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The Secret Bride #2
Kept Bride
My history is forbidden.
My story, dark and twisted.
My future decided.
I know I don’t belong in this decadent world—his world.
Money, power, and dark secrets surround me now.
I submit to it all to be his perfect obedient wife.
They stalk my every move, watching me, judging me.
I'm in the same prison just with different guards.
But all I care about is him.
His eyes, his touch, his hold over me.
I’m forever his kept bride, even though they all try to steal me away.
My story, dark and twisted.
My future decided.
I know I don’t belong in this decadent world—his world.
Money, power, and dark secrets surround me now.
I submit to it all to be his perfect obedient wife.
They stalk my every move, watching me, judging me.
I'm in the same prison just with different guards.
But all I care about is him.
His eyes, his touch, his hold over me.
I’m forever his kept bride, even though they all try to steal me away.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2021
95 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Alta Hensley
117 books2,433 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 136 reviews
June 27, 2022
Ember and Christopher escape from the little nightmare town of Hallelujah Junction and Ember's "Father".
The two are being questioned by the police with all that transpired.
The couple are adjusting to their new "normal" of city life.
And then there is Christophers evil mother.
Their marriage has some bumps along the way, ex girlfriend, job, etc..oh and the EVIL mother.
This was somewhat slow at times and for me an average read. From my perspective it was filler.
The two are being questioned by the police with all that transpired.
The couple are adjusting to their new "normal" of city life.
And then there is Christophers evil mother.
Their marriage has some bumps along the way, ex girlfriend, job, etc..oh and the EVIL mother.
This was somewhat slow at times and for me an average read. From my perspective it was filler.
June 25, 2021
Kept Bride was sensational in its continuance of Ember and Christopher's story. They escape the fire but have entered a whole new world. Christopher has to reintroduce himself back into his life in New York. But poor Ember has never experienced the noise, the people, as she tries to find a place to fit in Christopher's life.
But where is Papa Rich?
This story was gripping and had me questioning human nature and the meanness of people who try to control others.
I can't wait to read more of this couple and I really hope they get their HEA!
But where is Papa Rich?
This story was gripping and had me questioning human nature and the meanness of people who try to control others.
I can't wait to read more of this couple and I really hope they get their HEA!
November 5, 2021
ARC copy
Wasn't as good as the first book for sure, but that's because the stakes were higher in the first book, which made it more interesting for me.
I am glad that even after coming back, Christopher still wanted Ember all the same.
He kept calling her his wife and insisted to everyone that she will always remain his wife, despite the circumstances that lead to it.
His mother was such a nightmare. Like please kill her off already✋✋
Even though Ember was being difficult-unintentionally, Christopher never gave up on her.
What I didn't like, however, was that he wasn't cut-throat enough towards Marissa-his girlfriend before he got kidnapped.
I didn't like how he kept avoiding Marissa, which in turn, avoided the closure talk they needed to have.
But when Marissa does come to find him cause she was tired of waiting for him to come to talk to her, he does tell her straight up that he is committed to Ember and they are not going to end up back together.
He didn't do anything wrong, but I just prefer a guy who is more harsher and cruel towards girls from their past instead of feeling empathic towards them.
Even though, the OW probably has a right to be mad, seeing as your bf who was thought to be dead came back not only alive but with a wife.
Still, I didn't like it when she tired to stir a little drama by insinuating to Ember they did something when they met again
But Christopher's words did ease any doubt I might have towards him and Marissa
Christopher was like:
I’m sorry, Ember. I’m sorry you had to believe I would do that to you for even a second.” He leans forward and kisses me softly. “Please tell me you believe me.”
How can I not like him? He is obviously infatuated with Ember, even when he thought she was going too stir-crazy, he still didn't leave her.
Also, the scene with Michael and Ember was so random.
It came so out of the blue.
So to be warned there is 1 OM scene but is more like a borderline rape scene.
-Michael(Christopher's friend) was drunk and started cornering Ember.
He kissed and fingered her despite her telling him no.
He had rubbed his dick on her pussy but he couldn't get hard, she took the chance and push him away and ran.
She never told this to Christopher.
Not even sure if the Author is planning for Christopher to know, she made it seemed like Ember didn't want to be a victim anymore by telling it to him.
Wasn't as good as the first book for sure, but that's because the stakes were higher in the first book, which made it more interesting for me.
I am glad that even after coming back, Christopher still wanted Ember all the same.
He kept calling her his wife and insisted to everyone that she will always remain his wife, despite the circumstances that lead to it.
His mother was such a nightmare. Like please kill her off already✋✋
Even though Ember was being difficult-unintentionally, Christopher never gave up on her.
What I didn't like, however, was that he wasn't cut-throat enough towards Marissa-his girlfriend before he got kidnapped.
I didn't like how he kept avoiding Marissa, which in turn, avoided the closure talk they needed to have.
But when Marissa does come to find him cause she was tired of waiting for him to come to talk to her, he does tell her straight up that he is committed to Ember and they are not going to end up back together.
He didn't do anything wrong, but I just prefer a guy who is more harsher and cruel towards girls from their past instead of feeling empathic towards them.
Even though, the OW probably has a right to be mad, seeing as your bf who was thought to be dead came back not only alive but with a wife.
Still, I didn't like it when she tired to stir a little drama by insinuating to Ember they did something when they met again
But Christopher's words did ease any doubt I might have towards him and Marissa
Christopher was like:
I’m sorry, Ember. I’m sorry you had to believe I would do that to you for even a second.” He leans forward and kisses me softly. “Please tell me you believe me.”
How can I not like him? He is obviously infatuated with Ember, even when he thought she was going too stir-crazy, he still didn't leave her.
Also, the scene with Michael and Ember was so random.
It came so out of the blue.
So to be warned there is 1 OM scene but is more like a borderline rape scene.
-Michael(Christopher's friend) was drunk and started cornering Ember.
He kissed and fingered her despite her telling him no.
He had rubbed his dick on her pussy but he couldn't get hard, she took the chance and push him away and ran.
She never told this to Christopher.
Not even sure if the Author is planning for Christopher to know, she made it seemed like Ember didn't want to be a victim anymore by telling it to him.
April 19, 2022
wow ok, i still love this plot and how it's going.
I hate Louisa's guts! jeez she is the most horrible person EVER.
Christopher is doing all he can, heck she is doing all she can too to get back to the real world BUT i wished Christopher toke more position, meaning, i wish he married her legally too to shut everyone up also i wish they moved away in a rental rather than keep leaving with the mom till they find a house to buy.
Then...the real reason i removed 1 star was because of the totally unnecessary Michael situation! it was so damn random, why the F had the author to add that? why couldn't be a stranger maybe? i hated that he fucking touched her! i could maybe close an eye if he was only ''feeling her up'' but he did more than that, and i despise it. thank God not all the way but still. HATE THAT , so unnecessary for this plot. And i swear if Ember doesn't tell Chris in the next book i'm gonna SCREAM. HE needs to know that! i understand why she don't want to do it, but she needs to tell him ASAP.
I hate Louisa's guts! jeez she is the most horrible person EVER.
Christopher is doing all he can, heck she is doing all she can too to get back to the real world BUT i wished Christopher toke more position, meaning, i wish he married her legally too to shut everyone up also i wish they moved away in a rental rather than keep leaving with the mom till they find a house to buy.
Then...the real reason i removed 1 star was because of the totally unnecessary Michael situation! it was so damn random, why the F had the author to add that? why couldn't be a stranger maybe? i hated that he fucking touched her! i could maybe close an eye if he was only ''feeling her up'' but he did more than that, and i despise it. thank God not all the way but still. HATE THAT , so unnecessary for this plot. And i swear if Ember doesn't tell Chris in the next book i'm gonna SCREAM. HE needs to know that! i understand why she don't want to do it, but she needs to tell him ASAP.
August 30, 2021
RATING: 4.5 ⭐️
THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE, you must read book 1 to understand book 2.
We pick up where we left off, Christopher and Ember have escaped Hallelujah Junction and are being questioned by the police. Richard and Scarecrow are wanted fugitives whose whereabouts are unknown.
Integrating into modern society would be daunting for anyone, but imagine going from a barren ghost town in Nevada to the heart of New York City? That’s culture shock for even those who’ve been raised in modern society. Now add in the duplicitous catty nature of selfish entitled women and you have the females in Christopher’s past life. Louisa is the mother-in-law from hell. I’m in awe of the strength Ember possesses and her ability to tolerate that woman. Then there’s his ex Melissa, a woman who desperately needs to learn to accept reality and gracefully bow out.
I loved meeting Christopher’s friends Christina and Michael. They remind you that having caring people in your life can change your outlook and path. These two don’t dwell on what transpired, instead they help Christopher and Ember move on and reintegrate. They help them feel normal amongst the vultures who wish to exploit their captivity. And yet everything I felt for Christina and Michael changed in the last few pages of this book.
With each passing chapter my heart broke for Ember, who Louisa insists on calling Amber 🙄 She’s been given freedom at the cost of accepting her new prison. Fear has Christopher keeping Ember home. Fear has him sheltering her from the outside world. Fear has him unconsciously mimicking the actions of Richard. Being locked away to stare out a new window left Ember’s sanity dwindling and highlighted a weakness Louisa could exploit. And every time that woman opened her mouth I wanted to slap it shut. She’s a vile human.
There was so much to unpack and experience in this short book. I say if you enjoyed their story the first time, don’t hesitate to continue getting to know them.
Through it all there was one conversation in the book that stuck with me. I think it’s because it showcased Embers feeling of being trapped. In this scene she goes on a solo visit to Central Park and meets a Korean War POW (Prisoner of War), a man who’s escaped and lived through a similar societal reintegration.
This is from Ember’s POV (truncated except):
“𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎?”
𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒂𝒅. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔.
“𝑯𝒐𝒘?”
“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔. 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒓. 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈…𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍. 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆.”
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒕.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒑𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒆.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒇𝒂𝒓.
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE, you must read book 1 to understand book 2.
We pick up where we left off, Christopher and Ember have escaped Hallelujah Junction and are being questioned by the police. Richard and Scarecrow are wanted fugitives whose whereabouts are unknown.
Integrating into modern society would be daunting for anyone, but imagine going from a barren ghost town in Nevada to the heart of New York City? That’s culture shock for even those who’ve been raised in modern society. Now add in the duplicitous catty nature of selfish entitled women and you have the females in Christopher’s past life. Louisa is the mother-in-law from hell. I’m in awe of the strength Ember possesses and her ability to tolerate that woman. Then there’s his ex Melissa, a woman who desperately needs to learn to accept reality and gracefully bow out.
I loved meeting Christopher’s friends Christina and Michael. They remind you that having caring people in your life can change your outlook and path. These two don’t dwell on what transpired, instead they help Christopher and Ember move on and reintegrate. They help them feel normal amongst the vultures who wish to exploit their captivity. And yet everything I felt for Christina and Michael changed in the last few pages of this book.
With each passing chapter my heart broke for Ember, who Louisa insists on calling Amber 🙄 She’s been given freedom at the cost of accepting her new prison. Fear has Christopher keeping Ember home. Fear has him sheltering her from the outside world. Fear has him unconsciously mimicking the actions of Richard. Being locked away to stare out a new window left Ember’s sanity dwindling and highlighted a weakness Louisa could exploit. And every time that woman opened her mouth I wanted to slap it shut. She’s a vile human.
There was so much to unpack and experience in this short book. I say if you enjoyed their story the first time, don’t hesitate to continue getting to know them.
Through it all there was one conversation in the book that stuck with me. I think it’s because it showcased Embers feeling of being trapped. In this scene she goes on a solo visit to Central Park and meets a Korean War POW (Prisoner of War), a man who’s escaped and lived through a similar societal reintegration.
This is from Ember’s POV (truncated except):
“𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎?”
𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒂𝒅. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔.
“𝑯𝒐𝒘?”
“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔. 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒓. 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈…𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍. 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆.”
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒕.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒑𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒆.
𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒇𝒂𝒓.
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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September 6, 2021
Omg.. Omg... This book has made my head spin. What a freaking crazy whirlwind ride this one. Wow...
Finally escaping from the clutches of the evil man and finding their way to freedom, Christopher and Ember are finally free now from the clutches of their horrifying past and from the madman.
But being back in the so called real world after going through something like that is not easy. Especially when Ember has never been around people and is not used to a city life or even around lots of sound or noise.
But they both are doing their best to cope with their new reality. Both of them are finding their footing and grateful to be out of that nightmare.
I respect ember and admire her for her strength. For a woman who's being a prisoner almost all her life, now suddenly being thrown into a world of meeting people, socializing and so many other things, that she is not used to, it's not easy for her.
As is for Christopher, getting on his feet back again. Starting his life anew but this time with a partner is definitely not easy. But they both dive into it head first.
Even though Christopher's mom isn't a understanding woman and doesn't support him being with ember, they both battle everything with great spirit.
Also, I liked Christina, Christopher's friend. The only person who treated ember like a human and was genuinely good to her. I loved her but I also felt bad for what was next.
Finally it feels they both have come a long way and things are looking better and better. But then Ember feels she's not out of harm and will never escape the shadow of her past. When she starts seeing things around her, she doesn't know if she's going crazy or her reality is again going to turn back to her past.
AND THEN.... THAT FREAKING ENDING.... OH MY.... I JUST CAN'T... I'M FREAKING OUT AND OH SO SCARED. BUT ONLY SORTA ANGRY.... BUT MORE SCARED, TERRIFIED OF WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. HOW... WHAT.... 😲😲😲😲😲
I'm diving into book 3 faster than anything. Oh my.. This crazy ride has definitely made my head spin. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Finally escaping from the clutches of the evil man and finding their way to freedom, Christopher and Ember are finally free now from the clutches of their horrifying past and from the madman.
But being back in the so called real world after going through something like that is not easy. Especially when Ember has never been around people and is not used to a city life or even around lots of sound or noise.
But they both are doing their best to cope with their new reality. Both of them are finding their footing and grateful to be out of that nightmare.
I respect ember and admire her for her strength. For a woman who's being a prisoner almost all her life, now suddenly being thrown into a world of meeting people, socializing and so many other things, that she is not used to, it's not easy for her.
As is for Christopher, getting on his feet back again. Starting his life anew but this time with a partner is definitely not easy. But they both dive into it head first.
Even though Christopher's mom isn't a understanding woman and doesn't support him being with ember, they both battle everything with great spirit.
Also, I liked Christina, Christopher's friend. The only person who treated ember like a human and was genuinely good to her. I loved her but I also felt bad for what was next.
Finally it feels they both have come a long way and things are looking better and better. But then Ember feels she's not out of harm and will never escape the shadow of her past. When she starts seeing things around her, she doesn't know if she's going crazy or her reality is again going to turn back to her past.
AND THEN.... THAT FREAKING ENDING.... OH MY.... I JUST CAN'T... I'M FREAKING OUT AND OH SO SCARED. BUT ONLY SORTA ANGRY.... BUT MORE SCARED, TERRIFIED OF WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. HOW... WHAT.... 😲😲😲😲😲
I'm diving into book 3 faster than anything. Oh my.. This crazy ride has definitely made my head spin. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 27, 2021
I've got to say that this book/series has me right by the throat and will not let go. There is something profoundly captivating about this dark and intense tale. Christopher and Ember make a complicated and complex couple that has me fiercely invested in the outcome of their story. This suspenseful read is really quite different and definitely keeps you feeling on the edge and anxious over what that next twist or turn will be. This is my elective, forthright review.
October 1, 2021
I'm trying to write these reviews as I read.
These books are really short! It honestly could have all been squeezed into a single book without having to reduce the wordcount. 🤣 They almost feel like novellas. Maybe they are, idk, I didn't check.
In Kept bride we get to see Ember struggle with the harsh reality that Christopher's world is just another kind of cage.
The sex scenes are awkward and to me, didn't fit the tone of the book, there were like, three of them I think and they all left me wondering how this sheltered, cloistered girl from the backwoods even knew half the terms she used. But that's not the part of the book I focused on.
This book has more triggers than the last I think. So if you made it through book one and it felt trigger heavy, book two is somehow worse. 🤔
I love the psychological struggles and warfare going on in this story, that to me is the most addicting part. It's a 2 ½ to 3 star read but the weight of the emotions and content matter make it feel more like a 4 star book. 🌟 I highly recommend it to those of us who like dark, tormented heroes/heroines.
These books are really short! It honestly could have all been squeezed into a single book without having to reduce the wordcount. 🤣 They almost feel like novellas. Maybe they are, idk, I didn't check.
In Kept bride we get to see Ember struggle with the harsh reality that Christopher's world is just another kind of cage.
The sex scenes are awkward and to me, didn't fit the tone of the book, there were like, three of them I think and they all left me wondering how this sheltered, cloistered girl from the backwoods even knew half the terms she used. But that's not the part of the book I focused on.
This book has more triggers than the last I think. So if you made it through book one and it felt trigger heavy, book two is somehow worse. 🤔
I love the psychological struggles and warfare going on in this story, that to me is the most addicting part. It's a 2 ½ to 3 star read but the weight of the emotions and content matter make it feel more like a 4 star book. 🌟 I highly recommend it to those of us who like dark, tormented heroes/heroines.
July 6, 2021
This is the second book in the trilogy and I do recommend reading them in order. Ember and Christopher’s story is fast-paced with loads of drama, suspense and twists and turns. Great characters with lots of depth and the story that draws you in from beginning to end. I am looking forward to the next book in this twists, psychological tale. I loved it!
July 4, 2021
WILL I EVER KNOW WHAT NORMAL IS SUPPOSED TO BE?
The second book in The Secret Bride trilogy is not as much a harrowing psychological thriller as the first book, Captive Bride. In many ways, it is a crueler reality than when Ember was just the Ghost of Hallelujah Junction. She goes from one prison to another, and the results are scary, vicious, and in many ways, more challenging. At least what she was used to was comfortable and her normal—but the asphalt jungle of New York City is full of the unknown.
“I think about when things were simpler, with my books and my cat, Pine Cone. I don’t want to forget like Christopher does. If I forget, it will be as if I never existed. Hallelujah Junction might be Christopher’s nightmare, but it’s all I had. It’s me. I’m nothing but the ghost of Hallelujah Junction stuck in a different kind of purgatory.”
As a reviewer, I must keep this short and not give anything away; I guess this could be considered another page-turning psychological thriller. The story has the good, the bad, and the very evil of people. Ember has no memory of life before Papa Rich and living as a ghost, accepting his word and dictates. Christopher has accepted Ember, is dedicated to her care, and that includes escaping a madman that has held them prisoner, forced them to marry, and will kill to have his way. Christopher is determined to find freedom for them both—and when the world wants to say they aren’t married—he fights back and insists they are in all ways that matter. When his mother is against Ember, he tries to keep the peace, but Ember has no peace. The wolves at the door are dressed in finery, but their bite is lethal—the fate of Christopher and Ember hangs in the balance.
Ember: “We’re married now. I know your mother says we aren’t. But I believe we are. Under God, we are. In my heart and soul, we are. How do you feel?”
Christopher: “You’re my wife. I don’t care what anyone says; you are my wife. Yes, we made wedding vows, but I made my own vow to you that has nothing to do with being married. I’m never going to leave you, Ember. I’m here for you through all of this. I’m not letting you go. I know you’re afraid I will, but I swear to you, you’re mine. My wife. My future.”
“My captive bride is finally happy. A little taste of freedom is all it takes.”
Ember: “He’s my husband.”
Louisa: “No, Amber, he isn’t.”
Ember: “I’m not going to leave Christopher. I’m sorry. I’m not.”
Louisa: “Then you’re just as bad as Richard. He may have forced you both to get married, but you are forcing it to continue. My son was a victim of your father. But you, Amber, are torturing him more than Richard ever did.”
“I relate to Alice. I, too, have gone down my own rabbit hole. I’m in a Wonderland of my own. A mad, mad world where everything is foreign and different. But I’m coming out of it stronger. I have to believe that.”
Warning to those who hate cliffhangers—this ends on another heart-stopping cliffhanger. I have already preordered the last book, Taken Bride. I am too invested in this story, and I must see where it finally ends for Christopher and Ember.
The second book in The Secret Bride trilogy is not as much a harrowing psychological thriller as the first book, Captive Bride. In many ways, it is a crueler reality than when Ember was just the Ghost of Hallelujah Junction. She goes from one prison to another, and the results are scary, vicious, and in many ways, more challenging. At least what she was used to was comfortable and her normal—but the asphalt jungle of New York City is full of the unknown.
“I think about when things were simpler, with my books and my cat, Pine Cone. I don’t want to forget like Christopher does. If I forget, it will be as if I never existed. Hallelujah Junction might be Christopher’s nightmare, but it’s all I had. It’s me. I’m nothing but the ghost of Hallelujah Junction stuck in a different kind of purgatory.”
As a reviewer, I must keep this short and not give anything away; I guess this could be considered another page-turning psychological thriller. The story has the good, the bad, and the very evil of people. Ember has no memory of life before Papa Rich and living as a ghost, accepting his word and dictates. Christopher has accepted Ember, is dedicated to her care, and that includes escaping a madman that has held them prisoner, forced them to marry, and will kill to have his way. Christopher is determined to find freedom for them both—and when the world wants to say they aren’t married—he fights back and insists they are in all ways that matter. When his mother is against Ember, he tries to keep the peace, but Ember has no peace. The wolves at the door are dressed in finery, but their bite is lethal—the fate of Christopher and Ember hangs in the balance.
Ember: “We’re married now. I know your mother says we aren’t. But I believe we are. Under God, we are. In my heart and soul, we are. How do you feel?”
Christopher: “You’re my wife. I don’t care what anyone says; you are my wife. Yes, we made wedding vows, but I made my own vow to you that has nothing to do with being married. I’m never going to leave you, Ember. I’m here for you through all of this. I’m not letting you go. I know you’re afraid I will, but I swear to you, you’re mine. My wife. My future.”
“My captive bride is finally happy. A little taste of freedom is all it takes.”
Ember: “He’s my husband.”
Louisa: “No, Amber, he isn’t.”
Ember: “I’m not going to leave Christopher. I’m sorry. I’m not.”
Louisa: “Then you’re just as bad as Richard. He may have forced you both to get married, but you are forcing it to continue. My son was a victim of your father. But you, Amber, are torturing him more than Richard ever did.”
“I relate to Alice. I, too, have gone down my own rabbit hole. I’m in a Wonderland of my own. A mad, mad world where everything is foreign and different. But I’m coming out of it stronger. I have to believe that.”
Warning to those who hate cliffhangers—this ends on another heart-stopping cliffhanger. I have already preordered the last book, Taken Bride. I am too invested in this story, and I must see where it finally ends for Christopher and Ember.
July 12, 2021
'Kept Bride' is book two in Alta Hensley's "The Secret Bride" series and what an absolute, phycological mind game that continues to be played. Not by Pappa Rich, Ember's presumed father, but now by a more elite, well-dressed set of wolves. This book can be read as a standalone but reading 'Captive Vow' and 'Captive Bride' will fill in all the previous history and buildup of the continuing twists and turns in this continuing thriller. Once again, I'm wanting to fill you in on all that has gone on and what Christopher's world is putting these two through plus how each of them is handling things, but I want to be fair to Ms. Hensley and her talent. Like last time, there is a cliffhanger but I'm able to take a deep breath until the next one comes out.
July 7, 2021
This is the second book of the Secret Bride trilogy, which means you need to have read Captive Bride to get the start of Christopher and Ember’s story. Also, as this book ends in a cliffhanger, you will have to wait for Taken Bride to see how this tale ends.
The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride
Ember is completely out of her element now that everything she has known is gone. There are also forces at play that we still don’t understand. Hopefully we get all the missing pieces to the puzzle when book 3 is released.
#MSBB
The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride
Ember is completely out of her element now that everything she has known is gone. There are also forces at play that we still don’t understand. Hopefully we get all the missing pieces to the puzzle when book 3 is released.
#MSBB
July 7, 2021
What an exciting story! Flipping the pages rapidly, I was mesmerized! My heart ached for the pain and sadness that they experienced! Kept Bride will have you guessing at every turn! Alta Hensley takes you on a wild journey filled with doubt and an underlying suspense! Five Fantastic stars for such a emotional and heartfelt book!!
July 9, 2021
I have been waiting for this one! Ever since the second I finished captive bride! Kept bride was awesome! I loved how naive the main female character is! ( I don’t want to insult her by using her name 😂) and that ending! Oh I felt her emotions in my soul! Alta Hensley is brilliant! And this plot series is genius!!!
( that Papa Rich…) GENIUS
( that Papa Rich…) GENIUS
June 30, 2021
Wow! This book was absolutely phenomenal like I knew it would! Hello, look at who the author is. Dark, twists and turns, captivating, suspense, intrigue, attention grabbing all the way through!
October 25, 2021
I'm so stressed reading these - I couldn't read it at night 😩! (Only bc I'm a wetty I don't think it's v v scary) Still very good though!!
December 15, 2022
Nope, WTH?!
So his friend sexual assaults the heroine and nothing happens?! Are you kidding me?
I’m going to the third book because I’m curious how this is going to end. But, I’ve yet to see the characters actually develop in this book.
So his friend sexual assaults the heroine and nothing happens?! Are you kidding me?
I’m going to the third book because I’m curious how this is going to end. But, I’ve yet to see the characters actually develop in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2021
Christopher & Ember Face New Challenges & A New Kind Of Prison! Their Journey Begins In Horror At The Hands Of A Demented Religious Zealot, Papa Rich. They Might Be Technically Free, But In Reality They Have A Long Way To Go Before Shedding The Mental Chains That Richard So Carefully Bound Them In. Their Story Is A Thriller Steeped In Impending Danger. The Pair Does Develop Feelings For One Another, But This Is No Standard Romance.
IN THIS TRILOGY:
This is the second book of the Secret Bride trilogy, which is Christopher and Ember’s story. This book ends in another cliffhanger.
The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride
Papa Rich, Ember’s father in this trilogy, 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 Junction 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 CAPTIVE BRIDE, BOOK ONE:
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.
IN THIS BOOK:
As book one came to a close, Christopher and Ember finally broke free from Richard, setting Hallelujah Junction ablaze in the process. But freedom didn’t come before Christopher had finally come to appreciate the horror that Ember had lived through. He made vows to her outside of those forced upon him by Richard, and he honestly loves her. No matter how it had first begun, he sees her as his wife just as she sees him as her legitimate husband.
As this book opens, the couple faces new challenges and a new kind of prison. They might be free technically, but in reality they have a long way to go before shedding the mental chains that Richard so carefully bound them in. The local sheriff is joined by the FBI on location, and they want answers. They don’t seem satisfied, no matter how many times Christopher and Ember answer their questions. Their interest in Ember concerns Christopher, but Ember’s biggest concern is the fact that Richard’s body was never recovered from the ashes. She knows all too well that Richard will never let them go. He will need to punish them for their actions. Christopher’s refusal to take the threat too seriously has her frustrated, but life is too complicated to dwell on that fact.
It quickly becomes obvious that Christopher’s mother, socialite Louisa Davenport, is less than pleased by Christopher’s insistence that Ember is his wife. When she thought he had died, Louisa sold Christopher’s apartment, so the couple returns home with her to a crazed paparazzi. Having only ever really been around three people since she was taken by Richard at age five, Ember is overwhelmed by the fast pace of change in her life. But Christopher is determined to protect her, which means keeping her holed up in Louisa’s home for the time being. He knows they need their own home, but he refuses to touch his trust fund and the real estate market is a bit wonky. He goes right back to work to help them afford a home of their own, but leaves Ember on her own in a home in which she doesn’t feel welcome.
Christopher seems to be running from some of his problems, wearing blinders. He is clearly overwhelmed with trying to find a new sense of normal. He is unwavering in his commitment to Ember, but that commitment is tested repeatedly. He unwittingly puts a great deal of responsibility on Ember’s shoulders, and she lacks real world experience. It is a test for her to get by day to day in his absence, thanks to his long hours, but she shows considerable strength. Still, they both struggle with what happened at Hallelujah Junction. There are those that would take advantage of the difficulties Christopher and Ember face. Louisa Davenport isn’t the only person who wants to see Ember leave. Marissa, Christopher’s old girlfriend, doesn’t seem to get the message that he has moved on. Sometimes Ember wishes nothing had changed, and that they were still in chains back in Hallelujah Junction. This part of their journey together shows them attempting to find a new normal in a complicated world. It ends in a cliffhanger, to be continued in book three 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, though it does pick up here. Their bond is forced unnaturally. It is unclear whether they might have had any chemistry under normal circumstances. Indeed, Christopher saw her as childlike. He pitied Ember; his love came 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 dreamed of a Prince Charming, though she could not image what came next. In freedom, Christopher returns to a demanding career as a successful photographer. Ember doesn’t know what she wants out of life, other than to be a good wife. She had never allowed herself the privilege of dreaming while under Papa Rich’s rule because she knew dreams would lead to disappointment. She and Christopher were like night and day in book one. Her childlike innocence made the notion of romance between the pair hard to embrace. Here, however, their shared history makes their love and commitment understandable.
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. Here he becomes known as the Hallelujah Junction serial killer, or Ghost Town Killer, believed to be responsible for twenty-two deaths and wanted by the FBI.
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 a few minor inconsistent points. The story is somewhat complex. It is plot-driven. The characters are nicely 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 four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IN THIS TRILOGY:
This is the second book of the Secret Bride trilogy, which is Christopher and Ember’s story. This book ends in another cliffhanger.
The trilogy includes:
1. Captive Bride
2. Kept Bride
3. Taken Bride
Papa Rich, Ember’s father in this trilogy, 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 Junction 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 CAPTIVE BRIDE, BOOK ONE:
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.
IN THIS BOOK:
As book one came to a close, Christopher and Ember finally broke free from Richard, setting Hallelujah Junction ablaze in the process. But freedom didn’t come before Christopher had finally come to appreciate the horror that Ember had lived through. He made vows to her outside of those forced upon him by Richard, and he honestly loves her. No matter how it had first begun, he sees her as his wife just as she sees him as her legitimate husband.
As this book opens, the couple faces new challenges and a new kind of prison. They might be free technically, but in reality they have a long way to go before shedding the mental chains that Richard so carefully bound them in. The local sheriff is joined by the FBI on location, and they want answers. They don’t seem satisfied, no matter how many times Christopher and Ember answer their questions. Their interest in Ember concerns Christopher, but Ember’s biggest concern is the fact that Richard’s body was never recovered from the ashes. She knows all too well that Richard will never let them go. He will need to punish them for their actions. Christopher’s refusal to take the threat too seriously has her frustrated, but life is too complicated to dwell on that fact.
It quickly becomes obvious that Christopher’s mother, socialite Louisa Davenport, is less than pleased by Christopher’s insistence that Ember is his wife. When she thought he had died, Louisa sold Christopher’s apartment, so the couple returns home with her to a crazed paparazzi. Having only ever really been around three people since she was taken by Richard at age five, Ember is overwhelmed by the fast pace of change in her life. But Christopher is determined to protect her, which means keeping her holed up in Louisa’s home for the time being. He knows they need their own home, but he refuses to touch his trust fund and the real estate market is a bit wonky. He goes right back to work to help them afford a home of their own, but leaves Ember on her own in a home in which she doesn’t feel welcome.
Christopher seems to be running from some of his problems, wearing blinders. He is clearly overwhelmed with trying to find a new sense of normal. He is unwavering in his commitment to Ember, but that commitment is tested repeatedly. He unwittingly puts a great deal of responsibility on Ember’s shoulders, and she lacks real world experience. It is a test for her to get by day to day in his absence, thanks to his long hours, but she shows considerable strength. Still, they both struggle with what happened at Hallelujah Junction. There are those that would take advantage of the difficulties Christopher and Ember face. Louisa Davenport isn’t the only person who wants to see Ember leave. Marissa, Christopher’s old girlfriend, doesn’t seem to get the message that he has moved on. Sometimes Ember wishes nothing had changed, and that they were still in chains back in Hallelujah Junction. This part of their journey together shows them attempting to find a new normal in a complicated world. It ends in a cliffhanger, to be continued in book three 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, though it does pick up here. Their bond is forced unnaturally. It is unclear whether they might have had any chemistry under normal circumstances. Indeed, Christopher saw her as childlike. He pitied Ember; his love came 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 dreamed of a Prince Charming, though she could not image what came next. In freedom, Christopher returns to a demanding career as a successful photographer. Ember doesn’t know what she wants out of life, other than to be a good wife. She had never allowed herself the privilege of dreaming while under Papa Rich’s rule because she knew dreams would lead to disappointment. She and Christopher were like night and day in book one. Her childlike innocence made the notion of romance between the pair hard to embrace. Here, however, their shared history makes their love and commitment understandable.
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. Here he becomes known as the Hallelujah Junction serial killer, or Ghost Town Killer, believed to be responsible for twenty-two deaths and wanted by the FBI.
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 a few minor inconsistent points. The story is somewhat complex. It is plot-driven. The characters are nicely 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 four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2021
MY RATING: 3.5*
RELEASE DATE: 06 July 2021
CLIFFHANGER: Yes
ARC was kindly provided for an honest review
We pick up where we left off in the Captive Bride in this gritty story of survival, perseverance and love when our couple finally set themselves free from the shackles of the life they were forced to live with the deranged Richard.
Ember is overwhelmed by her new life. When she finally learns the truth about who she really is and what has become of her mother, she realises that she has truly lived a lie for twenty years. She feels untethered, out of place, scared, suffocated and insecure in her new life with a man she believes is her husband. Does he really want her? If not, where will she go? Will she ever fit in? Will she move on, if so to what and how? These questions plague her psyche day and night as she learns to live in a world and a life she’s only read in books. But nobody knowing Richard’s whereabout, the poor girl is scared.
Meanwhile Christopher appears to be taking to his old, new life like duck to water. He gets his job back, his mother, his friends. Basically, he has his life back pretty much the way it was if Ember wasn’t in tow.
This had the hallmarks of a 5+ star read for me, but the book was way too short. The pace was good but for some reason a lot of it was rushed; some aspects could have done with some real fleshing out. Some instances it almost felt too jumpy from one scene to another, so the fleshy and joining events were missing. For example, it would have been nice to see the therapy sessions and whatever else they did in between the moments of big activities. Just to be a part of their everyday life a bit more.
I had a love/hate relationship with Chris in this book. I loved that he rode with Ember for real and was committed to her and their marriage. But I hated that he often lost sight of her a lot. For example, when they first arrived, he made the decision and choice to do all the interviews, speak to their media etc and never asked if she wanted to do it at all. I hated that he just went back to his life and just expected her to just exist in his mother’s house and just figure it out, move on and dare not mentioned her past life; a life she lived for 20 years, especially as he didn’t really need to work financially. He had enough money to stay at home with her for a lot longer and make sure she’s straight before he went back to work. I especially hated him when he lost his shit over Ember’s freak out when that bitch Louisa did that shit. The fact that she has had these incidents three times while he was out of town working, should be a sign for him to stay his ass at home.
I can’t believe that Louisa would do such a thing to another person who is obviously mentally scarred. Oh that cliff-hanger.
Does it mean what I think it means with regards to Richard? If not, how on earth did she get that book? Hell, how did she find him? It blows my mind that she thinks without Ember there, Christopher is just going to shrug his shoulders and go “oh, well. I guess I’ll fuck with Marissa now?”. Who does that? Basically, Louisa is a bitch. And what the fuck was up with Michael? I hated Ember’s reaction to what Michael did. I mean someone attempts to hurt you like that, its crazy to just brush it off as “oh, well. We all sin.” No fuck that. That’s another thing that really could have done with some fleshing out. The Michael from the restaurant to suddenly, and quite literally out of the blue turn into the Michael at that party, what the fuck is that about? We need more information. All in all, kids, the message about Louisa and Michael is
July 5, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
My history is forbidden. My story dark and twisted. My future decided. I know I don't belong in this decadent world-his world. Money, power, and dark secrets surround me now. I submit to it all to be his perfect obedient wife. They stalk my every move, watching me, judging me. I'm in the same prison, just with different guards. But all I care about is him. His eyes, his touch, his hold over me. I'm forever the kept bride, even though they all try to steal me away.
This is the second book in The Secret Bride Series from Alta Hensley. You have to read the first book, Captive Bride or you are going to be lost. This one picks up right where Captive Bride left off too and I so could not lay it down. Ember and Christopher have escaped from their life in Hallelujah Junction and are headed back to his home in New York with his mother. And can I just say that I can not stand Louisa Davenport!!! Oh my gosh, she might be Christopher's mother but she is really one high and mighty socialite piece of work!!! Christopher knows that this is going to be hard for Ember as all she has ever known has burnt to the ground and they just found out that Papa Rich might just have survived the fire they saw him running into. However Christopher is determined to not let Ember ever thank about that man again and he refuses to give him any of his worry either. He knows that she is going to have major adjustments to get use to being in New York and not stuck in a house alone never seeing anyone but Scarecrow. Now they are being hounded by the police and reporters and Christopher is going to keep them all a bay and stay married to Ember. But his mother is not a fan of Ember and she sure does everything in her power not to make her feel welcome. This is where you see how strong the love is between Christopher and Ember, you see how protective they are of each other. But strange things are happening and Ember just might be losing her mind or someone might just be helping her to fall over the edge. While this one is not quiet as dark as Captive Bride it is so good and the ending just about had me falling off the edge of my seat!!! To say I need Taken Bride in my hands right now is a understatement. I can't wait to see how things play out. You guys are going to love this series!!! Get it and enjoy the wild ride you have in store for you!
My history is forbidden. My story dark and twisted. My future decided. I know I don't belong in this decadent world-his world. Money, power, and dark secrets surround me now. I submit to it all to be his perfect obedient wife. They stalk my every move, watching me, judging me. I'm in the same prison, just with different guards. But all I care about is him. His eyes, his touch, his hold over me. I'm forever the kept bride, even though they all try to steal me away.
This is the second book in The Secret Bride Series from Alta Hensley. You have to read the first book, Captive Bride or you are going to be lost. This one picks up right where Captive Bride left off too and I so could not lay it down. Ember and Christopher have escaped from their life in Hallelujah Junction and are headed back to his home in New York with his mother. And can I just say that I can not stand Louisa Davenport!!! Oh my gosh, she might be Christopher's mother but she is really one high and mighty socialite piece of work!!! Christopher knows that this is going to be hard for Ember as all she has ever known has burnt to the ground and they just found out that Papa Rich might just have survived the fire they saw him running into. However Christopher is determined to not let Ember ever thank about that man again and he refuses to give him any of his worry either. He knows that she is going to have major adjustments to get use to being in New York and not stuck in a house alone never seeing anyone but Scarecrow. Now they are being hounded by the police and reporters and Christopher is going to keep them all a bay and stay married to Ember. But his mother is not a fan of Ember and she sure does everything in her power not to make her feel welcome. This is where you see how strong the love is between Christopher and Ember, you see how protective they are of each other. But strange things are happening and Ember just might be losing her mind or someone might just be helping her to fall over the edge. While this one is not quiet as dark as Captive Bride it is so good and the ending just about had me falling off the edge of my seat!!! To say I need Taken Bride in my hands right now is a understatement. I can't wait to see how things play out. You guys are going to love this series!!! Get it and enjoy the wild ride you have in store for you!
July 28, 2021
Ember has followed Christopher, like a lamb to a slaughterhouse. He promised to look after her, and to a degree he does. He takes his marriage vows seriously and in his heart, he knows he loves her. But he has not got the knowledge of just how entrenched Halleluja Junctions has been in-bred in her. And why she finds it so difficult to adjust to his life, a life that he has just stepped back into. And while Papa Rich was an evil man, he still cared for her in his own unique way. So why does she feel that the people in Christopher’s life are equally as evil as Papa Rich? As Ember learns to step outside and see a different world, we can’t help but feel the suspense building and waiting for that something to happen. Christopher tries to be a better man, but even he is being pushed to his limits. But who is setting the plan in place? Will Christopher be caught off guard again? And while this new world is overwhelming for Ember, is there something more sinister at play? Who can she really trust? I am loving this series on the whole so far. However the pace is a bit jumpy and at times, I felt like there was too much filler that was not needed and where there should have been more story it was a bit lacking. I wanted more from Ember, where Michaels was concerned. If Michael does redeem himself then the author is really going to have to dig deep to get him out of this mess. As for Louisa and Marissa, let’s hope they find their own personal Halleluja Junctions. As for Christopher, let’s hope he knocks his head and starts to see how he has been played? But Ember’s book – How did it come to be? Is there more to this story than we realize? Did Christopher stumble off that path by chance, or was this all set in motion a long time ago? I am loving the suspense, and how the author keeps us on our toes where evil characters emerge. And let’s not forget the cliffhanger?
June 29, 2021
Ember and Christopher’s adventure in what can only be described as “The Twilight Zone” continues! This is Book Two of a Three Book set so if you haven’t read Captive Bride yet, please be sure to do so before starting this one. The good part of doing that is that you can then read this book and keep the momentum (and suspense) going.
Chris and Ember have made it back to New York, but their welcoming is anything but. Chris’s mother is the mother from Hell and not in the least bit supportive to him, and especially not to Ember. Chris’s former girlfriend also appears to be emotionally hurt….and hostile. Even their cook seems to be supportive at first but doesn’t always ring true. Reading this story is hard, and makes you really think of what life must have been like for other real-life people who have been able to escape captivity after a long period of time with their kidnappers/assaulters. There is no Stockholm Effect here.
As they adjust to their new freedom (?) they both experience bouts of PTSD, but Ember faces even more extreme mental challenges. Have Papa Rich and the Scarecrow survived? Have they found her in New York? Will they kill anyone or everyone? Really a mind blowing drama, with suspense and even horror. Who is real, who are their friends, who are their enemies, and who, if anyone, can they trust.
A truly engrossing story that will keep you on edge from page to page, chapter to chapter. A warning, this book ends on a cliff hanger (a very steep one) and will leave you screaming for Book Three (Taken Bride) to be released even earlier than September 2021.
For a good feel for the quality of these stories, and a warning on the content, please have a look at my review of Captive Bride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chris and Ember have made it back to New York, but their welcoming is anything but. Chris’s mother is the mother from Hell and not in the least bit supportive to him, and especially not to Ember. Chris’s former girlfriend also appears to be emotionally hurt….and hostile. Even their cook seems to be supportive at first but doesn’t always ring true. Reading this story is hard, and makes you really think of what life must have been like for other real-life people who have been able to escape captivity after a long period of time with their kidnappers/assaulters. There is no Stockholm Effect here.
As they adjust to their new freedom (?) they both experience bouts of PTSD, but Ember faces even more extreme mental challenges. Have Papa Rich and the Scarecrow survived? Have they found her in New York? Will they kill anyone or everyone? Really a mind blowing drama, with suspense and even horror. Who is real, who are their friends, who are their enemies, and who, if anyone, can they trust.
A truly engrossing story that will keep you on edge from page to page, chapter to chapter. A warning, this book ends on a cliff hanger (a very steep one) and will leave you screaming for Book Three (Taken Bride) to be released even earlier than September 2021.
For a good feel for the quality of these stories, and a warning on the content, please have a look at my review of Captive Bride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2021
Kept Bride: A Dark Romance (The Secret Bride #2) by Alta Hensley picks up with Christopher and Ember being rescued. Now Ember is going to New York with Christopher. The town they burned down is all she has ever known and the school house was her sanctuary. She is scared and is out of her element. Christopher has promised to take care of her. He has assured her he is still her husband and she is still his wife. However not everyone is so thrilled with this arrangement. With no place to live they find themselves in hostile territory living with Christopher's mother. She thinks her son is crazy for saying his marriage to Ember is real. She also feels Ember is beneath her family's social standing in high society. And to add insult to injury Ember's father did kidnap Christopher and forced him to marry her so that doesn't help. The mother makes her feelings known and has no problem making Ember's life a living hell. While Ember is feeling like a fish out of water, Christopher is trying to go back to work to provide for his family. Mind you he doesn't have to work and is filthy rich. I have to say I was not happy with this book. I was mad by the time I got to the last page. That mother made we want to ring her neck and Christopher's neck too. Now I have to wait to read the conclusion to this story. So looking forward to see how this story will be resolved and if Ember will find her peace. Everyone else can kick rocks as far as I am concerned. Eventhough I am mad at Christopher at the moment I hope he can redeem himself. I love Ember and Christopher. Her discovering who she is as a sexual woman is quite the treat and is down right hot and kinky at times. Despite my being so mad at the conclusion of this story I still give it 4.5 stars. I knew something was going to happen I wouldn't like, I just didn't think it was that. Good job Alta!
June 30, 2021
The first part of this new Series from Alta Hensley ended in such a way that the reader could feel fairly relaxed for Ember and Christopher. Papa Rich and Scarecrow were gone and the two lovers could move forward to begin to heal and live their lives. Of course Ember was thrown into a modern world in which she was a complete stranger having been locked away in Hallelujah Junction from the age of 5. Ruled over and terrorised by Papa Rich for most of her life, forced to watch whilst he murdered countless innocent people who may have got too close to the Schoolhouse where Ember was the ‘ghost in the window’ and eventually forcing her to marry Christopher whom he had attacked, rendered unconscious and chained in the cellar, one would hope Ember and Christopher who, having shared a unique and profoundly disturbing start to their relationship, would get a HEA. Hold on to your hats readers, Ms Hensley takes us on an emotional roller coaster. There is so much to deal with, can Ember adjust or is she just too broken? Modern New York is a world away from closed and locked in Hallelujah Junction and there is so much that is new and loud and scary, imagine having to wear shoes, when you haven’t in nearly 20 years. Christopher’s mother will help ease Ember into her new life, won’t she? Read on, but be warned this one has a cliff hanger finish. I for one cannot wait to see what’s going to happen next. Once again Alta pulls it off, a really absorbing and entertaining read, could not put it down, read it, more or less, in one sitting, with stops to get coffee. Really looking forward to the last part, should be a hoot. Excellent
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2021
This is my first book by Alta Hensley and I must say I was very intrigued and awestruck by the darkness and intensity of story. I know that it's a continuation of Captive Bride that I will need to truly get a better understanding of these two characters. Kept Bride is book two in the Secret Bride series. In Kept Bride you find that Christopher and Ember are no longer prisoners nor in Hallelujah Junction and free from Papa Rich. Christopher is upper crust and Ember is not use to that. The two heads back to his home town but Christopher worries about Ember. In the previous book Ember was the one who took care of Christopher when she was in the prison and force to soothe and marry him by the crazy Papa Rich.
Ember escapes one prison to replace it another because she's still being hunted, judged, and watched. Christopher struggle to show Ember that he's there for her as she tries to settle in his life. As adversaries tries to tear them apart you will see how possessive Christopher is of her. This is where you will see how much Ember and Christopher loves each other. This a nail biting psychological dark thriller. It's twisted and have you on the edge your guessing the fate of the couple. There's drama, suspense, madness, captivity, freedom. The story was well written with world building characters and easy to follow. Ms. Henley knows how to capture that awful mother-in-law that daughter-in-law all over can relate to. If you're a fan of mind bending thrillers then this is the series for you, catch up with Captive Bride first and conclude with Taken Bride as these two struggle, crawl and fight for their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ember escapes one prison to replace it another because she's still being hunted, judged, and watched. Christopher struggle to show Ember that he's there for her as she tries to settle in his life. As adversaries tries to tear them apart you will see how possessive Christopher is of her. This is where you will see how much Ember and Christopher loves each other. This a nail biting psychological dark thriller. It's twisted and have you on the edge your guessing the fate of the couple. There's drama, suspense, madness, captivity, freedom. The story was well written with world building characters and easy to follow. Ms. Henley knows how to capture that awful mother-in-law that daughter-in-law all over can relate to. If you're a fan of mind bending thrillers then this is the series for you, catch up with Captive Bride first and conclude with Taken Bride as these two struggle, crawl and fight for their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2023
what did ember do to deserve all this ??? Two stars are only and only for her ! rest of them were awful !!
I hate Chris’s Mother , Marissa , even Mrs. Evans and i hate Christopher too !! why can’t ember have a happy fucking life.
Christopher doesn’t deserve Ember !! she deserves so much more than an immature, non-understanding , selfish husband! He didn’t understand her pain even though he claimed to.. he didn’t understand her trauma , her feelings, literally everything… he just didn’t get it and every time Ember said something about her feelings … he just didn’t understand. He shut her up when ever she wanted to talk about richard .. he was preventing her to confiding in the one person she loved. he thought he knew what he was doing to protect her !! but he’s as awful as others ! He left her alone so many times with his evil mother. He kept saying that they’re bonded by the tragic experience.. but please stop that bullshit. He took her out of one cage to put her in other. He had the fucking AUDACITY to yell at Ember when he thought she had lost her mind !! He didn’t believe her at all ! Now i doubt if she ever told him about the SA .. would he even believe her ??
He was using her for sex and some sort of grounding connection he felt he had with her. Sex felt so wrong between them !
I also didn’t understand why Michael turned out to be a bad guy when he was so good in the beginning. Was there any need for that ??
What i understood was .. even if an MMC keeps saying she’s my wife .. she’s my wife … we shouldn’t get feral over those two words … A MMC can say those two magical words and still be a shitty husband!
I hate Chris’s Mother , Marissa , even Mrs. Evans and i hate Christopher too !! why can’t ember have a happy fucking life.
Christopher doesn’t deserve Ember !! she deserves so much more than an immature, non-understanding , selfish husband! He didn’t understand her pain even though he claimed to.. he didn’t understand her trauma , her feelings, literally everything… he just didn’t get it and every time Ember said something about her feelings … he just didn’t understand. He shut her up when ever she wanted to talk about richard .. he was preventing her to confiding in the one person she loved. he thought he knew what he was doing to protect her !! but he’s as awful as others ! He left her alone so many times with his evil mother. He kept saying that they’re bonded by the tragic experience.. but please stop that bullshit. He took her out of one cage to put her in other. He had the fucking AUDACITY to yell at Ember when he thought she had lost her mind !! He didn’t believe her at all ! Now i doubt if she ever told him about the SA .. would he even believe her ??
He was using her for sex and some sort of grounding connection he felt he had with her. Sex felt so wrong between them !
I also didn’t understand why Michael turned out to be a bad guy when he was so good in the beginning. Was there any need for that ??
What i understood was .. even if an MMC keeps saying she’s my wife .. she’s my wife … we shouldn’t get feral over those two words … A MMC can say those two magical words and still be a shitty husband!
June 25, 2021
A compelling second book in the series, had to read in one sitting
This was simply spectacular right from the very first page as we joined Christopher and Ember as they are rescued and return to his home after his mother believed him dead and had sold his apartment and all of his belongings and then had continued to launch her party’s and fund raisers.
Ember has been brought to a world she has no knowledge of after being locked away by Papa Rich and then married off to Richard by Scarecrow which was the only reason he had not been killed and thrown into the lime pits as his death had been reported.
As Ember is living in Christopher’s mother home it is more that obvious that she dislikes her immensely and has told him repeatedly that the marriage is not real and that he should leave her, she is not suitable for their family something that Christopher has vehemently denied he loves Ember.
As they continue to make, they way through the reporters and the struggles with daily life strange things begin to happen in the house and Ember is convinced that Scarecrow and Papa Rich have found them and has come to reclaim them.
However, there are far more dastardly deeds going on in this house and with out spoiling the plot I can assure you that you will have to read this book in one sitting and will be left looking forward to the next book in the series.
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 was simply spectacular right from the very first page as we joined Christopher and Ember as they are rescued and return to his home after his mother believed him dead and had sold his apartment and all of his belongings and then had continued to launch her party’s and fund raisers.
Ember has been brought to a world she has no knowledge of after being locked away by Papa Rich and then married off to Richard by Scarecrow which was the only reason he had not been killed and thrown into the lime pits as his death had been reported.
As Ember is living in Christopher’s mother home it is more that obvious that she dislikes her immensely and has told him repeatedly that the marriage is not real and that he should leave her, she is not suitable for their family something that Christopher has vehemently denied he loves Ember.
As they continue to make, they way through the reporters and the struggles with daily life strange things begin to happen in the house and Ember is convinced that Scarecrow and Papa Rich have found them and has come to reclaim them.
However, there are far more dastardly deeds going on in this house and with out spoiling the plot I can assure you that you will have to read this book in one sitting and will be left looking forward to the next book in the series.
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.
July 7, 2021
So Alta Hensley threw us all off the cliff that she left us hanging on at the end of the first book and caught us in the fire of all fires!!!
Moving on swiftly from the first book we are carried through the media frenzy of our main character's recovery and return home taking with him his new bride. Each step of their journey together is angst filled and tortuous in the most delicious way that only AH could write. We are again swept into the psychological pain and suffering of both characters, the ongoing feelings that they have, the lack of understanding from those around them, the weirdness and wonder of all that is new and unseen. Is it all too much or not enough?
As always Alta Hensley has paced this book in such a way that you can't possibly put it down without finishing it; it reads as almost a novella although it obviously isn't but it feels as though it is over too quickly and when you get to the end you know that you'll be waiting for the next book to arrive in your Kindle for far too long, because yes, it's another cliff hanger!!!!
Maybe not quiet as dark as book one, there are chinks of light in the dark clouds of this book, but it is still very much a Hensley dark erotica book.
I totally loved as I knew I would and I of course recommend it to you, with book 1 that you must read as they are not standalones. xx
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Moving on swiftly from the first book we are carried through the media frenzy of our main character's recovery and return home taking with him his new bride. Each step of their journey together is angst filled and tortuous in the most delicious way that only AH could write. We are again swept into the psychological pain and suffering of both characters, the ongoing feelings that they have, the lack of understanding from those around them, the weirdness and wonder of all that is new and unseen. Is it all too much or not enough?
As always Alta Hensley has paced this book in such a way that you can't possibly put it down without finishing it; it reads as almost a novella although it obviously isn't but it feels as though it is over too quickly and when you get to the end you know that you'll be waiting for the next book to arrive in your Kindle for far too long, because yes, it's another cliff hanger!!!!
Maybe not quiet as dark as book one, there are chinks of light in the dark clouds of this book, but it is still very much a Hensley dark erotica book.
I totally loved as I knew I would and I of course recommend it to you, with book 1 that you must read as they are not standalones. xx
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2021
A new set of challenges for the newlyweds. Christopher and Ember are out of captivity in the boonies and in the concrete jungle of his NYC home. Now they are held captive by media and their new reality. Sometimes it seems like Ember is handling it better than Christopher. Except when it comes to his mother. Talk about an evil mother-in-law! Ugh, Louisa sucks. She has plans for her son that don’t include a uncultured wife. But Christopher stands strong and by his wife. His love for Ember is so sweet. Christopher is yummy! I love that their relationship is still strong without the threat of Papa Rich. Speaking of…that psycho is on the loose with friend Scarecrow. Ember is sure they are coming after her and her husband. It’s intense as the threat is valid in Ember’s mind but others think she’s crazy. Christopher is back at work and moving forward but Ember is at a loss in her new lifestyle. This story didn’t have the craziness of the first one and seemed like filler in some respects but it did advance Christopher and Ember’s relationship and sets up for that cliffhanger ending. What’s up with that and what happened to Ember? I can’t wait for the next installment in this exciting thriller romance. So good!
July 8, 2021
This book was good to see the transition to life outside of Hallelujah Junction for Christopher and Ember, and it shows just how difficul it was for them to function after their ordeal. Although Christopher wants to stay committed to Ember, it is hard when she seems more like a liabliy that he has to take care of rather than an equal partner. Her growth was a bit stunted here, because she doesn't seem to have a place in this new society they live in, and no matter how much she tries to become a part of it, she's such an outsider.
I felt like Christopher and Ember's romance kind of fizzled in this book, and I was left wondering if Christopher was as dedicated to Ember. Trauma brought them together, but it seems as if all the conflicts (his ex gf, his mom, his own desire to throw himself back into work, the friend Michael) tore them further apart than motivating them to put their own relationship first. The romance seemed a bit forced to me, and Christopher seems like he's trying to convince himself that he loves Ember every time he talks about her. This was a transition book to see how Christopher and Ember would react to new conflicts and a new world, but I missed the connection they had from the first book.
I felt like Christopher and Ember's romance kind of fizzled in this book, and I was left wondering if Christopher was as dedicated to Ember. Trauma brought them together, but it seems as if all the conflicts (his ex gf, his mom, his own desire to throw himself back into work, the friend Michael) tore them further apart than motivating them to put their own relationship first. The romance seemed a bit forced to me, and Christopher seems like he's trying to convince himself that he loves Ember every time he talks about her. This was a transition book to see how Christopher and Ember would react to new conflicts and a new world, but I missed the connection they had from the first book.
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