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Criminals & Captives #2
Hostage: Geisel
Ich weiß nie, wann er zu mir kommt. Nur, dass er es wird.
Vor dem Abend, an dem ich Stone begegnete, hatte ich noch nie einen Mann geküsst. An diesem Abend sah ich, wie er tötete. An diesem Abend hat er mein Leben verschont. Das war aber erst der Anfang.
Er taucht immer wieder in meinem Auto auf, gefährlich und voll ursprünglicher Kraft. »Fahr los«, sagt er mir, und mir bleibt keine andere Wahl. Er ist ein Krimineller mit brennenden, grünen Augen, der in mein Leben und meine Träume eindringt.
Die Polizei sagt, dass er gefährlich besessen von mir ist. Ich bin aber diejenige, die nicht aufhören kann, an ihn zu denken. Vielleicht ist es falsch, dass ich mich von ihm berühren lasse. Vielleicht ist es auch falsch, dass auch ich ihn berühre. Vielleicht sollten diese verruchten Treffen ein Ende finden. Es ist nur so, dass sie sich in meiner Welt aus Modemarken und luxuriösen Anwesen wie das einzig Reale anfühlen.
Also fahre ich, wenn er mich bedroht, bis ich mich kaum noch daran erinnere, dass ich nicht hier sein will.
Bis es zu spät ist, um umzudrehen.
Vor dem Abend, an dem ich Stone begegnete, hatte ich noch nie einen Mann geküsst. An diesem Abend sah ich, wie er tötete. An diesem Abend hat er mein Leben verschont. Das war aber erst der Anfang.
Er taucht immer wieder in meinem Auto auf, gefährlich und voll ursprünglicher Kraft. »Fahr los«, sagt er mir, und mir bleibt keine andere Wahl. Er ist ein Krimineller mit brennenden, grünen Augen, der in mein Leben und meine Träume eindringt.
Die Polizei sagt, dass er gefährlich besessen von mir ist. Ich bin aber diejenige, die nicht aufhören kann, an ihn zu denken. Vielleicht ist es falsch, dass ich mich von ihm berühren lasse. Vielleicht ist es auch falsch, dass auch ich ihn berühre. Vielleicht sollten diese verruchten Treffen ein Ende finden. Es ist nur so, dass sie sich in meiner Welt aus Modemarken und luxuriösen Anwesen wie das einzig Reale anfühlen.
Also fahre ich, wenn er mich bedroht, bis ich mich kaum noch daran erinnere, dass ich nicht hier sein will.
Bis es zu spät ist, um umzudrehen.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2018
1099 people are currently reading
8166 people want to read
About the author
Annika Martin
47 books3,530 followersAnnika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who loves reading, taking pictures of her cats, consuming boatloads of chocolate suckers, and helping animals. She lives in the Twin Cities with her awesome husband and adorable cats.
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Website: http://annikamartinbooks.com
Amazon books: https://amzn.to/2UIYzeA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 905 reviews
January 30, 2018
I couldn’t wait to read this book! This author duo combined forces a couple years back with a book titled Prisoner. If you haven’t read it, take my advice and pick it up. This book is a bit of an offshoot of that book. Centered around a group of men who, as boys, were abducted and thrown into the child sex trade. They’d all gotten out and they all vow brotherhood, a combined force to take down each and every man responsible for the disposable things done to them in their childhood and teen years. This book is darkish but still has a great unconventional love story.
Stone, the oldest of ‘the boys,’ has always taken on the lead role for vengeance. He’s a true anti-hero and is definitely rough around the edges. When our heroine, Brooke, stumbles upon a violent altercation between Stone and a guest at her Sweet-16 Birthday soirée, she’s taken herself. Eye witnesses are never good in the presence of murders, now are they? And so the ‘relationship’ between Brooke and Stone begins...
Love, love, loved this. It has just the right amount of grit and darkness but not cringeworthy. The love story the evolves within the darkness is well paced but not all hearts and flowers. Stone is a decade older than Brooke, a felon, deadbeat of sorts while Brooke is the daughter of wealthy folks from the other side of the tracks. Unconventional to say the least...
Suspenseful and gritty with a side of heart, Hostage will capture your attention and not let go until the very end. I loved the brotherhood between all these guys and I truly hope the authors consider writing more happily-ever-after’s for these lost souls....
Stone, the oldest of ‘the boys,’ has always taken on the lead role for vengeance. He’s a true anti-hero and is definitely rough around the edges. When our heroine, Brooke, stumbles upon a violent altercation between Stone and a guest at her Sweet-16 Birthday soirée, she’s taken herself. Eye witnesses are never good in the presence of murders, now are they? And so the ‘relationship’ between Brooke and Stone begins...
Love, love, loved this. It has just the right amount of grit and darkness but not cringeworthy. The love story the evolves within the darkness is well paced but not all hearts and flowers. Stone is a decade older than Brooke, a felon, deadbeat of sorts while Brooke is the daughter of wealthy folks from the other side of the tracks. Unconventional to say the least...
Suspenseful and gritty with a side of heart, Hostage will capture your attention and not let go until the very end. I loved the brotherhood between all these guys and I truly hope the authors consider writing more happily-ever-after’s for these lost souls....
January 23, 2018
Annika Martin and Skye Warren are a powerhouse writing team, and they proved it once again with Hostage. Dark and edgy, with brilliant writing and a mesmerizing plot, Hostage was everything I love wrapped up in one fantastic book.
"I let you live that night, and now you're in my debt. Understand? You're mine."
The characters in this story were unforgettable, each different in their own way but so perfect for each other. Stone broke my heart so many times over. His character was so well-written in its complexities. He was this unstoppable force of strength, violent and angry, focused and vengeful. At the same time, he was fiercely protective and loyal. The connection he forged with Brooke was unexpected, and at the same time it was unstoppable. I loved seeing the other sides to his personality with her, and I really loved that he never lost that edge that made him who he was. Brooke's character was just as intriguing as Stone's. She lived in a world in which she never felt she belonged, and meeting Stone gave her something she never knew she craved. She was brave without really knowing it, and she saw something in Stone that no one else did. Their interactions were always so intense, two people from different worlds clashing together with the threat of violence always surrounding them. Martin and Warren write that tension with such believability, and I really enjoyed how unpredictable the storyline was.
"I should hate Stone for how he blazed into my life with all his heat and fury and passion. I should hate Stone for his intense gaze, and the way his eyes burn into my soul, and the way he kisses me- like he'll die if he doesn't."
There was so much back and forth and push and pull between Brooke and Stone, and it made for some captivating scenes. There were times when I couldn't guess where things would go between them. Their passion and yearning for each other was so raw and only grew stronger over time. Their chemistry burned strong from their very first encounter. Despite their age difference, despite coming from entirely different worlds, there was a magnetic pull between them that neither could resist.
"My desire for him is raw. Unbearable. He's the man no boy can measure up to. He's the moon lighting up the vast, dark night of my life."
This was a story about justice and redemption, about healing and finding love in unexpected places. What Stone and his brothers endured as children was horrific, and I wanted so badly to see justice served. The way everything came together in the end was so perfect. Martin and Warren are pure magic together, and I sincerely hope that they have more projects planned in the future.
"I let you live that night, and now you're in my debt. Understand? You're mine."
The characters in this story were unforgettable, each different in their own way but so perfect for each other. Stone broke my heart so many times over. His character was so well-written in its complexities. He was this unstoppable force of strength, violent and angry, focused and vengeful. At the same time, he was fiercely protective and loyal. The connection he forged with Brooke was unexpected, and at the same time it was unstoppable. I loved seeing the other sides to his personality with her, and I really loved that he never lost that edge that made him who he was. Brooke's character was just as intriguing as Stone's. She lived in a world in which she never felt she belonged, and meeting Stone gave her something she never knew she craved. She was brave without really knowing it, and she saw something in Stone that no one else did. Their interactions were always so intense, two people from different worlds clashing together with the threat of violence always surrounding them. Martin and Warren write that tension with such believability, and I really enjoyed how unpredictable the storyline was.
"I should hate Stone for how he blazed into my life with all his heat and fury and passion. I should hate Stone for his intense gaze, and the way his eyes burn into my soul, and the way he kisses me- like he'll die if he doesn't."
There was so much back and forth and push and pull between Brooke and Stone, and it made for some captivating scenes. There were times when I couldn't guess where things would go between them. Their passion and yearning for each other was so raw and only grew stronger over time. Their chemistry burned strong from their very first encounter. Despite their age difference, despite coming from entirely different worlds, there was a magnetic pull between them that neither could resist.
"My desire for him is raw. Unbearable. He's the man no boy can measure up to. He's the moon lighting up the vast, dark night of my life."
This was a story about justice and redemption, about healing and finding love in unexpected places. What Stone and his brothers endured as children was horrific, and I wanted so badly to see justice served. The way everything came together in the end was so perfect. Martin and Warren are pure magic together, and I sincerely hope that they have more projects planned in the future.
January 22, 2018
This was one of the best books I've read so far this year!! Hostage by Skye Warren and Annika Martin is a must read. This story has a way of dragging you in and not letting go. I was so engrossed in it that at some points I lost track of time. Just that good. The chemistry, the feels and emotions between Stone and Brooke were so strong I felt them. Stone had a way of pulling you into his world and Brooke, even coming from money was still missing stuff in her life. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend this to anyone who likes a beautiful story of love and chaos!!
January 30, 2018
Oh my lord this book… THIS. BOOK. It’s been two days since I finished reading and I’m still breathless whenever I think about this story, I still don’t have the slightest clue how to put into words of the raw, utter brilliance that is HOSTAGE. Both authors write intense and captivating stories on their own – but these two teamed up make for one hell of an explosive duo!
Sooo… HOSTAGE. Innocent rich girl witnessing something horrible and gets abducted by the executing criminal and gradually but surely falls in love with him despite knowing how wrong it is? Stockholm syndrome the umpteenth? Nu-uuuh. Think again.
This story is so much more complicated, so much more complex than that. It’s raw. Abrasive. Haunting. Innocent. A beautifully damaged kind of dark that sucks you in and won’t let go. A journey full of bumps and questionable things, as much dangerous as sizzling hot situations, and a plot so twisty and edgy it’s an impossibility to put the book down.
And the characters… Boy, the characters – main and secondary alike. I’ve met them all in the past, followed Grayson’s journey, know what kind of horrendous past they’ve all had, but getting back to them… witnessing Stone’s, the crew leader’s part of the story was everything I hoped for and more. There’s just layers upon layer of depth to all those characters, and it once again left a lasting imprint on my heart. These brothers – these boys – all deserve their piece of happiness, especially after all the unimaginable pain and suffering they went through, and if they can only achieve that with more blood and murder… so be it. As wrong as it is, I’d still cheer them on!
This story… it gave me chills, had tears pooling in my eyes, had me smiling, aghast, horrified, happy, and whatnot. The anxiety flowing through me, followed by goosebumps, sheer never-ending. And that one scene at the cabin… It almost destroyed me. It hurt so badly to read on, I needed a turn in events so badly… Once you get to that part, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean.
It’s been almost four years since PRISONER was released – four freaking years – and I have been waiting forever for another one of the basement boys to get their story – I’d almost lost faith there ever would be one. It was the first book by both Skye Warren and Annika Martin I’ve read – the one that got me hooked on them – and one of those stories I remember even years later. Yeah, it had that much of an impact on me. HOSTAGE was just as magnificent and I cannot stress enough how much I want – no, NEED more of those characters! If possibly, with less than a four-year wait this time :)
Sooo… HOSTAGE. Innocent rich girl witnessing something horrible and gets abducted by the executing criminal and gradually but surely falls in love with him despite knowing how wrong it is? Stockholm syndrome the umpteenth? Nu-uuuh. Think again.
This story is so much more complicated, so much more complex than that. It’s raw. Abrasive. Haunting. Innocent. A beautifully damaged kind of dark that sucks you in and won’t let go. A journey full of bumps and questionable things, as much dangerous as sizzling hot situations, and a plot so twisty and edgy it’s an impossibility to put the book down.
And the characters… Boy, the characters – main and secondary alike. I’ve met them all in the past, followed Grayson’s journey, know what kind of horrendous past they’ve all had, but getting back to them… witnessing Stone’s, the crew leader’s part of the story was everything I hoped for and more. There’s just layers upon layer of depth to all those characters, and it once again left a lasting imprint on my heart. These brothers – these boys – all deserve their piece of happiness, especially after all the unimaginable pain and suffering they went through, and if they can only achieve that with more blood and murder… so be it. As wrong as it is, I’d still cheer them on!
This story… it gave me chills, had tears pooling in my eyes, had me smiling, aghast, horrified, happy, and whatnot. The anxiety flowing through me, followed by goosebumps, sheer never-ending. And that one scene at the cabin… It almost destroyed me. It hurt so badly to read on, I needed a turn in events so badly… Once you get to that part, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean.
It’s been almost four years since PRISONER was released – four freaking years – and I have been waiting forever for another one of the basement boys to get their story – I’d almost lost faith there ever would be one. It was the first book by both Skye Warren and Annika Martin I’ve read – the one that got me hooked on them – and one of those stories I remember even years later. Yeah, it had that much of an impact on me. HOSTAGE was just as magnificent and I cannot stress enough how much I want – no, NEED more of those characters! If possibly, with less than a four-year wait this time :)
January 20, 2018
Oh my goddess, this was so good!!!!! Luckily I started the book on a Friday night, I was going to wait until Saturday, which is my "stay up late to read" night, because I am tired from the work week on Fridays, but, I wanted to read it so bad, I decided to start it, and if I got too tired I could finish it Saturday. Nuh-uh, once I started it, there was no putting it down, there was no looking away, there was only the story. Not only did I stay up late, I had a huge book hangover that kept me awake, and then, it was then first thing I thought of the next morning
Details, for those of you who want them, this is a YA/NA - our heroine is at her sweet 16 at the start of the book, and in the book she is 16, 17, and 18, as it progresses. Our hero is an anti-hero, he really is a bad man and does bad things. He doesn't redeem himself or want to change, he is happy the way he is. If you haven't read the previous book in the series, Prisoner, you are fine. It has a complete and separate story line from this story, and the few intersections made are natural. If you have read Prisoner, then you are fine too. There is no repeat of the story, there is some before it, and after it, but no re-doing what has already been done, and you get a bit more of Grayson and Abby
Now, why I loved this book. Brooke was perfection, just perfection, as a girl who had spent her whole life being what she had to be to keep up appearances. She wasn't abused, she wasn't hurt, but she had to be perfect, and that is so not her. Her parents love her, and while they push for this, they also know when she needs to step away and compose herself. When Brooke meets Stone, she knows she is not in a fairy tale, it is real, it is gritty, and it is way out of her league. But she feels a connection with him that she never has with anyone else. She sees him, she knows him, the him that is buried, and as terrified as she is, that comforts her. He has the freedom she is lacking, and as much as she wants part of that, true freedom terrifies her somewhat
Stone has had a rough and horrible life. He is loyal to his brothers, and no one, and nothing else. He doesn't like all the things he has to do, but they need to be done. Brooke is a complication he never expected. He was doing what had to be done, even though it scratched at him to do it. Then he did something very un-Stone like, and just like that, both of their fates were sealed. He doesn't understand her world, he was never even exposed to anything in her world, and he knows she doesn't belong in his. She is his though, and try as he does to stay away and sever the tie, he keeps coming back to her. She welcomes him each time, needing the connection they have as much as he does
This was gritty, and ugly at times, yet Stone and Brooke continued to amaze me with their earnestness and how true to themselves they stayed. They were strong, even when overpowered and things went against them, even the other person. Stone will never be the good guy, and Brooke will always be the good girl, but in each other, they get to be true to who they really are. They need that other half to be whole, and it takes them this story to figure that out - I was just along for the ride!
Details, for those of you who want them, this is a YA/NA - our heroine is at her sweet 16 at the start of the book, and in the book she is 16, 17, and 18, as it progresses. Our hero is an anti-hero, he really is a bad man and does bad things. He doesn't redeem himself or want to change, he is happy the way he is. If you haven't read the previous book in the series, Prisoner, you are fine. It has a complete and separate story line from this story, and the few intersections made are natural. If you have read Prisoner, then you are fine too. There is no repeat of the story, there is some before it, and after it, but no re-doing what has already been done, and you get a bit more of Grayson and Abby
Now, why I loved this book. Brooke was perfection, just perfection, as a girl who had spent her whole life being what she had to be to keep up appearances. She wasn't abused, she wasn't hurt, but she had to be perfect, and that is so not her. Her parents love her, and while they push for this, they also know when she needs to step away and compose herself. When Brooke meets Stone, she knows she is not in a fairy tale, it is real, it is gritty, and it is way out of her league. But she feels a connection with him that she never has with anyone else. She sees him, she knows him, the him that is buried, and as terrified as she is, that comforts her. He has the freedom she is lacking, and as much as she wants part of that, true freedom terrifies her somewhat
Stone has had a rough and horrible life. He is loyal to his brothers, and no one, and nothing else. He doesn't like all the things he has to do, but they need to be done. Brooke is a complication he never expected. He was doing what had to be done, even though it scratched at him to do it. Then he did something very un-Stone like, and just like that, both of their fates were sealed. He doesn't understand her world, he was never even exposed to anything in her world, and he knows she doesn't belong in his. She is his though, and try as he does to stay away and sever the tie, he keeps coming back to her. She welcomes him each time, needing the connection they have as much as he does
This was gritty, and ugly at times, yet Stone and Brooke continued to amaze me with their earnestness and how true to themselves they stayed. They were strong, even when overpowered and things went against them, even the other person. Stone will never be the good guy, and Brooke will always be the good girl, but in each other, they get to be true to who they really are. They need that other half to be whole, and it takes them this story to figure that out - I was just along for the ride!
January 22, 2018
I want to start off my saying I don’t think I can say enough words or give a worthy review of this spectacular book.
I absolutely loved Hostage and can honestly say it’s one of the best novels I’ve ever read!
From the very start it pulled my right in. Finished it with one go. But I had to wait a day to gather my thoughts and emotions together to write a review.
I’ll start with the characters.
Brooke is sixteen at the start of the story.
She’s such a strong young lady even though she doesn’t know it.
To have so much pressure put on her by her parents and trying to keep up with her peers and not break shows how much inner strength she has. She also has a big heart and compassion for those around her even when they are doing wrong by her.
Stone is a man filled with hate and bitterness. He’s brutal and violent and just doesn’t care for anyone except his crew. His anger is so deep it’s turned into darkness that seeped into his soul so much so that he believes there’s no longer a heart in him. Yet with all that I was still drawn to him.
Brooke and Stone come together in the most violent and terrifying way.
Brooke witnesses a horrific crime being committed by Stone.
From this point on they are bound together. The bond that ties them to one another is deep.
Not just because of what Brooke witnesses but something much stronger.
The saying “looks can be deceiving” is exactly what Brooke and Stone go through.
Their relationship is intense,it’s deep and neither can break the hold they have on one another.
Now the storyline and plot.
It’s incredible!
So much depth and layers to this outstanding book.
Many moving parts to the plot that had me at the edge of my seat and holding my breath at times.
It torn my heart,broke it to pieces and I had to keep the Kleenex box close at hand.
Hostage is an intricate complex story. It is a standalone you don’t have to have read Prisoner to appreciate and understand this one.
Brilliant book!
I absolutely loved Hostage and can honestly say it’s one of the best novels I’ve ever read!
From the very start it pulled my right in. Finished it with one go. But I had to wait a day to gather my thoughts and emotions together to write a review.
I’ll start with the characters.
Brooke is sixteen at the start of the story.
She’s such a strong young lady even though she doesn’t know it.
To have so much pressure put on her by her parents and trying to keep up with her peers and not break shows how much inner strength she has. She also has a big heart and compassion for those around her even when they are doing wrong by her.
Stone is a man filled with hate and bitterness. He’s brutal and violent and just doesn’t care for anyone except his crew. His anger is so deep it’s turned into darkness that seeped into his soul so much so that he believes there’s no longer a heart in him. Yet with all that I was still drawn to him.
Brooke and Stone come together in the most violent and terrifying way.
Brooke witnesses a horrific crime being committed by Stone.
From this point on they are bound together. The bond that ties them to one another is deep.
Not just because of what Brooke witnesses but something much stronger.
The saying “looks can be deceiving” is exactly what Brooke and Stone go through.
Their relationship is intense,it’s deep and neither can break the hold they have on one another.
Now the storyline and plot.
It’s incredible!
So much depth and layers to this outstanding book.
Many moving parts to the plot that had me at the edge of my seat and holding my breath at times.
It torn my heart,broke it to pieces and I had to keep the Kleenex box close at hand.
Hostage is an intricate complex story. It is a standalone you don’t have to have read Prisoner to appreciate and understand this one.
Brilliant book!
January 20, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I was SO excited to read Hostage by Skye Warren and Annika Martin as Prisoner was a favorite of mine. It was action-packed with a suspenseful theme that honestly had me hooked. I loved Brooke and Stone. In a way their relationship could be considered taboo/unconventional but I honestly thought it was delicious and sexy. There was something about one another that kept drawing each other back. I honestly could not get enough.
While Hostage is in the same world as Prisoner and runs somewhat parallel to Grayson and Abby's story, it is a complete standalone. I loved this story. I thought Stone was dangerous and addicting. I loved his connection to Brooke and despite starting out on scary circumstances, they were always in each other's thoughts, consequences be damned.
I loved that Hostage continued the same storyline in book one where Stone and his crew were on an ongoing quest for vengeance. But when Brooke Carson unknowingly gets caught in the crossfire and gets kidnapped by Stone Keaton, she makes an impression on him. Since that fateful day there was no turning back for either of them. But when secrets and lies come to light will Stone allow his bloodthirsty quest for vengeance to reign supreme over his feelings for Brooke?
I thought this novel was great and enjoyed their hot chemistry and banter. I loved that Brooke saw through Stone's hard exterior and he likewise saw who she was inside and past the facade she put out to the world. This novel was fantastic and I can't wait for more from these talented authors! Bravo! 4.5 Stars! ~Ratula
I was SO excited to read Hostage by Skye Warren and Annika Martin as Prisoner was a favorite of mine. It was action-packed with a suspenseful theme that honestly had me hooked. I loved Brooke and Stone. In a way their relationship could be considered taboo/unconventional but I honestly thought it was delicious and sexy. There was something about one another that kept drawing each other back. I honestly could not get enough.
While Hostage is in the same world as Prisoner and runs somewhat parallel to Grayson and Abby's story, it is a complete standalone. I loved this story. I thought Stone was dangerous and addicting. I loved his connection to Brooke and despite starting out on scary circumstances, they were always in each other's thoughts, consequences be damned.
I loved that Hostage continued the same storyline in book one where Stone and his crew were on an ongoing quest for vengeance. But when Brooke Carson unknowingly gets caught in the crossfire and gets kidnapped by Stone Keaton, she makes an impression on him. Since that fateful day there was no turning back for either of them. But when secrets and lies come to light will Stone allow his bloodthirsty quest for vengeance to reign supreme over his feelings for Brooke?
I thought this novel was great and enjoyed their hot chemistry and banter. I loved that Brooke saw through Stone's hard exterior and he likewise saw who she was inside and past the facade she put out to the world. This novel was fantastic and I can't wait for more from these talented authors! Bravo! 4.5 Stars! ~Ratula
January 30, 2018
Skye Warren & Annika Martin ate brilliant together. Hostage is book 2 in the Captives & Criminals series but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read book 1, but will be rectifying that immediately.
Stone and Brooke’s story was one I didn’t want to end. I was consumed from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down.
Brooke has groomed to be a socialite and to be prim and proper at all times. Most decisions are made for her. What happens when you witness a murder on your 16th birthday and the man takes you hostage? Is she next? What happens when the man who should terrify her is the only one who makes her feel safe?
Hostage takes you on a dark and twisted journey that surprises you over and over again. It is told in dual POV and is a MUST read!
Stone and Brooke’s story was one I didn’t want to end. I was consumed from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down.
Brooke has groomed to be a socialite and to be prim and proper at all times. Most decisions are made for her. What happens when you witness a murder on your 16th birthday and the man takes you hostage? Is she next? What happens when the man who should terrify her is the only one who makes her feel safe?
Hostage takes you on a dark and twisted journey that surprises you over and over again. It is told in dual POV and is a MUST read!
January 30, 2018
This is the second book in the series, but it's a standalone book, so you don't have to have read the first one in order to know what's going on with this one. They do intersect at times though, so if you have read it, you can enjoy getting that little extra from the book.
I have almost everything Skye Warren has written, and there's a darn good reason for that. It's because I love to get down and dirty with her books and her heroes. I really want to get down and dirty with Stone, because he's hot.
On her 16th birthday, Brooke leaves the huge status party that her parents have set up to get some fresh air. Her party is huge, but she knows almost no one there since it's all about her parents. When she's standing out in the parking lot, she sees a man beating another man. She tries to chase the attacker off, but he ends up tossing the guy in a van and shoving her in the front, and away they go.
Stone looks at this delicate young woman that he now has to deal with. She's a loose end right now and he can't have her around telling people what he did. He decides that he's going to take her to a park and drown her, since that will be an easy way to die. Except, when they get there, she does something that changes his mind. The two of them cook up a story and he lets her go.
Periodically over the next few years, Stone shows up in her life and her car and tells Brooke to drive. She never knows when it's going to happen or what's going to happen when it does, but she looks forward to it.
Skye and Annika have written a great story that spans several years. They really do well at drawing their characters and creating people that you are cheering for, even if they sometimes have to do terrible things in order to survive. I love how Brooke and Stone just make each other stronger and that gives them a good base to build on. Great story. I can't wait to see what these ladies come up with for us next.
I have almost everything Skye Warren has written, and there's a darn good reason for that. It's because I love to get down and dirty with her books and her heroes. I really want to get down and dirty with Stone, because he's hot.
On her 16th birthday, Brooke leaves the huge status party that her parents have set up to get some fresh air. Her party is huge, but she knows almost no one there since it's all about her parents. When she's standing out in the parking lot, she sees a man beating another man. She tries to chase the attacker off, but he ends up tossing the guy in a van and shoving her in the front, and away they go.
Stone looks at this delicate young woman that he now has to deal with. She's a loose end right now and he can't have her around telling people what he did. He decides that he's going to take her to a park and drown her, since that will be an easy way to die. Except, when they get there, she does something that changes his mind. The two of them cook up a story and he lets her go.
Periodically over the next few years, Stone shows up in her life and her car and tells Brooke to drive. She never knows when it's going to happen or what's going to happen when it does, but she looks forward to it.
Skye and Annika have written a great story that spans several years. They really do well at drawing their characters and creating people that you are cheering for, even if they sometimes have to do terrible things in order to survive. I love how Brooke and Stone just make each other stronger and that gives them a good base to build on. Great story. I can't wait to see what these ladies come up with for us next.
January 28, 2018
***The following is a review of the ARC which I received for free in exchange for my honest review.***
While reading the first few pages, I already knew HOSTAGE was going to be something special. Immediately, I was enthralled by the characters and what they were going through. I can’t define what exactly it is, but there is something about the way these women write that sucks me right in every time!
It wasn’t until the very end of the book that I realized that I had already been introduced to this fascinating group of characters… If you read PRISONER, you too have already met Grayson (one of the, “boys from the basement”). In HOSTAGE, we are introduced to the leader of the boys, Stone. I feel like I literally fell in love with Stone and Brooke! Although I wanted to savor each and every eloquent word, I read this book extremely quickly, unable to put it down. Even the book cover impressed the he|| out of me!
This book really has a little bit of everything: passionate, genuine, realistic romance, sizzling-hot sex, emotionally gripping memories of abuse with a dash of mystery and suspense. Once again, this duo has hit a home-run, creating something absolutely extraordinary! After finishing this book, like myself, you will probably feel the urge to contact the authors, wanting to beg them to write stories about the other 5 boys that survived the basement. I messaged Skye and am now crossing my fingers and toes, hoping these stories will be shared with us one day. In the meantime, we have HOSTAGE and PRISONER, 2 unequivocally special, fan-freaking-tastic stories to enjoy!!!
While reading the first few pages, I already knew HOSTAGE was going to be something special. Immediately, I was enthralled by the characters and what they were going through. I can’t define what exactly it is, but there is something about the way these women write that sucks me right in every time!
It wasn’t until the very end of the book that I realized that I had already been introduced to this fascinating group of characters… If you read PRISONER, you too have already met Grayson (one of the, “boys from the basement”). In HOSTAGE, we are introduced to the leader of the boys, Stone. I feel like I literally fell in love with Stone and Brooke! Although I wanted to savor each and every eloquent word, I read this book extremely quickly, unable to put it down. Even the book cover impressed the he|| out of me!
This book really has a little bit of everything: passionate, genuine, realistic romance, sizzling-hot sex, emotionally gripping memories of abuse with a dash of mystery and suspense. Once again, this duo has hit a home-run, creating something absolutely extraordinary! After finishing this book, like myself, you will probably feel the urge to contact the authors, wanting to beg them to write stories about the other 5 boys that survived the basement. I messaged Skye and am now crossing my fingers and toes, hoping these stories will be shared with us one day. In the meantime, we have HOSTAGE and PRISONER, 2 unequivocally special, fan-freaking-tastic stories to enjoy!!!
January 26, 2018
SUPERB!!! I am so in love with this book and the characters!! This duo w
has created such a great storyline with powerful characters!!!
Such a meaty, juicy plot!
I love anything dark, edgy and spicy so this book was right up my alley! The writing was flawless, the book full of angst and emotion and detail to sink your teeth into!
As I was reading, I was at the end of my seat. I practically devoured the book; in truth, I inhaled it.
I highly recommend this book even if you haven't read Prisoner. You will crave more for sure!!!
I am in love!!!
February 5, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
A dark, thrilling, intoxicating and provocative romantic suspense that pushes boundaries of right and wrong, life and death, truth and lies. The title of this book aptly represents everything what Skye Warren & Annika Martin intended and that is to be held hostage. And yes, I was held hostage from the first page til the very end.
Hostage is not your typical romance but instead it is a story that grips you of the dark reality of life. And for some, vengeance might be the sole reason for living.
When Brooke Carson turned sixteen, she never thought her birthday would entail witnessing someone’s murder and being kidnap. But in some twisted fate, her captor set her free.
The sensation of him has lived under my skin for the past seven months. The feeling of his fingers digging into my shivering flesh. The way his wet shirtsleeves clung to his bulging biceps. The hard intensity of his gaze, fixed firmly on the moon, like he couldn’t bear looking down at me while he killed me. How severe and sure his grip became each time I struggled. The musical swash of the water against our bodies, a soundtrack to the most twisted dance ever.”
Stone Keaton is a killer. His only mission is vengeance. He wants the people who hurt him and his band of brothers to pay for what they did to them. But what Stone never expected was to get his emotions entangled with Brooke. Though they are completely opposites in every sense of the word, I couldn’t help but beg more of their interactions. The way Skye & Annika wrote these characters had me obsessed.
With their sensual and sinful writing, Warren & Martin takes their readers down the proverbial rabbit hole where duplicity, suspense, sexual tension and raw emotions are the forefront as to why this book kept me riveted. So if you are looking for a story where lust, lies, secrets, and revenge collide to give you an unforgettable and palpable story then I highly recommend you to read this book. Prepared to be held hostage by Skye Warren & Annika Martin.
Skye Warren Annika Martin
A dark, thrilling, intoxicating and provocative romantic suspense that pushes boundaries of right and wrong, life and death, truth and lies. The title of this book aptly represents everything what Skye Warren & Annika Martin intended and that is to be held hostage. And yes, I was held hostage from the first page til the very end.
Hostage is not your typical romance but instead it is a story that grips you of the dark reality of life. And for some, vengeance might be the sole reason for living.
When Brooke Carson turned sixteen, she never thought her birthday would entail witnessing someone’s murder and being kidnap. But in some twisted fate, her captor set her free.
The sensation of him has lived under my skin for the past seven months. The feeling of his fingers digging into my shivering flesh. The way his wet shirtsleeves clung to his bulging biceps. The hard intensity of his gaze, fixed firmly on the moon, like he couldn’t bear looking down at me while he killed me. How severe and sure his grip became each time I struggled. The musical swash of the water against our bodies, a soundtrack to the most twisted dance ever.”Stone Keaton is a killer. His only mission is vengeance. He wants the people who hurt him and his band of brothers to pay for what they did to them. But what Stone never expected was to get his emotions entangled with Brooke. Though they are completely opposites in every sense of the word, I couldn’t help but beg more of their interactions. The way Skye & Annika wrote these characters had me obsessed.
With their sensual and sinful writing, Warren & Martin takes their readers down the proverbial rabbit hole where duplicity, suspense, sexual tension and raw emotions are the forefront as to why this book kept me riveted. So if you are looking for a story where lust, lies, secrets, and revenge collide to give you an unforgettable and palpable story then I highly recommend you to read this book. Prepared to be held hostage by Skye Warren & Annika Martin.
Skye Warren Annika Martin
January 23, 2018
Wow this book turned my world upside down. It took me on a journey through the depths of hell and I came out at the end full of emotional bliss. Stone and Brooke have the most unique relationship. They come from different worlds but some how they are the same. They have both been through so much to where it doesn't seem like either of them can be healed and that they can't even heal each other.
Stone is so full of hate and rage. He lives in the past and wants vengeance for him and his brother's. He wants to be stone cold with no heart, no soul, no ability to feel or cry. But that starts to change when he meets Brooke.
"All this time I was worried about ruining her. I never imagined she'd be the one ruining me." -Stone
Brooke comes from her own world full of ball gowns and fancy things. She suffers in silence, trying so hard to make her parents happy and to get their approval. She has been groomed to be a perfect woman of wealth and poise, but she feels suffocated in her own world. Until she meets Stone.
"He's dangerous to me because he opens the lid of the box, because he lets me see what's outside. He's the sun, a burning ball so bright it can blind me, and I don't even care. I want more. I'll do anything to feel more, even if it means I burn." -Brooke
This book made me feel so much. The writing by these two authors is extraordinary. It's like poetry written on the page. I highlighted so many words in this book because I didn't want to forget the amazing words that were written. I will never forget this book. It's unique in its own right and it gave me a sense of hope that no matter what we go through in life we can always have someone to trust and someone to love us even if we don't think we deserve it.
Stone is so full of hate and rage. He lives in the past and wants vengeance for him and his brother's. He wants to be stone cold with no heart, no soul, no ability to feel or cry. But that starts to change when he meets Brooke.
"All this time I was worried about ruining her. I never imagined she'd be the one ruining me." -Stone
Brooke comes from her own world full of ball gowns and fancy things. She suffers in silence, trying so hard to make her parents happy and to get their approval. She has been groomed to be a perfect woman of wealth and poise, but she feels suffocated in her own world. Until she meets Stone.
"He's dangerous to me because he opens the lid of the box, because he lets me see what's outside. He's the sun, a burning ball so bright it can blind me, and I don't even care. I want more. I'll do anything to feel more, even if it means I burn." -Brooke
This book made me feel so much. The writing by these two authors is extraordinary. It's like poetry written on the page. I highlighted so many words in this book because I didn't want to forget the amazing words that were written. I will never forget this book. It's unique in its own right and it gave me a sense of hope that no matter what we go through in life we can always have someone to trust and someone to love us even if we don't think we deserve it.
January 29, 2018
Talk about a book that had everything. Action, suspense, a deep love and a taboo romance. This story sucked me in and held me captive. It was a beautiful and dirty and heartbreaking and I wanted more.
Brooke meets Stone on the night of her Sweet Sixteen. Kidnapped and meant to die for witnessing a murder, Stone found that he couldn’t kill this girl. She brought out something in him that he didn’t understand, and over the years, he was a shadow in her life. He appeared at random times and became a constant presence in Brooke’s heart and mind. But when Stone’s search for the men that tormented him and his brothers as children collides with Brooke’s world, he needs to decide whether vengeance or justice means more to him.
I loved this book and Stone as the anti-hero. He was strange one for me to figure out how I felt about him. From the start, he was violent and conflicted, but you always knew that there was a humanity that lived within this man that circumstances made to be savage. He was so jaded and hardened, but at the same time, my heart went out to him as a boy who missed out on the simple, softer things in life. He was the sword who fought for his brothers and the shield that protected Brooke and I fell for him as the bad boy who seemed so confident, yet deep down thought so little of himself.
I never would have seen the way the authors ended this story, and am thankful they were able to take a situation where there seemed to be no way to have an HEA and turned it into something that I found, if not entirely believable, at least happy and adorable.
Hostage is the second in the series, but is still a stand-alone. I had not read the first book (something I need to instantly remedy!), but at no point was I lost or unsure of what was taking place. This story was perfect on its own and pulled me into a world of corruption and crime and something beautiful rising above the ashes.
August 23, 2018
Wow! THIS. BOOK. WAS. AMAZING! Books like Hostage are the reason I absolutely love Skye Warren and make me want to read so much more from Annika Martin. This book gave me all the ‘feels’ I love to experience while reading a novel. Heartbreak, suspense, giddiness, and those little knots in my stomach you get when an author’s writing provokes so much emotion in you, you end up with a book hangover for days.
Stone and Brooke’s love starts off as a slow simmer and ends up immersing you flames, they are so hot together. I absolutely love them! I adore the way Stone fights for a love that he doesn’t think he deserves, but he can’t resist. These two tore me up a little inside with how broken they each were in their own ways, but at the same time made each other feel whole. I was definitely taken hostage with their love *wink, wink*
If you like your books that are dark and delicious, then you NEED to one-click Hostage right away!
Stone and Brooke’s love starts off as a slow simmer and ends up immersing you flames, they are so hot together. I absolutely love them! I adore the way Stone fights for a love that he doesn’t think he deserves, but he can’t resist. These two tore me up a little inside with how broken they each were in their own ways, but at the same time made each other feel whole. I was definitely taken hostage with their love *wink, wink*
If you like your books that are dark and delicious, then you NEED to one-click Hostage right away!
January 28, 2018
Brooke is a formerly rich girl who’s family expects her to conform to their standards at all times. They are trying to keep up the appearance of being rich. At her lavish sweet sixteen party she has to escape for a minutes of respite. She witnesses a brutal beating of one of her dad’s friends. The perpetrator steals a van and takes her as a hostage. He intends on killing her but at the last minute he lets her go. The two form a dark connection. Stone can’t stay away from her even when it would be for the best.
Amazing dark romance. Stone and Brooke are an unlikely couple but they work. Dark themes are handled with sensitivity. Hot and sexy. I loved how Brooke tempered Stone’s roughness and made him a better man. Brooke was strong and not spoiled. She was a likable heroine despite her privileged life.
Amazing dark romance. Stone and Brooke are an unlikely couple but they work. Dark themes are handled with sensitivity. Hot and sexy. I loved how Brooke tempered Stone’s roughness and made him a better man. Brooke was strong and not spoiled. She was a likable heroine despite her privileged life.
January 25, 2018
Dark romance is a guilty pleasure. For the never simple reason that it delves deep in your phyche and kindles its most secretive desires. In the hands of these two authors, the guilt and the pleasure take a new, twisted, unbearably intimate meaning.
Imagine a flower of a girl and a soulless killer meet one night of terror. She sees something forbidden, he sets out to kill her. In the way to the dark deed, a connection happens, and their incompatible path changes course forever.
In a beautifully poetic and subtle writing, the authors have spun a tale of grit, blood and tender breaking of innocence, and reshaped it into an improbable yet powerful love. The vulnerability of a victim comes across in harrowing detail while the struggle of a killer to let go of his rules is palpable.
In one night, these characters forge a bond that grows from sickening menace to clinging hope. The frightening lust turns into molten desire and the hell of two broken lives gives birth to a journey of what trust truly means and how men can become animals, sometimes even come back from that to be human again.
I loved the cruel scene of Stone vowing to kill his sweet victim and how it all changed. I loved the evolution of their relationship, so terrible and soulful. It was like witnessing a fallen angel falling in love with an untouched angel. It was a painful joy to see all the men in the gang, bonded in blood and misery, at their headquarters, plotting and coping. And Stone was a veritable force of nature, an avenging father to them all. I also loved Brooke, full of light yet suffocating in a life with no real feelings. They have to cross through fire in order to get to paradise. All worth it. Like this incredible dark romance that deals with dark issues and the darkest side of men.
Impressive, sensual, eye-opening, and beautiful.
Imagine a flower of a girl and a soulless killer meet one night of terror. She sees something forbidden, he sets out to kill her. In the way to the dark deed, a connection happens, and their incompatible path changes course forever.
In a beautifully poetic and subtle writing, the authors have spun a tale of grit, blood and tender breaking of innocence, and reshaped it into an improbable yet powerful love. The vulnerability of a victim comes across in harrowing detail while the struggle of a killer to let go of his rules is palpable.
In one night, these characters forge a bond that grows from sickening menace to clinging hope. The frightening lust turns into molten desire and the hell of two broken lives gives birth to a journey of what trust truly means and how men can become animals, sometimes even come back from that to be human again.
I loved the cruel scene of Stone vowing to kill his sweet victim and how it all changed. I loved the evolution of their relationship, so terrible and soulful. It was like witnessing a fallen angel falling in love with an untouched angel. It was a painful joy to see all the men in the gang, bonded in blood and misery, at their headquarters, plotting and coping. And Stone was a veritable force of nature, an avenging father to them all. I also loved Brooke, full of light yet suffocating in a life with no real feelings. They have to cross through fire in order to get to paradise. All worth it. Like this incredible dark romance that deals with dark issues and the darkest side of men.
Impressive, sensual, eye-opening, and beautiful.
January 28, 2018
Wow! What a wild ride! This was such an amazing story. Skye and Anika are an amazing writing duo.
This story gripped my heart from the beginning. The characters are so intense and unforgettable.
Stone is a broken, angry man with many dark secrets and demons on his back. He takes care of his "brothers", whom he protects with his life. His priorities are his brothers and getting revenge. "One blade to protect my brothers, one blade for vengeance."
Until a sweet, innocent young girl crashes into his life. Brooke is broken in her own way. Living with very strict parents has lead to Brooke being sheltered from the horrors of the real world. When she charges into Stone's life, her world is turned upside down.
I am in awe of this story. It's gut-wrenching, heart-breaking but also hopeful. The scene at the river was so powerful, it had me bawling. The pull between Stone and Brooke is crazy insane. Their chemistry is scorching. Brooke in spite of being so young is really strong. She represents all the hope and goodness that Stone doesn't dare dream he could have. They know they should stay away from each other but destiny has other plans.
I highly recommend this one. It's beautifully written and will tug at your heart strings to an incredible finale.
This story gripped my heart from the beginning. The characters are so intense and unforgettable.
Stone is a broken, angry man with many dark secrets and demons on his back. He takes care of his "brothers", whom he protects with his life. His priorities are his brothers and getting revenge. "One blade to protect my brothers, one blade for vengeance."
Until a sweet, innocent young girl crashes into his life. Brooke is broken in her own way. Living with very strict parents has lead to Brooke being sheltered from the horrors of the real world. When she charges into Stone's life, her world is turned upside down.
I am in awe of this story. It's gut-wrenching, heart-breaking but also hopeful. The scene at the river was so powerful, it had me bawling. The pull between Stone and Brooke is crazy insane. Their chemistry is scorching. Brooke in spite of being so young is really strong. She represents all the hope and goodness that Stone doesn't dare dream he could have. They know they should stay away from each other but destiny has other plans.
I highly recommend this one. It's beautifully written and will tug at your heart strings to an incredible finale.
January 29, 2018
Oh wowza! What a story! I will never look at a rivet the same way again! (Read the story, you will understand!) I want to be a rivet!
This is the story of Stone and Brooke. Their story has so much, and it's amazing how they come together!
Brooke is like a beautiful bird in a gilded cage. A cage she so wants to escape from. She tries so hard to be perfect that she becomes damaged in the most epic way. She is fierce when she needs to be and loyal to a fault, what a true heroine should be!
Stone is so jaded and yet so innocent at the same time. His childhood is beyond tragic and made him the person he had become, but with the love of Brooke he became more. His vulnerabilities made me want to hug him all the more. Such a beautiful damaged soul. The secondary characters are fantastic and are begging for their own stories! (Hint, hint...Annika? Skye? Bueller.....)
I have read books by both Annika Martin and Skye Warren, and love their work individually. But them writing together is even better! I can't wait to read more, I hope to see more for the other characters and I am getting ready to dive into Abigail and Grayson's story Prisoner
This is the story of Stone and Brooke. Their story has so much, and it's amazing how they come together!
Brooke is like a beautiful bird in a gilded cage. A cage she so wants to escape from. She tries so hard to be perfect that she becomes damaged in the most epic way. She is fierce when she needs to be and loyal to a fault, what a true heroine should be!
Stone is so jaded and yet so innocent at the same time. His childhood is beyond tragic and made him the person he had become, but with the love of Brooke he became more. His vulnerabilities made me want to hug him all the more. Such a beautiful damaged soul. The secondary characters are fantastic and are begging for their own stories! (Hint, hint...Annika? Skye? Bueller.....)
I have read books by both Annika Martin and Skye Warren, and love their work individually. But them writing together is even better! I can't wait to read more, I hope to see more for the other characters and I am getting ready to dive into Abigail and Grayson's story Prisoner
January 31, 2018
Wow. This duo. Holy hell. I think i may have died a few times while reading this book. It was that good. And it's dark - dark in the sense that i really shouldn't have enjoyed the death and gruesome scenes the way that i did. But i did. And then i cheered Stone all the way to end to never lose whatever darkness lived in him, because let's face it, that's what made him so attractive. Of course all people deserve love and bunnies and all the fluffy elephants that they deserve in life, but most of all, they need someone that understands them and are able to balance them out.
That's what Brooke is to him. The light to his darkness, and yet at the same time, not too bright to make it feel sickenly too sugary (if that makes any sense at all - although it does in my own head). Anyways. The fact that these two got to discover things together at the same time and still manage to find the justice in something so wrong and cruel that happened to Stone's crew - i couldn't get enough.
So, did i need to read Prisoner (which is free on amazon at the moment, but how long it will stay that way is beyond me at this point) before getting my grubby hands on Hostage? I don't think so. But then again, i do have Prisoner in my kindle and simply haven't gotten a chance to read it, however, Grayson is mentioned more than once in Hostage - which Prisoner happens to be his story. Not only am i curious to know about him, but i also wonder how Prisoner fits into the timeline. Needless to say that i'll be getting my butt in gear to read this book and getting a better sense of all these questions i have rolling in my head.
So yes, Hostage - totally worth it. And yes, i'll be keeping my eye on this duo and finding out when they'll be releasing their next book and diving into that like nobody's business!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com
January 22, 2020
"EXPLOSIVE Writing Team, Standing Ovations"
Annika Martin and Skye Warren did it again with Hostage. I couldn't believe that they could do it, and it was BETTER. HOTTER. A THRILL RUSH. ELECTRIFYING. A phenomenal writing team. I would love to see them pair up again, just to get the high off of what they could do with a third book.
Jacob Morgan and Lauren Sweet paired up again with the narration. And of course, the two blew it out the water once more. They were like dynamite, with the blast being felt across the world.
I strongly recommend Hostage and I wish I could give it more than 5-🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the novel and narrators.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧RoniF
Annika Martin and Skye Warren did it again with Hostage. I couldn't believe that they could do it, and it was BETTER. HOTTER. A THRILL RUSH. ELECTRIFYING. A phenomenal writing team. I would love to see them pair up again, just to get the high off of what they could do with a third book.
Jacob Morgan and Lauren Sweet paired up again with the narration. And of course, the two blew it out the water once more. They were like dynamite, with the blast being felt across the world.
I strongly recommend Hostage and I wish I could give it more than 5-🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the novel and narrators.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧RoniF
January 31, 2018
Revenge and Redemption
Dark, gritty, compelling...such simple words to describe this complex story. Skye Warren and Annika Martin hold nothing back with Hostage. They've written a tale of revenge and redemption that had my heart breaking over and over again. The raw emotion and harsh truth of Stone and Brooke hit me hard, but I couldn't stop reading.
The opening chapters set the stage for Brooke and Stone's relationship. Brooke is sweet sixteen, but her soul is weary...her family isn't what they appear to be on the surface, and she's tired of the lies and pretense. In an attempt to escape her overwhelming birthday party, she comes upon a violent scene that will change the course of her life, and that of her unwilling captor, Stone.
Stone has grown up knowing violence and horrors Brooke couldn't imagine, but with one simple hug and an act of kindness, he's captured her young heart. Her faith in him is unbelievable, and he just can't stay away from her light and goodness.
I loved that their relationship grew over time, that the path Stone and his brothers were on didn't suddenly change when he met Brooke. Stone is the perfect anti-hero. He's not a good guy, but he does have a heart. It takes Brooke's unwavering belief in his strength and worth to make him start to see the goodness in himself.
This is a story of hope in the wake of unspeakable pain. It's written with care without watering the backstory down. I love the secondary characters and want them to each find their own versions of happily ever after. 5 Stars!
Dark, gritty, compelling...such simple words to describe this complex story. Skye Warren and Annika Martin hold nothing back with Hostage. They've written a tale of revenge and redemption that had my heart breaking over and over again. The raw emotion and harsh truth of Stone and Brooke hit me hard, but I couldn't stop reading.
The opening chapters set the stage for Brooke and Stone's relationship. Brooke is sweet sixteen, but her soul is weary...her family isn't what they appear to be on the surface, and she's tired of the lies and pretense. In an attempt to escape her overwhelming birthday party, she comes upon a violent scene that will change the course of her life, and that of her unwilling captor, Stone.
Stone has grown up knowing violence and horrors Brooke couldn't imagine, but with one simple hug and an act of kindness, he's captured her young heart. Her faith in him is unbelievable, and he just can't stay away from her light and goodness.
I loved that their relationship grew over time, that the path Stone and his brothers were on didn't suddenly change when he met Brooke. Stone is the perfect anti-hero. He's not a good guy, but he does have a heart. It takes Brooke's unwavering belief in his strength and worth to make him start to see the goodness in himself.
This is a story of hope in the wake of unspeakable pain. It's written with care without watering the backstory down. I love the secondary characters and want them to each find their own versions of happily ever after. 5 Stars!
January 31, 2018
Once again, I am not disappointed by anything written by Skye Warren, in particular this story written by her and Annika Martin.
My high expectations were met, and the book had me captivated from the first chapter, making me turn page after page and leaving me unable to stop reading until I had finished the book.
As usual, the writing and style of the book is really good, making it even more enjoyable to read the story. The plot is well though out and develops in a good pace that doesn’t leave the story too slow or fast paced.
The characters - well, I don’t think that anyone has a choice but to love them, and how despite the darker theme of this book, they fit with each other.
I am not giving any spoilers, but would definitely consider this a must read that you should get as soon as possible.
My high expectations were met, and the book had me captivated from the first chapter, making me turn page after page and leaving me unable to stop reading until I had finished the book.
As usual, the writing and style of the book is really good, making it even more enjoyable to read the story. The plot is well though out and develops in a good pace that doesn’t leave the story too slow or fast paced.
The characters - well, I don’t think that anyone has a choice but to love them, and how despite the darker theme of this book, they fit with each other.
I am not giving any spoilers, but would definitely consider this a must read that you should get as soon as possible.
January 26, 2018
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Raw, abrasive, hauntingly dark that consumes you. Hostage by New York Times best selling authors Skye Warren and Annika Martin have delivered a beautifully-damaged dark addition to the Criminals & Captives series and I couldn’t be happier.
Sky Warren has always written captivating tales, developed characters and plots so thick it leaves you mesmerized. But for her to pair up with the talented Annika Martin… watch out! These two EPIC authors are a dynamic duo and this addition, this series, only proves it. Both women publish top notch novels that are always hands down one-clickers!
Hostage parallels with Prisoner, first book in the series, however, it can be read as a standalone. We were able to witness Grayson’s journey with his brothers now it’s time to dive deep with Stone, the leader of the Crew.
A witness to a crime by his hands has led Stone Keaton on a mission for retribution. He knew it was wrong to let her leave with everything that went down, but something about her called to him. The female has haunted his thoughts and he is ever eager to lay his hands on her. Brooke Carson’s life is now in the hands of a dangerous man due to being caught at the scene of a horrific crime. Now, kidnapped her feelings for Stone escalate. She knows it’s wrong, but she can’t fight it. Stone has Brooke in his grasp. There’s no turning back, their worlds have intertwined… consequences be damned for what comes.
“I let you live that night, and now you're in my debt. Understand? You're mine."
Fire hot intensity between Stone and Brooke. I commend Sky and Annika for developing these two opposite characters. Pairing up an alpha male who has a grim and cruel past with a high society, young privileged female was something I was not expecting, but it worked. The duo team developed impeccable organic characters that held me prisoner with every turn of the page. I was unbelievably enthralled with everything that went on in the book. Fascinated by the flow, intrigued by the plot and held Hostage by the characters. I couldn’t get enough.
This is dark romance at its finest!
5 Stars
Raw, abrasive, hauntingly dark that consumes you. Hostage by New York Times best selling authors Skye Warren and Annika Martin have delivered a beautifully-damaged dark addition to the Criminals & Captives series and I couldn’t be happier.
Sky Warren has always written captivating tales, developed characters and plots so thick it leaves you mesmerized. But for her to pair up with the talented Annika Martin… watch out! These two EPIC authors are a dynamic duo and this addition, this series, only proves it. Both women publish top notch novels that are always hands down one-clickers!
Hostage parallels with Prisoner, first book in the series, however, it can be read as a standalone. We were able to witness Grayson’s journey with his brothers now it’s time to dive deep with Stone, the leader of the Crew.
A witness to a crime by his hands has led Stone Keaton on a mission for retribution. He knew it was wrong to let her leave with everything that went down, but something about her called to him. The female has haunted his thoughts and he is ever eager to lay his hands on her. Brooke Carson’s life is now in the hands of a dangerous man due to being caught at the scene of a horrific crime. Now, kidnapped her feelings for Stone escalate. She knows it’s wrong, but she can’t fight it. Stone has Brooke in his grasp. There’s no turning back, their worlds have intertwined… consequences be damned for what comes.
“I let you live that night, and now you're in my debt. Understand? You're mine."
Fire hot intensity between Stone and Brooke. I commend Sky and Annika for developing these two opposite characters. Pairing up an alpha male who has a grim and cruel past with a high society, young privileged female was something I was not expecting, but it worked. The duo team developed impeccable organic characters that held me prisoner with every turn of the page. I was unbelievably enthralled with everything that went on in the book. Fascinated by the flow, intrigued by the plot and held Hostage by the characters. I couldn’t get enough.
This is dark romance at its finest!
5 Stars
February 10, 2018
4.5 STARS
Clinging to your killer, that’s a powerful and horrible kind of intimacy. I used to think of intimacy as chocolates and roses and sweet whispered words. But it can be blood and violence and darkness, too.
Hostage is one deliciously violent dark romance. My favorite kind of dark romance is EXACTLY what's delivered on these pages, the kind that is both vicious and brutal yet still somehow finds a way to be sensual and sweet. Stone is brutal. He's dangerous and bloodthirsty and has one goal in mind: vengeance. It's IMPOSSIBLE to see any sort of humanity in him at first, let alone a soft side, a heart willing to love. But that's why this story is so fantastic. There's an integral part of every female that secretly longs to be the one thing that can soften the unbreakable. I believe there's also an integral part of every romance reader who enjoys dark romance that longs to see our heroine become the one thing that makes our anti-hero feel raw emotion after being so impossibly broken. Hostage delivers that beautiful darkness, that twisted journey from hopelessness to hope and IT. IS. EXQUISITE.
I could destroy her or save her. I could kill her or fuck her or do anything at all.
There are so many reasons I shouldn't root for this sort of dynamic. The relationship between Stone and Brooke is all wrong. So wrong. Criminal. Dangerous. Illicit. He's her captor. She's sixteen years old. He's a killer. He's terrifying. She's innocent. And yet, after just a few pages, I was desperate to see where this would go. I'm a sucker for this, the potential for a hardened criminal softening for a woman. It's my kryptonite. And no one creates that decadent possibility more superbly than Skye Warren and Annika Martin. From a scene early on where our murderous hero is about to drown our heroine on the day of her sweet sixteen, I was HOOKED.
It was only ever supposed to be for the boys in that basement with me, but somewhere along the way, she burrowed into my dark heart.
Hostage, though, is far more than a romance. This story is the devastating account of the horrors survived by a band of brothers and how they made it out the other side. These men have demons to slay after what they've endured and Hostage is Stone's war. I was rapt, on the edge of my seat as this meticulous web of sins and horror unfolded, as untreated wounds were cut wide open, as a reluctant romance was born in the middle of all of it. Hostage has been one of my most anticipated reads since Prisoner and it not only lived up to every one of my hopes and dreams, but far exceeded them. I loved this book, loved the edgy dynamic between Stone and Brooke, loved the pain on these pages as much as I loved the blissful romance. Together Skye Warren and Annika Martin have created everything I could've hoped for with Hostage. This story is brutality and darkness woven seamlessly with sensual romance to make for a story that I thoroughly consumed. I loved it!
Clinging to your killer, that’s a powerful and horrible kind of intimacy. I used to think of intimacy as chocolates and roses and sweet whispered words. But it can be blood and violence and darkness, too.
Hostage is one deliciously violent dark romance. My favorite kind of dark romance is EXACTLY what's delivered on these pages, the kind that is both vicious and brutal yet still somehow finds a way to be sensual and sweet. Stone is brutal. He's dangerous and bloodthirsty and has one goal in mind: vengeance. It's IMPOSSIBLE to see any sort of humanity in him at first, let alone a soft side, a heart willing to love. But that's why this story is so fantastic. There's an integral part of every female that secretly longs to be the one thing that can soften the unbreakable. I believe there's also an integral part of every romance reader who enjoys dark romance that longs to see our heroine become the one thing that makes our anti-hero feel raw emotion after being so impossibly broken. Hostage delivers that beautiful darkness, that twisted journey from hopelessness to hope and IT. IS. EXQUISITE.
I could destroy her or save her. I could kill her or fuck her or do anything at all.
There are so many reasons I shouldn't root for this sort of dynamic. The relationship between Stone and Brooke is all wrong. So wrong. Criminal. Dangerous. Illicit. He's her captor. She's sixteen years old. He's a killer. He's terrifying. She's innocent. And yet, after just a few pages, I was desperate to see where this would go. I'm a sucker for this, the potential for a hardened criminal softening for a woman. It's my kryptonite. And no one creates that decadent possibility more superbly than Skye Warren and Annika Martin. From a scene early on where our murderous hero is about to drown our heroine on the day of her sweet sixteen, I was HOOKED.
It was only ever supposed to be for the boys in that basement with me, but somewhere along the way, she burrowed into my dark heart.
Hostage, though, is far more than a romance. This story is the devastating account of the horrors survived by a band of brothers and how they made it out the other side. These men have demons to slay after what they've endured and Hostage is Stone's war. I was rapt, on the edge of my seat as this meticulous web of sins and horror unfolded, as untreated wounds were cut wide open, as a reluctant romance was born in the middle of all of it. Hostage has been one of my most anticipated reads since Prisoner and it not only lived up to every one of my hopes and dreams, but far exceeded them. I loved this book, loved the edgy dynamic between Stone and Brooke, loved the pain on these pages as much as I loved the blissful romance. Together Skye Warren and Annika Martin have created everything I could've hoped for with Hostage. This story is brutality and darkness woven seamlessly with sensual romance to make for a story that I thoroughly consumed. I loved it!
April 2, 2020
Wow! I was not prepared for how much I would love this. I thought the first book was fine. Interesting enough to keep me reading, but I didn’t really connect with the characters. However, the overall story was good enough to make me want to continue with the series.
The characters, the story, the slow build and burn of the romance was just…perfect. I loved it, which was surprising because I thought Stone was a bit of a jerk in the first book. I’d definitely recommend this particular book. It wouldn’t hurt to read the first book, but I think you could get away with skipping it.
Also, this was a re-read with the audiobook, and can I just say Jacob Morgan could read the phone book and I’d be happy?!
The characters, the story, the slow build and burn of the romance was just…perfect. I loved it, which was surprising because I thought Stone was a bit of a jerk in the first book. I’d definitely recommend this particular book. It wouldn’t hurt to read the first book, but I think you could get away with skipping it.
Also, this was a re-read with the audiobook, and can I just say Jacob Morgan could read the phone book and I’d be happy?!
January 2, 2020
Hostage by Skye Warren and Annika Martin is dark romance at its best. I loved Stone's nickname for Brooke of Little Bird. The authors were great building a story that spanned years. There is much more to the story than Vengeance, Revenge, Hope, Love, Healing, and Redemption. The imagery was incredible. Both Jacob Morgan and Lauren Sweet were great bringing the characters to life. I could sense their age differences of the characters portrayed, which added to the story. I loved it! Thank you Audiobook Obsession for recommending this great listen.
January 28, 2018
"I’m a prop as much as the dress and the necklace. A networking opportunity like the spa day.”
Skye Warren and Annika Martin individually bring amazing books that make me all kinds of CRAZY. Like straight up straitjacket loco. I freaking adore them and their stories just rip my soul apart in the best way. Individually, they are a force but together they are mighty, monumental and powerful. Hostage is that birth to that amazing powerful. Seriously, this book is one of the best dark romances I have ever read in 2018. My mind was BLOWN. My heart was BRUTALIZED. My soul was DECIMATED. Hostage is FLAWLESS. Bold characters. Hot and twisty scenes. Beautiful writing. Hostage clearly rocked my world and turned me into mush. I loved every single word, sentence and paragraph to the point of addiction. When Skye Warren and Annika Martin have a new book out, I simply one click with no questions asked because they both create a world in their stories so effortless and unforgettable. Hostage enamoured my soul, bewitched my thoughts and set my whole body on fire. I was completely a hostage.
Hostage was AHHHMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are simply not enough words that can explain my love for this book. I can pretty much say every single good adjective in the dictionary and still come up short. The first sentence, I was already a goner. I was completely enchanted and pulled deeply in a book with a fiery plot and magnetic words that moved my heart. Alluring. Suspenseful. Mysterious. Emotional. Glorious. Ferocious. Hostage was a story with a dark, sweet, weird and menacing plot that caught me in a web filled with drama, action and love. Skye Warren and Annika Martin delves us deep into a gripping and horrifying story with a touch on abuse, captor/captive plot and obsession while spinning us into a captivating and explosive book written so eloquently. Skye Warren and Annika Martin's writing was gorgeous. They wrote a story that will make your heart bleed, bring you chills and just swoon at the same time.
Hostage has the best characters, Each character tells a special story that will touch and open your heart, Stone and Brooke are one messed up couple. Different. Taboo. Unconventional. Dirty. Wrong. Phenomenal. Sexy. Delicious. Wow. I loved Stone and Brooke together. They had a forbidden romance with sex and sin wrapped up in one fiery dark story I could not look away. I was just drawn in. Brook was an innocent and sweet girl filled with light and goodness. Stone was brutal, commanding, broken vicious and criminal. Everything was just bad. But there something riveting about a tortured and broken hero who finds love with sweet and innocent lady. Just pleases my soul.
Hostage is a standalone story with an epic and thrilling end. I did not want it to end at all. the words were just like melted chocolate-rich, mouthwatering and bang on exquisite. If you love dark, messed up and gritty romances with tortured heroes, then this is your book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Skye Warren and Annika Martin individually bring amazing books that make me all kinds of CRAZY. Like straight up straitjacket loco. I freaking adore them and their stories just rip my soul apart in the best way. Individually, they are a force but together they are mighty, monumental and powerful. Hostage is that birth to that amazing powerful. Seriously, this book is one of the best dark romances I have ever read in 2018. My mind was BLOWN. My heart was BRUTALIZED. My soul was DECIMATED. Hostage is FLAWLESS. Bold characters. Hot and twisty scenes. Beautiful writing. Hostage clearly rocked my world and turned me into mush. I loved every single word, sentence and paragraph to the point of addiction. When Skye Warren and Annika Martin have a new book out, I simply one click with no questions asked because they both create a world in their stories so effortless and unforgettable. Hostage enamoured my soul, bewitched my thoughts and set my whole body on fire. I was completely a hostage.
Hostage was AHHHMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are simply not enough words that can explain my love for this book. I can pretty much say every single good adjective in the dictionary and still come up short. The first sentence, I was already a goner. I was completely enchanted and pulled deeply in a book with a fiery plot and magnetic words that moved my heart. Alluring. Suspenseful. Mysterious. Emotional. Glorious. Ferocious. Hostage was a story with a dark, sweet, weird and menacing plot that caught me in a web filled with drama, action and love. Skye Warren and Annika Martin delves us deep into a gripping and horrifying story with a touch on abuse, captor/captive plot and obsession while spinning us into a captivating and explosive book written so eloquently. Skye Warren and Annika Martin's writing was gorgeous. They wrote a story that will make your heart bleed, bring you chills and just swoon at the same time.
Hostage has the best characters, Each character tells a special story that will touch and open your heart, Stone and Brooke are one messed up couple. Different. Taboo. Unconventional. Dirty. Wrong. Phenomenal. Sexy. Delicious. Wow. I loved Stone and Brooke together. They had a forbidden romance with sex and sin wrapped up in one fiery dark story I could not look away. I was just drawn in. Brook was an innocent and sweet girl filled with light and goodness. Stone was brutal, commanding, broken vicious and criminal. Everything was just bad. But there something riveting about a tortured and broken hero who finds love with sweet and innocent lady. Just pleases my soul.
Hostage is a standalone story with an epic and thrilling end. I did not want it to end at all. the words were just like melted chocolate-rich, mouthwatering and bang on exquisite. If you love dark, messed up and gritty romances with tortured heroes, then this is your book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2018
Hostage by Skye Warren and Annika Martin is book Two in the "Criminals & Captives" series. This is the story of Brooke and Stone. This is a dark and delicious story that will leave your mind blown after reading. This series has made it to my Favorites list which so few do and I have to say, this immediately made the list. While Prisoner and Hostage are part of the Criminals & Captives series, they can be read as standalones. Once I started this book, there was no putting the book down, there was no looking away, there was only this story. Not only did I stay up late, I read throughout the night because I had to know what happened…that is how entranced I was by this story. I was literally kept awake all night and all I could think of in the days after reading, it’s a book that will stay with you. This is a YA/NA - our heroine is at her sweet 16 at the start of the book, and in the book she is 16, 17, and 18, as it progresses. And our hero is really an anti-hero, he is dark, disturbing. He has done bad bad things. He doesn’t want to change. If you have read the previous book in this series, you will remember him and that book is on a separate storyline from this book. There really isn’t a mix into this book with previous book. Just know our anti hero is not a good guy yet he sees our heroine and something about her calls to him. He becomes obsessed with her, and he immediately wants her. Needs her. Has to have her. Stone and Brooke have this very complicated relationship – I do not want to give too much away but OMG this story had me on the edge of my couch. I wasn’t sure what he wanted with her or who she truly was to him but there were several huge twists in this story that will keep the readers guessing. This is a gritty and raw and ugly read at times. You will need tissues to keep on hand for those moments but Ms Warren and Ms Martin have written such a complex and exhilarating story , one that had great chemistry and witty banter between the main characters. I loved the emotional rollercoaster ride that I was on and hated when the ride was over.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
January 22, 2018
This book keeps you on the edge all the way till the end. It’s heartbreaking, thrilling, gasping type read that you don’t want it to end. We are in 2 different worlds. Brooke is basically a princess on the outside but inside she’s starving. On Brooks birthday she meets Stone and her world changes. Stone is out for revenge and to protect his brothers in any way possible. This book made my heart beat wildly and I felt the pain I bawled. Definitely a dark romance story but so much more. 5/5 stars ****Reviewed by Sweet & Spicy Reads a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****
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