בלייר

Dark Romance #1

by Anita Gray, אניטה גריי, דפנה לוי (Translator)

נקניתי. עברתי אילוף. נמסרתי לאויב.
קוראים לי בלייר, ואני עומדת בראש מערך האבטחה של גבר ששולט במאפיה הרוסית באירופה.
שמו מקסים והוא האדון שלי. הוא קנה אותי לפני עשר שנים ואילף אותי באכזריות להעריץ אותו ולהגן עליו. ואני הגנתי עליו. הרגתי את כל מי שניסה לפגוע בו. את כולם, פרט לאיש שלו הוא השאיל אותי. האיש שמאיים לשבור אותי ואת כל מה שאני מאמינה בו.
כדי לקרוא את סיפורי, תצטרכו קיבה חזקה ולב חזק. כי הסיפור שלי - תאמינו לי - הוא לא סיפור אגדה.

מככב ברשימת עשרים רבי המכר הבינלאומיים באמזון

"אוהבת את הספר הזה! דמויות מעניינות, עלילה מפתיעה והרבה אקשן! ממש מרגישים את הקשר שמתפתח עם הזמן בין צ'רלי ובלייר" אנה זאירס, סופרת (המככבת ברשימת רבי המכר של הניו יורק טיימס)

"...סיפור מורכב שצולל אל תוך האפלה, אבל חותר לעבר האור." טריש, Unbound Book Reviews

"חמישה כוכבים. ספר שראוי להפוך לסרט" (BestSellers and BestStellars Book Blog)

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Abuse, BDSM, Erotica, Suspense

470 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2016

About the author

Anita Gray, an English born and bred lady? who loves coffee and bottled beer (not at the same time, obviously) is an International Top 20 Amazon Best Selling Author, Audible Listener Favourite, and TaleFlick Discovery Nominee. Her titles are available as audiobooks and are currently being translated in numerous languages.

BLAIR3 is now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3tAEDec

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Reviews

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the blurb for 'Blaire', I was intrigued. I love nothing like a deliciously dark story that pushes my boundaries and makes me wriggle in nervous anticipation of what will come with the next turn of the page. Luckily for me, 'Blaire' did not disappoint. This book held my attention from start to finish.

Blaire was taken at a young age and subjected to horrific abuse. She was brainwashed and conditioned, both physically and mentally, to be the a slave for Maksim. Over time, she became his fiercest protector and most treasured possession. Despite her petite frame, she is more lethal than men twice her size.

When a rival crime boss, Charlie, enters the scene, it is clear that he is different. He doesn't fear Maksim the way that others do. In fact, Maksim seems to be afraid of this newcomer. Their actions hint at a complicated history and it seems that Maksim may have betrayed Charlie in the past.

As repayment for past transgressions, Charlie asks to borrow Blaire from Maksim. He is in need of her expert hacking skills for a job that he has planned. Although, his keen interest in Blaire makes it clear that he is interested in far more than her computer skills.

To Blaire's astonishment, Maksim agrees to Charile's terms. Before she can voice her protest, she is drugged and taken to be Charlie's captive. Soon, she is forced to feel things that she's never experienced before and everything she knows is called into question.

Little by little, Blaire and Charlie's relationship evolves into something entirely new to Blaire. Charlie treats her with kindness, which she had never experienced before. She battles between the feelings that she has and those that her conditioning tell her that she should have. She is beginning to fall for Charlie, but knows that this is the ultimate betrayal of Maksim, the man she has been groomed to protect and cherish.

Eventually, Blaire and Charlie must face the light. Blaire's time with Charlie comes to an end. Betrayals and their consequences come to pass. Things go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye.

Reading Blaire's story, I found myself enjoying this atypical captivity story quite a bit. Blaire wasn't weak or even innocent, by any stretch of the imagination. She was a conditioned, hardened killer. Yet, she was vulnerable at the same time.

If dark stories with abuse do not appeal to you, then this is one that you'll want to steer clear of. There are graphic accounts of sexual, physical and mental abuse in this book. Heed the warning in the book's disclaimer.

If you enjoy dark stories, like I do, then 'Blaire' might prove to be just the book that you're looking for. It is different from the plethora of other captivity-themed books out there. I enjoyed it quite a lot and will be reading the next book in the series when it is released.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I liked this well enough, although it wasn't necessarily as "dark" as I thought it was going to be. Also, the romance here felt a little stilted to me...it definitely took a backseat to all the "conditioning" mumbo jumbo.

I also didn't really care for the ending.

I picked this up because Mia Knight listed it as a free book of note in her weekly newsletter. That said, I enjoyed it well enough; I will say, however, that - at the time I write this - I am about 25% into book two and I think I am going to DNF it.

I don't like how the story started, etc. I feel like we are going backwards in the relationship between Blaire and Charlie.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and captivating read.
This book was so well written in addition to an expertly plotted story.
Though some scenes were very dark and at times brutal, the character Blaire is strong and newly discovered very passionate. I'm so Happy to dive right into #2.
Big Screen worthy 5 star read!

[Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gray's stark portrayal of human trafficking is possibly the most realistic of the many books and stories that I've read.

It's gory, brutal, sadistic and devastating; and I suspect these qualities will make it unappealing to those readers who want the fluffy side of human trafficking where the abuser is depicted as this gorgeous guy with a huge dick that all the captives salivate over.

I may not like this story, however, I appreciate it's authenticity and that alone is worthy of 4 stars.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLAIRE: When I was approached to review a dark read there was no way my ass was saying no!! Anything dark and my ass is on it, hopefully this delivers the darkness I crave..

WARNING: Blaire is not suitable for persons under the age of 18, it contains psychological impairment, dubious permission and violence.

Eighteen year old Blaire, bought, conditioned to kill or maim anyone who gets too close to her master Maksim, his most trusted devoted pet, this is the only way of life she has ever known, a cold fighting machine that is programmed to not show emotions of any kind.

Her next job is to shut down the city for fifteen minutes for a man named Charlie, he's asking the unthinkable, she can get into the cities system but after so many minutes it shuts her out. If she can't do what is expected of her for this man and her master she's worried about the consequences.



To pay off a staggering debt Maksim owes Charlie he's bartered off Blaire to him to do with as he pleases for 3 months, as long as he doesn't take her virginity and send back damaged goods.

GAH how to write up this review, I feel like I've been put through the wringer, this wasn't too dark but just enough darkness to keep me reading till the end and will be a good stepping stone for first time dark readers. Being that this is the first time I've encountered this author, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I really enjoyed this.



You need to go into this with an open mind though, to understand Blaire you need to understand what makes her tick, and that is a time bomb ready to detonate, she's been conditioned since the age of 8 to protect her master, to not question anything, to not show emotion, feelings are a foreign entity to her, she's been made into a cold, hard, killing machine. BUT that's all she knows UNTIL Charlie, he tries to show her what life could be like, he showers her with love, kindness. affection but was it enough to recondition her mind or is she a lost soul forever?

I loved the flow of the story, it was a slow build up of affection between Blaire and Charlie which I really enjoyed, he found a place in my heart, was nothing like I expected him to be, I thought she was jumping out of the frying pan into the fire with someone worse than her master so I was pleasantly yet again surprised. I'm definitely hanging out for the next book in this series!!

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (3/11/2018) 📌 📚

Book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/BLAIRE-Dark-Ro...
BLURB:
Bought. Conditioned.
My name is Blaire. I'm head of security to a man who controls the Russian underworld in Europe. His name is Maksim and he's my master. He bought me ten years ago and conditioned me with brutality to worship and protect him. And I have protected him. I've slain everyone who has tried to do him harm. Everyone but a man he loans me to; a man who threatens to break me and everything I believe in.

You're going to need a strong stomach and a strong heart to follow my story, because take my word for it, it's no fairy tale.


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 900 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf @ 32% - Quickly skimmed to the end

2* - It's me, not the book. Well, it's kinda the book.

I think a lot of dark romance readers will enjoy this book, and I see the appeal. I was drawn into the story too. Ultimately there were things that annoyed me that may not annoy other readers.

I studied Spanish in high school and college. I'm not proficient in the language by any means, but I have some familiarity with Spanish. I've been to Mexico a few times, and I have friends from Mexico. In this book Charlie's Spanish was atrocious to me. If it came across as terrible to me, I can only imagine how it would come across to people who are actually from Mexico and speak Spanish. The MMC, Charlie, is from Mexico, for reference.

I would bet money the author does not know many Latinos, is not familiar with the Spanish language, and did minimal research for this book about Mexican culture. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the author does know Latinos and is familiar with the Spanish language. Who knows maybe she's fluent in Spanish? Idk. Maybe. If that is the case she should know better. Latinos do not talk like Charlie, and every time he said stuff like:

"Ohhh, I still want this Señorita"

"Don't be embarrassed," he said huskily..."You're perfecto"

"That's it, bonita Blaire"

"You are really a bonita little thing"

"I want to fuck you como loco"

I died a little bit inside.

I promise you Anita Gray, men from Mexico do not speak like this.

This kind of language from Charlie did not let up and ruined my immersion.

If I was an author, and chose to write a character who spoke a different language, I would do research for my book. Maybe get beta readers who are from that country to look at the dialogue?

Also the hacking and gangster subplots came across as inauthentic to me.

I've given dark romance books that are about the cartels in Mexico low ratings for the same reason. Often the authors have done little research and it comes across as blatantly inauthentic to anyone familiar with Mexican culture. It's frustrating since Mexican culture is so rich, interesting, and sensual it would make a great setting for dark romance. I'd like to see more Latino writers in the dark romance/thriller genre. I'd also love to see a well-researched dark romance or thriller with a Latin American setting...this seems to be too much to ask for right now.

I feel I should add that the setting is actually in Europe. The author is from the UK, and I could tell she was trying hard to add some Latin flavor to the book with Charlie, but it was clearly out of her wheelhouse. It was distracting.

I admit I'm a moody reader and perhaps I was not in the mood for cheap thrills. Sometimes I'll all for the quick, cheap, and easy thrills dark romance can provide. I'm craving authenticity right now.

[Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm...

It's equaly good as it's confusingly messy in the plotting segment as well as in 'delivering' the unraveling moments that only caused more mixed impressions and unpredictable opposed feels about the story, and especially towards the main heroine Blaire

I might have smth to say more after I sleep on it...*sigh*



unfortunately, I am NOT much wiser than I was yesterday :/ concerning this book...

It had potential, parts were extremely good, the story is DARK with a lot of TRIGGERS, and yet I had issues with the simple "unraveling" of the events and the portrayal of the characters.

So, Blaire is an 18 year old young woman, who is blindly loyal to the russian gangster/sex trafficking indulger Maksim Markov. She's a part of his close security detail, she's fast in combat and a deadly assassin. She's absolutely obedient and conditioned to the orders given by Maksim and non other. She's his perfect soldier and sex toy, but not quite either, she has IT skills bordering on geniuos and extraordinary learning abilities.

She's been conditioned to listen and obey Maksim's orders since she was 8 years old, so yeah, even though she's sexually intact, she was conditioned to service Maksim orally (so, there you have your first trigger!!!) and she's under a special punishment treatment by Maksim who is a total sadistic sick fuck.

Then, enters Charlie Decena, the son of a former leader of the crime organisation called Los Zetas, and as he took over that leadership along with his two brothers, he's amongst the feared and most dangerous men in the crime milieu. And he's absolutely against all child abuse in sexual trafficking, and his reasons are purely based on personal experience.

He's in need of a tech savvy who can pull a job of hacking into the London CCTV system and block it for 15 minutes and Charlie asks for Blaire, as a payment from Maksim, since he owes a huge debt to Charlie. And that's how Blaire finds herself inside the personal proximity of Charlie Decena - tall, dark and dangerous man, for 3 months, with orders to NOT fight him or any of his needs. She has an order from Maksim to obey and submit.

BUT then Charlie shows her what it feels like to have a mind and a voice of her own. Which only complicates things, and makes Blaire torn inside, struggling with the new unknown feelings and her conditioned learned behavior.

The fact that he's never hurt me has sealed the deal for me taking a liking to him. He could have conditioned me with brutality, but he hasn't. I think that was his initial plan, to beat me into being loyal to him, but somewhere along the way he's changed his mind. I don't understand why. I don't care to want to understand why. All I do understand is-all I do know is-I like Charlie, and I doubt anything could sway my mind from that now.

But the their time is limited and when the time is up, Charlie gives Blaire an option to stay with him, and not to go back to Maksim. But out of fear and sudden insecurity cause all she's ever known was/is Maksim and the beating conditioning she's learned to endure out of loyalty. And the sense of betrayal is tearing her apart no matter how fucked up she knows the whole situation looks like or is like.

So she goes back to Maksim, Charlie lets her go, with a promise that he would BE there for her, WHEN she changes her mind, but she needs to do it freely.

But upon her return, the truth about her childhood is revealed and the active role that Maksim had in the whole ordeal, sets the turmoiling motions in Blaire...but when she tries to leave Maksim, he pulls the final card, determened in the notion that if HE can't have her, NO ONE can either.



and I have to admit, that I struggled the most with Blaire. I know she was conditioned to a certain oattern of behavior but when she "learned" / saw the "other" side of loyalty and the "humanly interactions" and when she started to realize that she could have the whole freedom and not just partial freedom as she had so far, the fact that she so easily went back to willingly submit to brutal beating and sexual violation by Maksim, out of that conditioned loyalty made her all mixed, fucked up and in a way weak, in my eyes...and I really didn't find any substantial reason to do that, other than to make more tension in the storyline, which in fact, seemed forced and pushed upon me, as a result.

Charlie Decena - now, this character screamed "controversy" through out the whole time...from the beginning to the end, he was a total blur of mixed signals - he was a criminal, prone to sadistic sexual proclivities, a very dangerous man that other gangsters feared like they are little pissants, and then, I see him as a tender, sensible teddy bear?! I m like, whaaaat?!

I couldn't combine these two sides at all, maybe it's me, I mean I'm absolutely sure, it's me LOL, but still it's not something I am not willing to overlook and accept if presented right...here, it just felt "off" :/

And then, the absolute villain - Maksim. I can't help it, but think how this character is actually presented in black and white manner - he's like this stupid, insecure, sick rapist pedophile fucker...hungry of power and yet he's not nearly fit or capable to hold the power, since he's stupid.

So, between these three...I'm glad the dice was cast in the right direction and we won't be seeing the lesser link in book 2. Thank fuck for that.

Now, the writing style was rather interesting. The author did use some "unusual" words like rondevu, instead of rendezvous, which is actually accepted worldwide, even though the word is of french origin, and so on... BUT I overlooked that too, and tried to focus on the pace and tempo, which was moderately fast thus contributing to the tension of the unraveling segment of the story. The dialogues were sometimes a bit awkward but so was the situation in which the characters were put in, so I put it to the tab of credibility.

All in all, it was intriguing, inspite of all the little issues I had LOL and believe it or not, I am going to read the second book, cause I am willing to give another chance to Blaire, to see if she'll get pass this obstacle within herself.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!!!
I loved this.

This was literally me for the 6-7 hours it took me to read this book!



The kids did not get fed, the house work was put on hold...hell if I could skip work I would have!

My marriage was dangerously close to been over...my husband was staring daggers into me every time I burst into laughter, cried out or screamed at the screen!

Hell I don't want to give too much away other than to say this book is must read...Anita isn't lying when she says "You're going to need a strong stomach and a strong heart to follow my story because take my word for it, it's no fairy tale."

Blaire is everything Maksim wants her to be....loyal to him, conditioned to listen to him and only him. She breathes for him, lives for him and would give her life for him. He is all she has ever known. All she has ever wanted and she cannot possibly think of anyone or anything that will change that.



Maksim isn't a man we are supposed to like however as a reader I actually found myself liking him....I felt for Blaire, I understood her, understood why she needed him....shit I needed him....I wanted her to stay in the world he had her in....there she was safe...she knew how to act...knew the rules!

But then comes Charlie!


"I look at Maksim's friend, my face blank of sentiment. Above him, a long tube light attached to the wall flickers on, buzzing with electricity, illuminating a tall, muscular frame “No matter what happens here tonight,” he says in sly Russian, “you are ordered not to challenge him.”
The back of my neck pricks. Maksim never orders me to stand down.

God I hated him but I wanted to know more about him...shit I could have killed him myself if I could get my hands on him....

Charlie’s voice lowers as he says, “I've always wondered about redheads...” I swallow, hoping I'm not visibly sweating under the presence of these two. “I wouldn't want you excited to see her,” Maksim says, “for she is mine and mine alone.”
“Hm...” Charlie hums, staring right at me with brazen audacity.

I don't want to give too much away but it’s clear Charlie has a lot of influence in this illegal world these people live in. People fear him, why? Well that much isn't clear...yet.

What is clear is he puts Blaire on edge...she doesn't like the way he looks at her, the way he tries to talk to her without permission....She cannot talk to anyone without Maksim saying so...so why does he keep trying?...she will never go against Maksim...NEVER!

And the shit from here just get's....Outa control!


I'm lost for words and not wanting to give too much away because hell everyone needs to read this however as per the blurb somehow Blaire find herself on loan to Charlie....

“Don't be confused, my little pet. Do not fight him. Just do your jobs and come home to me.” His words echo while my world narrows. Charlie was telling the truth. Maksim has bartered me!

Blaire just cannot understand what is happening....

“No... No—please, I'm sorry,” I squeeze out every word, gripping the phone so tight my fingers ache. “I'm sorry if I've been bad the past few years. I'm sorry for... Maybe if I come back and-and live with you at the house, it will help? I'll be good. I swear!”

She does as Maksim commands and finds herself with Charlie for an agreed period of time. From here Blaire's conditioning is put to the test. She feels she is been punished and wants nothing more than to go back to Maksim....back to safety....back to the life she knows.

Charlie however has other ideas....



“Don’t be frightened,” Charlie whispers, cupping my face with his free hand, “I’m not gonna hurt you.”
“Liar,” I snap like a child, and he stands back, releasing me from the power of his body. “You just admitted that you're going to do terrible things to me.”

Blaire is scared....conflicted...shit i was! Why did this happen? Who is Charlie? Why does he want her? Why did Maksim agree to this?

My stomach tightens from the skin to skin contact. I instinctively go for his wrists to stop him from touching me. He pauses, and I retreat, Maksim's order swimming in my mind—do not fight him.

The hours, days and weeks pass. Blaire is more confused than ever. Charlie isn’t what she expected (He isn't what I expected) and he isn’t doing what she imagined. Soon they get into a routine and I actually felt myself routing for Charlie....




However as we know Blaire has other ideas....as fast as Charlie is ripping down her walls she's patching the f**kers right back up just as quickly. She knows this has to end...there time is limited and she cannot and will not let him break her...for she knows ultimately she has to return to Maksim.

This gif was literally me...(Smacking my fists off my legs and screaming at anyone who dared look my way about the injustice of it all)



Charlie makes me swoon so feckin bad...



But this cannot end well....I know it....Blaire knows it....hell everyone knows it!

The story flows at just the right speed. I was gripped from the get go...we have some other interesting characters and I’m dying to know more about them.



Alas Blaire and Charlies time together comes to an end and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it...I wasn't ready for it to end....and neither was Blaire

I think about all this for a moment, but then what's about to happen hits me like a ton of bricks. “We are... we're going back to London today?” I push the blankets aside to stand, and suddenly, nothing else matters to me.



He looks me right in the eyes now, causing mine to water. “If you ever need me, no matter the reason why—no matter what time of day it is—call me, and I'll come.” I can't even nod at him. I'm cold to the bone.



This could not be happening! My mind was everywhere along with Blaires....shit from here this book is mindblowing!



Heart-breaking



"Panic rolls in my stomach as I think of Maksim and I start trembling, my mind whirling.
He might be here soon, and then... and then everything goes back to the way it was before him; before Charlie."

"I chose this path because it's the only path I am allowed to walk".

Shit I was preying...



I cannot and will not spoil anything from this point on because it is just too EPIC! I shit you not!



To the lucky readers who will read this book from this point however if I can tell you anything....its that you will enjoy this book...shit hopefully you'll be preying right along with me....begging for the outcome you want.

I was on the edge of my seat...my eyes frantically scanning the screen as fast as possible...I willed myself to read quicker....ignored the pang in my stomach telling me I haven't eaten....ignored my dry mouth because I refused to reach for my cuppa....refused to let my eyes move from the beautifully written story in front of me!

Who will Blaire end up with?

Charlie? The man who has tried to break through her conditioning?

Or Maksim? Her master the man she has been with as long as she can remember, the man she will do anything for, the man she breathes for, the man she is willing to die for?

This book doesn't end on a cliffy which I was pleased with but it's definitely left open for more to come and hell do I want it! Book two please Anita!!!

Read the god damn book people!



5 Beautiful...Heart melting....swooning stars!


ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars but I'm going to round it up

It's no secret I love DARK stories. As dark and as twisted as I can get. Pitch black books are even better. Before discovering this one I've read a book marked as dark but it was far from it. And it disappointed me big time. This one was good. It was dark and it was also full of action. Unexpectedly good! We get a twisted romance between Blaire and Charlie. Maksim! Ugh, I feel like killing him!! Even if I really enjoyed this one, I don't think I will read the next book. I have a feeling how it's going to end and I am pleased with what I got until now. Great writing!

[New Adult e dintorni · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA:

Arriva in Italia Anita Gray con un dark romance a sfondo psicologico e a tratti molto violento, andiamo a conoscere la protagonista indiscussa Blaire, il suo padrone Maksim e la sua salvezza... Charlie.

Blaire ha solo 18 anni o almeno lei pensa di avere quell'età, ha ricordi nebulosi della sua vita passata, prima di essere stata comprata in Russia dal suo padrone Maksim. Negli ultimi 10 anni è stata addestrata e istruita per diventare una guardia del corpo e soprattutto è stata portata a perdere qualsiasi emozione e a riconoscere solo il tocco del suo padrone. Una coccola caritatevole quando Maksim la chiama cucciola, proprio dopo averla maltrattata e averla chiamata Blaire, richiamo di arrabbiatura e conseguente punizione.
Sa che quando sbaglia ci devono essere delle conseguenze ma non capisce perché tante volte il suo padrone decida di risparmiarla dando severe punizioni e a sfondo sessuale al suo collega e amico James.

'𝑰𝒍 𝒎𝒊𝒐 𝒄𝒖𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒛𝒐. 𝑵𝒐𝒏 𝒄’𝒆̀ 𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒃𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒍 𝒅𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆.'

Non può essere toccata tranne che da Maksim pena un vero e proprio attacco e messa al tappeto per il malcapitato di turno, ne sa qualcosa lo stesso Charlie.

Blaire ha una parvenza di libertà nel suo appartamento, lontana da Maksim ed è l'unica del suo entourage ad avere questo privilegio che le dà un potere e un'importanza ben precisi, in una Londra tetra sotto l'assedio della più spietata mafia russa.
Charlie è a capo della mafia messicana, Los Zetas, e il temibile Maksim gli deve più di un favore, inizialmente richiede i servigi del suo braccio destro, la rossa e combattiva Blaire, per un lavoro sporco ben preciso, cioè annientare la video sorveglianza di un'intera città per 15 minuti. Blaire non è solo un soldato servile infatti, ma anche una hacker acclamata, questo compito è praticamente impossibile e stiamo parlando di Londra, quello che lei non sa però è quello che Charlie chiederà dopo. Quell'uomo misterioso dai capelli lunghi e selvaggi, neri come la pece e dagli occhi irritanti e azzurri che emanano una luce conturbante sarà il suo tutto.

'𝑬̀ 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒂 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒆 𝒊𝒍 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒐, 𝒊𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝒆 𝒊𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆. 𝑴𝒊 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆, 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒆́ 𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝒆̀ 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒆.'

Charlie odia la tratta delle ragazze minorenni, vuole scoprire tutto sul passato di Blaire e i colpi di scena sono dietro l'angolo, quella ragazza lo attira e lo sfida in egual misura fino a farlo capitolare completamente con il più dolce dei sentimenti.
Maksim è il diavolo e non ci si accorge della sua potenza, della sua inaudita violenza fino a quando diventa dilagante e inarrestabile. Nei suoi racconti si percepisce un'infanzia negata e soprattutto quella violenza di cui lui ora si vanta e che allora aveva subìto dai suoi stessi genitori. A capo della mafia russa ha solo un persona sopra di lui, Tatiana, che non sa purtroppo fino a che punto quel demone si può spingere.

'𝑵𝒐𝒏 𝒄’𝒆̀ 𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒊𝒎 𝒑𝒊𝒖̀ 𝒅𝒊 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆.'

È difficile provare empatia per Blaire, lei è robotica e quasi non umana all'inizio, ma quando si entra nei suoi pensieri e si prova a capire cosa sia stato il lavaggio del cervello perpetrato negli anni, si percepisce quanto sia vera e disarmante la sua incredulità davanti a sentimenti come speranza e felicità che solo Charlie può farle provare.

“𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒐, 𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒖𝒐 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒐, 𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒐, 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒂̀.”

Charlie la mette sottosopra, la sprona, conquista la sua fiducia, la fa sentire importante e soprattutto le regala quel contatto e quell'eccitazione a lei sconosciuti che non hanno secondi fini se non il suo puro piacere. È incredibile per lei, ci possono essere complicità e quotidianità senza innescare la violenza e quello sfogo represso emblemi di crudeltà.

'𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒊 𝒏𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒐 𝒐, 𝒑𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒐, 𝒂 𝒏𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒐.'

Questo libro è intenso, nero, cupo, a tratti si intravede la luce e la salvezza ma quell'atmosfera quasi surreale, la violenza improvvisa nonché i colpi di scena e l'adrenalina fanno divorare l'ultima parte della narrazione in pochissimo tempo.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Another Cliff Stars!
This must be the month for me to read new to me authors books. lol
I loved the beginning and the end but the middle did drag a bit. Not bad enough to make me not finish it because I did love them together. I also kept wondering what the big plot twist was that the author tells us will be spoiled if we read reviews. I don't get it? lol Maybe I have a different definition on a plot twist but to me there wasn't one. That's why my mind was like a tornado trying to figure out the twist and the end was coming. So imagine my surprise when I didn't come upon one. Jokes on you Michelle! Haha!
Good thing I loved Charlie:))
I can't wait for the next book to see what will happen.

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live for dark erotica so very, very rarely do I find a book with a premise or character(s) that differ from what I've already read. BLAIRE is one of the rare exceptions! There are many stories about females being abducted yet I've never read one about about a girl who was taken at the young age of 8, conditioned, trained to kill, manipulated and brainwashed into becoming a character unlike any I've ever read about! Blaire's Master, "Maksim" was unequivocally depraved, cruel and fascinatingly complex. And then there’s Charlie....

I was taken in by Blaire, Maksim and each of the characters in this exciting and deeply moving book. I devoured every page and can't wait to read the next book!

[Dusti Hanrahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed over a TON of this book. Until the last 20% I was bored.
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I expected after the warnings for how dark it is. I had a hard time connecting because there was so much sweetness, I kept waiting for "the other shoe to drop".
I just didn't expect so much of the story being Charlie being good to Blaire-

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book and the way the story flow easy and all the information given is relevant.

This book should also be a movie so my friends who don't read can watch the story unfold.

[Anita Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLAI2E due for release February 2018! I'm stoked to make the announcement :-) For more news, please visit my website www.anitagrayauthor.com

Anita <3

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaire was conditioned to protect her master Maksim at all cost and that was even to her own safety. All Blaire has ever known is pain because her master conditioned her to turn off all emotion she was Maksim faithful and loyal pet. Maksim had Blaire trained to be a killer and to accept pain so she was a fighting machine with no emotions for him. That was until Charlie shows back up to collect the debt he owned him and since Maksim don't have the money he takes the only thing Maksim treasure, Blaire. However Maksim know Blaire will not do anything without his permission, she is loyal to him and him only, that is until Charlie shows Blaire how to be loved.

Charlie takes Maksim prize position for payment and hires her to shut down London for 15 mins for a bank job. Charlie agreement with Maksim was to keep her for 3 months and until job is done. Now its time for Blaire to return and how can she keeps up after Charlie gives her the one thing Maksim never did.

[*Lisa* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM SPEECHLESS.

Where do I begin?

Blaire was awfully young when she was taken under Maksim's wing, where she was subjected to his various forms of abuse. She was exposed to his world, and soon adapted the role of his finest possession. She was trained and conditioned to remain by his side, to be his fiercest protector. But when a man named Charlie demands something of Maksim and he obliges, she's thrust into Charlie's world without warning. His kindness peels away her layers, and all too soon she begins to feel things she wasn't aware she could experience. But when Maksim comes to retrieve his possession, the conflict between her feelings for Charlie and her perpetual obedience towards Maksim only intensifies...

First of all, I hated Maksim so much, and yet he was such a fascinating character to me. Like, you can't help but wonder how someone could be that ruthless and detached from their emotions. Especially towards the end, where he LITERALLY FUCKING BRANDS HER.

Second of all, the romance in this book was so sweet. Blaire is guarded, convinced no one will ever be able to surpass the walls she's set up around herself, but when Charlie shows her kindness, she can't help but want him. But it's the ultimate betrayal, and she fights against her desire to protect and be with Maksim, an urge drilled into her from a young age. It was gradual, and sweet, and I was basically a huge fan.

I just loved Charlie. He was funny, and I couldn't blame Blaire for being charmed. ;)

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE. There wasn't a cliffhanger by any means, but the story ends pretty openly, and there's so much more to explore.

[Fani · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Take off your clothes, Blaire, or I will”

In “Blaire” we see two very different methods, used by two very different masters in order to control our heroine.

Maksim had a cruel personality and he didn’t hesitate to torture the heroine as he used fear and pain to condition her ever since she was a kid. Maksim’s methods were a great opportunity to show how someone can control a person who has physical strength and a strong personality, I just wish he had better character development since a lot of times his way of thinking wasn’t very clear to me, especially when he gave Blaire to Charlie, we didn’t see his conversation with Charlie so we don’t know if he just didn’t care much and wasn’t so possessive with Blaire or if he was just a coward who didn’t dare go against Charlie.

Charlie on the other hand tried to control Blaire and set her free from Maksim’s hold with something that hasn’t been used by anyone else who owned a slave: kindness. I like Charlie’s personality, he had traits that I didn’t expect to find in a dark hero, he didn’t hesitate to express his feelings for the heroine, he was quick to solve any misunderstandings and when his ex appeared, he had the chance to show his devotion for the heroine and be clear with his attraction to her and only her.

Blaire was also a unique character for me because it’s rare for dark stories to have a heroine who might be a slave but she still had the ability to fight and kill if it was necessary. Her fighting scenes were so interesting to read and I wish she had the chance to fight more in the last part of the book and perhaps be more active in saving herself instead of getting saved.

In fact, there were a lot of missed opportunities both with Blaire and Charlie especially in the middle of the story where things got a little bit boring as we only see them isolated in Charlie’s home, all that training they did every day and yet we don’t see them putting it to good use. I think it would have been more interesting if we saw Blaire following Charlie and maybe fight alongside him in his dealings with other underground groups. Fortunately things do pick up in the last part of the book where the story was full of action and passion for the main characters.

*3.5+ Stars*

I voluntarily reviewed the free copy that i received.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars .
The story starts on a real deadly note. Blaire is chief security for Maksim, who's a sadistic mafia boss. She's *lent* to Charlie Decena. Maksim is evil incarnate, really breaking her .
Decena may be her saviour. Or he may break her even more !!!
The story was a good concept but for me but it lost track. So many questions unanswered and whys and wherefores left unexplained.
I'm really sorry I couldn't connect with it

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tense dark read with Blaire, Charlie, Maksim and James.
Maskim the evil master he got what he deserved. Be nice to find out some more about James.
Can't wait for some more when part two comes out soon.....I hope.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book to read by Anita Gray and it did not disappoint. I completely devoured every page from beginning to end. Blaire is the first book in the Dark Romance series. Her master, Maksim did a job a few years back with Charlie and under circumstances wasn't able to pay back a debt. Charlie has now come to collect and he doesn't want his money, he wants Blaire. Because she's so loyal to Maksim, she has a hard time trusting Charlie. When she discovers things from her past, she's stuck between following her heart and her loyalty. Which path will she take?

I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series! <3

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 Stars *****

to put it simply.... someone needs to make a movie out of this!!!!!!!!!

[Vicky Sp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBf3TixnJ...

Blaire è una vera bellezza quando combatte.
È addestrata a difendere d’istinto Maksim, potente capo della malavita russa, a meno che lui non le ordini diversamente.

In realtà la giovane ragazza è stata sottoposta a terrificanti condizionamenti per anni, in modo consecutivo, e il suo cervello funziona per compiacere e proteggere il suo Padrone: il diavolo. All’inizio lo trovava inquietante ma poi si era abituata.

È sempre stata per Maksim l’elemento sorpresa contro i suoi nemici, il suo asso nella manica.

Da che ha memoria, ha sempre sofferto di carenze affettive, così quando Maksim è ben disposto, Blaire si crogiola nel suo tocco e nel modo in cui la abbraccia, un misto tra la perversione e la pura violenza fisica che le infligge a mó di punizione “salvifica”.

«Io voglio compiacere Maksim, lui è il mio padrone. È tutto quello che conosco».

Maksim la picchia per il suo piacere ma poi la coccola, regalandole qualche carezza come si fa ad una “Cucciola”. Blaire lo protegge, lavora per lui. Studia secondo le sue indicazioni, è un’eccellente hacker ed esegue sempre alla lettera tutti i lavori che le assegna, portando a termine tutti gli obiettivi.
Non si sente destinata ad altro e ciò non la disturba, non sarebbe in grado di funzionare correttamente in un’altra vita.
«Cэp… Maksim»

Il corso delle cose e la routine dei protagonisti cambia completamente, quando il Padrone le fa conoscere Charlie e le ordina di eseguire un lavoro per lui, alquanto prezioso.

È l ’uomo più spiazzante che la giovane abbia mai incontrato. Il suo modo di approcciarsi a lei non è chiaro e neppure lineare. La tratta freddamente, con frasi spietate, ma anche in modo amichevole. A volte sembra anche sinceramente interessato a lei e al suo benessere.

Blaire preferirebbe che fosse l’uno o l’altro, o gentile o crudele. Un misto di entrambi le risulta essere sconcertante da gestire. Non è abituata alle dimostrazione di affetto, né alla cortesia. Lei è una macchina da guerra, quasi robotica perché priva di emozioni, la sua formazione non prevede l’ esternazione di alcun sentimento.

Blaire non riesce a credere a quanto facilmente le persone retrocedano di fronte a Charlie. Eppure non sembra diverso da tutti gli altri uomini d’élite del mondo malavitoso. Ma forse Maksim non le ha raccontato tutta la verità su di lui. Charlie si rifiuta di rivolgersi al Padrone nel modo “corretto” ma nonostante ciò non viene rimproverato da nessuno.

Un dark romance crudo e violento, di natura anche psicologica e di non facile lettura, ma che mi ha coinvolta completamente. Ho amato l’evolversi degli avvenimenti e i numerosi dettagli che li hanno accompagnati in modo puntuale in ogni capitolo.
Blaire mi ha affascinata. Ma anche il personaggio di Charlie. Ho trovato un pó ambiguo il suo comportamento e noon vedo l’ora di scoprire il suo gioco.

Riuscirà Blaire a superare il condizionamento forte, violento e totalizzante del suo Padrone Maksim?

['Q' aka CoCo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know what to say about this. It had dark subject matter, but it didn't really feel all that dark to me. First, a little background...Maksim has conditioned (brainwashed) Blaire into believing she needs him to survive. She'll do anything to protect him; she'd never hurt him, never leave him. Except when Charlie comes into the picture, Maksim hands her off for three months to pay off a debt, and she's lost.
Blaire is completely detached, aloof. The problem with coming off like a robot, though, is...well, it's boring. She doesn't really talk or have opinions. She's just this emotionless void who happens to be skilled at fighting and marginally good looking.
Charlie attempts to reach her using the whole 'kill her with kindness' routine, which I'll admit was probably the best way considering her whole lifetime of abuse thing she had goin' on, but again...boring.
Nothing of any substance really happens until 80% in when she returns to Maksim. That is when shit hits the fan, all the dark stuff happens, and secrets are unveiled. The last 20% was good, although I do think it's asking a lot to read through almost 400 pages to get to the good stuff.

[Kassandra Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing is all over the place , the girl is a bad ass when she fights and sticking up for her self men and women ....... but act like a scared kitten around men ? . I really don't get it ! Smh * one time she is afraid of the dude , but once he leaves her for 3 months .But she is crying and wanted to come back . Uhhh ! I hate books like this.

[Cherry Pie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Non direi semplicemente che io sia stata addestrata. Direi più “condizionata”. Il mio cervello funziona per compiacere e proteggere il mio Padrone senza che io debba pensare. All’inizio, lo trovavo inquietante; ora, ci sono abituata.”

Ed è finalmente giunta l’ora di conoscere questa Nikita dark, Blaire, l’eroina tanto forte e feroce da sembrare quasi un robot, condizionata fin da piccola come un cane da combattimento, per attaccare e uccidere, difendere o morire, incurante dei propri bisogni e del proprio dolore pur di considerare quelli del suo Padrone.

Leggere questa storia è fare un salto nel buio, più nero della pece, della mente di una vittima che non sa di esserlo, convinta dal proprio “addestratore” che ciò che lei conosce, tutto ciò che le viene fatto subire, accettare e accogliere quasi con gioia, sia una forma di (contorta) giustizia, di equilibrio tra lo sbagliare e l’essere puniti, con l’obiettivo di un continuo miglioramento, come appunto un cane addestrato a vincere sempre.

E quando non vince più? In quel caso può essere abbattuto. Blaire non crede di essere una persona, di avere dei diritti o dei meriti. Lei è solo un’arma, una proprietà nelle mani del suo efferato, sadico, malvagio aguzzino.

«Questo è tutto quello che conosco. Tutto quello che ho sempre conosciuto.»
Che cosa non darei per tornare da lui in questo momento. Mi manca il male che conosco.

Giuro che questa storia è scritta con una potenza di immagini e una scelta di parole e fatti, via via sempre più brutali, che ti fa dimenticare di battere le palpebre, quasi un thriller psicologico in cui fatichi a scorgere una qualsivoglia luce in fondo al tunnel di malvagità e male assoluto che “spetta” a questa giovane donna.



Tuttavia la sua mente abile e brillante e la sua pericolosità nel combattimento non ti fanno provare tutta la pena che le si dovrebbe concedere. E’ un rompicapo di avvenimenti e informazioni, alcuni combacianti, altri molto meno, in un ginepraio alternato di bugie e verità, ricordi e condizionamenti che non ti fanno chiudere il kindle finchè non hai girato l’ultima pagina.

Impossibile stabilire con sicurezza chi faccia del male a chi e in nome di cosa. Quasi ogni personaggio è corrotto e contorto, ogni verità viene celata e ogni ferocia disumana viene dimostrata.

«Le cose sbagliate sembrano sempre le più giuste.»

Ma quali sono le cose giuste per Blaire? Non certo quelle che noi tutti riconosciamo come tali. Infatti reagisce male quando qualcuno le mostra gentilezza o affetto perché non “riconosce” quei gesti, nel suo cervello non esistono, come se lei fosse un computer programmato a riconoscere ed eseguire solo un dato numero di informazioni.

Immaginiamo una bambina che venga picchiata, privata di cibo, calore e sonno per giorni, a cui venga insegnato che se farà quella certa cosa in un tempo minore, in modo migliore, nella maniera perfetta, avrà ciò che le serve o in caso contrario verrà punita. Crescerà condizionata a non sentire emozioni e privazioni, puntando ogni energia all’obiettivo, come fosse un animale.

Quando qualcuno la costringerà a riconoscere le emozioni, a prendere delle decisioni per se stessa, la destabilizzerà. Per Blaire è preferibile essere brutalizzata in ogni modo possibile piuttosto che uscire da quella zona di comfort che è rappresentata dal Padrone e dalle sue leggi bastone/carota. Meglio essere rapita o sodomizzata che ribellarsi e non essere più la bestiolina ubbidiente, la Cucciola leale e fedele del Padrone.

Oppure… in un angolo remoto del cervello, in fondo alla sua anima calpestata, piegata, umiliata e spezzata, c’è ancora un barlume di umanità, una scintilla di giustizia che le apra gli occhi e le permetta di riconoscere le cose come sono davvero?

Ho amato follemente leggere questo libro, ma non vi nasconderò la verità, quella di Blaire non è una storia facile da leggere. Non è un romanzo d’amore dove il bene sconfigge facilmente il male e i buoni ottengono passaggi per il paradiso.

E’ piuttosto una lenta e continua discesa all’inferno, che apprezzerete solo se il vostro desiderio è proprio quello di leggere un vero dark romance, di quelli crudi e violenti, scritto in maniera ipnotica e con dovizia di particolari. In tal caso di sicuro apprezzerete Blaire, le mille sfaccettature del suo carattere e le sue molte contraddizioni.

La sua storia vi commuoverà e v’indignerà. E sono sicura che, come me, non la dimenticherete mai.

Non sono sicura se preferirei morire piuttosto che vivere di nuovo in un mondo privo di emozioni.

Navillus.
https://thedirtyclubofbooks.it/bla1re...

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first dark romance books I read...so will always have a special place for me. The heroine kicked ass - whoohooo!

[Aria's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avete presente quella forza che vi spinge a non mettere giù un libro? Ti ritrovi a trascorrere una notte insonne e ad utilizzare ogni minuscolo momento libero della tua giornata per dare una sbirciatina al lettore ebook, divorare qualche rigo ancora e pensare e ripensare ai personaggi. Ecco, vi ho descritto le mie 48 ore con Blaire.
Che il dark romance sia un genere che mi affascina è cosa ben nota, ma avendo letto tante storie di questo tipo trovare una trama avvincente, con spunti innovativi e protagonisti interessanti è molto difficile.
Baire, sin dalle prime battute, mi ha tirato dentro un vortice dal quale non credo di essere ancora completamente uscita. Una tensione crescente mi ha portato a voler scoprire tutto di questa ragazza programmata per difendere e uccidere.
Blaire è giovane, ha appena diciotto anni, ma le sue abilità sono sulla bocca di tutti. Nel combattimento è una furia che non conosce ostacoli e non c'è sistema informatico che non riesca a violare. Blaire però non è libera. Lei è del suo Padrone, Maksim, un criminale russo il quale l'ha comprata quando era solo una bambina e l'ha letteralmente programmata per renderla un fidato cagnolino da guardia. Blaire non conosce altro se non la vita che il suo Padrone le ha mostrato, le dure sferzate della frusta sulla schiena quando l'umore dell'uomo non è dei migliori, il dolore pungente delle torture che le hanno sconvolto la mente. Condizionata, remissiva, pronta a scattare al solo udire alcuni stimoli, feroce contro i nemici di Maksim, Blaire è la perfetta guardia e schiava allo stesso tempo.
La sua vita cambia quando un altro uomo la nota e la vuole. Maksim, pur non permettendo ad anima viva di posare gli occhi sulla sua cucciola, cede alle richieste di Charlie, permettendogli di tenere per sè Blaire per tre mesi. Chi è Charlie? Perchè Maksim ha ceduto alla sua richiesta mostrando un certo nervosismo in sua presenza? Possibile che Charlie abbia più potere del suo Padrone?
Charlie Decena è un uomo pericoloso e vuole Blaire, spezzare il suo animo da combattente, distruggere il suo spirito fino a che non comprenderà cosa è stata fino ad ora nelle mani di Maksim.
Il soggiorno con Charlie smuoverà il mondo di Blaire fin nelle fondamenta. E' come se l'uomo volesse spazzare via ogni cosa legata al suo Padrone, facendole pregustare cosa significa essere liberi, avere una volontà, poter scegliere e non obbedire.



Decena non è il Principe Azzurro, le sue attività sono losche e i suoi tentacoli arrivano fino alla classe politica, ma con Blaire mostra un altro lato di sè, quello che pur desiderandola le concede spazio, e pur avendola sottratta al suo Padrone vuole che sia lei a piegarsi al suo volere.
Un percorso tortuoso, sempre sul filo del rasoio, durante il quale Blaire scoprirà parti di sè che nemmeno sapeva esistessero. La cattività però l'ha resa come un animaletto tremante e piena di terrore di fronte alle novità, pronta ad aggredire la libertà che sta respirando. Resistere al continuo impulso di tornare da Maksim, superare l'ansia causata dal bombardamento di informazioni contrastanti con i messaggi nella sua testa è una lotta estenuante.
Potrà tornare dal suo Padrone, sopportare il dolore, rivestire i suoi vecchi panni dopo Charlie? Come potrà guardarlo negli occhi senza palesare quello che l'uomo le ha fatto provare?
Vorrei che Maksim mi avesse preparato a cose come questa. Se l’avesse fatto, non mi sentirei così confusa.
Una lettura disarmante, intensa, capace di scavare nei recessi più oscuri della tua anima e stringerla in una morsa.
Per tutto il tempo ho avvertito un continuo senso di tensione che l'autrice ha costruito alla perfezione attraverso un progressivo disvelarsi di eventi che culminano in uno scenario perturbante che ho fatto fatica a togliermi dalla testa.
Blaire è un personaggio complesso come pochi. Se dovessi descriverla con una parola direi Nikita. Non so se conoscete il famoso personaggio di Luc Besson, ma immagino così la mia Blaire, solo con i capelli rossi. La sua è stata una vera e propria programmazione neuronale, il suo cervello è stato sottoposto a stress inimmaginabili e il suo corpo a durissime torture. Quello che è venuto fuori è una ragazza succube del suo Padrone, pronta a tutto, nonostante le abilità nella lotta e l'estrema intelligenza potrebbero renderla libera. Ma con lei Maksim non ha bisogno del guinzaglio perchè è così dentro la sua testa da comandarla semplicemente con le parole.
Ho provato una tenerezza senza pari per questa ragazza perduta, in balia di uomini senza scrupoli che ne hanno annullato ogni volontà, insieme a tutte le tracce della sua vita passata.
Charlie potrebbe essere colui il quale potrà restituirle la vita che merita che invece le è stata brutalmente sottratta. Eppure Blaire non riesce a uscire dalla sua prigione personale, mentre Maksim è pronto a distruggerla ancora di più.
Per questo potrebbe sembrare ambigua o contraddittoria, ma provate a pensare al modo in cui la paura e Maksim si sono insinuati nella sua testa, una giustificazione più che sufficiente a renderla instabile, nonostante le opportunità offerte.
E poi c'è Charlie, un personaggio maschile di quelli che adori e non ti aspetti nemmeno di farlo. Scoprire i suoi intenti, le armi per manipolare Blaire ha gettato luce su un modo differente di essere cattivi, con delle linee nette da non superare e principi da non infangare.


«Non posso salvare il mondo, Blaire.»«Per quanto mi piacerebbe, sono comunque un criminale che deve prendersi cura di migliaia di uomini, quindi devo tracciare una linea di confine tra le tenebre che accetto e quelle che non accetto. È così che funziona per le persone che fanno il mio lavoro. Lo sai anche tu.»


Maksim è un personaggio spietato, depravato, senza coscienza nè morale. Difficilmente mi sconvolgo, ma la sua crudeltà e le pene inferte a Blaire mi hanno lasciata senza fiato. E' stato capace di condizionare una bambina nel peggior modo possibile, riducendola alla stregua di un animale domestico di cui abusare a proprio piacimento. La luce della follia brilla nei suoi occhi tanto da non rendere chiaro se la sua, nei confronti di Blaire, è ossessione o smania di possesso.
Oscuro, inquietante, teso, disturbante, Blaire ha smosso le mie giornate facendomi vagare insistentemente tra momenti di angoscia ed altri di tenerezza e speranza. Penserete che sono disturbata pure io, ma solo leggendo del triangolo Blaire-Charlie-Maksim potrete capire.
Il ritmo è quello che definirei uno slow burn del dark romance, ma questo procedere con lentezza mi è piaciuto perchè una personalità fragile e complessa come quella di Blaire non poteva essere gestita diversamente.
L'ultima parte della storia ti consuma, è un vero pugno nello stomaco, per lettori con stomaci forti, perchè l'autrice non risparmia niente al lettore, ma se avrete il coraggio di buttarvi in questa avventura e se siete amanti del genere, vi assicuro che ne varrà la pena.
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[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaire was mentally conditioned to follow whatever Maksim tells her. She's like a robot, doing everything to please her master. When Blaire did something that Maksim disapproved she will be punished severely. Maksim is one ruthless master. Everyone fears the wrath of Maksim except Charlie.

Charlie Decena, a well-known crime boss who wants something Maksim owned, Blaire. It seems that Maksim owed Charlie a lot to let him have Blaire for 3 months. Blaire couldn't believe it. But she didn't want to disrespect Maksim, so she went with Charlie.

As Blaire spent more time with Charlie, she discovers how at ease she is with him. Charlie shows her nothing but kindness; he gave her freedom to choose what she likes; she can speak what's on her mind and Charlie respects it. Is it really possible to fall in love with Charlie in a span of 3 months? What will Maksim do if she didn't go back to him? Can Charlie persuade her to stay? Can Blaire stand-up against her master?

Although there are some scenes that are too graphic even for me that I have to stop for a while before continuing, I totally enjoyed this story. It's all-consuming, no doubt about it. And with that kind of cliffhanger, I'm going to read book 2 the soonest possible time. Anita Gray definitely a good addition to my go-to author when it comes to the dark romance-themed book.