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Heaven & Hell #2
Hell
I’ve built this club from the ground up. A playground for the wicked. In my club, your wildest dreams can come true or your worst nightmares can swallow you whole.
Are you ready to play?
Are you ready to play?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2021
563 people are currently reading
1752 people want to read
About the author
C. Hallman
132 books2,710 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
October 2, 2021
Kinky!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📙📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👱🏼♂️
The heroine: Rowan - she was best friends with Eve, the main character in the book Heaven by Darcy Rose. Eve didn’t like Rowan’s boyfriend Eric and was right about him. Eric beat Rowan on the regular until she was able to escape from him. Though it wasn’t long after that when she lost her waitressing job and was about to be evicted.
The Hero(es): Lucien - the owner of Club Purgatory and many other not so legitimated businesses. Lucien opened purgatory so the members would have a safe place to live out their fantasies. Hell is where the dark and depraved go to play.
The Story: Though everything that goes on in Heaven and in Hell is consensual, Lucien knows how to force consent. He has workers that are trained to find those that are down on their luck or hard up for cash and once he loans them the money he has them. Since most don’t have to pay him back they are willing to work at club purgatory in order to pay back their debt.
Rowen is in that very predicament at the beginning of the book and she finds out that one night in Hell is much worse than she imagined. That is as much as I can say about the plot, but I can say that this book was all scorching and a bag of flaming hot chips! The chemistry between Rowan and Lucien was explosive and the time between their interludes was enough to build up a tower of sexual tension.
This is the kind of dark that I totally love. Even though Lucien has his own dark fantasies and depravities, he is hella hot and a great anti-hero to boot! I liked Rowan a lot, even though she was meek at times. She shows how a woman can be strong on the inside even when she isn’t on the outside. I know some people might think it was weak of her to stay with someone who was abusing her for so long, but it isn’t always weakness that makes a person do that, and getting away shows how much strength she did have.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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“You’re on the second floor currently, and this is the level we refer to as Heaven. There are rooms set up throughout the floor where clients can engage in whatever kink they enjoy.”
“Hell. That’s what we call the basement level. The main level, where you walked in, is more of a social area. That’s where our guests relax and enjoy a few drinks before going either upstairs or down.”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📙📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👱🏼♂️
“Hell is reserved for our most formidable guests.”
The heroine: Rowan - she was best friends with Eve, the main character in the book Heaven by Darcy Rose. Eve didn’t like Rowan’s boyfriend Eric and was right about him. Eric beat Rowan on the regular until she was able to escape from him. Though it wasn’t long after that when she lost her waitressing job and was about to be evicted.
The Hero(es): Lucien - the owner of Club Purgatory and many other not so legitimated businesses. Lucien opened purgatory so the members would have a safe place to live out their fantasies. Hell is where the dark and depraved go to play.
The Story: Though everything that goes on in Heaven and in Hell is consensual, Lucien knows how to force consent. He has workers that are trained to find those that are down on their luck or hard up for cash and once he loans them the money he has them. Since most don’t have to pay him back they are willing to work at club purgatory in order to pay back their debt.
Rowen is in that very predicament at the beginning of the book and she finds out that one night in Hell is much worse than she imagined. That is as much as I can say about the plot, but I can say that this book was all scorching and a bag of flaming hot chips! The chemistry between Rowan and Lucien was explosive and the time between their interludes was enough to build up a tower of sexual tension.
This is the kind of dark that I totally love. Even though Lucien has his own dark fantasies and depravities, he is hella hot and a great anti-hero to boot! I liked Rowan a lot, even though she was meek at times. She shows how a woman can be strong on the inside even when she isn’t on the outside. I know some people might think it was weak of her to stay with someone who was abusing her for so long, but it isn’t always weakness that makes a person do that, and getting away shows how much strength she did have.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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June 23, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 3/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Intense, Twisted & Dark
Series: Book 2
Pages: loc. 2524
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
O.M.F.G… this book is so F- up. Basically, if you have a moral compass when reading dark romance, this is not for you. What you are getting from this story is sexual content that is dark, dirty and deprave. Book one was the calm before the storm, because book two is on a whole other level. Book one, Heaven by Darcy Rose, followed Eve, Rowan’s best friend. Now, book two follows, Rowan.
Lucian owns Purgatory a sex club, and it’s sectioned Heaven and Hell. Pretty much, hell is where all the dark and twisted members go. The word no doesn’t exist there. Lucian comes upon Rowan and helps her out of her current situation. For this, Rowan owes him a debt, and he makes the rules on how it should be repaid, and that is sexually.
With that being said, Lucian’s sexual appetite is dark and twisted as it teeters close to rape fetish at times. Each fantasy he acts out with Rowan, he becomes more obsessed with her because a taste of her quenches his dark side. With this story, it’s the way Lucian collects each debt that has you gasping. To iterate, again, if you have a moral compass with sexually dark romance, this most definitely will not be for you.
Lucian gives zero f&$ks in this book basically. That’s all I can say about him, because I have no words. He was so dominant. Rowan’s character will be seen as weak and a doormat, but she is desperate and finds herself not having a choice in the situation that she finds herself in. That same weakness is what I think feeds Lucian.
The climax of the story, I thought Rowan forgave him too quickly as that left me a little unsatisfied.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Majority of what made this book dark was the sexual content and seeing how far Lucian pushes Rowan. Non con, forced, rough sex, rape fetish. There was also a MFM scene.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
There really wasn’t anyone that I would salivate over to see in a book.
OVERALL
Triggers like the Fourth of July in this story. It was dark and had my jaw hurting from all the shocking moments.
✰✰TRIGGERS: domestic abuse and assault. Basically, anything you can think of, it’s probably in this book, and it’s a trigger with a book called Hell. This excludes any childhood trauma. There is a torture scene that is very graphic and really may be disturbing for some.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Booksprout provided arc copy.
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 3/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Intense, Twisted & Dark
Series: Book 2
Pages: loc. 2524
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
O.M.F.G… this book is so F- up. Basically, if you have a moral compass when reading dark romance, this is not for you. What you are getting from this story is sexual content that is dark, dirty and deprave. Book one was the calm before the storm, because book two is on a whole other level. Book one, Heaven by Darcy Rose, followed Eve, Rowan’s best friend. Now, book two follows, Rowan.
Lucian owns Purgatory a sex club, and it’s sectioned Heaven and Hell. Pretty much, hell is where all the dark and twisted members go. The word no doesn’t exist there. Lucian comes upon Rowan and helps her out of her current situation. For this, Rowan owes him a debt, and he makes the rules on how it should be repaid, and that is sexually.
With that being said, Lucian’s sexual appetite is dark and twisted as it teeters close to rape fetish at times. Each fantasy he acts out with Rowan, he becomes more obsessed with her because a taste of her quenches his dark side. With this story, it’s the way Lucian collects each debt that has you gasping. To iterate, again, if you have a moral compass with sexually dark romance, this most definitely will not be for you.
Lucian gives zero f&$ks in this book basically. That’s all I can say about him, because I have no words. He was so dominant. Rowan’s character will be seen as weak and a doormat, but she is desperate and finds herself not having a choice in the situation that she finds herself in. That same weakness is what I think feeds Lucian.
The climax of the story, I thought Rowan forgave him too quickly as that left me a little unsatisfied.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Majority of what made this book dark was the sexual content and seeing how far Lucian pushes Rowan. Non con, forced, rough sex, rape fetish. There was also a MFM scene.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
There really wasn’t anyone that I would salivate over to see in a book.
OVERALL
Triggers like the Fourth of July in this story. It was dark and had my jaw hurting from all the shocking moments.
✰✰TRIGGERS: domestic abuse and assault. Basically, anything you can think of, it’s probably in this book, and it’s a trigger with a book called Hell. This excludes any childhood trauma. There is a torture scene that is very graphic and really may be disturbing for some.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Booksprout provided arc copy.
June 27, 2021
This was an ok book but I wish it had been longer and more fleshed out as I didn't really feel like the relationship and feelings made sense. They have sex a few times but no real interaction aside from that so I didn't feel any tension or build up, they just get together.
I did enjoy the kink though. Play acting non con is hot but I wish they'd explored it a bit more once they were together.
If you're after a quick, kinky read though with a H that doesn't care about safe words and is definitely morally grey then this is a fun book.
I did enjoy the kink though. Play acting non con is hot but I wish they'd explored it a bit more once they were together.
If you're after a quick, kinky read though with a H that doesn't care about safe words and is definitely morally grey then this is a fun book.
July 25, 2024
⭐2 I’m glad It’s over stars⭐
Book two in the Black Heart Romance. Lucien is the owner of an exclusive sex club, a place that can satisfy all kinks and depravity, he manages his business with an iron fist, hard set rules and no mercy for sloppiness.
Rowan is a sweet naïve girl whose life has never been kind or gentle, she falls victim of Lucien’s claws and is forced to work herself to the bone in order to pay the money she owes him. Once her debt is paid off she’ll be free to go, or so she thinks.
There were many wrong with this story, first of all the fact that this is not romance, the attraction between the characters was never there, their interactions clinical and cold, all the plot was based on Rowan justifying her perpetrator actions at every occasion, the intimacy moments were zero close to none, the sex nine times out of nine was forced and it felt just wrong. As a fan of non con I felt this was poorly executed, this is also my opinion and my reaction. However, I have a few words to tell this duo… you can’t sell this story as romance even worse label it as dark, like other authors before, this duo fell into the trap and misunderstood the adjective dark with shock value, which is exactly what we get here.
I couldn’t find it in me to warm to Lucien, there isn’t honestly anything I like about him, usually when a story comes to an end the MC redeems himself, well not in this case. Rowan forgives him too soon, he doesn’t do any grovelling and the end of the story felt rushed. He doesn’t deserve a good person such as Rowan. Lucien is despicable and a big hypocrite, he mentions more than once how everyone in his club, man or woman, is there with consent, yet he fails to notice that all the girls employed by him are there because he preys on the weak. He “recruits” his girls when they are in dire straits, he sends his goonies into the world to look for vulnerable girls, with the illusion of a loan he binds them into a contract, so the only way out is to work in one of his clubs. Which is a big fat lie, because, they’ll never be free. Besides not all parties are being consensual in this! Please, someone gives this douchebag a dictionary so he can read (maybe) and learn (wishful thinking) the meaning of the word consent.
Rowan was recruited in the same deceitful way, and although she should have looked into what she was agreeing to, it doesn’t change the fact that she was at her lowest, she was running away form an abusive ex-boyfriend and was taken advantage of. I genuinely like Rowan, she’s strong despite her difficulties and tries to fight, she doesn’t let Lucien walk all over her, unfortunately her naivety lands her in disaster after disaster, she really needs a break and someone to take care of her.
The sex in this story is all forced and non consensual, Rowan is abused repeatedly and never enjoys what is being done to her, she’s never a willing participant, this side of the story didn’t sit well with me. The authors tried to brush this off by “giving her orgasms” as if that makes it okay somehow. Not to mention how doubtfully realistic that is… What’s worse is that Lucien spiels the same bullshit story “oh but you came and I took care of you after you passed out…” ehmmm well… still! This is not ok!!! I’m glad Rowan tries to explain it to this Neanderthal!
The trope the authors decided to pick isn’t easy, it takes some great skill to pull it off, and I’m afraid this is lacking in all aspects. I couldn’t get into the emotional abuse, psychological blackmail because it wasn’t written well, in general I don’t like pathetic individual who take advantage of people in difficulty and pride themselves in running such profitable business. Lucien declares more than once he doesn’t care, he wants to hurt, he preys on vulnerable women. His attitude pretty much stays the same through the whole story.
This could have been such a good experience but it felt off, I hope the future books by other authors taking part into this project will be better. As far as triggers go, if non con isn’t your cup of tea consider yoursefl warned, however that is not what set me off ... what grated on my nerves is how hypocritical, chauvinist and desensitised Lucien is, his POV made me cringe and I wish I could subject him to all those "wonderful" experiences, I'll even make him come so it will be okay in the end…😝 if you have a problem with this type of MC proceed cautiously 😉
Book two in the Black Heart Romance. Lucien is the owner of an exclusive sex club, a place that can satisfy all kinks and depravity, he manages his business with an iron fist, hard set rules and no mercy for sloppiness.
Rowan is a sweet naïve girl whose life has never been kind or gentle, she falls victim of Lucien’s claws and is forced to work herself to the bone in order to pay the money she owes him. Once her debt is paid off she’ll be free to go, or so she thinks.
There were many wrong with this story, first of all the fact that this is not romance, the attraction between the characters was never there, their interactions clinical and cold, all the plot was based on Rowan justifying her perpetrator actions at every occasion, the intimacy moments were zero close to none, the sex nine times out of nine was forced and it felt just wrong. As a fan of non con I felt this was poorly executed, this is also my opinion and my reaction. However, I have a few words to tell this duo… you can’t sell this story as romance even worse label it as dark, like other authors before, this duo fell into the trap and misunderstood the adjective dark with shock value, which is exactly what we get here.
I couldn’t find it in me to warm to Lucien, there isn’t honestly anything I like about him, usually when a story comes to an end the MC redeems himself, well not in this case. Rowan forgives him too soon, he doesn’t do any grovelling and the end of the story felt rushed. He doesn’t deserve a good person such as Rowan. Lucien is despicable and a big hypocrite, he mentions more than once how everyone in his club, man or woman, is there with consent, yet he fails to notice that all the girls employed by him are there because he preys on the weak. He “recruits” his girls when they are in dire straits, he sends his goonies into the world to look for vulnerable girls, with the illusion of a loan he binds them into a contract, so the only way out is to work in one of his clubs. Which is a big fat lie, because, they’ll never be free. Besides not all parties are being consensual in this! Please, someone gives this douchebag a dictionary so he can read (maybe) and learn (wishful thinking) the meaning of the word consent.
Rowan was recruited in the same deceitful way, and although she should have looked into what she was agreeing to, it doesn’t change the fact that she was at her lowest, she was running away form an abusive ex-boyfriend and was taken advantage of. I genuinely like Rowan, she’s strong despite her difficulties and tries to fight, she doesn’t let Lucien walk all over her, unfortunately her naivety lands her in disaster after disaster, she really needs a break and someone to take care of her.
The sex in this story is all forced and non consensual, Rowan is abused repeatedly and never enjoys what is being done to her, she’s never a willing participant, this side of the story didn’t sit well with me. The authors tried to brush this off by “giving her orgasms” as if that makes it okay somehow. Not to mention how doubtfully realistic that is… What’s worse is that Lucien spiels the same bullshit story “oh but you came and I took care of you after you passed out…” ehmmm well… still! This is not ok!!! I’m glad Rowan tries to explain it to this Neanderthal!
The trope the authors decided to pick isn’t easy, it takes some great skill to pull it off, and I’m afraid this is lacking in all aspects. I couldn’t get into the emotional abuse, psychological blackmail because it wasn’t written well, in general I don’t like pathetic individual who take advantage of people in difficulty and pride themselves in running such profitable business. Lucien declares more than once he doesn’t care, he wants to hurt, he preys on vulnerable women. His attitude pretty much stays the same through the whole story.
This could have been such a good experience but it felt off, I hope the future books by other authors taking part into this project will be better. As far as triggers go, if non con isn’t your cup of tea consider yoursefl warned, however that is not what set me off ... what grated on my nerves is how hypocritical, chauvinist and desensitised Lucien is, his POV made me cringe and I wish I could subject him to all those "wonderful" experiences, I'll even make him come so it will be okay in the end…😝 if you have a problem with this type of MC proceed cautiously 😉
October 27, 2024
This is book 2 in the Black Heart Romance presents Heaven & Hell Series. While a standalone story I highly suggest reading Heaven. There you will not only meet Rowan, you will get to experience the lighter, fluffier side of Purgatory.
After experiencing Heaven in the last book I couldn’t wait to visit Hell. I devoured this book and am looking forward the the rest of the collection.
Lucian isn’t for the faint hearted. He’s a shrewd businessman and a ruthless brothel owner. Purgatory is his baby. He learned a long time ago that people will pay a lot of money to fulfill their fantasies, both good and evil. He also began capitalizing on the willingness of desperate souls. So when his right hand man, Alexei brings him a new girl who’s seeking alternate means of payment he doesn’t expect much.
Rowan is in desperate need of assistance. She has escaped her abusive boyfriend and is left in destitute. She naively entered into her contract with Alexi, he was posing as a Good Samaritan after all. And when it comes time to pay, there’s only one thing left for her to do, meet the man that owns her debt.
It’s funny how a man like Lucian, someone who sells sex for a living, could be so viscerally affected by the mere sight and sound of Rowan. When she walked into his office, that moment changed everything. Bearing witness to Lucian’s initial thoughts & reactions will leave you squirming. His kinks aren’t kind but they are craveable. He was a fun one for sure!!
🔥 abusive ex-boyfriend
🔥 dubcon role-play
🔥 sharing with a friend, MFM
🔥 retribution served
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
Black Heart Romance presents Heaven & Hell Series
🖤 Heaven by Darcy Rose
➡️ Hell by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman
🖤 Hitman by C. Hallman & Isabella Starling
🖤 Serpents by Logan Fox
🖤 Poisoned Paradise by Lucy Smoke
🖤 Possessive by Vivian Wood
🖤 Wrong by Adelaide Forrest
🖤 Descent by Sam Mariano
🖤 (title) by R. Holmes
🖤 (title) by C.L. Matthews
You can find more on their Facebook group or online at bleedingheartromance.com/black-heart
After experiencing Heaven in the last book I couldn’t wait to visit Hell. I devoured this book and am looking forward the the rest of the collection.
Lucian isn’t for the faint hearted. He’s a shrewd businessman and a ruthless brothel owner. Purgatory is his baby. He learned a long time ago that people will pay a lot of money to fulfill their fantasies, both good and evil. He also began capitalizing on the willingness of desperate souls. So when his right hand man, Alexei brings him a new girl who’s seeking alternate means of payment he doesn’t expect much.
Rowan is in desperate need of assistance. She has escaped her abusive boyfriend and is left in destitute. She naively entered into her contract with Alexi, he was posing as a Good Samaritan after all. And when it comes time to pay, there’s only one thing left for her to do, meet the man that owns her debt.
It’s funny how a man like Lucian, someone who sells sex for a living, could be so viscerally affected by the mere sight and sound of Rowan. When she walked into his office, that moment changed everything. Bearing witness to Lucian’s initial thoughts & reactions will leave you squirming. His kinks aren’t kind but they are craveable. He was a fun one for sure!!
🔥 abusive ex-boyfriend
🔥 dubcon role-play
🔥 sharing with a friend, MFM
🔥 retribution served
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
Black Heart Romance presents Heaven & Hell Series
🖤 Heaven by Darcy Rose
➡️ Hell by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman
🖤 Hitman by C. Hallman & Isabella Starling
🖤 Serpents by Logan Fox
🖤 Poisoned Paradise by Lucy Smoke
🖤 Possessive by Vivian Wood
🖤 Wrong by Adelaide Forrest
🖤 Descent by Sam Mariano
🖤 (title) by R. Holmes
🖤 (title) by C.L. Matthews
You can find more on their Facebook group or online at bleedingheartromance.com/black-heart
June 27, 2021
3.5 stars
This was good. It had dark elements with a hint of compassion throughout but I felt the last third was a little contrived.
This was good. It had dark elements with a hint of compassion throughout but I felt the last third was a little contrived.
June 29, 2021
Wow!! R-Play,dark twisted Steamy scenes, Alpha H
I DEVOURED this book. If you can read Heaven (the novella) read it just bc we meet Rowan a little and get a little inside look into Purgatory ( the setting which is a S.club) before this book, but it’s not a must.
-Steamy and dark Smexy times
-R@pe Play with some stalker tendencies (the whole, watches what she does that day, sneaks behind her as she unlocks her door, the forces her thru and hold her down on the floor and TAKES IT! 🔥 🤤)
-small knife play scene (NOT H, forced upon h, don’t worry Nothing goes in anywhere)
-there is a sharing scene toward the later half of the book (I didn’t like this bc we know she doesn’t really like the 3rd wheel guy, BUT, it a huge turning point in the drama and I saw the value in that)
-Main H: powerful alpha who runs the S. Club and has some deprived tastes in the Smexy times. He’s breaking all his normal rules for her and he’s not sure why. He is possessive and I love it. We see him get really protective when someone harms the h *Swoon*
-main h: she’s a normal girl, whose just escaped an abusive ex and is starting over.
-Some drama with an ex and such. A small grovel, it could’ve been better but I still liked she made him wait after hurting her
I DEVOURED this book. If you can read Heaven (the novella) read it just bc we meet Rowan a little and get a little inside look into Purgatory ( the setting which is a S.club) before this book, but it’s not a must.
-Steamy and dark Smexy times
-R@pe Play with some stalker tendencies (the whole, watches what she does that day, sneaks behind her as she unlocks her door, the forces her thru and hold her down on the floor and TAKES IT! 🔥 🤤)
-small knife play scene (NOT H, forced upon h, don’t worry Nothing goes in anywhere)
-there is a sharing scene toward the later half of the book (I didn’t like this bc we know she doesn’t really like the 3rd wheel guy, BUT, it a huge turning point in the drama and I saw the value in that)
-Main H: powerful alpha who runs the S. Club and has some deprived tastes in the Smexy times. He’s breaking all his normal rules for her and he’s not sure why. He is possessive and I love it. We see him get really protective when someone harms the h *Swoon*
-main h: she’s a normal girl, whose just escaped an abusive ex and is starting over.
-Some drama with an ex and such. A small grovel, it could’ve been better but I still liked she made him wait after hurting her
June 26, 2021
Spoilers in my review
So this one was a bit difficult for me. I enjoy dark romance with morally bankrupt anti heroes, but this one definitely toed my line. The story was well written and interesting. I'm giving it 4 stars because I felt like I didn't know enough about why Lucian is the way he is and that he was forgiven too easily, especially with her being a battered woman. I think it was the sharing scene that really did it for me. Not because it was sharing, but because of how they laughed at her. Maybe if it happened earlier in the book? Maybe? I don't know🤷🏻♀️. Ill stop rambling, lol.
So this one was a bit difficult for me. I enjoy dark romance with morally bankrupt anti heroes, but this one definitely toed my line. The story was well written and interesting. I'm giving it 4 stars because I felt like I didn't know enough about why Lucian is the way he is and that he was forgiven too easily, especially with her being a battered woman. I think it was the sharing scene that really did it for me. Not because it was sharing, but because of how they laughed at her. Maybe if it happened earlier in the book? Maybe? I don't know🤷🏻♀️. Ill stop rambling, lol.
June 28, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Lucien
Heroine : Rowan
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Triggers Involved : Non Consensual and Dubious Consent scenes , Sharing Scene
Plot Summary :
Rowan has landed herself in some trouble. Now to get out of that debt she must work for the formidable Lucien who owns the club Purgatory. Lucien is raw power and a man who is not to be crossed therefore Rowan has no choice but to do as he says and works for his clients.
When an unruly client lands her into trouble , she finds herself trapped with Lucien with no way out. The only way out will be to Play with Lucien to act out his fantasies. Nothing could have prepared Rowan when Lucien’s monster was unleashed and now nothing will ever be the same.
Overall Opinion :
OMG. These authors have definitely pushed their buttons with this book! It’s dark and triggering and I loved every second of it. Lucien was one hell of an alpha with some twisted fantasies of his own which he enacted out on Poor Rowan. She soon found herself enjoying it and it didn’t take her long to understand that she had some darkness inside of her too.
The book is a standalone and is impeccably written. I am a huge fan of dark romance but I still understand that this book can be triggering for a few people because of this Non consensual and DubCon nature , therefore I will mention the triggers in the above part too! Please keep those in mind.
Apart from that , I loved this book and how it was written , the characters and the storyline was perfect and I can’t wait for more from this world! Highly recommended to all the Dark Romance Loving people out there!
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June 28, 2021
So.... i hated her past BUT i decided to go ahead and see what it is with this book...well i was fine till 65% when he freaking decided to add his friend in 3some 😔 bye book DNF, i don't like a guy who share his girl not freaking way even if they had only an sexual agreement. If you have no problem with this and also for some non consent stuffs then this will be fine for you.
June 20, 2021
Hell by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is heaven for you if you like your romance kinky, dirty, twisted and intense. This story was maddeningly depraved and kept me on the edge with that intoxicating storyline.
Rowan is in trouble and she made a deal with the devil. The devil is Lucian who owns Purgatory, an exclusive sex club where darkest fantasies and forbidden desires come out to play. Can she trust him at all? Because men like Lucian need control and have no limits.
This story took me from one dark extreme to the next darker extreme. If you have trigger issues, better avoid this book because the authors didn't hold back with the perverse chemistry at all. I loved Lucian in one breath and wanted to kill him in the next. He is a complicated man with dangerous needs. He hurt Rowan, he protected Rowan and I was torn. Rowan is such a strong character. The deal she made was on her own will and she kept her fierceness even under the most trying circumstances. She has the fire that burn bright even when she is in pain and scared and heartbroken. Lucian thought he would break, ruin and discard her but she broke him and made him feel every emotions he never acknowledged. The sex scenes were kink on crack and I won't lie, I was squirming many times. Your limits will be tested but it's worth it. The chemistry was instant with some elements of dub con and non con but the fascinating part is how they slowly developed true connection of hearts. Rowan needed someone like Lucian to keep her safe and make her feel like a queen. And Lucian needed someone like Rowan to bring calm, excitement and love in his dark chaotic and violent world.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Rowan is in trouble and she made a deal with the devil. The devil is Lucian who owns Purgatory, an exclusive sex club where darkest fantasies and forbidden desires come out to play. Can she trust him at all? Because men like Lucian need control and have no limits.
This story took me from one dark extreme to the next darker extreme. If you have trigger issues, better avoid this book because the authors didn't hold back with the perverse chemistry at all. I loved Lucian in one breath and wanted to kill him in the next. He is a complicated man with dangerous needs. He hurt Rowan, he protected Rowan and I was torn. Rowan is such a strong character. The deal she made was on her own will and she kept her fierceness even under the most trying circumstances. She has the fire that burn bright even when she is in pain and scared and heartbroken. Lucian thought he would break, ruin and discard her but she broke him and made him feel every emotions he never acknowledged. The sex scenes were kink on crack and I won't lie, I was squirming many times. Your limits will be tested but it's worth it. The chemistry was instant with some elements of dub con and non con but the fascinating part is how they slowly developed true connection of hearts. Rowan needed someone like Lucian to keep her safe and make her feel like a queen. And Lucian needed someone like Rowan to bring calm, excitement and love in his dark chaotic and violent world.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
November 11, 2021
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
💋💋💋
Not one of my favourites, but nevertheless a good read.
Dark , gritty, steamy, and entertaining for the most part.
In some area it felt sparse like something was missing, chemistry was my guess.
The characters were good , but made silly decisions for no reason and it didn’t make sense.
Sorry only 3 stars I’m afraid
💋💋💋
Not one of my favourites, but nevertheless a good read.
Dark , gritty, steamy, and entertaining for the most part.
In some area it felt sparse like something was missing, chemistry was my guess.
The characters were good , but made silly decisions for no reason and it didn’t make sense.
Sorry only 3 stars I’m afraid
June 30, 2021
3.5 stars
The adult playground where all your fantasies (heaven) and kinks (hell) can be fulfilled. Rowan borrowed money as a result of purposeful misspending from a former abusive boyfriend. Unable to pay it back, she was introduced to the club where she could work off the debt. Lucian makes her an offer she can't refuse as the alternative is untenable.
This book is an entertaining read, enjoyable plot line whose strongest appeal for me arose from its darker elements -- dubious consent, non consent, and other kinks, as well as an alpha antihero and sweet, submissive heroine. Chemistry, in the form of coerced intimacy, or body's yielding to pleasure, were decadently explored. While there is storyline centered around the club and Rowan and Lucian's growing relationship, this was an erotica, steamy read. Nice pace even if at times it was little more descriptive than I care for in certain parts. I had to grasp at the authenticity of any romance and falling in love, also, a bit of an abrupt ending rather than an organic denouement after climatic events.
Read it for its steamy goodness and alpha antihero rather than the strength of the story or character development. I also look forward to more books in this world.
The adult playground where all your fantasies (heaven) and kinks (hell) can be fulfilled. Rowan borrowed money as a result of purposeful misspending from a former abusive boyfriend. Unable to pay it back, she was introduced to the club where she could work off the debt. Lucian makes her an offer she can't refuse as the alternative is untenable.
This book is an entertaining read, enjoyable plot line whose strongest appeal for me arose from its darker elements -- dubious consent, non consent, and other kinks, as well as an alpha antihero and sweet, submissive heroine. Chemistry, in the form of coerced intimacy, or body's yielding to pleasure, were decadently explored. While there is storyline centered around the club and Rowan and Lucian's growing relationship, this was an erotica, steamy read. Nice pace even if at times it was little more descriptive than I care for in certain parts. I had to grasp at the authenticity of any romance and falling in love, also, a bit of an abrupt ending rather than an organic denouement after climatic events.
Read it for its steamy goodness and alpha antihero rather than the strength of the story or character development. I also look forward to more books in this world.
April 29, 2024
This man is such a selfish lover. So selfish!!
The irony of this situation is that the Fmc runs away from her abusive boyfriend to end up in a dire situation to pay back money so she is beaten to pay it back. Wow!!!
The MMC is dark, okay..........He kind of saved her, but not really. A guy at the club was going to hurt her, including her boyfriend. So, in a sense, what the Mmc did to her wasn't as bad, but he's still messed up.
The sharing scene could have been so much more consensual, especially after she was beaten so bad a week before, but the scene was horrific for Fmc. It was not a good experience. It could have been, but it made me dislike the book a little.
The ending arguments with MMC did not understand why the FMC disliked the aggressive sex was so annoying.To the point, I actually wished he could feel what a woman feels. Like he needs to bottom for a man, lol.
There's a book called tempt me where the situation is similar except the FMC loves it.She is okay with this, but this book is one-sided, and that's the frustrating part.
This man had a whole dialog about how unfair it is for a man to take advantage of a woman, and then the next scene talks about how he loves doing it. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!!!
I am so conflicted that one time he saved her life next time he did horrible things, another time he saved her life again. I don't know what to think? how much to rate it?
Out of all the crazy things that happened in this book , the one thing that stays with me is the fact that the f m c says she's too old to go back to school and she's only twenty.
The irony of this situation is that the Fmc runs away from her abusive boyfriend to end up in a dire situation to pay back money so she is beaten to pay it back. Wow!!!
The MMC is dark, okay..........He kind of saved her, but not really. A guy at the club was going to hurt her, including her boyfriend. So, in a sense, what the Mmc did to her wasn't as bad, but he's still messed up.
The sharing scene could have been so much more consensual, especially after she was beaten so bad a week before, but the scene was horrific for Fmc. It was not a good experience. It could have been, but it made me dislike the book a little.
The ending arguments with MMC did not understand why the FMC disliked the aggressive sex was so annoying.To the point, I actually wished he could feel what a woman feels. Like he needs to bottom for a man, lol.
There's a book called tempt me where the situation is similar except the FMC loves it.She is okay with this, but this book is one-sided, and that's the frustrating part.
This man had a whole dialog about how unfair it is for a man to take advantage of a woman, and then the next scene talks about how he loves doing it. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!!!
I am so conflicted that one time he saved her life next time he did horrible things, another time he saved her life again. I don't know what to think? how much to rate it?
Out of all the crazy things that happened in this book , the one thing that stays with me is the fact that the f m c says she's too old to go back to school and she's only twenty.
November 7, 2021
I changed my previous rating of 1 to 3.
Why?
1) the H learns what he did was wrong and responds to the h's feedback. that alone is worth stars for me.
2) it's interesting to see what non-con for real looks like. lots of books I read have non-con elements but here the h literally says the words "NO" and "stop" and uses her "'safe words".
The reason this doesn't move beyond 3 starts is that ultimately the grovel is BAD. When I say grovel, I'm thinking "The unwanted wife" level ish.
Why?
1) the H learns what he did was wrong and responds to the h's feedback. that alone is worth stars for me.
2) it's interesting to see what non-con for real looks like. lots of books I read have non-con elements but here the h literally says the words "NO" and "stop" and uses her "'safe words".
The reason this doesn't move beyond 3 starts is that ultimately the grovel is BAD. When I say grovel, I'm thinking "The unwanted wife" level ish.
June 28, 2021
This definitely teeters on a darker side when it comes to certain aspects and I loved it. Rowan and Lucian are in basically in a debt and debtor type of thing which quickly gets deeper and more intense which isn’t something they anticipated but is something they can’t resist either
March 27, 2022
This is the second in the series, I have not read the first book yet. This story is about Lucien the owner who f the bdsm club Purgatory and how he finds love with Rowan. She owes Lucien $10k and he intends to collect by putting her in The Hell portion of the club. He sets her up with a sadistic knife play guy but before things get too intense he rescues her. Lucien makes another deal with Rowen for 4 visits with him to clear her debt. She agrees. He’s into basically a faux rape kink. She gets through 2 visits with him and kind of develops feelings for him but then there’s. The 3rd visit he invites his friend Alexei to join and it’s too much for Rowen. She tries to call off the last visit but he talks her into continuing by offering up a safe word. Of course the 4th visit runs amok too leading to a brief angsty moment, 2 murders and a HEA. I though this was really well written but needed more dialogue and romance development between the mc’s. You can only develop so much with so few pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2022
The ending killed it.
I got whiplash it was so wham-bam-now-get-the-fuck-out.
This would have been an awesome book. It was wasted as a novella. If it had been fleshed out especially after the fourth encounter.
Holy shit it could’ve been epic.
But too many details were shoved to the side because the plot moved at lightning speed. I feel cheated. It had the right mix of “dark” elements, that if more care had been given to depth of detail this would’ve been 5 stars :(
I got whiplash it was so wham-bam-now-get-the-fuck-out.
This would have been an awesome book. It was wasted as a novella. If it had been fleshed out especially after the fourth encounter.
Holy shit it could’ve been epic.
But too many details were shoved to the side because the plot moved at lightning speed. I feel cheated. It had the right mix of “dark” elements, that if more care had been given to depth of detail this would’ve been 5 stars :(
June 21, 2021
Feels 1
Steam 3.5
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Authors
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This story revolves around Lucian and Rowan. Lucian is the owner of Purgatory, a sex club, and Rowan finds herself in major debt and has been down on her luck. She has a past that comes back to haunt her. Rowan makes a deal with Lucian to work at his club in return for paying off her debt. Only when Lucian sends her to "work" he realizes he is drawn to her and can't let her go through with the work he set up for her. The man she is with is a cruel, sick, twisted, individual and once he rescues her, she will be indebted even more.
This was a steamy, hot romance with a slightly twisted Lucian and an innocent Rowan. It was a face paced story that kept me at the edge of my seat. I didn't really like Lucian but he did redeem himself by the end of the book. I definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
Steam 3.5
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Authors
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This story revolves around Lucian and Rowan. Lucian is the owner of Purgatory, a sex club, and Rowan finds herself in major debt and has been down on her luck. She has a past that comes back to haunt her. Rowan makes a deal with Lucian to work at his club in return for paying off her debt. Only when Lucian sends her to "work" he realizes he is drawn to her and can't let her go through with the work he set up for her. The man she is with is a cruel, sick, twisted, individual and once he rescues her, she will be indebted even more.
This was a steamy, hot romance with a slightly twisted Lucian and an innocent Rowan. It was a face paced story that kept me at the edge of my seat. I didn't really like Lucian but he did redeem himself by the end of the book. I definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
March 21, 2022
With J.L. Beck and C. Hallman books I've come to realize something. They're really ultra violent. It's an intense read and I would have gone with 4 stars except suddenly in the 2nd to last chapter she gets over her (very valid) fears and accepts him back into her life and that's followed by a very short HEA epilogue that was too bizarre based on everything that came before.
So it's a toss up as the authors do a great job early on really ratcheting up the tension and fear, especially Rowan's first time in in the basement of the sex club Purgatory. I mean, you can't read that without feeling fear for her.
If they had kept the tension up then it'd have been a 4 maybe even 5 star read. As it were, the last 2 chapters? I always feel like saying to authors that do this that if I managed to stay with you this long, I can stay with you a little longer for a more fleshed out ending.
So it's a toss up as the authors do a great job early on really ratcheting up the tension and fear, especially Rowan's first time in in the basement of the sex club Purgatory. I mean, you can't read that without feeling fear for her.
If they had kept the tension up then it'd have been a 4 maybe even 5 star read. As it were, the last 2 chapters? I always feel like saying to authors that do this that if I managed to stay with you this long, I can stay with you a little longer for a more fleshed out ending.
November 17, 2021
This is the story of Lucian and Rowan. Lucian is a shrewd businessman and own the brothel Purgatory. After all peope will pay a lot of money to have their fantasies fulfilled. Be he also like to capabilites on the willingness of desperate people to do anything he says. When his right hand man Alexei brings him a new girl who is desperate but he never expects much out of her.
He doesn't know just how in desperate need of assistance Rowan is. She has escaped an abusive boyfriend and has absolutely nothing or no place to go. She also might be a little naive because of her desperation so she enters into a contract with Alexi who at the time was posing as a Good Samaritan. this books gets really interesting very quickly. And I couldnt put it down The characters are amazing and I loved every second of it
He doesn't know just how in desperate need of assistance Rowan is. She has escaped an abusive boyfriend and has absolutely nothing or no place to go. She also might be a little naive because of her desperation so she enters into a contract with Alexi who at the time was posing as a Good Samaritan. this books gets really interesting very quickly. And I couldnt put it down The characters are amazing and I loved every second of it
October 13, 2021
Poor Rowan has to pay a debt and that's why she goes to the club Purgatory. The owner, Lucian, explains what she has to do with the client who has booked her, but in the end Lucian decides to keep her for himself.
So now she will have to have 4 encounters with Lucian to pay off her debt. And the meetings are hot but also taken to the extreme. Lucian likes the fantasy of being resisted, so every time she tries to get away from him, he becomes more aroused, until it goes too far. Lucian realizes that her mistake could have cost him the best thing that ever happened to him. But he will not give up and will do whatever it takes to make Rowan his forever, even killing for her.
One thing for sure is that the book does not leave you indifferent.
So now she will have to have 4 encounters with Lucian to pay off her debt. And the meetings are hot but also taken to the extreme. Lucian likes the fantasy of being resisted, so every time she tries to get away from him, he becomes more aroused, until it goes too far. Lucian realizes that her mistake could have cost him the best thing that ever happened to him. But he will not give up and will do whatever it takes to make Rowan his forever, even killing for her.
One thing for sure is that the book does not leave you indifferent.
June 21, 2021
Trust me, you simply can't prepare for this one! This book is sinfully dark, enticingly twisted and scorching hot!!! Definitely pay attention to the trigger warning if that is a concern for you or if you are just not a fan of dark content. Rowen and Lucien are complex characters that make a couple that will captivate and leave you stunned. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like your boundaries pushed, I think you'll love it. Just don't say I didn't give you a heads up though. Of my own accord I am posting an objective review.
June 20, 2021
Wow... this was brilliant! I could not put this down, so much suspense with quite a lot of very intense sex scenes. The plot literally sizzled! I loved the characters and the push and pull between them.
I really didn't want this to end!!
If you fancy a dark and sexually intense story then you need to read this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really didn't want this to end!!
If you fancy a dark and sexually intense story then you need to read this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2021
Hell by C. Hallman and j.l.beck is set in the purgatory club world.
This book features Lucian and Rowan.
Ok, this book is so hot and age-gap makes it more 😍
The chemistry between Rowan and Lucian is just seductive.
Rowan is a survivor and Lucian was such a alphahole but took care of Rowan.
I loved reading this book and I am definitely gonna follow the stories from this world.
All age-gap lovers with j/p alphaholes, this book oozes heat and smut.
January 8, 2022
Wow! I love how dark this book was and I was surprised with how each encounter with Lucian went. It was more harsh than I expected, and his obsession for her outweighed her needs. I do wish there was a little more groveling on his part there at the end, but I’m sure Stockholm syndrome was alive and well.
I enjoyed this book and so far this series. I recommend this to those that enjoy a good dark read filled with torture and humiliation.
I enjoyed this book and so far this series. I recommend this to those that enjoy a good dark read filled with torture and humiliation.
January 27, 2022
Super dark, kinky, and not for the faint of heart! I would only recommend this to avid dark romance readers who are hella comfortable with CNC and dubcon.
If that’s you then full steam ahead!
I really liked the writing here and found the Purgatory club world to be so intriguing. Lucian is lowkey a psychopath and does some messed up stuff, but Rowan and him work together to find a happy medium that suits them both by the end.
I just wish it had been longer because one of our leads needed to grovel a LOT more. The final act felt rushed, and I think both characters needed to sit with their emotions and talk through their issues for longer. It rapidly jumps ahead to the epilogue which gave me whiplash.
Torn between 3.5 stars and 4 stars….probably more of a 3.75 if I’m splitting hairs. This writing was just so addictive though!
If that’s you then full steam ahead!
I really liked the writing here and found the Purgatory club world to be so intriguing. Lucian is lowkey a psychopath and does some messed up stuff, but Rowan and him work together to find a happy medium that suits them both by the end.
I just wish it had been longer because one of our leads needed to grovel a LOT more. The final act felt rushed, and I think both characters needed to sit with their emotions and talk through their issues for longer. It rapidly jumps ahead to the epilogue which gave me whiplash.
Torn between 3.5 stars and 4 stars….probably more of a 3.75 if I’m splitting hairs. This writing was just so addictive though!
July 6, 2021
This was a dark twisted and steamy AF read ! I love everything I’ve read by this duo and this book was no different. Lucian and Rowans chemistry is amazing! This story is kinky dirty and so addicting it’s full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge the whole way through! Definite must read!
June 23, 2021
Hell by J L Beck & Cassandra Hallman
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, But listing as 4 because to me it was very enjoyable.
HEA(?): YES!
Relationship Type: MF
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Dark(?): 2.5(?)/5, may be darker for others, but I seriously loved the torture/revenge & dub-con scenes! 😃
Pacing: Pacing isn’t too bad, Mid.
Drama: 3.5-4/5
Suspense: 2-2.5/5
This is definitely one of my favorite books by far from these authors, for me it was a fairly quick but addictive ‘in-one-day’ read, the writing style has more of zone in and comfortable feel about, and doesn’t really feel held back.
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, But listing as 4 because to me it was very enjoyable.
HEA(?): YES!
Relationship Type: MF
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Dark(?): 2.5(?)/5, may be darker for others, but I seriously loved the torture/revenge & dub-con scenes! 😃
Pacing: Pacing isn’t too bad, Mid.
Drama: 3.5-4/5
Suspense: 2-2.5/5
This is definitely one of my favorite books by far from these authors, for me it was a fairly quick but addictive ‘in-one-day’ read, the writing style has more of zone in and comfortable feel about, and doesn’t really feel held back.
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