable father to her and teaches her to be a survivor. Blaire is both nurturing and loving.
10 years later…….. He returns for her……… Sorry, I’m giving nothing away. Although I will say this. Villains of epic proportions rear their ugly little heads and threaten the life of the one woman Devlin dedicated his life to and he will stop at nothing and I mean nothing until that threat is eliminated.
“..... And I would kill any motherfu**er who thinks they can take you away from me. I will bathe in their blood and watch them die. You’re mine, Elise”.......
Gah!!! Devlin’s love for Elise is so intense and so very powerful. His overwhelming need to protect her from any threat is so great, that God forbid you’re that threat of danger. You hurt Elise, cause her any amount of pain, then it’s BING BANG BOOM BYE BYE & SEE YOU IN HELL time for sure.
Here’s a little teaser for you…..
“I’ve never done this before and I won’t do it again. I saw something in you that night that called to me. I walked away because you were too young and I was too damaged. You deserved a life and for years I stayed away. Just like I promised you. It was when I knew your demons were screaming that I came back for you. I understand you, Elise. I know what it’s like to want to be destroyed but together, we don’t have to crumble. We can climb.”
If that’s not sigh worthy and swoony I don’t know what is. Let me tell you Elise is as in love and obsessed with Devlin as Devlin is with her. Their love is unbeatable, unstoppable and unyielding.
When truths are revealed and nightmares become clear then it’s a race against time. When a vital threat makes a move, it is a fight for survival. The suspense level in this story is so gripping and intense. I just couldn’t get enough. Courage and determination and training all play a role in the final showdown.
“I had no enemies. Not anymore. Anyone who crossed me either begged for forgiveness at the end of my blade or fell to their death at my feet.”
There will be no hiding from the storm that is Devlin Callahan. Righteous fury will ignite and wrath will rain down, wreak havoc with such a deadly force that it will decimate, destroy and eliminate the enemy. Anything less than that is unacceptable. And believe you me, he is a man of his word.
How will it end? Hmmmmm. You’ll have to read the book to find out. I mean I’m leaving so much out because it needs to be read by every romance lover. But, I’ll leave you with this…..
Love works in mysterious ways. It sure did in the book. Out of all the deep seeded darkness that is intricately weaved within the pages of this absolutely beautifully written and moving romance, springs eternal hope for a future filled with happiness, an abundance of light that shows them the way out of all that darkness to a love that simply defies all odds. A love so strong that it built the foundation that carried them through painful pasts and planted the seeds that bound them together for life.
From this day forward I will never look at a surveillance camera again without remembering Embracing My Nightmare by H.J. Marshall. The incredibly heart wrenching story of one boy’s endless crusade to save a little girl from the worst kinds of betrayal and unimaginable depths of depravity. And a truly dark and yet, ever so beautiful love story of one man’s deep rooted obsession who made it his mission in life to erase one womans’ nightmare and turn it into something only dreams are made of. And no one deserves this kind of triumphant love more than Elise and Devlin. Now one of my all time favorite couples.
Embracing My Nightmare by author H.J. Marshall is an EXTRAORDINARY 5-STAR EPIC ROMANCE and a TOP 2 READ FOR 2020. Epic as in both time and romance. Their epic love story transcended time and came full circle. By the time I turned that last page, I was left breathing out the biggest sigh of contentment and wiping the tears of joy from my eyes..
If I ever have the good fortune to meet this author in person, I am going to give her the squeeziest hug of thanks for writing this incredible book. It took my breath away.
January 29, 2020
Woah! This book was dark, gritty, sexy and an absolute roller coaster of emotions.
But it was also very sweet once some of the puzzle pieces were put together.
It does contain some topics that some people may struggle with, so you may want to take that into account before reading it.
Personally, I felt those topics gave the story depth. They were pivotal moments in the story and without them, there would be no nightmare to embrace.
But it was also very sweet once some of the puzzle pieces were put together.
It does contain some topics that some people may struggle with, so you may want to take that into account before reading it.
Personally, I felt those topics gave the story depth. They were pivotal moments in the story and without them, there would be no nightmare to embrace.
February 2, 2020
I loved this book. Absolutely loved it!!!
From the first page, Author HJ Marshall claimed my tears as her own. I can’t even describe to you the hold that she had over me while I was reading this book. From the first chapter I was absolutely invested in Elise’s well-being, and needed her to be rescued and loved.
I cried for Elise as a young one and what she suffered at the hands of her adoptive parents before being rescued from her nightmare childhood. I also cried as she described the 11 years of her life since, and the gorgeous people who had made her their daughter in all but name. Hells teeth, I absolutely fell in love with Chuck and Blair, and everything they taught a frightened and scarred teenager about unconditional love and stability, and from Chuck, life skills of survival. She flourished, even as she romanticised her nightmare rescuer, as I did. Then the man with the black heart came for her 🖤
What can I say about Elise’s dark saviour? He is every man we don’t want our daughters to bring home for dinner, yet he will go to extremes to protect the one he loves obsessively. So many dark secrets within him, how is it that HJ Marshall can make me fall in love with the worst type of man....
I have to say that I am a lightweight when it comes to the darker side of life that some books contain, and while some parts could be considered distressing, I found that Ms Marshall wrote them with a factual sensitivity that is the cornerstone to both Elise’s story and that of her rescuer.
I loved everything about this book, and as much as it contains dark content, it is beautifully balanced with unconditional love and romance. 5 dark and beautiful stars. 🖤
From the first page, Author HJ Marshall claimed my tears as her own. I can’t even describe to you the hold that she had over me while I was reading this book. From the first chapter I was absolutely invested in Elise’s well-being, and needed her to be rescued and loved.
I cried for Elise as a young one and what she suffered at the hands of her adoptive parents before being rescued from her nightmare childhood. I also cried as she described the 11 years of her life since, and the gorgeous people who had made her their daughter in all but name. Hells teeth, I absolutely fell in love with Chuck and Blair, and everything they taught a frightened and scarred teenager about unconditional love and stability, and from Chuck, life skills of survival. She flourished, even as she romanticised her nightmare rescuer, as I did. Then the man with the black heart came for her 🖤
What can I say about Elise’s dark saviour? He is every man we don’t want our daughters to bring home for dinner, yet he will go to extremes to protect the one he loves obsessively. So many dark secrets within him, how is it that HJ Marshall can make me fall in love with the worst type of man....
I have to say that I am a lightweight when it comes to the darker side of life that some books contain, and while some parts could be considered distressing, I found that Ms Marshall wrote them with a factual sensitivity that is the cornerstone to both Elise’s story and that of her rescuer.
I loved everything about this book, and as much as it contains dark content, it is beautifully balanced with unconditional love and romance. 5 dark and beautiful stars. 🖤
February 24, 2020
The bed dipped as he sat next to me and I squeezed my eyes closed and waited. Softly, a hand brushed the hair off my face and with a gentle stroke, he ran his finger down my cheek. He leaned in and whispered into my ear, “You’re safe now. They can’t hurt you anymore.”
The very first book I've read by H.J., and the moment I started this book I knew it was going to leave a mark!
The wiriting style is flawless, addictive even! When I'm reading dark romances, I do need them to be as dark as possible. Embracing My Nightmare is intoxingly dark. Loved that!
Elise has had a hard childhood, the kind of that nobody ever wishes for a child to have. Even when she's all grown up, the hard life never stops. And he... he's always there for her. This love story is dark, angry and twisted, the path being so messy, and yet so beautiful.
H.J. has captured my heart in this tale of two characters fighting for the chance at love.
The very first book I've read by H.J., and the moment I started this book I knew it was going to leave a mark!
The wiriting style is flawless, addictive even! When I'm reading dark romances, I do need them to be as dark as possible. Embracing My Nightmare is intoxingly dark. Loved that!
Elise has had a hard childhood, the kind of that nobody ever wishes for a child to have. Even when she's all grown up, the hard life never stops. And he... he's always there for her. This love story is dark, angry and twisted, the path being so messy, and yet so beautiful.
H.J. has captured my heart in this tale of two characters fighting for the chance at love.
October 20, 2020
Embracing My Nightmare is on its own level. It’s dark, gritty, and sexy. Definitely different from some of the books I read, but I enjoyed the book very much.
You have Devlin and Elise, two people who met a long time ago. Devlin remembers everything, and is protecting Elise. Now Elise, has been through a lot, more so than most people ever go through in their life. She had a very tough and scary upbringing, but now is living as best and as happily as she can. Or so she thought!
Only thing I can say is read this book. I do recommend it. There’s a lot going on that are like wow, but it all comes together in the end. Fair warning, if you are squeamish towards assault or any form of this.... there are some scenes described in the book. If this is a trigger, please do not read this book. H.J. Marshall does give you fair warning at the beginning of the book before you read.
You have Devlin and Elise, two people who met a long time ago. Devlin remembers everything, and is protecting Elise. Now Elise, has been through a lot, more so than most people ever go through in their life. She had a very tough and scary upbringing, but now is living as best and as happily as she can. Or so she thought!
Only thing I can say is read this book. I do recommend it. There’s a lot going on that are like wow, but it all comes together in the end. Fair warning, if you are squeamish towards assault or any form of this.... there are some scenes described in the book. If this is a trigger, please do not read this book. H.J. Marshall does give you fair warning at the beginning of the book before you read.
February 17, 2020
Book Review: Embracing my Nightmare
Author: H. J. Marshall
FIVE STARS
This book wow. I haven't read anything as suspenseful as this in a while. Wondering what is going to happen on every page. Elise has had someone watching out for her since she was very little. Thanks to him that is why she is alive today.
Can she finally connect all of the dots and figure out her past or should she just let it all go?
Devlin has had his eyes on her since she was 2 and was being abuse by her mother. Once he heard the woman say she was going to start selling the little girl for money he had to see to it that she would never be harmed.
This book is full of twists and pain. Hopefully they can find their HEA.
KLH
Author: H. J. Marshall
FIVE STARS
This book wow. I haven't read anything as suspenseful as this in a while. Wondering what is going to happen on every page. Elise has had someone watching out for her since she was very little. Thanks to him that is why she is alive today.
Can she finally connect all of the dots and figure out her past or should she just let it all go?
Devlin has had his eyes on her since she was 2 and was being abuse by her mother. Once he heard the woman say she was going to start selling the little girl for money he had to see to it that she would never be harmed.
This book is full of twists and pain. Hopefully they can find their HEA.
KLH
January 25, 2023
Great trope story idea bad execution. She falls in line instantly she instantly falls in love with him no fight. Like I wanted him to kidnap her or for her to at the very least resist him but no she instantly is ok that he is a murderer. She is almost to her 30s when he finally comes why? He should have been there way earlier would have made so much more sense if he came when she turned 21
July 22, 2021
So many feels 😍
Devlin has to protect his lamb no matter what. Elise's nightmares are about to become reality.
H.J. Marshall had me feeling it all..the hurt, rage, compassion, and of course love. I swear I need a room stocked full of Kleenex soon! Happy reading 👀💞📚
Devlin has to protect his lamb no matter what. Elise's nightmares are about to become reality.
H.J. Marshall had me feeling it all..the hurt, rage, compassion, and of course love. I swear I need a room stocked full of Kleenex soon! Happy reading 👀💞📚
July 30, 2020
This was a good read .. I truly enjoyed the chemistry between Devlin and his Lamb...
Main characters are .. Devlin he is the owner of Callahan Cyber Security and his right hand man is also his best friend James.
our Hero, Devlin, lays claim that "he is not a good man".
He’s a good man who’s done some very bad things for the right reasons and one of those reason's is the one he calls his Lamb "Elise " ..
He is a man who gets the job done and one who stays true to his word and his convictions. You could say he is obsessed with Elise, but he is an alpha. Devlin has protected Elise for years, ever since she was a young girl. Years without Elise ever knowing he “was always watching”.
Certain events changed from him being a protector of a little girl, to savior of the woman he knew he was meant to be with one day ...the night her “parents” were killed and she went thru many foster homes he somehow arranged so Chuck and Blair could adopt her... Devlin stayed hidden from her for 10 more years. But not before making a declaration, a promise to a young girl.
“Live your life, lamb. …… but remember one thing. You belong to me. I’ll be back for you when you least expect it. When that day comes, be prepared. I won’t take no for an answer.”
well eventually the little girl grows into a beautiful woman who awaits the return of the man she believes is the one she is destined to be with. The man who made a promise to her.
Her young life was extraordinarily difficult. One filled with horrendous abuse. Her upbringing up until the age of 10 left her scarred mentally with nightmares after being placed in foster home after foster home, she is finally adopted by Chuck and Blaire, a couple unable to have children of their own. This couple was the best thing to happen to Elise. Well, besides Devlin. Chuck is an unbelievable father to her and teaches her to be a survivor. Blaire is both nurturing and loving....
the story from this point really just gets more involved and intriguing.. Really the book is worthwhile... HJ did an awesome Job ...
Main characters are .. Devlin he is the owner of Callahan Cyber Security and his right hand man is also his best friend James.
our Hero, Devlin, lays claim that "he is not a good man".
He’s a good man who’s done some very bad things for the right reasons and one of those reason's is the one he calls his Lamb "Elise " ..
He is a man who gets the job done and one who stays true to his word and his convictions. You could say he is obsessed with Elise, but he is an alpha. Devlin has protected Elise for years, ever since she was a young girl. Years without Elise ever knowing he “was always watching”.
Certain events changed from him being a protector of a little girl, to savior of the woman he knew he was meant to be with one day ...the night her “parents” were killed and she went thru many foster homes he somehow arranged so Chuck and Blair could adopt her... Devlin stayed hidden from her for 10 more years. But not before making a declaration, a promise to a young girl.
“Live your life, lamb. …… but remember one thing. You belong to me. I’ll be back for you when you least expect it. When that day comes, be prepared. I won’t take no for an answer.”
well eventually the little girl grows into a beautiful woman who awaits the return of the man she believes is the one she is destined to be with. The man who made a promise to her.
Her young life was extraordinarily difficult. One filled with horrendous abuse. Her upbringing up until the age of 10 left her scarred mentally with nightmares after being placed in foster home after foster home, she is finally adopted by Chuck and Blaire, a couple unable to have children of their own. This couple was the best thing to happen to Elise. Well, besides Devlin. Chuck is an unbelievable father to her and teaches her to be a survivor. Blaire is both nurturing and loving....
the story from this point really just gets more involved and intriguing.. Really the book is worthwhile... HJ did an awesome Job ...
February 9, 2020
ARC review for Embracing My Nightmare
A beautiful disaster that's how I would describe this book.
This story starts out pretty dark. Just a warning.
Elise had it rough in her early years. Abused and drugged by her adoptive parents, feeling unloved and unwanted for years. That is until her dark savior, Devlin, showed up to save her and make a promise to return for her one day. She finally finds a home with Blaire and Chuck. They take her in and show her love and compassion. They help her to grow to be an independent adult.
Devlin is not the kind of guy you bring home to meet the family. Dark and dangerous with a bad temper, he has made quite the name for himself and some bad enemies along the way. He has done some pretty bad things but all to protect Elise. It's easy to look past the things he has done when you find out why he felt like he had to.
The love shown with these two isn't like most love stories. It's not all hearts and flowers but still an absolutely amazing love story in its own right. The road they traveled wasn't always pretty but they found happiness and comfort in each other. Isn't that all everyone wants?
H.J Marshall knocked it out of the park with this one. I will say it again, it was a beautiful disaster, amazingly written and absolutely perfect. An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I don't want to say to much and spoil the book for anyone so I will leave it at that. Again, it is dark book and has a lot of triggers so be prepared. However those moments help to make the book as amazing as it is.I highly recommend this book
A beautiful disaster that's how I would describe this book.
This story starts out pretty dark. Just a warning.
Elise had it rough in her early years. Abused and drugged by her adoptive parents, feeling unloved and unwanted for years. That is until her dark savior, Devlin, showed up to save her and make a promise to return for her one day. She finally finds a home with Blaire and Chuck. They take her in and show her love and compassion. They help her to grow to be an independent adult.
Devlin is not the kind of guy you bring home to meet the family. Dark and dangerous with a bad temper, he has made quite the name for himself and some bad enemies along the way. He has done some pretty bad things but all to protect Elise. It's easy to look past the things he has done when you find out why he felt like he had to.
The love shown with these two isn't like most love stories. It's not all hearts and flowers but still an absolutely amazing love story in its own right. The road they traveled wasn't always pretty but they found happiness and comfort in each other. Isn't that all everyone wants?
H.J Marshall knocked it out of the park with this one. I will say it again, it was a beautiful disaster, amazingly written and absolutely perfect. An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I don't want to say to much and spoil the book for anyone so I will leave it at that. Again, it is dark book and has a lot of triggers so be prepared. However those moments help to make the book as amazing as it is.I highly recommend this book
Read
August 13, 2025 ❌ Shelves: stupid-drama, full-of-ridiculousness, both-non-virgins, heroine-promiscuous, hero-spies-heroine-have- sex-with-many- men/foryears, heroine-not-celibe-after-connection-hero, sex-om, heroine-emotional-cheating, heroine-bitch, cynical-hypocritical-heroine, hated-heroine, idiot-hero, doormat-pathetic-heroe, deranged-characters-pls-get-help, no-brain-cells, secrets, mafia-organized-crime, contemporaneo, mf, dnf, not-safe.
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🚫 N O T A S 🚫
Nunca entenderé a a los autores que nos venden héroes malotes, malvados, peligrosos... pero que se quedan patéticamente DURANTE años observando/espiando como otros hombres se f0llan a la mujer que desean, por la que se supone tienen sentimientos y por la que son posesivos y celosos... 🙄
Devlin, POR AÑOS, espia como Elise se acuesta con un MONTÓN de chicos/hombres. Se supone que Devlin es alguien temido y muy peligroso y yo solo podía pensar en lo pátetico y ridículo que era, contemplando en silencio, con absoluta sumisión, como otros se f0llan a la chica por la que siente algo... Devlin más que temor causa risa y compasión. ¿Alguien puede tomar como una amenza a este hombre sin reirse en su cara? 😆
Todo este rollito lo compraría si a Devlin le gustara compartir a Elise, ver a su chica con otros, ¡pero no es el caso! A la primera oportunidad (Presente) Devlin le advierte a Elise que si la p0lla de otro hombre vuelve a estar cerca de ella lo matará... Pero antes, POR AÑOS, insisto, no movió ni un solo dedo mientras un montón de tipos "perforaban pronfudamente" a su corderito/Elise.
De hecho, en el primer acercamiento intimo que tienen Devlin y Elise, al acabar, ella va al despacho de su jefe (Trabaja en una taberna/bar) y se lo f0lla mientras Devlin los observa a escasos metros. Explico la escena: Elise acuerda tener sexo con su jefe/amigo una vez cierren la taberna. Su jefe es algo así como un follamigo con el que tiene sexo de vez en cuando. Cuando ella se dirige a su "cita" es interceptada por alguien que la empuja al baño de mujeres. Allí, sin revelar aún su identidad, Devlin la besa y masturba... Pero cuando terminan Devlin le dice a Elise que vaya a su "cita" con su jefe, si quiere salvarle la vida, mientras le advierte también que será la última vez que se f0lle a su jefe ... O sea, el "celoso y posesivo" Devlin empuja a la mujer que quiere a la p0lla de otro tipo para no matarl0 y para que se despida de él como amante... 🙄 😆 Elise, en un principio, no le parece bien saltar de un tipo a otro en apenas unos minutos, pero Devlin tampoco es que la tenga que convencer mucho, la verdad. 😆 Entonces Elise va al despacho de su jefe, quien la está esperando para su "sesión", pero ella se asegura primero de dejar la puerta abierta... Así que el "temido" Devlin contempla desde las sombras del pasillo como Elise cabalga como una potra en celo a su jeje... El "celoso y posesivo" Devlin se llega incluso a pajear... Uau. ¡Que peligroso es el pusilámine Devlin! 😆
¡Pero tranquilos! Pasan unas semanas y Elise, por fin, ha practicado el celibato. Devlin irrumpe una noche en su departamento mientras duerme y tienen relaciones sexuales al completo, mientras se pone todo lo celópata que no fue en la taberna ni en todos esos años. ¡Devlin no quiere cerca de Elise ninguna otra p0lla! Vaya, quien lo diría viendo su actitud pasiva todo ese tiempo. 🤷
Otros datos generales.
Elise, por otro lado, básicamente dice que durante TODA su epóca universataria tuvo un MONTÓN de aventuras de una noche, porque no podía dejar de pensar (y excitarse) en su "misterioso salvador" (Devlin) El hombre que la rescató a los 16 años de un hogar abusiv0. Así que necesitaba "apagar o aliviar" esa necesidad.
Después de haber sido rescatada por Devlin pasnan 9 años y es en el Presente que se da su historia de "amor". Pero durante esos 9 años Elise siempre sintió que su "misterioso salvador" andaba cerca, vigilándola, por eso también se acostaba con chicos, queriendo provocar en él alguna reacción y que hiciera acto de presencia... 🙄 Devlin, afectivamente, siempre siguió muy de cerca todos los pasos de Elise y sabía todos sus movimientos. Instaló incluso cámaras y audios para espiarla en todo momento, y cuando ella se independizó se mudó cerca.
Elise también dice que tuvo una mala experiencia con un hombre, que pudo acabar muy mal, y cambió entonces los hombres por los juguetes sexuales... Habla como si su "alocada vida" fue solo en la Universidad, pero esto es un poco falso, ya que en el Presente anda f0llando a su jefe y por medio de Devlin leemos también como él, através de las cámaras instaladas en su deportamento, asegura la vió acostarse con todos los imbéciles que se llevaba a la cama. Y uno asume que Elise se independizaría a un departamento una vez terminó la universidad, no antes... 🤷 Asi que el celibato más largo que Elise habrá conocido son las semanas que pasan después de haber tenido su primer encuentro erótico con Devlin en el baño de mujeres (+ cabalgar a su jefe la misma noche) hasta que él irrumpe en su departamento por la noche y la "reclama como suya".
De la vida sexual de Devlin no puedo aportar nada, porque hasta donde llegué (DNF) no se había dado ningún dato suyo. 🤷 Pero este hombre ridículo parecía dedicar gran parte de su tiempo a espiar a Elise y los polv0s que otros le echaban a su corderito. 😆
Por cierto, un Devlin que parece se obsesionó con Elise cuando la rescató (Pasado), teniendo ella apenas 16 años recién cumplidos. No sé la edad exacta de él, pero decía le llevaba unos pocos años... Un poco "sórdido" que alguien ya mayor de edad en ese entonces desee a una adolescente de 16 y que su mayor fantasía en el Presente sea f0llarla mientras está aatda, tal como la ató en el Pasado a la cama para que no se moviera mientras él se "ocupaba" de los padres abusiv0s de ella... O sea, en el Presente Devlin "recrea" la escena de Elise atada a la cama que tuvo lugar 9 años atrás, cuando ella apenas tenía 16 años...
Ah, no quería olvidarme de OTRO nuevo caso de heroina quejumbrosa que se la pasa diciendo que NADIE la quiere, que se pregunta constantemente por qué nadie la quiere... cuando tiene unos (nuevos) padres adoptivos que la adoran y apoyan, buenos amigos (Incluido su jefe el follamigo) y, al parecer, tampoco ha tenido muchos problemas a la hora de conocer chicos/hombres... Estoy HARTA de leer a este tipo de heroinas quejicas, cuanddo en realidad tienen gente a su alrededor que se preocupa por ellas y realmente las aman... Y curiosamente a menudo suelen ser heroinas como Elise, tal cual.
× × × × ×
🚫 N O T A S 🚫
Nunca entenderé a a los autores que nos venden héroes malotes, malvados, peligrosos... pero que se quedan patéticamente DURANTE años observando/espiando como otros hombres se f0llan a la mujer que desean, por la que se supone tienen sentimientos y por la que son posesivos y celosos... 🙄
Devlin, POR AÑOS, espia como Elise se acuesta con un MONTÓN de chicos/hombres. Se supone que Devlin es alguien temido y muy peligroso y yo solo podía pensar en lo pátetico y ridículo que era, contemplando en silencio, con absoluta sumisión, como otros se f0llan a la chica por la que siente algo... Devlin más que temor causa risa y compasión. ¿Alguien puede tomar como una amenza a este hombre sin reirse en su cara? 😆
Todo este rollito lo compraría si a Devlin le gustara compartir a Elise, ver a su chica con otros, ¡pero no es el caso! A la primera oportunidad (Presente) Devlin le advierte a Elise que si la p0lla de otro hombre vuelve a estar cerca de ella lo matará... Pero antes, POR AÑOS, insisto, no movió ni un solo dedo mientras un montón de tipos "perforaban pronfudamente" a su corderito/Elise.
De hecho, en el primer acercamiento intimo que tienen Devlin y Elise, al acabar, ella va al despacho de su jefe (Trabaja en una taberna/bar) y se lo f0lla mientras Devlin los observa a escasos metros. Explico la escena: Elise acuerda tener sexo con su jefe/amigo una vez cierren la taberna. Su jefe es algo así como un follamigo con el que tiene sexo de vez en cuando. Cuando ella se dirige a su "cita" es interceptada por alguien que la empuja al baño de mujeres. Allí, sin revelar aún su identidad, Devlin la besa y masturba... Pero cuando terminan Devlin le dice a Elise que vaya a su "cita" con su jefe, si quiere salvarle la vida, mientras le advierte también que será la última vez que se f0lle a su jefe ... O sea, el "celoso y posesivo" Devlin empuja a la mujer que quiere a la p0lla de otro tipo para no matarl0 y para que se despida de él como amante... 🙄 😆 Elise, en un principio, no le parece bien saltar de un tipo a otro en apenas unos minutos, pero Devlin tampoco es que la tenga que convencer mucho, la verdad. 😆 Entonces Elise va al despacho de su jefe, quien la está esperando para su "sesión", pero ella se asegura primero de dejar la puerta abierta... Así que el "temido" Devlin contempla desde las sombras del pasillo como Elise cabalga como una potra en celo a su jeje... El "celoso y posesivo" Devlin se llega incluso a pajear... Uau. ¡Que peligroso es el pusilámine Devlin! 😆
¡Pero tranquilos! Pasan unas semanas y Elise, por fin, ha practicado el celibato. Devlin irrumpe una noche en su departamento mientras duerme y tienen relaciones sexuales al completo, mientras se pone todo lo celópata que no fue en la taberna ni en todos esos años. ¡Devlin no quiere cerca de Elise ninguna otra p0lla! Vaya, quien lo diría viendo su actitud pasiva todo ese tiempo. 🤷
Otros datos generales.
Elise, por otro lado, básicamente dice que durante TODA su epóca universataria tuvo un MONTÓN de aventuras de una noche, porque no podía dejar de pensar (y excitarse) en su "misterioso salvador" (Devlin) El hombre que la rescató a los 16 años de un hogar abusiv0. Así que necesitaba "apagar o aliviar" esa necesidad.
Después de haber sido rescatada por Devlin pasnan 9 años y es en el Presente que se da su historia de "amor". Pero durante esos 9 años Elise siempre sintió que su "misterioso salvador" andaba cerca, vigilándola, por eso también se acostaba con chicos, queriendo provocar en él alguna reacción y que hiciera acto de presencia... 🙄 Devlin, afectivamente, siempre siguió muy de cerca todos los pasos de Elise y sabía todos sus movimientos. Instaló incluso cámaras y audios para espiarla en todo momento, y cuando ella se independizó se mudó cerca.
Elise también dice que tuvo una mala experiencia con un hombre, que pudo acabar muy mal, y cambió entonces los hombres por los juguetes sexuales... Habla como si su "alocada vida" fue solo en la Universidad, pero esto es un poco falso, ya que en el Presente anda f0llando a su jefe y por medio de Devlin leemos también como él, através de las cámaras instaladas en su deportamento, asegura la vió acostarse con todos los imbéciles que se llevaba a la cama. Y uno asume que Elise se independizaría a un departamento una vez terminó la universidad, no antes... 🤷 Asi que el celibato más largo que Elise habrá conocido son las semanas que pasan después de haber tenido su primer encuentro erótico con Devlin en el baño de mujeres (+ cabalgar a su jefe la misma noche) hasta que él irrumpe en su departamento por la noche y la "reclama como suya".
De la vida sexual de Devlin no puedo aportar nada, porque hasta donde llegué (DNF) no se había dado ningún dato suyo. 🤷 Pero este hombre ridículo parecía dedicar gran parte de su tiempo a espiar a Elise y los polv0s que otros le echaban a su corderito. 😆
Por cierto, un Devlin que parece se obsesionó con Elise cuando la rescató (Pasado), teniendo ella apenas 16 años recién cumplidos. No sé la edad exacta de él, pero decía le llevaba unos pocos años... Un poco "sórdido" que alguien ya mayor de edad en ese entonces desee a una adolescente de 16 y que su mayor fantasía en el Presente sea f0llarla mientras está aatda, tal como la ató en el Pasado a la cama para que no se moviera mientras él se "ocupaba" de los padres abusiv0s de ella... O sea, en el Presente Devlin "recrea" la escena de Elise atada a la cama que tuvo lugar 9 años atrás, cuando ella apenas tenía 16 años...
Ah, no quería olvidarme de OTRO nuevo caso de heroina quejumbrosa que se la pasa diciendo que NADIE la quiere, que se pregunta constantemente por qué nadie la quiere... cuando tiene unos (nuevos) padres adoptivos que la adoran y apoyan, buenos amigos (Incluido su jefe el follamigo) y, al parecer, tampoco ha tenido muchos problemas a la hora de conocer chicos/hombres... Estoy HARTA de leer a este tipo de heroinas quejicas, cuanddo en realidad tienen gente a su alrededor que se preocupa por ellas y realmente las aman... Y curiosamente a menudo suelen ser heroinas como Elise, tal cual.
February 8, 2020
HOLY NIGHTMARE HELL H.J. Marshall! Embracing My Nightmare is definitely a dark read, yet told with sensitivity at the same time in my eyes. That sentence may not make sense but in my mind, it totally does. I've been getting enraged with so many heroes these days, yet, this author had me falling in love with Devlin, though he's more of an anti-hero for some time so not instantly. He's controlling, a puppet master if you will, especially when it comes to the heroine, Elise. She had no clue he rescued her & placed her in a better home situation, or that he was still pulling the strings of her life. I mean, she did know that he would be back for her, so there's that. And that's all that I really want to say about that, as there are a lot of twists that kept my f-bombs dropping, and serious extreme emotions from me as well. Their story is no pretty tale of a smooth journey, nope, it's raw & gritty, and also seemed a bit more realistic than those perfect stories that I come across. Life isn't easy, and it's not easy in this story, which is the beauty of it, because Elise is the light to Devlin's darkness making them fit though unconventional. However, don't take my word for it, just hit that one click button if you're okay with triggers, because they are seriously present. Anyway, that's all from me, so I'll end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING!
August 5, 2021
Nope
From the first paragraph I didn't like. And it did not get any better.
In what universe does a man that professes to care for someone, tells them to go f*** another?
No connection at all to the H or h.
I just couldn't like either character.
From the first paragraph I didn't like. And it did not get any better.
In what universe does a man that professes to care for someone, tells them to go f*** another?
No connection at all to the H or h.
I just couldn't like either character.
November 30, 2020
Shame the Editor didn't do a very good job
The formatting and discombobulated structure made it so hard to read, no joke, it gave me a migraine.
Zero absolutely positively Zero chemistry between the main characters. It reads like an erotica short story off of a free website that someone tried to make into a novel. The entire thing could have been told in under 10 pages, and it would have been excellent. Dragging it on for as long as she did, killed any interest I had in the plot. I found myself saying " oh come on get to the point!!! " so many times I can't even count. There is no build up, no arch that makes you invested in the characters outcomes.
I think with a good editor and a bit more "write what you know" the author could top the BSL in almost any romance category. Just as long as its one she was familiar with. This was like having someone who has never been outside of NYC trying to give directions from Malibu to LongBeach based on what they remember from various sitcoms and movie references. Sure it might eventually, possibly get you there, but wouldn't it be better to ask them for directions from Soho to Brooklyn? You would get a lot more out of it and spend a lot less time scratching your head and asking yourself " what were they thinking, what's the point of this?"
The formatting and discombobulated structure made it so hard to read, no joke, it gave me a migraine.
Zero absolutely positively Zero chemistry between the main characters. It reads like an erotica short story off of a free website that someone tried to make into a novel. The entire thing could have been told in under 10 pages, and it would have been excellent. Dragging it on for as long as she did, killed any interest I had in the plot. I found myself saying " oh come on get to the point!!! " so many times I can't even count. There is no build up, no arch that makes you invested in the characters outcomes.
I think with a good editor and a bit more "write what you know" the author could top the BSL in almost any romance category. Just as long as its one she was familiar with. This was like having someone who has never been outside of NYC trying to give directions from Malibu to LongBeach based on what they remember from various sitcoms and movie references. Sure it might eventually, possibly get you there, but wouldn't it be better to ask them for directions from Soho to Brooklyn? You would get a lot more out of it and spend a lot less time scratching your head and asking yourself " what were they thinking, what's the point of this?"
June 16, 2021
Utterly speechless!!!
This by far was one of the best books I have ever read!!! Seriously!! I am utterly speechless. Where has this author been all my life? I am stunned right now. I devoured this book and it was exciting, captivating, heartbreaking beautiful and about a million other adjectives that could never do this story justice.Elise was incredible. She was strong and broken but yet almost unbreakable. She was smart yet innocent and naive. She was so many things I can't even describe her accurately but truly blew my mind. Devlin. Where do I even start. The man of my dreams and my nightmares all the same. Wow. There are very few men like Devlin. We search for them. We long for them. But always come up short. The could haves and the almosts but never quite were. Wow. Stunning. The writing was impeccable and beautifully tragic. The author leads you on this journey for answers and mystery around every bend. The more pieces you get the more questions you have. It was fantastic!! Speechless. It's almost a shame that this story is limited to give stars because it deserves so much more. Read this book. Meet these characters. Immerse yourself in this story and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you.
This by far was one of the best books I have ever read!!! Seriously!! I am utterly speechless. Where has this author been all my life? I am stunned right now. I devoured this book and it was exciting, captivating, heartbreaking beautiful and about a million other adjectives that could never do this story justice.Elise was incredible. She was strong and broken but yet almost unbreakable. She was smart yet innocent and naive. She was so many things I can't even describe her accurately but truly blew my mind. Devlin. Where do I even start. The man of my dreams and my nightmares all the same. Wow. There are very few men like Devlin. We search for them. We long for them. But always come up short. The could haves and the almosts but never quite were. Wow. Stunning. The writing was impeccable and beautifully tragic. The author leads you on this journey for answers and mystery around every bend. The more pieces you get the more questions you have. It was fantastic!! Speechless. It's almost a shame that this story is limited to give stars because it deserves so much more. Read this book. Meet these characters. Immerse yourself in this story and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you.
February 4, 2020
My new favorite book by this amazing author! Embracing My Nightmare is a little darker than H.J. Marshall’s previous books and is just oh so delicious! Devlin and Elise have a connected past that she is not completely aware of. Both fight to overcome their pasts, which prove very difficult at times. The intensity of their relationship is like no other. I did not expect the twists and turns in this story and was literally mind blown!!!!! There are so many different emotions you experience while reading Devlin and Elise’s journey. Your heart hurts, breaks, and is put back together by the end (ummm that epilogue tho!!!!). The anger you’ll experience will make you want to scream and break your e-reader or throw your book, but the calm satisfaction of the end will make you realize this journey, while difficult, was well worth it. Way to go H.J. Marshall!!!!!
February 5, 2020
INCREDIBLE
Controlling, Deadly, Dark, Dangerous and Delicious. These are just a few ways to describe Devlin. From a very early age Devlin and James find out the world isn't a kind place to live. Unfortunately so did Elise. She was born into a very dark world, but, at a very young age she had a savior and didn't even know it. Devlin rescued Elise and for years watched her controlling situations that she wouldn't realize for quite some time. Devlin and Elise's story is not a smooth journey by any stretch of the imagination. But once they're together their love is EXPLOSIVE! "Love doesn't always follow the same path for everyone. When I finally embraced my nightmare, I found my forever".
Controlling, Deadly, Dark, Dangerous and Delicious. These are just a few ways to describe Devlin. From a very early age Devlin and James find out the world isn't a kind place to live. Unfortunately so did Elise. She was born into a very dark world, but, at a very young age she had a savior and didn't even know it. Devlin rescued Elise and for years watched her controlling situations that she wouldn't realize for quite some time. Devlin and Elise's story is not a smooth journey by any stretch of the imagination. But once they're together their love is EXPLOSIVE! "Love doesn't always follow the same path for everyone. When I finally embraced my nightmare, I found my forever".
June 1, 2025
I love the world building in this story. I love the way that the characters flowed within the words of this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes dark romance
This is my first book by this author and I am glad that I took the chance to read it. This book is awesome in the way that it was written. the plot flowed perfectly and when the characters were added to the way that the book read. There was laughter and all that other good stuff.
The past follows us where ever we go. Delvin and Elise are finding this out first hand while trying to navigate the ways of a relationship. He's always known that she would be his in a matter of time within moments of their first meeting. She never truly knew who she was until that faithful night.
This is my first book by this author and I am glad that I took the chance to read it. This book is awesome in the way that it was written. the plot flowed perfectly and when the characters were added to the way that the book read. There was laughter and all that other good stuff.
The past follows us where ever we go. Delvin and Elise are finding this out first hand while trying to navigate the ways of a relationship. He's always known that she would be his in a matter of time within moments of their first meeting. She never truly knew who she was until that faithful night.
February 2, 2020
I don't know what to say except I loved this book. I mean I don't normally gravitate towards dark romances but this one drew me in from the very beginning.
To say Devlin and Elise have an unconventional start and connection would be an understatement. But I think H.J. does a remarkable job of showing that there is a connection that can't be denied. Not all love is the same and it makes you wonder what if??
Are there some parts that make you say "I don't see that happening"? Maybe. But you know what people... it's a book!!! It's fiction!!! It'sdark, it's steamy, it keeps you turning the pages!! I will totally read this book again and because of that it gets five stars!!
To say Devlin and Elise have an unconventional start and connection would be an understatement. But I think H.J. does a remarkable job of showing that there is a connection that can't be denied. Not all love is the same and it makes you wonder what if??
Are there some parts that make you say "I don't see that happening"? Maybe. But you know what people... it's a book!!! It's fiction!!! It'sdark, it's steamy, it keeps you turning the pages!! I will totally read this book again and because of that it gets five stars!!
February 4, 2020
Dark, dirty and delicious!
Embracing My Nightmare is a dark and somewhat twisted tale of two people finding the other half of their soles and what they went through to save each other. This is also a story of how the love you have for someone can evolve over time from one of protector to much more and accepting that person for who they are, helping them grow into the person they are meant to be. I loved seeing the love Devlin and Elise had for each other grow and their chemistry was definitely down right dirty and sizzling. If you like your romance with a little darkness and intrigue, then Embracing My Nightmare is definitely for you.
Embracing My Nightmare is a dark and somewhat twisted tale of two people finding the other half of their soles and what they went through to save each other. This is also a story of how the love you have for someone can evolve over time from one of protector to much more and accepting that person for who they are, helping them grow into the person they are meant to be. I loved seeing the love Devlin and Elise had for each other grow and their chemistry was definitely down right dirty and sizzling. If you like your romance with a little darkness and intrigue, then Embracing My Nightmare is definitely for you.
April 9, 2021
Embracing My Nightmare is an amazing read! Full of sadness, heartache, pain and nightmares that pull on your emotions and your heart. From the very first page, I found myself instantly connected to the story and the characters you meet. You can feel the instant chemistry between the main characters and it’s that connection that captivated my attention from the start. Nothing is at is seems and as you read on further, you learn that nightmares tend to stem from reality. Darkness calls to darkness but even in darkness, there is light and hope. This incredible story stole my heart. The lessons to be learned: embrace your nightmares, learn your truths and always listen to your heart!
February 16, 2020
Elise has had a digusting childhood, though she barely remembers any of it. Her life has been hard for sonlomg she struggles to trust.
When the man that saved her said he would be back for her she kept herself withdrawn from any proper relationships.
But when her foster "uncle" blames her for something that beyond her control or comprehension, we see her strength and knight in tarnished armour swoop in.
This book was amazing. I cant recommend it enough
Only shame is that I can only award 5 stars
When the man that saved her said he would be back for her she kept herself withdrawn from any proper relationships.
But when her foster "uncle" blames her for something that beyond her control or comprehension, we see her strength and knight in tarnished armour swoop in.
This book was amazing. I cant recommend it enough
Only shame is that I can only award 5 stars
February 3, 2020
I went into this book not knowing for sure if I could read it because I wasn't sure how dark it would be. Turns out, I was immediately drawn into Elise's story and felt all of the emotions our fabulous author put into it. Then along comes Devlin and bits and pieces of Elise's history comes to light. I couldn't stop reading! Their story was breathtaking, full of so many emotions and tons of love. Another fantastic story.
February 24, 2020
A Dark,sexy delectable read.
Elise and Devlin have a very rocky relationship, but a very strong connection none the less.
You will Love and hate Devlin I had so many conflicting feelings.
This story will mess with your emotions, this is a captivating book that will capture your interest from the very beginning right until the end.
A must read for all Dark romance lovers out there
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Elise and Devlin have a very rocky relationship, but a very strong connection none the less.
You will Love and hate Devlin I had so many conflicting feelings.
This story will mess with your emotions, this is a captivating book that will capture your interest from the very beginning right until the end.
A must read for all Dark romance lovers out there
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 30, 2020
Devlin oh Devlin my savior. This book was heart pounding and a dark romance. Devlin has been saving his little lamb all her life and she has no idea. She was a throw away in the system and noone watched out for her like Devlin. He found a way to place her with a great family who would love her until he came for her again. The love and sex between them is freaking hot so be prepared for loads of sexiness. Will little lamb ever find out who he really is? And what will happen when she does. I couldn't put the book down. It kept me totally at its will since the first page.
April 2, 2021
This is a five star read ! This book had me right from the start . It pulls you in with an emotional gripping beginning, takes you on the best thrill seeking ride of passion and angst, and then rounds out with that romantic loving ending ! Everything you need to have a fantastic read ! That is why I couldn’t put it down . It just kept you wanting to read more ! Devlin and Elise were just meant to be . Oh how he loved his little Lamb !
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