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Impossible #8
Czar
After a lifetime of being sheltered, I decided to study abroad in St. Petersburg to push myself out of my comfort zone. Dimitri definitely fits the bill. He's gorgeous, mysterious, and everything I never knew I wanted.
I'm willing to give him my innocence, but he demands more. When it's time for me to return to America, he won't let me go. My lover becomes my captor. He wants all of me, even if that means pushing me to my breaking point. He won't stop until he owns my body and soul.
I'm willing to give him my innocence, but he demands more. When it's time for me to return to America, he won't let me go. My lover becomes my captor. He wants all of me, even if that means pushing me to my breaking point. He won't stop until he owns my body and soul.
Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2014
158 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sykes
137 books2,023 followersJulia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 21, 2018
Just my personal opinion but I really don’t like it when the heroine pursues the hero...and she was annoying!
BIG SPOILER....
I just read another review and apparently the H of this book dies in the later books! Big pet peeve of mine so I’m so thankful for that info as I was still contemplating reading the next one!
BIG SPOILER....
I just read another review and apparently the H of this book dies in the later books! Big pet peeve of mine so I’m so thankful for that info as I was still contemplating reading the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2016
Recommended by Expresso from The Mafia Connection group!!!!!!!!!!!
"I'm willing to give him my innocence, but he demands more. When it's time for me to return to America, he won't let me go. My lover becomes my captor, my tormentor. He wants all of me, even if that means pushing me to my breaking point. And he won't stop until he owns my body and soul."
I loved this twisted and dark tale which initially started off as regular romance but wow does it change! You have Alicia, a sheltered American student studying abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia who get involved with a mysterious, Czar, who's a Russian mobster. There relationship was very complex, dark and the sex made me blush-- literally. I would have to say that the story read as a mouth-watering read after chapter six where the relationship entered into the 'mine complex' for our hero. Dimitri was simply a twisted character with an obsessive and possessiveness with anything and all things Alicia.
Although this is my first read by Julia Sykes, it won't be my last. Sykes write well with memorable characters that draw you in from page one.
5 highly recommend stars *****
"I'm willing to give him my innocence, but he demands more. When it's time for me to return to America, he won't let me go. My lover becomes my captor, my tormentor. He wants all of me, even if that means pushing me to my breaking point. And he won't stop until he owns my body and soul."
I loved this twisted and dark tale which initially started off as regular romance but wow does it change! You have Alicia, a sheltered American student studying abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia who get involved with a mysterious, Czar, who's a Russian mobster. There relationship was very complex, dark and the sex made me blush-- literally. I would have to say that the story read as a mouth-watering read after chapter six where the relationship entered into the 'mine complex' for our hero. Dimitri was simply a twisted character with an obsessive and possessiveness with anything and all things Alicia.
Although this is my first read by Julia Sykes, it won't be my last. Sykes write well with memorable characters that draw you in from page one.
5 highly recommend stars *****
January 17, 2016
This is my kind of story! I am a soul who truly lives through dark stories and Czar is LIFE! Dimitri and Alicia's story is not romantic, it's not vanilla, and their HEA is definitely not a typical one. Before the preface Julia, the author, include an eloquent warning of the subjects covered throughout this lovely story. Please consider the warning carefully.
For those souls who live for the dark, pursue this story with due diligence! The elements of this story include but are not limited to American woman kidnapped by the Russian Mafia's Pahkan only son, heavy BDSM, seriously hot mind games and bed play, jealousy, possessiveness, blackmail, and of course where there's Mafia.....there's violence! Yep this story slays the Mafia game!
Although this book is a part of a series, it is definitely a stand alone. Actually it's the first book I've read in the series. The author noted Dimitri and Alicia's story is the darkest in the series so of course my craving for dark demanded I start with this story!
231 pages of complete satisfaction of every dark element you will need for a very nice ride on the dark side!
5 kinky dark stars!
For those souls who live for the dark, pursue this story with due diligence! The elements of this story include but are not limited to American woman kidnapped by the Russian Mafia's Pahkan only son, heavy BDSM, seriously hot mind games and bed play, jealousy, possessiveness, blackmail, and of course where there's Mafia.....there's violence! Yep this story slays the Mafia game!
Although this book is a part of a series, it is definitely a stand alone. Actually it's the first book I've read in the series. The author noted Dimitri and Alicia's story is the darkest in the series so of course my craving for dark demanded I start with this story!
231 pages of complete satisfaction of every dark element you will need for a very nice ride on the dark side!
5 kinky dark stars!
September 18, 2017
The heroine and hero meet in a nightclub and start a relationship. Heroine is from America and hero lives in Russia. She eventually tells him she loves him so he kidnaps her and starts a BDSM relationship without consent from her.
He tells her she's his. He tortures her and tells her safe words don't matter, then gives her safe words and punishes her for using them.
Heroine tries to escape but hero has guards and it doesn't work.
I had a huge problem with how things turn out in their relationship later on in the series. SPOILERS FOR LATER BOOKS:
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
.........................It turns out in later books in this series that the hero, Dmitri, is killed, and his heroine ends up with someone else. What on earth? I don't want to read about that. Why read a romance novel if the hero is going to be killed off in later books? Not what I expect in my romance novels.
He tells her she's his. He tortures her and tells her safe words don't matter, then gives her safe words and punishes her for using them.
Heroine tries to escape but hero has guards and it doesn't work.
I had a huge problem with how things turn out in their relationship later on in the series. SPOILERS FOR LATER BOOKS:
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
.........................It turns out in later books in this series that the hero, Dmitri, is killed, and his heroine ends up with someone else. What on earth? I don't want to read about that. Why read a romance novel if the hero is going to be killed off in later books? Not what I expect in my romance novels.
December 31, 2021
3.5stars✨
March 1, 2023
Nayeli - per RFS
.
Purtroppo devo iniziare questa recensione con un disclaimer e con la consapevolezza di non poter evitare qualche spoiler: si tratta di un dark romance che, per i miei parametri, non riesco a definire a lieto fine.
«Non mi interessa quello che vuoi!» La sua espressione si fece improvvisamente grave. «Dovresti. Cerca di capire questo, Alicia: voglio che tu sia felice con me, ma la mia felicità viene prima. Mi prenderò cura di te, ma il modo in cui sarai trattata dipenderà da quanto mi compiacerai. Mi piace spezzare le donne. Voi americani potreste definirlo un hobby. Potrei facilmente fare lo stesso con te, se scegliessi di farlo.» Mi zittì dolcemente. «Non piangere. Non voglio questo per te. So che sarai una brava ragazza per me, perché mi ami. Non è vero?» Il mio corpo si raffreddò completamente, e la mia mente divenne stranamente vuota. Non potevo affrontare quello che Dimitri stava dicendo. Tutto in me si spense.
Non avevo seguito tutti i romanzi della serie quindi non conoscevo Dimitri, ma è stato piacevole non avere pregiudizi su di lui. È stato anche molto interessante che il suo punto di vista non sia mai stato mostrato se non sul finale, lasciandoci immaginare un uomo più tenero o retroscena traumatici alla base delle sue perversioni.
«Dimmi, Alicia. Ti faccio paura?» «Io…» Deglutii. «Dovrei avere paura?» Non disse nulla, ma le sue labbra si contrassero. I miei palmi cominciarono a sudare e il mio respiro accelerò. Tuttavia, non mi allontanai. Si appoggiò a me e io fissai lo sguardo sulla sua bocca. Non potevo smettere di fissare la curva presuntuosa di quelle labbra piene e perfette che si avvicinavano alle mie. Si fermò a un pelo di distanza. «Dipende da cosa ti spaventa.» Le parole pronunciate dolcemente mi stuzzicarono le labbra.
Questa è la storia di Alicia, del suo innamoramento e del suo addestramento al ruolo di schiava per un Master che pratica BDSM (il suo essere un boss mafioso fa solo da corollario). È la storia di una manipolazione mentale che alterna dolore, privazioni e punizioni a cura, attenzioni e dolcezza. Racconta come una ragazza comune, con sogni, progetti, affetti e una vita, viene sedotta, piegata e poi spezzata finché il suo mondo non viene distorto e il suo volere inclinato all’asservimento e al compiacimento del proprio padrone. Il consenso non è rilevante in tutto questo processo, anche se Dimitri ne ha interpretato un cenno negli atteggiamenti della ragazzina sprovveduta che gli è caduta tra le braccia spontaneamente.
" Ma non potevo dare a un estraneo la mia verginità. Una notte di piacere non valeva una vita di disgusto per se stessi. Perché era esattamente quello che avrei provato la mattina seguente. Aggrappandomi a quella consapevolezza, mi scostai da lui e in qualche modo, riuscii a rimettermi in piedi sulle mie gambe tremanti. «Devo andare,» sbottai. La sua espressione passò da trionfante a cupa e minacciosa nello spazio di un secondo. «No. Tu non te ne vai. Non senza di me. Siediti, Alicia.» L’ordine non era seducente questa volta. Era freddo e duro, con un tono di avvertimento che mi diceva che il rifiuto non era un’opzione. Il mio cuore perse un battito, e un nodo mi si formò in gola. Pericoloso. Non ero al sicuro. Non da lui, e non da me stessa quando eravamo vicini. Un desiderio primordiale mi spingeva a tornare da lui e a permettergli di divorarmi."
Dimitri, che gestisce un traffico di esseri umani ed è un Master da sempre, è decisamente troppo per lei. Alicia è una ingenua ragazza appena maggiorenne cresciuta nelle campagne americane, che ha deciso di fare un viaggio a San Pietroburgo pensando di sfidare un po’ i suoi limiti, e si è imbattuta nel lupo, inizialmente ben travestito da nonnina. Aveva scelto di arrivare vergine al matrimonio, e la caccia paziente di Dimitri l’ha sedotta lentamente, facendola sciogliere con piccoli passi misurati e inducendola a fidarsi di lui, finché la chimica tra loro non ha portato Alicia a donarsi completamente.
«Non nascondere ciò che mi appartiene. Il tuo corpo è mio.» «No,» risposi in automatico con voce bassa. «Sì. Il tuo corpo mi risponde come voglio io. Io controllo il tuo piacere. E posso altrettanto facilmente negartelo.» «Non voglio che tu mi dia piacere. Voglio solo andare a casa.» Si alzò e mi posò un bacio premuroso sulla fronte. «Col tempo quel desiderio svanirà e tu desidererai solo me.»
Non ci stupiamo delle caratteristiche che Dimitri mostra nel saper assaporare la lunga fase di accerchiamento e di seduzione. La pazienza, la dedizione nel concedere attenzioni, la tenacia e determinazione nell’ottenere ciò che vuole sono alla base del suo hobby di prendere delle donne e sottometterle, piegarle al suo volere e renderle schiave, prima di rivenderle. L’interesse per Alicia è ulteriormente acuito dal fatto che lei, ingenua e straniera, non riconosce il suo potere e lo status di erede alla guida della Bratva, quindi non lo teme come dovrebbe.
È l’unica donna a rifiutare di fare sesso con lui, convinta dei propri principi cattolici, e anche l’unica a innamorarsi scioccamente di lui.
«Non nascondere ciò che mi appartiene. Il tuo corpo è mio.» «No,» risposi in automatico con voce bassa. «Sì. Il tuo corpo mi risponde come voglio io. Io controllo il tuo piacere. E posso altrettanto facilmente negartelo.» «Non voglio che tu mi dia piacere. Voglio solo andare a casa.» Si alzò e mi posò un bacio premuroso sulla fronte. «Col tempo quel desiderio svanirà e tu desidererai solo me.»
Il romanzo si può delineare in una prima parte un po’ più luminosa, in cui Dimitri mantiene un’aura misteriosa, intrigante, affascinante. La dolce ragazzina si innamora del suo carisma e dell’empatia, del suo mostrarsi esperto e interessato, della dedizione con cui rispetta i suoi tempi. L’essere un Master lo rende molto abile nel leggere i segnali del corpo e nell’interpretare Alicia come un libro aperto, mentre una rete si stringe attorno a lei catturandola.
" Scopava. Dimitri non faceva l’amore con me. Usava il mio corpo per il suo piacere. E il mio corpo riceveva piacere in cambio. Non capivo le mie reazioni nei suoi confronti. L’odio era un’ustione costante sotto la pelle. Era quasi abbastanza caldo da bruciare ogni traccia di amore che avessi mai provato per lui. Ma l’amore non venne completamente sradicato fino al giorno in cui perse la pazienza con me."
Ma presto il romanzo si trasforma in dark a tinte forti, in cui Dimitri si svela pienamente nelle sue perversioni e nel modo distorto di intendere il sentimento affettivo, la passione, l’attrazione e i legami. Replicando il modo in cui ha sempre interagito con le donne, inizia a introdurre Alicia nel mondo BDSM (dominazione, schiavitù, punizioni, umiliazione, petplay…) senza curarsi realmente del suo consenso.
Quando la trama tocca il punto più oscuro e la ragazza sta per spezzarsi, anzi sbriciolarsi, iniziano a entrare in scena altri elementi: un approfondimento sulla psicologia di lui, le prime gratificazioni. Man mano che l’esplorazione della storia vira verso questi approfondimenti, iniziamo a scorgere nel buio anche qualche debole sfumatura colorata.
" Ma non riuscivo a pensarci. Invece, mi concentrai sul mangiare il cibo che mi portava alle labbra, accettando obbediente tutto ciò che mi offriva. Obbediente. Non avevo libero arbitrio. Dimitri diceva che servirlo era una scelta, ma poter scegliere solo tra una forma di tormento o una tortura più dura non era affatto una scelta. Non proprio."
L’addestramento procede, l’eccitazione e la soddisfazione sessuale continuano a rappresentare gran parte della quotidianità di Alicia. I gesti di cura e di desiderio di Dimitri iniziano a rappresentare un conforto, e conoscere il suo passato le regala qualche forma di empatia e comprensione. Per questo, gradualmente la sua visione della realtà viene plasmata esattamente nel modo in cui l’uomo vuole che venga rimodellata.
«Questo invece si usa per mostrare al mio pet chi è il Master.» Non stava più chiedendo. Il suo sorriso presuntuoso mi disse chi era veramente responsabile dell’addestramento. Una familiare sconfitta si abbatté su di me. Non aveva senso combatterlo. Avrebbe sempre vinto, e non ci sarebbe mai stata alcuna via di fuga. E il mio corpo rispondeva al suo trattamento contorto. Volevo che mi frustasse e quella consapevolezza mi spezzò. Avevo accettato di essere la sua schiava consenziente. Avevo accettato quel ruolo, perché non avevo altra scelta, ma quando si era arrivato al dunque, avevo scoperto che mi piaceva essere la sua schiava. Mi piaceva essere ferita e scopata e accarezzata e coccolata. Dimitri aveva visto la mia vera natura fin dall’inizio. Era ora che anche io la abbracciassi.
Non riesco effettivamente a giudicare il finale della trama: essendo un dark romance e giocando sulle perversioni BDSM, ero preparata al fatto che includesse scene il cui il consenso fosse dubbio, con molta suspence e sesso sporco. Quello che è difficile da accettare, per me, è il modo in cui Alicia viene manipolata, fatta a pezzi e poi riassemblata esattamente come Dimitri la preferisce.
Ora che la sua visione del mondo, dei propri bisogni e dell’affettività è così distorta, non si può dire se vivrà una vita felice da lì in poi, assecondando e servendo il suo padrone, ma io non riesco a pensare che possa essere una cosa buona e giusta quando una persona si trasforma in un corpo che risponde in modo meccanico agli stimoli indotti a cui è stato addestrato, perdendo del tutto la propria coscienza.
Ammetto comunque che tutte queste valutazioni etiche sono probabilmente non richieste in un romanzo a prevalente finalità erotica a tinte forti, obiettivo che ha certamente raggiunto nelle sue 200 pagine, sottoponendoci una grande varietà di scene.
«Se mi ami, mi darai tutto.» In quel momento mi sembrò di scorgere un accenno di vulnerabilità nella sua espressione dura. Forse non era in grado di amarmi, ma dava valore alla mia felicità. E in definitiva quello non era amore? Poteva non sapere come dire le parole o persino capire l’emozione, ma questo non significava che non provasse qualcosa. Aveva bisogno del mio amore. Lo sapevo da molto tempo. Come potevo negarglielo e lasciarlo privo di ogni affetto?
Suo padre lo aveva fatto e lo aveva plasmato in un mostro. Io tiravo fuori il meglio di lui. Il mio amore tirava fuori l’unica bontà che possedeva.
.
Purtroppo devo iniziare questa recensione con un disclaimer e con la consapevolezza di non poter evitare qualche spoiler: si tratta di un dark romance che, per i miei parametri, non riesco a definire a lieto fine.
«Non mi interessa quello che vuoi!» La sua espressione si fece improvvisamente grave. «Dovresti. Cerca di capire questo, Alicia: voglio che tu sia felice con me, ma la mia felicità viene prima. Mi prenderò cura di te, ma il modo in cui sarai trattata dipenderà da quanto mi compiacerai. Mi piace spezzare le donne. Voi americani potreste definirlo un hobby. Potrei facilmente fare lo stesso con te, se scegliessi di farlo.» Mi zittì dolcemente. «Non piangere. Non voglio questo per te. So che sarai una brava ragazza per me, perché mi ami. Non è vero?» Il mio corpo si raffreddò completamente, e la mia mente divenne stranamente vuota. Non potevo affrontare quello che Dimitri stava dicendo. Tutto in me si spense.
Non avevo seguito tutti i romanzi della serie quindi non conoscevo Dimitri, ma è stato piacevole non avere pregiudizi su di lui. È stato anche molto interessante che il suo punto di vista non sia mai stato mostrato se non sul finale, lasciandoci immaginare un uomo più tenero o retroscena traumatici alla base delle sue perversioni.
«Dimmi, Alicia. Ti faccio paura?» «Io…» Deglutii. «Dovrei avere paura?» Non disse nulla, ma le sue labbra si contrassero. I miei palmi cominciarono a sudare e il mio respiro accelerò. Tuttavia, non mi allontanai. Si appoggiò a me e io fissai lo sguardo sulla sua bocca. Non potevo smettere di fissare la curva presuntuosa di quelle labbra piene e perfette che si avvicinavano alle mie. Si fermò a un pelo di distanza. «Dipende da cosa ti spaventa.» Le parole pronunciate dolcemente mi stuzzicarono le labbra.
Questa è la storia di Alicia, del suo innamoramento e del suo addestramento al ruolo di schiava per un Master che pratica BDSM (il suo essere un boss mafioso fa solo da corollario). È la storia di una manipolazione mentale che alterna dolore, privazioni e punizioni a cura, attenzioni e dolcezza. Racconta come una ragazza comune, con sogni, progetti, affetti e una vita, viene sedotta, piegata e poi spezzata finché il suo mondo non viene distorto e il suo volere inclinato all’asservimento e al compiacimento del proprio padrone. Il consenso non è rilevante in tutto questo processo, anche se Dimitri ne ha interpretato un cenno negli atteggiamenti della ragazzina sprovveduta che gli è caduta tra le braccia spontaneamente.
" Ma non potevo dare a un estraneo la mia verginità. Una notte di piacere non valeva una vita di disgusto per se stessi. Perché era esattamente quello che avrei provato la mattina seguente. Aggrappandomi a quella consapevolezza, mi scostai da lui e in qualche modo, riuscii a rimettermi in piedi sulle mie gambe tremanti. «Devo andare,» sbottai. La sua espressione passò da trionfante a cupa e minacciosa nello spazio di un secondo. «No. Tu non te ne vai. Non senza di me. Siediti, Alicia.» L’ordine non era seducente questa volta. Era freddo e duro, con un tono di avvertimento che mi diceva che il rifiuto non era un’opzione. Il mio cuore perse un battito, e un nodo mi si formò in gola. Pericoloso. Non ero al sicuro. Non da lui, e non da me stessa quando eravamo vicini. Un desiderio primordiale mi spingeva a tornare da lui e a permettergli di divorarmi."
Dimitri, che gestisce un traffico di esseri umani ed è un Master da sempre, è decisamente troppo per lei. Alicia è una ingenua ragazza appena maggiorenne cresciuta nelle campagne americane, che ha deciso di fare un viaggio a San Pietroburgo pensando di sfidare un po’ i suoi limiti, e si è imbattuta nel lupo, inizialmente ben travestito da nonnina. Aveva scelto di arrivare vergine al matrimonio, e la caccia paziente di Dimitri l’ha sedotta lentamente, facendola sciogliere con piccoli passi misurati e inducendola a fidarsi di lui, finché la chimica tra loro non ha portato Alicia a donarsi completamente.
«Non nascondere ciò che mi appartiene. Il tuo corpo è mio.» «No,» risposi in automatico con voce bassa. «Sì. Il tuo corpo mi risponde come voglio io. Io controllo il tuo piacere. E posso altrettanto facilmente negartelo.» «Non voglio che tu mi dia piacere. Voglio solo andare a casa.» Si alzò e mi posò un bacio premuroso sulla fronte. «Col tempo quel desiderio svanirà e tu desidererai solo me.»
Non ci stupiamo delle caratteristiche che Dimitri mostra nel saper assaporare la lunga fase di accerchiamento e di seduzione. La pazienza, la dedizione nel concedere attenzioni, la tenacia e determinazione nell’ottenere ciò che vuole sono alla base del suo hobby di prendere delle donne e sottometterle, piegarle al suo volere e renderle schiave, prima di rivenderle. L’interesse per Alicia è ulteriormente acuito dal fatto che lei, ingenua e straniera, non riconosce il suo potere e lo status di erede alla guida della Bratva, quindi non lo teme come dovrebbe.
È l’unica donna a rifiutare di fare sesso con lui, convinta dei propri principi cattolici, e anche l’unica a innamorarsi scioccamente di lui.
«Non nascondere ciò che mi appartiene. Il tuo corpo è mio.» «No,» risposi in automatico con voce bassa. «Sì. Il tuo corpo mi risponde come voglio io. Io controllo il tuo piacere. E posso altrettanto facilmente negartelo.» «Non voglio che tu mi dia piacere. Voglio solo andare a casa.» Si alzò e mi posò un bacio premuroso sulla fronte. «Col tempo quel desiderio svanirà e tu desidererai solo me.»
Il romanzo si può delineare in una prima parte un po’ più luminosa, in cui Dimitri mantiene un’aura misteriosa, intrigante, affascinante. La dolce ragazzina si innamora del suo carisma e dell’empatia, del suo mostrarsi esperto e interessato, della dedizione con cui rispetta i suoi tempi. L’essere un Master lo rende molto abile nel leggere i segnali del corpo e nell’interpretare Alicia come un libro aperto, mentre una rete si stringe attorno a lei catturandola.
" Scopava. Dimitri non faceva l’amore con me. Usava il mio corpo per il suo piacere. E il mio corpo riceveva piacere in cambio. Non capivo le mie reazioni nei suoi confronti. L’odio era un’ustione costante sotto la pelle. Era quasi abbastanza caldo da bruciare ogni traccia di amore che avessi mai provato per lui. Ma l’amore non venne completamente sradicato fino al giorno in cui perse la pazienza con me."
Ma presto il romanzo si trasforma in dark a tinte forti, in cui Dimitri si svela pienamente nelle sue perversioni e nel modo distorto di intendere il sentimento affettivo, la passione, l’attrazione e i legami. Replicando il modo in cui ha sempre interagito con le donne, inizia a introdurre Alicia nel mondo BDSM (dominazione, schiavitù, punizioni, umiliazione, petplay…) senza curarsi realmente del suo consenso.
Quando la trama tocca il punto più oscuro e la ragazza sta per spezzarsi, anzi sbriciolarsi, iniziano a entrare in scena altri elementi: un approfondimento sulla psicologia di lui, le prime gratificazioni. Man mano che l’esplorazione della storia vira verso questi approfondimenti, iniziamo a scorgere nel buio anche qualche debole sfumatura colorata.
" Ma non riuscivo a pensarci. Invece, mi concentrai sul mangiare il cibo che mi portava alle labbra, accettando obbediente tutto ciò che mi offriva. Obbediente. Non avevo libero arbitrio. Dimitri diceva che servirlo era una scelta, ma poter scegliere solo tra una forma di tormento o una tortura più dura non era affatto una scelta. Non proprio."
L’addestramento procede, l’eccitazione e la soddisfazione sessuale continuano a rappresentare gran parte della quotidianità di Alicia. I gesti di cura e di desiderio di Dimitri iniziano a rappresentare un conforto, e conoscere il suo passato le regala qualche forma di empatia e comprensione. Per questo, gradualmente la sua visione della realtà viene plasmata esattamente nel modo in cui l’uomo vuole che venga rimodellata.
«Questo invece si usa per mostrare al mio pet chi è il Master.» Non stava più chiedendo. Il suo sorriso presuntuoso mi disse chi era veramente responsabile dell’addestramento. Una familiare sconfitta si abbatté su di me. Non aveva senso combatterlo. Avrebbe sempre vinto, e non ci sarebbe mai stata alcuna via di fuga. E il mio corpo rispondeva al suo trattamento contorto. Volevo che mi frustasse e quella consapevolezza mi spezzò. Avevo accettato di essere la sua schiava consenziente. Avevo accettato quel ruolo, perché non avevo altra scelta, ma quando si era arrivato al dunque, avevo scoperto che mi piaceva essere la sua schiava. Mi piaceva essere ferita e scopata e accarezzata e coccolata. Dimitri aveva visto la mia vera natura fin dall’inizio. Era ora che anche io la abbracciassi.
Non riesco effettivamente a giudicare il finale della trama: essendo un dark romance e giocando sulle perversioni BDSM, ero preparata al fatto che includesse scene il cui il consenso fosse dubbio, con molta suspence e sesso sporco. Quello che è difficile da accettare, per me, è il modo in cui Alicia viene manipolata, fatta a pezzi e poi riassemblata esattamente come Dimitri la preferisce.
Ora che la sua visione del mondo, dei propri bisogni e dell’affettività è così distorta, non si può dire se vivrà una vita felice da lì in poi, assecondando e servendo il suo padrone, ma io non riesco a pensare che possa essere una cosa buona e giusta quando una persona si trasforma in un corpo che risponde in modo meccanico agli stimoli indotti a cui è stato addestrato, perdendo del tutto la propria coscienza.
Ammetto comunque che tutte queste valutazioni etiche sono probabilmente non richieste in un romanzo a prevalente finalità erotica a tinte forti, obiettivo che ha certamente raggiunto nelle sue 200 pagine, sottoponendoci una grande varietà di scene.
«Se mi ami, mi darai tutto.» In quel momento mi sembrò di scorgere un accenno di vulnerabilità nella sua espressione dura. Forse non era in grado di amarmi, ma dava valore alla mia felicità. E in definitiva quello non era amore? Poteva non sapere come dire le parole o persino capire l’emozione, ma questo non significava che non provasse qualcosa. Aveva bisogno del mio amore. Lo sapevo da molto tempo. Come potevo negarglielo e lasciarlo privo di ogni affetto?
Suo padre lo aveva fatto e lo aveva plasmato in un mostro. Io tiravo fuori il meglio di lui. Il mio amore tirava fuori l’unica bontà che possedeva.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2018
Czar is the eighth book in the Impossible series, and although it works as a standalone novel I would not recommend reading it as such. It can be read as a standalone novel, but when you do so you get a very different feel to how the story is intended.
As a standalone novel, this will read as a dark romance. As the eighth book in a series, it will read as the dark and twisted story of the bad guy. It is not as dark as Mentor – the story of another bad guy in the series – but it certainly has a very different impact as a part of the series to the story as a standalone novel.
If I’m being completely honest, Czar is my least favourite story in the Impossible series. For those who have followed the series rather than reading this as a standalone novel, I know we’re not supposed to love the male lead in this considering all the wrong he has done, but I’d expected to like our female. As it was, I didn’t care much about either of them.
This would have been fine, considering their roles in the overall series, but their story was nowhere near as dark as I’d hoped it would be. I was hoping for something on par with Mentor, but this one merely brushed against the darkness I’d anticipated for it. It was interesting to see how this story played out, but it was not what I had expected it to be.
All in all, this is not the story I would recommend to people looking to find out more about Julia Sykes. It is worth reading if you’ve read the other books in the series, to ensure you get a fuller understanding of the world, but it is not the best representation of the author’s work.
Nevertheless, I am quite eager for book nine. I’m extremely curious to see how that one plays out.
As a standalone novel, this will read as a dark romance. As the eighth book in a series, it will read as the dark and twisted story of the bad guy. It is not as dark as Mentor – the story of another bad guy in the series – but it certainly has a very different impact as a part of the series to the story as a standalone novel.
If I’m being completely honest, Czar is my least favourite story in the Impossible series. For those who have followed the series rather than reading this as a standalone novel, I know we’re not supposed to love the male lead in this considering all the wrong he has done, but I’d expected to like our female. As it was, I didn’t care much about either of them.
This would have been fine, considering their roles in the overall series, but their story was nowhere near as dark as I’d hoped it would be. I was hoping for something on par with Mentor, but this one merely brushed against the darkness I’d anticipated for it. It was interesting to see how this story played out, but it was not what I had expected it to be.
All in all, this is not the story I would recommend to people looking to find out more about Julia Sykes. It is worth reading if you’ve read the other books in the series, to ensure you get a fuller understanding of the world, but it is not the best representation of the author’s work.
Nevertheless, I am quite eager for book nine. I’m extremely curious to see how that one plays out.
January 2, 2015
I started out reading Czar, knowing that it was going to be one of Julia’s darker books. I was able to read up though Chapter 6. There was nothing dark in the previous chapters until the end of Chapter 6. I had to take a little break before going on and reading Chapter 7. I also had to take a break after reading each chapter thereafter. To me this book is way darker than Mentor. Reading this book after it got to where it was in the dark area, my chest would get tight…I would feel like I was going to start crying for what Alicia was being put through. I think what bothered me the most about this book is that Dimitri had gained Alicia’s trust and love, then he betrayed her trust. I do not regret reading this book and highly recommend it to those that can tolerate to read this type of dark story. However, I do say that if you are going to read it, please make sure that you have someone you can talk to in case there are triggers that this book brings out in you. If you do find triggers and feel that you can continue to read the book. Do like I did read a chapter, walk away do something light and fun or read something light…then come back and read another chapter. This book is well worth reading.
January 1, 2018
What?!
Human trafficking and the debasment of the female and he ending disgusted me. No happy ever after . Don't want to spoil this as I don't like this author, but this was just breaking this woman and the ending was just sad.
.
Human trafficking and the debasment of the female and he ending disgusted me. No happy ever after . Don't want to spoil this as I don't like this author, but this was just breaking this woman and the ending was just sad.
.
January 5, 2015
After reading the reviews for CZAR, I thought I knew what I was getting into, but what I didn’t fully comprehend was the phenomenally written and emotionally rich journey that Julia Sykes was going to take me on. The warnings may scare you, but I urge you to dive in headfirst. This book will push your boundaries, but for me, I found it pushed my boundaries deliciously. I loved feeling the evolution of Alicia’s emotions as she fell, fought, outright rebelled, feared, and accepted the unique brand of Dimitri’s affection. Love isn’t always easy or simple or clean, and not every love will fit the stereotypes that we so often read about, and that, I think, is what made this story so beautiful. Take a chance on Alicia and Dimitri. I highly recommend it.
September 12, 2019
I liked this kinky story. I felt bad for the heroine she feel in love,she trusted him...She was confused on why he would do this to her, I kept saying you should have never told him you loved him:( that's what started this whole thing. He kept telling her "you will like this".....crazy...except for a couple of things she did get off on what Dimitri did to her and that just made her feel worse. Book 9..I will need to read this, who is after Dimitri?
UPDATE OCTOBER/17
I like this better the second time around...so 4 stars on this one..goody read:))
AUDIO-2019
This is a good one to listen to, Im slowly buying audio books of some of my favorite books:))
UPDATE OCTOBER/17
I like this better the second time around...so 4 stars on this one..goody read:))
AUDIO-2019
This is a good one to listen to, Im slowly buying audio books of some of my favorite books:))
January 4, 2015
Review to come
January 15, 2015
A great read and I like dark romance. Even though it at times was very dark. The only thing that irritated me was Alicia's shifting feelings towards Dimitri.
March 24, 2015
3.5 stars
June 2, 2024
5 stars because the overall rating is a bit too low in my opinion. It's a good book, I only recently discovered this author and I like how she writes, the story involved me emotionally and entertained me the entire time; if it weren't for the fact that I already knew who Dimitri was from the previous book I would have actually thought for at least half the book that it was a sweet love story, and in a perverse and very twisted way you can say that it is; yes, even in this case there is the stockholm syndrome component, but there is also something more due to the previous naive love, or perhaps strong infatuation, if you prefer (genuine and pure) that Alicia felt for what she will later be her kidnapper, that as well as a form of understanding of his actions (she comes to realize that Dimitri act as he do because of the way in which was raised, which had inevitably damaged him) push Alicia to accept (or rather cope better) with her condition without actually completely broke; on the other hand Dimitri himself was shaken by the meeting with Alicia, who like it or not is the only human being to whom he has shown traces of humanity (significant that he would have let her return to America instead of selling her as a slave as he initially had planned when he approached her if only she hadn't revealed her love)
Sick, sweet abusive relationship… I think it's the perfect representation of what I consider a true dark romance
Sick, sweet abusive relationship… I think it's the perfect representation of what I consider a true dark romance
November 5, 2021
Okay I’m going out on a limb and giving this 4 stars. I read this as a stand alone at the recommendation of a fb group. I tried to read impossible several years ago and didn’t enjoy it. However, I have read so many books since then I’m going to try to re-read it again. I initially read it back in 2014 and dnf. I’ve read her sweet captive series and loved it.
This book was a complete mind f. I’ve read the spoiler regarding the H, and that doesn’t bother me at all. I love twist and turns and unpredictable stories. I’m actually happen for the h. The H is a terrible person but I love how she gives everyone some Depth and makes her characters 3 dimensional. I will be reading the rest of this series restarting book 1.
This book was a complete mind f. I’ve read the spoiler regarding the H, and that doesn’t bother me at all. I love twist and turns and unpredictable stories. I’m actually happen for the h. The H is a terrible person but I love how she gives everyone some Depth and makes her characters 3 dimensional. I will be reading the rest of this series restarting book 1.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
I think this book was meant to structure us to hate Dimitri. Because wtf. Never have I felt so so sad for a fmc i just wanted her to escape him. But i think this story was just to show us a side of how bad Dimitri is. And i really hope Alicia gets saved or she gets peace because my poor girl is so manipulated and hurt that I seriously want Dimitri to die. He just wanted to own her, yes I know its a twisted live story but he just wanted to use her and poor Alicia thought she could give him some redemption but if we look at it Dimitri is beyond saving.
The book was wrote good, and I think the start was misleading us to think it was a love story but yeah, i guess thats what I get to dive deep into a black hole without looking at the book blurb💅🏼
The book was wrote good, and I think the start was misleading us to think it was a love story but yeah, i guess thats what I get to dive deep into a black hole without looking at the book blurb💅🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2018
5 stars
What an amazing read. So dark and yet filled with such innocents. This story is so well written. Every emotion could be felt through the pages.
The hero or anti hero was such a complex character. Swinging from lover to enemy in seconds. His need for Alicia’s love drives him to take her and yet while he is the cause for such pain, he does everything to make her happy.
Alicia is so innocent. Her story is one of acceptance, and her ability to find the good in her captor is amazing.
The pace for this story perfect. The characters all well thought out and written.
What an amazing read. So dark and yet filled with such innocents. This story is so well written. Every emotion could be felt through the pages.
The hero or anti hero was such a complex character. Swinging from lover to enemy in seconds. His need for Alicia’s love drives him to take her and yet while he is the cause for such pain, he does everything to make her happy.
Alicia is so innocent. Her story is one of acceptance, and her ability to find the good in her captor is amazing.
The pace for this story perfect. The characters all well thought out and written.
August 15, 2019
Another one of Syke's books containing an anti-hero! I just don't know how I'm supposed to feel about Dmitri! The story kind of reminded me of Taken - the whole abduction/sex slave thing. And as a parent, it was a little tough for me to find out that Alicia eventually let go of everyone in her former life and embraced her role as Dmitri's sub (for now anyway! There are more books to come...). But the other part of me really enjoyed their messed up relationship. The training, the sex, the demeaning things he did to her and the way he owned all of her - part of me found it really hot.
May 7, 2018
4 out 5 wicked dark stars
Czar is a very dark abduction novel. Alicia thought she could trust Dimitri, thought she loved him, but he proved her very wrong. Dimitri is a bad man, we continually see hints that he could be a good guy, time and again, those instances are rejected. He is lonely and tormentef. The sex was hot. Alicias mindset as the story progresses is authentic. Hot read, but I would've liked to see more interactions and dialogue, less telling how they felt.
Czar is a very dark abduction novel. Alicia thought she could trust Dimitri, thought she loved him, but he proved her very wrong. Dimitri is a bad man, we continually see hints that he could be a good guy, time and again, those instances are rejected. He is lonely and tormentef. The sex was hot. Alicias mindset as the story progresses is authentic. Hot read, but I would've liked to see more interactions and dialogue, less telling how they felt.
December 15, 2020
Was this book perfect?
Did I kind of gasp at the twisted logic of the hero and his actions and the ending? Yes...
Although it was intense it left a kind of bitter taste in my mouth, but the way the author writes is spectacular. It makes you feel deeply everything ..
*Shiver* such a dark story....
Did I kind of gasp at the twisted logic of the hero and his actions and the ending? Yes...
Although it was intense it left a kind of bitter taste in my mouth, but the way the author writes is spectacular. It makes you feel deeply everything ..
*Shiver* such a dark story....
May 30, 2017
Really rough BDSM. A little much for me.
August 27, 2017
Level of craziness was off the charts. Yes!
May 7, 2018
Book 8 of the Impossible series centres on Alicia, a young, religious, college student visiting Russia. She swiftly falls for Dimitri, a handsome, enigmatic man just a few years older than her. This novella covers how she becomes his and the lengths he will go to to keep her.
This book contains a Content Warning and can be skipped without prejudicing the enjoyment of the rest of the series. I did enjoy it, however, and was thrilled to peek into Dimitri and Alicia's twisted relationship.
This book contains a Content Warning and can be skipped without prejudicing the enjoyment of the rest of the series. I did enjoy it, however, and was thrilled to peek into Dimitri and Alicia's twisted relationship.
June 12, 2018
Seriously
What did I just read? I really thought it would be worth the time. In the beginning I actually liked the characters but I was so wrong.
What did I just read? I really thought it would be worth the time. In the beginning I actually liked the characters but I was so wrong.
February 22, 2023
The book made me sick. There is no love, only abuse. That's not a dark love book, a bdsm story, but more than 200 pages of maltreatment.
April 24, 2023
Really loved reading this book just as much as the ones before it. Great imagination and a great story. Highly recommend reading and looking forward to reading more in the series. I’m hooked.
January 6, 2015
Czar begins as a romance with a strong alpha male and a college student who is studying abroad. In June 2009, Christine, Alicia's friend finds a study abroad program online. They decide to study St. Petersburg, Russia. While in Russia, one evening they decided to go to a a club, and Alicia catches Dimitri's eye. Dimitri immediately begins seducing Alicia. Alicia is a virgin and does her best to deny Dimitri of sex. This doesn't stop Dimitri from pursue Alicia.
"Why did you want to see me again?"
"You're not like other women I've met."
"Because I'm American?"
"Because I want you more than I've ever wanted any woman, and you're the first to refuse me."
I'm a conquest.
Dimitri is arrogant, bossy, intimidating and wealthy. He continues to seduce Alicia. On one date Dimitri gives Alicia a first edition of "Pride and Prejudice" written in Russian. Alicia is felt that Dimitri cared about her asked to go back to his place. When they arrived at Dimitri's hotel room Dimitri's father is waiting for them. It's not a pleasant encounter. After the encounter Alicia gives herself to Dimitri.
Over the next week Alicia enjoys being with Dmitri and she has a new fear.
"What's wrong, myshka?"
"I'm- I'm leaving in a few days," I forced out tremulously. "I'm afraid I'll never see you again." I drew in a shaky breath, no longer able to contain my painfully intense feelings for him.. "I... I love you, Dimitri."
Alicia's decree began the beginning of the end of her life. "You're mine now, Alicia. There's no going back."
At the beginning of chapter 7, the story takes a 360 from a love story to a dark and dangerous story. Alicia has been abducted and her abductor is the person she has fallen in love with, Dimitri.
"You gave yourself to me."
"This is how it's going to be between us. You belong to me, and I ca do whatever I want with you."
"You will like it. You were meant for this."
"For what?"
"To be mine."
Alicia discovers that Dimitri is part of the Russian Mafia and will one day be the leader. He also sells women as slaves. Their relationship develops into a BDSM, Master/Slave relationship. Dimitri takes care of Alicia, both physically and sexually. Alicia's love for Dimitri soon dies as he punishes her when she doesn't obey his commands. After breaking Alicia slow he begins giving her some freedoms, although an illusion. Dimitri buys her horses and builds her a stable. There is another twist in this story secures Dimitri's future at the leader of the Russian Mafia.
In the end, Dmitri takes over the Russian Mafia, Bratva, and secures Alicia by his side.
This is a Five Star Dark, Dangerous and well constructed story!! I love the Impossible Series. Julia Sykes knows how to twist your expectations. Dimitri is a very dark character. Julia does a great job hiding Dimitri's true intentions at the beginning of the story. There was only glimpse of his true nature. Alica from the beginning shows herself as a true submissive/masochist, she enjoys pain with her pleasure. It was exactly what Dimitri was looking for. The stable scene secured who is really in charge, there will always be limitations on Alicia's freedoms. Alicia loves her Master because he's benevolent and caring. In the end Dimitri sums it up best "A careful balance of brutality and fineness would make them obedient to my will. Alicia had taught me that.It was a lesson I would never forget."
For more Dark and Dangerous reads check out my blog, Reading Keeps Me Sane. http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter, ReadKeepMeSane.
"Why did you want to see me again?"
"You're not like other women I've met."
"Because I'm American?"
"Because I want you more than I've ever wanted any woman, and you're the first to refuse me."
I'm a conquest.
Dimitri is arrogant, bossy, intimidating and wealthy. He continues to seduce Alicia. On one date Dimitri gives Alicia a first edition of "Pride and Prejudice" written in Russian. Alicia is felt that Dimitri cared about her asked to go back to his place. When they arrived at Dimitri's hotel room Dimitri's father is waiting for them. It's not a pleasant encounter. After the encounter Alicia gives herself to Dimitri.
Over the next week Alicia enjoys being with Dmitri and she has a new fear.
"What's wrong, myshka?"
"I'm- I'm leaving in a few days," I forced out tremulously. "I'm afraid I'll never see you again." I drew in a shaky breath, no longer able to contain my painfully intense feelings for him.. "I... I love you, Dimitri."
Alicia's decree began the beginning of the end of her life. "You're mine now, Alicia. There's no going back."
At the beginning of chapter 7, the story takes a 360 from a love story to a dark and dangerous story. Alicia has been abducted and her abductor is the person she has fallen in love with, Dimitri.
"You gave yourself to me."
"This is how it's going to be between us. You belong to me, and I ca do whatever I want with you."
"You will like it. You were meant for this."
"For what?"
"To be mine."
Alicia discovers that Dimitri is part of the Russian Mafia and will one day be the leader. He also sells women as slaves. Their relationship develops into a BDSM, Master/Slave relationship. Dimitri takes care of Alicia, both physically and sexually. Alicia's love for Dimitri soon dies as he punishes her when she doesn't obey his commands. After breaking Alicia slow he begins giving her some freedoms, although an illusion. Dimitri buys her horses and builds her a stable. There is another twist in this story secures Dimitri's future at the leader of the Russian Mafia.
In the end, Dmitri takes over the Russian Mafia, Bratva, and secures Alicia by his side.
This is a Five Star Dark, Dangerous and well constructed story!! I love the Impossible Series. Julia Sykes knows how to twist your expectations. Dimitri is a very dark character. Julia does a great job hiding Dimitri's true intentions at the beginning of the story. There was only glimpse of his true nature. Alica from the beginning shows herself as a true submissive/masochist, she enjoys pain with her pleasure. It was exactly what Dimitri was looking for. The stable scene secured who is really in charge, there will always be limitations on Alicia's freedoms. Alicia loves her Master because he's benevolent and caring. In the end Dimitri sums it up best "A careful balance of brutality and fineness would make them obedient to my will. Alicia had taught me that.It was a lesson I would never forget."
For more Dark and Dangerous reads check out my blog, Reading Keeps Me Sane. http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter, ReadKeepMeSane.
January 19, 2015
Good Lord I'm drained, that was a lot to take in!!
So pleased that it was a standalone read!
Overall if you’re looking for an unrelenting, dark,
horrifically cold read this should be a 5 star one for you!
For me, it was just misses out on a 4.
3.99 stars!
I've just got to love the Hero (or in this case anti-hero!)in a book!
He can be a bastard, he can be nasty, he can be a total asshole…
but I have to find some redeeming quality in him that makes it all worth it in the end and honestly, I hated him from the moment he first spoke in the bar. I don't know why, but he left me cold. Some men just do that to me!!
Throughout the story all I wanted was from her to escape him
(and I’ll take my HEA any way I can get it!) so I ended up never loving this story and hated the ending
(I'd like it rewritten actually, it completely pissed me off)
As for the sex, I’m okay balloon enemas etc (thank you Jordan Silver!!) but her acceptance of
Overall - this one wasn't for me - but I honestly believe that that’s on me there’s no reason you won’t love it if you’re in the market for a REALLY unrelenting, intense (well, from chapter 6 onward!) dark and distressing one.
Thanks very much to Julia Sykes for generously offering me the ARC - I loved the Impossible trilogy!
I’ll happily read more by this author and would easily recommend this one
to all my sick fuck friends out there!!
PRE-REVIEW:
SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!
So pleased that it was a standalone read!
Overall if you’re looking for an unrelenting, dark,
horrifically cold read this should be a 5 star one for you!
For me, it was just misses out on a 4.
3.99 stars!
I've just got to love the Hero (or in this case anti-hero!)in a book!
He can be a bastard, he can be nasty, he can be a total asshole…
but I have to find some redeeming quality in him that makes it all worth it in the end and honestly, I hated him from the moment he first spoke in the bar. I don't know why, but he left me cold. Some men just do that to me!!
Throughout the story all I wanted was from her to escape him
(and I’ll take my HEA any way I can get it!) so I ended up never loving this story and hated the ending
(I'd like it rewritten actually, it completely pissed me off)
As for the sex, I’m okay balloon enemas etc (thank you Jordan Silver!!) but her acceptance of
Overall - this one wasn't for me - but I honestly believe that that’s on me there’s no reason you won’t love it if you’re in the market for a REALLY unrelenting, intense (well, from chapter 6 onward!) dark and distressing one.
Thanks very much to Julia Sykes for generously offering me the ARC - I loved the Impossible trilogy!
I’ll happily read more by this author and would easily recommend this one
to all my sick fuck friends out there!!
PRE-REVIEW:
SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!
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