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Tainted Love
At one time you were my reason to breathe,
So immersed in our love, I’m forbidden to leave.
What was once so innocent, we infected with lies,
Sucked deep into the darkness, I can no longer rise.
Troubled souls we are, but I cannot break away,
So loyal to you, I choose to stay.
But I’m harbouring a secret that will tear us apart,
My feelings so strong, I keep following my heart.
One day my betrayal will be revealed,
And that day grows closer with each lie concealed.
I know you will kill whoever gets in your way,
And for that reason alone, I should never stay.
My body is yours, but it will never be enough,
Forever trapped I am in our tainted love.
Warning: This book is filled with triggers. However, if that little imp inside you still wants to read it, then 1-click that bitch, put your feet up with a glass of wine (cos you're going to need at least one), and enjoy this helluva ride!
So immersed in our love, I’m forbidden to leave.
What was once so innocent, we infected with lies,
Sucked deep into the darkness, I can no longer rise.
Troubled souls we are, but I cannot break away,
So loyal to you, I choose to stay.
But I’m harbouring a secret that will tear us apart,
My feelings so strong, I keep following my heart.
One day my betrayal will be revealed,
And that day grows closer with each lie concealed.
I know you will kill whoever gets in your way,
And for that reason alone, I should never stay.
My body is yours, but it will never be enough,
Forever trapped I am in our tainted love.
Warning: This book is filled with triggers. However, if that little imp inside you still wants to read it, then 1-click that bitch, put your feet up with a glass of wine (cos you're going to need at least one), and enjoy this helluva ride!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
100 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Jaimie Roberts
30 books1,865 followersJaimie Roberts was born in London, but moved to Gibraltar in 2001. She is married with two sons, and in her spare time, she writes.
In June 2013, Jaimie published her first book, Take a Breath, with the second released in November 2013. With the reviews, Jaimie took time out to read and learn how to become a better writer. She gets tremendous enjoyment out of writing, and even more so from the feedback she receives.
If you would like to send Jaimie a message, please do so by visiting her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaimie....
In June 2013, Jaimie published her first book, Take a Breath, with the second released in November 2013. With the reviews, Jaimie took time out to read and learn how to become a better writer. She gets tremendous enjoyment out of writing, and even more so from the feedback she receives.
If you would like to send Jaimie a message, please do so by visiting her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaimie....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 17, 2021
4.5 TAINTED STARS
Berry Wilkinson's life has never been easy, she survived a horrible childhood and carries a lot of secrets… Now, her life seems to be going in the right direction – she has Chris, a boyfriend who adores her and will do anything for her – but everything gets complicated when she starts working in an antique shop and develops a forbidden crash on the store owner, Charlie. 😱
Berry and Chris' love is strong but also tainted with blood and full of obsession and secrets – but that's not the only thing that can destroy them… 💥
📚 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 📚
I started without knowing anything about the book, I didn't even read the blurb… but because this is not my Jamie's first book, I knew it would be a crazy dark story… but I did not expect it to be THAT CRAZY!!!!!!!! 😱😱😱
Yes, I'll admit I guessed the twist pretty quickly – but I thought: "There's no way she's going to write that, I must be wrong!" But I wasn't! And yet, she managed to surprise me anyway. 👏
Although I finished the book fast, I was left with lots of questions… Like, WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?! WHY THE HELL DID I LIKE IT?!? DOES THAT MEAN IT'S TIME FOR ME TO FINALLY GO TO THERAPY?!?!?!? 😂🙈
📚 "𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞!” 📚
However, I did not like the ending, I think the book should have ended differently because the story was so dark, and the ending was too rosy and sweet. Plus, there were some parts in the story that I felt were too slow. 😬
There was one thing I did not fully understand – did Chris knew what's going on? (Otherwise, why did she agree to sacrifice herself to her uncle?) And did his gang knew?? 😱😱😱
This book will not suit everyone – in fact… it will not suit most normal people!!!! 😂
It's crazy, dirty, immoral and forbidden in every way possible – but the writing, the anticipation and plot building were so good, that it worked for me – crazy as it may be. ❤
So pay attention – if you don't like dark taboo books – do not try this book, trust me, it is not for you!!!
But if you have an open mind and you want a surprising story, one that will make you feel bad that you enjoyed it… READ IT! 😱❤💥
***Trigger Warnings: Sexual Violence and Incest.***
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📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
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💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
December 23, 2020
I let the euphoria wash over me like a tidal wave. Because in a few minutes, I’ll calm. In a few minutes, that reality will set in. And then all I will feel is nothing but disgust.
-What I felt through the book.-
WARNINGS!!! │DARK │TABOO │BLOODS + KILLINGS │SICK LOVE + OBSESSION │ABUSE │MORE
Disgust. Regret. Remorse. Disbelief. But most of all… shame.
-The book says it all.-
“If you’re fine, then look at me. If you’re fine, then touch me. If you’re fine, then be with me in all the ways we should be.”
You mean all the ways we shouldn’t be.
The pain he inflicts with each thrust quickly channels into pleasure, my dark mind welcoming the blissful torture he’s unraveling in me.
“He loves you like you’re the air he needs to breathe. I envy that.”
OVERALL
*THIS BOOK IS SICK! I wanted it, but I didn't want it. OH, MY DILEMMA!
*I actually cried.
*I don't normally use the words dark + romance together, BUT this dark book indeed includes romance.
*Was it the best plot? Probably not. I DONT CARE. I LOVE IT!
*OH, THIS BOOK IS WRONG! There are so many things/issues/topics for my dislike - It still doesn't matter. Altogether. I LOVE IT!
*I felt the things I said I WOULD NEVER EVER! If It's not something, what is?
*I respect the happy ending aspect, but I am not quite fond of how it happened.
Dear Jaimie Roberts, with one book, you made me your loyal reader.
Your wicked but brilliant mind is a place I would like to visit often!
Because I love him. Because I’m lonely. Because I’m fucked up. Because. I. Am. Sick.
-What I felt through the book.-
WARNINGS!!! │DARK │TABOO │BLOODS + KILLINGS │SICK LOVE + OBSESSION │ABUSE │MORE
Disgust. Regret. Remorse. Disbelief. But most of all… shame.
-The book says it all.-
“If you’re fine, then look at me. If you’re fine, then touch me. If you’re fine, then be with me in all the ways we should be.”
You mean all the ways we shouldn’t be.
The pain he inflicts with each thrust quickly channels into pleasure, my dark mind welcoming the blissful torture he’s unraveling in me.
“He loves you like you’re the air he needs to breathe. I envy that.”
OVERALL
*THIS BOOK IS SICK! I wanted it, but I didn't want it. OH, MY DILEMMA!
*I actually cried.
*I don't normally use the words dark + romance together, BUT this dark book indeed includes romance.
*Was it the best plot? Probably not. I DONT CARE. I LOVE IT!
*OH, THIS BOOK IS WRONG! There are so many things/issues/topics for my dislike - It still doesn't matter. Altogether. I LOVE IT!
*I felt the things I said I WOULD NEVER EVER! If It's not something, what is?
*I respect the happy ending aspect, but I am not quite fond of how it happened.
Dear Jaimie Roberts, with one book, you made me your loyal reader.
Your wicked but brilliant mind is a place I would like to visit often!
Because I love him. Because I’m lonely. Because I’m fucked up. Because. I. Am. Sick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2020
Genre: Dark Erotic Suspense
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Bri Wilkinson grew up with barely anything to her name. She survived a harrowing childhood, and with Chris now in her life, it seemed everything going in the right direction. But their all-consuming love might not be enough and could be the very thing that would tear them apart.
Give me an unhealthy relationship story, I’ll be there to bask in its affliction. There’s just something about train-wreck characters that never failed to pull me under, and I gladly stay in the rabbit hole.
Initially, I sympathized with Bri with what she had to go through but, along the way, I wasn’t keen on how she handled situations and other people. I loved Chris so much he could do no wrong to my eyes even though pretty much everything about him came with a danger alert. The sex scenes were highly combustible, especially with the relationship.
One thing I wished differently is the ending. I felt it didn’t exactly fit the tone of the story. I enjoyed the overall storyline and loved the other characters, particularly the two closest to the main characters.
Tainted Love is a story of obsession and consequences. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a story with questionable characters.
🥀♦️🥀. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🥀♦️🥀
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Bri Wilkinson grew up with barely anything to her name. She survived a harrowing childhood, and with Chris now in her life, it seemed everything going in the right direction. But their all-consuming love might not be enough and could be the very thing that would tear them apart.
Give me an unhealthy relationship story, I’ll be there to bask in its affliction. There’s just something about train-wreck characters that never failed to pull me under, and I gladly stay in the rabbit hole.
For once, I want to know what it’s like to be in this situation where everything is just natural, everything is real, and everything feels perfect.
Initially, I sympathized with Bri with what she had to go through but, along the way, I wasn’t keen on how she handled situations and other people. I loved Chris so much he could do no wrong to my eyes even though pretty much everything about him came with a danger alert. The sex scenes were highly combustible, especially with the relationship.
One thing I wished differently is the ending. I felt it didn’t exactly fit the tone of the story. I enjoyed the overall storyline and loved the other characters, particularly the two closest to the main characters.
Tainted Love is a story of obsession and consequences. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a story with questionable characters.
🥀♦️🥀. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🥀♦️🥀
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
January 6, 2022
Spoilers🥂
I wouldn't have mind really... if she wasn't the first fucking person to take the first step like she was stable enough to rock the boat of two and act suprise when her action set the unwanted reaction consequently sinking both of them in the ocean full of heartbreak.
All chris wanted was to be was tender with her, ik surprising considering his character..but he did.
so naturally I hated how she poked him with his jealousy just to makehim hate fuck her when she clearly knew it would mess with his head for days.
Bitch Instead of trying to salvage of what's left on the plate ..you go and make him more sick with your dreadful antic..
And how the author tried to put a bow on it at the end like it would make a perfect sense on letting them have an untroubled hea. First successfully killing Michael, the prick of an uncle and lastly chris ..yes I was uncomfortable with the relationship but don't tell me the guy who is blind sick obsessed with her see how he has been holding her back all along... only at the brink of his death and conveniently lets her off to live her life??..
And not just that, but how she conveniently forgives Charlie for killing off her brother... like I thought she would at least be angry for a chapter a two if not mourn his death and kill herself too but
forget that.. not even a paragraph is dedicated for him after
I. Wanted. So. Badly. for her to at least communicate with Chris. But after reading how freeing she supposedly feels after his death ..I was like honey no.. First you cheat and then you betray as is you weren't flaying with the loose ends yourself and when the situation eventually kills him off .. you have sex with "Charlie the chocolate factory at the first given opportunity..??
Bitch pls 🤚
.
.
.
.
.
...Now as I'm writing this review I am beginning to understand the point in killing off Chris
.
.
.
.
.
.
cos sure as f this bitch don't deserve him.
Ciao
I wouldn't have mind really... if she wasn't the first fucking person to take the first step like she was stable enough to rock the boat of two and act suprise when her action set the unwanted reaction consequently sinking both of them in the ocean full of heartbreak.
All chris wanted was to be was tender with her, ik surprising considering his character..but he did.
so naturally I hated how she poked him with his jealousy just to makehim hate fuck her when she clearly knew it would mess with his head for days.
Bitch Instead of trying to salvage of what's left on the plate ..you go and make him more sick with your dreadful antic..
And how the author tried to put a bow on it at the end like it would make a perfect sense on letting them have an untroubled hea. First successfully killing Michael, the prick of an uncle and lastly chris ..yes I was uncomfortable with the relationship but don't tell me the guy who is blind sick obsessed with her see how he has been holding her back all along... only at the brink of his death and conveniently lets her off to live her life??..
And not just that, but how she conveniently forgives Charlie for killing off her brother... like I thought she would at least be angry for a chapter a two if not mourn his death and kill herself too but
forget that.. not even a paragraph is dedicated for him after
I. Wanted. So. Badly. for her to at least communicate with Chris. But after reading how freeing she supposedly feels after his death ..I was like honey no.. First you cheat and then you betray as is you weren't flaying with the loose ends yourself and when the situation eventually kills him off .. you have sex with "Charlie the chocolate factory at the first given opportunity..??
Bitch pls 🤚
.
.
.
.
.
...Now as I'm writing this review I am beginning to understand the point in killing off Chris
.
.
.
.
.
.
cos sure as f this bitch don't deserve him.
Ciao
October 21, 2020
I'm a bitch. Again, I was rooting for the definitely-morally-wrong other hero, and just because I couldn't get the ending I want, I bumped the star rating by one star.
What can I say about this book that won't be a spoiler?
It was crazy. The plot twist was obvious even from the prologue. Two things that I hate the most in a book was in this one. Love triangle and cheating. It has a HEA though (at least HEA for the heroine. Definitely not the HEA for me).
I just wish it ended differently, *my dark dark thoughts whispered.
What can I say about this book that won't be a spoiler?
It was crazy. The plot twist was obvious even from the prologue. Two things that I hate the most in a book was in this one. Love triangle and cheating. It has a HEA though (at least HEA for the heroine. Definitely not the HEA for me).
I just wish it ended differently, *my dark dark thoughts whispered.
October 7, 2020
Whoahhh!! <---- is my expression THROUGHOUT the book!
"What we have… it’s too much. In my darkest thoughts, I have often wondered if what we have will kill us one day. We’re like tainted lovers fighting the whole world, but one day the world will fight back."
Nobody can twist up a "made for each other love story" like Jaimie. Chris and Bri"anna" are burning with passion for each other. Can't keep their hands off each other, his proximity heats up her skin, her nearness sends his blood to his nether regions and they clash violently in clothes-tearing lusting love. I aspire to experience that kind of red-hot volcanic intensity with Chris once too, it was that contagious!!!
I could NOT in my WILDEST IMAGINATION see the HUGE ROADBLOCK in their relationship which is as impossible as meeting of Night & Day.
Brianna is conflicted but she locks her doubts in a box.
"it takes everything I have not to break down at my treachery, taking everything I have to keep the nausea, guilt, disgust, and torment locked up tight, deep inside me. I truly have slipped down that deep, dark, rabbit hole."
Chris demands sympathy. He took my heart and my soul and all the love in between. I never wanted to cry for him, but Jaimie made me pine for him so hard, my tears flowed without my permission.
"Chris came along like my white knight, promising to save me. He did, but he’s also destroyed me in equal measure.
How’s that for irony?"
There's also another contender to complete the triangulation of miserably torturous love - Charlie, her boss. Can he withstand the rejection that Bri meters out because she CAN'T /WON'T ever leave Chris? He's the mysterious figure who could be a saviour or a ruiner depending on whose side are you on. He's a hopelessly tragic figure who is a seemingly lovelorn suitor....but is he!?!
That's the Billion Dollar Question
"In my mind’s eye, I’ve been chasing that pot of gold over the rainbow that deep down, I know I will never find. Because, like everyone knows, pretty soon the rain will stop, the sun will emerge, and the rainbow leading to that pot of gold will be gone forever."
Let me just say...you'll NEVER guess what happens next. Jaimie keeps you on hanging from the rafters by your fingertips, your heart beating wildly outside your chest,Waiting for some miraculous saving grace in this Train- Crash that explodes upon impact.
Hard hitting, Dizzying, smoldering story of love burnt to ashes right in front of your eyes.
You DO NOT want to root for the couple, but your heart will pray for them
Your soul will want them to catch a break, but your hands will fold to beg God for forgiveness for them
Your heart will light up like sundrenched sea but You'll fumble in darkness with them
Every. Step. Of. The. Way!!
"Disgust.
Regret.
Remorse.
Disbelief.
But most of all… shame.
What have I done?"
The ONLY warning I can give you, tighten your gut but soften your heart cause both will take a rigorous beating
5 stars for Pinkie Promises
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
"What we have… it’s too much. In my darkest thoughts, I have often wondered if what we have will kill us one day. We’re like tainted lovers fighting the whole world, but one day the world will fight back."
Nobody can twist up a "made for each other love story" like Jaimie. Chris and Bri"anna" are burning with passion for each other. Can't keep their hands off each other, his proximity heats up her skin, her nearness sends his blood to his nether regions and they clash violently in clothes-tearing lusting love. I aspire to experience that kind of red-hot volcanic intensity with Chris once too, it was that contagious!!!
I could NOT in my WILDEST IMAGINATION see the HUGE ROADBLOCK in their relationship which is as impossible as meeting of Night & Day.
Brianna is conflicted but she locks her doubts in a box.
"it takes everything I have not to break down at my treachery, taking everything I have to keep the nausea, guilt, disgust, and torment locked up tight, deep inside me. I truly have slipped down that deep, dark, rabbit hole."
Chris demands sympathy. He took my heart and my soul and all the love in between. I never wanted to cry for him, but Jaimie made me pine for him so hard, my tears flowed without my permission.
"Chris came along like my white knight, promising to save me. He did, but he’s also destroyed me in equal measure.
How’s that for irony?"
There's also another contender to complete the triangulation of miserably torturous love - Charlie, her boss. Can he withstand the rejection that Bri meters out because she CAN'T /WON'T ever leave Chris? He's the mysterious figure who could be a saviour or a ruiner depending on whose side are you on. He's a hopelessly tragic figure who is a seemingly lovelorn suitor....but is he!?!
That's the Billion Dollar Question
"In my mind’s eye, I’ve been chasing that pot of gold over the rainbow that deep down, I know I will never find. Because, like everyone knows, pretty soon the rain will stop, the sun will emerge, and the rainbow leading to that pot of gold will be gone forever."
Let me just say...you'll NEVER guess what happens next. Jaimie keeps you on hanging from the rafters by your fingertips, your heart beating wildly outside your chest,Waiting for some miraculous saving grace in this Train- Crash that explodes upon impact.
Hard hitting, Dizzying, smoldering story of love burnt to ashes right in front of your eyes.
You DO NOT want to root for the couple, but your heart will pray for them
Your soul will want them to catch a break, but your hands will fold to beg God for forgiveness for them
Your heart will light up like sundrenched sea but You'll fumble in darkness with them
Every. Step. Of. The. Way!!
"Disgust.
Regret.
Remorse.
Disbelief.
But most of all… shame.
What have I done?"
The ONLY warning I can give you, tighten your gut but soften your heart cause both will take a rigorous beating
5 stars for Pinkie Promises
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
November 2, 2020
This was so wrong!!!!
November 24, 2021
Reading Tainted Love by Jaimie Roberts wasn't the most pleasant experience for me. I found myself angry more times than not, and it had nothing to do with the taboo aspect of the story. My main issue was with the heroine, Bri. While I felt for her to a degree, I just couldn't like her enough to give a shit about her happiness the way I should have. Her behavior drove me insane. I won't go into specifics, because I don't want to spoil you in any way, and there's a couple of twists in this one.
Speaking of twists, I guessed the biggest one early on in the story, so when the truth was revealed, it wasn't shocking to me in the least. I don't think that's necessarily the fault of the author. I just knew there was a twist, and my mind immediately went there for reasons I can't say without revealing too much.
All that said, Tainted Love wasn't all bad. I did like Chris! He wasn't without his faults, but I found myself feeling more empathy for him. There is probably something wrong with me, but oh well, it is what it is. Lol I also read the whole book in one sitting, and there is certainly something to be said for that.
If you like dark, taboo romance, and the blurb for this one sounds interesting to you, please give it a try. Just because I didn't love it doesn't mean you won't!
If Tainted Love doesn't sound interesting to you, but you enjoy dark, taboo romance and want to try something else from this author, I recommend her standalone, I'm a Creep. For fans of batshit heroines and over the top, crazy, dark romance, it's a damn good time!
Speaking of twists, I guessed the biggest one early on in the story, so when the truth was revealed, it wasn't shocking to me in the least. I don't think that's necessarily the fault of the author. I just knew there was a twist, and my mind immediately went there for reasons I can't say without revealing too much.
All that said, Tainted Love wasn't all bad. I did like Chris! He wasn't without his faults, but I found myself feeling more empathy for him. There is probably something wrong with me, but oh well, it is what it is. Lol I also read the whole book in one sitting, and there is certainly something to be said for that.
If you like dark, taboo romance, and the blurb for this one sounds interesting to you, please give it a try. Just because I didn't love it doesn't mean you won't!
If Tainted Love doesn't sound interesting to you, but you enjoy dark, taboo romance and want to try something else from this author, I recommend her standalone, I'm a Creep. For fans of batshit heroines and over the top, crazy, dark romance, it's a damn good time!
October 30, 2020
5 “B💣💣M” Stars
Damn, that last 20% was no joke!! I typically like to know what I’m getting into, so initially I was a smidge put-off that the blurb was so uninformative. I like to at least have the bones of the plot mapped out, but after reading it I can see why the author was so vague. She needs us to be completely clueless to work her magic, so I’m keeping this short and sweet. This book is dark and twisty; there’s a trigger warning and sensitive readers should heed it. I can’t list them all without spoiling some of the book, so FYI… there’s a lot of bad shit, and the cheating is small potatoes in the big picture.
All I will say is this book follows three flawed people (Bri, Chris, and Charlie), but is written in a way that you’ll find some empathy for each of them. I debated whether putting this, but I don’t think it will be a spoiler to most… The book explores a love triangle, and I know how tempting it is to peek, but I STRONGLY recommend resisting, because it will ruin it. The timeline bounces around a bit, and you could run into major spoilers.
Bottom Line-I rate books for a lot of reasons, and I know my system can be inconsistent which is why I always try to leave reviews. I feel my explanation should hold more importance than my star rating. I’m awarding the 5 big ones, because I could not put this sucker down, and Ms. Roberts actually shocked the absolute fuck out of me, (and made me cry) which doesn’t happen very often. 👏👏👏
Damn, that last 20% was no joke!! I typically like to know what I’m getting into, so initially I was a smidge put-off that the blurb was so uninformative. I like to at least have the bones of the plot mapped out, but after reading it I can see why the author was so vague. She needs us to be completely clueless to work her magic, so I’m keeping this short and sweet. This book is dark and twisty; there’s a trigger warning and sensitive readers should heed it. I can’t list them all without spoiling some of the book, so FYI… there’s a lot of bad shit, and the cheating is small potatoes in the big picture.
All I will say is this book follows three flawed people (Bri, Chris, and Charlie), but is written in a way that you’ll find some empathy for each of them. I debated whether putting this, but I don’t think it will be a spoiler to most… The book explores a love triangle, and I know how tempting it is to peek, but I STRONGLY recommend resisting, because it will ruin it. The timeline bounces around a bit, and you could run into major spoilers.
Bottom Line-I rate books for a lot of reasons, and I know my system can be inconsistent which is why I always try to leave reviews. I feel my explanation should hold more importance than my star rating. I’m awarding the 5 big ones, because I could not put this sucker down, and Ms. Roberts actually shocked the absolute fuck out of me, (and made me cry) which doesn’t happen very often. 👏👏👏
March 25, 2021
hmmm....I'm not quite sure how to rate this convoluted bowl of what the heck.
I saw the 2 twists coming. Usually I steer away from OW/OM love triangles but I had no way of knowing that was what I was getting. Yes it was steamy and taboo, but it really just kinda dragged. I only read it all the way because I wanted to get to the end to see if I was right. It just took forever to get to the point.
I didn't get that pulled in, emotionally, and I think it was because I didn't really like Bri. What a walking victim. And her reasons for doing all the crap she was doing I just had to roll my eyes.
I saw the 2 twists coming. Usually I steer away from OW/OM love triangles but I had no way of knowing that was what I was getting. Yes it was steamy and taboo, but it really just kinda dragged. I only read it all the way because I wanted to get to the end to see if I was right. It just took forever to get to the point.
I didn't get that pulled in, emotionally, and I think it was because I didn't really like Bri. What a walking victim. And her reasons for doing all the crap she was doing I just had to roll my eyes.
October 15, 2020
I read a gazillion books each year, so it’s extremely rare that I’m surprised,but holy he||.... SURPRISED is a ridiculously insufficient word to describe how I felt while reading this book! I love a good curveball, and this one… I NEVER. SAW. IT. COMING! I was literally squealing out loud and stomping my feet when the big “secret“ was revealed!
This story isn’t just about one secret, though. There is child abuse and neglect, ex-military, drug dealers, a steamy love triangle, PTSD, insanely hot sex, crime, and more! Best of all, this book delivers all the feels! Depending on the scene, I was either swooning, gripping my chair in suspense and sometimes even laughing out loud!. Roberts absolutely hit this one out of the park!!!
This story isn’t just about one secret, though. There is child abuse and neglect, ex-military, drug dealers, a steamy love triangle, PTSD, insanely hot sex, crime, and more! Best of all, this book delivers all the feels! Depending on the scene, I was either swooning, gripping my chair in suspense and sometimes even laughing out loud!. Roberts absolutely hit this one out of the park!!!
November 5, 2020
Holy shitsnacks!
This one took its time getting up to speed, and it telegraphs its big final act surprise a little to clearly, but once it gets going look out!
Triggers abound and if you can handle it you're probably best going in without knowing what is coming.
4.5 dark and twisted stars. So much recommended.
This one took its time getting up to speed, and it telegraphs its big final act surprise a little to clearly, but once it gets going look out!
Triggers abound and if you can handle it you're probably best going in without knowing what is coming.
4.5 dark and twisted stars. So much recommended.
November 9, 2020
4.5 ★
Brianna “Bri” Wilkinson dreams of being free of her secrets and pursuing her dream, but she is anchored by her current relationship. As her past rears its ugly head, Bri is torn between protecting those she loves or sacrificing her heart.
Told from Bri’s POV, it quickly becomes clear she is in an intense relationship with Chris and their bond creates a combustible push/pull dynamic. As the plot unfolds, Bri’s world becomes more complicated causing characters to make certain decisions leading to tense and emotional scenes.
Bri is a character with many conflicts. At times, I felt for her and other times I wanted to strangle her. As for Chris, he stole my heart. Though I had my thoughts about how the plot was developing, I was quite satisfied when it took that direction. However, an element toward the end, wasn’t my preference considering the story tone. That said, this book kept me hooked and I couldn’t wait to see how it would all end.
Tainted Love is a dark romance about coming to terms with trauma and sacrifice. This book would appeal to those looking for a twisty fast-paced read.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Brianna “Bri” Wilkinson dreams of being free of her secrets and pursuing her dream, but she is anchored by her current relationship. As her past rears its ugly head, Bri is torn between protecting those she loves or sacrificing her heart.
“Take, take, take, the void threatening to implode and swallow me whole, leaving me with nothing left but the darkness that envelopes my mind and a heart which slowly turns a velvety shade of black.”
Told from Bri’s POV, it quickly becomes clear she is in an intense relationship with Chris and their bond creates a combustible push/pull dynamic. As the plot unfolds, Bri’s world becomes more complicated causing characters to make certain decisions leading to tense and emotional scenes.
“I could never say no to her.”
Bri is a character with many conflicts. At times, I felt for her and other times I wanted to strangle her. As for Chris, he stole my heart. Though I had my thoughts about how the plot was developing, I was quite satisfied when it took that direction. However, an element toward the end, wasn’t my preference considering the story tone. That said, this book kept me hooked and I couldn’t wait to see how it would all end.
Tainted Love is a dark romance about coming to terms with trauma and sacrifice. This book would appeal to those looking for a twisty fast-paced read.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 20, 2023
Reread feb 2023 2.5 ✨
First read dec 2020- 4 ✨
First read dec 2020- 4 ✨
May 31, 2021
DNF 70%
Huge Spoilers. I am spoiling the ending.
If you’re a non Romance novel reader, then it’s best if you went in without knowing anything.
This is a slow/med burn book, which means it’s fucking boring the first half... ( also I did enjoy reading about the bat shit crazy, passionate relationship between Bri and Chris). so I read the last few chapters thinking it’s time to quit and found out that this book had a sad ending. Wish reviewers would’ve spoiled that sigh, I wouldn’t have picked this up if I had known......
It’s a love triangle but she doesn’t end up with who I was rooting for ( as you will find yourself doing), and I was rooting for him, because the half the fucking book - the majority of the book - was of him...and he- Chris, her brother dies!!! This is an incest taboo story, if you haven’t figured it out yet.
If you’re a romance reader, this is not safe for safety readers. It has a sad fucking ending, it talks about child abuse, the heroines a cheating bitch, and she ends up with om, the flat, boring character in the story.
Might try another book by this author before quitting her. if that book also end without a hea, then I am moving on. I do like her twisted stories but I hate books without a hea, because who enjoys feeling like shit when you’re done with a book.
Huge Spoilers. I am spoiling the ending.
If you’re a non Romance novel reader, then it’s best if you went in without knowing anything.
This is a slow/med burn book, which means it’s fucking boring the first half... ( also I did enjoy reading about the bat shit crazy, passionate relationship between Bri and Chris). so I read the last few chapters thinking it’s time to quit and found out that this book had a sad ending. Wish reviewers would’ve spoiled that sigh, I wouldn’t have picked this up if I had known......
It’s a love triangle but she doesn’t end up with who I was rooting for ( as you will find yourself doing), and I was rooting for him, because the half the fucking book - the majority of the book - was of him...and he- Chris, her brother dies!!! This is an incest taboo story, if you haven’t figured it out yet.
If you’re a romance reader, this is not safe for safety readers. It has a sad fucking ending, it talks about child abuse, the heroines a cheating bitch, and she ends up with om, the flat, boring character in the story.
Might try another book by this author before quitting her. if that book also end without a hea, then I am moving on. I do like her twisted stories but I hate books without a hea, because who enjoys feeling like shit when you’re done with a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2020
WHYYY did I read this???
November 1, 2020
This was my first book by this author, although I've a lot of her books on my TBR list.
This book is a forbidden dark romance, that's definitely not for everyone and most definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Let me say it this way, it gives the word forbidden a whole new definition.
I like dark romances, but this one surprised even me and I read a lot of dark romances.
As dark and disturbing as it is, it's a well written page-turner, that will make you hate and love it at the same time.
This book has as many trigger as it's probably possible for a dark romance.
The fact that this book shocked me to the bones at the last 20% of the story and I never expected this outcome was something completely new to me.
I know the blurb has a warning, but I understand why the author was so vague about the real reason for it.
I can't really write a lot about the topic without spoiling it, but be warned it'll take you on a journey through sex, cheating, love triangle, sexual abuse, brutal murder and a lot of sh!t, but it all pales to the unexpected ending or revelation of this story.
It's still a love romance.
It's very dark and very disturbing, but still an amazing romance with a beautiful HEA.
I don't know what it says about me, but I loved every second of this book 😂
It was definitely not my last book by this author.
This book is a forbidden dark romance, that's definitely not for everyone and most definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Let me say it this way, it gives the word forbidden a whole new definition.
I like dark romances, but this one surprised even me and I read a lot of dark romances.
As dark and disturbing as it is, it's a well written page-turner, that will make you hate and love it at the same time.
This book has as many trigger as it's probably possible for a dark romance.
The fact that this book shocked me to the bones at the last 20% of the story and I never expected this outcome was something completely new to me.
I know the blurb has a warning, but I understand why the author was so vague about the real reason for it.
I can't really write a lot about the topic without spoiling it, but be warned it'll take you on a journey through sex, cheating, love triangle, sexual abuse, brutal murder and a lot of sh!t, but it all pales to the unexpected ending or revelation of this story.
It's still a love romance.
It's very dark and very disturbing, but still an amazing romance with a beautiful HEA.
I don't know what it says about me, but I loved every second of this book 😂
It was definitely not my last book by this author.
October 25, 2020
Am I the only one who had the song Tainted Love going on in their minds when they read this title? It surely does set the mood.
The introduction. We come to find out our heroine has a bad upbringing. It's her and her bro against what the world has thrown at them. But what happens when the dynamic duo is split up? torn apart by circumstance? The circumstance here being .. big bro ended up in the army, leaving Brie to face her hell alone.
Flash to the present. Brie's got a life going with Chris. We see that she finds joy in the mundane of her job at the antique store. Her boss Charlie is a man of few words.
The story was a slow growth, as well as a slow reveal about what's going on in Brie's life, what's going on around her. But what IS constantly hinted throughout the story is the deep pull Chris and Brie has to each other. There are reasons why they are so deeply invested as well as why it isn't all what it seems. And Charlie? he starts coming out a little more and more as the story flows as well. The stage for complication is set and readers are eager to see where it leads.
Brie, our girl, she's got eyes on her. More than what she wants or needs. She's like the fly that's trapped in a web... breaking free only to be caught in another web nearby. Round and round it goes.. where it stops, no one knows. What does she want? What makes her happy? Why can't she do what needs to be done? What is it really that needs to be done? Who's in the wrong here?
Love. Is love just love? it's so complicated, so dynamic, so many layers, so many different facets of it.. we're lost with Brie among the mess made from love. The ups and downs. Dear readers, don't be surprised to find your own personal biases coming out to play once the story unravels itself. It can't be helped. We can only judge from what we know, what we see... colored by our own life experiences. It's a complicated mess.
Who do you root for? Is all what it seems? seems Brie's willing for fight for everyone ... but who's willing to fight for Brie?
Tainted love.
__________________
And that’s what makes you so special. You want so passionately, but you never expect anything.
__________________
Brie, as we soon come to find out .. wants to make everyone happy, even at the expense of herself. Who's at fault? Who's deserving? What's right and what's wrong? All I'm saying, is we all best take a step back and get to the end before we can truly gather our thoughts.
Once the story came to an end, we're given extra glimpses via the extra chapters provided to us. Different perspectives.
This my dear friends, is when I sat back and said "wow". No, not when the story ended... but when I read the extra chapters at the end. It made the story whole for me. Finally. It was my closure.
Tainted Love.
I honestly don't think anyone should go into the story because of the triggers it may or may not have. I honestly think the best way to read this story is with a clean slate. Go in blind. Go in unbiased. It's what I did, anyway. And I'm glad for it.
Now, maybe my gathering of thoughts and feelings for this story at the end of it all ... was based on my own biases. I didn't bring my biases to the story, but I surely brought it to the analyzation of it. I understood Brie's "us against the world we call hell/home". I understood the pain and feelings of betrayal .. to be left alone in hell because your dynamic duo was broken apart by .. big bro ending up in the army. A love that deep, a love that unbreakable is of another level. Believe me. Drowning because your life raft left you to survive on your own. Drowning because the life preserver you got left isn't going to last much longer.
Man, this story really hit home at some parts. Thank you Jaimie Roberts for this story.
Was the story dark? I guess it could be, depending on where you're coming from. I found it grey. Like everything the characters went through, their lives, their circumstances ... everything is grey. There is no black and white, no defining lines, no defining .. anything. Isn't that life though? Life is a complicated mess. Just like the mind.
That, is why this story deserved 5 stars. It made it real for me. The world can be wicked.
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)...
- Chris Isaak
The introduction. We come to find out our heroine has a bad upbringing. It's her and her bro against what the world has thrown at them. But what happens when the dynamic duo is split up? torn apart by circumstance? The circumstance here being .. big bro ended up in the army, leaving Brie to face her hell alone.
Flash to the present. Brie's got a life going with Chris. We see that she finds joy in the mundane of her job at the antique store. Her boss Charlie is a man of few words.
The story was a slow growth, as well as a slow reveal about what's going on in Brie's life, what's going on around her. But what IS constantly hinted throughout the story is the deep pull Chris and Brie has to each other. There are reasons why they are so deeply invested as well as why it isn't all what it seems. And Charlie? he starts coming out a little more and more as the story flows as well. The stage for complication is set and readers are eager to see where it leads.
Brie, our girl, she's got eyes on her. More than what she wants or needs. She's like the fly that's trapped in a web... breaking free only to be caught in another web nearby. Round and round it goes.. where it stops, no one knows. What does she want? What makes her happy? Why can't she do what needs to be done? What is it really that needs to be done? Who's in the wrong here?
Love. Is love just love? it's so complicated, so dynamic, so many layers, so many different facets of it.. we're lost with Brie among the mess made from love. The ups and downs. Dear readers, don't be surprised to find your own personal biases coming out to play once the story unravels itself. It can't be helped. We can only judge from what we know, what we see... colored by our own life experiences. It's a complicated mess.
Who do you root for? Is all what it seems? seems Brie's willing for fight for everyone ... but who's willing to fight for Brie?
Tainted love.
__________________
And that’s what makes you so special. You want so passionately, but you never expect anything.
__________________
Brie, as we soon come to find out .. wants to make everyone happy, even at the expense of herself. Who's at fault? Who's deserving? What's right and what's wrong? All I'm saying, is we all best take a step back and get to the end before we can truly gather our thoughts.
Once the story came to an end, we're given extra glimpses via the extra chapters provided to us. Different perspectives.
This my dear friends, is when I sat back and said "wow". No, not when the story ended... but when I read the extra chapters at the end. It made the story whole for me. Finally. It was my closure.
Tainted Love.
I honestly don't think anyone should go into the story because of the triggers it may or may not have. I honestly think the best way to read this story is with a clean slate. Go in blind. Go in unbiased. It's what I did, anyway. And I'm glad for it.
Now, maybe my gathering of thoughts and feelings for this story at the end of it all ... was based on my own biases. I didn't bring my biases to the story, but I surely brought it to the analyzation of it. I understood Brie's "us against the world we call hell/home". I understood the pain and feelings of betrayal .. to be left alone in hell because your dynamic duo was broken apart by .. big bro ending up in the army. A love that deep, a love that unbreakable is of another level. Believe me. Drowning because your life raft left you to survive on your own. Drowning because the life preserver you got left isn't going to last much longer.
Man, this story really hit home at some parts. Thank you Jaimie Roberts for this story.
Was the story dark? I guess it could be, depending on where you're coming from. I found it grey. Like everything the characters went through, their lives, their circumstances ... everything is grey. There is no black and white, no defining lines, no defining .. anything. Isn't that life though? Life is a complicated mess. Just like the mind.
That, is why this story deserved 5 stars. It made it real for me. The world can be wicked.
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)...
- Chris Isaak
December 2, 2020
I am going to start this by saying I heard trigger warning and immediately jumped on this to read since I have no triggers and like dark reads. These characters are incredibly intense and raw and the chemistry they give off - WOW!!!! This read is going to take you down a rabbit hole and just when you think you have reached the bottom something new will be thrown at you to keep you reading for more.
If you are up for it read this book and get sucked into the rabbit hole.
If you are up for it read this book and get sucked into the rabbit hole.
February 9, 2022
The story was good. Some might really enjoy it but I had a hard time with the heroine. I thought she was beyond selfish and made the situation what it was yet looking for a way out. Chris was great except when he wasn’t. Charlie I despised. During chapter 29 (I believed) I had to take a break because I was not happy. I would rate this book about 3.70
October 24, 2020
Great read with a big BOOM!!!!!
I love the characters and the story line. I could not put it down after I picked it up. I have always loved Jaimie's twists in her books but this one has a doosy. I cried so hard, I didn't think I would be able to make it though the rest of the book. It totally makes sense with the way Bri's character is written, she did her research on this one!!! I would recommend reading this book, I found it flowed really well, and keeps you interested. AND THEN HERE COMES THE BOOM!!!
I love the characters and the story line. I could not put it down after I picked it up. I have always loved Jaimie's twists in her books but this one has a doosy. I cried so hard, I didn't think I would be able to make it though the rest of the book. It totally makes sense with the way Bri's character is written, she did her research on this one!!! I would recommend reading this book, I found it flowed really well, and keeps you interested. AND THEN HERE COMES THE BOOM!!!
December 4, 2020
Wow…..my head is spinning. There was so much going on with so much shocking secrets and revelations that your head will be spinning and your emotions will be in a whirlwind. My favorite books all have the elements that I love in Tainted Love which are all the twist, turns, surprises, emotions, heat, and things that go sideways on occasion. Tainted Love has some dark elements and it is not for some but I enjoyed reading and getting so pulled into the story that I didn’t want it to end. I have to say that the bonus chapters at the end was really a bonus as it gave the story from Chris’ view point. Jaimie Roberts, author, did an outstanding job with Tainted Love and I am so glad I read it. Jaimie created a world and characters that captured my attention from the first page till the last. There is a lot I want to share but don’t want to spoil it for future readers. I will say that I am so happy with the ending. I was worried for a while there that it would end with a cliffhanger (and not just the kind that continues in a series and gets picked up in another book). Jaimie did a fantastic job in keeping readers guessing in the first half of the book on what the darker elements of the book is. You don’t see the darker parts till almost the end. You only see bits and pieces hinting that it is there but not what it is till later. I am sure that for some there are very disturbing revelations and won’t care for it but I say that they need to read it till the end and keep an open mind as the ending is what counts (not the bonus chapters as that it Chris’ viewpoint that takes place before the story takes place). By that I mean love between Charlie and Bri is totally what counts. Sorry trying to not give it all away so it sounds strange but if you want to know what it’s all about then you will have to read Tainted Love for yourself. Highly recommended.
October 23, 2020
Holy mother of darkness!
What did I just read?
This author is at it again with a heart pounding, jaw dropping, what the frack, edge of my seat story.
This book is was a non-stop adrenaline rush, sensory overload with a dash of passion and swoon!! Interestingly enough, it all worked together and I had the best unputdownable reading experience!
This book had all kinds of triggers and taboo, and I liked it!!
If all of the above is your jam, then sit back, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy this gripping, twisted, and sinfully delicious read!
I was totally absorbed by this story and this complex triangulated situation. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what direction the story was going to take!
The ending...priceless!!
What did I just read?
This author is at it again with a heart pounding, jaw dropping, what the frack, edge of my seat story.
This book is was a non-stop adrenaline rush, sensory overload with a dash of passion and swoon!! Interestingly enough, it all worked together and I had the best unputdownable reading experience!
This book had all kinds of triggers and taboo, and I liked it!!
If all of the above is your jam, then sit back, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy this gripping, twisted, and sinfully delicious read!
I was totally absorbed by this story and this complex triangulated situation. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what direction the story was going to take!
The ending...priceless!!
October 19, 2020
Great book!
I love to read Jaimie Robert's work! She never fails to give us steamy reads that are so hard to put down! I started this book yesterday and almost called in to work just so I could stay home and read it. I really liked the characters and I could see the ending being unfolded as I kept reading. I think it ended in the best outcome. Something happy for someone who endured so much. Great read is all I will say.
I love to read Jaimie Robert's work! She never fails to give us steamy reads that are so hard to put down! I started this book yesterday and almost called in to work just so I could stay home and read it. I really liked the characters and I could see the ending being unfolded as I kept reading. I think it ended in the best outcome. Something happy for someone who endured so much. Great read is all I will say.
November 15, 2020
What the Hell did I just read???I
Ok so I knew it was dark and I knew it was taboo before I started. And I'm going along in my own little world reading and thinking to myself dark yes definitely taboo in the tame side but also good and then big mother of all damn twists I did not see coming! And I was like holy M F what did I just read? I'm fact my brain is still catching up!
Jaimie this is one twisted F'd up book but it was so damn good! Ya played that one beautifully lol
Warning*** do not read if you do not like dark or taboo no really don't!
Ok so I knew it was dark and I knew it was taboo before I started. And I'm going along in my own little world reading and thinking to myself dark yes definitely taboo in the tame side but also good and then big mother of all damn twists I did not see coming! And I was like holy M F what did I just read? I'm fact my brain is still catching up!
Jaimie this is one twisted F'd up book but it was so damn good! Ya played that one beautifully lol
Warning*** do not read if you do not like dark or taboo no really don't!
October 10, 2020
Jaimie has done it again. I have read enough of Jaimie's books that I wasn't 100% convinced that she would be able to shock me. I WAS WRONG! The twist in story is so unexpected that I still haven't got my head round it. I have been a fan of Jaimie's since Deviant, and this book has only reinforced why I love her. Thank you Jaimie for the words you spin. 😍
November 1, 2020
I went into the story blind, and the story struck me immediately. It a medium burn that graduals unfolds until the twist. There was an element of mystery to this story throughout that is consuming. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next, and secretly afraid to find out. The character development was excellent. I enjoyed each character uniquely, distinct personalities as well as their flaws. I loved the vulnerability and insecurity of Bri and Chris' tortured soul. These characters and their interactions really made the story come alive. That twist though, gutted.
Not my usual flavor of story. Also, overall, I prefer a bit faster great pace, but unexpected storyline and an intriguing read.
Not my usual flavor of story. Also, overall, I prefer a bit faster great pace, but unexpected storyline and an intriguing read.
February 7, 2021
This book was a lot. I new what I was getting myself into before I read this but it was still very shocking. Reading about incest when you yourself have a brother is a little icky.
It felt wrong and a little uncomfortable but I still read every word start to finish, so not sure what that says about me.
The low rating is more about how the story made me feel. As far as writing goes, I'm pretty interested in reading more from this author. The story and plot twists are meant to shock you and they definitely do.
Probably won't be recommending this one to my friends and family though.
It felt wrong and a little uncomfortable but I still read every word start to finish, so not sure what that says about me.
The low rating is more about how the story made me feel. As far as writing goes, I'm pretty interested in reading more from this author. The story and plot twists are meant to shock you and they definitely do.
Probably won't be recommending this one to my friends and family though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2020
Pulse Racing Suspense!
This was definitely a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what will happen next. Lots of mystery, twists and pulse racing suspense. Really great characters with steamy chemistry and an intriguing plotline. Overall a great read.
This was definitely a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what will happen next. Lots of mystery, twists and pulse racing suspense. Really great characters with steamy chemistry and an intriguing plotline. Overall a great read.
October 14, 2020
I love books by Jaimie Roberts and Siren is one of my absolute favourites. So depsite all the potential triggers, I was all set to dive into this book blind with high expectations. Though it did make for a very engaging and suspenseful read, it didn't meet my expectations and blew me away like Siren did.
I am proud of myself for figuring out the big twist in the first few chapters. It's not obvious at all actually but having read her other books and loving just how dark and delicious they were, I was able to make a wide guess about this book and I was actually proven right. And there were clues throughout the book that strongly hinted at it. I have absolutely no issues wih the big secret/twist, in fact I actually loved that part. But I have issues with the characters and the too many overarching story arcs.
Firstly and most importantly I wasn't a fan of Brie. And this is coming from someone who absolutely loved Valentine from Siren. Brie doesn't really stand-out. I mean, one minute she hates herself then the other min she is enamoured by her mysterious boss Charlie and within the next min, she is thinking of fucking her boyfriend. She might like them both and I have no issues with that, but there is no consistency in her actions. I don't get if she loved Chris or hated him and why she kept pushing his buttons and what exactly she was trying to achieve. Her feelings were all over the place and I found it that hard to actually like her. I don't know why the author tried to paint her as a victim of circumstance, trying to make us like her out of pity. Whatever happened in her past is understandable but in the present, she made her own choices and after reading the bonus chapters, it felt like she was more in the wrong than anyone else and yet I am supposed to feel sorry for her and admire her? I wasn't able to, depsite trying real hard. There were certain actions she took, that I could admire and even call selfless but other than those I didn't really find her likeable.
Chris too was a character I couldn't understand or even describe with the right words. Till the very end I wasn't sure as to what I was expected to feel for him. There was a particular scene that made me absolutely hate him but I beleive that scene was added to story and the entire plotline developed just to make the readers dislike him. He was a very interesting character and could have been fleshed out really well but I suppose he ended up receiving the short end of the stock just for the story convenience. I don't event want to talk about Michael. That was one arc that didn't server any purpose and left a very bad taste in my mouth.
Charlie was likeable but he too was there just to be a contrast to Chris. His role in the story is pretty interesting but as an overall character, I didn't find the great pull towards him. And also I pretty much got tired of Brie feeling sorry for herself. There were moments I believed she was badass with a cold and violent edge but in the very next scene she became so docile and tame. I kept wondering why she can't be more like Valentine who is so accepting of her personality and so awesome depsite her wrong deeds.
Last but not the least there was just too many things happening - overarching stories to keep track of everything. There were drug cartels, bad boys seeking Revenge, Past Haunting, the big secret and mysterious boss. Even if few of these elements had been removed, it would have made for a much tighter and engaging read. I also wasn't a fan of how neatly everything was tied together at the end with little or no consequence. It was a little too smooth and convenient for my liking.
It might seem like I am nitpicking but this is Jaimie Roberts book and she has set such a high standard for herself which this book failed to meet. Overall it was a fun and engaging read but could have been soo much better.
I am proud of myself for figuring out the big twist in the first few chapters. It's not obvious at all actually but having read her other books and loving just how dark and delicious they were, I was able to make a wide guess about this book and I was actually proven right. And there were clues throughout the book that strongly hinted at it. I have absolutely no issues wih the big secret/twist, in fact I actually loved that part. But I have issues with the characters and the too many overarching story arcs.
Firstly and most importantly I wasn't a fan of Brie. And this is coming from someone who absolutely loved Valentine from Siren. Brie doesn't really stand-out. I mean, one minute she hates herself then the other min she is enamoured by her mysterious boss Charlie and within the next min, she is thinking of fucking her boyfriend. She might like them both and I have no issues with that, but there is no consistency in her actions. I don't get if she loved Chris or hated him and why she kept pushing his buttons and what exactly she was trying to achieve. Her feelings were all over the place and I found it that hard to actually like her. I don't know why the author tried to paint her as a victim of circumstance, trying to make us like her out of pity. Whatever happened in her past is understandable but in the present, she made her own choices and after reading the bonus chapters, it felt like she was more in the wrong than anyone else and yet I am supposed to feel sorry for her and admire her? I wasn't able to, depsite trying real hard. There were certain actions she took, that I could admire and even call selfless but other than those I didn't really find her likeable.
Chris too was a character I couldn't understand or even describe with the right words. Till the very end I wasn't sure as to what I was expected to feel for him. There was a particular scene that made me absolutely hate him but I beleive that scene was added to story and the entire plotline developed just to make the readers dislike him. He was a very interesting character and could have been fleshed out really well but I suppose he ended up receiving the short end of the stock just for the story convenience. I don't event want to talk about Michael. That was one arc that didn't server any purpose and left a very bad taste in my mouth.
Charlie was likeable but he too was there just to be a contrast to Chris. His role in the story is pretty interesting but as an overall character, I didn't find the great pull towards him. And also I pretty much got tired of Brie feeling sorry for herself. There were moments I believed she was badass with a cold and violent edge but in the very next scene she became so docile and tame. I kept wondering why she can't be more like Valentine who is so accepting of her personality and so awesome depsite her wrong deeds.
Last but not the least there was just too many things happening - overarching stories to keep track of everything. There were drug cartels, bad boys seeking Revenge, Past Haunting, the big secret and mysterious boss. Even if few of these elements had been removed, it would have made for a much tighter and engaging read. I also wasn't a fan of how neatly everything was tied together at the end with little or no consequence. It was a little too smooth and convenient for my liking.
It might seem like I am nitpicking but this is Jaimie Roberts book and she has set such a high standard for herself which this book failed to meet. Overall it was a fun and engaging read but could have been soo much better.
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