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The Secret Bride #1
Captive Bride
You will take this bride.
To have and to hold from this day forward.
Till death do you part.
This will be your solemn vow.
You have no choice.
Trapped in a twisted and dark courtship with a secret woman who needs my strength to survive, I will be wed.
Walking the thin line between lunacy and reality, I am now the protector of my future captive bride.
So, I have no choice but to recite the vows.
I take thee.
In this arranged matrimony.
Until we are parted by death.
***Captive Bride is a dark psychological thriller. If you dare… join me in the march down the aisle.
To have and to hold from this day forward.
Till death do you part.
This will be your solemn vow.
You have no choice.
Trapped in a twisted and dark courtship with a secret woman who needs my strength to survive, I will be wed.
Walking the thin line between lunacy and reality, I am now the protector of my future captive bride.
So, I have no choice but to recite the vows.
I take thee.
In this arranged matrimony.
Until we are parted by death.
***Captive Bride is a dark psychological thriller. If you dare… join me in the march down the aisle.
292 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2021
371 people are currently reading
1451 people want to read
About the author
Alta Hensley
117 books2,357 followersAlta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.
Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
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Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyA...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e...
Website: www.altahensley.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley
Join her mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
April 9, 2021
Sigh. The title drew me in, but the story was so melodramatic.
I'll see myself out.
June 26, 2022
First time reading this author.
This is romance and psychological thriller imho.
Some very weird and strange characters as well as out there plot.
Not sure if I really liked it but I have to say it kept my attention and had me engaged.
Slow start to romance between H and h.
This is romance and psychological thriller imho.
Some very weird and strange characters as well as out there plot.
Not sure if I really liked it but I have to say it kept my attention and had me engaged.
Slow start to romance between H and h.
March 26, 2021
Captive Bride was sensational!
It ticked off all the boxes:
*Intense storyline
*Fabulous characters
*Danger and escape
*A lunatic for a father
This story took us on a long, breath taking, and scary journey through a haunted village and a crazy man who rules it all. It was twisted, it was dark, and it was especially dirty.
It ticked off all the boxes:
*Intense storyline
*Fabulous characters
*Danger and escape
*A lunatic for a father
This story took us on a long, breath taking, and scary journey through a haunted village and a crazy man who rules it all. It was twisted, it was dark, and it was especially dirty.
April 6, 2021
Genre-wise this is a psychological thriller romance and it captivated me from the second I picked it up.
I really enjoyed this story it’s the first part of a trilogy and was just so unusual and unique.
It made such addictive reading and I was glued to the unfolding drama desperate for Ember and Christopher to triumph against all the odds stacked against them.
It’s a story that draws you in focusing on a demented jailor that is determined to have those under his control obey his twisted rules and ideas of just what is family.
Add in a forced marriage and an unlikely love story starts to evolve one where Christopher is determined to rescue not only himself but Ember from the twisted situation they have found themselves in even if Ember doesn’t realise that she actually needs saving he’s going to pull out all the stops to assure that they both break free from there chains.
I’m not going to go into too much detail with this one as the story does speak for itself.
I’m certainly on board to read the rest of the series that’s for sure and I do recommend.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Captive Bride.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 6, 2021
I don't usually read a lot of dark romances, and although this book does have dark elements, it's more of a psychological thriller/romance and I LOVED that. It was like reading a 20/20 episode with all the toxic love and sex involved. This book is definitely one of a kind and I just couldn't get enough!
There's so much more to these characters than initially meets the eye; and I really don't want to give away any of the plot especially since this is the first part of the trilogy, but I just couldn't read this book fast enough. It was all so twisted, and pushed my buttons quite a few times, but I'm so glad I kept reading. There is just so much going on, to the point where I didn't know WHERE this author would take us. And that cliffy?! HOLY CRAP. I need the second book right now!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
There's so much more to these characters than initially meets the eye; and I really don't want to give away any of the plot especially since this is the first part of the trilogy, but I just couldn't read this book fast enough. It was all so twisted, and pushed my buttons quite a few times, but I'm so glad I kept reading. There is just so much going on, to the point where I didn't know WHERE this author would take us. And that cliffy?! HOLY CRAP. I need the second book right now!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
April 5, 2021
Amount of sex – 1.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes – 2.5 / 5
Story – 4 / 5
Overall – 4 /5
Captive Bride is the first book in The Secret Bride series, written by author Alta Hensley. I quickly became captivated by this dark, twisted, and intense story, not being able to turn the pages fast enough! Captive Bride tells the story of Ember and Christopher, and it’s unlike anything that I’ve read before. I’m dying to fill you in about everything, but this is one story that you need to read yourself!
The storyline was gripping, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout it all. Also, since this is the first book in the series, be prepared for it to end on a cliffhanger!
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
How explicit are the sex scenes – 2.5 / 5
Story – 4 / 5
Overall – 4 /5
Captive Bride is the first book in The Secret Bride series, written by author Alta Hensley. I quickly became captivated by this dark, twisted, and intense story, not being able to turn the pages fast enough! Captive Bride tells the story of Ember and Christopher, and it’s unlike anything that I’ve read before. I’m dying to fill you in about everything, but this is one story that you need to read yourself!
The storyline was gripping, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout it all. Also, since this is the first book in the series, be prepared for it to end on a cliffhanger!
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
April 18, 2022
unique plot, loved it!
Loved the couple, i love how this H handles the h considering the crazy situations around him.
Hopefully the next 2 books will be as good as this one!
Loved the couple, i love how this H handles the h considering the crazy situations around him.
Hopefully the next 2 books will be as good as this one!
July 4, 2021
MY RATING: 3.5*
RELEASE DATE: 05 April 2021
CLIFFHANGER: Yes
ARC was kindly provided for an honest review
I had no idea what to expect when I went into this book, but I am so glad, so very glad that I went into it blind. The author tells a story of such dark depravity, resilience, survival, self-discovery, and love between the most unlikely characters. The story takes us to an old mining town of Hallelujah Junction where a young woman lives in a town stuck in the 1800s with a man she knows as her father. That’s all she knows. The only person she knows. While it’s her life, she also knows something is wrong in her life. But for the life of her, doesn’t know what. She finds solace, home and safety in the arms of a man held captive. The man who risks everything to help find her inner strength and bravery to fight for a different and better future.
Twenty-five-year-old Ember was abandoned by her mother when she was five years old. So, when a man seemingly rescues her, he becomes the only father she’s ever known. He has provided, protected, and arguably loved her all her life. But what she doesn’t realise, is that her life is far from normal, but it’s all she knows. Until a stranger, a handsome strong man shows him otherwise. Gives her the strength and bravery to finally admit that her life and the circumstances of her life are not normal and gives her the strength to do something about it.
I really loved Christopher. I loved his strength and how she treated Ember. While I wish there was more romance in the story, I understand why it wasn’t there because of the storyline. And it just works.
I don’t want to ruin the story for you. I think its one of those stories that the reader needs to go into blind. I have to say though it is a rather short book, but the pace is nice and steady. Its also not really a romance novel. Its more a psychological thriller/suspense with some romance. So, it feels like the romance was almost forced. The declarations of love seemingly came out of nowhere. We really could have done with some more detail. I wanted to see Chris go through the struggles of his feelings for Ember. I wanted to see them getting to know each other better. I think Chris was way too focused on survival to take the time to cultivate his feelings foe his wife, so when he declared his love for her it felt out of left field.
The storyline is fantastic, the execution though could have done with some development. Nonetheless, I can’t wait to see how they get on in book two.
April 21, 2021
I am a huge Alta Hensley fan, so I jumped at the chance to get my hands on her newest book as fast as I could. I knew this book would be different from the rest, and that it would be a cliffhanger. I also knew whatever I was about to get myself into not to be surprised about it because this is an Alta story.
Well, that last part didn't work. Captive Bride is unlike anything I have read in a very long time. It is like Criminal Minds and FBI put together. I could NOT put this book down. There are rules that you must follow to live in the world and when you cross those lines bad things can happen. That is the moral of this story. I won't give anything away but I will say this is a book that needs to be read.
I can't wait for the next book. :)
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Well, that last part didn't work. Captive Bride is unlike anything I have read in a very long time. It is like Criminal Minds and FBI put together. I could NOT put this book down. There are rules that you must follow to live in the world and when you cross those lines bad things can happen. That is the moral of this story. I won't give anything away but I will say this is a book that needs to be read.
I can't wait for the next book. :)
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April 7, 2021
4 stars
What in the holy Ozark mountains kissing cousins did I just read? I was totally all on board with this craziness until the instant love thing. Since this is a trilogy, I would have expected that further in the relationship since the story and dealing with crazy would have been enough. I struggled after that.
Still, the book was good as was the premise.
What in the holy Ozark mountains kissing cousins did I just read? I was totally all on board with this craziness until the instant love thing. Since this is a trilogy, I would have expected that further in the relationship since the story and dealing with crazy would have been enough. I struggled after that.
Still, the book was good as was the premise.
April 16, 2021
This was a very different take on a captive/forced marriage trope.
I never read a story where an Hero was forced to marry the heroine. This story was definitely dark and twisted.
This story is about a photographer, Christopher who came to an old historical town to shoot pictures for a magazine. He trespasses the site and gets a crazy ranger try to kill him for such transgression....until the ranger Decide that instead of killing this sinner, he will force him to marry his daughter!
The story was a rollercoaster. It ends in a cliffhanger.
Hero: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Possessiveness:⭐️⭐️
Sexual Tension: ⭐️⭐️
Sex Scene: ⭐️⭐️
Story Ending: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I never read a story where an Hero was forced to marry the heroine. This story was definitely dark and twisted.
This story is about a photographer, Christopher who came to an old historical town to shoot pictures for a magazine. He trespasses the site and gets a crazy ranger try to kill him for such transgression....until the ranger Decide that instead of killing this sinner, he will force him to marry his daughter!
The story was a rollercoaster. It ends in a cliffhanger.
Hero: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Possessiveness:⭐️⭐️
Sexual Tension: ⭐️⭐️
Sex Scene: ⭐️⭐️
Story Ending: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 10, 2021
I was EXTREMELY upset that this was not listed as part of a series (it is a trilogy and ends with a cliffhanger, but luckily it was one of the best books I’ve read in a long, long time!! Full review coming soon...
April 7, 2021
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: CAPTIVE BRIDE.
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: CONTEMPORARY DARK ROMANCE
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: BOOK#1 OF THE TRIOLOGY
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: ALTA HENSLEY
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVE
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋
𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘:
Christopher never in his wildest dream could have thought, An innocent trespassing can lead to Captivity?!
He is not alone, a girl is with him but not bounded by chains but of fear of the man who rules over them in the dark...to escape or so he thinks...Christopher has to play to any sick plans their Captive have in store for them...for their survival together...
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
I had gone in this book blind...just the name of the book giving me some ideas of what's it going to be BUT NO!!! the blurb did not prepare me for this crazy spine chilling ride.
If you are thinking that this is just some another forced marriage trope book then THINK AGAIN...because it's so much different than the regular...this book plays with the mind of the reader...Sure, the romance is there but what I loved the most about this that Psychological thriller element that just keeps the twists coming Nonstop.
Christopher and Emma...even in this unconventional circumstances, the love they shared was of the purest form and it was seen in the way it shows off in the book.
I definitely felt a scary sult vibes from here.
Robert (the ranger), he was such a terrifying character... I still get goosebumps just thinking of some dreadful things he did to Emma...
Now, the important part...the triggers. Abuse, child brainwashing, kidnapping and some other triggers which some readers may be sensitive towards.
Author Hensley...I am so glad I finally found her books. I can't believe I was missing out on so many amazing books. Will be going through her backlogs.
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: CONTEMPORARY DARK ROMANCE
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: BOOK#1 OF THE TRIOLOGY
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: ALTA HENSLEY
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVE
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋
𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘:
Christopher never in his wildest dream could have thought, An innocent trespassing can lead to Captivity?!
He is not alone, a girl is with him but not bounded by chains but of fear of the man who rules over them in the dark...to escape or so he thinks...Christopher has to play to any sick plans their Captive have in store for them...for their survival together...
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
I had gone in this book blind...just the name of the book giving me some ideas of what's it going to be BUT NO!!! the blurb did not prepare me for this crazy spine chilling ride.
If you are thinking that this is just some another forced marriage trope book then THINK AGAIN...because it's so much different than the regular...this book plays with the mind of the reader...Sure, the romance is there but what I loved the most about this that Psychological thriller element that just keeps the twists coming Nonstop.
Christopher and Emma...even in this unconventional circumstances, the love they shared was of the purest form and it was seen in the way it shows off in the book.
I definitely felt a scary sult vibes from here.
Robert (the ranger), he was such a terrifying character... I still get goosebumps just thinking of some dreadful things he did to Emma...
Now, the important part...the triggers. Abuse, child brainwashing, kidnapping and some other triggers which some readers may be sensitive towards.
Author Hensley...I am so glad I finally found her books. I can't believe I was missing out on so many amazing books. Will be going through her backlogs.
October 24, 2021
So so good! It's not very long so I got through it very quickly! It's quite dark & it's got a good cliffhanger!
March 29, 2021
Ripped from the headlines, 'Dateline' watching, twisted kind of book! This is the kind of reading that makes sure I never go camping in remote areas and certainly makes sure I never venture out anywhere alone!! Holy Twistedness!!
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering what was going to happen and if Christopher and Ember were going to live, GAH!! I loved every moment of it!
Papa Rich is one demented man who has held Ember captive for the past twenty years, but her story is twisted in a "this is why I never took my eyes off my kids when they were young" kind of way and when Christopher trespasses on Richard's property he has no idea that his life is about to radically change by being kidnapped by a deranged madman who is about to force him to marry his captive daughter.
This entire book is crazy good. A total psychological thrill ride with a madman steering the ship and two souls who may never have met under normal circumstances, but grow close under duress.
This is the first book on this crazy ride and ends on a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait to pick up where Christopher and Ember left me hanging.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering what was going to happen and if Christopher and Ember were going to live, GAH!! I loved every moment of it!
Papa Rich is one demented man who has held Ember captive for the past twenty years, but her story is twisted in a "this is why I never took my eyes off my kids when they were young" kind of way and when Christopher trespasses on Richard's property he has no idea that his life is about to radically change by being kidnapped by a deranged madman who is about to force him to marry his captive daughter.
This entire book is crazy good. A total psychological thrill ride with a madman steering the ship and two souls who may never have met under normal circumstances, but grow close under duress.
This is the first book on this crazy ride and ends on a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait to pick up where Christopher and Ember left me hanging.
April 13, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : Yes
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 4/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Plot Summary :
Christopher and Ember have found themselves in a Dilemma. They are stuck with the worst situation and the only way out is to help each other . Christopher is going to get her out even though she hates everything he does to her.
I won't say much about the storyline since I would like you guys to go blind into this psychological thriller but I can warn you that it's an amazing ride!
Overall Opinion :
I liked the writing of this book. There were scenes when the characters felt very bland to me which is why I have this one a 4 star rating. The storyline has me intrigued and that is the only reason why I will be continuing this series.
I think there is a lot more to come and I am so freaking excited! The plot twists were good and at times it felt a bit rushed but like I said before, the story is good. I would recommend this one to all the dark romance lovers out there. Not for the people who are trying dark Romance for the first time but definitely for those who are addicted to it.
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March 30, 2021
A dark and totally frightening reality a young girl has lived for twenty years
This is a book that once you begin reading it is simply impossible to put it down the cruelty this girl gas lived through since the age of five it is surprised, she has actually stayed sane. Papa Rich is the man that raised her since she had been simply abandoned in a filth, needle infested trailer her mother simply telling her she was leaving and that she should sit outside every day and someone would find her.
Up until Christopher had been held hostage the only other person, she had spoken to was Haystack and he was a detestable man that had believed he was going to get Ember’s hand in marriage but it seems that Papa Rich had other ideas. She has seen him carry out so many murders dumping bodies in the lime pits and calling it gods will but by far the cruellest was killing the only friend she’d ever had Pine cone.
Christopher cannot believe she has stayed as sweet and giving with all of the cruelty she’s experienced and now he is her husband he swears that he will do everything he can to ensure he keeps her safe from this moment on.
This was a rollercoaster of a ride and I cannot wait to read the second book in this story, Alta has a way of reeling you in and once you start it is simply impossible to put the book down until you finish the book.
I cannot wait to read the second instalment in this series which left them running for their very lives!!
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This is a book that once you begin reading it is simply impossible to put it down the cruelty this girl gas lived through since the age of five it is surprised, she has actually stayed sane. Papa Rich is the man that raised her since she had been simply abandoned in a filth, needle infested trailer her mother simply telling her she was leaving and that she should sit outside every day and someone would find her.
Up until Christopher had been held hostage the only other person, she had spoken to was Haystack and he was a detestable man that had believed he was going to get Ember’s hand in marriage but it seems that Papa Rich had other ideas. She has seen him carry out so many murders dumping bodies in the lime pits and calling it gods will but by far the cruellest was killing the only friend she’d ever had Pine cone.
Christopher cannot believe she has stayed as sweet and giving with all of the cruelty she’s experienced and now he is her husband he swears that he will do everything he can to ensure he keeps her safe from this moment on.
This was a rollercoaster of a ride and I cannot wait to read the second book in this story, Alta has a way of reeling you in and once you start it is simply impossible to put the book down until you finish the book.
I cannot wait to read the second instalment in this series which left them running for their very lives!!
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
April 6, 2021
"These are simple rules: Stay on the paths. No littering. No destruction of property"
Papa Rich who is not holy
Ember & Christopher story started interesting basically he was trespassing and he got caught which resulted him in chains. Ember is to be married to him with the guiding hands of Papa Rich. Who basically forced then together and that JUST THE BEGINNING...
Richard a.k.a Pap Rich found Ember abandoned! That how she became his daughter. She still a broken women and he hasn't saved her, he trapped her with his darkness. Now Chicago trapped to and, I learnt what 'wheeping boy' means which is heart breaking and it was a true punishment for him!
Will Christopher be her Knight in shinning amor and escape the demons and monster that use God name to control them
AND there something else....
Scarecrow is a creep & a preacher! I was happy Papa Rich refused his offer to marry his Ember. So that made happy when he kidnapped Christopher cause I hope he will rescue her from this life. The way he spook to Papa Rich it was like he was putting in a bride order which God guides him to...
No spoilers which is HARD!!
☆MUST READ☆
Contemporary Dark Romance &
Psychological Thriller.
To me that a really monster that uses God's name that is light for SUCH pure evil.
Papa Rich who is not holy
Ember & Christopher story started interesting basically he was trespassing and he got caught which resulted him in chains. Ember is to be married to him with the guiding hands of Papa Rich. Who basically forced then together and that JUST THE BEGINNING...
Richard a.k.a Pap Rich found Ember abandoned! That how she became his daughter. She still a broken women and he hasn't saved her, he trapped her with his darkness. Now Chicago trapped to and, I learnt what 'wheeping boy' means which is heart breaking and it was a true punishment for him!
Will Christopher be her Knight in shinning amor and escape the demons and monster that use God name to control them
AND there something else....
Scarecrow is a creep & a preacher! I was happy Papa Rich refused his offer to marry his Ember. So that made happy when he kidnapped Christopher cause I hope he will rescue her from this life. The way he spook to Papa Rich it was like he was putting in a bride order which God guides him to...
No spoilers which is HARD!!
☆MUST READ☆
Contemporary Dark Romance &
Psychological Thriller.
To me that a really monster that uses God's name that is light for SUCH pure evil.
April 8, 2021
'Captive Bride' is the first book in Alta Hensley's "The Secret Bride" series and she was not exaggerating when she said it was the darkest story she'd written. My heart is palpitating so hard I can feel it behind my eyes and hear it in my ears. There is no way I can tell you what happens or why, that would be so unfair to Ms. Hensley and her talent. I will say I'M SHOUTING FROM YOU THE ROOFTOP, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!!!
May 11, 2021
Captive Bride by Alta Hensley is the First book in The Secret Bride Series. This starts the story of Ember and Christopher. This is a dark romance read that takes you into their story pretty quickly and leaves you wanting so much more. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
June 20, 2022
First in the trilogy. The players are introduced. Not quite what you expect. Definitely makes me think a bit of a horror movie. We meet the heroine who has been sheltered from the world but not really sheltered. The hero who was simply in the right place at the wrong time. And the puppetmaster pulling the strings.
July 1, 2021
Ember was raised to stay in the background and not be seen. Living in a town that has long since been abandoned she watches people from a window in a old school. Christopher, always wanting to get the perfect picture ignores the signs hoping to get “ ghost girl in the school” for his article gets a lot more than he bargains for. Trapped in a cellar at the hands of a mad man, Richard, Christopher can either fight his way out or plot his way out. Only thing is that hopefully he does it before he goes crazy in this abandoned town.
What a start to a series! It had me hooked from the very beginning. I did not want to put this book down. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next with Ember and Christopher. I am so glad I took a chance on this series. I can’t wait to read book two and see what happens next. FYI make sure you have book two because this book ends on a cliffhanger.
What a start to a series! It had me hooked from the very beginning. I did not want to put this book down. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next with Ember and Christopher. I am so glad I took a chance on this series. I can’t wait to read book two and see what happens next. FYI make sure you have book two because this book ends on a cliffhanger.
February 25, 2024
What an intoxicating series starter! And, I loved how it ended up being so much more than I anticipated. More psychological thriller, more of a complicated character study. But with all the toxic drama of a dark romance. Certainly a marvelous introduction to Alta's writing.
I don't want to say much because being lost in the plot of this is part of the experience- but I flew through it- the characters are so unexpected and complex and mesmerizing. There's a lot to swallow here and a pretty epic cliffy!
I don't want to say much because being lost in the plot of this is part of the experience- but I flew through it- the characters are so unexpected and complex and mesmerizing. There's a lot to swallow here and a pretty epic cliffy!
April 6, 2021
This read had me hooked from beginning to end. Amber has been held prisoner for decades by Papa Rich and when Christopher trespasses onto his property he is taken as well and is going to be forced to marry Amber. This is a dark and twisted read with loads of drama and suspense. The characters have plenty of depth and the story draws you in from beginning to end. Can’t wait for more!
June 24, 2021
This was a dark thrilling read. The main characters kept me on the edge of my seat I couldn't stop reading until I finished this twisted dark enchanting story. Loved this dark story and I can't wait to read more by this awesome author.
February 2, 2022
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY.
THIS WAS UNEXPECTED! I'M SO USED TO READING ABOUT WOMEN BEING THE CAPTIVE PARTY INSTEAD OF MEN...BUT LOW AND BEHOLD, HERE WE GET TO READ ABOUT A MAN BEING KIDNAPPED AND FORCED TO WED ANOTHER CAPTIVE!!! Count me in!
CHRISTOPHER comes from a well off family but, he enjoys his work as a photographer and this time he takes a job that brings him to Hallelujah Junction where he gets hit on the head and dragged back to an underground cabin, kidnapped and forced to marry the man's daughter. The beginning was epic in the way it was different but, I can honestly tell you, as exciting as the concept is...I didn't quite feel the MCs love. I mean...it was AWKWARD AS FUCK. Christopher's anger, aggression and hatred towards the man who kidnapped him, and the daughter he was forced to marry and then have sex with was wholly justified. Of course, we get the mind fuckery and manipulation which somehow leads to him playing our heroine's protector instead. There were plenty of angst-filled moments which I appreciated but still, it failed to cover up the lack of presence between the MCs. How do I elaborate this? Even after the sex and all...I guess I still didn't feel like the characters truly connected. Like I said, awkward. And Christopher's character was more or less selfish, and kind of annoying sometimes if he wasn't groveling for the heroine's love. I needed and wanted to see more effort on his part, which he sort of made up for when his bitch of a mother fucked up and Christopher had to hunt down his wife and bring her home after they escaped from captivity and tried to relive again in New York.
Now, was it truly dark? Well....at least while it's fucked up...it wasn't brutally fucked up. The gore wasn't as bad as playing fucked up games with people's lives, and it was straight up violence if I'm making any sense. This was more of a...suspense and thriller kind of dark romance.
EMBER was possibly abandoned or kidnapped at the age of 5 and a man found her, calling him her Papa and raising her till the age of 25, which was when she met Christopher and was forced to wed him. Ember reminded me of a child in the beginning, but it becomes clear that she's not stupid but rather observant and smart. Ember's been conditioned to be obedient, mostly she learnt the hard way not to displease Papa Riche and earn a punishment. She knows when to pick her battles but, living twenty decades under a strict and mentally deranged father...it's hard to just forget old habits and fears. As Christopher's wife, Ember's obligation to obey husband or father puts her in a precarious position, and after fleeing captivity, she finds it difficult to be in New York, living amongst the rich and being subjugated to her mother-in-law's cruel taunting. When Ember was forced to leave with Papa Riche, she believed she would never see her husband again, but little does she know he wouldn't ever let her go.
OVERALL I suppose this was gratifying to read but, part of me still wasn't wholly satisfied. Yes, I'm a tough bitch to please sometimes. Don't get me wrong, it was thrilling to read but, there was something still missing between the MCs that made their love story edgy, gritty and so raw it sticks to your brain even after you've closed the last chapter.
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY.
THIS WAS UNEXPECTED! I'M SO USED TO READING ABOUT WOMEN BEING THE CAPTIVE PARTY INSTEAD OF MEN...BUT LOW AND BEHOLD, HERE WE GET TO READ ABOUT A MAN BEING KIDNAPPED AND FORCED TO WED ANOTHER CAPTIVE!!! Count me in!
CHRISTOPHER comes from a well off family but, he enjoys his work as a photographer and this time he takes a job that brings him to Hallelujah Junction where he gets hit on the head and dragged back to an underground cabin, kidnapped and forced to marry the man's daughter. The beginning was epic in the way it was different but, I can honestly tell you, as exciting as the concept is...I didn't quite feel the MCs love. I mean...it was AWKWARD AS FUCK. Christopher's anger, aggression and hatred towards the man who kidnapped him, and the daughter he was forced to marry and then have sex with was wholly justified. Of course, we get the mind fuckery and manipulation which somehow leads to him playing our heroine's protector instead. There were plenty of angst-filled moments which I appreciated but still, it failed to cover up the lack of presence between the MCs. How do I elaborate this? Even after the sex and all...I guess I still didn't feel like the characters truly connected. Like I said, awkward. And Christopher's character was more or less selfish, and kind of annoying sometimes if he wasn't groveling for the heroine's love. I needed and wanted to see more effort on his part, which he sort of made up for when his bitch of a mother fucked up and Christopher had to hunt down his wife and bring her home after they escaped from captivity and tried to relive again in New York.
Now, was it truly dark? Well....at least while it's fucked up...it wasn't brutally fucked up. The gore wasn't as bad as playing fucked up games with people's lives, and it was straight up violence if I'm making any sense. This was more of a...suspense and thriller kind of dark romance.
EMBER was possibly abandoned or kidnapped at the age of 5 and a man found her, calling him her Papa and raising her till the age of 25, which was when she met Christopher and was forced to wed him. Ember reminded me of a child in the beginning, but it becomes clear that she's not stupid but rather observant and smart. Ember's been conditioned to be obedient, mostly she learnt the hard way not to displease Papa Riche and earn a punishment. She knows when to pick her battles but, living twenty decades under a strict and mentally deranged father...it's hard to just forget old habits and fears. As Christopher's wife, Ember's obligation to obey husband or father puts her in a precarious position, and after fleeing captivity, she finds it difficult to be in New York, living amongst the rich and being subjugated to her mother-in-law's cruel taunting. When Ember was forced to leave with Papa Riche, she believed she would never see her husband again, but little does she know he wouldn't ever let her go.
OVERALL I suppose this was gratifying to read but, part of me still wasn't wholly satisfied. Yes, I'm a tough bitch to please sometimes. Don't get me wrong, it was thrilling to read but, there was something still missing between the MCs that made their love story edgy, gritty and so raw it sticks to your brain even after you've closed the last chapter.
June 30, 2021
I was drawn in by the title, yet the opening of the book didn’t suck me in. It took me multiple stop-starts to get into this story. Don’t let that hold you back, push through it does get better. That is until you’re hit with that CLIFFHANGER!!
There are four key players in this story:
RICHARD is the family patriarch. He’s also the ranger in charge of Hallelujah Junction, an abandoned mining town from the 1800’s turned ghost town within the Nevada hills.
Ember is a twenty five year old woman with a severe case of Stockholm syndrome. Papa Rich acquired her at from a nearby town at the tender age of five and has been raising her as his own in captivity.
Christopher is the unfortunate soul chosen to wed the captive Ember. A photojournalist from New York City, he’s lived through rough conditions in assignment but nothing prepared him for the nightmare he was to face in Hallelujah Junction.
Then there’s Scarecrow, Richard’s grimy friend who lives under worse conditions than a caveman. He’s higher up the mountain than Hallelujah Junction and has zero personal
hygiene skills. The authors highly descriptive statement about him are enough to turn most stomachs.
“𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘆, 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄. 𝗛𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲…𝗜 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴.”
This story has a historical romance vibe. While Richard’s house in Hallelujah Junction has modern conveniences (plumbing & electricity) he runs his household with an olden day mindset. Religion is pivotal in all the things he does. He believes God guides his hand and shows him the way. His captive daughter Ember is brain washed and believes life outside her how is detrimental to her life. This only leads to further confusion when a captive Christopher is brought into the home to become Embers husband.
This was a slow building story that kept my dark heart intrigued. Papa Rich’s mental instability coupled with Christopher’s determination was an explosive combination. I needed to know who would win the battle of wills. Ember was portrayed as a subservient, dutiful daughter to Papa Rich, that is until she realized she needed to become a wife first and daughter second.
I look forward to the next story because now I need to know what’s happened to Hallelujah Junction. I need to know what reintegrating to Society will look like for Ember. And above all I want to know if Papa Rich is coming to find her!!
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
There are four key players in this story:
RICHARD is the family patriarch. He’s also the ranger in charge of Hallelujah Junction, an abandoned mining town from the 1800’s turned ghost town within the Nevada hills.
Ember is a twenty five year old woman with a severe case of Stockholm syndrome. Papa Rich acquired her at from a nearby town at the tender age of five and has been raising her as his own in captivity.
Christopher is the unfortunate soul chosen to wed the captive Ember. A photojournalist from New York City, he’s lived through rough conditions in assignment but nothing prepared him for the nightmare he was to face in Hallelujah Junction.
Then there’s Scarecrow, Richard’s grimy friend who lives under worse conditions than a caveman. He’s higher up the mountain than Hallelujah Junction and has zero personal
hygiene skills. The authors highly descriptive statement about him are enough to turn most stomachs.
“𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘆, 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄. 𝗛𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲…𝗜 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴.”
This story has a historical romance vibe. While Richard’s house in Hallelujah Junction has modern conveniences (plumbing & electricity) he runs his household with an olden day mindset. Religion is pivotal in all the things he does. He believes God guides his hand and shows him the way. His captive daughter Ember is brain washed and believes life outside her how is detrimental to her life. This only leads to further confusion when a captive Christopher is brought into the home to become Embers husband.
This was a slow building story that kept my dark heart intrigued. Papa Rich’s mental instability coupled with Christopher’s determination was an explosive combination. I needed to know who would win the battle of wills. Ember was portrayed as a subservient, dutiful daughter to Papa Rich, that is until she realized she needed to become a wife first and daughter second.
I look forward to the next story because now I need to know what’s happened to Hallelujah Junction. I need to know what reintegrating to Society will look like for Ember. And above all I want to know if Papa Rich is coming to find her!!
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
July 6, 2021
Christopher & Ember’s Story Is A Thriller Steeped In Impending Danger. Their Journey Begins In Horror At The Hands Of A Demented Religious Zealot, Papa Rich. The Pair Does Develop Feelings For One Another, But This Is No Standard Romance.
IN THIS TRILOGY:
This is the first book of the Secret Bride trilogy, which is Christopher and Ember’s story. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride
Papa Rich, Ember’s father in this story, is a character already familiar to fans. He appears in Captive Vow. While it is not necessary to have read that book prior to reading this trilogy, it does give context and understanding to the demented religious zealot who plays such an important role in this story.
ABOUT HALLELUJAH JUNCTION:
Hallelujah Junctions is an abandoned 1800’s mining town in the Nevada hills and a big tourist draw. It has several buildings beautifully preserved, but what is so unique about the town is that it was abandoned overnight for unknown reasons. The townsfolk simply left with the clothes on their backs, leaving all household items behind. The reason remains a mystery to this day.
A more recent draw is the rumored ghost girl of Hallelujah Junction. Tourists have claimed to have seen the ghost of a girl in the windows of the schoolhouse that sits on the hill, closed to the public. Many come with the hopes of getting a glimpse of the otherworldly vision. Because it is an old mining sight, there are some dangers in the town as well. The mill has acid pits, and despite the plentiful warning signs, tourists too curious for their own good disappear each year, presumably falling into the pit’s gruesome depths.
The remote town is overseen by a ranger that lives on sight; it is closed much of the winter due to the weather. For decades, Richard has worked as the ranger of Hallelujah Junction. He is adamant about enforcing the rules, which are rather simple, yet too many tempt fate when they ignore them. Stay on the path or pay the price.
IN THIS STORY:
Ember, twenty-five, has been raised by her Papa Rich since he came to her rescue at age five. Alone and abandoned by her mother, she was reluctantly taken under his wing. For the past twenty years he has kept her safe and cared for in their home at Hallelujah Junction. Papa Rich has strict rules, and Ember has learned the hard way what it means to break them. She must never be seen by outsiders lest she endanger herself, so she keeps to the tunnels and the buildings not open to the public. Her life is simple. She enjoys cooking and reading, as well as the company of her cat, Pine Cone. Papa Rich tends to his duties as the ranger, so much of her time is spent alone. With the exception of a smelly man named Scarecrow who sometimes visits, Papa Rich is the only person she has spoken to in twenty years.
Christopher Davenport, a little older than Ember, is a rule breaker. He failed to stay on the path. He ignored the signs and will pay the price. On assignment for Rolling Stone Magazine where he is a staff photographer, and taking pictures for an article titled ‘Find Your Wild,’ he hopes to get some great pictures of the schoolhouse at the top of the hill. With any luck he will capture the image of the ghost girl standing at one of the school’s windows. Christopher comes from a wealthy family with old money. He doesn’t need to work for a living, but he likes to earn his own way nevertheless. He resides in a ritzy New York apartment when not travelling for work. He lives on the edge, indulging daily in booze and drugs to take off the edge. His sort of girlfriend Marissa complains he has trouble with commitment, which is probably true. He loves his job, which is what he throws himself into.
When Papa Rich catches Christopher trespassing, Ember is certain he will become another victim of the acid pits. This time, however, Papa Rich has a different idea in mind. He says that Ember is of marrying age and in need of a good husband. With time, he is certain that she and Christopher will learn to love one another. He claims that they must fight for true love. Christopher rejects the madman’s idea, hoping to enlist Ember’s help to set him free. What Christopher doesn’t understand is just how demented the old man really is. He has a lot to learn, but Ember helps him along the way just as a good wife should. Their story is right out of a horror movie, but their shared experience bonds them. They must struggle to trust one another while avoiding Papa Rich’s punishments, but their journey is dark and tragic. It ends in a cliffhanger, to be continued in book two of the trilogy.
Christopher and Ember’s story is a thriller steeped in impending danger and horror. The pair does develop feelings for one another, but this is no standard romance. That aspect is just a small part of the overall story. Their bond is forced unnaturally. It is unclear whether they might have had any chemistry under normal circumstances. Indeed, Christopher sees her as childlike. He pities Ember; his love comes much later. Ember lacks any formal education, though she clearly learned how to read. She knows very little outside of what she has read in romance books. She dreams of a Prince Charming, though she cannot imagine ever leaving Papa Rich and the safety of Hallelujah Junction. She and Christopher are like night and day. Her childlike innocence makes the notion of romance between the pair hard to embrace.
Papa Rich’s motivations and reasoning for marrying Ember are confusing. He is absolutely insane and unstable. It is hard to imagine why he chooses Christopher for Ember. Christopher is a large man, clearly worldly and intelligent. If Papa Rich’s intentions are to keep them both captive forever, then it would make sense for him to choose a more submissive target as her husband. I had wondered if there might be some demented yet selfless goal in choosing Christopher, who is clearly very strong and capable. I wondered if Papa Rich might be hoping to force their love by making them fight for their freedom against him. That probably isn’t the case, though. It is also confusing as to why he wants a husband for Ember, yet he himself is without a wife. He doesn’t always seem keen on the idea of Christopher and Ember together, which is again confusing since it was his idea. As the story ends, it is unclear if he will play any further role in the couple’s story.
Christopher and Ember’s journey begins in horror at the hands of a demented religious zealot, Papa Rich. The storytelling is good, but there are some confusing points. It is unclear at this point in the trilogy whether or not all will be cleared up. My ARC version would benefit from further editing. The story is somewhat complex. It is plot-driven. The characters are not well-developed; the story focuses mostly on the here and now, much like Ember learned to do. It is written in first person. The POV alternates between Christopher and Ember. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IN THIS TRILOGY:
This is the first book of the Secret Bride trilogy, which is Christopher and Ember’s story. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride
Papa Rich, Ember’s father in this story, is a character already familiar to fans. He appears in Captive Vow. While it is not necessary to have read that book prior to reading this trilogy, it does give context and understanding to the demented religious zealot who plays such an important role in this story.
ABOUT HALLELUJAH JUNCTION:
Hallelujah Junctions is an abandoned 1800’s mining town in the Nevada hills and a big tourist draw. It has several buildings beautifully preserved, but what is so unique about the town is that it was abandoned overnight for unknown reasons. The townsfolk simply left with the clothes on their backs, leaving all household items behind. The reason remains a mystery to this day.
A more recent draw is the rumored ghost girl of Hallelujah Junction. Tourists have claimed to have seen the ghost of a girl in the windows of the schoolhouse that sits on the hill, closed to the public. Many come with the hopes of getting a glimpse of the otherworldly vision. Because it is an old mining sight, there are some dangers in the town as well. The mill has acid pits, and despite the plentiful warning signs, tourists too curious for their own good disappear each year, presumably falling into the pit’s gruesome depths.
The remote town is overseen by a ranger that lives on sight; it is closed much of the winter due to the weather. For decades, Richard has worked as the ranger of Hallelujah Junction. He is adamant about enforcing the rules, which are rather simple, yet too many tempt fate when they ignore them. Stay on the path or pay the price.
IN THIS STORY:
Ember, twenty-five, has been raised by her Papa Rich since he came to her rescue at age five. Alone and abandoned by her mother, she was reluctantly taken under his wing. For the past twenty years he has kept her safe and cared for in their home at Hallelujah Junction. Papa Rich has strict rules, and Ember has learned the hard way what it means to break them. She must never be seen by outsiders lest she endanger herself, so she keeps to the tunnels and the buildings not open to the public. Her life is simple. She enjoys cooking and reading, as well as the company of her cat, Pine Cone. Papa Rich tends to his duties as the ranger, so much of her time is spent alone. With the exception of a smelly man named Scarecrow who sometimes visits, Papa Rich is the only person she has spoken to in twenty years.
Christopher Davenport, a little older than Ember, is a rule breaker. He failed to stay on the path. He ignored the signs and will pay the price. On assignment for Rolling Stone Magazine where he is a staff photographer, and taking pictures for an article titled ‘Find Your Wild,’ he hopes to get some great pictures of the schoolhouse at the top of the hill. With any luck he will capture the image of the ghost girl standing at one of the school’s windows. Christopher comes from a wealthy family with old money. He doesn’t need to work for a living, but he likes to earn his own way nevertheless. He resides in a ritzy New York apartment when not travelling for work. He lives on the edge, indulging daily in booze and drugs to take off the edge. His sort of girlfriend Marissa complains he has trouble with commitment, which is probably true. He loves his job, which is what he throws himself into.
When Papa Rich catches Christopher trespassing, Ember is certain he will become another victim of the acid pits. This time, however, Papa Rich has a different idea in mind. He says that Ember is of marrying age and in need of a good husband. With time, he is certain that she and Christopher will learn to love one another. He claims that they must fight for true love. Christopher rejects the madman’s idea, hoping to enlist Ember’s help to set him free. What Christopher doesn’t understand is just how demented the old man really is. He has a lot to learn, but Ember helps him along the way just as a good wife should. Their story is right out of a horror movie, but their shared experience bonds them. They must struggle to trust one another while avoiding Papa Rich’s punishments, but their journey is dark and tragic. It ends in a cliffhanger, to be continued in book two of the trilogy.
Christopher and Ember’s story is a thriller steeped in impending danger and horror. The pair does develop feelings for one another, but this is no standard romance. That aspect is just a small part of the overall story. Their bond is forced unnaturally. It is unclear whether they might have had any chemistry under normal circumstances. Indeed, Christopher sees her as childlike. He pities Ember; his love comes much later. Ember lacks any formal education, though she clearly learned how to read. She knows very little outside of what she has read in romance books. She dreams of a Prince Charming, though she cannot imagine ever leaving Papa Rich and the safety of Hallelujah Junction. She and Christopher are like night and day. Her childlike innocence makes the notion of romance between the pair hard to embrace.
Papa Rich’s motivations and reasoning for marrying Ember are confusing. He is absolutely insane and unstable. It is hard to imagine why he chooses Christopher for Ember. Christopher is a large man, clearly worldly and intelligent. If Papa Rich’s intentions are to keep them both captive forever, then it would make sense for him to choose a more submissive target as her husband. I had wondered if there might be some demented yet selfless goal in choosing Christopher, who is clearly very strong and capable. I wondered if Papa Rich might be hoping to force their love by making them fight for their freedom against him. That probably isn’t the case, though. It is also confusing as to why he wants a husband for Ember, yet he himself is without a wife. He doesn’t always seem keen on the idea of Christopher and Ember together, which is again confusing since it was his idea. As the story ends, it is unclear if he will play any further role in the couple’s story.
Christopher and Ember’s journey begins in horror at the hands of a demented religious zealot, Papa Rich. The storytelling is good, but there are some confusing points. It is unclear at this point in the trilogy whether or not all will be cleared up. My ARC version would benefit from further editing. The story is somewhat complex. It is plot-driven. The characters are not well-developed; the story focuses mostly on the here and now, much like Ember learned to do. It is written in first person. The POV alternates between Christopher and Ember. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2021
This was like a slow decent ride into hell. It was brutalizing to get through but I could not put it down once it started and wanting to leave this universe was a horrible feeling when I tried because these characters were so engaging and O. M. G.! What I would not have given to be a fly on the wall. Oh! Wait! I! Was! It felt real and was so believable that the reader has a hard time getting through the muck to finally see what is coming but it will be too late at that point. This is by far one of the darkest books I have read by this author. If you think you are impervious from her words think! again! Alta drags you through it without the fan fair of even smiling at you! Instead she beams a smirk at you while shaking her head no but you can not tell if she is screaming at your or whispering. This won't be the book to just sneak up on you, No it is the type of book that starts out with you completely immersed only to realize a moment later that you will not be able to breath or even try to. Talk about glued to your seat suspense! It will provide all those horrific feelings and more. Ember thinks Papa Rich is the monster but is he really? Is he not the one that has provided for her? Should he not be commended for the sacrifices he has made to provide for her? Is Chris ready for the horrors that he is witnessing? Can he save himself? Can he save his bride? Does he want to? This is the 1st book in this trilogy and it is an explosion that you will definitely feel long before you feel the heat or see the wind coming at you. Can anyone hear you scream when your already in hell? Scream! Scream until your throat is raw! Scream until you have no voice left! Scream until you, yourself can no longer hear it! Now I tell you to save your breath because if anyone hears you they are already dead! Get ready because if you have not read this yet your behind the eight ball and there will be no one coming to rescue you but yourself!
THRILLING, GRIPPING, ABSORBING!
THRILLING, GRIPPING, ABSORBING!
March 27, 2021
A dark twisted reality....
by and1515
What started out as a simple trip to take photos for the respectable magazine he works for takes a sudden turn that he never saw coming.
Because the next thing he knew he was trapped in some backwards reality pan absolutely nothing around him made any sense especially not to a modern man like him.
Then there's the young woman Ember who's quiet presence's added more to the mystery.
Ember swore up and down that the man she calls the ranger is who's also her father; but that was something he just didn't believe.
However he's not in the best of place's to do much of anything so now he was having to make the best of his difficult circumstances.
Then of course his relationship with Ember takes a different turn as he shows her what really happens between a man and a woman.
All a while trying to understand the dark psychology games going on all around him that keeps him on pins and needles.
Still Christopher was hoping and praying he was making the best choices while stuck in the middle of this waking nightmare
because he knows if they didn't try and escape now they probably never would.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
What started out as a simple trip to take photos for the respectable magazine he works for takes a sudden turn that he never saw coming.
Because the next thing he knew he was trapped in some backwards reality pan absolutely nothing around him made any sense especially not to a modern man like him.
Then there's the young woman Ember who's quiet presence's added more to the mystery.
Ember swore up and down that the man she calls the ranger is who's also her father; but that was something he just didn't believe.
However he's not in the best of place's to do much of anything so now he was having to make the best of his difficult circumstances.
Then of course his relationship with Ember takes a different turn as he shows her what really happens between a man and a woman.
All a while trying to understand the dark psychology games going on all around him that keeps him on pins and needles.
Still Christopher was hoping and praying he was making the best choices while stuck in the middle of this waking nightmare
because he knows if they didn't try and escape now they probably never would.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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