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Countered: A Dark Suspenseful Gothic Romance

All I wanted was to cure my phobia of dentists.
But instead, they have me locked up and claimed.

I’m at their mercy, held in a basement.
There are other women here.
All of them without any hope of escape.
Everyone, except for April.
It’s up to the two of us to find a way out.
But the torment leaves us hot and breathless—wanting more.
We’re asked to comply to the Rule of Law and Fuller.

We can't let our urges control us.
There are two sides to this story.
Which one will win?

Countered is the second dark romance in The Rule of Lawes series.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2020

29 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Felicity Brandon

133 books999 followers
USA Today bestselling writer of dark, suspenseful romance.

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5 stars
59 (51%)
4 stars
23 (20%)
3 stars
19 (16%)
2 stars
10 (8%)
1 star
4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
225 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2020
Have you ever finished a book and just sat there for a while, your mind examining the events that you’ve just experienced? Well I’m still doing that as I write this review.

Let me start by saying that this book is a dark read. Very dark. Really really dark. So be prepared for that when when you go in. Felicity Brandon gives us a story of abduction, denigration and erotica forced upon imprisoned women at the hands of sexually dominant and somewhat sadistic men. It’s a hard read at times. There were occasions where I had to shut my kindle and back off for a moment or two before going back down into the rabbit hole. My emotions were honestly on high alert and these emotions tended towards anger and resentment.

The above statement is a testament to the writing ability of Ms. Brandon. I’ve read dark abduction stories before but no other author thus far has pulled my emotional responses to the extreme that Felicity has managed to do. She’s that good.

Like I said, this is a dark read, and from the perspective of a woman, I was torn between the erotica and the sexualized forms of denigration. I know this can a kink for some but that type of kink is consensual, this wasn’t. But one thing I can tell you is that I really hated the men involved in this story. By its conclusion I had very vivid revenge fantasies that made these guys look like rank amateurs.

The series will continue even though the book ends with a sort of “happy for now” feeling (which I’m not too sure about). But how does a woman move forward from this type of experience, pick up her life again and try to live it normally? I’m not sure. But knowing Ms. Brandon, I’m positive I’ll be taken on quite a wild ride finding out. As usual this author is highly recommended.
Profile Image for KittyLuvr.
601 reviews48 followers
February 24, 2020
DARK, depraved & INTENSE. Actually WAAAAY beyond INTENSE.
This 2nd book in Ms Brandon's 'The Rule of Lawes' series ramps up the erotic agony to which the captive women controlled by Lawes, Fuller, Matthew & Zander are subjected. Humiliation, physical punishments, bondage, ANYTHING these depraved men can conceive to do to their enslaved 'pets'. And they have an entire repertoire of carnal horrors at hand they are more than eager to use.
This book focuses most on the battle of wills between 4 characters: Fuller & Lawes vs Hannah & April. It seems the men have nothing to fear, they are physically powerful, intelligent, ruthless & have all the women under physical & psychological control.
Or do they?
The men have strength & bonds, cages & punishments, but the women, especially the redoubtable April & newbie Hannah, have their intelligence & iron will & determination to best their captors & escape.
To a casual reader this may seem merely a titallating & salacious story of kinks but I personally found a much deeper thread. To me, yes, this was a very erotic tale but although the women responded to the erotic excesses forced on them by their captors & although the women constantly questioned WHY they responded, none of it was with their consent. So, things that in a consensual relationship they might have greatly enjoyed, tore at them mentally almost driving them crazy or hopeless.
And this very non-consent is what ignites the fires of rebellion in April & Hannah, causing them to join forces to plot & plan. I found this to be a rousing story of those who are perceived as helpless & weak finding their inner strength & using what few tools & resources they have in order to fight.
However, make NO mistake, this book is VERY DARK, thought provoking in a very frightening way, very very erotic in a very dark way. It has heinous male leads you want to see suffer & pay for their arrogance & cruelty & strong heroines you are rooting for with everything you have.
Superbly written, it pulls you into the swirling whirlpool of madness managed by Lawes & Fuller. And as horrible as Lawes & Fuller are (& they ARE horrible), Ms Brandon gives the reader ~tiny~ hopes via their rare but personal interactions with April & Hannah, that possibly, possibly there's humanity in them somewhere, but then the door slams shut & the reader realizes along with the heroines, it's at too high a cost, IF it indeed does exist.
Excellent, mind-blowing, intense, thought provoking & DARK. Dive into the whirlpool if you dare.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2020
Never Underestimate Two Determined Women

The tale continues with Lawes and Fuller and their two proteges continuing to debase and use the women any way they choose. April is the woman who caused the disturbance that allowed Hannah to try her escape and she suffers for it greatly. This inspires Hannah and April to team up and try to find a way to escape. Will they be able to succeed? Read it and see. As with most of Ms Brandon’s books they are not for the faint of heart and easily offended. They are fantasy and if not your thing you need to read something else.
Profile Image for Crazy About Love 💕.
266 reviews119 followers
January 7, 2022
⭐️⭐️ two stars -

Dark and twisted, somewhat of a sexy thriller.

Well written, and kept my interest enough after the first book, Captured, to read this second installment. The main female lead characters were drawn as strong leads, which I enjoyed.

Solid two stars due to the storytelling skill, and the fact that the story still seems unfinished.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,032 reviews16 followers
March 7, 2020
This is the second book in Felicity Brandon's Rule of Lawe series and must be read after Captured.

This book hit all the right spots. It's dark, disturbing, delicious, and not for the feint of heart. It will take your breath away in it's brutality, twist your stomach up in knots, haunt your dreams, and keep you glued to the pages with anticipation. I couldn't put it down even when I felt like I couldn't read another word. I can only compare it to watching a tragedy unfold. You know the things you are going to see but you can't look away. Your brain feels sluggish and that makes you think the things you are witnessing can't be real. If you have read any of Felicity Brandon's book then you will know first-hand what I'm talking about. If you are new to this author, please take the warnings to heart. Don't dive in if you are afraid of the demons in the dark because this one has very little light. That darkness isn't a bad thing, though, because it's in those times that a person's true strength can be discovered. It's amazing to see who has the iron will and who's bravery was only skin deep. I'm not going to say anything about the story line other than there were a few surprises. I'm afraid if I say more than that I will ruin the book for readers. All I can do is say that this is seriously a dark read that can't be missed. It is brilliantly written, with characters it's easy to become invested in and a plot that keeps your blood pumping. I can't recommend it highly enough!
1,267 reviews19 followers
February 23, 2020
OMG!!!! Countered - The Rule of Lawes Series Book 2 by Felicity Brandon will have you reeling, heart thumping as once again this story picks up where Captured left off. Will April finally get out of this situation along with new girl Hannah? Now the reader is once again feeling all the pain and degradation these women go through especially April. April finds that with each punishment she takes from Lawes she also craves what he is giving her. When a plan is put into place to escape, will April be able to convenience Lawes she has changed and submit to him fully so she can immobilize him to get help? April has only one thought to escape this hell of deprevation and torture that she and the others have had to endure as sexual pets and prisoners? What happens next is full of full of danger, suspense and apprehension. Will April succeed in her plan to take these devious men down and if so will she truly ever be free from her captors? What will happen to Hannah and the others? Felicity Brandon has once again taken her readers into this dark decadent world of submission as only she can. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Anna.
790 reviews
February 25, 2020
Book one set the stage for this book. I mean, this book/series is certainly very different. I am not sure twisted even covers it. Now this book, at first I had mixed feelings. I had no problem with the twistedness or that it was depraved in many ways. I absolutely loved Hannah and April. OMG, the strength of those women. The problem was that I kept thinking this was a typical captive book. I kept looking for the redeeming qualities from the men. Something... anything to relate to. The things you usually get in those dark captive books. But I forgot this was a Felicity Brandon book, and she does the unexpected. And when I remembered that, I realized that this was a book about the women. And then I got it. Read it, you’ll get (and love it) too. As always, Ms. Brandon is an a amazing writer. ❤️❤️❤️
511 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2020
Wow I can't believe how intense this one was! It was insanely good. And DARK, let's not forget that! If you've read this author before you know she is comfortable in the dark romance world and I think she has also proven how good at writing it she is!

This book was easy to devour for me once I got the chance to start reading it. I couldn't put it down. I kept thinking to myself if the book was called countered would it be the "patients" doing the countering or would it be the men in charge? If you want to know what the answer is you have to read this thing! Trust me it is so worth it when you get the answer. And if you've read the first book you can still expect much of the same from the twisted minds that make up the Rules of Lawe. So of course you know it is also going to be a HAWT read as well! But also know there is more to come. So this isn't the end yet.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
March 9, 2020
This book was intense. It picks up exactly where the last one left off.

We have Hannah who has been taken, and we get to know April as well. She was one of the first women who was taken, and she's fought really hard against everything.

I like April. She's strong, she's a huge fighter, and she's not going to let any little thing stop her, even any severe punishments she gets, and well, let's just say that Lawes and Fuller aren't soft little bunnies who are going to be nice to her. I like her stubbornness, and I like to think that I could have half her spirit and strength.

I am weirdly fascinated by Fuller and Lawes. As much as I want to think that they are monsters, and to be fair, they actually are, there's something about them inside.

I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Saskia.
1,775 reviews52 followers
February 23, 2020
The second book in the series and it starts right where the first book left off. It deals with the aftermath of what Hannah and April did.

This book doesn't just focus on Hannah, but we also get inside the head of April, one of the first girls and we get to see more of the relationship the doctors have with their pets. The writing shows the struggles these woman face when dealing with all these emotions and physical responses of their body while in forced in situations they have no say in.

It also shows the strength and bond between these women.

It is a highly emotional and dark read.
131 reviews22 followers
March 8, 2020
What a fabulously twisted story. I found that Countered book two in The Rule of Lawes series lives up to its title perfectly. It had twist and turns and maneuvers so you never knew where the story was going. And like a chess game you can be surprised by the outcome with all the moves and countermoves. I enjoyed how all the separate yet cohesive storylines merged together to create quite an interesting plot. There are so many interesting characters this time around too. Felicity Brandon’s mind comes up with all these creative stories and I hope she never stops. I recommend this book to everyone who likes dark and twisted stories.
5,740 reviews
February 22, 2020
Kidnapped, and held against their wills. Their treatment certainly removes their fear of the dentist's chair, though!

Two head-strong women, that you will come to root for; try to save themselves, and the other women.

What happens when the attempts fail? OMG, intense.

Will their new plan be successful? It seems like an impossibility! What'll happen next?

Dark and intense! I loved it!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Mary S..
954 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2020
I don't know why this author keeps surprising me. If the few books I have read so far were not answer enough. I think I'm in the wrong place lol! But this story oh my goodness it definitely took me by surprise. I was so thinking this will end an a different way or is there more still to come? we just need to keep an eye open and see what will be. But I definitely got that excitement that I love when reading a book even when they end up in a very unexpected way that I was not imagined the that it go. So this was a very great and excited read. A job well done that is for sure.
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2020
Dark and Twisted


The continuation of the Lawes Series is as twisted, dark and suspenseful as the first in the series. This is a bit too dark for me but nevertheless I soldiered on to the end. Me thinks the girls being saved is a ruse but we will just have to wait and see for book 3! Paying for her escape April finds she loves her punishments and Hannah too but they are strong and stoical and vow to escape no matter what and are determined never to submit to Fuller, Mathew, Lawes and Zander!
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
2,859 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2020
OMG! So. Worth. Waiting. For. Rarely are second books as good as the first. This one scares you at the same time as it seduces you. You are drawn in to the passion, the emotions, the intense draw Lawes and Fuller exude. While I read I kept hoping for Hannah and April the ability to escape but at the same time not wanting them to succeed. How sick. How twisted. How devious the author to make what we know is wrong so very tempting. I am hoping there is more to come.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
760 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2020
Have you ever finished a book, then sat there thinking, “How on earth can I possibly review this story and purvey how I really feel?” OMG!!! I am totally in awe of Felicity Brandon’s writing. Once I began reading, I could not possibly stop.

We get into the mind and soul of both April and Hannah. They really did suck me into a “rabbit hole” of painful, erotic, seduction. This story is dark and intense, salacious and mind numbing and I cannot wait for the next.
Profile Image for Vickie Brown.
144 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2020
Courageous
Obdurate
Uneasiness
Nerve racking
Treacherous
Electrifying
Rousing
Excruciating
Depraved
Holy shit balls Batman......total mind blowing read! 🤯🤯🤯 Felicity Brandon is the Queen of dark depravity and decadence.
Profile Image for Mandy Sawyer.
5,097 reviews41 followers
February 28, 2020
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Felicity is a master of words. The talent it takes to write such intricate characters that you both love and hate. If you love dark capture reads then this is for you.
237 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2020
How do you fight for your freedom when punishment is harsh,locked up naked in cages treated like pet.Hanna wants out and she knows after her failed attempt she must work harder to get free.There is only one person she sees being critical in freedom for all April.
April is biding her time keeping what spark she has left to escape,she is strong and a fighter,she also knows that Mr Lawes has everything it takes to break her and keep her in this world of dark kinky things.She and Hanna must fight their urges and hatch a plan with the help of the others,they need a full proof plan to regain their life.But when will it be the right moment to enact it.

This is a dark kinky world of men keeping their little pets under their control.
77 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2020
Dark, twisted, insanely depraved. Just like in the 1st book the guys in this story are sick & twisted in the ways they treat women. Lawes and Fuller opening a fake dental practice to lure women and capture them. These women are kept in cages naked, fed out of pet bowls, kept on leashes & degraded on a daily basis. They’re treated like animals and degraded sexually and mentally.

When the captives finally come up with an escape plan and set it into motion it just makes me appreciate the will and courage it took for them to go through with it. Amazing ending to this twisted story I love that it had courages and willful females who found a way to get themselves out of a bad situation.
2,897 reviews18 followers
March 3, 2020
Sparks

This dark, decadent and depraved story continues from book one. The intricate and twisted relationships between Lawes and Fuller, Hannah and April continue in a dark vein. The woman have made a bid for freedom.....and failed and now it's time to pay the piper's.
Just when you think things can't get worse and every depravity has been enacted....you're proven wrong. Will the women be able to try again or are they totally controlled and beaten down.This is an intense physical, emotional and mental game being played and we will have to see who the winners and losers will be. Or maybe that should be survivors...
Profile Image for Lisa Pellizzi.
49 reviews
February 27, 2020
Beware of Dentists!

April & Hannah are so Kick Ass! Lawes & Fuller meet your match. Great sex, great strong women & good hot villains. So good, I want more. Loved the ending even better. I wanted to make it last, but couldn’t put it down. Keep them coming Felicity!
Profile Image for Ashley Murray.
163 reviews
March 4, 2020
Twisty dark excitement

Once again I got pulled in by so many emotions and feelings. I refused to put the book down until I was finished. This book is amazing and so twisty and dark. Definitely a super great read if you don't mind to get your emotions in a bunch and be drawn in by their dark ways!!!!
Profile Image for Lena.
1,738 reviews17 followers
March 6, 2020
Dark, hot and more than I expected. I shouldn’t be surprised - it’s not the first time that this happened.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
165 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2020
This is the second book in the series and you definitely need to read the first one before this. I liked how it continued where the first one left off with no time jump. I also loved how it added the perspective of another character, April one of the other “pets”. I really liked April’s character and thought everything was written really well. I devoured this book and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would end. I loved the ending although I’m not sure how it leaves anything for book 3. This book is dark and twisted, if that doesn’t bother you then read this book now!
3,273 reviews27 followers
March 3, 2020
What an intense dark story I was on the edge of my seat with worry, what punishment and horrid treatment would be next.
I really liked getting inside April's head and along with Hannah I cheered them on even though it seemed hopeless god these two are so strong and brave and still be able to some what keep a part of their soul.
Their story is not an easy one so beware but so worth it written to perfection and detail. I love the darkness this Author writes she keeps you on your toes.
Profile Image for Ruchika Mahajan.
594 reviews8 followers
February 29, 2020
Warning : Very dark and intense read.Dont be judgemental.read it with an open mind.Ms Brandon is a immensely talented writer who had aced this kind of dense,dark,intense erotica.This book is a page turner .i was waiting holding my breath what will happen next.it takes courage to write such characters which readers would hate with all their might.i was rooting for Hannah n April throughout.kudos to Ms Brandon...as always..waiting for the next book...requesting u to write likeable heroes
Profile Image for Suzanne Withers.
693 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2020
Wow what a dark romance of sadistic men preying on their captive female pets. There are plenty of twists and turns in this well written tale that captured my attention and caused me to hate them all. I didn't expect the ending and can't wait for the next in this series. I highly recommend this series to lovers of dark romances but I will always have to think twice before visiting the dentist again. This is my honest opinion.
985 reviews9 followers
January 21, 2021
Hannah just wanted to be rid of the phobia of going to the dentist but got more than she bargained for. After a Hannah and April failed escape attempt they devised a plan that they hoped would work. While everyone was in the grounds going over the fences April was in the dentist chair. Hannah was having a hard time trying to get over the jumps. I’m not going to spoil the rest only to say I enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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